New Research: Why All-Inclusive Travel Is Having a Moment

In a significant shift within the travel industry, all-inclusive resorts are no longer a niche offering but a mainstream choice for today’s discerning travelers. This evolution is underpinned by robust new data from a survey commissioned by Hyatt Inclusive Collection and conducted by Skift. The findings reveal a compelling consumer appetite for all-inclusive experiences, with a staggering 87% of individuals having either stayed at or seriously considered an all-inclusive resort. Furthermore, a substantial six out of ten consumers indicate they are more inclined to opt for an all-inclusive vacation now compared to five years ago, signaling a fundamental change in travel preferences.

This surge in interest aligns with broader trends in consumer spending on travel. The survey highlights that travel is widely considered a necessity, with 90% of respondents having embarked on at least one trip in the past year, and nearly 60% undertaking two to three trips within the same period. Looking ahead, Skift Research forecasts that 68% of Americans anticipate increasing their travel expenditure in 2026 compared to 2025. This heightened investment in travel is directly correlated with a strong desire among consumers to maximize the value they receive for their money, a need that all-inclusive travel is exceptionally well-positioned to meet.

Maria Zarraluqui, Senior Vice President of Global Growth and Owner Relations at Hyatt Inclusive Collection, elaborates on this phenomenon: "All-inclusive is very much having a moment with consumers today because it offers clarity in its value proposition, greater control over the stay experience, and an ability to meet the growing demand for experiences and personalization better than almost any other segment." This statement encapsulates the core appeal of all-inclusive travel: predictable costs, enhanced guest agency, and a comprehensive offering that caters to the modern traveler’s desire for both curated experiences and individualized attention.

A critical insight from the survey data is the powerful effect of initial experience. Once travelers have sampled an all-inclusive stay, their propensity to rebook is remarkably high. Among those who have previously stayed at an all-inclusive resort, an impressive 84% are repeat guests. Even more telling, 45% of consumers report having stayed at an all-inclusive resort at least four or five times. This statistic strongly suggests that once individuals discover that the all-inclusive model aligns with their travel style and expectations, they become highly loyal patrons, demonstrating a deep satisfaction with the integrated offerings.

The appeal of all-inclusive resorts is also experiencing a notable generational shift, with younger demographics showing particularly strong engagement. The research clearly indicates that Gen Z and Millennials are not only considering all-inclusive vacations but are actively booking them. Specifically, 42% of Gen Z respondents and 33% of Millennials reported staying in an all-inclusive resort within the past year, significantly outpacing older generations. This trend is further amplified by the fact that the percentage of respondents who have never even considered an all-inclusive vacation is substantially lower among Gen Z (7%) and Millennials (9%) compared to older cohorts, such as Baby Boomers (16%) and individuals over 75 (25%). Gen X consumers occupy a middle ground but lean more towards the preferences of their younger counterparts.

This generational embrace of all-inclusive travel can be partly attributed to a heightened focus on maximizing the value of their travel expenditures. Millennials (75%) and Gen Z consumers (68%) overwhelmingly agree that "all-inclusive resorts provide better value than I can get planning different portions of a vacation on my own," a sentiment that exceeds the survey average of 66%. As these younger generations become the dominant force in the frequent traveler market over the next decade or two, all-inclusive brands that prioritize building loyalty with them now stand to gain significant long-term momentum and market share.

Beyond financial considerations and convenience, travelers are increasingly viewing well-being as an integral component of their vacation experience, extending far beyond mere amenities. Many all-inclusive brands have proactively integrated popular athletic and mental health activities into their core offerings, including yoga, meditation, and mindfulness programs. This strategic inclusion directly addresses a significant consumer demand, with 84% of consumers stating that access to well-being experiences is important when selecting an all-inclusive resort.

However, the definition of well-being for today’s traveler is multifaceted and holistic, extending beyond the latest fitness fads or trending wellness practices. Resorts are being urged to look beyond fleeting trends and instead focus on a broader interpretation of rejuvenation. Today’s traveler defines well-being as encompassing not only physical fitness but also crucial elements such as quiet time for relaxation, restorative sleep, healthy and diverse dining options, and opportunities for meaningful connection with loved ones.

Zarraluqui emphasizes this point: "Owners are fully embracing trends such as well-being and the growing importance of experiences as clear points of differentiation, opportunities for incremental upselling during the stay, and powerful drivers of guest loyalty." This highlights the industry’s recognition that well-being is not just a supplementary offering but a core driver of guest satisfaction and repeat business.

