RIU’s $50M Sustainability Plan in Mexico Revealed

Cancún — With a firm commitment to responsible tourism, RIU Hotels & Resorts presented its global sustainability strategy, "Proudly Committed," in Cancún. The initiative consolidates the hotel chain's efforts in social investment, environmental protection, and support for local communities.

The event was held at the Riu Caribe hotel and was led by Naomi Riu, the group's Executive Director and head of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) area. She was accompanied by Catalina Alemany and Alma Tesillos, directors of the CSR area, as well as more than 100 guests, including municipal and state authorities, representatives from the tourism sector, social organizations, and media.

During the ceremony, Naomi Riu highlighted the progress achieved by the chain in recent years in Mexico.

"We direct our social investment in Mexico to biodiversity projects, such as the protection of endangered species or coral restoration, and to community projects. At RIU, we believe the best way to invest in a society is by taking care of the youngest," she stated.

The executive emphasized that the chain's social investment has grown from just over 250,000 pesos in 2015 to nearly 10 million pesos in 2024, accumulating a total investment of almost 50 million pesos over the last decade.

Representing Governor Mara Lezama, the State Secretary of Tourism, Bernardo Cueto, acknowledged RIU's efforts in the region.

"We thank RIU Hotels for its tireless commitment to the Mexican Caribbean. Through the genuine work they carry out, they are building a more sustainable future for everyone. This alliance demonstrates that responsible tourism not only fosters economic growth but also the well-being of our communities and the preservation of our natural paradise," he expressed.

In their presentation, Catalina Alemany and Alma Tesillos detailed the results obtained in social responsibility over 10 years in Mexico, framed within three key pillars: local community, childhood, and biodiversity.

Since the implementation of "Proudly Committed" in 2024 and with objectives set for 2026, the chain has consolidated 60 initiatives globally, of which 19 are developed in Mexican territory, in destinations such as Mazatlán, Los Cabos, Nayarit, Guadalajara, and Quintana Roo.

Currently, RIU Hotels collaborates with 17 partners in Mexico and has increased its social investment in the country by 143%, rising from 1.3 million euros in 2019 to just over 3 million in 2024, representing 29% of its total global investment.

Among the Mexican organizations supported by RIU are:

• Quintana Roo: Fundación Aitana, Oceanus, Save The Children México
• Mazatlán: Proeduca Sinaloa, Back to Back México
• Nayarit: CANICA, ECOBAC, CEMBAB
• Guadalajara: Corporativa de Fundaciones, Bosque Urbano de Extra
• Los Cabos: Los Niños del Capitán, Amigos de los Niños
• Mexico City: Doctor Sonrisas
• Nationally: ECPAT México, with whom they collaborate in the fight against the trafficking of children and adolescents in the tourism sector.

All these organizations were recognized during the event for their valuable work in an emotional ceremony led by Naomi Riu, Catalina Alemany, and Alma Tesillos.

With "Proudly Committed," RIU Hotels reaffirms its role as an agent of change in the tourism industry, strengthening its vision of a sustainable business model that generates a positive impact on people and the planet.