Woman’s 16-week protest outside TUI store after ‘worst holiday’

Judith Weelands, from Farsley in West Yorkshire, has been demonstrating outside a TUI branch after raising concerns about a £2,872 holiday to the Melia Dunas resort in Cape Verde.

TUI said it “thoroughly investigated” her complaints following her return from the trip and offered compensation, which it says was accepted in April.

‘Worst holiday in 55 years’

Mrs Weelands and her husband returned to the resort in January after previously visiting eight years ago.

She said: “We went to the Melia Dunas eight years ago and had the best holiday of a lifetime, so we decided to go back in January. Unfortunately, it turned out to be the worst holiday in 55 years.

Farsley resident Judith Weelands outside a TUI store during her ongoing protest. (Image: T&A)

“It was advertised as a five-star hotel and in our opinion it simply wasn’t five-star.”

She said concerns were raised with both hotel management and TUI representatives during the holiday.

Concerns over illness

Among the complaints raised by Mrs Weelands were concerns about illness among guests at the resort.

She said: “I caught the virus while we were there and it wasn’t just a normal upset stomach. It was horrendous, extremely painful and it lasted for the whole holiday and for around another two weeks after we got home.

“We had six friends on holiday with us and every single one of them ended up in bed with it.”

Mrs Weelands added that she was particularly concerned because her husband has existing health conditions.

TUI says complaint was investigated

A TUI UK&I spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to hear Ms Weelands was disappointed with parts of her holiday.

“Following her return, we thoroughly investigated the concerns she raised and offered compensation, which was accepted in April. The case was also independently reviewed through ABTA, who upheld our decision.

“We want every customer to have the best possible holiday experience and we are sorry that some aspects of Ms Weelands’ stay fell short of the high standards we aim to provide.”

Mrs Weelands, however, says the compensation offered did not adequately reflect the problems she experienced during the trip.

Complaints about standards

Mrs Weelands also criticised cleaning standards during the stay.

She said: “The cleaning was supposed to take place regularly, but there were times when it didn’t happen.

Farsley resident Judith Weelands outside a TUI store during her ongoing protest. (Image: T&A)

“It got to the point where I spent much of my holiday cleaning the room myself.”

Following the holiday, she pursued a complaint with TUI and said the company offered £290 compensation.

‘All I’ve ever wanted is to be treated fairly’

Despite the compensation offer and ABTA’s review, Mrs Weelands says she intends to continue protesting.

She said: “All I’ve ever wanted is to be treated fairly. We paid £2,872 for that holiday, even after discounts, and I don’t feel the compensation offered reflected what happened.

“The people of Leeds have been incredibly supportive. People stop to talk to me, take photographs and share my story because they believe customers should be treated properly.

“I’m quite happy to stand here for as long as it takes because I want people to know what happened to us and I don’t want anyone else to go through the same experience.”