All-inclusive holiday packages are gaining in popularity in the local market, and one tour operator says that 73% of its Mauritius packages now end up as all-inclusive deals.
World Leisure Holidays Head of Marketing, Marlin Magadani says all-inclusive packages have definitely become more popular in the SA market. The main reason is because travellers do not want to be hit by a heavy bill – they want their meals and drinks catered for and pre-paid.
Rand volatility plays a big part too
“Pre-COVID, a large increase in demand was seen for all-inclusive packages, especially among more experienced travellers who have been to Mauritius and have already seen the benefit of upgrading from half board to all-inclusive, which does accumulate.” He explains that the all-inclusive package offers an additional meal daily, plus local beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. For a seven-night package in Mauritius, the cost of upgrading to all-inclusive is in the region of R7 000 per person.
Holiday Tours GM Deolinda da Silva agrees. “All-inclusive is selling much more now since we started promoting it and it’s not that much more expensive. Travellers like to know they won’t have to buy in foreign currency, simply because of our exchange rate.”
According to Da Silva, travel was very last minute just after COVID, but travellers now lean more to thorough future planning, which is why the local market likes all-inclusive packages.
“Because of our advertising and sales push, we are currently seeing that 73% of the uptake of Mauritius bookings is in fully-inclusive options. With the Mauritius resorts, the average difference in price is 30-35% over and above the half-board pricing. Some products come in cheaper, and others, mainly the five-star options, can be more. But this works out cost-effective with groups and families,” she says.
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Specialist Michele Abraham, who deals with bookings for Constance Lemuria in the Seychelles, says the local market loves all-inclusive. “It works well, particularly at an island resort.”
Says Joanne Visagie, Sales and Marketing Director of Beachcomber Tours: “Beachcomber’s all-inclusive packages have been extremely successful since their inception over a decade ago. All-inclusive is a winner as it helps clients to budget carefully and gives them so much freedom and joy on holiday. It works so well as clients can totally relax and leave their wallets at home, and if they are travelling with extended family or friends, it’s a no- brainer.” She says South African clients are enthusiastic about all-inclusive holidays as it means significantly less maths and less stress once they are in-destination, plus the pre-paying of extras means they are guarded against a fluctuating, often depreciating rand.
She points out, in particular, Trou aux Biches, Beachcomber’s popular premium all-inclusive package which includes a myriad of high-end inclusions, as well as gourmet cuisine at the resort’s high-end eateries.
Flight Centre travel consultant Lizelle Henning confirms that she has many repeat customers asking for all-inclusive, and she added that agents should remember they earn extra commission on these all-inclusive packages.
Cruise upgrades
Encore Cruises’ Janine Pretorius says Regent Seven Seas Cruises sets the tone as far as all-inclusive goes, stressing that clients attracted to Regent cruises definitely look for more high-quality inclusions, preferring to have everything paid upfront.
She says Regent has just launched 100 immersive shore excursion experiences and is looking forward to the cruise line launching a full epicurean experience focusing on sensual enjoyment by October. Luxury jewellery house Fabergé is also part of this level of inclusion, holding talks, group master-class programmes, demonstrations, lectures and screenings.
