Search for Doncaster holidaymakers who fell ill at Cuban resort as group lawsuit gets underway

Each of the claimants purchased an all-inclusive package and was taken ill after visiting the resort in 2022, they allege contaminated food and poor hygiene of the facilities as the cause.

Playa Vista Azul Resort is a 5* star resort, however, visitors reported sometimes seeing cockroaches on the food stations, green algae on occasion being present in the pool facilities.

At times poor food preparation was witnessed by holiday makers, and food was occasionally even served uncooked.

Any individuals that were taken ill with food poisoning symptoms after visiting the resort may have a claim against TUI.

There are several enquiries so far, and those who have been affected may be able to make a claim.

Claimants are working alongside national law firm Axiom DWFM to bring the claim, which is expected to become a group action litigation.

Emma Parkinson, bringing a claim against TUI, commented: “I was appalled by the conditions of Playa Vista Azul Resort, I visited the resort in June 2022 with my three children and we have all fallen seriously ill after spending 11 nights at the resort.

"There was sometimes an awful smell coming from the restaurant which I could only describe as rotting meat, I witnessed staff using the same cooking utensils for raw and cooked food on occasions as well as the pool being green.

"This has been a deeply distressing situation as our family holiday was ruined, and we want to hold TUI to account for this.”

Samantha Finch, who visited the resort in May 2022, has suffered in hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of Salmonella, commented: “I am still suffering with Salmonella since visiting this resort with the symptoms only getting worse.

"I attempted to make several complaints to TUI in relation to the poor hotel facilities, but no action has been taken.

"I believe TUI are responsible to ensure the resort does not operate in these conditions, and they should be held accountable.”

Suki Chhokar, Partner at Axiom DWFM and Head of the Public and International Health Department, commented: “Our clients will allege that TUI failed to take the steps necessary to monitor the resorts of the condition of their facilities, leading to consumers being infected with food poisoning.

"If you or a loved one have visited the resort and experienced symptoms of food poisoning, you may be eligible to join the claim to secure compensation.”

A spokesman for the Tui Group told the Free Press: “We are sorry to hear of these experiences at the Playa Vista Azul Resort in Cuba.

“We’d like to reassure customers that we regularly audit all of our hotels in respect to health and safety.

“As this is now a legal matter, we’re unable to comment further.”

Those that may have been impacted by the scandal can visit Axiom DWFM’s website to enquire about joining the claim: https://axiomdwfm.com/

For further information regarding the claim, please contact Suki Chhokar, Partner at Axiom DWFM: [email protected]

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Dominic Brown, editor.