FEATURE ALL-INCLUSIVES
SANJIKA PERERA UK director Sri Lanka Tourism “Sri Lanka’s south-west
coast, from Negombo to Galle, is peppered with all-inclusive resorts that offer great-value luxury, stunning beaches and relaxing surroundings. "Our all-inclusive hotels are not gated compounds. There is a lot of interaction with the community and most food is sourced from the surrounding area. Sri Lanka Tourism will be launching a joint- venture activity with the UK trade this year to increase bookings and a fair portion of that will be with all-inclusive operators. I’m sure UK tour operators will market eye-catching deals that highlight the destination's diversity and authenticity."
From The Front Line KIM BARBER product manager Cosmos Distant Dreams “All-inclusive properties in
Cancun, Mexico, will take the lion’s share of bookings as there is an excellent range of hotels offering value for money. We have reinstated the Cancun charter from Gatwick and Manchester and added new all-inclusive properties including Iberostar’s Tucan, Paraiso Lindo and Paraiso del Mar.”
PAUL CLEARY managing director Caribtours “There's been an increase
in demand for all-inclusive properties as clients are protected from the fright of extra bills at the end of their stay. We have introduced Secrets Capri in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, because it offers great all- inclusive value including exceptional cuisine at four restaurants, an excellent range of facilities and a concierge service.”
38 April 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
ALL INCLUSIVES Top Selling Tips...
• Perfect for budgeting in the current economic climate as food and drink and some activities are paid upfront
• Couples-only resorts are ideal for those who want to escape kids and their noise!
• No worries about finding restaurants and trying local food
• The Caribbean has the most inclusive packages but there’s lots of choice in the Indian Ocean as well
• Saves money in places such as the Maldives and Mauritius where alcohol is expensive
• Resorts that include motorised water sports or scuba diving in the package will appeal to active clients
• Choice of restaurants at the best all-inclusives
• All-inclusives provide an easy holiday with lots of facilities
• Cost-effective for families as kids can keep active and hydrated without running up a big bill
• Plenty of family resorts, providing free fun for mum, dad and the kids
LESLEY ROLLO programme director, Thomson Tailormade “We've seen an increase
in popularity in all-inclusive holidays in the last year due to families watching their pennies and retired couples having more time and disposable income to spend on luxury travel. St Lucia is our top Caribbean destination, with Rendezvous a favourite, especially since its Stunning refurbishment.’
SIMON MYERSON Co-operative personal travel advisor, Manchester “It is easy to sell all-
inclusives because they offer an all-in value-for-money price, but there can be problems if customers report poor food, long waiting times at the bar, watered- down drinks and repetitive food at the buffet. Barbados, St Lucia and Jamaica are favourite all-inclusive destinations.”
Where To Book It THOMAS COOK SIGNATURE - 0844 871 6640,
www.tcs4agents.com The Worldwide programme offers a selection of all-inclusive hotels in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Six nights at SuperClubs Breezes in Búzios, Brazil, costs from £943pp, all-inclusive, until July 2, with flights and private transfers.
KUONI - 01306 747002
www.agents.kuoni.co.uk The Worldwide programme offers all- inclusive properties around the globe including in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Kenya, Malaysia and Thailand. Five nights at the Silavadee Pool Spa Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand, costs from £1,600pp all- inclusive, from May to July 10. This includes flights and transfers.
L to R: Aqua Bar, Laguna Azul, Cuba; Seven Mile Beach, Sandals Negril, Jamaica
VIRGIN - 0844 557 3982
www.vhols4agents.co.uk The operator has a huge choice of all- inclusive properties across Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua and other islands in its Caribbean programme. Seven nights at the Iberostar Varadero in Cuba costs from £1,130pp, all-inclusive, valid April 25 to July 14 including flights and transfers.
AIRTOURS - 0871 230 2399
www.airtours.co.uk The all-inclusive brochure has a small selection of all-inclusives in Mexico, Dominican Republic and Cuba. A week at the Crown Paradise Club in Cancun, Mexico, is from £845pp all-inclusive, (December 1-17), with flights and transfers.
Room Report Sandals, which has the high-end Sandals for couples and Beaches for families, includes weddings, scuba diving, motorised watersports, golf and premium drinks. SuperClubs has Breezes for families and
Hedonism II for adults, while US-based AMResorts has four upmarket all- inclusive brands with properties primarily in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, ranging from the Dream family brand throughto boutique chain Zoëtry Wellness and Spa Resorts. Zoëtry’s Mexico properties include a
bottle of champagne a day in the all- inclusive package. Their one Dominican Republic resort is not so generous, but offers a range of free activities, from wine tasting and cooking classes to kayaking. AMResorts' 11 luxurious family-friendly
Dream resorts include kids clubs, plenty of dining options and bottled water – which is usually excluded at the cheaper properties – in the all-bar-none price. •
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68