Campaign launched on winter festival safety

ABTA has introduced a new digital campaign to give advice to young people going to winter music festivals.

It has has teamed up with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, which every year is asked to provide support to people who have got into difficulty at a winter festival, either through accident or injury or financially.

The campaign gives practical safety tips to those aged between 18 and 24, the age group shown most likely to go to winter festivals.

The advice covers different areas, including the importance of preventing slips, trips and falls and looking out for friends in a group.

"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," said Jennifer Anderson, director of consular services,

The campaign will run via social media and through ABTA’s website.

ABTA members can refer their customers to the safety tips provided on the website or provide then with safety z-cards produced by the association.

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."

ABTA is hosting a seminar on Youth Travel on 9 June 2020, where the trends and holiday habits of young holidaymakers will be discussed further.