If the lack of a big wedding budget has been holding your travelers back from saying “I do”, they’ll be running out of excuses in 2018 with the news that RIU Hotels & Resorts will be absorbing the additional fees associated with their free wedding packages. The news was “unveiled” Wednesday at the 5th annual RIU and Sunwing holiday luncheon for agents at Toronto’s Jazz Bistro proving there’s no better time to tie the knot with RIU.

“We’ve carried the free wedding package before, but there was an additional fee associated that included the minister, taxes and other required government fees, “ explains Hugo Aguilera, Director of Business Development & Partner Marketing, RIU Hotels & Resorts. “The only thing now not included is the minister, but we know from past experience that there's always an uncle who took a minister’s course online and they will do it,” he joked.

Approximately 60 percent of RIU product are participating, including all of Jamaica properties.

“All the competition has the same wedding packages but you have to sell a 7 night stay or bring 20 people in for 3 nights. We want to be a step ahead, so we removed every single clause on the package, so we don’t require any minimums. So if you want the free package, just get the free package.”

The news follows an exciting year for RIU and its Sunwing partnership. The newest member of the RIU Hotels & Resorts family opens December 2nd in Mexico’s Costa Mujures beach. The Hotel Riu Dunamar features more than 700 rooms perfectly appointed with the best amenities such as A/C, a minibar, beverage dispensers and a balcony or terrace. Travelers will also find an exclusive water park, “Splash Water World” with one children’s pool and five outdoor swimming pools plus a beach with water sports.

Hotel Riu Dunamar will host its first FAM only four days after its opening, a testament of trust to both Sunwing and Riu and of its agents and community.

“Today we wanted to say thank you to all these agents for their incredible support of Sunwing and RIU” said Deana Murphy, VP Retail Sales, Sunwing, in an interview with TravelPulse Canada. “It’s also about reinforcing our relationship with RIU, as we are the exclusive tour operator representing all their properties in Canada.”

Aguilera says 2017 was a busy year, not unlike past years, but it was especially busy due to the number of renovations and new openings throughout the Caribbean. A quick rundown includes:

- Riu Republica in Punta Cana just re-opened as an “Adults Only” hotel, featuring among other things, its own “Splash Water World” (see Tuesday’s TravelPulse Canada article)

- Riu Palace Paradise Island also re-opened in the Bahamas after a complete conversion to an “Adults Only” including a new Indian restaurant, “Chutney”

- Hotel Riu Bambu, the family favourite in Punta Cana, is completely refurbished with new rooms, restaurants, pools and services including two new swim up bars

Aguilera also reminded agents about the RIU Partner Club, which he referred to here in Canada as “Cash Double Dipping”. It’s a big perk that allows agents to get star points and free stays when agents combine both programs.

Follow @TravelPulseCA