Holiday from Hell: Over 1,100 Tourists Sue Tui After Falling Ill in Cape Verde
In a distressing turn of events, more than 1,100 holidaymakers are taking legal action against Tui, one of the largest travel companies in the UK, after suffering severe gastric illnesses during their vacations in Cape Verde. This alarming situation has unfolded over the past three years, with reports of illness emerging from luxury hotels on the island, turning what should have been idyllic getaways into nightmarish experiences.
The Scale of the Outbreak
The legal action has seen a significant increase in participants, with an additional 200 British tourists joining the ranks of those affected. The total number of individuals now stands at 1,107, all of whom booked their holidays through Tui. Many of these holidaymakers experienced debilitating symptoms, leading to hospitalizations, including cases involving young children as young as three years old. The sheer scale of this outbreak has raised serious concerns about the safety and hygiene standards at the hotels in question.
The Hotels at the Center of the Controversy
The Riu Palace Santa Maria, located in Sal, Cape Verde, has been identified as the hotel with the highest number of illness reports, accounting for 396 affected guests, including 63 cases reported in 2024 alone. Following closely behind are the Riu Funana and Riu Cabo Verde, with 218 and 192 reported cases, respectively. The alarming frequency of these incidents has led to a growing sense of urgency among affected tourists and legal representatives.
Personal Accounts of Illness
Among those affected is Diane Taylor, a 57-year-old accounts coordinator from Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. After spending £4,156 for a stay at the Riu Palace Santa Maria in August, Diane fell gravely ill five days into her trip. She experienced severe diarrhea, body aches, chills, fatigue, and a loss of appetite. Diane and her husband, John, voiced their concerns about the hotel’s hygiene standards, noting the presence of cockroaches in their room and the need for bug spray provided by hotel staff. Following her illness, Diane filed a complaint with Tui, highlighting the urgent need for improved health and safety measures.
Legal Representation and Ongoing Investigations
Jatinder Paul, an international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, is representing the affected holidaymakers. He expressed disbelief at the continued reports of illness, stating, "Despite all the reports of illness from guests who have stayed at hotels in Cape Verde, it’s staggering to think that three years after the first reports, we’re continuing to see significant numbers coming forward reporting debilitating illness." Paul emphasized the need for answers and accountability, as many clients are understandably frustrated by the ongoing situation.
The Call for Action
As the number of reported cases continues to rise, Paul and his team are eager to hear from other guests who have fallen ill at these hotels in Cape Verde this year. They are investigating whether there is a common source of infection that could explain the widespread nature of these illnesses. The legal action aims not only to seek compensation for the affected individuals but also to ensure that necessary changes are made to prevent future outbreaks.
Tui’s Response
As of now, GB News has reached out to Tui for comment regarding the ongoing legal action and the reported illnesses. The company’s response will be crucial in addressing the concerns of the affected holidaymakers and restoring trust in their services.
Conclusion
The situation in Cape Verde serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with international travel, particularly when it comes to health and safety standards in the hospitality industry. As more holidaymakers come forward with their stories, the hope is that this legal action will lead to greater accountability and improved conditions for future travelers. For those planning a trip to Cape Verde or any other destination, it is essential to remain vigilant and informed about the potential risks involved.