holiday-lawyers

Three deaths on cruise ship linked to suspected hantavirus outbreak: what holidaymakers need to know

Tue, 05 May 2026 06:55:14 GMT

A serious health incident has emerged aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic, with three passengers dead and others critically ill following a suspected hantavirus outbreak.

The situation highlights that holiday illness risks are not confined to food poisoning, but can extend to rare and potentially fatal infections where hygiene and safety controls fall below acceptable standards.

What happened on the cruise ship?

Reports confirm that a 70-year-old passenger became unwell and died onboard, his wife later died after evacuation to hospital, and a third passenger has also died. Another British passenger remains in intensive care. Multiple cases have been identified, with at least one confirmed hantavirus infection. The cruise was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde when the outbreak occurred.

What is hantavirus and why does it matter legally?

Hantavirus is a rare but serious infection typically linked to exposure to rodent contamination (droppings, urine, or saliva). Its presence on a cruise ship raises immediate questions about pest control measures, environmental hygiene standards, maintenance of passenger areas, and whether risks were properly identified and managed. If conditions onboard allowed exposure to occur, it may represent a failure in safety systems.

Liability in cruise ship illness claims

Where illness arises during a cruise or package holiday, liability is governed by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Cruise operators must ensure that onboard conditions are safe and provided with reasonable care and skill. Where there are failures in hygiene, pest control, environmental safety, or medical response, affected passengers may be entitled to bring a claim.

Cruise ship illness claims: beyond food poisoning

Most holiday illness claims involve norovirus outbreaks, food poisoning, or contaminated water. However, any illness caused by unsafe conditions during a holiday can form the basis of a claim. The focus is whether the risk should have been prevented, whether proper systems were in place, and whether the operator acted appropriately.

Proven experience in cruise illness claims

At Holiday Lawyers, our lawyers have extensive experience recovering damages for passengers affected by illness, hygiene failures, and health issues on cruise ships, including cases involving large numbers of affected travellers. Holiday Lawyers is also currently acting for a number of individuals who have experienced issues on cruise ships, reflecting the continued frequency of illness outbreaks and safety concerns within the sector.

What should passengers do if they fall ill on a cruise?

Passengers should seek medical attention immediately, report symptoms to onboard staff, document conditions where possible, retain medical records and receipts, and avoid signing documents without advice. Early evidence is often decisive.

A wider issue in the cruise industry

Cruise ships are contained environments where illness can spread rapidly if hygiene or safety systems fail. Operators are expected to maintain robust sanitation protocols, effective pest control systems, and immediate outbreak response procedures.

How Holiday Lawyers can assist

Holiday Lawyers specialise in serious holiday illness and cruise ship claims, including cases involving hospitalisation, long-term complications, and multi-claimant outbreaks. The focus is on building clear, evidence-driven cases that establish breach and causation.

Final thought

This incident is a reminder that cruise illness claims are not limited to minor gastric issues. Where safety systems fail, the consequences can be severe and operators will be expected to answer for those failures.

Salmonella Outbreak in Sicily (Jet2 Holidays) – What You Need to Know

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:30:18 GMT

We are currently instructed by a number of individuals who contracted Salmonella poisoning whilst staying at a resort in Sicily on an all-inclusive package holiday booked through Jet2holidays.

Early indications suggest this may form part of a wider outbreak affecting multiple guests at the same hotel .

If you were affected, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

What Has Happened?

We have now been contacted by several holidaymakers who report:

Severe gastrointestinal illness during or shortly after their stay
Confirmed or suspected Salmonella infection
Multiple guests at the same resort falling ill at the same time

In one case, our client contracted Salmonella poisoning in Sicily and was hospitalised for 8 days upon return to the UK . The situation was made more serious by underlying type 1 diabetes , significantly increasing the risks and complications.

We are also aware of at least one fellow guest staying at the same hotel who became seriously ill with the same condition , raising serious concerns about food hygiene and infection control standards at the resort.

Why This Matters

Salmonella is not a minor illness. It can cause:

Severe dehydration
Prolonged diarrhoea and vomiting
Hospitalisation in serious cases
Increased risk where there are underlying health conditions

Whilst many travellers reasonably expect high food hygiene standards within European resorts, our experience shows that this is not always the case. Our lawyers have previously acted for a family in a tragic case where a family member died after contracting Salmonella at the Grand Hotel in Italy. That case underlines the fact that, whilst uncommon, the consequences of foodborne illness can be extremely serious where proper standards are not maintained.

Where multiple guests fall ill at the same hotel, this often points to systemic failures , such as:

Contaminated food or poor food handling practices
Inadequate hygiene standards
Cross-contamination within buffet or kitchen areas

Your Legal Rights

If your holiday was booked as a package, your claim is governed by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

In straightforward terms:

Your tour operator has a legal responsibility to ensure the hotel is safe
You do not need to pursue the hotel abroad
Claims are brought in the UK against the package provider

Where illness arises due to poor hygiene or unsafe food, that is typically a clear breach of duty .

Evidence Is Key

If you were affected, the following can materially strengthen your claim:

Medical records (UK or abroad)
Stool sample confirmation of Salmonella
Photographs of food, hygiene issues, or the hotel environment
Booking confirmation showing the package provider
Details of other guests who were ill

Even if you do not have all of the above, you should still get in touch. We can assist in gathering the necessary evidence.

A Pattern of Illness

One of the most significant factors in cases like this is multiple guests becoming ill at the same resort .

Where that pattern emerges, it strengthens:

The argument that the illness originated at the hotel
The likelihood of a common source outbreak
The overall evidential position against the tour operator

We are currently assessing whether this situation forms part of a larger cluster of claims .

How We Can Help

At Holiday Lawyers, we specialise in holiday illness claims , including outbreaks involving Salmonella, E. coli and other gastrointestinal infections.

We have acted in claims involving:

Major tour operators
Large-scale hotel outbreaks
High-value claims involving hospitalisation and complications

We understand both the medical evidence and the legal framework required to pursue these cases effectively.

