However during the same period, reported sickness levels in resorts have remained stable. "It's just going to reduce the choice in terms of destinations and the type of holiday.' Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said the fraud is 'one of the biggest issues that has hit the travel industry for many years". "Holidaymakers pursuing fake or exaggerated claims risk ending up in jail either in the United Kingdom or overseas".
Brits could be banned from going on all-inclusive holidays overseas unless they stop making fake food poisoning claims, tour operators have warned.
ABTA has this week sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Justice calling for action to be taken and it has launched a Stop Sickness Scams campaign to tackle the growing issue.
Yesterday Nick Longman, managing director of Tui - the parent company of Thomson and First Choice - said the flood of dodgy compensation claims from the United Kingdom had become "totally embarrassing".
Average claims are for around £2,000, says the Telegraph, but they can go as high a £5,000.
It says laws created to stop fraudulent claims for whiplash have instead pushed the problem of false insurance submissions on to overseas holidays instead.
It argues recent laws aimed at curbing fraudulent whiplash claims by capping legal fees has pushed CMCs towards the travel industry, as the legislation does not apply to incidents overseas.
Thomas Cook boss Chris Mottershead said of the apparent scamming that: "It's a very serious situation because it has the effect of stopping all-inclusive holidays for the United Kingdom market".
Flint airport stabbing suspect tried to buy gun in US, FBI says
Alleged stabber, Amor Ftouhi , used a 12-inch, serrated "Amazon Survival Jungle" knife in the attack that wounded Neville. Canadian and USA authorities are conducting a joint investigation into the stabbing, which left police Lt.
"It has the potential of putting hoteliers out of business". A Greek hotel is now pursuing a counter-claim for £170,000 against a British couple where they have evidence showing the couple have submitted a fraudulent claim.
Mr Brandon-Bravo added that he felt people who were trying to cheat the system were not aware of the consequences if they were caught.
"They tried to withdraw their claim but they are seriously anxious they could lose their house".
A huge surge in false illness claims made by greedy tourists being spurred on by claims sharks has seen holiday companies pay out thousands.
The Foreign Office has also advised tourists against making any fraudulent claims.
The problem particularly affects all-inclusive resorts because the claimants can insist that they did not eat anywhere else.
"You should only consider pursuing a complaint or claim if you have genuinely suffered from injury or illness".
It wants to work with the travel industry to ensure genuine claims are dealt with effectively.
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