Hotel group RIU has rolled out a US$1 million relief programme for its more than 4,000 employees in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa, confirming that roughly 80 per cent of the support will go directly to staff.

The company is also preparing to welcome guests again as key travel partners resume flights to the island.

Speaking at the RIU Montego Bay on Wednesday, Niurka Garcia Linton, sales director, told reporters that Sunwing Vacations is expected to resume service from Canada on November 20.

She added that TUI is also expected to resume flights from the UK on November 24 and the Netherlands on December 2.

Meanwhile, human resources manager Somae Pitkin Shakes noted that US$570,000 of the aid is earmarked for home repairs and US$230,000 for urgent supplies.

She also disclosed a US$1.3 million interest-free credit line for workers facing additional hardship. Nearly 800 employees have already reported home damage, she said.

A portion of the funding will extend beyond staff support, including a US$200,000 partnership with the Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation to assist vulnerable communities.

RIU has also joined World Central Kitchen to provide up to 8,000 hot meals daily—an initiative that will also create short-term jobs.

Garcia Linton announced that with RIU Ocho Rios already open, RIU Montego Bay will resume operations on November 23 and RIU Palace Jamaica on November 24.

Remaining hotels are expected to reopen between mid-December and the end of the year, “if everything aligns”.