Get in Touch

If you stayed at a resort in Sicily with Jet2holidays and suffered from food poisoning or Salmonella, we would like to hear from you.

You may have a claim for compensation, particularly where:

You required medical treatment or hospitalisation
Other guests were also unwell
Your illness disrupted your holiday or recovery on return

Contact Holiday Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim.

Yet another serious illness claim arising from TUI holidays in Cape Verde

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:20:47 GMT

Holiday Lawyers continue to be instructed by clients who have suffered serious gastrointestinal illness following package holidays to Cape Verde. This latest instruction reflects a pattern seen repeatedly: holidaymakers returning to the UK with confirmed infections such as Shigella and Campylobacter, often linked to failures in food hygiene and sanitation standards within resort environments.

As one of the firm’s solicitors explains, “we are continuing to see a consistent stream of clients returning from Cape Verde with very similar illnesses, which raises real concerns about hygiene standards at a number of resorts.”

First-hand investigations into resort standards

Our team has previously taken the step of attending resorts in Cape Verde alongside independent food hygiene experts to assess standards on the ground. Those investigations identified systemic issues capable of causing precisely the type of illnesses now being reported.

Where hygiene practices fall below expected standards, the consequences for holidaymakers can be significant, particularly in all-inclusive environments where exposure is repeated over a number of days.

From acute illness to long-term complications

While many people associate food poisoning with a short-lived illness, the reality can be very different.

In this case, the client not only suffered acute gastrointestinal symptoms but went on to develop Reactive arthritis, a recognised complication following bacterial infections such as Shigella and Campylobacter.

Many holidaymakers remain unaware that an initial infection can lead to longer-term complications, including:

Post-infective irritable bowel syndrome
Joint pain and inflammation (reactive arthritis)
Chronic fatigue and systemic symptoms
Skin and autoimmune-related conditions

In more serious cases, these symptoms can persist for months, years, or indefinitely, affecting quality of life and the ability to work.

Our lawyers have acted for numerous clients in this position and have successfully recovered hundreds of thousands of pounds in damages for individuals who developed ongoing symptoms following an initial infection abroad.

Low initial offers from tour operators

A recurring feature in cases of this nature is the early compensation offer made directly by tour operators.

In this instance, a very low offer was made despite clear medical evidence of ongoing complications. Based on our experience, such offers can significantly undervalue claims, particularly where long-term consequences have not yet been fully assessed.

We have seen many cases where initial offers represent only a small proportion of the claim’s true value once expert medical evidence is obtained and the long-term impact is properly understood.

The importance of independent legal advice

Anyone who receives a compensation offer following illness abroad should consider obtaining independent legal advice before accepting it.

An early offer may not:

Reflect the full extent of medical evidence
Account for long-term complications
Include future losses or treatment needs

Holidaymakers are free to seek advice from a solicitor of their choosing, whether through Holiday Lawyers or another independent firm. The key point is that the claim is properly valued before any settlement is agreed.

A continuing pattern

This latest instruction adds to a growing body of claims arising from holidays in Cape Verde. The consistency of reported illnesses and complications suggests an ongoing issue requiring careful scrutiny.

Holiday Lawyers remain available to advise individuals who have suffered illness abroad and to provide an objective assessment of any compensation offer received.

Holiday illness in Cape Verde – Holiday Lawyers continue to be instructed by affected travellers

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:33:59 GMT

Holiday Lawyers continue to be instructed by individuals who have fallen seriously ill while staying at all-inclusive resorts in Cape Verde, and have today been contacted by a further client reporting significant gastrointestinal illness following a package holiday.

The enquiry relates to a stay at Hotel Riu Cabo Verde in Sal, booked through TUI. The client reports becoming unwell on day two of the holiday with severe diarrhoea, requiring them to stop eating at the hotel for the remainder of the trip due to concerns about food safety. The illness continued for approximately one week after returning to the UK.

Importantly, another member of the same travelling party, staying at the same hotel, also became seriously unwell,

experiencing persistent vomiting throughout the holiday and remaining symptomatic for several weeks after returning home. A stool sample was provided in that case, and the illness was reported to the tour operator at the time.

This pattern — early onset illness, multiple individuals affected within the same accommodation, and symptoms continuing after return to the UK — is consistent with a growing number of cases we are currently investigating.

A developing pattern of illness in Cape Verde resorts

Holiday Lawyers are presently acting for a number of clients who have reported illness at resorts across Cape Verde, particularly on the island of Sal. The reports share common features:

Illness developing within the first few days of arrival; symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps; more than one person affected within the same hotel or travelling group; illness persisting after return to the UK.

These are not isolated complaints. Taken together, they point towards potential systemic issues relating to food hygiene and safety standards within certain resort environments.

First-hand investigations into food hygiene standards

Holiday Lawyers have taken the additional step of travelling to Cape Verde with independent food hygiene experts to assess conditions on the ground.

These inspections have identified a number of concerns consistent with the types of illness being reported by returning holidaymakers. While each case must be assessed on its own facts, the findings from these visits provide important context when considering whether reasonable hygiene standards are being maintained.

Where food is prepared, stored or served in conditions that fall below acceptable standards, there is a clear risk of contamination and subsequent illness.

Your legal position following illness abroad

Where a package holiday has been booked through a UK tour operator such as TUI, consumers benefit from protection under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

In practical terms, this means that if illness is caused by failures in food hygiene or sanitation at the hotel, liability may rest with the tour operator, rather than requiring the consumer to pursue a claim overseas.

Key factors that are typically relevant include the timing of the illness, whether others in the same accommodation were affected, medical evidence including GP attendance or stool samples, and whether the illness was reported to the hotel or tour operator.

Even where a stool sample has not been provided, claims can still proceed where there is sufficient supporting evidence.

What to do if you have been affected

If you have experienced illness during a holiday in Cape Verde, it is important to seek legal advice at an early stage.

Holiday Lawyers offer specialist expertise in international illness claims and have acted in a significant number of cases involving major tour operators. Our team understands both the evidential and strategic issues involved in pursuing these claims successfully.

