United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Thomas Cook faces legal action over ‘hell hole’ hotel
More than 15 British holidaymakers are taking legal action against four travel companies after a ‘hellish’ holiday in Egypt earlier this year.
Legal proceedings have already been started against Thomas Cook, Directline Holidays, Lowcostbeds.com and Ramsey Travel.
Investigations are also underway with regard to claims against three other companies.
According to law firm Irwin Mitchell, the holidaymakers described the five-star Egyptian hotel they travelled to as an “insect-infested hell hole”.
Travel litigation experts are now investigating the holidaymakers’ claims that the under-cooked food provided at the all-inclusive Hauza Beach Hotel has left them with serious gastric problems.
David Harle, from the north east, says his £2,000 all-inclusive trip in June this year was ruined when he and his wife Judith fell ill with severe stomach problems.
He is now taking legal action against tour operator Thomas Cook.
Suki Chhokar, a partner at Irwin Mitchell, said: “We have received enquiries from more than a dozen other holidaymakers who travelled with several different travel companies and whose stories are similar to Mr Harle’s. It is simply unacceptable. Why is it that the health and welfare of British tourists is put at risk time and again?
“We can’t stress enough how important it is for travel companies and hotels to take the health and safety of their guests seriously. People look forward to their holidays and it is time they can never get back.
“We have now started legal action against three different travel companies on behalf of a number our clients and we would urge these companies to accept liability quickly so that our clients can put this ordeal behind them.”
A Thomas Cook UK & Ireland spokesperson said: “We take all reports of illness very seriously so we were very concerned to hear that Mr and Mrs Harle became unwell whilst they were on holiday.
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights