- RECORD-BREAKING EUROPE: The skin-protecting reward arrives on the Priority app as Europe starts to see record breaking temperatures this summer. O2 has created a UV map to track which holiday destinations have the highest UV to help holidaymakers stay informed.
- LOBSTER GENERATION: Recent research by O2 found that 79% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials have been burnt at least once over the past two years.
- GOLDEN YEARS: Baby Boomers are the best behaved in the sunshine with only 17% admitting the same.
- SUNSCREEN GIVEAWAY: To encourage holidaymakers to stay safe in the sun this summer, O2 is gifting customers £10 to spend at Green People, the organic sun cream pioneers, for free via Blue Mondays on Priority
- PRIORITY REWARDS: O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers can enjoy even more exclusive holiday rewards on the Priority app alongside inclusive EU roaming as standard for all O2 customers – at no extra cost.
New research from O2 – the only major UK network to offer inclusive EU roaming as standard (up to 25GB) – reveals a surprising gap in Brits’ attitude towards sun protection and mobile habits while abroad. Despite growing awareness of the importance of sun safety, 79% of Gen Z Brits have experienced sunburn at least once in the past two years.
Interestingly, Baby Boomers are leading the way in sun protection, with only 17% reporting sunburn during the same period. In stark contrast, a striking 71% of Millennials admitted to getting sunburnt, revealing a clear generational gap in sun-smart habits. This divide is even more concerning as research from O2 also reveals that over half of Brits (57%) don’t use SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Information from the British Skin Foundation warns that experiencing sunburn on just five occasions over a lifetime can more than double the risk of developing melanoma, one of the most common forms of cancer. In response, O2 is teaming up with UK-based organic skincare brand, Green People, for the second year running to offer Priority members the chance to stock-up on holiday SPF and all their summer skin care essentials with a £10 voucher, plus free delivery.
The reward is available to be won exclusively through the Blue Mondays prize drop on Priority, running every week throughout August.
Lisa Johnstone, Director of Priority, Loyalty and Reward at Virgin Media O2, said:
“At Virgin Media O2, our customers’ needs are at the core of everything we do – we believe that making life better and easier is truly essential. We’re committed to creating experiences that are rewarding and meaningful, enriching the lives of everyone we serve.
This summer, we’re helping raise awareness about staying safe in the sun, offering thousands of free Green People sunscreens and Nivea SPF lip balms to keep our customers protected. It’s just one example of how we’re putting people first – making holidays more enjoyable and rewarding with exclusive Priority experiences.
And with inclusive EU roaming as standard for all O2 customers – a benefit no other major UK network provides – they can stay connected while soaking up the sunshine, getting even more value from being part of the Virgin Media O2 family.”
Other holiday rewards available on Priority this summer season include:
- NIVEA SUN SPF bundle giveaways: thousands of bundles will be given away to Priority members every Monday to help them enjoy happy moments outside in the sun with smooth and well-protected lips. Bundle includes a Sun Protect Lip Balm SPF50 (worth £4.59) and two sample sachets of NIVEA’s protect and Moisture Invisible Finish Sun Lotion and Face Specialist 2in1 Primer.
- Sip in style: Start your holiday on the ultimate high with 20% off RRP on VIP lounge access, available in 47 airports across the UK including Newcastle International Airport, Glasgow Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
- Park smart: Get up to 40% off airport parking, starting from only £4.24 per day, at all major airports including Gatwick Airport London, Stansted Airport London, Manchester Airport and many more**.
- Room service and runway views: Unlock 15% off airport hotels across 150 UK hotels including Hilton, Radisson and Marriott.
- Pre-fight food pitstop: Save £2 at Greggs nationwide on a pre-flight bake or roll snack
- Watch your Ps and Qs abroad: Unlock two months free of Duolingo Max.
The launch of these handy holiday rewards on Priority follows O2’s Skincase prototype announcement, a first-of-its-kind phone case designed to visually indicate the sun’s harmful UV rays and remind holidaymakers to stay safe in the sun this summer. This comes as temperatures are expected to reach record breaking highs across Europe, with Spain experiencing its hottest June on record and France its hottest June since 2003.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
*UK delivery information:
- Orders under £35 receive free delivery
- £3.50 postage charge for orders over £35
Free delivery and sent via Royal Mail tracked 48hr service.
- Islands, Highlands, Northern Ireland and PA postcodes
**Holiday rewards dates ending
- Airport lounge discount: From now until 14 September 2025
- Airport parking saving: Available at 47 locations. From now until 14 September 2025
- Airport hotel saving: Available at 150 destinations
- £2 off at Greggs: Perfect for that pitstop at an airport Greggs to get you in the mood for a holiday
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