At RIU Hotels & Resorts, we firmly believe that sustainability isn’t just about taking care of the planet, but also about prioritizing the protection of people and vulnerable groups. Since 2012, our Proudly Committed strategy has integrated the eradication of the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents (CSEC / ESCNNA) in tourism as a strategic priority. Today, we reinforce this commitment in destinations such as Spain, Mexico, the United States, the Dominican Republic, and the United Kingdom, achieving the distinction of ECPAT TOP Member in Spain and Mexico.
What do ECPAT and The CODE mean in child protection?
To understand the scope of our social action, it is essential to distinguish between the two core pillars that structure alliances within the international tourism industry:
What is the difference between ECPAT and The CODE?
- ECPAT: It is the global network of civil society organizations, operating in over 110 countries, dedicated to eradicating the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents. It was the pioneering entity behind driving this cause within the tourism sector.
- The CODE: It constitutes the international regulatory and operational framework. It consists of 6 key criteria that establish the policies, action protocols, and training that tourism companies must implement in their operations.
Why does the TOP Member recognition awarded to RIU Hotels stand out?
Ongoing effort across our hotels has earned us the highest international distinction of the initiative: the TOP Member category in Spain and Mexico. Out of the 44 recognitions granted globally in this edition, RIU holds 2 of them, reflecting the tangible implementation of our policies in the key destinations where we operate.
Differences between the Member and TOP Member categories and key data
| Level / Indicator | Definition and Scope | Actual Actions and Figures at RIU |
| Member | Signing of the initial commitment to adopt child protection policies and the code of conduct. | Formal membership maintained since 2012. |
| TOP Member | Maximum excellence for a higher degree of compliance, ongoing training, and active protocols. | Continuous staff training and fast response backed by an immediate reporting culture. |
| Trained Employees (2025) (NEW DATA) | In-person and digital training on prevention and rapid response protocols. | 2,497 total employees trained in 2025 (2,212 in-person and 285 online). |
| Adhered Suppliers (2025) (NEW DATA) | Commercial contracts featuring a binding clause of zero tolerance toward child exploitation. | 1,463 suppliers signed the child protection clause during the 2025 financial year. |
How does RIU turn child prevention into action within its hotels?
At RIU, we have turned prevention into an everyday operational capability so that commitments go beyond mere corporate declarations.
3-Step Operational Protocol for Action
We have a standardized protocol to handle any suspicion or risk situation confidentially and immediately, ensuring the child’s protection and direct coordination with local authorities.
Cross-Departmental Team Training
We continuously train entire teams across all areas of the hotel: Front Desk, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Entertainment, Security, and Maintenance. In 2025, a total of 2,497 employees received this specific training (2,212 in-person and 285 online), equipping them to identify red flags and react immediately.
Shift in Organizational Culture and Safe Reporting
We foster a culture of trust where reporting is viewed as a moral responsibility and a collective duty of care, breaking taboos and eliminating stigma.
Contractual Clauses and Work with Local Partners
We include zero-tolerance clauses against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents with all our suppliers, and we work on the ground with local organizations to adapt guidelines to each country’s regulations.
Do you want to learn more about how we work to generate a positive social impact in each of our destinations? We invite you to explore all the initiatives under our Proudly Committed strategy on the RIU Hotels & Resorts website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
RIU has been aligned with ECPAT since 2012, integrating child protection as a priority axis within its Proudly Committed strategy.
It means that the chain has achieved the highest level of standards in applying prevention protocols, cross-departmental staff training, and real operational implementation.
RIU obtained 2 out of the 44 TOP Member category recognitions awarded worldwide.
In 2025, a total of 2,497 employees were trained: 2,212 in-person and 285 via the online platform.
They are the international criteria established for tourism companies to ensure child protection policies, response protocols, and continuous employee training. These operational commitments range from internal policy and staff training to supplier clauses, guest communication, local partnerships, and accountability.
The training is cross-departmental and includes Front Desk, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage, Entertainment, Security, and Maintenance.
The commitment covers operations in strategic destinations such as Spain, Mexico, the United States, the Dominican Republic, and the United Kingdom.
