There was more than just Christmas in the air at yesterday’s annual (pandemic notwithstanding) RIU-Sunwing agent luncheon, held at the posh Arlington Estate in Vaughan, Ont. Call it love: the hotel chain’s love for Sunwing; the tour operator’s mutual amore; and the declared affection of both for their VIP travel agent partners in attendance.

“If you’re here, you know about RIU’s high quality, good entertainment, and food. You know what you’re getting,” enthused Sunwing director of sales for Ontario and Atlantic Canada Dave Wright, as guests dined on the biggest fish and short ribs this side of Texas.

Sunwing executive VP Eric Rodriguez praised the Spanish-based company’s humble origins and attitude, adding, “They deliver what they say they will, it sells with ease, and people will be happy – generating repeat clientele.”

RIU’s Ontario BDM Valerie Ward observed, “It’s a long time since we’ve been together,” and after introducing team members from several destinations, provided an update on the brand’s 100-plus worldwide resorts and hotels, including the recent opening of the Hotel Riu Latino in Costa Mujeres (near Cancun, Mexico) and the forthcoming Riu Sante Fe Los Cabos on Dec. 17.

She noted the value of onsite all-inclusive Splash Water World attractions at select RIU resorts, and the post-pandemic return of RIU parties (pool and “get together”). Also, wedding options and the popularity of “social” packages, including birthday/anniversaries; romantic getaways; bachelor/ette bashes, the latter being a current bestseller.

“RIU is great partner, always upping the ante and reinventing themselves,” concluded Rodriguez. “We,” he said, “go hand in hand with RIU.”