Search For Answers Begins After Nightmare Holidays In Turkey

By Rob Dixon

Over 50 holidaymakers affected by the widely-reported problems of illness at Sentido Perissia Hotel in Side, Turkey have instructed specialist illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help seek compensation for their ordeals.

Experts in the firm’s illness abroad team have now been contacted and have heard first-hand the issues which people who visited the five-star resort in recent weeks have faced. Reports include accounts of Tour Representatives being unhelpful and advising that the illness holidaymakers experienced was caused by over exposure to the sun. Some holidaymakers have required hospital treatment whilst on holiday and have continued to suffer from symptoms on their return.           

According to reports, Thomas Cook has sent a hygiene consultant to assess and review the problems at the hotel, while new arrivals have been transferred to alternative accommodation as enquiries into the illness continue.

Illness Claims Expert Talks About Reported Problems At The Sentido Perissia

Suki Chhokar, a Partner and expert in illness claims at Irwin Mitchell, is part of a specialist team who have helped thousands of holidaymakers affected by outbreaks in the UK and abroad gain justice and answers over the problems they have endured.

He said: “Following our initial concerns regarding reports of problems at the Sentido Perissia, we have now heard first-hand from holidaymakers regarding their experiences at the hotel. While Thomas Cook is continuing its own investigations into this outbreak, we are also now beginning our enquiries into what people visiting the hotel have faced.

“It goes without saying that holidaymakers heading to a five-star resort would expect a luxurious and relaxing break, so many people will now be desperate for answers as to why their dream breaks have been ruined.

“The long-term health problems which can emerge as a result of falling victim to illness outbreaks on holidays cannot be underestimated, and resorts and Tour Operators have a responsibility to keep their customers safe. We are determined to get to the bottom of these problems for our clients and ensure they get both the answers and the justice they deserve.”

Holidaymaker Describes Holiday At Turkish Hotel As "A Disaster"

Among those who have contacted Irwin Mitchell for help is Stephen Cannon, from Sandhurst in Berkshire. The 44-year-old stayed at the hotel for ten days from August 10th with his wife Chloe and two daughters Isabel and Olivia.

He began to suffer illness problems, including abdominal pains and diarrhoea, early in the holiday and has continued to suffer since his return to the UK on August 21st.

He outlined: “The holiday was a disaster. I was just so ill for almost the whole time I was there and it has totally ruined our family holiday. In my opinion the restaurants were nowhere near as clean as they could have been and some of the food was poor.

“There were flies flying around some of the food which was left uncovered and some of the hot food was only just lukewarm. There were meatballs served raw in the middle and other meat didn’t seem to be cooked properly.

“We saved up for a whole year for a family holiday and it has been ruined for our family and a lot of other families who were also suffering from illness. The tour reps were also very unhelpful and seemed to be trying to say we had all had too much sun!”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Illness Abroad Claims