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More than 50 Punta Cana hotels representing 12 brands launched the Punta Cana Promise, an eight-point plan reaffirming commitment to a set of security, safety and service guidelines for their guests.
Each of the eight points seeks to answer specific questions to help rebuild traveler confidence in visiting Punta Cana following a cluster of tourist deaths in the Dominican Republic earlier this year that drew intense media coverage, resulting in a plunge in visitor numbers as cancellations rose.
Although the deaths gave rise to speculation that tainted alcohol at the resorts was the cause of the deaths, an FBI investigation found no connection between the deaths and no tainted alcohol. The agency’s findings supported the position of the Dominican Republic that the tourists died from natural causes.
Key elements of the Punta Cana Promise include reinforced consumer safety with 24-hour security and on-site medical assistance available to all guests at the participating properties; increased background checks, screening and training for all employees; elevated customer experience with high staff-to-guest ratios; and use of trusted vendor partners who are licensed and insured.
In addition, hotels will provide safety information and contact numbers for all guests at check-in.
While the policies outlined in the plan are not new, the creation of the Punta Cana Promise marks the first time that these properties have worked together to create a comprehensive resource in one format.
“On behalf of our consortium of hotels, the Punta Cana Promise is our ongoing commitment to ensure that our guests continue to receive the highest levels of service and security they have come to know and expect from us,” said Encarna Pinero, president of Inverotel, Punta Cana’s hotel association. “We are all focused on doing what it takes to reassure travelers that Punta Cana is and will remain a safe and welcoming vacation destination for generations to come.”
Participating hotels will display the Punta Cana Promise seal on property and on their websites.
The brands in the program are Riu, Bahia Principe, AMResorts, Melia, Iberostar, Grand Palladium, Majestic, Princess, Ocean by H10 Hotels, Catalonia, Grand Sirenis and Whala!hotels.
Source: travelweekly.com