Spanish operator Riu Hotels & Resorts has introduced a new brand image as it continues its modernisation and expansion plans.
Having just concluded a year that saw a record €600 million (US$734.70 million) in investment spanning hotel construction, renovation and acquisition, the chain now plans to roll out the refreshed brand to half of its properties in 2018 and to the remaining half in 2019.
The transition to a more modern and “warmer” image comes amid the company’s expansion in existing and new markets.
Apart from multiple relaunches and openings in destinations such as Mexico and Bulgaria, this year will also see the company continue to explore expansion opportunities including in Asia.
Construction is already underway of two hotels in the Maldives that Riu will present in 2019, a pair of hotels located on two uninhabited islands linked by a bridge. The Riu Atoll will have all the services Riu All-Inclusive customers are accustomed to, while the Riu Palace Maldivas will have a more luxurious positioning.
Also underway is a first Riu hotel in Dubai, a 800-room hotel located on the Deira Islands, which will also open in 2019.
At the close of 2017, RIU had 43,000 rooms across 92 hotels in 19 countries.
