• During the event, which was presided over by the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, His Excellency Dr Ulisses Correia e Silva, RIU presented awards to its most renowned collaborators, suppliers and social organisations in Cape Verde

Over the past 20 years, RIU has witnessed and has been part of the country’s great tourism evolution, becoming a top international destination. In addition, it has supported local talent and, as a result of training and career planning, Cabo Verde now has a large pool of professionals who today are leaders and trainers in other destinations. This was precisely one of the aspects that was highlighted by the Prime Minister in his words of congratulations to RIU with which the event was brought to a close. Dr Ulisses Correia e Silva praised the chain’s business model, which supports the training of its workers and which cares about the well-being of the community. He also said that RIU has been an engine for tourism development and that much of the growth and professionalisation of the industry in the country has been thanks to the company’s support.

The event, held at the Riu Funana hotel on Sal Island, brought together nearly 150 attendees and was presented and led by the journalist Susana Rendall, who began by showing a commemorative video about the history of RIU in Cape Verde. Félix Casado, member of the RIU Board of Directors, gave an emotional speech in which he recounted RIU’s beginnings in Cape Verde when, alongside Carlos Almeida, HR Director, they visited the local neighbourhoods to introduce the hotel manager and their project in order to hire the team from that first hotel.

During his speech he expressed his appreciation, especially to his collaborators who have been able to demonstrate the value of Cape Verde, and showed his great affection for the country:“Cape Verde is a destination that has changed us as a company. I’m not going to say it’s been an easy journey. Especially [since] the beginning was full of challenges. Let me tell you all that your extraordinary “morabeza” makes you unique and fortunately, we believe it has also touched the soul of RIU.”

The awards were presented by Catalina Alemany, Director of Sustainability for RIU, Juan Carlos Dreher, Operations Officer for Cape Verde, Sergio Lobenstein, Operations Director for Cape Verde, Félix Casado and the Prime Minister of Cape Verde, His Excellency Dr Ulisses Correia e Silva.

The evening also included a performance of Cape Verdean music and dance and concluded with the Prime Minister’s speech, after which a dinner was provided for all the attendees with live music.

The 20th Anniversary Gala was a celebration of work, overcoming challenges and an expression of deep appreciation for human relationships and closeness to the community. In addition, [it was] an opportunity to recognise the key people and players over these two decades. With this grand commemorative event, RIU celebrated in style. Twenty years ago, in 2005, RIU began its journey in Cape Verde and it is now one of its main international destinations with six hotels, more than 3,500 rooms and 3,120 local employees.