RIU Hotels & Resorts Commemorates 20th Anniversary in Cape Verde with Gala Honoring Key Local Figures and Partnerships
(IN SHORT) RIU Hotels & Resorts celebrated its 20th Anniversary in Cape Verde with a Gala at the Riu Funana hotel, honoring the company’s impact on the local community and tourism sector. The event featured 35 awards recognizing outstanding employees, suppliers, and organizations. Since opening in 2005, RIU has played a crucial role in developing Cape Verde’s tourism industry, creating a large pool of local talent. Today, the company operates six hotels in Cape Verde, employs over 3,100 locals, and is a key player in the country’s tourism growth.
(PRESS RELEASE) SAL, Cape Verde, 2025-May-16 — /Travel PR News/ — RIU Hotels & Resorts recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary Gala, commemorating the opening of its first hotel in Cape Verde on Sal Island in 2005, the Riu Funana. The event, which took place at the Riu Funana hotel, was attended by distinguished figures, including His Excellency Dr. Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cape Verde; His Excellency Mr. José Luis Sá Nogueira, Minister of Tourism; His Excellency Mr. Vítor Coutinho, Minister of Infrastructure, Land Use Planning and Housing; and Félix Casado, member of the RIU Board of Directors and Chief Operating Officer in Cape Verde. The gala underscored the importance of Cape Verde to RIU and highlighted the company’s achievements over the past 20 years, with a special focus on the strong bond it has fostered with the local community.
In celebration of this milestone, RIU presented 35 awards to its most notable employees, suppliers, and local organizations. Over the last two decades, RIU has contributed significantly to Cape Verde’s tourism industry, helping the country become one of the top international destinations. The company’s commitment to training and career development has resulted in a growing pool of talented local professionals, many of whom have taken leadership roles in the industry both in Cape Verde and abroad.
Prime Minister Dr. Ulisses Correia e Silva concluded the evening by commending RIU for its business model, which prioritizes employee training and community well-being. He praised the company for its essential role in Cape Verde’s tourism development and in professionalizing the industry.
The event, attended by nearly 150 people, was hosted by journalist Susana Rendall, who opened with a video recounting RIU’s journey in Cape Verde. Félix Casado, member of the RIU Board of Directors, delivered an emotional speech reflecting on the company’s early days. Recalling his first visit to local neighborhoods with HR Director Carlos Almeida to introduce the project and recruit employees for the first hotel, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation for Cape Verde and its people:
“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.”
During the gala, awards were presented in four major categories. BIOS Cabo Verde and Associaçao Projeto Biodiversidade were honored for their environmental work, particularly in the protection of the Caretta caretta turtle. Fundaçao DesBem was recognized for its contributions to children’s health through the Children’s Health Office of Sal Island. Carlos Almeida, RIU’s longest-standing employee in Cape Verde, was honored for his pivotal role in the company’s development in the country. Additionally, local entrepreneurs and suppliers who have supported RIU since its first hotel in Cape Verde were recognized for their unwavering contributions.
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 Prime Minister Dr. Ulisses Correia e Silva.
The gala included traditional Cape Verdean music and dance, followed by a dinner with live entertainment. The evening was a heartfelt tribute to RIU’s journey in Cape Verde, celebrating the challenges overcome, the relationships formed, and the key individuals and organizations that have supported the company over the past 20 years. From its first hotel in 2005, RIU has grown to become one of Cape Verde’s leading international hotel chains, with six properties, over 3,500 rooms, and more than 3,100 local employees.
Media contact:
Communications Department
Tel: +34 971 74 30 30
prensa@riu.com
SOURCE: RIU
