Newsletter sign-up

Stay informed with the
latest news and analysis

All-inclusives for all: your clients' most common questions answered

Jun 30, 2026by Alice Barnes-Brown

Do your clients say all-inclusive resorts aren’t for them? We ask the operators for some insider tips on how to change their minds

bookmark_borderSave to Library

Click here to download and save as a PDF

If you had told me as a student backpacker that, by age 30, I’d want an all-inclusive resort for a summer trip with my partner, I’d have laughed.

Yet that’s exactly what I booked; a place where we can thoroughly chill out and need not worry about where our next meal’s coming from.

Agents will be familiar with the type of client who’s wary of checking in to a resort where meals, entertainment and drinks are already arranged.

But appetite remains strong: easyJet holidays told Travel Weekly that all-inclusive is the most popular board basis for trade bookings. And with energy and cost-of-living pressures still biting, the reassurance of a pre-determined price for all essentials is a big draw, so we asked operators for advice on how agents can sell an all-inclusive escape to even the most sceptical client.

Are all-inclusive holidays good value?

Yoga at Bay Gardens Beach Resort, Saint Lucia

Perhaps the biggest bonus of an all-inclusive holiday is that everything – from cocktails to gym classes – is paid upfront, making it easier to budget for.

Joshua Harford, trade commercial manager at Mercury Holidays, says: “Ask customers to consider how much it would cost to have the same holiday, but pay for each item individually. They will quickly realise the value and financial peace of mind all-inclusive offers.”

But all-inclusives aren’t just for those on tight budgets; mid-range and luxury clients can benefit from the array of facilities these resorts offer.

Harford adds: “A slightly higher price paid can unlock a greater return in terms of experience and comfort. Access to spa facilities and private beaches, for example, are effective ways of demonstrating value at the higher end of the market.”

Where to book an all-inclusive escape

The new Club Med South Africa resort

Since Club Med opened the first all-inclusive resort on Majorca in 1950, the concept has taken popular beach destinations by storm.

Jemma Bridges, Club Med’s head of sales, trade, meetings and events says: “We’re continuing to see strong demand for short-haul destinations, particularly Spain, Portugal, Sicily, Greece and Turkey. The Med overall is up 7% year on year. We’ve also seen excellent momentum for the Caribbean, which is up 11%.”

But there are more opportunities to offer clients an enticing destination that might be new to them. Many operators report Tunisia among their most recent top sellers, while Olympic Holidays’ business development manager for the north, Danni Gallagher, says: “We’re seeing growing interest in destinations such as Albania, where increased flight connectivity and competitive pricing are attracting travellers looking for something different.”

Paddleboarding at Sani Resort, Greece

Nor do all-inclusive trips need to be limited to one location. Sarah Weetman, Kuoni’s head of trade partnerships, explains: “We’re seeing demand grow for multi-centre itineraries, such as island-hopping in the Maldives or combining destinations in the Caribbean.”

Agents can also highlight that all-inclusives aren’t only for beach holidays. For example, Club Med’s properties in the Alps are an option for summer coolcations as well as winter ski, while Tui Blue Medina Gardens in Marrakech offers all the joys of an all-inclusive just 10 minutes’ walk from the Moroccan city centre.

Tui Blue Medina Gardens, Marrakech

Who goes on an all-inclusive holiday?

Families have long been the traditional market for all-inclusives. Tui’s head of retail management, Gabrielle Armitage, says: “Families are our largest demographic for all-inclusives. Offers such as free kids’ places can be key, helping families trade up without stretching the budget.”

It would be easy to think child-free travellers might be put off, but the range of resorts tailored to different demographics means there’s something to suit everyone.

Olympic Holidays’ Gallagher adds: “We’re seeing growing demand from couples and younger travellers who may not previously have considered all-inclusive holidays. Wellness-focused resorts, premium dining, adult-only concepts and authentic local experiences are proving particularly popular.”

For couples, Kuoni’s Weetman suggests: “Take a close look at what’s included, because many resorts go beyond just food and drink – and this can be a powerful selling point.

For example, Kandolhu Maldives (pictured main) offers an Ultimate All-Inclusive option, with extras such as an in-villa wine chiller stocked with more than 30 international wines, a private snorkelling tour and a champagne and canapé sunset cruise.”

Losing out on local experiences?

Attitude Resorts’ Otentik programme, Mauritius

My main concern about going all-inclusive was the fear I’d miss out on local culture, whether eating in authentic restaurants or seeing the sights. However, Weetman adds: “Many resorts now place this at the heart of the stay. For example, Attitude Resorts’ Otentik programme is designed to immerse guests in Mauritian life through cuisine, music and cultural activities.”

Several also feature dine-around programmes, including at Grecotel LuxMe properties and Bay Gardens Resorts in Saint Lucia, that actively encourage clients to explore the local food scene by providing meals in nearby restaurants at no extra cost.

It’s a way to dispel the expectation of bland buffets and watered-down beverages, as today’s resorts can be a cut above, particularly in the fast-growing luxury sector.

Natasha Marson, head of trade distribution at easyJet holidays, says: “Is your client a foodie who would appreciate à la carte dining alongside buffet options?

Within our new Luxury Collection, we’re seeing strong sales for Ikos and Sani Resorts – guests can expect world-class cuisine with menus by Michelin-starred chefs.”

David Pointer, product manager at Inspiring Travel, agrees. “Some of the properties we offer in the Caribbean have been recently accredited with Michelin Keys,” he says.

But there can be limits to this board basis. He adds: “Always make sure the client is aware of any restrictions at each property – some only allow guests to dine in the signature restaurant once every few days.”

If someone as food-oriented (and stubborn) as me can be tempted by the merits of all-inclusive, there could be more sales opportunities among clients than you think.

Book an all-inclusive holiday

EasyJet holidays has a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki from £3,926 per person, based on two adults and two children sharing. Includes 26kg luggage, a free child place, private transfers and flights from Bristol on August 5.
easyjet.com/holidays

Club Med sells a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic from £8,911 in total, for a family of four sharing a Family Superior Room. Includes transfers and return flights departing October 24.
clubmed.co.uk

Tui offers a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Tui Blue Medina Gardens in Marrakech from £837 per person, based on two adults sharing. Includes 25kg luggage, transfers and flights from Bristol on July 28.
tui.co.uk

Kuoni sells a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Kandolhu Maldives from £4,849 per person, based on two sharing a Duplex Pool Villa. Includes transfers and indirect flights from Heathrow on select departures in September.
kuoni.co.uk