In a significant move, Safer Tourism Foundation launches a campaign addressing carbon monoxide dangers in travel.
- The Pack Safe Appeal is inspired by the tragic loss of Hudson Foley, aiming to prevent similar incidents.
- Cath Foley, with several organisations, advocates for portable carbon monoxide alarms for travellers.
- The initiative calls on travel and accommodation providers to adopt safety measures to protect guests.
- Danny Callaghan and Katherine Atkinson endorse the campaign, urging community-wide participation.
The Safer Tourism Foundation has embarked on a crucial initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning during travel. This campaign, named the ‘Pack Safe Appeal: Hudson’s campaign for Carbon Monoxide Travel Safety’, marks the anniversary of Hudson Foley’s tragic death from carbon monoxide poisoning while travelling in Ecuador. The campaign is led by Hudson’s mother, Cath Foley, supported by the Safer Tourism Foundation, the Latin American Travel Association (LATA), Policy Connect, and the continuing CO Alarms Save Lives campaign.
Cath Foley, expressing her grief, described Hudson as a vibrant spirit whose loss was a ‘complete waste’. Emphasising the importance of the campaign, she stated, “A portable carbon monoxide alarm can make the difference between life or death.” Her appeal is directed at both travellers to carry alarms and travel providers to raise awareness of carbon monoxide risks.
The campaign seeks to implement several safety measures. These include urging travel guides and websites to feature safety notices related to carbon monoxide, encouraging accommodation providers to conduct gas safety checks, and advising travel providers to include carbon monoxide alarms in their safety kits and briefings to customers.
Furthermore, the campaign advocates for government travel advisories to incorporate carbon monoxide safety information. The Safer Tourism Foundation’s Katherine Atkinson, highlighting the preventable nature of such deaths, stressed the importance of supporting Hudson’s family in their mission to raise awareness. “It’s just £20 but it could save a life,” she remarked, pointing out the affordability and lifesaving potential of portable CO alarms.
Danny Callaghan, chief executive of LATA, also backed the initiative, reflecting on Hudson’s death and emphasising the necessity for travellers to pack carbon monoxide alarms irrespective of their destination. The LATA Safety Scheme aims to heighten safety measures across Latin America and propagate carbon monoxide safety among its members. This reflects a wider industry effort to safeguard travellers.
In a bid to incentivise safety practices, SafeLincs Ltd has offered a substantial discount on portable carbon monoxide alarms to travellers and holiday rental owners, using a specific promotional code. The campaign’s reach extends to the sporting sector, with Chelsea Football Club set to promote the campaign at the start of the 2024 season, acknowledging Hudson’s legacy as a devoted fan.
This campaign signifies a collective effort to ensure safer travel experiences by preventing carbon monoxide-related tragedies.
