All inclusive offer will grow by 200pc next year

THE all inclusive holiday is expected to increase by 200 per cent next summer, in view of the increasing demand, it was claimed yesterday.
At present, there are about 60 hotels which offer the all inclusive option, whereby the tourist pays a single sum in his country of origin, covering plane ticket and hotel, not just board and accommodation but all services including drinks and entertainment. The leading hotel chains in Majorca have already opted for marketing part of their establishments under this concept, in view of its success, and the positive response it has received in the island's main markets. German and British tour operators say that one of the chief causes of its popularity is the generally high prices to be found throughout the island in complementary offer (bars, restaurants, clubs, etc). According to TUI, Thomas Cook (Neckerman), Alltours, My Travel and First Choice, the all inclusive packet is giving hoteliers greater occupancy and production, while it satisfies demand in the family sector. A spokesman said “the tourist knows what he has to spend and does not have to worry about hidden costs.” The tour operators denied that this form of tourism lowered quality, on the contrary, the spokesman said.
All the tour operators said that not all hotels were prepared for this type of tourism, and installations and services were inspected before the hotel was accepted. They added that it will make the complementary offer sit up and take a look at their prices.
Josep Aloy, the director general of tourism planning, expressed his surprise at the evolution of the all inclusive holiday. But, he said, “the market place rules and the businessman has to match his offer to demand. It is just another product, but we will accentuate controls to make sure tourists receive what they pay for, because quality must be upheld at all costs.” He added that his department viewed the sudden growth in this area with reticence.
The hoteliers federation has also expressed its concern at the rapid growth of the sector.
Ignasi Esteve, the vice president, said that the all inclusive holiday was as valid as any other form, “particularly when it becomes the only possibility of making a return in a hotel, but this sudden growth is not good news.” He added that many hoteliers are changing to the all inclusive format because of pressure by tour operators, who have been ruthlessly dropping hotels they have been working with for ten and 15 years. The Federation said it supported the tourism ministry's plans to control quality and illegal offer.