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RIU Hotels Deepens Travel Safety Commitments in the Americas
Global travellers seeking safe and responsible holiday experiences now have another reason to feel secure in popular destinations. RIU Hotels & Resorts has announced a major expansion of its efforts to prevent the sexual exploitation of children within tourism operations. The hotel chain’s new agreements in the United States and the Dominican Republic build on its long‑standing child protection work throughout the Americas.
These partnerships come at a time when responsible tourism and child safety are becoming central to sustainable travel goals. Experts say the travel and tourism industry is uniquely positioned to protect children because of its reach across hotels, attractions and transport services worldwide.
New Alliances with PACT USA and MAIS‑ECPAT
In the United States, RIU Hotels formalised cooperation with PACT USA by becoming a “Changemaker for Protection.” This elevated membership level requires hotels to expand internal policies, increase staff training and take structured action aligned with international standards for child protection.
The agreement in the Dominican Republic with MAIS‑ECPAT also places child protection at the heart of daily hotel operations. Under this partnership, RIU will better inform guests, train staff, and strengthen reporting procedures to ensure any suspicious behaviour is quickly recognised and addressed.
For travellers, these steps mean more vigilant and prepared staff at RIU properties in key destinations. The measures help families feel safer and more confident when choosing holiday stays.
Enhanced Action in Quintana Roo, Mexico
In Quintana Roo — home to Cancún and the Riviera Maya, two of the world’s most visited beach destinations — RIU joined forces with ECPAT Mexico and the state tourism authority to implement a formal protection protocol for children and adolescents across the tourism sector.
Local officials praised RIU’s role in bringing public and private partners together for child safety, recognising that responsible hospitality enhances the visitor experience and supports community wellbeing. By boosting protective measures, the region demonstrates its commitment to safe, family‑friendly tourism.
What Is The Code and Why It Matters for Travel
A central part of RIU’s strategy is its connection to The Code — the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism. This global initiative, backed by ECPAT International, sets voluntary criteria that tourism businesses commit to in order to keep children safe.
Under The Code, companies agree to implement measures such as:
- adopting formal child protection policies,
- training staff around the world,
- adding clauses to supplier contracts rejecting exploitation, and
- providing travellers with clear information on how to report concerns.
The Code’s mission is to equip the tourism industry with tools and awareness to recognise and prevent sexual exploitation, a crime that can occur in hotels, attractions, transport hubs and other travel settings.
For travellers, choosing companies that uphold The Code means supporting tourism providers committed to ethical and safe travel for all.
Part of RIU’s Broader Sustainability Strategy
These new agreements are woven into RIU’s “Proudly Committed” sustainability plan. The strategy focuses on promoting the health, education and protection of children around the world. Since first working with ECPAT and The Code in 2012, RIU has developed internal protocols, tools and a zero‑tolerance clause in supplier contracts to ensure child safety across its operations.
The company has been recognised as a Top Member of ECPAT, reflecting its leadership in the travel sector on this issue.
What This Means for Global Travellers
For families, solo explorers and eco‑conscious tourists, these enhanced measures offer peace of mind. With trained staff and clear reporting processes in place, guests at RIU properties can enjoy world‑class hospitality with an added layer of confidence in destination safety.
Responsible travel is not just about beautiful beaches and cultural experiences; it also means choosing hotels that take social responsibility seriously. RIU’s expanded efforts position it as a travel partner dedicated to safe, ethical and memorable holidays.
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