THE all-inclusive market can grow if it learns lessons from Canada, according to Signature Vacations national marketing director Chris Robinson.
Robinson challenged recent predictions that the all-inclusive market will not grow by more than 3%-4% and said that in Canada, all-inclusives now accounted for 72% of the market in winter.
Robinson said partnerships with hotels were key and that successful all-inclusive operators had to offer choice.
“Avoid hybrid hotels, which offer packages and try to cater for the all-inclusive concept. In Canada we call them hotels which swing both ways.”
Robinson said sites near to beaches were also very important and it was not acceptable to have to bus people to beaches from their resort complex.
“The margin opportunities are better than on other holidays and the sale price is around 30% higher,” he said.
“But growth in the all-inclusive market will only continue when customer expectations are fulfiled.
“In addition, growth will be spurred on by a declining pound, fears over security and the value for money offered by all-inclusives.”