Turkey tops holiday shame league

Sheffield-based law firm Irwin Mitchell compiled the list based on new cases taken on during 2009, with Turkey topping the five-place chart.

It was at the root of 41 per cent of complaints taken on by solicitors, with cruises in what the firm described as a "surprise new entry" at number two.

Holidays on board ship made up 19 per cent of the complaints received last year, following what lawyers said was a "spate of widespread illness" on liners.

The third-worst destination for holiday sickness was Egypt with 15 per cent of complaints, fourth was Spain with six per cent and fifth the Dominican Republic with four per cent.

Clive Garner of the firm's international travel team said the Caribbean nation was a re-entry to the top five after it took sixth position in last year's list of holiday hell.

He added: "It's a cyclical thing, which can partly be attributed to holiday trends, for example a sudden rise in popularity of a particular destination, compared with previous years.

"However, it can also be a sign that standards may be slipping and adequate action is not being taken to address the problems in resort. What links most of these illness complaints is basic lack of hotel hygiene.

One particular destination in Turkey, The Holiday Village resort, was responsible for almost 75 per cent of complaints.