FCO and ABTA launch balcony campaign

Formalities Posted on 17/08/2012

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The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and ABTA have joined forces in a new campaign warning of the dangers of partying on hotel balconies. This year alone there have been 13 incidents of holiday-makers falling from balconies, three of which resulted in death. Most cases occurred in resorts in Spain and involved young people who had had too much to drink. Millions of travellers are still to head off to Spain, Greece, Turkey and elsewhere this summer to resorts with high-rise hotels whose rooms have balconies. In an attempt to stop this fatal trend, the FCO and ABTA have produced leaflets telling the story of Jake Evans, an 18 year old Liverpudlian who is lucky to be alive after falling seven storeys from his hotel balcony trying to catch a lighter thrown from the balcony below. Mr. Evans has also recounted his story in a video feature and there is to be a 30-second commercial on the radio also discouraging youngsters from partying on their balconies.

British Consul in the Balearics, Paul Abrey, commented: "We've already seen some tragic cases this summer which have had devastating consequences for the individuals and families concerned. This year there's been a particular spike early on in the holiday season with figures already matching last year's. Some people have fallen whilst climbing to a friend's apartment, others have simply lost their footing after a few too many drinks and a few have deliberately jumped off aiming for the pool below. It should go without saying these practices are extremely dangerous and can cost them their life or leave them permanently disabled. Many young people also arrive without travel insurance. The FCO can't pay medical bills and holidaymakers may end up paying out thousands for medical bills and flights back to the UK."

You can watch Jake's story on the FCO website.

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