Family suing TUI over ‘nightmare’ five-star inclusive holiday where staff told them ‘eat only bananas’

A Bristol family is taking legal action against Tui after falling ill on what was supposed to be a dream family getaway to Egypt. Julie Guest, from Patchway, and her family travelled to the North African country in August 2019 but, three years on, continue to suffer gastric illness.

Social worker Julie, aged 58, her husband Naeem Iqbal, 60, and daughter Roxanna all fell ill during the holiday at the five-star Jaz Bluemarine Hotel, in Hurghada. They were among 16 holidaymakers to have suffered illness at the resort between February and August 2019, say legal firm Irwin Mitchell.

Four of which required medical attention from the on-site doctor with two admitted to the hotel’s medical centre for intravenous medication. The 12 others self-medicated on the advice of the pharmacist.

The problems started for Julie’s family when Naeem, a lab technician, fell ill. He suffered diarrhoea, abdominal pains, vomiting, nausea, fever and sweating. Both he and Julie visited the local pharmacy in Egypt and also spoke with the hotel doctor.

Their youngest daughter Roxanna was also taken to the see the doctor at the hotel clinic and was administered antibiotics and anti-diarrhoeal medication from the pharmacy. Julie contacted their GP surgery regarding Roxanna’s symptoms following their return home.

Almost three years on, they all continue to experience gastric symptoms and abdominal discomfort.

Julie has now instructed Irwin Mitchell to issue court proceedings against TUI. She said: “Our once-a-year family holiday, which we were so excited about and had spent all year saving for, was completely ruined by illness. During our stay, we saw so many ill guests at the hotel; some were so unwell they had to be taken to hospital.

“We approached the staff for help, but felt they were very dismissive and we were advised to eat only bananas, which really wasn’t helpful when you’ve paid for an all-inclusive holiday. We remember the buffet food was lukewarm, and fresh food was added on top of the previous food.

“To this day, we’re all still suffering. We had never visited Egypt before this holiday, and sadly after this experience we don’t ever wish to return. All we want now are some answers; it’s the least we deserve.”

Tui has told Bristol World it regularly inspects all of its ‘hotels in respect to health and safety, including hygiene’.

A spokesperson said: “We are sorry to hear of these experiences at the Jaz Bluemarine Hotel. As this is now a legal matter, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

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