Proudly Committed: RIU Hotels & Resorts joins The Code UK to combat child sexual exploitation

RIU Hotels & Resorts has joined The Code UK, extending its child protection framework to a fifth country after 13+ years of global membership and Top Member status in Spain and Mexico.

Proudly Committed: RIU Hotels & Resorts joins The Code UK to combat child sexual exploitation

Photo by RIU

RIU Hotels & Resorts has officially announced its joining of The Code in the United Kingdom as part of its Proudly Committed sustainability strategy. This partnership expands the hotel chain's global commitment to preventing child sexual exploitation in the travel and tourism industry.

What does RIU Hotels & Resorts' accession to The Code UK entail?

Joining The Code UK consolidates the company's global child protection strategy in a key source market. The main objective is to strengthen local collaboration to eradicate any risk of child exploitation in tourism environments.

Recommendations from expert entities prioritize building localized networks of allies, tailoring training to local regulations and destination risks, and continuously measuring protocol activation and staff training coverage.

What is RIU's track record in protecting children's rights?

RIU Hotels & Resorts first joined The Code in 2012, the international code of conduct driven by ECPAT to eliminate the commercial exploitation of minors. Over more than 13 years of continuous work, the chain has implemented strict internal policies and clear action protocols.

Thanks to the high degree of implementation of these measures, the company holds the highest international distinction as a Top Member of The Code in Spain and Mexico.

Summary of milestones and scope of the global strategy

  • Commitment start year: Initial accession to The Code driven by ECPAT in 2012.

  • Operational track record: Over 13 years implementing protocols and recurring training.

  • Official recognitions: Distinction as a Top Member in Spain and Mexico.

  • Countries with official membership: United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico, United States, and Dominican Republic.

  • Pillars of action: Local ally networks, training adapted to territorial regulations, and continuous auditing of protocols.

Frequently asked questions about RIU's accession to The Code UK

  1. What is The Code and what is its goal in the tourism industry? The Code is an international code of conduct driven by ECPAT to prevent and combat the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents (SECA) in travel and tourism.

  2. How long has RIU Hotels & Resorts collaborated with The Code? RIU signed its first accession to The Code in 2012, accumulating over 13 years of continuous implementation of child protection measures.

  3. In which countries is RIU officially affiliated with this code of conduct? With the addition of the United Kingdom, RIU holds official membership in strategic countries including Spain, Mexico, the United States, and the Dominican Republic.

  4. What does the Top Member distinction held by RIU mean? It is the highest international distinction granted by The Code, awarded to RIU in Spain and Mexico for its high level of policy implementation, training, and preventive protocols.

  5. Under which corporate framework is this initiative encompassed? This initiative falls within Proudly Committed, RIU Hotels & Resorts' global sustainability and social impact strategy.

  6. What are the next steps planned following the UK accession? The alliance will focus on building local ally networks, adapting training to UK legislation, and measuring training coverage among teams.

About RIU Hotels & Resorts

The international RIU chain was founded in Mallorca by the Riu family in 1953 as a small holiday firm and is still owned by the family's third generation. The company specialises in holiday resorts and over 74% of its establishments offer its acclaimed All Inclusive by RIU service. With the inauguration of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU is expanding its range of products with its own line of city hotels called Riu Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts now has 98 hotels in 21 countries. In 2024, the chain welcomed 6,7 million guests and provided jobs for a total of 38.055 employees. RIU is currently the world's 40th ranked chain, one of the Caribbean's most popular, and the fourth largest in Spain in number of rooms.

For further information please visit: www.riu.com.

Sustainability Operations & Strategy Sustainability Child Protection The Code Europe United Kingdom

Riu Hotels & Resorts, a family owned business, was founded in 1953 in Mallorca. The international resort chain led by brother and sister Luis and Carmen Riu is with actually 109 Hotels, one of the most well respected and well-recognized hotel chains in the world. Riu employs 18,000 individuals and offers 36.000 rooms in 18 countries, including Aruba, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Florida, Jamaica and Mexico.