Contact Holiday Lawyers

If you have been affected by illness during a holiday in Cape Verde, you can contact Holiday Lawyers for a confidential assessment of your case.

We continue to be instructed in relation to these matters and are actively investigating claims arising from resorts across the region.

Frequently asked questions – holiday illness in Cape Verde

Can I claim compensation for illness in Cape Verde?

Yes. If your illness was caused by poor food hygiene or contamination at a hotel booked as part of a package holiday, you may be entitled to bring a claim against the UK tour operator under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

Do I need a stool sample to make a holiday illness claim?

No. While a stool sample can assist in identifying the cause of illness, claims can and do succeed without one. The timing of symptoms, medical records, and evidence that others were affected can be sufficient.

Why are multiple people getting ill in Cape Verde resorts?

Where more than one guest becomes unwell within the same hotel, it may indicate wider issues such as poor food handling, cross-contamination, or failures in hygiene standards.

How long do symptoms of holiday food poisoning last?

Symptoms can vary. In some cases, they resolve within a few days. In others, particularly where infection is more severe, symptoms can persist for several weeks after returning to the UK.

Who is responsible for illness on a package holiday?

Where the holiday was booked as part of a package, responsibility typically rests with the tour operator. They are legally accountable for failures at the hotel or resort, including issues relating to food hygiene and sanitation.

TUI Holiday Illness Claim: 19 Guests Instruct Solicitors Following Salmonella Outbreak at Royalton Jamaica

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:31:39 GMT

We are currently instructed by 19 individuals who fell ill following stays at the Royalton resort in Jamaica in August 2025. Each account is fact-specific, but the pattern is consistent. Guests report the onset of significant gastrointestinal illness during the holiday period, with a number of cases subsequently confirmed as Salmonella by laboratory testing.

One such case illustrates the severity of what has occurred. Our client became acutely unwell while abroad, experiencing severe abdominal pain, an inability to mobilise properly, and sustained gastrointestinal disturbance. The illness was later confirmed by medical evidence on return to the United Kingdom.

This is not an isolated complaint. It is part of a defined group of individuals affected within the same location and timeframe.

Ongoing symptoms months after the holiday

What is particularly concerning is the persistence of symptoms. In the case referred to above, the client continues to experience fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and difficulty returning to normal daily activities, including work and exercise. These symptoms have now endured for several months.

That position is reflected across a number of those who have come forward. The suggestion that such illness is short-lived or self-limiting does not accord with the reality of what these individuals have experienced.

A pattern consistent with systemic failure

Where a number of guests report materially similar illness arising in the same hotel, during the same period, the issue is unlikely to be coincidental. Clusters of illness of this nature typically point towards a failure in food hygiene, preparation, or handling. In particular, they raise questions as to the sourcing and storage of food, cross-contamination controls, and the adequacy of sanitation procedures within the resort.

These are not marginal issues. They go to the core of the safety obligations owed to guests.

The broader context: increasing scrutiny of holiday illness outbreaks

This matter arises at a time when holiday illness outbreaks are once again receiving national attention, with recent reporting highlighting large numbers of affected guests at overseas resorts. Such reporting reflects a wider issue within the industry. Where outbreaks occur at scale, they tend to expose systemic weaknesses rather than isolated lapses.

Against that background, a cluster of 19 affected guests within a single resort is a matter that warrants careful scrutiny.

Responsibility under the Package Travel Regulations

Under the Package Travel Regulations, tour operators such as TUI are responsible for the proper performance of the holiday as a whole. That responsibility extends to ensuring that accommodation providers maintain appropriate standards of hygiene and food safety.

Where a number of guests suffer illness in circumstances suggestive of contamination or poor hygiene, liability may arise without the need to identify the precise mechanism by which the illness was caused. The question is whether reasonable standards were met. On the facts presently emerging, that is likely to be a central issue.

Delay in response despite detailed evidence

We are aware that detailed claims have already been submitted directly to TUI in relation to this outbreak, supported by medical evidence, receipts, photographic material, and witness accounts. Despite this, there has been a lack of meaningful engagement over a period exceeding six months.

That delay is not uncommon in cases of this nature, but it reinforces the need for claims to be progressed in a structured and formal manner.

Seeking legal advice following illness abroad

Where individuals have suffered illness during a package holiday — particularly where symptoms are severe or ongoing — it is important that the position is properly assessed. The presence of multiple affected guests within the same resort may be highly significant in establishing the underlying cause of the illness and the responsibility for it.

Cape Verde Illness Claims Rise as Holidaymakers Report Serious Gastric Symptoms

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:29:03 GMT

Holiday Lawyers have been contacted by a growing number of holidaymakers who have suffered serious illness while staying in Cape Verde, as concerns mount following widespread reports of gastric illness across hotels on the islands.

We are currently acting for a group of 19 individuals affected by a specific outbreak at a hotel in Cape Verde, all of whom reported symptoms consistent with severe food poisoning on holiday. These cases form part of a broader pattern now emerging, with national media reporting that as many as 1,700 British holidaymakers have been affected in recent incidents across the region.

The consistency of symptoms reported to us – including acute diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and prolonged gastrointestinal issues – raises serious questions about hygiene standards, food handling practices, and the adequacy of preventative systems in place at certain hotels.

What distinguishes these claims is not simply the volume, but the recurrence of similar complaints across different time periods and locations within Cape Verde. This points towards systemic issues rather than isolated incidents.

Holiday Lawyers are uniquely placed in this area. Our lawyers have personally travelled to Cape Verde and inspected a number of hotels used by major tour operators, including TUI Group. During those visits, a number of concerning issues were identified, including poor food hygiene practices, inadequate temperature control, and sanitation concerns within food preparation and service areas. These observations align closely with the accounts now being provided by affected holidaymakers.

Where a package holiday is booked through a UK tour operator, there are clear legal protections in place. Under the Package Travel Regulations, tour operators are responsible for ensuring that hotels meet appropriate standards of safety and hygiene. Where those standards fall short and illness results, affected holidaymakers may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation.

The fact that multiple outbreaks are now being reported, alongside our own direct experience of conditions on the ground, suggests that these cases are unlikely to be isolated. Instead, they reflect a wider issue that tour operators must now address.

