Travel Counsellors reports rise in all-inclusive bookings

Travel Counsellors says all-inclusive holidays are more popular now than before the pandemic.

The company said 26% of bookings since January have been for all-inclusive breaks, compared with 20% in the same period in 2019.

It added that research showed 70% of its customers are thinking about going all-inclusive for their next trip away.

More: Record results set Travel Counsellors on course to become £1bn transaction business

Travel Counsellors global sales director, Jim Eastwood, said: “All indicators show that we expect this trend to rise throughout the year as customers continue to make their holidays a priority while at the same time wanting to manage their spend and have greater flexibility which can often be done more effectively by booking an all-inclusive trip.”

The most popular all-inclusive destinations include the Maldives, Greece and the Caribbean, Travel Counsellors said.

In 2022, a total of 11% of Travel Counsellors packages were for all-inclusive trips. This compares with 6% in 2019.

The company said its in-house booking platform Phenix allows agents to handle all aspects of a customer’s holiday even if the hotel or resort is not all-inclusive.

Eastwood said: “As many holidaymakers look to have the most memorable experiences, while prioritising value for money, our Travel Counsellors are increasingly organising all aspects of the trips – from airport parking, fast-track security and lounges, to transfers, excursions, attractions, insurance and more.

“All inclusive resorts are increasingly popular so our customers can sit back, relax and enjoy their well-deserved break.

“Armed with our improved personal digital platform and the power of the global knowledge of our almost 2,000 travel experts globally, we are well placed to be expertly sourcing these trips for our customers, who are attracted to the personal service and reassurance of booking the entire trip with a trusted travel advisor.

“Fairly unlimited access to suppliers, products and destinations is all available through our platform, giving Travel Counsellors the chance to package up bespoke itineraries for their customers to make the most out of their trip.”

Photo: Jim Eastwood