Portugal’s combination of sandy beaches, amazing scenery and world-class golf courses has kept ensured its huge popularity among holidaymakers for decades. The country also features great weather, with around 300 days of sunshine a year. This sounds like the perfect place to experience a well earned holiday, however it is an unfortunate fact that many visitors do not get to enjoy their time in Portugal due to avoidable holiday illness.
Although many travellers to Portugal expect to suffer from a short lived stomach bug, hygiene standards at Portuguese hotels have improved substantially thanks to European food regulations and investment in health and safety training. Health and safety initiatives from ABTA and their members has also raised standards in foreign hotels.
Despite this, Sickholiday.com still deals with many reports of illness and poor standards. Food poisoning is the most common form of illness claimed for by visitors to Portugal. Many hotels leave food uncovered and open to pests such as insects or birds. The food served at many resorts has also been found to be undercooked or re-heated leading to serious infections.
Whilst staying in Portugal it is important to follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of food poisoning and other holiday illnesses:
- Avoid foods not prepared hygienically.
- Avoid food not stored at the correct temperature.
- Frequently use an alcohol-based hand gel.
- Avoid salads and any uncooked fruits and vegetables (these may have been handled unhygienically)
Although all holiday makers visiting Portugal are advised to drink only bottled water, poorly maintained swimming pools can also lead to serious stomach illness such as Gastroenteritis as a result of contracting Cryptosporidium.
It is your tour operators’ responsibility to make sure you are provided with a safe, clean and hygienic hotel.
If you have fallen ill whilst on an all-inclusive holiday to Portugal, get in touch with a member of our team on 01625 253 020.
We have over 10 years industry experience and we will be happy to help you through the process of claiming back the cost of your holiday plus any additional compensation you may be owed.