Holidaymakers who have suffered illness in Cape Verde are encouraged to seek legal advice promptly. Early investigation allows for evidence to be preserved and strengthens the prospects of a successful claim.

Holiday Lawyers continue to investigate these matters and act for affected clients, with further claims expected as awareness grows

Lawyer who inspected Cape Verde hotel shares concern for holidaymakers

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:49:02 GMT

Holiday Lawyers is concerned to learn of further reported fatalities in Cape Verde, which may be linked to poor hygiene standards in hotels and form part of a wider pattern of serious gastrointestinal illness affecting British travellers.

Our lawyers have previously travelled to Cape Verde to investigate conditions within resort hotels and have been concerned by what they observed in relation to food hygiene and safety practices. We have been contacted by a number of individuals who have suffered significant illness following holidays in Cape Verde, and we have extensive experience handling claims arising from such outbreaks.

Our lead partner has dealt with multiple cases involving illness in Cape Verde and was directly involved in investigations on the ground. These issues have also attracted national media attention, including reporting by The Telegraph.

He previously led the team at Irwin Mitchell acting for claimants affected by illness outbreaks in Cape Verde. While that firm continues to represent individuals in similar cases, he now brings that experience and insight to clients through Holiday Lawyers.

When Accessibility Fails at Sea

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:47:06 GMT

Cruise holidays are marketed as safe, inclusive, and accessible — particularly for passengers who rely on wheelchairs. But when basic safety standards are not met, the consequences can be severe.

We are currently acting in a case involving a full-time wheelchair user who suffered a serious injury on a cruise ship , after being thrown from their chair due to a dangerously designed ramp .

What happened?

Our client describes a shocking incident:

“I was thrown from my wheelchair as I went through a door from the promenade. The ramp on the inside was so steep it was more like a step. No signage, no warnings, nothing.”

The key issues are clear:

A steep internal ramp , effectively functioning as a step
No warning signage
No hazard markings or staff assistance
A location where wheelchair users would reasonably expect safe passage

This is not a minor defect. It is a foreseeable and preventable hazard — particularly in an environment designed to accommodate disabled passengers.

Why cruise operators must get accessibility right

Cruise lines owe a high duty of care to passengers, especially where:

Accessibility features are relied upon
Passengers are known to have mobility needs
Movement between decks and public areas is frequent

In cases like this, liability may arise from:

Unsafe design (e.g. excessive ramp gradient)
Failure to warn of a hazard
Failure to carry out proper risk assessments
Failure to comply with accessibility standards

A ramp that behaves like a step — without warning — is a textbook example of a dangerous condition .

The additional failure: ignoring the complaint

Our client did exactly what they should:

Reported the incident immediately on return
Raised a formal complaint with the cruise line

The response?

Nothing. No communication at all.

This is something we see regularly. Cruise operators often:

Delay responses
Downplay incidents
Hope passengers simply walk away

That is precisely why early legal intervention matters.

Can you claim for a cruise ship injury?

If you have been injured on a cruise, particularly as a wheelchair user or passenger with reduced mobility, you may be entitled to compensation where:

The environment was unsafe
Proper accessibility measures were not in place
You were not warned of a hazard
The cruise line failed to respond appropriately

Claims can include:

Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of your holiday
Medical expenses
Ongoing care or rehabilitation

Why these cases are different

Cruise injury claims are not straightforward.

They often involve:

International conventions (such as the Athens Convention)
Complex jurisdiction issues
Evidence tied to ship design and onboard procedures

That is why it is critical to instruct solicitors who understand:

Cruise-specific liability frameworks
Accessibility standards at sea
How to secure evidence early

Our approach at Holiday Lawyers

We take a direct and proactive approach:

Early investigation of the design and layout of the hazard
Securing photographic and witness evidence
Instructing appropriate engineering and accessibility experts
Applying pressure where cruise lines fail to engage

We are not interested in excuses or delays — only outcomes.

If this has happened to you

If you or a family member has suffered an injury on a cruise, particularly involving:

Wheelchair access
Unsafe ramps or steps
Lack of warnings
Poor response from the operator

We can help.

Speak to us today

At Holiday Lawyers , we specialise in holding tour operators and cruise companies to account.

If your holiday has been ruined by an avoidable injury, we will pursue the claim properly — and maximise your recovery.

TUI Holiday Illness Claim: Child Hospitalised With Salmonella And Amoebiasis In Turkey

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:22:09 GMT

Holiday illness specialists Holiday Lawyers have been instructed by the family of a young child who became seriously ill during a package holiday to Turkey, raising questions about the adequacy of an early settlement offer made by the tour operator.

The case highlights a recurring issue seen in travel litigation: tour operators making early ex‑gratia offers which may significantly undervalue the true legal value of a claim.

Child hospitalised during Turkey package holiday

The family approached Holiday Lawyers after their five‑year‑old daughter became seriously unwell during a holiday in Turkey in August 2025.

According to the information provided, the child was diagnosed with Amoebiasis and Salmonella infection. The illness was sufficiently severe that she required approximately one week of hospital treatment during the holiday.

The experience understandably caused significant distress to both the child and her parents, and the family sought to resolve the matter with the tour operator directly after returning to the UK.

Ex‑gratia payment of £1,500 offered

After raising the issue with the tour operator, the family reports that TUI offered a payment of £1,500 on an ex‑gratia basis.

An ex‑gratia payment is typically offered without any admission of liability and is often presented as a gesture of goodwill.

However, early settlement offers in holiday illness cases frequently do not reflect the potential legal value of a claim,

particularly where a child has been hospitalised, the illness is confirmed by medical diagnosis, the family’s holiday was substantially disrupted, or there is evidence suggesting possible hygiene failures at the resort.

Early offers often undervalue holiday illness claims

Holiday Lawyers has acted in a large number of holiday illness cases involving resorts across Turkey, Spain, Greece and other popular destinations.

In our experience, where a claim is properly investigated and pursued through the legal process, damages recovered can be substantially higher than early tour operator offers. In many cases clients have recovered multiples of the original offer once the claim has been fully investigated.

