A new online resource aimed at promoting safe travel for Australians will be launched today. This initiative comes in response to the tragic deaths of teenagers Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, who died from methanol poisoning in Laos last year.

The resource, named the "Partying Safely Hub," will be available on the Smart Traveller website. It is designed to provide essential information for young Australians, their parents, and educators regarding alcohol and drug safety while traveling abroad. The hub will address the risks associated with methanol poisoning and drink spiking. Additionally, it will offer guidance on travel insurance and include new text alerts for travelers at Australian airports.

Shaun Bowles, Holly's father, expressed his support for the initiative, stating, "It needs to be drummed into kids at a young age… Social media, travel forums, Facebook traveller groups, that's what kids are on these days so you need to target kids to what they're looking at."

Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of the new hub, calling the deaths of Holly and Bianca a "heartbreaking reminder of the dangers young people face when traveling abroad." She noted that the resource aims to help young travelers "explore the world with confidence [but] come home safely."

The launch of the "Partying Safely Hub" reflects a growing concern for the safety of young Australians traveling internationally. It aims to equip them with the knowledge needed to navigate potential risks while enjoying their travels.