WESTMORELAND, Jamaica-RIU Resorts Jamaica is reporting that sales to some of their seven properties in the island have significantly increased since the LATAM Airlines resumed flights between Lima, Peru and Montego Bay, Jamaica in December.

According to Niurka Garcia Linton, director of Sales at RIU Resorts Jamaica, the RIU brand always had a good market share from Latin America “but whenever there is increase in seat capacity into the destination from this market, it is a great help, because then it’s more ways accessible to the clients to get here”.

“Since December when LATAM started operating their flights, I believe it’s three days a week, we have noticed a significant increase of that market in our hotels. The increase, when I look year over year, there are some properties that are double digits, there are some properties that are triple digits increase since we’ve had these new operations,” Garcia Linton disclosed.

“Argentina, for example, is one of the main markets that we have, and in every department, basically we have staff that speak Spanish. Also, the clients coming from these destinations are able to feel at home. They are looking for that Jamaican experience that only here they can get: the reggae music, the Caribbean sea, the fruits and whatever we offer. But they also feel at home,” she added.

She noted too that RIU also puts on Latin shows, especially for visitors from that region.

“Even our shows, we have our Latin show that we have once a week. So, we also cater for them. They feel at home, they go home, they talk about it, and we get more clients,” said Garcia Linton.

She was speaking on Friday to reporters during a tour of the newly renovated RIU Negril property, which was reopened last month following the completion of an extensive refurbishment exercise.

The resort was closed for four months to facilitate the renovation, which has transformed the five-star property into an even more enticing destination for relaxation and fun.

The newly upgraded resort now boasts 600 fully refurbished rooms, along with 28 swim-up rooms designed for guests seeking a private pool experience during their stay. Additionally, Riu Negril has introduced new services, including the “American Country” themed restaurant and the vibrant Riu party events.

The resort now offers a total of eight restaurants, three of which are new additions, while the others include Pepe’s Food,” and the “Tiki Taco” taco station, catering to lovers of Mexican cuisine.

The all-inclusive Riu Negril resort was originally built in 2004 on the beachfront of Negril.