This is because a formal claim can include compensation for pain and suffering caused by the illness, loss of enjoyment of the holiday, medical treatment and expenses, additional accommodation or travel costs, and ongoing symptoms or recovery periods.

The legal framework for holiday illness claims

Claims arising from illness on a package holiday are typically brought under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. These regulations place responsibility on tour operators for failures in the services included within the package holiday.

This can include hotel accommodation, food and drink provided at the resort, hygiene and sanitation standards, and the general safety of facilities provided to guests.

Where contamination or poor hygiene causes illness, the tour operator may be legally liable for the resulting injuries and losses suffered by holidaymakers.

Investigating food poisoning and illness abroad

Holiday illness claims often require detailed investigation including medical records and laboratory confirmation of infection, microbiology reports, hotel hygiene documentation, and witness evidence from other affected guests.

Such evidence can sometimes reveal systemic food hygiene problems or contamination risks within a resort which would not otherwise be examined unless a formal legal claim is pursued.

Holiday Lawyers — specialists in holiday illness claims

Holiday Lawyers acts for travellers who have suffered illness while staying at hotels and resorts booked as part of package holidays.

The firm has experience handling claims involving Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Amoebiasis and other gastrointestinal infections.

Our team works with medical experts and travel law specialists to ensure that claims are fully investigated and properly valued.

Contact Holiday Lawyers

If you or a member of your family became ill during a package holiday and were offered compensation by the tour operator, it is important to understand whether that offer reflects the true value of the claim.

Holiday Lawyers can advise on your options and investigate whether you may be entitled to significantly higher compensation.

You can contact our team through the enquiry page on our website to discuss your case.

Holiday illness and accommodation failures at TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical, Tenerife

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:05:30 GMT

Holiday Lawyers have recently been instructed by a family following a deeply disappointing all-inclusive holiday at TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical in Tenerife, booked through TUI Group.

The holiday was sold as a relaxing family break in the Canary Islands. However, according to our client, the reality fell far below what should reasonably be expected from a package holiday under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

Serious issues reported during the stay

Our client reports that the accommodation provided was dirty, poorly maintained and affected by cockroach infestation. This created particular concern for the family as they were travelling with a one-year-old child, raising understandable worries about hygiene and safety within the apartment.

In addition to the condition of the accommodation, the family state that basic kitchenette facilities were not provided, despite the expectation that such facilities would be available within the apartment.

Food quality concerns

The holiday was booked on an all-inclusive basis. However, our client reports that the food offered on site was inedible and of an extremely poor standard, leaving the family with little option but to eat elsewhere during the holiday.

For families booking all-inclusive holidays, the availability of safe and edible food is a fundamental part of the package holiday experience.

Package holiday rights

Under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, tour operators such as TUI remain responsible for ensuring that the services included in a package holiday are provided as described and meet a reasonable standard.

Where accommodation is unsanitary, unsafe, or materially different from what was promised, or where core aspects of the holiday such as food provision fall significantly below standard, travellers may be entitled to compensation.

Holiday lawyers investigating the claim

Holiday Lawyers have been instructed to investigate the circumstances surrounding this holiday and whether the conditions experienced by the family amount to a breach of the package holiday contract.

Where a holiday fails to meet reasonable expectations, consumers may be entitled to pursue a claim for loss of enjoyment and distress caused by a ruined holiday.

If you experienced similar issues during a holiday booked through a tour operator, you may have legal rights. Holiday Lawyers regularly assist clients with claims arising from unsanitary accommodation, food issues, and other serious failings during package holidays.

Skiing Accident Abroad: Can You Claim Compensation?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 14:03:11 GMT

Skiing holidays are exciting and memorable experiences. However, when safety standards fall short or negligence occurs, a winter sports trip can quickly turn into a life‑changing injury.

Every year, many British holidaymakers are injured in skiing accidents abroad, suffering fractures, spinal injuries, head injuries and serious ligament damage. In some cases, these accidents occur because proper safety measures were not in place.

If you have been injured skiing on holiday, it may be possible to pursue a ski accident claim where another party’s negligence contributed to the incident.

Common causes of skiing accidents abroad

While skiing naturally carries some risk, many accidents happen because proper safety standards have not been followed. Common causes include:

· Poorly maintained ski slopes

· Dangerous or inadequately marked piste conditions

· Faulty ski lifts or gondolas

· Inadequate warning signs around hazards

· Negligent ski instruction

· Defective or poorly maintained hire equipment

· Collisions caused by reckless skiers

If negligence played a role, it may be possible to pursue ski accident compensation.

Who is liable for a skiing accident

Determining liability after a skiing accident abroad often requires careful investigation. Responsibility may lie with a number of different parties depending on the circumstances.

Ski resorts and piste operators

Ski resorts must ensure that slopes are maintained safely and hazards are properly marked. Where resorts fail to manage piste safety appropriately, liability may arise.

Ski schools and instructors

Ski instructors owe a duty of care to those receiving lessons. Instruction should be appropriate for the skier’s experience level and lessons must be properly supervised.

Equipment hire companies

Ski hire companies must ensure equipment is properly maintained and suitable for the individual skier. Faulty bindings, damaged skis or defective helmets can significantly increase the risk of injury.

Tour operators

Where a skiing holiday has been booked as part of a package holiday, it may be possible to bring a ski accident claim against a UK tour operator under the Package Travel Regulations. This can allow injured holidaymakers to pursue compensation through the UK courts even though the accident occurred overseas.

Investigating ski accident claims

Cases involving skiing accidents abroad can be complex and often require specialist evidence to establish what went wrong.

These claims frequently involve:

· Accident reconstruction evidence

· Analysis of piste and snow conditions

· Ski equipment safety analysis

· Orthopaedic and neurological medical experts

· Evidence relating to ski resort safety standards

The team at Holiday Lawyers has experience handling complex ski accident compensation claims and has worked with leading experts in winter sports accident investigations.

