Thomas Cook to compensate guests taken ill

Thomas Cook has admitted liability and agreed to pay damages to over 450 guests who became ill while staying at the Bahia Principe Resort in the Dominican Republic in 2007.

This admission of liability from is likely to result in the payment of millions of pounds in damages by Thomas Cook to the British holidaymakers who travelled to the Dominican Republic last August.

In all, more than 1000 people who visited the same Dominican Republic resort hotel are taking legal action against a number of tour operators.

Many of the guests contracted salmonella, campylobacter, shigella or giardia. Local medical clinic staff and facilities were overwhelmed by the number of tourists in need of emergency treatment.

Guest complaints included poor hygiene in the hotel rooms and undercooked food served in the hotel restaurant.

Suki Chhokar, a partner in the law firm Irwin Michell, stated: “The continuing history of problems at the Bahia Principe hotel is among the very worst that we are aware of. The scale of illness suffered, and the number of guests suffering long term health problems, means that tour operators should have done more to ensure the safety of guests.”

A spokesperson from Thomas Cook said: “Unfortunately thorough investigations failed to determine the cause of the illness outbreak at the Bahia Principe Resort in August 2007.

“However, those customers who were affected have been informed that we will work with them to agree fair compensation. We truly believe that this positive action will be welcomed, and that it demonstrates our continued commitment to offering the best possible service to our customers.”