Safety & Security - Dominican Republic

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​With everything that has been happening recently in the Dominican Republic, we would like to share safety and security information we have obtained regarding necessary actions and protocols being taken at select properties. Of course when traveling anywhere in the world, we urge travelers to always exercise common sense safety precautions.
 
Brentwood Travel is a long time supporter of AMResorts. Please read below for their letter to the public.

06/19/2019
 
"It is important to us that you have up-to-date and comprehensive information about our protocols in the Dominican Republic. Please know that guest safety is one of our top priorities and an area in which we have invested considerable time and resources. To support the safety and security of our guests, industry best practices and extensive staff training are in place at AMResorts branded properties in the Dominican Republic.
 
As a testament to this, the properties have been recognized by several independent rating organizations as among the best in the world. This includes the Cristal Certification for International Standards in Food, Beverage and Safety, which has been awarded to AMResorts branded properties in the Dominican Republic. This is one of the industry’s highest-level certifications ensuring each resort has best-of-class processes in place for quality and safety. It encompasses areas such as the supply chain for food and beverages, water quality, safety protocols, and the environment. 
 
Below we have outlined details about AMResorts brands’ specific practices that we hope will be helpful to you. We welcome thousands of visitors a year and proudly celebrate a high repeat guest ratio. We attribute our strong track record for guest satisfaction to our strict guidelines and standards, and the trained staff’s commitment to superior quality and service.
 
Please let us know if there is additional information that would be helpful to you. Your ongoing loyalty and support are very much appreciated. Thank you for your partnership.
 
HEALTH + WELLNESS
 
Please know that we take the health and well-being of guests seriously. Resorts have an array of policies and procedures in place to so that guests who stay with us are taken care of and supported.

• We employ industry best practice protocols and extensive staff training. This includes regular training for staff, ensuring they are equipped to recognize and respond to a range of health situations and support guest safety quickly and with compassion. Security agents are trained in emergency protocols, and we have clear procedures for addressing issues.
• When a health issue is reported to management, guests are offered the opportunity to see a doctor.  Many of the resorts have an on-site physician. As needed, hotel staff can assist with transfers to local clinics or hospitals or extend a guest’s stay to allow for recovery from an illness.

 
ENVIRONMENT + AIR QUALITY
 
AMR branded resorts in the Dominican Republic have received or are in the process of receiving certification from the Rainforest Alliance, an international non-governmental organization that audits properties environmental sustainability. Only biodegradable Eurochem products are used on the properties as verified by the Rainforest Alliance. Any pesticides used are environmentally friendly and free of organophosphates or methylbromide. Air quality is controlled by a single, centralized cooling system and there are no individual A/C units in guest rooms.
 
SAFETY + SECURITY
 
Guest safety is one of our highest priorities, including guidance for travelers to take basic safety precautions when travelling to any foreign country. Some specific safety protocols include:

• Resorts have dedicated security departments with trained security agents who monitor of the property 24/7, supervise the main gates and patrol the property and beach.
• Trained security agents require an ID corresponding to a reservation for anyone entering the main gate. Anyone who arrives wishing to make a reservation is escorted by a resort staff member through that process.
• Regular trainings are conducted for security guards as well as resort staff ensuring they are equipped to recognize and respond to a range of situations and support guest safety.
• Security agents are trained in emergency protocols and procedures, as well as physical safety techniques.
• As appropriate, guests are encouraged to report any criminal activity to local police and hotel management is active in assisting in this process.

 
ALCOHOL STANDARDS + PROTOCOLS
 
It is always our goal to provide guests with a perfect vacation experience. We take any situation that detracts from that very seriously, and consistently work to provide for the health and safety of our guests.
 
It is not uncommon for travelers on a relaxing vacation to occasionally overindulge in food, sun exposure and alcohol consumption, which combined in any manner may cause illness to occur. Additionally, we have found instances of guests drinking in combination with over-the-counter or prescription drugs, which can have adverse health effects.
 
In any instance in which guest distress is brought to our attention, staff is trained to take immediate and appropriate steps such as escorting them safely to their room, facilitating an extended stay, securing prompt medical attention by a licensed physician, and ensuring their well-being. Guest incidents are routinely reviewed by staff and management making sure proper steps were taken.
 
Additional safety processes include:

• Resort guest room mini-bars are stocked with sealed mini bottles of liquor. As with sealed packaging of products, any concerns should be reported to management.
• A single, licensed and bonded vendor is used to provide mini-bar liquor for AMResorts branded properties.
• Properties have numerous warnings on site that remind guests about responsible  alcohol consumption.
• To support the health and well-being of guests, we regularly conduct trainings for staff so they are equipped to recognize and respond to situations involving excessive alcohol consumption  or the consumption of alcohol with sun exposure or any drugs – whether prescription, over-the- counter or other.
• Industry-leading operational policies and procedures to safeguard our food and beverage products from any tampering or contamination are in place at properties.
• Only premium brand international and domestic top-shelf spirits from leading authorized suppliers to the Dominican Republic are purchased and served. This includes approved licensed and bonded vendors that meet the standards required by the designated regulatory authorities.
• A valid Certificate of Registration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is required for imported liquors.
• A valid registration with the authorities of the Dominican Republic is required for national liquors. This is controlled by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MiPymes (MICM), which is the government institution responsible for formulating and applying industrial and  commercial policies.
• Letters of authorization from direct liquor manufacturers to the regional or local distributors are required, validating the import and distribution of their brands.

 
MINI BAR ALCOHOL STANDARDS + PROTOCOLS
 
In addition to the overall alcohol standards employed at the AMResorts branded properties, resort guest room mini-bars are stocked with sealed bottles mini bottles of liquor. As with sealed packaging of products, any concerns should be reported to management. Additionally, a single, licensed and bonded vendor is used to provide mini bar liquor for properties."

-Letter Provided By AMResorts

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​Call us at (314) 439-5700 or email us
with any questions or concerns you may have.
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