Moved hotels at own expense due to wildfires - can I reclaim?

mlb71

Myself and a friend were staying in Puerto de la Cruz during the recent wildfires. Whilst we were not directly impacted by the wildfires themselves, there was smoke in the air and ash all around the grounds of the hotel by the Saturday. 

We enquired about the possibility of moving to a different hotel further south, however TUI claimed that they were monitoring the situation and that we were safe at that time. I appreciate that the fires were a fair way away (visible from our hotel but not near enough to cause a direct threat thankfully), but was more concerned by the air quality. TUI later sent out a health warning stating that we should stay indoors and wear an FFP2 mask when going outside, but still maintained that they wouldn't move us and that we were safe. According to weather apps, the air quality was deemed hazardous. 

Based on the air quality, we decided to move hotels at our own expense which has left us out of pocket. I have contacted TUI who are unwilling to help as they deemed us to be safe/not needing to be moved. I've also contacted my travel insurance and am awaiting a response. 

Does anyone have any advice? Is there any possibility of getting some of our money refunded? 

Caz3121

were other guests moved from the hotel? did you speak to your insurance company to enquire before moving? 

Westin

TUI would be following guidance from the Island Council of Tenerife and other local authorities. 

It sounds like this was your choice and your decision- therefore costs likely to be something you would absorb.

TELLIT01

If any of your party had respiratory issues, and that had been accepted by the insurer, you may be able to claim off the insurance.  However, if that is the case, the insurer should have been contacted before you made the move.  Overall I suspect the chances of getting anything are pretty remote.