A couple have hit out at tour operator TUI for not publicising sickness outbreaks on their holiday packages to Cape Verde. Neill Brown and John Mullen were not aware of the health issues that have blighted the resort when they booked a £3,500 all inclusive holiday.
But after reading our coverage of 1,700 people joining a lawsuit against the travel firm after holidaymakers fell ill and some died on trips to Cape Verde, they tried to rearrange to stay at another resort in Gran Canaria for the same price.
However, they were told by Tui they could not switch their holiday as they were within 14 days of their departure date and they are due to depart on Friday.
Retired cabin crew member John, 62, said they now face the prospect of cancelling their holiday without refund or going and risk possibly getting ill. He said: “Had we known about this, we would never have booked an all-inclusive hotel in the first place.
“You book an all-inclusive to drink and eat at the hotel, use the facilities and relax, but the government advice online was to not drink the water and be wary of the swimming pool and buffet food.
“I think it’s ridiculous that for such a long time, the government and Tui have known about this. We feel like we’re being forced to go somewhere against our will.”
The couple of 27 years, who live in Glasgow, are due to stay at the Riu Santa Maria Princess, but they have been left anxious after lawyers linked eight deaths of Brits to stays on the African archipelago.
And they say they have spoke to a number of people at Tui and have received conflicting advice from advisors at the pre-departure team in Egypt.
They claim one advisor told them she was unware of any sickness issues and worries, while another said they were fully aware and had just come out of a meeting and were confident steps were being taken.
John added: “We were astounded to learn that TUI had continued to market these holidays when they were aware of the health issues and the proposed legal action and the fact they are still selling the holidays at all with what the government is advising.
“Tui are telling us they’re well prepared and are on top of it. But how can you guarantee the food you’re going to eat is going to be safe?”
Neill said: “Because we are within 14 days of departure, they say we cant change our holiday.
“They’re basically saying we can still go on our holiday, but we’re thinking why would you go on holiday when you can’t drink the water or use the facilities?
“Our options are to cancel the holiday and lose £3,500 or go and not be able to enjoy the all-inclusive facilities.”
Law firm Irwin Mitchell previously said it believed at least eight Brits died after stays in Cape Verde and it is representing their families and hundreds of folk who fell ill in a massive legal claim.
Solicitor Jatinder Paul said: “We continue to be contacted by hundreds more people reporting familiar accounts of how their holidays have been ruined by serious illness.”
Tui has been contacted for comment.
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