Nearly 2,000 British holidaymakers have joined a coordinated legal action against TUI, Europe’s largest tour operator, after falling ill during trips to Cape Verde in what lawyers describe as one of the largest mass illness claims against a travel company in recent years. The claims, led by Irwin Mitchell, target TUI over alleged failures to ensure safe conditions at its holiday resorts, with lawyers warning they will pursue cases to trial if a settlement is not reached.
The legal action follows reports of widespread illness among guests at TUI’s luxury Riu Palace Santa Maria hotel, where hundreds of visitors—including at least eight fatalities—have reported severe stomach bugs since 2022. Lawyers representing the claimants allege that TUI’s management of the resort fell below expected safety standards, exposing holidaymakers to preventable health risks. The claims, which include compensation demands exceeding £5 million, have been filed in the UK High Court, with proceedings already underway to investigate the circumstances of the outbreaks.
Jatinder Paul, a partner at Irwin Mitchell, stated in a recent interview that the firm had received reports of illness from claimants as recently as two weeks ago, indicating that the problem persists. “We have been contacted by hundreds of people who suffered severe and prolonged illness after visiting Cape Verde on TUI holidays,” Paul said. “Our clients include individuals who are still battling long-term health issues, and we are determined to hold TUI accountable for any negligence.”
TUI has not yet publicly commented on the legal action, but the company’s financial outlook has been affected by broader challenges in the travel industry. Earlier this month, TUI revised its profit forecast downward, citing rising operational costs—including a £35 million loss in March attributed to the Iran conflict—and uncertainty over fuel prices. The legal claims add another layer of financial and reputational risk for the company, which has transported over one million holidaymakers to Cape Verde since 2022.
Legal experts note that the case could set a precedent for how tour operators are held liable for health and safety failures abroad. Under UK law, holidaymakers can pursue claims against tour operators if they can demonstrate negligence or a breach of duty of care. The outcome of these proceedings may influence future travel insurance policies and the standards expected of tour operators in managing health risks at overseas destinations.
The High Court is expected to review the claims in the coming months, with lawyers indicating that they are prepared to take the case to trial if necessary. No further details have been released on the specific health conditions reported by claimants, though media accounts describe symptoms ranging from severe gastrointestinal distress to long-term complications.
