Three Britons died last year after falling from balconies and three more were seriously injured, with climbing from balcony to balcony and jumping from them into swimming pools the most common reasons for fatalities. Abta says, however, that these are “a fraction of the total number of incidents”, with three serious injuries so far this year.

Earlier this month, a 34-year-old British holidaymaker jumped from his balcony into the hotel swimming pool and remains in a critical condition after suffering a serious spinal cord injury.

Nikki White, Abta’s director of destinations and sustainability, said: "We see too many people badly injured or much worse because they’ve tried to climb over, jump or dive from their hotel balcony. A moment of thoughtlessness can have a devastating impact, not just on the holidaymaker themselves, but also on their family and friends.”

Abta and the FCO have printed leaflets and posters outlining the dangers. They are being sent to members to distribute to their suppliers overseas.