Can resorts block beach access? Dominican tourism minister gives a clear answer

Santo Domingo.- Tourism Minister David Collado reaffirmed that private security personnel at hotels, resorts, and real estate developments have no authority to block or restrict public access to Dominican beaches, provided visitors comply with the law and use the areas peacefully.

Collado announced the creation of an interagency working group involving the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Interior and Police, and the Attorney General’s Office to review beach access disputes and establish clear guidelines that balance public access, environmental protection, safety, and property rights.

The minister said the policy will apply to all tourism and real estate developments where similar conflicts arise, with the goal of protecting citizens’ rights while supporting sustainable tourism.

Collado emphasized that public beaches belong to all Dominicans and reiterated that expanding public access to coastal areas has been a key objective of his administration. He pointed to several beach restoration projects—including Sosúa, Guayacanes, Macao, Las Galeras, Los Patos, Los Quemaitos, Nizao, and Bayahíbe—as examples of that commitment.