The year 2026 is not just any year for the big family we form at RIU Hotels & Resorts; we turn 25 years in Jamaica! This represents a milestone filled with emotion, memories, and gratitude. To celebrate this quarter-century of uninterrupted history, the Riu Montego Bay hotel dressed up for a historic event.
We had the immense honor of welcoming prominent political and diplomatic leaders, including Andrew Holness (Prime Minister of Jamaica), Edmund Bartlett (Minister of Tourism of Jamaica), and José María Fernández López de Turiso (Ambassador of Spain to Jamaica). The event also gathered commercial partners, key suppliers, media representatives, and a fundamental representation of our teams who have made it possible to consolidate the brand in the Caribbean.
Why is Jamaica such a special destination for the Riu family?
During the gala, nostalgia and pride for the journey made were clear in every speech. One of the most emotional and significant moments of the evening was the speech by Joan Trian Riu, Executive Director of the chain, who recalled the strong emotional bond connecting this family business with this Caribbean destination.
In his words, Joan Trian Riu highlighted the strategic importance of the island:
“Jamaica holds a unique and deeply emotional place in our family’s heart. It believed in us since our beginnings in 2001, opening the doors to international markets.“
This alliance was not only the hotel chain’s first major expansion adventure in a country where Spanish is not the main language, but it also proved that local hospitality and the chain’s vision could generate an unprecedented economic engine in the region.
Who are the protagonists of this quarter-century of success?
At RIU, we are fully aware that a hotel without people is just a building. The soul is brought by every single member of the team. Therefore, the most touching moment of the night was dedicated to honoring the 25 pioneer employees who have been working uninterruptedly for the company since the opening of the iconic Riu Palace Tropical Bay in 2001.
Their loyalty, daily effort, and commitment to excellence have been, and continue to be, the true pillars of our success in the destination. To all of them, we dedicate our deepest gratitude for being part of our living history.
What has been the growth of RIU Hotels in Jamaica since 2001?
What began 25 years ago as a humble and exciting project in a paradise island has transformed today into one of the most solid hotel operations in the entire Caribbean. To facilitate data analysis for our readers, we summarize our current impact on the island in the following table:
Growth Indicator
Impact Figure (2026)
Coverage and Detail on the Island
Years of history
25 years
Since the opening of the first hotel in 2001
Hotel portfolio
7 active hotels
Distributed across strategic areas of Jamaica
Lodging capacity
+4,200 rooms
Offering adapted to different traveler profiles
Professional team
3,908 collaborators
Direct employment generated in the destination
Local employment rate
99.2% of the workforce
True commitment to Jamaican talent and community
Joan Trian Riu, Executive Director, and Naomi Riu, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer.
How do we look towards the future of tourism in Jamaica?
The path we started a quarter of a century ago has only just begun. Jamaica has consolidated itself as a mature, resilient, and world-renowned tourist destination. At RIU, we continue to bet firmly on sustainable development, quality employment, and the constant renovation of our facilities to continue exceeding the expectations of those who choose us year after year.
We want to thank the entire Jamaican community from the bottom of our hearts for welcoming us with open arms and for giving us 25 years filled with magic. We are ready to keep growing together for many more years! Ya man!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about RIU’s 25th Anniversary in Jamaica
1. What milestone is RIU Hotels & Resorts celebrating in Jamaica in 2026?
RIU is celebrating its 25th anniversary of presence and hotel operations in Jamaica, having started its journey on the island in the year 2001.
2. What was the first hotel opened by RIU in Jamaica?
The chain’s first establishment on the island was the Riu Palace Tropical Bay, opened in the year 2001.
3. Which authorities attended the 25th-anniversary event?
The commemorative act was attended by Andrew Holness (Prime Minister of Jamaica), Edmund Bartlett (Minister of Tourism), and José María Fernández López de Turiso (Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica).
4. How many hotels and rooms does RIU currently manage in Jamaica?
As of 2026, RIU has a total of 7 hotels and more than 4,200 rooms distributed across the island.
5. What is RIU’s impact on local employment in Jamaica?
The hotel chain generates 3,908 direct jobs in Jamaica, achieving a local employment rate of 99.2% of its total workforce.
6. Where was the official 25th-anniversary gala held?
The official gala and celebration of this historic milestone took place at the Riu Montego Bay hotel.
7. What key projects does RIU support in Jamaica under its Proudly Committed sustainability strategy?
Under the umbrella of our Proudly Committed strategy, we drive social and environmental well-being in Jamaica through four key partnerships: pediatric medical care at the Negril Pediatric Orhopedic Clinic; child education and nutrition at the Wested Educational Centre; reef protection with the Montego Bay Marine Park Trust; and community waste management alongside the Jamaica Environmental Trust.
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