Viva Resorts, a prominent resort chain, has released a statement in response to the recent fatality of a tourist at a hotel in the Dominican Republic. The incident occurred at the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham located in Bayahibe, on the southeastern coast of the Caribbean nation, during the early hours of Friday. This resort is a favored spot for both US and international travelers.
The tragic event resulted in the death of an Italian tourist, identified as Francesca Valentino, aged 46, and the evacuation of nearly 1,700 tourists due to a large fire that swept through the premises. The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Centre reported that the fire rapidly spread, exacerbated by strong winds and the hotel’s partially thatched roof. The fire has since been contained, with an ongoing investigation into its origins.
Local media shared videos showing dense smoke rising over the coastline as flames engulfed the resort. Viva Resorts issued a public statement following the incident at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel, an independently operated property within the chain. In a statement on Facebook, a spokesperson expressed condolences for the deceased guest and their family, pending autopsy results to determine the cause of death.
All other guests and staff were safely evacuated, and the hotel, under separate ownership, has been closed indefinitely. For inquiries, individuals are advised to contact the provided hotline. The Dominican Republic, known as the Caribbean’s most popular tourist destination, attracted approximately 11.7 million international visitors in 2025, as per the tourism ministry’s data.