The "All-Inclusive" Traveler: A Growing Opportunity Hotels Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2025

In 2025, "all-inclusive" travel has taken on a whole new meaning. People aren’t just booking a place to sleep—they’re looking for experiences that go far beyond the hotel walls. According to a recent Expedia report for 2025, there’s been a staggering 60% year-over-year increase in travellers searching for all-inclusive experiences. While it’s tempting for hotels to shrug this off as a passing trend, this statistic is a sign of a deeper, revenue-generating shift in traveller priorities.

“In Our ‘All-Inclusive’ Era”: A Trend Gen Z Can’t Get Enough Of

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Sometimes, all-inclusive resorts get a bad rap. Think cookie-cutter breakfast buffets and predictable corny entertainment. But today’s all-inclusive are undergoing a major glow-up, and Gen Z is here for it. In fact:

• One-third of Gen Z travellers say their perception of all-inclusive has improved.
• 42% now prefer all-inclusive resorts over other hotel types.
• On TikTok, #allinclusive has been trending, while Hotels.com searches using the “all-inclusive” filter jumped by 60%.

Major hotel chains like Hyatt and Marriott have also taken notice, diving headfirst into the all-inclusive category. Marriott debuted its first-ever all-inclusive resort, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, in 2024, while Kimpton plans to make its mark with Kimpton Tres Rios in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, set to open in spring 2025. These modern all-inclusive resorts are expanding the concept with high-end dining, curated cultural experiences, and elevated amenities that cater to the tastes of today’s travellers.

What’s driving the appeal, especially among younger travellers? It’s the promise of minimal stress (41%), ease of booking (39%), and an undeniable feeling of luxury (38%).

Applying the All-Inclusive Thinking for Today’s Guests

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Historically, hotels have emphasized plush beds, modern amenities, and Instagram-worthy visual moments. While those elements are still important, today’s travellers are more focused on what happens outside the room. From organized excursions to exclusive dining experiences, the "all-inclusive" concept has grown beyond buffet lines and beach cabanas to immersive cultural experiences and adventure-packed itineraries.

The Revenue Opportunity Outside the Room

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So, why should hotels care about what their guests are doing off-property? Because that’s where the money is. 

Travelers today are spending more on dining, tours, and experiences than ever before. According to industry insights, activities and attractions makeup over 30% of trip budgets for many travellers. Instead of competing with local businesses, hotels can tap into this growing demand by partnering with local providers to offer unique experiences that benefit both guests and the hotel’s bottom line.

Here’s how hotels can capitalize on this trend:

• Curated Culinary Adventures: Offer exclusive dining tours led by local chefs or food experts, giving guests a taste of the area’s culinary heritage.
• Partnered Excursions: Work with adventure companies to provide VIP access to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like private hikes, snorkelling tours, or hot air balloon rides.
• On-Site Local Pop-Ups: Host events that bring the destination to the property, such as live music from regional artists, pop-up markets with handmade goods, or food tastings featuring local specialities. 
  

Why the "All-Inclusive" Mindset Benefits Everyone

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Travel today has become more complicated. There are endless options, from where to stay to what to eat, to how to spend your time. For many people, planning a trip can feel overwhelming. Erika Richter, VP of Communications for the American Society of Travel Advisors, explains:

“All-inclusive resorts are not all created equal, but the tried-and-true brands are doing really well in this space,” says Richter. “And I think part of the reason is travel has become a lot more complicated. There are just so many more options available, and people kind of get decision fatigue when it comes to planning. By the time they’re ready to take the vacation, it’s like, ‘where can I go to put my brain in a box and not have to think about meals and activities?’”

This is where hotels have the perfect opportunity. When hotels adopt an all-inclusive mindset—not just in the traditional sense but in the way they create guest experiences—they can benefit in multiple ways:

1. Increased Revenue: By helping guests plan and book off-property experiences, hotels can claim a commission or markup on activities, boosting ancillary income.

2. Greater Loyalty: Guests remember—and return to—hotels that make their trips easy and memorable.

3. Brand Differentiation: In a competitive market, standing out is more important than ever. Offering unique, all-inclusive-style experiences can position a hotel as a leader in guest satisfaction.

What Hoteliers Can Takeaway

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The "all-inclusive" traveller is reshaping the hospitality industry in 2025, driven by Gen Z’s desire for minimal stress, luxury, and easy booking. Hotels that take hold of this trend by offering seamless, unique experiences—both on and off the property—are set to capture this growing market and unlock untapped revenue streams. 

It’s time to think beyond the room. With the right strategy, tools, and partnerships, the "all-inclusive" traveller isn’t just a guest—they’re your most valuable opportunity.

Want to stay ahead of the curve in hospitality trends? Visit Alliants’ newsroom for the latest updates. 

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