Maybe it’s the polar vortex, maybe it’s the great deals, but in 2014 we’ve noticed a rise in the all-inclusive vacation. Ernst and Young has reported that developers in the hotel sector are focused on serving current and projected customer demand for the continued growth of all-inclusive properties. Hyatt Hotels recently announced it’s entering the all-inclusive market by partnering with Playa Hotels & Resorts on 13 properties within the next two years.
So what’s the draw? Families and couples alike love spending one price for their food, beverages, and room, and leaving their wallets behind. As the industry continues to build packages of flights, tours, food, and hotels it becomes easy to see the value when you break down each component:
- Personal touches – Staff pay careful attention to any event you might be celebrating. At the property I stayed at in Mexico, my room and several others were decorated with signs announcing a wedding, anniversary, or birthday. Restaurants on the premises usually acknowledge the special occasion with a cake or glass of champagne.
- Engaged Staff – There’s typically at least one staff member at each all-inclusive who seems to be the “Director of Fun.” This person is always approaching your family with a quick joke, leading the games and the conga line, and jumping up on stage.
- Entertainment/Activities – All-inclusive properties are always trying to ensure guests are having a great time – from early morning water aerobics classes to midnight dessert buffets, as well as nighttime performances by the staff. Memories are a key driver in why guests return year after year. Many all-inclusive resorts understand the value of offering unique and memorable experiences for guests of all ages.
- Cashless! – The ability to leave your wallet in your room and not have to worry how much that next drink is going to set you back certainly seems to make every guest a little happier.
All inclusive hotels and resorts are unique in that just about every guest activity and meal takes place on-property. This translates to more opportunities where staff need to deliver consistently high quality service. A property-wide standardized quality assurance and mystery shopping program can assist all inclusive resorts in ensuring all guests receive exemplary service all of the time.
