Law firm reveals 1,400 tourists represented over illness at Cape Verde hotels

Law firm Irwin Mitchell says it has been instructed by more holidaymakers following reported illness at hotels in Cape Verde.

It is the third time in three years holidaymakers staying at the Riu Palace Boavista on the island of Sal have complained about “serious bacterial infections”, according to the firm.

Specialist serious injury lawyers have taken on 12 new cases and now represent more than 1,400 clients who have fallen ill at several hotels across Cape Verde over the last three years.

Irwin Mitchell last week said it had been instructed by the 12 tourists who booked holidays at the Riu Palace Boavista with Tui.

Specialist International serious injury lawyer Jennifer Hodgson said: “Our clients understandably have many questions over how they were so ill from debilitating symptoms and how British holidaymakers continue to be sent to the same resorts when lessons from past outbreaks don’t appear to have been learned. 

“Steps need to be taken to reduce the health risk to other holidaymakers going forward. As part of our own investigations, we would be interested in hearing from anyone else who stayed at the hotel at the same time as this group.”

A Tui UK & Ireland spokesperson said: “Our priority is to ensure customers have the best possible holiday experience, which is why we were very sorry to hear that these customers were ill during their holiday to Cape Verde.

“As this is now a legal matter, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

A Riu spokesperson said: “For Riu Hotels & Resorts, the health and safety of our guests is our highest priority. That is why we adhere to strict health and safety protocols and comply with all applicable regulations. Additionally, we work closely with local health authorities to ensure a safe environment for both our guests and employees. As part of our proactive approach to preventing health issues, we conduct thorough internal and external audits on a regular basis.

“Our hotels in Cape Verde, which consist of six properties with a total of 4,650 rooms, maintain an average occupancy rate of over 80%. Given this high level of activity, we continuously monitor our operations to uphold the highest health and safety standards.”