New Survey Shows Changing Landscape of All-Inclusive Travel

Image: Family enjoying the beach at Royalton Antigua. (photo courtesy Blue Diamond Resorts)
Image: Family enjoying the beach at Royalton Antigua. (photo courtesy Blue Diamond Resorts)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 5:56 PM ET, Thu September 30, 2021

Marriott International has released a new report on how the dynamics of all-inclusive resorts are changing in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Marriott conducted extensive research in the region, soliciting feedback from industry influencers, gathering insights from Marriott's executive leadership and conducting a consumer survey with Maru/Blue to illustrate how all-inclusive resorts are ideally suited to meet the demands of the modern traveler.

Marriott International is rapidly expanding its portfolio of all-inclusive resorts. In 2019, Marriott acquired Elegant Hotels and announced a long-term agreement with Sunwing Travel Group's hotel division, Blue Diamond Resorts in February 2021. With Blue Diamond, Marriott has tripled its all-inclusive footprint and is now one of the top 10 global players in the all-inclusive market with plans to further expand to more than 30 properties in 2025.

Marriott's research on the all-inclusive market revealed the popularity of all-inclusive properties.

According to the data, more than half of the 1,515 adults surveyed (54 percent) said that they are likely to consider an all-inclusive resort for their next vacation. Younger generations also love the concept. Seventy percent of those aged 18 to 34 stated that they would consider all-inclusive versus 58 percent of those aged 35 to 54.

Travelers are looking for all-inclusive resorts that can also deliver cultural experiences in their destinations. Almost two-thirds of respondents (64 percent) ranked "new and unique cultural experiences" as one of the most important features when considering an all-inclusive.

Marriott also asked families about their opinions during a roundtable discussion on the appeal of all-inclusives, revealing that parents love the idea of kids' clubs where children can enjoy time with their peers while adults enjoy time together. Families also like the range of activities offered, allowing them to have fun together.

"The Caribbean and Latin America has traditionally been a growth region for Marriott International, and we continue to see potential for long-term expansion, specifically focused on our all-inclusive resort portfolio," said Brian King, president of Marriott International, the Caribbean and Latin America.

"The region's rich cultural diversity, fascinating history and world-class leisure destinations are primed to offer consumers the memory-making experiences they are seeking. We've heard directly from consumers that local exploration, impeccable food and beverage offerings or family packages for all ages which are perfectly curated are top of mind. Marriott International makes it a priority to listen to our customers and provide exactly what they desire but in a surprising and unexpected way. It's been gratifying to see the research supports our hypothesis and underscores our commitment to bring the most memorable travel experiences to our adventure-seeking guests."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Janeen Christoff

Janeen Christoff

Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy

Editor Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy true [email protected] 9088 14744 Janeen Christoff caught the travel bug while living in London, England. After two years on the road, she settled in Los Angeles and focused her writing on

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
Sani/Ikos Group: Luxury Beachfront Resorts in Greece & SpainTuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join us for an exclusive webinar introducing Sani/Ikos Group, a collection of luxury beachfront...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...