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Tui settles Legionnaires' disease claim with British holidaymaker

Apr 16, 2026, 7:07 AM10
(Update: Apr 16, 2026, 7:07 AM)
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Tui settles Legionnaires' disease claim with British holidaymaker

  • Gary Cushnie contracted Legionnaires' disease while vacationing in Cuba in June 2022.
  • Tui settled an out-of-court agreement with Cushnie, acknowledging no liability for the incident.
  • The case underscores the importance of maintaining hygiene standards in hotels to protect guests.
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In June 2022, Gary Cushnie, a British holidaymaker from East Yorkshire, contracted Legionnaires' disease while staying at a hotel in Havana, Cuba. He became ill six days into his vacation with his partner Julie and was hospitalized upon returning to the UK. According to Cushnie, he experienced symptoms shortly after using a shower that initially coughed and spluttered. During the remainder of his trip, he was unable to enjoy his partner's birthday celebrations and spent considerable time lying on a sunbed due to illness. Cushnie's illness prompted his legal representation to pursue a claim against Tui, alleging that the source of his infection was linked to inadequate hygiene standards at the Iberostar Grand Packard hotel. Anne Thomson, a representative from Hudgell's law firm, argued that Tui failed to ensure guests' safety and hygiene at the hotel, which significantly increased their risk of Legionella infection. Despite being one of seven couples who traveled to the hotel on the same flight, Cushnie was the only one affected, an issue likely tied to the hotel's specific fourth-floor accommodations, which had recently been renovated. After his hospitalization, Tui confirmed reaching an out-of-court settlement with Cushnie without admitting liability for the incident. The company expressed regret for his illness, acknowledging the distress it caused. They also noted that they no longer operate in Cuba and lacked sufficient evidence to address the case thoroughly in court. Cushnie emphasized that his motivations were not financially driven but rather focused on holding Tui accountable for their failure to protect their customers. Legionnaires' disease is typically contracted through contaminated water sources, particularly when showering or using toilet facilities. Initial symptoms often resemble those of the flu. Although most individuals recover fully, returning to normal energy levels can take weeks. This case highlights the critical importance of hygiene standards in hotels and the obligations of holiday providers to ensure the safety of their guests.

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