Sunwing and Riu Hotels & Resorts hosted a VIP Festive Lunch for top sellers at the Arlington Estate Event Venue north of Toronto yesterday.
The long-time partners celebrated their unusual – and unusually successful – relationship that gives the tour operator exclusivity to sell packages to the Spanish hotel chain’s popular properties across Mexico and the Caribbean.
“The partnership between Riu and Sunwing remains strong,” said Dave Wright, Sunwing’s Director of Sales for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. “Riu is such a strong brand and Canadians love it. They love the consistency, the fact that they know what you’re getting at whichever Riu property they choose.”
The Riu crew along with Sunwing's Director of Sales Ontario and Atlantic Canada Dave Wright. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Alicia Santos Fermin, Contracting Director USA & Canada for Riu, told the audience that the hotel chain is evolving to cater more to North American tastes.
“Our hotels were built and designed more to the liking of the European market, but we’re now going through a phase of Riu evolution, adding things that are more to the tastes of North American clients based on the recommendations of travel advisors and guests.”
Those things include food and beverage changes, for example the American Country restaurant that serves North American favourites at resorts including the new Riu Aquarelle in Jamaica.
Sunwing top sellers enjoyed a delicious lunch hosted by the tour operator and long-time hotel partner Riu. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
They include larger beds – true 60” Queen Size – as well as new room categories that cater to friend and family groups. There are more guaranteed connecting rooms on offer too, a move that will please many advisors.
Another feature of new and renovated Riu properties is closed bathrooms – the mention of which drew a cheer from the audience.
Paola Roldan, Riu’s BDM for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, says Riu has always made it a priority to keep its properties up to date through regular renovations. An example is Riu Guanacaste in Costa Rica, which recently unveiled a new building with 300 rooms. But that’s just the beginning: the property will close from April 28-October 4, 2025 for a top-to-toe renovation.
Trevello Travel Group National Director Sales & Training Susan Lawson with Chris Lackstrom, Director Sales and Partner Relations for NorthStar Travel & Associates. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
“We are in a very competitive marketplace, so we always stay up to date,” Roldan said.
She also promoted Riu’s Elite Club enhanced all-inclusive experience, available at seven different properties and aimed at clients willing to pay a bit more for luxury touches.
Among the Riu staff members in attendance were representatives of properties in Jamaica, Costa Rica and Mexico, giving advisors the opportunity to catch up on developments at their favourite Riu properties.
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