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