All-inclusive luxury: a growing business in Latin America

29-11-23

Latin America is a region that over the years has placed itself in the "Top of Mind" of world travelers when planning vacations. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), between January and July of this year more than 700 million international tourists traveled to the region, surpassing by 43% the number of travelers during the same period in 2022.

Tourism in luxury all-inclusive hotels is a trend that attracts a large number of travelers. This category of lodging offers guests a superior quality experience, with high-level facilities and services. 

These resorts differentiate themselves by having a single price that covers accommodations, all meals provided by renowned chefs, unlimited premium alcoholic beverages and many other luxury amenities, spa treatments and a unique variety of entertainment options for both adults and children. The increase in demand from the most selective travelers in recent years opens the door to new opportunities and business models for hotel investors.  

The keys to making the destination where these types of resorts are developed attractive are easy access from many of the world's major cities, pristine beaches, historical and natural attractions, as well as a climate that allows travelers to visit year-round. In other words, air connectivity, beautiful beaches, wide open spaces and a great culture is what is required and Latin America offers it, but it takes management to place these countries on the radar of hotel investors and world travelers.

Part of the business, whether for the development of new resorts or the conversion of existing infrastructure, lies in designing hotel ventures that offer unique and personalized experiences. Currently, the largest percentage of reservations at hotels located in Mexico, Jamaica, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, St. Maarten and St. Lucia are from foreign guests: 76% come from the United States, 8% from Canada and 7% from Europe. The challenge is to continue accompanying the Latin American industry to boost inbound tourism, a great enhancer of the global economy that generates income, jobs, contributes to economic diversification and contributes to the sustainable development of each destination. 

*The column was written by Javier Coll, president of the Global Business Development and Innovation group of Inclusive Collection - Part of World of Hyatt, the world's largest portfolio of all-inclusive luxury resorts.