An Italian tourist has died and almost 1,700 tourists were evacuated after a large fire tore through the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, on Friday. The resort chain Viva Resorts has issued a statement following the incident.
Details of the Fire
The blaze broke out in the early hours of Friday at the resort located on the Caribbean country's south-east coast. The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Centre reported that the fire appeared to have "spread rapidly" due to strong winds and the resort's partially thatched roof. The fire has since been brought under control, and an investigation into its cause is ongoing.
The victim has been identified as Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian tourist. Shocking footage shared on social media showed thick plumes of smoke billowing above the resort as flames engulfed the property.
Resort Chain Responds
Viva Resorts released a statement on Facebook regarding the fire at the independently owned and operated Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel. A spokesperson said: "Viva Dominicus Beach Hotel experienced a fire yesterday. The Emergency Operations Centre (COE) in conjunction with various regional fire departments contained the fire. We are saddened that a guest perished and we sent our thoughts to the family, while we await autopsy results to determine the cause. All other guests and staff were safely evacuated. At this time the hotel, which is independently owned and operated, is closed and will remain so until further notice. Should any current or future guests have any inquiries please contact +1 877 997 1877."
Impact on Tourism
The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most visited tourist destination, attracting almost 11.7 million international visitors in 2025, according to the tourism ministry. The resort is a popular destination for US and international tourists. The evacuation of nearly 1,700 guests highlights the scale of the incident and the potential impact on the local tourism industry.
