More than 1700 individuals have joined a lawsuit against the British travel company TUI, after they suffered from illnesses during their holidays in the Cape Verde islands. Lawyers from Irwin Mitchell, who are leading the case, confirmed that they have received communications from people who fell ill as recently as two weeks ago.
Reports indicate that at least eight Britons have died following their holidays in Cape Verde in recent years. Last February, British health authorities warned tourists against traveling to the West African archipelago after reports of an outbreak of gastrointestinal diseases.
Details of the Incident
TUI, which has transported over one million tourists to Cape Verde since 2022, confirmed that it is investigating these allegations, but has not yet been able to provide an official statement. The company noted that it is still awaiting the full health report on Cape Verde, which has not yet been published.
Lawyer Jatinder Paul from Irwin Mitchell stated that this case is the largest he has encountered in his career, pointing to the high number of fatalities resulting from the illnesses. He confirmed that they are seeking substantial financial compensation for their clients if the matter is not resolved amicably.
Background & Context
Cape Verde is a popular tourist destination known for its golden beaches and warm weather year-round. However, reports of outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigella, as well as parasitic infections like cryptosporidium, raise concerns among tourists.
Since October 2025, the UK Health Security Agency has recorded 112 cases linked to shigella and 43 cases linked to salmonella, indicating a serious health issue that requires urgent attention.
Impact & Consequences
The implications of this case extend beyond legal dimensions, raising significant concerns about health and safety standards in hotels and tourist resorts in Cape Verde. Lawyers are gathering evidence of issues in some hotels, including poorly cooked food and unsanitary conditions.
This situation necessitates urgent action from British health authorities to protect tourists and ensure their safety, especially since many of the victims were families and children.
Regional Significance
This case highlights the importance of health and safety standards in the tourism sector, which could impact Arab tourists wishing to visit Cape Verde or similar areas. Arab countries must take these incidents into account to ensure the safety of their citizens.
In conclusion, this case underscores the need for improved health and safety standards in the tourism sector, ensuring that tourists are protected from potential health risks.