When asked to identify the most important well-being experiences for an all-inclusive vacation, relaxation emerged as the clear leader, with 70% of respondents prioritizing it. Quality sleep was also highly valued, cited by 59% of travelers. These preferences significantly outranked more conventionally recognized "wellness trends" like physical fitness (29%). While mindfulness (35%) and more nascent concepts like digital detox (12%) also held appeal, travelers also included engaging with local culture, entertainment, and outdoor adventures as vital contributors to their overall sense of well-being.

All-inclusive resorts are uniquely positioned to cater to these diverse well-being needs by streamlining the logistical complexities of vacation planning. By handling arrangements for meals, activities, and relaxation, these resorts free up travelers to focus less on the minutiae of planning and more on immersing themselves in the present moment and fostering genuine connections. This simplified approach allows for a more profound and restorative experience, aligning perfectly with the modern traveler’s desire for a truly rejuvenating getaway.

The capacity of all-inclusive travel to perfect personalization represents a significant opportunity for the category’s future growth and appeal. The ideal all-inclusive experience, while unique to each traveler, hinges on the ability to strike a delicate balance between delivering exceptional value and offering a wide array of optional activities, all while crafting memorable and deeply personalized experiences.

The survey data indicates that this balance is already being achieved to a considerable degree. Among travelers who have experienced an all-inclusive stay, nearly 80% reported that the resorts did a commendable job of understanding their preferences and providing relevant activity recommendations. However, with the advancement of modern technologies and sophisticated personalization strategies, there remains considerable scope for further optimization.

"Technology will play an increasingly supportive role, as it will allow us to analyze the full guest journey in a more comprehensive way, better understand what guests are looking for and what their expectations are, and therefore achieve higher levels of satisfaction and loyalty, ultimately driving stronger results for owners," stated Zarraluqui. This underscores the industry’s commitment to leveraging technology to deepen guest understanding and enhance the overall travel experience.

Further exploration into traveler preferences for personalization revealed that 44% of respondents believe real-time recommendations would significantly enhance their stay, making it feel more special and tailored to their individual needs. These recommendations could range from timely activity suggestions based on their interests to personalized room service suggestions informed by their previous dining habits during the trip. Beyond algorithmic suggestions, 34% of respondents expressed a strong preference for private, curated experiences, such as those led by local experts or community partners, indicating a desire for authentic and exclusive encounters. Additionally, one-third of respondents (33%) would appreciate more personalized itinerary planning that aligns with their specific interests and travel goals.

The imperative for personalization has transcended from a desirable add-on to a fundamental expectation, largely shaped by years of exposure to highly tailored digital experiences across retail, entertainment, and social media platforms. Consumers now anticipate similar levels of individualized attention in their travel arrangements. This personalization extends beyond a single stay; a traveler’s needs and desires can vary dramatically depending on the occasion. For instance, a couple celebrating an anniversary might seek a romantic and intimate experience, while a multi-generational family traveling for Spring Break would require a different set of offerings catering to a wider range of ages and interests.

As travelers increasingly gravitate towards trusted brands and brand families, the strategic development of multi-resort portfolios within a single destination offers a compelling avenue for driving repeat visits and fostering long-term familiarity. This presents a significant opportunity for owners, developers, and investors to expand and create interconnected properties that cater to diverse needs and travel styles, thereby building and nurturing robust guest loyalty.

"Owners are increasingly recognizing the value of strong brands, something Hyatt already has in place and that we are continuing to reinforce as part of our ongoing brand-focused evolution," Zarraluqui affirmed, highlighting Hyatt’s strategic focus on brand strength as a key differentiator in the competitive hospitality landscape.

Looking towards the future, the all-inclusive category is poised for continued evolution and expansion, driven by a clear understanding of core consumer desires. While the "ideal" all-inclusive experience remains subjective and varies from person to person, three paramount benefits consistently emerge: exceptional financial value, stress-free and worry-free planning, and a holistic experience dedicated to rejuvenation and personal well-being.

Consequently, industry executives, investors, developers, and suppliers are recalibrating their perspectives and strategies, not only concerning the "why," "where," and "when" of travel but also the fundamental "how" travelers choose to engage with their vacations.

"The all-inclusive model has gone through a significant evolution, from a mass-market, volume-driven product to a much more sophisticated proposition," Zarraluqui concluded. "Looking ahead, I see it evolving toward even greater personalization and a richer, more curated range of experiences, which will make it increasingly popular among consumers – especially younger generations." This forward-looking perspective suggests that the all-inclusive sector is embracing innovation and adapting to meet the dynamic demands of the modern traveler, promising an even more compelling and personalized travel experience in the years to come.

For further insights into the offerings of Hyatt Inclusive Collection, interested parties can visit www.hyattinclusivecollection.com. This content was collaboratively produced by Hyatt Inclusive Collection and SkiftX, Skift’s branded content studio.