Minister of Tourism Rejects Speculation Regarding Fatalities and Ensures that Dominican Republic is Safe for Tourists

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – June 22, 2019 – The Minister of Tourism, Francisco Javier García, declared that the Dominican Republic continues to be a very safe country and rejected claims regarding “mysterious or massive deaths” of tourists who have visited the Caribbean destination.

In a press conference with national and international media, the official showed the results of the autopsies that reveal the true causes of the deaths.

“We have unequivocally shown that there is not an avalanche of deaths of American tourists in the country and it is not true that there are mysterious deaths,” the official stressed.

He stated that the most important thing for the Dominican Republic is the safety of the more than seven million visitors that arrive each year.

“Our priority in the Dominican Republic is the safety of tourists, and increasingly, measures are applied to guarantee it,” said Minister Garcia.

He recalled that the US State Department characterized the portrayal of deceased tourists in the country as exaggerated.

He said that the Dominican government has gone to great lengths to strengthen the country’s security system and new actions are continually being taken in that direction every day. Garcia trusted that the truth will come out around these cases and seeks fair representation of Dominican Republic in the media.

He complimented the leadership of the tourism industry, “which is why we have already become a benchmark in the entire region.” He expressed that only in the last 5 years the Dominican Republic received more than 30 million visitors, with consumer satisfaction at more than 99% and 94% assure they will return.

Information campaign and tourism security
The Minister of Tourism further announced the implementation of an information campaign, starting in the United States, to communicate the truth about the country. He informed that Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism will continue working on actions to further improve the safety of the tourists who visit; of security standards in hotel establishments; improvement in emergency protocols, increased training, accreditation around food and beverages, as well as the implementation of a program to assist tourists.

From the outset of the press conference, the Minister thanked the international community for the solidarity and affirming the Dominican Republic as a welcoming tourist destination.

###

About Dominican Republic

Well known for off-the-beaten-path excursions, rich culture, endless amenities and year-round perfect climate, Dominican Republic is a place like no other. Easily accessible via a direct flight from most major airports, it is an ideal oasis for celebrities, couples and families alike. From hiking trails to undiscovered beaches and world-class golf courses, here you can renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, revel in Dominican fare, or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges and rivers.

Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on the south and the Atlantic Ocean on the north, Dominican Republic features a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options, exclusive cultural experiences like dancing, carnival festivities, plus Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, amber and larimar. Between adventurous Puerto Plata, lush Samaná, historic Santo Domingo, sunny Punta Cana, luxe La Romana, bustling Barahona and more, each area has something for every type of traveler and budget.

In addition to its uncharted experiences coast to coast, the country has also generated a worldwide reputation for its warm, and hospitable people. With eight international airports and nine distinct ecological zones it has never been more accessible or appealing to explore Dominican Republic. For more information visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: GoDominicanRepublic.com.