Sosúa – The Sosúa-Cabarete chapter of the Dominican Association of Tourism Press (Adompretur) has strongly rejected a viral social media campaign that accuses hotels in the Dominican Republic of facilitating or tolerating child prostitution. The controversial claims originated in a video shared by a platform called Manola TV, which circulated widely through WhatsApp, alleging that even upscale hotels are complicit in trafficking minors, reportedly sent “by mail.”
Adompretur, alongside tourism and hospitality leaders, condemned the accusations as false, irresponsible, and damaging to the country’s tourism reputation.
Daniel Mercado, general secretary of Adompretur, labeled the video a calculated attack on the image of Sosúa and other Dominican tourist destinations. “These claims not only distort reality, but they also undermine years of collaborative work to protect minors and ensure ethical tourism,” Mercado said.
Antonio Cárdenas, president of the Sosúa and Cabarete Hotel and Restaurant Association (Asoresoca), echoed this sentiment. He emphasized that the content of the video disrespects the significant efforts by both private and public sectors to combat child exploitation in tourism.
According to Mercado, multiple organizations—including the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Ashonorte, Asoresoca, the Tourist Police (Politur), and the Interinstitutional Commission Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Travel and Tourism (Cienavyt)—have conducted long-standing prevention campaigns. These include workshops, community outreach, and staff training to promote vigilance and raise awareness around the risks and signs of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Cárdenas noted that hotels in the region operate under strict protocols, requiring all minors to present verifiable documentation proving a family relationship with accompanying adults. These procedures are mandated and supervised by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and form a critical part of safeguarding children and preserving the sector’s integrity.
Despite these preventive measures, Sosúa continues to face challenges related to street-level prostitution, particularly along Pedro Clisante Street. A 2017 municipal resolution (17-2017) called for the relocation of bars and entertainment venues to a designated zone, known as Block 7, in an effort to better regulate nightlife activity. However, a lack of enforcement has allowed disorder to persist, frustrating local residents and discouraging potential investors.
Tourism officials insist that while problems remain, painting the entire hospitality industry with such serious accusations is misleading and harmful. They are calling on the public to verify sources and support constructive dialogue aimed at sustainable, ethical tourism development in the Dominican Republic.
