All RIU hotels in Jamaica to fully reopen by year-end

All seven RIU Hotels & Resorts properties in Jamaica are expected to resume operations by the end of 2025, as the country’s tourism industry works to recover from Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28.

The reopening is being phased, the company stated. Riu Ocho Rios, in one of the least-affected areas, remained open and has fully restored services. Riu Montego Bay reopened on Sunday, November 23, and Riu Palace Jamaica welcomed guests on Monday, November 24. The remaining four hotels—Riu Reggae, Riu Negril, Riu Palace Tropical Bay, and Riu Palace Aquarelle—are expected to reopen between November 30 and December 15.

RIU’s operational and technical teams mobilized immediately after the hurricane, addressing critical challenges such as restoring water and electricity, enabling the hotels to resume operations in record time.

In line with its Proudly Committed strategy, RIU prioritized the well-being of its employees. The chain has allocated USD $1 million, with 80% directed to staff, including $570,000 for home reconstruction materials and $230,000 for emergency aid packages. An interest-free credit line of $1.3 million was also established to help employees manage storm-related damages.

Riu Jamaica — The logistics needed to prepare and deliver the essential aid packages are handled by the hotel colleagues.

The remaining 20% of the fund supports the wider Jamaican community. In partnership with the Jamaica Basic School Foundation, RIU delivered 1,750 aid packages to isolated communities. Additionally, the chain teamed up with World Central Kitchen (WCK) to prepare and distribute nearly 8,000 hot meals daily across Negril and Montego Bay, providing both nutrition to affected residents and temporary employment for RIU staff while hotels resume operations.

The RIU teams in Negril and Montego Bay are in charge of preparing the meals in collaboration with World Central Kitchen

After 24 years in Jamaica, RIU operates seven hotels across Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Falmouth, totaling more than 4,000 rooms and 4,000 employees. The recent opening of Riu Palace Aquarelle further underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the island, cementing Jamaica as one of RIU’s most important Caribbean destinations.

RIU’s reopening coincides with the return of charter flights from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, supported by operators Sunwing and TUI, signalling a broader recovery of Jamaica’s tourism sector.