A couple’s honeymoon turned into a nightmare when they fell seriously ill with food poisoning at the TUI Blue Cabo Verde resort in Cape Verde. Liam Williams and Jade Churchill experienced symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, and fatigue, and had to wait over an hour for basic supplies like toilet paper. Liam later had to seek medical treatment back in the UK, and the couple is now part of a group of over 1,400 claimants who have started legal action after their disastrous holiday.
The quality of food and hygiene at the resort was a major concern for the couple, with food being visibly reheated and served multiple times, as well as left out uncovered for extended periods. The resort appeared to be running low on supplies at times, contributing to the couple’s discomfort. Jatinder Paul from legal firm Irwin Mitchell expressed concern over the high number of tourists falling ill in Cape Verde, with over 1,400 cases reported. Symptoms of food poisoning can have serious long-term health consequences, particularly in cases involving infections like E.coli.
Robert Conners, another tourist who fell seriously ill at the Riu Funana resort in Cape Verde, experienced severe symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and a rash all over his body. He was eventually hospitalized for two days and diagnosed with shigella and E.coli, requiring strong antibiotics for treatment. Robert had to take three weeks off work and continues to struggle physically, emotionally, and financially due to his illness. He recalls unsanitary conditions at the resort, such as uncovered food at the buffet and undercooked meats.
TUI, the travel company behind the resorts where the incidents occurred, has been contacted for comment on the situation. The affected tourists, including Liam, Jade, and Robert, have taken legal action in response to their illness during their Cape Verde holidays. The high number of cases of food poisoning at supposedly high-quality resorts is alarming and raises questions about health and safety standards in the tourism industry. Tourists are advised to be cautious and diligent about food and hygiene practices while traveling to avoid falling ill during their trips.
The experiences of these tourists highlight the risks associated with food poisoning and poor hygiene practices while on holiday. Falling seriously ill during a trip not only ruins the vacation but can also have long-lasting effects on health and well-being. The emotional, physical, and financial toll of such illnesses can be significant, as seen in the cases of Liam, Jade, and Robert. It is essential for travelers to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves while abroad, including being vigilant about food safety and hygiene standards.
The case of the honeymooning couple and other affected tourists in Cape Verde serves as a reminder of the importance of health and safety standards in the tourism industry. The incidents raise concerns about the quality of food and hygiene practices at all-inclusive resorts, particularly in popular holiday destinations. Companies like TUI, which operate these resorts, have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of their guests and uphold high standards of cleanliness and food safety. Legal action taken by the affected tourists highlights the need for accountability and transparency in the travel sector to prevent similar incidents in the future.
