More than 800 UK holidaymakers have launched legal action against the travel company TUI after suffering severe illnesses during their vacations at luxury hotels in Cape Verde. The legal claimants, who had hoped for idyllic escapes to sun-soaked resorts, instead found their trips marred by significant health problems and hospital visits. The report of these issues spans from 2022 to 2025, highlighting serious conditions such as E.coli, salmonella, and shigella.
A total of 836 tourists, many of whom were hospitalized, have stepped forward to formally accuse TUI of failing to maintain hygiene and safety standards at several of its Cape Verde resorts. Among the principal concerns raised are allegations of undercooked food, improper food handling, and the repurposing of leftovers for later meals. These failures allegedly led to widespread gastroenteritis among vacationers, causing what some have described as 'holidays from hell.'
Tourists from various backgrounds shared their harrowing experiences, noting the drastic change from vacation bliss to distress. One particularly haunting account came from Nicky Morley, a 54-year-old writer from Devon, who claimed she lost over four stone after suffering gastrointestinal complications. "Not for one minute did I ever expect to fall ill like I did," Nicky recalled. "It's just not something you expect to pick up in a five-star hotel, but the fact I was served raw food more than once makes me suspect many others would have also been sick. The hygiene at the resort was also questionable, with flies and birds seen around the food area."
Another affected family, led by Kelly Barrett from Carmarthenshire, had paid over £5,000 for what they anticipated to be the vacation of their dreams. Instead, just days after checking in to Hotel Riu Funana, her children, aged four and three, were struck down with agonizing symptoms, necessitating hospital stays and even airlifting to a facility in Tenerife for extensive medical care. Kelly recounted, "Seeing the children so poorly was absolutely awful. All we wanted to do was help and care for them, but we felt so powerless. Even after they got to hospital, nothing changed."
These harrowing accounts reflect not just isolated cases but rather part of what appears to be a larger failing associated with certain Cape Verdean resorts. Over the years, numerous guests reported similar sanitary oversights: undercooked dishes, insufficient temperature control, and alarming sightings of wildlife around dining areas—all circumstances inconsistent with the expectations set by TUI's promotional materials for their supposedly top-tier accommodations.
Legal representation for the affected tourists has been taken on by Jatinder Paul, who has made headlines for highlighting the sheer number of those who have fallen ill. "The number of people to have fallen seriously ill is truly staggering," he remarked, outlining the seriousness of these illnesses and their potential long-term impacts. "Following investigations, we've issued proceedings in the High Court for several hundred cases, and this number will continue to grow if TUI refuses to engage with us."
The complaints encapsulating the growing frustrations of holidaymakers include observations of chefs not adhering to basic health safety regulations, such as the absence of gloves or hairnets. A statement from Irwin Mitchell emphasized the gravity of the situation, expressing hope for swift resolution from TUI: "Despite the seriousness of these cases, it is regrettable TUI has failed to resolve these claims amicably. Our clients deserve answers and support."
Indeed, the legal actions bring forth serious questions about the responsibilities of travel companies to safeguard their patrons' health and well-being. TUI's standing as one of the foremost travel operators increasingly faces scrutiny after this spate of illnesses, especially as TUI has reportedly denied liability across all 836 cases.
To date, several renowned hotels and their respective number of affected holidaymakers have been implicated: Riu Palace Boavista (57 holidaymakers), Riu Palace Santa Maria (300 holidaymakers), Riu Funana (183 holidaymakers), Riu Cabo Verde (105 holidaymakers), Riu Touareg (25 holidaymakers), Melia Dunas (70 holidaymakers), Sol Dunas (64 holidaymakers), and TUI Blue Cabo Verde (32 holidaymakers).
The fallout of these events has wide-reaching consequences, as many of those affected continue to deal with debilitating symptoms like persistent abdominal pain and chronic bowel dysfunction, leaving them anxious about their health and uncertain about their future. The emotional toll has left many unable to enjoy subsequent holidays, anxious about where they will choose to stay and whether safety standards will be ensured.
This case serves not only as a cautionary tale for travelers but also as a reflection on the industry’s obligation toward adhering to strict hygiene and safety protocols. With such legal action underway, the broader travel community may see shifts aimed at enhancing accountability and diligence from companies like TUI in their operations, ensuring the health of their customers remains a priority.