Sunwing and RIU Hotels & Resorts hosted their annual holiday season partners trade lunch Wednesday with good spirits for the upcoming winter season and even a bit of snow to thrill RIU team members that had flown into chilly Toronto from some of the much warmer destinations to which most Canadians are already longing to escape.
Sunwing’s director of sales for Ontario/Atlantic Dave Wright noted that this year’s soiree, held at the Arlington Estate north of the city, marked the 10th annual occasion to mark the strong relationship and great partnership of Sunwing and RIU.
“Canadians love the (RIU) brand and the consistency of the brand,” he said, adding, “You know what you’re going to get (with RIU) without surprises. It’s strong, strong, strong in the Canadian market.”
RIU director of contracting for Canada and the US Alicia Santos took the opportunity to update attendees on the latest news, noting the context that, while the Spanish hotel company is always evolving, it is now in the process of “re-evolving” its product, particularly with a mind to aligning it more with North American consumer tastes.
To that end, a presentation noted a number of ongoing developments being rolled out across the company’s southern resorts, including:
- Ice cream parlours being added at some properties, such as Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
- Similarly, a new restaurant concept, American Country, is being introduced
- A new room category – Friends and Family Rooms – for up to four people is available featuring 3 queen beds or 1 king and 1 queen.
- Queen beds are increasing in size
- New bedding and décor, including a variety of pillow choices
- Closed bathrooms
- Two-bedroom suites and connecting rooms in some locations
- More Elite Clubs being introduced, and
- Revamped Wedding by RIU website with enhanced features.
Meanwhile, Riu Negril is re-opening this weekend after renovations and Riu Guanacaste has opened a new expansion wing, but will close next summer for complete renovations.
All the news for agents, it was reminded, is available of RIU’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
As for Canada Santos added that, beyond personal delight, “We’re happy to see the snow. It’s great for business.”
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