Shock and solidarity in the eastern hotel sector after the Viva fire

Ernesto Veloz, president of the Association of Hotels and Tourism Projects of the Eastern Zone (Asoleste), stated that the tourism sector has suffered a major shock due to the fire at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham hotel in Bayahibe, La Romana, last Friday, June 19.

“We are shocked and it has been very painful for us. What happened and the images of what occurred are enormous for us and the sector,” he said.

He indicated that after the accident, all possible support was given: “Firefighter units from the Puntacana Group were deployed , assistance was provided as much as possible in that unfortunate incident, and the instructions of the authorities were followed.”

The hotel representative stated that all necessary and possible measures were taken to minimize the trauma experienced by the affected tourists. “Thank God most of the guests are fine, although we regret the loss of one guest. It was a very unfortunate incident.”

Veloz maintained that, despite what happened, the Association believes in the resilience of Rafael-Papo-Blanco Canto, executive vice president of Viva Wyndham Resorts, and his entire team.

“Don Papo, as always, very responsible, has been at the forefront of everything. We know they will emerge stronger from this setback, and the most we can do in this case is express our solidarity with the Viva hotels in the Bayahibe area. We are very saddened in the eastern region and throughout the sector, but the hotel chain will emerge stronger from this process and has our full support,” he emphasized.