New report reveals Brits want more refined all-inclusive holidays (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

New report reveals Brits want more refined all-inclusive holidays

9:35am Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Travel

A BRAND new report has been released this week detailing how the British tourist is embracing a new sort of all-inclusive foreign getaway.

French holiday giant Club Med, who pioneered all-inclusives 60 years ago, has predicted the rise of the premium all-inclusive holiday market over the next few years.

The figures prove that a more refined experience with better food and guests is what tourists are prepared to pay for.

Club Med's Premium All-Inclusive report looks at the UK holiday market and specifically at the Premium All-Inclusive market using independent market data and consumer research provided by GfK which analysed 40 UK tour operators, representing more than 90 per cent of the UK ‘package holiday market’. Despite the travel industry facing one of its most challenging periods in its history, the report which includes market figures from research giant GfK reveals that the UK All-Inclusive market has grown 32 per cent within the last five years and in 2011 represented 3.1 million passengers. Paramount to this All-Inclusive growth is the ‘Premium All-Inclusive’ market, which essentially represents four and five star properties and an offer of higher quality inclusions, such as gourmet food, sports activities with tuition and dedicated children’s clubs.

Premium All-Inclusive sales growth is running at more than double the rate of other All-Inclusive products. Overall All-Inclusives may have been up 9 per cent in winter 2010/11 and up 11% in summer 2011, but its growth pales in comparison to the Premium All-Inclusives, which achieved a plus 15% and plus 24 per cent respectively.

This segment now accounts for 1 in 4 All-Inclusive bookings – and is predicted by Club Med to DOUBLE within the next few years.

Club Med Premium All-Inclusive report reveals that more than half of the British consumers have already taken an All-Inclusive holiday – this year, one in ten people are looking for an All-Inclusive holiday with 20% of those earning more than £60,000 seeking a Premium All-Inclusive holiday.

The report found that British travellers are changing their holiday habit as a result of the economic climate, with travellers citing ‘value’ as their most important reason in booking an All-Inclusive holiday followed closely with ‘stress-free’ and ‘safety’. The way people travel has changed significantly since Club Med was established in 1950 – however key values such as spending quality time with family, relaxing in the sun, enjoying good food and practising sport activities remain the same.

Since pioneering the All-Inclusive holidays in the 1950’s, Club Med has made a strategic move up market with a number of refurbishments across the collection and launching into an ambitious expansion programme. Recent refurbishments included Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Club Med Yasmina and Club Med Phuket.

2012 / 2013 brings further developments for the brand with the launch of a brand new luxury Resort in the Italian Alps, Club Med Pragelato Vialattea, set to open in December 2012. A new property development, Club Med Belek will open in Turkey in spring 2013. Both new Resorts are designed to meet the demands of the growing market of British travellers looking for a luxury, ‘Premium All-Inclusive’, experience.

Laurent de Chorivit, managing director of Club Med UK, South Africa & Nordics, says: "In a challenging economic environment, it is not unusual to witness new trends and habits emerge. "This report was commissioned to help us understand better our consumers and also examine the potential of the UK holiday market. The research show that the Premium All-Inclusive market will double in the next five years – an exceptional opportunity for Club Med." He continued – ‘60 years on, Club Med has not changed their founding philosophies but now offer a more comprehensive, upmarket holiday product that caters for families, couples, water sports enthusiasts, skiers and culturists alike. Club Med has already invested more than £1 billion and will continue to develop its upscale strategy reflecting the demand of a new clientele.”

Club Med’s unique offer not only includes luxury service and accommodation but also most sporting activities and tuition, childcare and gourmet cuisine – all part of the Club Med All-Inclusive experience.

For more information or reservations call 08453 67 67 67, log onto www.clubmed.co.uk or visit your local travel agent.