TORONTO — The best business partnerships bring success to both parties, and deliver an excellent product in the process. That’s certainly the case with Sunwing’s partnership with RIU Hotels & Resorts.

The two companies have been joining forces for more than a dozen years now. Last week Sunwing and RIU brought back their VIP industry event showcasing all the latest resort news, selling features and more.

Jennifer Lucas, Sunwing’s Director of Product, recently talked to Travelweek about those new resorts, why Canadians love the Riu product, Riu-topia perks and more.

How many years has Sunwing been selling RIU to Canadian travellers, and what benefit does this partnership give Sunwing in the marketplace?

Lucas: “Sunwing and RIU Hotels & Resorts have been in partnership for 12 years and counting! Sunwing is proud and grateful for the ongoing partnership that has been fostered on relationship-building, mutual respect and trust.

“Through our partnership, we have been able to offer Canadian customers a wide variety of all inclusive vacations to RIU properties that are geared towards various travel styles and preferences – from adults only options to top-rated family-friendly hotels and elevated experiences at RIU Palace properties. When booking a RIU property through Sunwing, Canadians know and trust they will be visiting resort with a high-quality product, offering unparalleled service and amenities for an unforgettable vacation in paradise.”

What is it that Canadians love so much about the RIU product?

Lucas: “RIU is a trusted and well-known brand that the Canadian market has loved for years, is consistently rated a traveller favourite, and that offers something for everyone.

“When selecting a RIU property, customers can choose from a wide variety of resorts that suit a range of travel styles and preferences, in several popular destinations and at various price ranges, and have the confidence knowing that the amenities and services RIU is known for will be experienced at each property.

“For example, RIU Hotels & Resorts provides a range of RIU perks for Canadians, including Riu-topia inclusions (which vary per resort) such as: welcome cocktails on arrival, unlimited reservation-free dining at specialty restaurants, an in-room safe, an in-room mini-bar which is re-stocked regularly, unlimited international drinks, discounts on select local excursions, a spa credit for selected treatments at the hotel, and complimentary WiFi access throughout the resort grounds.

“Plus, customers booking at RIU Palace Hotels & Resorts with Sunwing, can look forward to RIU-topia inclusions (which vary per resort) along with added benefits and perks, such as: 24-hour room service, poolside waiter service, champagne breakfast, an in-room coffee maker, nightly turn down service and more perks to make their stay one to remember.

“With a variety of experiences to adore, a favourite for travellers includes the Splash Water World water park that both adults and kids can enjoy, offering several water attractions including the classic Kamikaze slide, the free fall slide and the Body Bortex. For a splash of day-to-night entertainment, Canadians can dance to sounds spun by some of the top DJs in the tropics and witness incredible performances at RiuParty themed events, like the adults only Riu Pool Party and the Riu Get Together Party suitable to all ages.”

Are there any new RIU resorts available through Sunwing this winter, or recently renovated RIU resorts, that should be on the radar for travel agents?

Lucas: “Yes! Riu Latino is a brand new resort that opened this fall. It is an adults only resort located on a beautiful stretch of sand in Costa Mujeres, Mexico that includes elevated amenities from gourmet dining options to lively entertainment and on-site water park, along with spacious, modern rooms including swim-out and oceanview options. Plus, guests who are seeking a bit of pampering will love on-site Renova Spa, which has a steam room, relaxation pools and a variety of beauty and therapeutic treatments to choose from.

“What’s more, Riu Santa Fe in Los Cabos, Mexico has been recently renovated and is set to reopen on Dec. 17, 2022, just in time for the holiday season. Guests will enjoy newly renovated rooms, restaurants, and bars with a modern design, plus all the RIU inclusions Canadians know and love, from on-site programming for guests of all ages to the RiuLand kids’ club, complimentary access to RiuFit workout programs and more.

“In addition, Riu Palace Antillas in Aruba underwent renovations in 2021 to include refurbished guest rooms for a more modern look and feel.”

Sunwing now offers more than three dozen RIU Hotels & Resorts and RIU Palace Resorts in top sun destinations across Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Here’s a look…