by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:20 AM ET, Mon June 22, 2026
A massive fire that ripped through the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, on June 19, which destroyed the resort, has left nearly 1,700 tourists reeling with the aftermath, many without their important travel documents.
According to a new update from the Associated Press, Dominican authorities have relocated nearly 1,700 tourists to new hotels in Bayahibe and Punta Cana. They are working with hotel management officials and embassies to expedite the processing of identity documents, hoping to get the affected tourists back to their home countries.
"Unfortunately, they lost their identity documents, including their passports," said Amanda Santana, a hotel executive. "We have been coordinating with the embassies and governments of those countries to facilitate the entry of those guests."
The fire occurred at the resort on June 19 and quickly drew media attention for videos of the intense blaze consuming it.
One woman, 46-year-old Francesca Valentino, an Italian national, lost her life in the blaze, the cause of which is under investigation. Several others were treated for injuries.
The resort was operating at 84% occupancy when the blaze broke out, and it caught fire quickly due to high winds and the property's thatched roofs. A cause for the fire has not yet been determined.
"Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach Hotel experienced a fire..." Explained a Wyndham spokesperson. "The Emergency Operations Center (COE) in conjunction with various regional fire departments contained the fire. Hotel teams safely evacuated guests and staff. However, we are saddened that one guest perished, and we send our thoughts to the family while we await autopsy results to determine the cause. 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 +18779971877."
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