Abta has launched a safety campaign urging young adults planning to attend winter music festivals to take care on mountain slopes.
The Travel Association estimates 2.5 million 18-24-year-olds are planning winter getaways and is offering advice through its digital campaign to help prevent slips, trips and falls and looking out for friends in a group.
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Susan Deer, Abta’s director of industry relations, said: “Most winter music festivals take place between February and April on the slopes of France, Austria and Switzerland, with popular bands attracting a young audience. Whilst some may be seasoned festivalgoers, for others this could be the first time they travel with friends, and it is important to remind them of simple actions that will make their time safer.”
The campaign is in partnership with the Foreign Office, which has a Stick With Your Mates campaign on youth safety, which was created after research showed that being alone or being separated from your friends is a factor in some serious, or even fatal, incidents overseas.
Jennifer Anderson, director of consular services, said: “The winter travel season provides an opportunity to enjoy the sounds, the sights and the slopes in a range of exciting destinations. Most British people venturing to mountain resorts have a great time. But each year we are asked to provide support to people who have got into difficulty either through accident or injury or financially.
“Simple actions like sticking with your friends when skiing, out socialising or at festivals, making sure you have winter sports insurance, and reading our Ski-Safe guide ahead of your trip, can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding trouble.”