Adompretur denounces false accusations against Dominican hotel industry

Sosua.- The Sosúa-Cabarete branch of the Dominican Association of Tourism Press (Adompretur) firmly rejected a recent social media campaign accusing hotels in the Dominican Republic of tolerating or facilitating child prostitution. The accusations, which surfaced in a video published by a platform known as Manola TV and shared across various WhatsApp groups, claim that such crimes are occurring even in high-end hotels and involve minors being trafficked “by mail.” Adompretur and tourism leaders denounced these claims as entirely false and damaging to the country’s hospitality sector.

Journalist Daniel Mercado, general secretary of Adompretur, called the video a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of Sosúa and other Dominican tourist destinations. Antonio Cárdenas, president of the Sosúa and Cabarete Hotel and Restaurant Association (Asoresoca), echoed these concerns, stating that the video not only misrepresents the reality of the industry but also disrespects the ongoing efforts made by multiple organizations to combat the exploitation of minors.

Mercado emphasized that both Adompretur and other entities—including the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Ashonorte, Asoresoca, the Tourist Police (Politur), and the Interinstitutional Commission Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Travel and Tourism (Cienavyt)—have engaged in long-term, proactive prevention efforts. These include workshops, talks, and conferences aimed at educating hotel staff, transportation workers, community leaders, students, and residents about the dangers of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. These initiatives serve to raise awareness and reinforce ethical practices throughout the tourism industry.

Cárdenas also pointed out that hotels in the region follow strict protocols, enforced by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, to prevent minors from checking in without proper verification of family relationships with accompanying adults. These controls are essential for protecting children and upholding the industry’s credibility.

Despite these measures, Sosúa continues to face challenges related to prostitution, particularly in areas like Pedro Clisante Street. Although a municipal resolution (17-2017) ordered the relocation of bars and entertainment venues to Block 7, enforcement of this policy has been lacking. The inaction has led to continued disorder in parts of the town and created frustration among residents and investors.

The continued collaboration between Ashonorte, Asoresoca, and foundations such as MAES, along with committed individuals like Kahty Morillo, has ensured that the Cienavyt commission remains active and effective nearly ten years after its creation.