Holidaymakers to Receive Compensation for Illness

A couple whose honeymoon was ruined after the husband was struck down by salmonella and amoebic dysentery have won compensation from the tour operator.

Francis and Beverley Mayes, 49 and 43, were holidaying at the Gran Bahia Principe Hotel, a five-star hotel in the Dominican Republic. Mr Mayes, however, fell ill during their stay and the couple had to delay their return by a week while he was recovering in hospital.

He continued to suffer from the after-effects of the infection for some time after the couple had returned home. Months later, he was still losing weight and was frequently exhausted. The couple soon discovered that he was not the only guest at the hotel to have fallen ill and they decided to make a claim for compensation.

Under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992, tour operators can be held responsible in certain circumstances for injuries sustained by customers whilst on a package holiday. In this case, the tour operator accepted liability and the Mayes are likely to receive a substantial amount in compensation. Nine other individuals are also reported to be claiming compensation after they became ill while staying at the same hotel.