Yahoo News Tourists cancel Devon holidays last minute over cryptosporidium outbreak
Hundreds of holidaymakers are cancelling their trips to Devon in a state of alarm due to an outbreak of a parasite which causes gastrointestinal sickness in the water supply. South Devon's Brixham has a number of hotels and guest houses to accommodate the influx of tourists during the summer, but they have been hit with a wave of last-minute cancellations following the outbreak.
At least 22 residents have confirmed they illness, with even more reporting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. The issue sparked South West Water (SWW) to issue a 'boil water' order, advising residents not to drink unboiled water until the issue is resolved.
This setback comes at a particularly bad time for Brixham's crucial tourist industry, which has already suffered from a slow start to the summer season due to poor weather and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
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The Mirror reports a manager at Brookside Guest House in Brixham expressed her frustration after a guest cancelled their booking yesterday due to concerns for an elderly family member, and she is aware of at least two other hotels experiencing similar issues. She said: "It's very frustrating, businesses are just getting back on their feet then something like this happens."
She added: "It's knocked people's confidence about coming down here. I have had a lot of people call and message asking if it is safe to come and I have assured them we have all the necessary precautions in place and plenty of bottled water. What is frustrating is South West Water saying it isn't a problem and then suddenly they have found it in the water. It's not helped people's confidence and they need to earn people's trust back."
The manager of Casa Nostra Italian restaurant, Clare, has expressed her concern over the plummeting bookings as holidaymakers opt to stay home due to the ongoing crisis. She said: "I was near enough fully booked. We trade three days a week. So many have cancelled. I've only got a table of five left. I'm sat here dreading the cancellations coming in."
She further added: "Roughly lost a grand, grand a half a night. When you're getting billed £2k for electricity a month, it's worrying. No one has approached any businesses or said has this affected you. I know it has. I am really worried, like I said, we are not a chain, we are not supported by anyone else. There is no support from anyone. Just myself, my husband and my son. I am dreading it."
Clare also mentioned the water issues, saying: "They're basically saying because of the water. South West water do not wash your hands, do not wash your face, there's not going to be any free tap water available. Our dishes are washed and put through the dishwasher."
The CEO of SWW, Susan Davy, issued a statement last night apologising, adding the company had "fallen significantly short" of expectations. Compensation has been offered to those affected, but South West Water has yet to confirm the cause of the outbreak, or issue an update on when the 'boil water' order will be lifted.
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