Derby pair Leon Roberts and partner Jade Muzoka said they fell ill with food poisoning while staying at a spa resort in the coastal town of Belek in July 2015, a court heard, but later plastered pictures of their luxury trip on Facebook.
On Monday (March 5), the couple, who have reportedly since separated, were spared immediate jail sentences after they each last month admitted a charge of fraud. It is understood the claim could potentially have cost Tui £50,000.
Now Tui has warned despite Roberts and Muzoka halting their claim before money was paid out, the operator would not hesitate to bring similar cases to court.
A Tui spokesman said: “Today’s outcome is another clear warning of the risks of making an exaggerated sickness claim and the judge was very clear in his view on this type of behaviour.
"Leon Roberts and Jade Muzoka now have a criminal record which will have a significant impact on their future.
"And it may not be the end of the story for them yet as the hotel where they stayed may well be considering bringing further action in Turkey.
"Anyone making a claim against Tui should understand that we do not pay compensation in claims of this nature. We will bring all similar cases to a court hearing.”
Tui’s stance has been backed by Abta, whose chief executive Mark Tanzer said action needed to be taken to prevent false claims being made in the first place.
“Today’s sentencing sends out the clearest possible message that the courts take a very dim view of anyone submitting a fraudulent holiday sickness claim,” he said.
"There has been a huge rise in these types of fraudulent claims, which are costing hotels and travel companies tens of millions of pounds. Anyone tempted to submit such a claim must now realise that they run the risk of a criminal record and prison sentence.
"Action does need to be taken to put an end to false claims being made in the first place.
"The government must make good on its promise to bring overseas personal injury and sickness claims into the fixed legal cost regime – which will cap the exorbitant fees many solicitors are charging on the back of false sickness claims – in time for this year’s holiday season."
According to the Daily Mail, citing the Press Association, Roberts and Muzoka were each sentenced to 26 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months. They were also both ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work and pay £1,115 court costs, including a victim surcharge.
