RIU Hotels & Resorts, the third largest hotel chain in Spain, has publicly stated that the recent ruling by the Constitutional Court does not necessarily mean the demolition of its Hotel Riu Oliva Beach in Corralejo, Fuerteventura.
The court’s decision affirms that the Ministry for Ecological Transition holds authority over the public maritime-land domain, where the hotel is situated, rather than the Canary Islands government, which had previously claimed jurisdiction.
Despite the ruling siding with the central government, RIU emphasised in a statement yesterday that it does not equate to the immediate demolition of the hotel. The company, which operates over 50,000 rooms globally, is preparing to defend its rights through judicial channels.
"We have always said we would protect our rights legally, and this is a process that may take years," RIU said. The hotel chain argues that there are no legal grounds or factual evidence to justify the termination of the administrative concession granted to the hotel.
RIU is determined to safeguard the 400 jobs at the hotel and uphold what they consider the "general interest of Fuerteventura." As part of their efforts, the company has filed lawsuits against senior officials in the Ministry for Ecological Transition, accusing them of misconduct in public office.
The core of RIU's defence is the assertion that the alleged violations cited by the Ministry regarding the hotel’s operation lack merit. They argue that the Ministry's claims are inconsistent with the actual state of the property. The company further highlighted that it renewed its concession in 2016 and maintains that the hotel is located outside the protected natural area of the Corralejo Dunes, thereby reinforcing its legal position.
In closing, RIU reiterated its commitment to continue operating the hotel and will present its case in court to prove the full legality of its concession.
