A devastating fire that broke out last Friday, June 19, at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham hotel in Bayahibe, La Romana, has sent ripples of grief through the Dominican Republic’s key tourism industry, according to the leader of the region’s top hospitality trade group. Ernesto Veloz, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism Projects of the Eastern Zone (Asoleste), described the incident as a major blow to the sector, saying the widespread images of the blaze and the disaster itself have left the local tourism community reeling.
In the immediate aftermath of the emergency, coordinated cross-industry support swung into action to contain the fire and support affected visitors. Veloz confirmed that firefighting teams from the Puntacana Group were quickly deployed to the scene, with all stakeholders working to provide whatever aid possible while adhering strictly to instructions from official emergency authorities. Hospitality leaders have prioritized supporting the tourists caught up in the disaster, implementing every feasible measure to reduce the psychological trauma experienced by those who were staying at the hotel during the fire.
While most guests escaped the incident without serious harm, Veloz confirmed the tragedy has claimed one life, a loss that the entire tourism community deeply regrets. Despite the pain and damage caused by the fire, Asoleste has expressed unwavering confidence in the leadership and team of Viva Wyndham Resorts. Veloz highlighted that Rafael “Papo” Blanco Canto, executive vice president of the resort brand, has remained hands-on and fully responsible throughout the response effort, consistent with his track record of crisis leadership.
The entire eastern Dominican tourism sector has united behind the affected hotel and its team, Veloz noted. “We are very saddened in the eastern region and throughout the whole sector, but we are confident this hotel chain will emerge stronger from this difficult process, and they have our full backing,” he emphasized, adding that the industry-wide solidarity will support the recovery effort in the coming months.