Dominican Republic ‘deeply regrets’ sickness at four-star hotel

Monday, 22 Jul, 2013 0

Tourism officials in the Dominican Republic have issued a statement in response to widespread media coverage of health and hygiene problems at one of its resorts.

Reports re-emerged last week about tour operators, including Thomson, First Choice, and Thomas Cook, paying out settlements to hundreds of British holidaymakers who had severe gastric illnesses at the four-star Bahia Principe resort in San Juan between 1997 and 2012 (see previous story).

The Dominican Republic Tourist Board said it would like to confirm that "hygiene in its hotels is of the highest order and follows UK standards, as formulated by the British consultant hired under recommendation from the World Tourism Organisation".

"We deeply regret that these visitors did not experience the true Dominican Republic warm hospitality and high service that we aim to offer all guests to our shores," said the statement.

"We would like to assure visitors that this experience is the exception to the rule and not in keeping with our high standards and expectations that the Dominican Republic and hotels offer our valued visitors."

First Choice and Thomson still feature the Bahia Principe resort in San Juan, but say it will leave the programme in 2014. Thomas Cook no longer features it.

below social share icons

Bev

Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.

Our Mission Ecommerce has transformative powers, and we believe everyone should be able to take part. But outdated solutions and...

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 93 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives,...

Take your clients’ vacation to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort™. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios...

Discover Sarawak Revealing a side of Asia unlike anywhere else, Sarawak offers an alternative for those seeking humble authenticity far...

From the beginning, ATI’s philosophy has been “innovation, not duplication.“ Developing specialized technology solutions to connect over 30,000 accommodation, attracti...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

Philippine Airlines (PR), also known as PAL, is the Filipino flag carrier. The company started their operations in February 1941,...

Consisting of the three Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island as well as Newfoundland and...

In 2019, Buffalo Tours and Olympus Tours joined the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) family and formed Discova. With the...

From the Tel Aviv beach scene to the shores of the Dead Sea, Israel layers diverse cultures, outdoor adventures, and...

Blue Diamond Resorts consistently goes above and beyond guest expectations by delivering groundbreaking vacation experiences through our exceptional collection of...