Tourists Affected by Fire at Dominican Resort Assisted for Safe Return

Dominican authorities focused their efforts on assisting foreign tourists after a massive fire nearly destroyed a luxury resort in Bayahibe, located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. The fire, which occurred at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort, resulted in the evacuation of close to 1,700 tourists. Tragically, the blaze claimed the life of an Italian national, according to officials.

Hotel executive Amanda Santana stated, “Unfortunately, they lost their identity documents, including their passports.” In response, the hotel has coordinated with embassies and governments to aid these guests’ return to their home countries.

Management at the resort is collaborating with police authorities to streamline the process for guests to file necessary reports online. Those displaced have found temporary accommodations in nearby hotels situated in Punta Cana and Bayahibe. General Manuel Méndez, head of the Emergency Operations Center, remarked on ongoing investigations into the Italian woman’s death. Despite this incident, tourism activities in the region continued without interruption.

At the time of the incident, the resort was operating at approximately 84% occupancy. The Emergency Operations Center noted the fire spread quickly due to windy conditions and the thatched roofing of part of the resort.