Why has RIU Hotels been awarded as the best brand for families in Mexico at the WAVE 2026 awards?
Palma de Mallorca June 12th, 2026
The chain RIU Hotels & Resorts has been awarded the Best Hotel Brand for Families – Mexico prize at the TravelAge West WAVE Awards 2026. The recognition was presented on 4 June 2026 in Los Angeles, California, following a direct vote carried out by thousands of travel agents and industry professionals in the United States.

How were the winners of the WAVE 2026 awards determined?
The selection of winners in the TravelAge West WAVE Awards 2026 is carried out through the direct voting of thousands of travel agents and industry professionals in the United States. This open selection method, rather than a closed committee, consolidates the trust of the North American market in the hotel portfolio of the Majorcan chain.
The award highlights the preference of the hotel chain's main commercial partners in the North American region, who recommend and place their reputation in the brand's services.
What value does this award bring to the operations of RIU Hotels?
The recognition directly validates the daily performance of the RIU operations teams. Their daily work in terms of hospitality and customer service is the pillar that guarantees consistent, high-quality lodging experiences for the family segment.
Highlight: "This recognition represents the absolute trust, respect, and preference of RIU's main commercial partners in the North American market, supporting the operational excellence strategy in Mexico."
What are the recent investments by RIU for family tourism in Mexico?
The obtaining of the award coincides with the execution of an expansion and infrastructure update plan for tourism in Mexico. Among the main actions are:
- Renovation of the Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula: Comprehensive modernisation of its facilities in the destination of Cancun.
- Opening of the Riu Ventura: Incorporation of new hotel and entertainment infrastructure in Cancun.
- Opening of the Riu Flamingos: Expansion of the family accommodation offer in the destination of Riviera Nayarit.
These investments allow the hotel chain to keep an updated portfolio in the face of the demands of international travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about RIU and the WAVE 2026 awards
1. What award did RIU Hotels receive at the 2026 WAVE Awards?
RIU Hotels & Resorts was awarded the Best Hotel Brand for Families – Mexico award.
2. When and where was the awards gala held?
The ceremony took place on Thursday 4 June 2026 at the hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, in Los Angeles, California.
3. Who received the award on behalf of RIU Hotels?
The award was received by Nicole Brown, Partner Marketing – Romance & Business Development of the hotel chain.
4. What is the voting process for the TravelAge West WAVE awards?
The winners are chosen by the direct vote of thousands of travel professionals and agents in the United States subscribed to the industry magazine TravelAge West.
5. Which recent RIU hotels in Mexico are part of your family renovation plan?
The plan includes the renovation of the Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula (Cancun) and the openings of Riu Ventura (Cancun) and Riu Flamingos (Riviera Nayarit).
6. How many RIU establishments operate under the All Inclusive service?
More than 74% of the establishments of RIU Hotels & Resorts offer the All inclusive by RIU service.
For more information or bookings: www.riu.com
About RIU Hotels & Resorts: The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca, Spain, in 1953 as a small holiday business by the Riu family, founders and current owners in the third generation. The company focuses on holiday hotels and more than 74% of its establishments offer the renowned All inclusive by RIU service. With the opening of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU expanded its range of products with its own line of urban hotels called RIU Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts has 101 hotels in 22 countries that in 2025 welcomed 6.8 million guests and employed a total of 38,955 staff. Currently, RIU is the 40th largest chain in the world, and the third in Spain by number of rooms.
For more information: Communication and Institutional Relations Department // Tel: +34 971 74 30 30 // [email protected]