Tourist rebellion in Dominican Republic
Thomson has been forced to move clients out of a hotel in the Dominican Republic after they staged a sit-in protest against an "invasion" by local tourists on cheap packages.
More than 160 guests at the five-star Riu Merengue in Puerto Plata complained about the allegedly rowdy behaviour of locals who, they say, urinated in the pool and on sunloungers and raided food from the restaurant, according to MailOnline.
Thomson said it relocated some guests to a similar property nearby and is now working with the hotelier to investigate a complaint by one of its customers about the level of service at the Riu Merengue.
MailOnline said the 100 guests were only moved after they held a two-day protest at Thomson’s desk at the all-inclusive hotel, demanding their rep sort out the problem.
Thomson said the majority of customers opted to stay at the hotel.
A spokesman for Riu Hotels told MailOnline, "During the summer months, we do have local clients in our hotels in Puerto Plata, especially at weekends.
"The culture in the Dominican Republic is very different and it is very important to us that all clients enjoy their holidays in our hotels.
"We are working closely with the hotel and tour operators to investigate the complaints and solve any issues in the best possible way."
By Linsey McNeill, TravelMole UK
Cheryl
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026