A serious fire hit the Club Med in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on the morning of Thursday, September 12, 2024. This resort, the largest of the Club Med group in the world, suffered extensive damage, although the rapid intervention of the teams on site allowed them to control the disaster..
The fire broke out around 5am in the centre of the resort. The flames spread rapidly, affecting several key areas of the resort, including the bar, reception, swimming pool and main restaurant.. Fortunately, no rooms were damaged and the holidaymakers were able to be evacuated safely..
The reactivity of Club Med staff and local authorities was praised. The firefighters of Punta Cana and Higüey, as well as the airport staff, put out the fire effectively.. Uriel Tremblay, Club Med brand manager, said: “Thanks to the responsiveness and efficiency of our team on site and the local authorities, the fire was quickly contained and extinguished.”.
Despite the scale of the accident, no serious injuries were reported. Only one vacationer suffered minor injuries during the evacuation and received treatment.Guests on site were offered two options: stay at Club Med Punta Cana, where most of the activities and the Hispaniola restaurant remain open, or end their vacation at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, another of the group’s resorts located nearby..
This incident has a significant impact on Club Med operations in Punta Cana:
- Sales for this resort have been suspended until November 1, 2024.
- Guests arriving on September 12 and 13 have been redirected to Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda.
- Crews on site are currently assessing the extent of the damage and necessary repairs..
This resort, opened in 1983, plays a crucial role in the Club Med portfolio: it is the largest Club Med in the world, with 613 rooms and a capacity of 1,750 people.It extends over more than 40 hectares and is particularly appreciated by French-speaking customers.The resort makes an essential contribution to the financial performance of the group.
Despite this incident, Club Med maintains its growth ambitions, with around ten new domain openings planned by 2026..In conclusion, although this fire represents a major challenge for Club Med Punta Cana, the effective management of the crisis and the resilience of the group suggest a return to normality in the months to come.