What can ski accident compensation cover

If you have been injured skiing on holiday, compensation may include damages for:

· Pain, suffering and loss of amenity

· Loss of earnings

· Future loss of income

· Medical treatment and rehabilitation

· Travel and care expenses

· Long‑term disability or lifestyle impact

Serious skiing injuries can have lasting consequences, which is why it is important to obtain legal advice as early as possible.

Speak to holiday lawyers about a ski accident claim

At Holiday Lawyers, the team specialises in helping people who have been injured in accidents while on holiday abroad, including skiing accidents and winter sports injuries.

If you have suffered an injury while skiing overseas and believe negligence may have been involved, the team can investigate the circumstances of the accident and advise whether you may be able to bring a ski accident compensation claim.

Holiday lawyers instructed in royalton cancun e. coli food poisoning claim against tui

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:37:30 GMT

Holiday Lawyers has been formally instructed by a client who suffered severe food poisoning at the Royalton Hotel, Cancun, Mexico, during a package holiday booked with TUI.

Severe illness at Royalton hotel, Cancun

Our client travelled to Mexico on 26 December 2024 as part of a package holiday arranged by TUI. During their stay at the Royalton Hotel in Cancun, they developed acute gastrointestinal illness after eating at one of the hotel’s restaurants.

The illness escalated rapidly.

Our client required hospitalisation in Mexico, incurring significant medical expenses. Despite being seriously unwell, they were allegedly refused assistance by TUI representatives when requesting an earlier return flight to the UK.

Upon returning home, UK medical investigations confirmed E. coli and a bacterial infection, with ongoing gastrointestinal complications continuing months later. Our client has also experienced anxiety and stress directly linked to the incident.

The seriousness of e. coli infections

E. coli infections are not minor stomach bugs. In severe cases they can lead to kidney complications, long-term gastrointestinal disorders, post-infectious IBS, sepsis, and permanent health damage.

Holiday Lawyers has acted for clients and their families who have suffered devastating consequences from E. coli outbreaks — including cases where individuals have been left with life-altering complications and, in the most serious instances, have tragically lost their lives.

These cases require careful handling, specialist medical evidence, and a firm understanding of tour operator liability.

Tui offer rejected

TUI have already made an offer of compensation. That offer was rejected.

It did not adequately reflect the severity of the illness, the hospitalisation abroad, ongoing symptoms, financial losses, or the distress and disruption caused.

We are now pursuing the matter formally under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

Child hospitalised with gastroenteritis at Titanic Royal, Hurghada – what are your legal rights?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:25:30 GMT

HolidayLawyers.co.uk has now been instructed by a family who stayed at the Titanic Royal Hotel in Hurghada, Egypt, between 21 and 28 January 2026.

During the holiday, several members of the family became unwell with symptoms consistent with gastroenteritis, with one child requiring hospital treatment.

The family report multiple concerns about food hygiene and cleanliness at the hotel. They also noticed a number of other guests who appeared to be suffering from similar symptoms, suggesting the illness may not have been an isolated incident.

When a family holiday turns into a medical emergency

Gastroenteritis on holiday can escalate quickly, especially in young children. Symptoms often include:

• Severe diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Fever

• Dehydration

Where a child is affected, dehydration can become serious within hours. Hospital treatment is sometimes required for intravenous fluids, monitoring, medication, and infection control. What should have been a relaxing family holiday can instead become a traumatic experience involving foreign hospitals, unexpected costs, and long-term health concerns.

Common causes of hotel illness in Egypt

Holiday illness claims typically arise from:

• Poor food hygiene in buffet areas

• Undercooked or improperly stored food

• Cross-contamination between raw and cooked items

• Unclean plates, utensils, or glasses

• Contaminated water or ice

• Poor sanitation in kitchens or public areas

Where multiple guests report or display similar symptoms, this can indicate a systemic hygiene failure rather than an isolated incident.

Experience in serious holiday illness cases in Egypt

The lead solicitor at Holiday Lawyers has extensive experience in complex international illness claims.

• Represented families who have lost loved ones in Egypt following food poisoning and bacterial infections

• Acted in numerous serious illness cases involving Egyptian resorts

• Recovered millions of pounds in compensation for clients affected by severe holiday illness in Egypt

He has also acted in major illness outbreaks in destinations such as Cape Verde, where widespread hygiene failures led to large numbers of guests becoming unwell. Many of the same systemic issues are commonly seen in cases arising from Egyptian resorts.

Can you claim compensation for holiday illness?

If your holiday was booked as a package holiday with a UK tour operator, you may be able to bring a claim under the Package Travel Regulations.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment

• Medical expenses

• Loss of holiday value

• Travel disruption

• Ongoing symptoms or complications

• Psychological impact, especially where a child was hospitalised

Importantly, claims are usually brought against the UK tour operator, not the foreign hotel.

Evidence that helps a gastroenteritis claim

If you or your family were ill on holiday, the following evidence can strengthen a claim:

• Medical records (UK or abroad)

• Hospital discharge notes

• Photographs of food or hygiene issues

• Complaints made to the hotel or tour operator

• Booking confirmations and travel documents

• Statements from other affected guests

Time limits for bringing a claim

For most package holiday illness claims, the usual time limit is three years from the date of illness. It is best to seek advice as early as possible while evidence is fresh.

Speak to a specialist holiday illness solicitor

At HolidayLawyers.co.uk, we focus on serious and complex holiday illness claims, including cases involving hospitalised children, large family outbreaks, resort-wide illness incidents, and high-value or fatal cases.

If your family suffered illness at a hotel abroad, you may have a strong claim for compensation. Contact HolidayLawyers.co.uk today for a free, no-obligation assessment.

Rising health and hygiene concerns in Cape Verde hotels

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 07:49:57 GMT

Cape Verde has long been a popular destination for British holidaymakers seeking year‑round sunshine. However, in recent years there has been a growing number of reports of serious illness linked to hotels and resorts across the islands.

At Holidaylawyers, we have personally visited and inspected a number of hotels in Cape Verde and observed several health and hygiene issues that raise genuine concerns about guest safety.

