RIU Hotels & Resorts Accelerates Jamaica’s Tourism Recovery with Complete Reopening by December
RIU Hotels & Resorts has announced a significant milestone in Jamaica’s tourism recovery. All seven of its properties on the island are set to reopen before the end of December 2024. This follows the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28.
The Spanish hotel chain’s swift recovery efforts are commendable. The recent reopening of RIU Montego Bay on November 23 and RIU Palace Jamaica on November 24 is a testament to this. Moreover, RIU Ocho Rios remained operational throughout the storm. The remaining four hotels—RIU Reggae, RIU Negril, RIU Palace Tropical Bay, and RIU Palace Aquarelle—are scheduled to welcome guests between November 30 and December 15.
RIU has shown an exceptional commitment to its workforce, mobilizing a $1 million recovery fund. A significant 80% of this fund is directed towards employee support. This includes $570,000 for home reconstruction materials and $230,000 for immediate aid packages. The company also partnered with World Central Kitchen to provide over 7,000 daily meals to affected communities.
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, praised RIU’s efforts during his visit to RIU Ocho Rios. He highlighted the importance of the tourism sector’s swift recovery for the island’s economy. Charter flights from key markets, including Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands, have resumed. This is supported by major tour operators Sunwing and TUI.
Source: Travel and Tour World