All-inclusive hotels are very popular with Quebecers. They like to spend a week in the sun, in the South, without worries, by the sea, with family, lovers or singles.
The popularity of all-inclusive hotels, of all types, continues to grow. “In 2023, of the 4.5 billion turnover of Quebec travel agencies, half of this amount was made by booking all-inclusive hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean,” explains Moscow Côté, president of the Association of Travel Agents of Quebec. This is a very popular formula. In these destinations, travelers recharge their batteries in the sun, without any hassle. »
Club Med was the pioneer of formulas where everything was included. As early as 1950, in the Balearic Islands, in Spain, on the island of Majorca, Gérard Blitz had the idea of setting up a tent village (!) with the desire to recharge his batteries in nature (he later joined forces with Gilbert Trigano ). “A few years after the Second World War, there was a desire to reconnect with nature and people, with a free spirit, in unique places,” explains Vincent Giraud, director of Club Med in Canada and vice-president commercial operations in North America.
“Club Med was the first “hotel-resort” to be established in Cancún, in 1976, as well as in Punta Cana, in 1981, which contributed to the creation of the Punta Cana airport. This is why we have the most beautiful sites, because we were the first there, he adds. More recently, we also created a new village in Michès, in the Dominican Republic, a place where there were no roads or electricity, because people are really looking for destinations. »
“All-inclusive is the ideal formula when you need a vacation, a rest, and the success of these formulas really took off in the 1990s,” explains Isabelle St-Amand, owner of the agency. Travel Area.
Countries where all-inclusives have been developed are places where labor is cheaper, such as the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Mexico. There are 900 or 1000 of them in the Caribbean.
Isabelle St-Amand, owner of the Espace Voyages agency
For Véronique Capra, vice-president of Passion Monde and Voyages Bergeron, it is the ease that makes all-inclusives successful, because we do not worry about the planning or logistics of a trip. There is also a question of budget, because we are sure to enjoy good family lunches and dinners every day. “Each hotel has a target audience, the Dreams, Royalton and Riu target families, for example they will attract them with water parks. For gastronomy, the Zoëtry and Secrets chains are sought after. And for sport, Club Med. Our best sellers include the Hard Rock Punta Cana Hotel and the Paradisus Playa del Carmen. »
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PHOTO FROM THE ZOËTRY WEBSITE
The Zoëtry Hotel, Villa Rolland at Isla Mujeres in Cancun, Mexico
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PHOTO FROM THE HYATT WEBSITE
Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun, Mexico
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PHOTO FROM THE HARD ROCK PUNTA CANA WEBSITE
The Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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PHOTO FROM THE AKUMAL SECRETS WEBSITE
Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Mexico
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PHOTO FROM THE ROYALTON WEBSITE
The Royalton Bavaro Hotel, Dominican Republic
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PHOTO FROM THE BAHIA PRINCIPE SAMANA WEBSITE
Bahia Principe Samana, Dominican Republic
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PHOTO TAKEN FROM THE TRANSAT WEBSITE
The Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres, Mexico
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PHOTO FROM THE PARADISUS WEBSITE
The Paradisus Hotel Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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The offer is evolving
Over the years, all-inclusive hotels have evolved according to customer needs, and with an ever greater focus on experience. “Establishments are emphasizing a more personalized approach and diversifying their culinary offerings. Hotels also specialize. Some are focused on relaxation, well-being, romantic experiences or focusing on family, while others are reserved for adults,” explains Marie-Christine Pouliot, head of public relations and marketing content at Air Transat.
The top guest segments for all-inclusives in 2024 are baby boomer couples, who account for 33% of bookings, and millennial and Gen X families, who account for 21% of bookings.
Marie-Christine Pouliot, head of public relations and marketing content at Air Transat
Air Transat offers packages in 350 hotels in Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and many other destinations.
Vincent Giraud, of Club Med, observes that the all-inclusive hotel market is moving towards high-end and luxury. “There is a demand for ever more services, luxurious rooms and more sustainable development. Buffets, for example, are over. Our customers don’t want it anymore and it’s not environmentally friendly. » The other observation he makes: the rise of multigenerational vacations. “People have refocused on family, they all leave together, grandparents, children, grandchildren. We organize our villages according to different needs and everyone comes to the table in the evening. »
An observation shared by Isabelle St-Amand, who also observes that all-inclusive cruises are also growing. “Among those over 35 and families, the enthusiasm for cruises is spectacular. In a week, we stop in several cities where we spend the day, we return to sleep on the ship which moves at night towards another destination, whether in the Caribbean or in Europe. This formula is very popular. »