The Riusa hotel group, the result of the alliance between the Mallorcan company RIU and the German tour operator TUI, has closed 2023 with figures that exceed all expectations. The company achieved revenues of 1.306 million euros, 25% more than in the previous year, and a net profit of 345 million, which represents a spectacular growth of 77%.
According to Forbes, Lopesan owner Eustasio López has a fortune of €1.200 billion in cash and equity to his name. Not only has Riusa generated record profits, but it has also been generous to its shareholders. In 2023, it distributed a total of €390 million in dividends in three tranches: €51 million in May, €189 million in September and €150 million in December. TUI Group has also presented a strong balance sheet for 2024, showing a 12% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, reaching €23.200 billion, representing an improvement of €2.500 billion. The group's underlying EBITDA rose a remarkable 33% to €1.300 billion.
Demand for holidays continues to boom. In 2024, 20,3 million customers travelled with TUI, compared to 19 million the previous year, which is evidence of a robust recovery in the sector. In addition, bookings for the 2024-2025 low season are already 4% above those of 2023, despite prices having increased by 5%. By country, Mexico has been the main driver of Riusa's success, with a net result of 101,4 million euros, followed by Spain (89,3 million) and Cape Verde (77,6 million). Destinations such as Jamaica (62,7 million), Zanzibar (10,5 million) and Morocco (3,3 million) also stood out. However, the company recorded losses in Mauritius (-1,5 million), Thailand (-642.433 euros) and Sri Lanka (-42.008 euros), which highlights the challenges in certain emerging markets.
In terms of expansion, 2023 was a strategic year for Riusa. The company sold a plot of land in Mexico while advancing the construction of two hotels in Mauritius, the RIU Mauritius and the RIU Turquoise, both opening in 2024. In addition, it began construction of a hotel in Thailand on a publicly owned plot of land, consolidating its presence in Asia. Founded in 1993, Riusa remains a benchmark in the sector. At the end of 2023, the company had a solid portfolio of 11 hotels in Spain, 6 in Mexico, 6 in Cape Verde, 4 in Jamaica, 2 in Mauritius, and 2 in Tanzania, as well as other projects in Morocco and Sri Lanka. With a combination of strategic vision, international expansion and efficient management, Riusa and TUI continue to demonstrate that tourism not only recovers, but can reach new heights.
