Tourists evacuated in Puerto Plata.. Photo elnuevodiario.com.do
Santo Domingo.- Around 7,500 tourists have been evacuated as a precaution from several resorts in Samaná, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, to hotels in Santo Domingo and Santiago as the Cat. 5 Hurricane Irma starts to flex its muscles.
Tourism Police director Juan Carlos Torres said the hurricane is being felt the most in the east and northeast regions, which prompted the authorities to a last-hour transfer of guests to other hotels in Santo Domingo, the capital, as well as Santiago.
In that regard, the Dominican Republic Hotels and Tourism Association (Asonahores) assured that thus far, the national tourism industry hasn’t sustained any significant damages.