RIU marks 25 years in Jamaica with gala celebrating partnership and local talent - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

RIU Hotels & Resorts has celebrated 25 years of operations in Jamaica with a gala evening at the Hotel Riu Montego Bay. The event commemorated the opening of the company's first property in the country, Hotel Riu Tropical Bay in Negril, in 2001 and brought together more than 300 guests, including senior government representatives, members of the Riu family and long-serving employees.

The anniversary also highlighted RIU's close ties with Jamaica and the role the destination has played in the company's international expansion. Today, RIU operates seven hotels with more than 4,200 rooms on the island and welcomes around 500,000 guests each year. Of the company's workforce in Jamaica, 99.2 percent are Jamaican nationals.

Employees recognised for 25 years of service

One of the evening's most emotional moments was the recognition of 25 employees who have been with RIU since the company began operating in Jamaica. Representing all seven hotels, they were honoured for their long-standing commitment and their contribution to the growth of the hotel group, including training teams at successive hotel openings.

The awards were presented by Joan Trian Riu, Executive Director of RIU, and Naomi Riu, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer.

Jamaica remains a key destination for RIU

Addressing guests, Joan Trian Riu reflected on the company's long relationship with the Caribbean destination and thanked Jamaica for its continued trust and support.

"Jamaica holds a unique and deeply emotional place in our family’s heart. Jamaica believed in us from our beginnings in 2001, opening the doors to international markets. More recently, your bold and efficient leadership proved vital to the country's recovery following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, recognizing tourism as an essential industry for the nation. Today, we are extraordinarily proud of our local team and of operating seven hotels with over 4,200 rooms, welcoming half a million guests annually."

Government leaders praise long-term partnership

The institutional programme was attended by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and the Ambassador of Spain to Jamaica, José María Fernández López de Turiso. All highlighted RIU's contribution to Jamaica's tourism industry and its long-term investment in the destination.

Closing the official ceremony, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said:

"When RIU opened its first hotel in Negril, it was doing more than building rooms. It was expressing confidence in Jamaica. Every subsequent investment has reaffirmed that. The confidence RIU showed in Jamaica 25 years ago has been rewarded. And the confidence Jamaica has placed in RIU has also been rewarded."

Celebration honours Jamaican culture

The gala featured performances by RIU's local entertainment team, showcasing Jamaica's musical heritage through a programme produced entirely by employees. The official ceremony concluded with the cutting of a commemorative anniversary cake by representatives of RIU, the Jamaican government and political leaders.

Alongside the celebrations, speakers also reflected on the impact of Hurricane Melissa and the resilience shown by Jamaica in its recovery. The evening served not only as a milestone for RIU but also as a tribute to the employees, partners and communities that have shaped the company's first 25 years in the country.

Image Credit: © RIU Hotels & Resorts