Reports of illness among UK holidaymakers

Numerous travellers have reported gastric illness, infections and hospitalisation following stays in Cape Verde resorts. In some cases, illnesses have been linked to poor food hygiene, sanitation concerns and unsafe food preparation practices.

Large group claims are now being pursued by British tourists who suffered illness after staying in several well‑known hotels, highlighting the scale of the issue.

What Holidaylawyers observed on inspection

During on‑site inspections, Holidaylawyers identified a number of potential hygiene failings including:

• Poor food handling and temperature control

• Risks of cross‑contamination in kitchen areas

• Inconsistent cleaning of communal facilities

• Sanitation issues in guest areas

These observations mirror many of the complaints made by holidaymakers who became unwell after their stay.

Your legal rights after illness abroad

If you suffered food poisoning or illness while staying in a Cape Verde hotel booked through a UK tour operator, you may be entitled to bring a compensation claim.

Tour operators have a legal duty to ensure accommodation meets reasonable health and safety standards. Where failures occur, affected travellers can seek damages for pain, suffering, medical costs and loss of enjoyment.

Speak to Holidaylawyers

Holidaylawyers specialises in holiday illness and hotel hygiene claims. Our team has first‑hand experience inspecting overseas hotels and holding tour operators accountable for unsafe conditions.

If you or a family member fell ill after a holiday in Cape Verde, contact Holidaylawyers for expert advice.

TUI Food poisoning claim after severe illness at Mexico hotel

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:53:52 GMT

HolidayLawyers have been asked to help a family bring a TUI food poisoning claim after a holiday in Mexico turned into a medical nightmare.

The family were staying at a TUI-operated all-inclusive hotel when one guest became seriously ill after eating at one of the hotel restaurants. What initially appeared to be mild stomach upset rapidly developed into severe food poisoning, forcing the family to seek urgent medical help abroad.

Within days, the illness worsened so significantly that hospitalisation for food poisoning in Mexico was required, leading to substantial medical bills and enormous distress.

Food poisoning at a TUI hotel in Mexico

Food poisoning in Mexico hotels remains one of the most common causes of holiday sickness compensation claims.

In this case, the guest fell ill shortly after consuming food provided as part of the TUI holiday package. The symptoms were severe and persistent, pointing towards a bacterial infection contracted abroad rather than a mild stomach bug.

Despite being visibly unwell, the family were refused assistance by TUI representatives when they asked for an earlier return flight to the UK.

Diagnosed with E. coli after returning home

Once back in the UK, medical tests confirmed the illness was caused by E. coli alongside a serious bacterial gastrointestinal infection.

The individual continues to suffer from ongoing digestive complications, abdominal pain, fatigue, and psychological stress following hospitalisation abroad.

TUI offered compensation but it was inadequate

TUI have already attempted to resolve the matter by making a compensation offer. However, the family rejected it as completely disproportionate to the seriousness of the illness.

Low goodwill payments are common in TUI holiday sickness claims, but they rarely reflect the true impact of serious food poisoning abroad.

Can you claim against TUI for food poisoning

If you suffered food poisoning at a TUI hotel, you may be entitled to bring a claim against TUI for food poisoning compensation.

Under UK package travel regulations, tour operators such as TUI are legally responsible for the standard of food, hygiene and accommodation provided during your holiday.

Start your TUI food poisoning claim with HolidayLawyers

HolidayLawyers specialise exclusively in holiday food poisoning claims and tour operator sickness compensation cases, all handled on a no win no fee basis.

When an Umrah package goes wrong – your rights under package travel law

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:35:56 GMT

Holiday Lawyers has recently been instructed by a UK family following a deeply distressing Umrah pilgrimage that went seriously wrong due to failures by the travel organiser.

The case highlights why it is critical for travellers to understand whether their trip is legally classed as a package holiday , and what protections apply when things go wrong abroad.

The background: what should have been a supported Umrah journey

Our clients booked an Umrah package that included:

International flights
Hotels in Makkah and Madinah close to the Haram
Ground transport
Ziyarah (religious tours)

The package was chosen specifically because elderly and disabled family members were travelling. Proximity, stability and reliability were essential.

Instead, the family experienced repeated failures throughout the trip.

What went wrong

During the pilgrimage, the organiser failed to provide key elements of the package, including:

Cancelled and repeatedly changed flights, including return flights
Periods where no confirmed return flight was in place
Being told to arrange and fund their own flights while abroad
Multiple hotel moves and downgrades without agreement
Placement in unsuitable and unhygienic accommodation
Hotels located far from the Haram despite assurances and payment for nearby hotels
Inadequate transport for disabled passengers
Missed or substandard Ziyarah services

As a result, the family was forced to use personal funds and credit cards to secure flights, hotels and transport, while dealing with constant uncertainty and anxiety.

Why this matters legally: package travel protections

Many travellers do not realise that when flights and accommodation are sold together by the same company for an inclusive price, the booking is almost always a package holiday under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.

This is crucial because:

The organiser is legally responsible for all parts of the trip
It does not matter if failures are caused by airlines, hotels or overseas suppliers
Travellers should never be left to self-fund essential elements of the package

Where a package is not properly performed, the law provides clear remedies.

What travellers can claim when a package holiday fails

In appropriate cases, compensation can include:

Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
Refunds or price reductions for downgraded services
Compensation for distress, disruption and loss of enjoyment

Where the trip is a once-in-a-lifetime or religious journey, and where disabled or elderly travellers are affected, claims for distress and loss of enjoyment are often more significant.

Common tactics we see from failing organisers

In this case, the organiser later:

Admitted mistakes but delayed refunds
Attempted to limit compensation to narrow price differences
Described legal entitlements as “goodwill”
Asked for public reviews to be removed as part of resolution discussions

These tactics are not uncommon and do not override a traveller’s legal rights.

How Holiday Lawyers can help

Holiday Lawyers acts for clients nationwide in package travel claims , including:

Umrah and Hajj packages
Family holidays
Long-haul and luxury trips
Holidays involving elderly or disabled travellers

We act on a no win, no fee basis for package travel claims where the law applies, removing financial risk for clients who have already suffered losses.

