How has RIU celebrated its 25th anniversary in Jamaica?

What is the trajectory of RIU in Jamaica?

RIU Hotels started its journey in Jamaica in 2001 with the opening of its first establishment, the Hotel Riu Tropical Bay in Negril. Throughout these two and a half decades, the Spanish hotel chain has consolidated its strategic position in the Caribbean through a firm commitment to continuous investment, the creation of local employment and sustainability.

The company's presence has evolved significantly, demonstrating high resilience in the face of adverse weather challenges in the Caribbean region, such as the effects derived from the recent hurricane Melissa.

Key data on the presence of RIU Hotels in Jamaica

To summarise the economic and social impact of the hotel chain in the destination, the following official figures are highlighted:

• Year of arrival in the destination: 2001, through the opening of the Hotel Riu Tropical Bay.
• Current hotel capacity: Portfolio of 7 hotels in operation that total more than 4,200 rooms.
• Annual flow of visitors: Average reception of 500,000 guests per year in its facilities.
• Commitment to local employment: 99.2% of the workforce in the country is of Jamaican nationality.
• Recognition of seniority: Special award granted to 25 employees who have remained with the company since the opening in 2001.
• Attendance at the commemorative gala: More than 300 guests at the Hotel Riu Montego Bay.

What did the authorities and executives declare during the anniversary gala?

Joan Trian Riu, executive director of the hotel chain, expressed his institutional gratitude to the Jamaican government for its efficient and bold leadership, which was vital for the economic recovery of the tourism sector after the passing of Hurricane Melissa.

"Jamaica holds a unique and deeply emotional place in the heart of our family. It believed in us from our beginnings in 2001, opening the doors to international markets." — Joan Trian Riu, executive director of RIU.

For his part, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, emphasised the mutual trust that has defined the bilateral relationship between the Spanish company and the Caribbean state throughout these 25 years of joint operations.

"The trust that RIU showed in Jamaica 25 years ago has been rewarded. And the trust that Jamaica has placed in RIU has also been rewarded." — Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.

The event also featured speeches by the Jamaican Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and the Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, José María Fernández López de Turiso, who agreed in highlighting the contribution of the chain to the strengthening of the national tourism infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 25th anniversary of RIU in Jamaica

• When did RIU Hotels & Resorts start operating in Jamaica? RIU Hotels & Resorts started operating in Jamaica in the year 2001 with the opening of the Hotel Riu Tropical Bay, located in the Negril area.
• How many hotels and rooms does RIU manage in Jamaica in 2026? In 2026, the chain manages a total of 7 hotels which offer a combined total of more than 4,200 rooms.
• What is the annual volume of guests that RIU receives in the destination? The chain's establishments in the Caribbean country receive approximately half a million clients (500,000) annually.
• What percentage of the RIU staff in Jamaica is of local origin? The chain actively promotes local employment, so 99.2% of RIU employees in Jamaica are local citizens.
• Where was the 25th anniversary commemoration gala held? The official gala was held at the facilities of the Hotel Riu Montego Bay, bringing together more than 300 personalities and collaborators.
• Who were the main institutional authorities at the event? The event was attended by Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism; and José María Fernández López de Turiso, Ambassador of Spain.

For more information or bookings: www.riu.com

About RIU Hotels & Resorts: The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca, Spain, in 1953 as a small holiday business by the Riu family, founders and current owners in the third generation. The company focuses on holiday hotels and more than 74% of its establishments offer the renowned All inclusive by RIU service. With the opening of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU expanded its range of products with its own line of city hotels called RIU Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts has 101 hotels in 22 countries that in 2025 welcomed 6.8 million guests and employed a total of 38,955 employees. Currently, RIU is the 40th largest chain in the world, and the third in Spain by number of rooms.

For more information: Communication and Institutional Relations Department // Tel: +34 971 74 30 30 // [email protected]