A couple who posted a glowing review on TripAdvisor and then claimed to be ill on the same Tui holiday ten months later have been found fundamentally dishonest in court.
Tanya and Kieran Tuson, both 36 and of Andover, had stayed all-inclusive at Jaz Mirabel Park Hotel in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, in August 2015.
They made no reports of issues or illness at the time.
Tui says the first it heard of the complaint was ten months after the couple returned home, when the couple claimed issued a letter of claim which included allegations of poor food and hygiene at the hotel, that food wasn’t cooked properly and not offered at the correct temperature.
They included medical evidence from two doctors: Dr Lieberman and Dr Brittain-Dissont before issuing court proceedings in pursuit of damages from the operator.
The Tusons claimed they suffered distress, embarrassment and anxiety as a result of the illness.
But in a TripAdvisor review unearthed by Tui, Mrs Tuson had made no reference to the alleged illness that she claimed had ruined the family holiday. In fact, her review said they had an “amazing time” and recommended the hotel to others. This was used against the couple as evidence in Winchester County Court.
After being found to be fundamentally dishonest, the Tusons were ordered to pay £7,500.
Andrew Flintham, Managing Director at TUI UK & Ireland said: “The court has found that Mr and Mrs Tuson have brought a claim that is fundamentally dishonest and they have been made to pay because of it.
“The fight continues as we are still seeing fake sickness claims served against us. We simply will not pay compensation claims of this nature and we will bring all similar cases to a court hearing.
“We hope that this sends out a clear message to anyone else considering making a fraudulent sickness claim. We will continue to work tirelessly to defend our industry and hotel partners. We have a duty of care to protect honest holidaymakers.”
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