ACC11 oct3 30/9/08 11:16 Page 56
knowledge accommodation
ttglive.com
All-inclusives
All-inclusives are claimed
to be the best possible
Bank on an
value for money, especially
in the current economic
climate. But do they really
save clients money, asks
Peter Ellegard
all-inclusive
W
ith the credit crunch forcing
everyone to tighten their belts,
the all-inclusive holiday looks
set to play an even more
important role next year.
But are they really the best value option
and do they offer the savings that are touted
compared with B&B or half-board stays?
In some cases, it seems to be as much
about the convenience: everything can be
pre-budgeted, avoiding nasty little surprises
when the credit card bill arrives.
Then there is the question of how
inclusive is all-inclusive. Many properties
include only local alcoholic drinks, with
imports and premium brands charged extra.
Some limit the times when free food or
drink is available. And sports and other
activities are often excluded, particularly
motorised watersports.
At the other end of the scale, top-end
iStockphoto.com
all-inclusive resorts such as Sandals and
SuperClubs frequently include even scuba Resort from £1,185 in November, including cost of eating out in Cyprus (see panel).
diving and water-skiing, which can save all meals, unlimited premium brand drinks Libra product and yield executive Russell
hundreds of dollars over a two-week stay. by the glass, and non-motorised watersports. Jones said: “All-inclusive in Cyprus is partic-
Free golf is also sometimes offered as part By contrast, seven nights’ B&B at the ularly popular for families. Opting for an
of an all-inclusive stay. That can mean a big similar-standard Grand Royal Antiguan all-inclusive basis does not have to restrict
saving on green fees for golfers who like to Beach Resort costs from £967, also in the guest to the resort. It just reassures
play every day. Kuoni’s all-inclusive options November. Both packages include return holidaymakers that they won’t be needing
at the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort in Mauritius British Airways flights and transfers. For an excessive spending money which, given the
include golf, spa treatments and diving. indication of how much it might cost your current state of the economy, is a relief.”
Hotels often have a mix of accommodation clients to eat out in Antigua, see panel (right).
options, allowing guests to upgrade from Jetlife assistant reservations manager Jo
Eating out: How it adds up
standard half-board to all-inclusive. Reece said: “Paying that little extra to be on
an all-inclusive board basis is great for those Cyprus Antigua
Upgrade your stay wanting to stick to their budget and not Local beer £2.15 £1
Longwood Holidays features the InterConti- have to worry about extra spending money. Imported beer £3.40 £1.20
nental Taba Heights in Egypt for both half- “It’s an ideal solution for families with Local spirit £1.20 £1.50
board and all-inclusive stays. Upgrading to children who can enjoy the snacks and ice Premium spirit £2.50 £2-£4
all-inclusive costs £14 per day, for which creams, as well as for holidaymakers who Local meal £28-£32 £40
clients get three buffet-style meals instead of like an alcoholic drink or two by the pool.” with wine per person for two
two plus afternoon tea, pastries and cakes. On Cyprus, Libra Holidays offers a week’s Proximity of Two miles 40 mins
Soft drinks, tea, coffee and local alcohol are all-inclusive stay at the Cypria Beach Resort town/ Tavernas & Local &
also free between 10.00 and 23.00, and in Paphos from early January to mid-Febru- restaurants int’l int’l
access to the fitness centre is included, too. ary from £515. Bed and breakfast at the cusine cusine
As for comparisons, Jetlife clients heading Mediterranean Hotel in Limassol during the Taxis £13 return £14 for
to Antigua can opt for seven nights’ same period costs from £425. Both include to Paphos 4 people
all-inclusive at the Grand Pineapple Beach flights and transfers. Compare this with the
Information: Libra Holidays, Jetlife, Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Board
64 03.10.2008
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