Nearly 1,700 British tourists are suing TUI after falling seriously ill during holidays in Cape Verde, with reports linking eight deaths to severe stomach infections. Allegations include unsafe food handling and poor hygiene at resort hotels, while TUI and RIU deny responsibility and maintain strict health standards.
For many British holidaymakers, the island nation of Cape Verde has long been marketed as a slice of paradise—an idyllic Atlantic escape boasting year-round sunshine, pristine white-sand beaches, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. But for hundreds of travelers, what was meant to be a dream holiday has apparently turned into a nightmare.
Close to 1,700 British tourists are now pursuing legal action against TUI Group, claiming they fell seriously ill while vacationing in the West African archipelago. The lawsuits mark one of the largest coordinated legal actions of its kind involving UK holidaymakers abroad.
Allegations of Widespread Illness
According to lawyers representing the claimants, travelers reported a range of serious gastrointestinal illnesses during or after their stays in Cape Verde. These include infections caused by Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella bacteria, as well as various parasitic diseases.
Many affected tourists describe symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and long-term health complications. Some claim their illnesses persisted well beyond their return to the United Kingdom, significantly affecting their quality of life.
Legal representatives further allege they have gathered evidence pointing to poor hygiene practices and unsafe food preparation at hotels used by TUI’s package holiday operations.
Epidemiological update: Shigellosis and other gastrointestinal infections in travelers returning from Cabo Verde
As of March 2026, over 1 000 confirmed and possible cases of shigellosis and other gastrointestinal infections, including salmonellosis, have been detected in travelers returning from Cabo Verde to several countries in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA), the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US), with new cases still being reported.
Eight Deaths Linked to Outbreaks
Most concerning are reports that eight individuals may have died after contracting severe stomach infections during their holidays. While investigations into these deaths are ongoing, the cases have intensified scrutiny of health and safety standards at resorts frequented by international tourists.
TUI Denies Liability
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TUI, one of Europe’s largest tour operators, has strongly denied responsibility for the illnesses. The company states it takes customer safety seriously and insists it provides appropriate support to any guests who fall ill while traveling.
In a statement, the company emphasized that millions of customers have traveled safely with TUI to Cape Verde in recent years, underscoring what it describes as a strong overall safety record.
Hotel Operator Responds
RIU Hotels & Resorts, one of the प्रमुख hotel partners operating in Cape Verde, has also rejected claims of substandard conditions. The company maintains that its properties adhere to “the strictest international health and hygiene standards,” and says it conducts regular inspections and staff training to ensure compliance.
Growing Legal Battle
The scale of the legal action reflects growing concern among British tourists over food safety and hygiene standards at popular all-inclusive destinations. The case could have significant implications for the travel industry, particularly regarding accountability between tour operators and their hotel partners.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue as investigators examine medical records, hotel conditions, and supply chains linked to the alleged outbreaks.
A Destination Under Pressure
Cape Verde remains a popular destination for European tourists, with its tourism sector playing a vital role in the country’s economy. However, the controversy could impact traveler confidence if concerns about health and safety are not adequately addressed.
As the case unfolds, both travelers and industry stakeholders will be watching closely—balancing the allure of a tropical getaway against the critical importance of safety and hygiene standards.