Winter’s On Its Way And RIU’s Ready

RIU sounds a little bit like “renew,” which is perhaps just a coincidence for the mega-all-inclusive chain, which is forever building, renewing and renovating, writes managing editor, Michael Baginski in this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier.

Reportedly the 30th largest chain in the world, with over 100 hotel/resorts in 16 countries, there’s always something new at RIU, prompting the company’s VP of sales & business development Oliver Kluth to visit Canada regularly to update the trade on the company’s latest developments.

In familiar surroundings at the Toronto airport area office of prime Canadian partner Sunwing/Signature last week, Kluth reported that there are several developments coming to fruition and in the pipeline at RIU.

“People keep seeing an investment in the market,” says Sunwing VP of product development Eric Rodriguez. “RIU keeps re-investing, and that’s good for a partner like us.”

Aside from major events like the opening of the Riu Playacar in Mexico in early October, Rodriguez points to small details like RIU ripping out room carpets at the (newly refurbished no less) Riu Palace Aruba because it was discovered that “North Americans don’t like carpets in the Caribbean.”

“RIU listens to what people want,” enthuses Rodriguez, while Kluth states, “We have a very good understanding with our partners…”

To find out what’s new at RIU, check out this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier by clicking here.