Carnival Vegano in DR starting February 2008!!

Founded in 1495 by Columbus, La Vega is the site of one of the oldest settlements in Dominican Republic.

However, La Vega also happens to be celebrated for its Carnival Vegano, featuring haunting devil masks (diablos cojuelos), live music and shows. Atrracting over 50,000 fans every year, it’s definately worth the trip.

The papier-mâché masks worn by the devils are intricate, fanciful gargoyles painted in surreal colors; spiked horns and real cows' teeth. Although we must warn you, keep your distance from these lively creatures as they have the right to literally hit participants with a "vega", as part of a tradition believed to liberate humans from their sins before Holy Week.

Have clients travelling to DR in February? Advise them of this unique celebration!! Our hotel staff would be delighted to provide with further details and tips to ensure a fun time!

Note: La Vega is closer to Puerto Plata and taxi cabs are always accesible ; )

Don't loose sales!!!

- Looking for a RIU Hotel in Europe?
- Have a hard time finding availability through our preferred Wholesalers?
- Need to book a Jacuzzi Suite for your upscale clients?
- Cannot book a stay for less than 3 nights?

RIU Hotels & Resorts Call Center is at your service with knowledgeable staff, a wide variety of options and commissionable rates.

Call us at 1-888-666-8816 or visit www.riu.com today!!

* If you are an RPC member, give us your code at the time of booking and receive your points automatically.

RIU Palace Pacifico - Opening Fall 2008!

With palatial architecture and elegant furnishing, this new RIU property, will soon become the ideal place for those vacationers seeking total relaxation in sumptuous luxury and comfort of our premium brand.

The RIU Palace Pacifico is being built alongside the other two RIU properties in Nuevo Vallarta just 9 miles from downtown.

Offering 484 Junior Suites and Suites, infinity swimming pool, fitness center and Spa, conference room, exchange privileges with all other RIU properties in the area, 24 hrs all inclusive , room service, speciality dining and much more.

For more information visit: http://www.riu.com/

www.myappleonline.com

Thanks God it's Friday and to make your life a bit easier, here is a tip:

If you are frequent user of http://http://www.myappleonline.com// and happen to be a RIU Partner Club (RPC)Member, enter your RPC code at the time of booking and avoid further time-consuming procedures to earn points.

How? Very easy, in the PAX INFO section, use the scroll down field (next to PaxType) to select LOYALTY. This will open a free form field to type your RPC code, save it in the remarks area and your done!!!

As soon as your clients check-out, your points will automatically be credited in your account and your clients will receive the Welcome Gift upon arrival on your behalf.

Any questions? Just e-mail me at: rep.pacific@riu.com.
Not an RPC member? Sign up today by visiting: http://www.riu.com/specialoffers/rpc_promo/

Have a great weekend!!!

Humpback Whales in Samaná Bay, DR.

Samaná Bay, DR has the rare distinction of being one of the best locations internationally to observe the well-known and popular whale species: The Humpback (Megaptera novaengliae).

Each winter Humpbacks migrate anywhere from 2000 to 4000 miles, from distant northern feeding grounds in the Gulf of Maine, the east coast of Canada, Greenland and Iceland, to the warm Caribbean water of the Dominican Republic to reproduce.

Almost the entire North Western Atlantic Humpback whale population (3,000-5,000 whales) spend the months of January, February and March utilizing several offshore areas like Silver Bank and Navidad Bank as well as Samaná Bay to mate and give birth.

Sky-rocketing, standing on their tails (and heads, too!), flippering, tailing; and all sorts of antics may be observed under carefully controlled conditions aboard excursion boats staffed by knowledgeable personnel. Excursions leave from Samaná Harbor and several other points along the north shore of the bay.

Therefore, if you or your clients are visiting one of our RIU Hotels in DR between January 15th and March 15th, do not to miss the opportunity of witnessing this unique phenomenon!!!

For further information visit: http://www.samana.org.do/whales.htm or ask our hotel staff upon arrival.

Cabo San Lucas Country Club

Have clients inquiring about Golf in Cabos??

This Roy Dye designed championship golf course (formerly know as Raven Golf Course) is just across the street from our RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas.

The challenging 18-hole course flows gently through groves of magnificent Palo Blanco trees and stately Cardon cacti, accented by grand expanses of sprawling fairways and nine sparkling lakes.

Ideal for all levels of players!! Make your clients booking in advance and obtain detailed information by visiting: http://www.golfincabo.com/ or ask our hotel staff for any specials.

RIU Tropical Bay update

Our hotel RIU Tropical Bay in Negril is currently in process of renovation, with expected date of completion, December 2008.

Part of the remodeling includes: refurbishment of rooms, innovation and improvements in all the public areas and the inclusion of a new a-la-carte restaurant.

We are looking forward to up-grading this already outstanding property and provide our valued and mutual clients, with all the standards and services they are accustomed to receiving in our other RIU hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Come back for more detailed information!