RIU Hotels & Resorts hosted a grand gala to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the chain’s first hotel opening in Jamaica: the Hotel Riu Tropical Bay in Negril.
The event was attended by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, alongside other prominent members of his government, as well as Joan Trian Riu and Naomi Riu, executive directors and members of the founding and owning family.
The gala reflected the importance of this destination for RIU, while highlighting the hard work of all its collaborators. Awards were presented to employees who have been working with the hotel chain in Jamaica for 25 years. The event, held at the Hotel Riu Montego Bay.
Joan Trian Riu delivered an emotional speech expressing his gratitude to the nation: “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.”
Holness emphasized that “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.”
MIDDLE PHOTO
Seen here, from l to r, are Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica; Frank Sondern, RIU’s Chief Operating Officer in Jamaica; Naomi Riu, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer; and Joan Trian Riu, Executive Director.
