TORONTO — RIU Hotels & Resorts just celebrated the 8th edition of the RIU Awards with some familiar names from the Canadian travel industry.

The awards, which recognize the work of the most important travel agents from Canada and the U.S. for the chain, took place at the Riu Palace Pacifico in Riviera Nayarit.

This year, the work of the top producers from both the Canadian and U.S. markets was recognized, and for Canada, The Travel Agent Next Door was named RIUʻs top host agency.

Pierre Raymond, Senior Director of Sales and Operations, Red Label Vacations, at the RIU Awards

TTAND also won ʻHost Agency of the Year – Outstanding Growth.ʻ

The top travel agency for RIU in the Canadian market was Red Label Vacations.

Meanwhile Noyan, QCʻs Les Voyages Simon Pelletier Inc took home the prize for ʻTravel Agency of the Year – Outstanding Growth.ʻ

Representatives from the top travel retailers in Canada and the U.S., RIUʻs two main source markets in the Americas, attended the RIU Awards event. The celebration had a ʻFiesta Mexicanaʻ theme with details inspired by Otomi art. The awards “reward these professionals for their trust in the chain, whose work consolidates the brand’s presence in both countries,” said the resort company.

With more than 90 attendees on hand, RIU’s Marketing and Sales team showcased the companʻs latest news, renovations, resort openings, new services and more.

TTANDʻs Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Element, receives the RIU Award on behalf of The Travel Agent Next Door

There were special activities, destination experiences and even some surprises, all designed to thank RIUʻs retailer partners for their commitment to the chain.

RIU execs on hand included RIU’s Business Development team: Armin Kaestner (VP Sales, Contracting & Business Development, USA & Canada), Magnolia Crisostomo (MICE Director America), Celia Casado (Riu Partner Club Director), Nicole Brown (Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing – Romance & Business Development), as well as the BDMs team from the U.S. and Canada.

The winners of the RIU Awards are chosen from the agents with the highest production throughout the previous year.

Partners interested in participating in the 9th edition of the RIU Awards in 2026 are invited to “continue working with RIU and their mutual clients in planning their holidays, registering their sales in the RIU Partner Club.”

Martina Peuser, Dir. of Sales for Pacific and Central America; Nicole Brown, Sr. Mgr., Partner Marketing – Romance & Business Development; Raúl Pedregal, Dir. of Operations at RIU Mexico; David Rodríguez, GM; Armin Kaestner, VP Sales, Contracting & Business Development, USA & Canada