Riu Hotels and Resorts launched Riu Specialist, its first certification program for U.S. travel agents.
"This online course is designed as a tool and resource for our agent partners to sell any Riu property in the Caribbean, Mexico, and North and Central America," said Sergi Ruiz Pique, Riu's vice president of business development and partner marketing, U.S. and Canada.
Of Riu's more than 100 properties, 15 are in the Caribbean (Aruba, Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Jamaica), 17 are in Mexico; one is in Costa Rica; and two are in Panama, including the all-inclusive Riu Playa Blanca that opens April 4.
"More than 60% of our total business to this region comes through travel agents," said Ruiz.
The course is divided into six chapters that highlight the main features of Riu's properties and its Classic, Palace and Plaza brands.
Graduates of the course get a certificate, receive news and promotions, and get a certificate for a two-night stay, based on future bookings.