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in-depth all-inclusive
ttglive.com
The all-inclusive sector is withstanding the recession better
than most as customers opt to control their budgets. TTG
brought hoteliers, operators and agents together to debate
how the trade can make the most of it, particularly in the
Caribbean where the concept started. Rupert Murray reports
Agents ‘lifeblood’
of lucrative sector
A
ll-inclusive holidays are more “A good tip for agents is to pre-sell
recession-proof than other holidays excursions,” he said. “Buying these in the UK is
and offer agents better commission, becoming increasingly popular – we are up
panellists agreed. 10% year-on-year. It is a great chance to earn
Angus Bond of Virgin believes the ability to extra commission.”
fully budget a trip before getting on an aircraft Phil Dickinson of Sandals described agents
is attractive during the economic downturn. as the “lifeblood” of all-inclusive hotels in the
“We have a situation where many people Caribbean, adding: “Good agents with excellent
actually have more money because of interest knowledge are able to upsell their clients,
rates but they are worried about job security,” which is vitally important to us.”
FLIGHT TAX.
he said. Annabelle Marshall of SuperClubs said
“With all-inclusive they know they have paid all-inclusive is an easy way to make more
APD rises will do
everything so don’t have to worry about the commission than on most holidays. “The agent
expense of being abroad – we are seeing effectively earns commission on everything, ‘nothing but harm’
significant growth in this area.” including meals and drinks,” she said.
Bond believes customers’ desire not to “Our average prices are higher, agents don’t ALL SPEAKERS agreed Air Passenger Duty
leave any of their budget to chance is a great have to look around for flights to dynamically increases will cause unemployment in the
opportunity for agents. package and there is great potential to upsell.” Caribbean and hit upselling to premium
economy seats.
The TTG round-table panel
Sandals’ Phil Dickinson believes the so-called
green tax will do nothing but harm to sustain-
able tourism in the region.
Our debating panel included key figures with Atlyn Forde “Tourism is the main source of GDP for all the
expert knowledge of the all-inclusive sector marketing and brand development islands. If staff have to be laid off there’s no
manager, Rex Resorts other industry for them to go into,” he said.
Virgin Holidays’ Angus Bond described APD as
Angus Bond Janet Percy an unfair stealth tax. “There is a responsibility
head of product and commercial business relations and marketing in the Caribbean to bring something back to
for North America, Virgin Holidays manager, White Sand Weddings the environment and communities – and hotels,
operators and airlines are doing that. This tax
Phil Dickinson Mark Bell money isn’t going to fulfil that responsibility.”
market development director, managing director, White Sand Weddings’ Janet Percy said the
Sandals White Sand Weddings higher rate of tax for premium seats would
make it more difficult to sell top-end packages.
Annabelle Marshall Peter Hopwood Almond’s Peter Hopwood said: “Premium
sales and marketing manager for Sales and marketing vice-president cabins are important to all our businesses. At
Europe, SuperClubs for UK and Ireland, Almond Resorts the moment guests enjoy that upgrade and can
afford it. This will make people think twice.”
14 03.07.2009
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