All-inclusive expansion to tempt cost-savvy hollidaymakers

Holidaymakers are taking advantage of a new wave of European all-inclusive destinations, as Eurozone countries gear up to compete with more traditional long-haul resorts.

The availability of all-inclusive holidays to British consumers has, until fairly recently, been largely limited to places like the Caribbean, Mexico and Egypt. Now, according to Shearings Holidays, countries including Spain, Italy, Austria, and Germany are increasing their availability of all-inclusive packages to tempt British holidaymakers that like to book fixed-price breaks.

The increase in the number of European destinations offering all-inclusive packages is being seen as a response to the strength of the Euro and the changing booking habits of British holidaymakers, as a result of continued economic uncertainty.

Caroline Brown, commercial director for Shearings Holidays, said: “All Inclusive holidays have historically been enjoyed by people travelling further afield to unfamiliar destinations, where the assurance of quality food and drinks was seen as an added benefit.

“Now they are considered by many as a way of budgeting for their annual getaway and making sure they get the best value.

“In 2010, 21% of our European passengers booked all inclusive packages. To date for 2011, this increases to 27%, suggesting that the trend for all inclusive breaks shows no signs of slowing down.

“Shearings has responded by widening its all-inclusive offering to new destinations, in places people have previously struggled to get value deals, such as Austria and Germany. We’ve also added more all-inclusive tours in some of our most popular destinations including Lake Como in Italy and Salou in Spain.”


NEW ALL INCLUSIVE BREAKS

Lake Garda All Inclusive – 9 days by coach from £499
A six-night all inclusive stay at the lakeside Hotel Sole in Navene, just a few miles north of pretty Malcesine, starts at £499 per person with Shearings Holidays, including return overnight coach travel [two nights].
Situated in the midst of some spectacular Alpine scenery, the Hotel Sole offers a stunning terrace area with unrivalled views over the North of Lake Garda.
Shearings customers will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel, as well as a free welcome drink plus free tea, coffee, selected soft drinks, local wine, local beer and water from 12pm-10pm.
The tour departs on selected dates between April and September 2011.

Adriatic All Inclusive – 9 days by coach from £499
This nine day tour uncovers a hidden area of Northern Italy, spending six nights at the elegant four-star Hotel Punta Nord, Rimini.
The holiday includes visits to beautiful San Marino, San Leo, the historical Renaissance town of Urbino and the vibrant, elegant city of Bologna.
The all inclusive package includes return overnight coach travel [two nights], breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks including tea, coffee, house beer and wine, local soft drinks and spirits from 10am to midnight.

Rhine Valley & Flowers All Inclusive – 7 days by coach from £419
This seven day tour combines the Romantic Rhine Valley with the floral delights of the 2011 National Horticultural Show at Koblenz.
As well as the visit to Koblenz, the holiday includes an excursion to the beautiful city of Heidelberg which boasts many original buildings from the Middle Ages.
The break includes six nights room and breakfast, five dinners and four packed lunches, plus complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks from 6pm-11pm.
Departures are available between May and October 2010.

Beautiful Bavaria All Inclusive – 7 days by coach from £449
Staying at the Hotel Jägerhaus in the pretty village of Langenau, Shearings’ customers will enjoy six nights’ full board accommodation as well as free wine, beer and soft drinks between 5pm and 11pm.
Customers will also enjoy included excursions to Rothenburg and Nurnberg to see the medieval walls, old town and colourful ancient buildings and a magical visit to the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein, King Ludwig’s most outlandish creation, bristling with turrets and pinnacles.
The tour departs on selected dates throughout April, May, September and October with prices starting from £449.

For more information call Shearings Holidays on 0844 209 7143, visit www.shearings.com or call into a Travel Agent.