Tourists sue TUI saying they had gastric illness at Cape Verde hotels

Holidaymakers sue TUI saying they were hit by gastric illness at Cape Verde hotels as they complain of undercooked meat and no toilet paper or water in their rooms

• 46 holidaymakers are suing TUI after a gastric illness on holiday in Cape Verde 
• Lawyers representing the families say they stayed at two hotels on the island
• ‘I’m not surprised when I recall undercooked meat and poor hygiene,’ said one
• A TUI spokesman says the company audits all of its hotels for health and safety 

A group of 46 holidaymakers are suing travel firm TUI after claiming their trip to Cape Verde was ruined by a bout of gastric illness.  

The lawyers representing the group said families’ holidays became a nightmare after they were struck down with stomach flu at two hotels on the island of Sal.

Hotels on the resort, located 388 miles off the west coast of Africa, are regularly audited for health and safety, according to TUI.

Lesley and Grant Breed, both 53, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, travelled to the African island on July 26 along with their 15-year-old son Finn and stayed at the Melia Dunas Resort. 

‘We couldn’t wait to get to the hotel, particularly after an eight-hour wait at the airport on the way out,’ said Mrs Breed.

‘But our holiday went from bad to worse. We all fell ill, and I’m not surprised when I recall the undercooked meat at the restaurant and the poor hygiene. 

A group 46 holidaymakers who travelled to Cape Verde off the west coast of Africa are suing TUI claiming their trip was ruined by a bout of gastric illness   

‘I remember phoning housekeeping twice for basic essentials such as toilet paper and water, but still had to end up going to reception myself. If they can’t get the basics right, it’s no wonder the hotel is in the state it is.’

Irwin Mitchell, who are representing the 46 holidaymakers, said any potential legal action would be directed at TUI, which the stays at hotels Melia Dunas Resort and Sol Dunas were booked through. 

Sarita Sharma, a solicitor in the international serious injury team, said it was very concerning to hear of the reported illnesses.

‘Their holidays, which they had been looking forward to for a long time, were ruined when they were struck down with gastric illness. 

‘The symptoms that our clients have suffered should never be downplayed as, in some cases, they can result in long-term health problems.

‘It is also concerning that our clients were aware of many others who suffered with similar illness, we understand that the numbers affected are even higher so we would be interested in speaking to anyone who may have been impacted by illness at this hotel who would be able to assist with our investigations.’

A spokesperson for TUI said: ‘We are sorry to hear of these experiences at the Sol Dunas and Melia Dunas Hotels. As this is now a legal matter, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. 

‘We’d like to reassure customers that we regularly audit all of our hotels in respect to health and safety, including hygiene.’

Melia Hotels has been approached for comment.

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