Santo Domingo, DR.-The Dominican Association of Tour Operators (ADOTUR) expressed its rejection of the fraudulent actions perpetrated by the travel agency “De Vacaciones en RD”, after it was reported that hundreds of Dominicans were scammed by this company through the purchase of trips that were destined for Colombia and Peru.
In this regard, the president of ADOTUR, Bladimir Monegro, said that as an entity that groups together the regulated companies that offer these services, they support the measure of the Ministry of Tourism, to bring to justice those responsible for this fraud that affects thousands of citizens who trusted this agency to organize their trips.
“The Dominican Association of Tour Operators wishes to express its strongest condemnation of the fraudulent actions of the travel agency “DeVacaciones en RD” because this unfortunate event affects thousands of Dominican citizens, who trusted this agency to organize their trips, only to find themselves abandoned without answers or solutions,” it said.
He added that, as representatives of the sector, they join the Ministry of Tourism in its firm stance against these practices that not only harm consumers, but also damage the image of the tourism industry in the country.
“It is unacceptable that companies operate without complying with the corresponding regulations and licenses, putting travelers at risk and tarnishing the reputation of those of us who work legally and responsibly. We therefore call on the Ministry of Tourism to, in collaboration with the associations, urgently resume work on regulating and updating the rules that govern our activities, to ensure greater surveillance and control, preventing situations like these from happening again,” Monegro said during a press statement at ADOTUR headquarters.
The launch of the educational campaign called “Verify your agency” was also announced, designed by ADOTUR with the aim of informing and educating the population on how to identify legitimate travel agencies and avoid becoming victims of fraud, in order to empower consumers with the necessary tools to make safe and responsible choices when planning their vacations.
Also participating in the press meeting were Melissa Vicioso, Vice President of the Association; John Read, Second Vice President; Wascar Hernandez, Treasurer; Danni Osoria, Deputy Treasurer; Victor Hernandez, Secretary; Braudy Feliz, Deputy Secretary; Ruben Sanchez and Dionicio Pena, members.
