A no-win, no-fee law firm has launched a social media campaign to highlight consumer protection for holidaymakers after securing an out-of-court settlement for a TUI customer caught in a hotel fire.
Manchester-based Slater and Gordon said its client, Tony Brewer, is supporting the campaign, which encourages others to seek legal action when injured or affected by a serious incident if something goes wrong with their package holiday.
Tony and his partner Emma were staying at the four-star Leonardo Laura Beach and Splash Resort in Paphos, Cyprus, in September 2022 when a fire broke out in a plant room at the hotel.
Tony, who had gone back to his bedroom for a nap, says he woke to find it filled with smoke. He claims no fire alarm sounded to alert guests after the system had allegedly been disabled following two false fire alarms the previous day. He claims other fire safety measures were not in place.
Tony, who had booked the holiday via TUI, said he suffered from smoke inhalation, leading to ‘on-going respiratory issues and trauma’.
Slater and Gordon, which describes itself as ‘award-winning holiday compensation solicitors’ said it secured a legal settlement for an undisclosed amount from TUI in March 2026. TUI did not accept liability and dealt with the claim on a ‘without prejudice’ basis. The operator denied that the hotel fire alarm did not go off.
Slater and Gordon said Mr Brewer is backing its campaign to ‘encourage holidaymakers to understand their travel rights and raise awareness that they are not powerless if they are injured or put at risk when things go wrong overseas’.
Practice Development Leader Stephen Goodman said: “This case highlighted the potentially devastating consequences when appropriate safety measures are not in place and a shocking failure of basic duty of care.
“Many people assume that when they travel abroad, they have little or no legal protection if something goes wrong.
“However, it is important they know their rights and when consumers book a package holiday with an established brand, they are legally protected under UK law if the accommodation fails to meet safety standards and may be able to bring a claim in the UK if they suffer injury or are affected by serious safety failings overseas.
“Tour operators cannot simply brush these incidents under the carpet or stall claimants in the hope they will give up.
“We are pleased to have secured justice for Mr Brewer. I encourage anyone who has suffered an injury or affected by a serious incident while on a package holiday to gather evidence immediately and seek specialist, independent legal advice as soon as possible.”
When contacted by Travel Gossip, TUI declined to comment, saying only: “As this relates to a legal case, we’re unable to comment further and do not provide details of individual claims or settlements.”