If your Umrah or holiday package has gone wrong

If you:

Booked flights and accommodation together
Were forced to pay out of pocket abroad
Experienced hotel downgrades or cancellations
Were left without confirmed return flights

You may have a strong legal claim.

Contact Holiday Lawyers for a confidential assessment of your situation.

This article is based on a real case we are currently handling. Client details have been anonymised.

Legal Action Against Barceló Hotel Group – Occidental Torremolinos Playa (Spain)

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:22:59 GMT

If you have suffered serious service failures during a stay at a Barceló Hotel Group property — including the Occidental Torremolinos Playa in Spain — you may be entitled to substantial compensation, even where the booking was made directly with the hotel and not via a tour operator.

At HolidayLawyers, we are regularly instructed in high-value hotel dispute claims, including cases involving Barceló-owned and operated hotels. We are currently investigating a claim exceeding £10,000 arising from multiple contractual and safety breaches during a stay at the Occidental Torremolinos Playa.

Importantly, we have prior litigation experience involving this hotel group, giving us an informed and tactical understanding of how Barceló approach disputes, complaints, and pre-action correspondence.

Common Grounds for Claims Against Hotels in Spain

Where a hotel stay falls significantly below the standard promised at booking, a claim may arise under contract law, consumer protection legislation, and — in some cases — health and safety obligations.

Failure to Provide Booked Accommodation

Where specific rooms are confirmed (such as ground-floor rooms) and not provided, this is a clear breach of contract, particularly where accessibility, safety, or special needs were relevant.

Property Security Failures

Hotels owe guests a duty to provide reasonable security. Lapses that expose guests to risk may support a claim for damages.

Allergen and Dietary Mismanagement

Failures in allergen control or dietary management are treated seriously and may amount to breach of contract, negligence, and health and safety violations.

Direct Booking vs Package Holidays

Booking directly with a hotel does not prevent a claim. Jurisdiction may lie in the UK, under Spanish law, or both, depending on governing law clauses and corporate structure.

Barceló’s “Final Position” Letters

A refusal of compensation does not prevent legal action. Such letters often mark the end of the complaints process and the beginning of formal legal steps.

How HolidayLawyers Can Help

We can provide:

- Merits review and jurisdiction advice
- Preparation and issue of a Letter Before Action
- Litigation strategy and cost guidance
- Representation in cross-border disputes

If you have been searching for weeks without success, it is often because your claim exceeds the scope of standard claims handlers. This is precisely where we operate.

Nineteen diners fall ill after carvery — the growing need for food safety vigilance

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:39:05 GMT

When nineteen people were confirmed to have suffered food poisoning after eating at a pub carvery in Cwmbran this October, it served as a stark reminder of the dangers that arise when hot-food handling standards slip. According to local authorities, the outbreak was linked to Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium that can develop when food cools too slowly or is not kept at safe serving temperatures — common risks in buffet and carvery environments.

At Holiday Lawyers, the team has long experience representing clients affected by large-scale food poisoning incidents. In a previous case handled while at a leading national firm, the team’s founder acted for hundreds of diners who became ill after visiting a Toby Carvery restaurant, securing significant sums in compensation following an admission of breach of duty by the operator. The case remains one of the UK’s largest restaurant-related illness outbreaks and a reminder that good food hygiene is a legal as well as moral duty.

If you or your family have suffered illness after eating at a restaurant, hotel, or resort, Holiday Lawyers can help you understand your rights and claim the compensation you deserve.

Holiday Illness & Injury Claims in Turkey | Holiday Lawyers

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:17:45 GMT

A British family’s dream holiday to Turkey turned into a nightmare when one member fell ill with food poisoning and a young girl suffered burn injuries from dangerously hot crockery served at their hotel. Sadly, this is not unusual. Turkey, Spain, Egypt, the Dominican Republic and Tunisia are among the most common hotspots for holiday illness and accident claims we see at Holiday Lawyers.

Food Poisoning on Holiday in Turkey

One family member became seriously unwell after eating at the hotel buffet. The symptoms — diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever — are all consistent with poor food hygiene.
- Food poisoning abroad is often linked to undercooked meat, unsafe storage or cross-contamination.
- Hotels and tour operators are responsible for ensuring food meets basic health standards.
- Where they fail, guests can bring a holiday food poisoning compensation claim.

Burn Injury Abroad – A Preventable Accident

The family’s young daughter suffered burns when she was served food on scalding hot crockery. This was entirely preventable. Hotels should ensure plates and bowls are safe to handle, especially when serving children. Holiday burn injury claims can cover not only the physical pain but also scarring and the emotional trauma caused.

Decades of Experience, Millions Recovered

At Holiday Lawyers, Amandeep Dhillon has decades of experience handling holiday illness and injury claims, and has recovered millions of pounds in compensation for consumers affected by poor standards abroad. From food poisoning to serious accidents, our track record shows we know how to hold tour operators accountable.

Your Rights Under Package Holiday Law

If you book through a UK tour operator, you are protected by the Package Travel Regulations. This means:
- You can bring your holiday accident or illness claim in the UK courts, even if the incident happened abroad.
- The tour operator is legally responsible for the hotel’s failings.
- You may recover damages for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment, medical expenses and any long-term effects.

Why Make a Holiday Accident or Illness Claim?

- Compensation recognises the harm caused — ruined holidays, injuries, illness.
- Claims pressure the travel industry to improve safety and hygiene standards.
- Families should not be left out of pocket for medical bills or ongoing care after incidents abroad.

How Holiday Lawyers Can Help

At Holiday Lawyers, we are specialists in holiday illness and accident claims. We’ve acted in leading cases, including food poisoning claims and serious injury claims abroad.

We help clients pursue:
- Food poisoning claims in Turkey, Spain, Egypt, Dominican Republic, Tunisia and beyond.
- Burn injury claims abroad caused by unsafe practices.
- Holiday accident claims where negligence ruins a trip.

If your holiday has been ruined by illness or injury abroad, contact Holiday Lawyers today. We’ll give you clear advice and fight for the compensation you deserve.