LA ALTAGRACIA, D.R. — The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe on the D.R.’s southeastern coast is closed indefinitely after a fire ripped through the resort.

The blaze forced the evacuation of some 1,690 guests and caused the death of a 46-year old mother of two, Francesca Valentino, from Italy.

Over the weekend Dominican authorities were working to ensure that guests could return to their home countries. “Unfortunately, they lost their identity documents, including their passports,” said hotel executive Amanda Santana. “We have been coordinating with the embassies and governments of those countries to facilitate the entry of those guests.”

Guests have been relocated to hotels in Punta Cana and Bayahibe. At the time of the fire, the hotel was operating at 84% occupancy.

The D.R.’s Emergency Operations Center said it appeared the fire spread rapidly due to wind and because part of the resort’s roof was made of thatch. Nine guests were injured, with three transported to area hospitals, and six treated on scene, according to CBS.

MITUR STATEMENT

A statement from the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic (MITUR) said Dominican authorities and the hotel team immediately activated emergency protocols when the fire broke out. “Thanks to the rapid implementation of established protocols, an orderly, effective and safe evacuation was carried out, with the protection and well-being of all individuals remaining the top priority throughout the process.”

MITUR said emergency response agencies and tourism authorities continue to support relocated guests.

“From the very beginning, emergency response mechanisms were activated to protect human lives. Effective coordination among authorities, emergency responders and hotel staff made it possible to safely evacuate 1,690 people, demonstrating the Dominican Republic’s preparedness and response capabilities in situations of this nature,” said Juan Manuel Méndez, Director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE).

VIVA DOMINICUS PALACE NOT DAMAGED

Neighbouring Viva Dominicus Palace by Wyndham was not damaged. A company spokesperson told CBS: “At this time we are actively gathering the facts regarding the incident and coordinating with the appropriate authorities and on-site teams.”

A resort guest praised the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham’s staff, calling their heroic efforts ‘superhuman,’ according to MSN, which also noted the case may bring scrutiny to the D.R. hospitality sector’s fire safety standards.

TOUR OPERATOR UPDATES

Travelweek reached out to tour operators for updates.

“Sunwing Vacations, WestJet Vacations Québec and WestJet Vacations are aware of the fire incident at Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham. We understand the fire has been extinguished and the affected area has been secured, and that all impacted guests are safe,” says Sunwing Vacations Group.

“At the time of the incident, we did not have guests staying at the affected property, though a small number of guests at a neighbouring property had access to the resort’s facilities.”

Sunwing Vacations Group adds that its destination partner, NexusTours, remains available to support guests accommodated in surrounding hotels to ensure their safety and well-being. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Air Canada Vacations VP, Nino Montagnese, told Travelweek ACV doesn’t offer Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham. “It’s terrible that the fire tore through the entire resort and I’m so glad that mostly everyone was out safe.  My heart goes to the one Italian person who didn’t make it out,” said Montagnese.

Transat had six clients staying at the property at the time of the fire. “All are safe,” Transat spokesperson Marie-Christine Pouliot told Travelweek. 

“Our local representatives were in direct contact with them to ensure their well-being and provide assistance. They have all been relocated to a nearby hotel. Clients with upcoming departures will be accommodated in alternative properties of equivalent standard, and we are actively communicating with them and their travel advisors,” said Pouliot.

“As always, the safety and well-being of our clients remain our top priority,” she added. 

With file from The Associated Press