Viva Resorts, a renowned resort chain, has released a statement in response to the tragic incident that occurred at a hotel in the Dominican Republic over the weekend. The fire broke out at Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham located in Bayahibe, on the southeast coast of the Caribbean nation, during the early hours of Friday. This resort is a favored spot for both US and international visitors.
The fire resulted in the unfortunate death of an Italian tourist, identified as Francesca Valentino, aged 46, and the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists. The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Centre reported that the fire quickly spread, aided by strong winds and the resort’s partially thatched roof. The situation has now been brought under control, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze.
Local media shared videos showing dense smoke spreading along the coastline as flames engulfed the resort. Viva Resorts issued a statement following the incident at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, emphasizing that all guests and staff were safely evacuated. The hotel is currently closed and will remain so until further notice. For any inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact +1 877 997 1877.
The Dominican Republic is a highly popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, attracting nearly 11.7 million international visitors in 2025, as reported by the tourism ministry.
