RIU Jamaica to Reopen All Properties

With less than two weeks before the start of the winter tourist season, Jamaica’s room stock has been given a huge boost, following an announcement by RIU Jamaica that all seven of its properties will be fully reopened.

The announcement marks a decisive step in Jamaica’s recovery and its ongoing mission to reassure travellers that the island remains open for business despite the challenges caused by Hurricane Melissa.

For Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, RIU’s commitment to fully reopen all its properties in time for the winter tourist season is a powerful testament to the resort chain’s role as “friend and partner”.

“This is a powerful and important gesture that fits neatly into our message to all our visitors and partners that we remain open for business,” the Minister said.

RIU’s Human Resources Manager, Somae Pitkin Shakes, praised the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by “our Jamaica team” in the storm’s immediate aftermath.

She told JIS News that the decision on all seven properties from Ocho Rios (St. Ann), Falmouth (Trelawny), Montego Bay (St. James) and Negril (Westmoreland) could not have been reached without having a dedicated and professional staff, all working in the interest of the country and its tourism industry.

RIU Jamaica operates 4,274 rooms across seven hotels, and during Melissa’s impact, the group cared for roughly 5,000 guests, underscoring the magnitude of the operational challenge.

The more than 4,000 staff members, plus those deployed for emergency response, have remained deeply engaged in outreach. The company has actively contacted every employee to assess personal impact and to confirm aid packages, even as many could not be reached immediately.

This mobilisation reflects RIU’s committed strategy – put staff first and respond rapidly to urgent needs, including food, water, and later, shelter and reconstruction.

To date, RIU has mobilised US$1 million in aid, with more than 80 per cent directed to staff. Key allocations include US$570,000 for rebuilding materials, US$230,000 for immediate relief packages containing basic necessities, and a further US$200,000 donated through the Jamaica Basic School Foundation to deliver 1,750 aid packages to isolated communities.

An interest-free line of credit of US$1.3 million has been established to support employees. Almost 800 staff members have filed damage reports to accelerate aid distribution for the most severely affected homes.

Beyond direct staff support, RIU Jamaica has partnered with Worldwide Central Kitchen (WCK) to deliver 8,000 daily hot meals from Negril and Montego Bay to affected communities. This initiative serves a dual purpose – providing daily sustenance and offering employment opportunities for local workers during the recovery phase.

Director of Sales at RIU Jamaica, Niurka Garcia Linton, highlighted the extraordinary support from the corporate team, noting that questions often focused on staff well-being and infrastructure recovery, rather than property damage alone.

“This solidarity extended beyond Jamaica’s borders, reinforcing that the RIU family remains united in the face of adversity,” she told JIS News.

“Opening dates for the properties reflect a staged recovery plan designed to maximise occupancy and community impact. Notably, RIU Ocho Rios has remained operational with ongoing water park and restaurant services, achieving approximately 40 per cent occupancy as winter guests resume travel,” she added.

The Montego Bay complex will open on November 23, followed by Palace Jamaica on November 24. Other properties have tentative December 15 openings, with Negril’s hotels prepared and awaiting external factors for full activation. The overarching objective is to have all RIU Jamaica properties fully open before the end of 2025,” Ms. Garcia Linton said.

Regional Director of Operations, Frank Sondern, said that RIU has cultivated a great relationship with Jamaica over many years.

“Our dedicated staff across all seven properties has shown extraordinary resilience, professionalism, and care for guests and colleagues alike,” he said.

In room count, RIU Jamaica remains the largest hotel chain on the island.