All-inclusive packages are enjoying continued popularity in both short and long-haul destinations.
However, established resorts such as those in the Caribbean are now placing emphasis on the hotels themselves and their continual improvements, rather than what is included in the package. A meal and drinks package with the odd sport thrown in is no longer acceptable to customers.
But there are fresh destinations joining the fray, as holidaymakers to such diverse places as the Indian Ocean, Africa and the Middle East demand the choice of an all-inclusive option.
Operators report all-inclusive properties in the Maldives, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Goa and to a lesser extent Mauritius, are often their best sellers. It has almost become fashionable to book an all-inclusive in an expensive destination such as the Maldives or Mauritius.
Tradewinds deputy managing director Robbie Orr said: “An all-inclusive package is now perceived to be better value than a traditional hotel package.
“The all-inclusive concept is certainly here to stay.”
Long-haul update
The Caribbean remains the most popular choice for all-inclusives, even where there is plenty to do outside of the resort.
Although the Dominican Republic still offers unbeatable prices, many operators point to Cancun as having the best overall value, closely followed by Cuba.
Jamaica, where the concept began, is still a favourite and is leading the way in creating the next generation of all-inclusives – resorts within hotels.
Many of the island’s newest properties, such as Sandals and Beaches Negril, offer a distinct resort feel – you can eat out every night in a different restaurant and take part in a variety of activities.
Indian Ocean destinations are gaining ground on the Caribbean, however, as hoteliers there latch onto the concept.
Tradewinds deputy managing director Robbie Orr said that the Lily Beach Resort on the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives now outsells all of its Caribbean all-inclusives.
But as yet, Asia has failed to make its mark on the all-inclusive scene and does not seem suited to the cash-free concept.
Worried about their effect on the local economy, Gambia recently banned all-inclusives. Although not a large part of the all-inclusive market, they were selling well at the value end and growing in popularity.
Airtours sales, marketing and development director Ed Sims said: “I think Gambia has made a mistake.
“The Caribbean once tried to limit all-inclusives and it too has learned that it has to react to demand – even if it doesn’t like it.”
Top fiveall-inclusive destinations
British Airways Holidays
1. Crystal Cove, Barbados.
2. Odyssey, St Lucia.
3. Rex Halcyon Cove, Antigua.
4. Le Source, Grenada.
5. Rex Turtle Beach, Tobago.
Tradewinds
1. Lily Beach, Maldives.
2. Omni Cancun, Cancun.
3. Sam Lord’s Castle, Barbados.
4. Crystal Cove, Barbados.
5. Crown Paradise, Cancun.
Cresta Worldwide
1. Maritim, Mauritius.
2. Crystal Cove, Barbados.
3. Almond Beach Village, Barbados.
4. Odyssey St Lucia, St Lucia.
5. Melia Benoa, Bali.
Top five all-inclusive destinations
JMC Holidays
1. Alcudia, Majorca
2. Trianta, Rhodes
3. Corralejo, Fuerteventura
4. Tekirova, Turkey
5. Paphos, Cyprus
Libra Holidays Group
1. Laura Beach Hotel, Paphos, Cyprus
2. Poseidonia Hotel, Limassol
3. Chrysland Cove, Cape Greco, Cyprus
4. Marina Beach Hotel, Gouves, Crete
5. Picadilly Hotel, Aegina, Greece
HOLIDAYMAKERS are making their short-haul choices not by destination but on both the price and quality of the holiday, according to some operators.
First Choice product group manager Richard Curtis said: “The lack of destination importance is the major trend in the all-inclusive market at the moment.
“This does mean, of course, that some destinations are more popular than others. Majorca is one of our best-selling destinations as it offers a range of price competitive, quality family holidays. Then there are individual properties, such as the Reina Cristina on the Costa del Sol which has styled itself as an adults-only resort.”
Airtours sales, marketing and development director Ed Sims said the trend of the short-haul all-inclusive market is similar to the mainstream short-haul sector, with the popular areas of the Balearics, mainland Spain, Greece and Turkey being the top-sellers.
“Adult-only all-inclusives do best in places such as Gran Canaria and Algeciras where there are rocky beaches and you won’t find many kids,” said Sims.
The quality of all-inclusive resorts in Cyprus has meant that despite its late entry into the market, it is now a favourite with many holidaymakers.
Specialist Libra Holidays features 14 Cypriot all-inclusives but managing director Andreas Drakou points out that despite the island’s reputation for quality accommodation, cash-free resorts must not be confused with the Caribbean.
“There are stipulations on free drinks, meals and activities. We always make clear what’s included and what isn’t,” said Drakou.
Turkey and Greece have proved popular for club operator Mark Warner, which has added a second property in Turkey for 2000 and plans to expand its Clubhotel Lakitira on Kos in response to demand.
Mark Warner marketing director Nigel Ragg said: “We have earmarked Lakitira as a future ‘centre of excellence’ – there’s space for development and more sports facilities.”