Insider Tips from Veteran Travel Advisors to Enhance All-Inclusive Resort Sales

Initial concerns over travel seemed less concerning at an all-inclusive resort since they didn’t need to explore on their own yet, said Sarah Kline of Time for Travel. I witnessed clients who hadn’t ever imagined setting foot in one take advantage of it just to escape reality for an enjoyable stay, she continued.

“They are hooked and coming back for more. Since moving away from COVID, clients want to feel pampered and served.”

Understanding The Market
“Gone are the days of buffet food and cheap drinks offered at most all-inclusive resorts; newer resorts have taken all-inclusive to new heights,” Kline noted.

Resorts today are providing more unique dining options than ever, such as show kitchens, private locations for dining and exotic offerings to satisfy special dietary requirements of their clientele.

Mona Deane of Horizon Escapes concurs. “We are witnessing more resort choices and all-inclusive resorts opening up in popular travel destinations, while travelers seek higher-quality packages which include activities to immerse them into local culture,” said Mona.

Dream Vacations owner Aggie Batista noted her clients prefer an all-inclusive trip, where all expenses have already been taken care of before departure. “Their clients have told me how important having everything set before heading off can be!” said Aggie Batista.

How To Increase All-Inclusive Sales
“When it comes to increasing all-inclusive sales, my top tip for you would be knowing exactly what it is you sell,” advised Alison Tracy from Dream Vacations – Madson & Associates. With all kinds of training opportunities for destinations, resorts and suppliers available right at your fingertips it should not just be taken as suggestions but as part of daily training requirements.”

Knowledge is power in sales! Make a list of trainings to attend and prioritize them accordingly before spending some quality time learning everything there is about travel. Keep your education current by attending professional courses frequently.”

Kline believes seeing is believing. To effectively sell products or services, she recommended getting out there to experience them first-hand and becoming acquainted with each product or brand on offer. Being all things to all people would be impossible, however; so she suggests creating a niche: focus your knowledge and enthusiasm exclusively on specific resorts or brands so clients will trust you to suggest appropriate recommendations.

Deane suggests: “Visit resorts and meet their staff. Get familiar with the property itself while becoming an expert on certain brands. Foster relationships with BDMs. Recognize differences among room categories as well as benefits associated with levels of service offered – this will allow you to navigate and find that perfect resort for your clients!”

Engaging Clients
Batista suggested travel advisors reach out to clients by emailing or posting updates about a different resort, brand, or destination weekly or monthly – becoming their “go-to expert by sharing knowledge that will inform and excite” (her words).

Advisors can leverage cruise client relationships to drive all-inclusive sales. “After they return from a cruise and rave about one or more ports, I suggest exploring returning there with an all-inclusive to fully experience that destination more fully,” advises advisor Laura Egan of Travel Nation Travel Group.

Batista also gives cruise clients the option of touring resorts at each port they stop at, in hopes they may choose to book their stay there at some later point in time. “This paves the way for future booking,” according to Batista.

Qualifying Clients
“When booking milestone trips such as honeymoons, anniversary travel, or destination weddings I require an interview process whereby we discuss wants and needs for their trip,” Kline noted. Usually before we end that call I already have one resort in mind that could suit their travel plans; typically offering suggestions – although almost always they go with what was originally on their minds.”

Establishing relationships is also key in qualifying clients. “Take time for meaningful dialogues with each potential client,” Batista advised, and discover their likes and dislikes as part of this process. Who inspires them and what do they hope to experience?

Deane noted, in conclusion: “Every traveler has an ideal vacation vision and budget in mind when planning their dream experience, helping them understand its true value is essential to turning it into reality.”

Follow Up On Social Media
According to Alison Tracy of Dream Vacations – Madson & Associates, clients should follow up once back home by scheduling another call and listening intently.

“Listen carefully to what they have to say about the resort they just visited; this information will prove useful when they return for another trip – plus your clients’ reviews serve as your eyes in unfamiliar resorts!”

Tracy stressed the significance of advisors being active on social media when traveling. Tracy commented, “My clients get excited when they know I’m traveling; my content on social media always draws a lot of interest to all-inclusive resorts and my numbers always increase after returning home.”


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