The plea came as Abta LifeLine launched its Christmas appeal this week, offering hampers to those who have struggled and suffered a “tough year”.

The charity is urging the travel industry to nominate colleagues who deserve to be spoilt this year, as part of Abta LifeLine’s “Spirit of Christmas Appeal”.

It said the idea was to show individuals who have struggled this year, that they are “not alone”.

“We would like everyone to spread the word about our Spirit of Christmas appeal so that we can reach those people in our travel community who may be struggling this festive season,” said Trudie Drake, director of Abta LifeLine.

The charity is urging anyone working in the industry to think about their friends and colleagues in the sector, and to contact Abta LifeLine and explain why they believe they should receive a Christmas hamper.

“Christmas can be a time of real hardship for many people. Here at Abta LifeLine we want everybody in the Abta family to know that we are here to help.

“If you know someone who is struggling this year for whatever reason, be it illness, disability, bereavement or they are just finding it tough to make ends meet, we want you to get in touch.”

Those wishing to nominate a colleague must email lifeline@abtalifeline.org.uk by December 12 with details including their name; the name of their colleague; the Abta member they work for or previously worked for; and an explanation in no more than 150 words about the hardship that the person or their family is going through and why they should receive a Christmas hamper.

Hampers will then be distributed on a “need” basis.

The charity added that those who applied but don’t receive a hamper will still be contacted by Abta LifeLine “to understand the current situation to see if there is anything it can do to help”.

For more information contact Trudie Drake on 020 3693 0170 or email lifeline@abtalifeline.org.uk