We ’ ll now understand that there is a lot going on behind the scenes to ensure the health , safety and comfort of travelers .
ODUA IMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
FRIENDS STOCK / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM DRAGON IMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM and more — hoteliers recognize travelers ’ interests constantly change . Some noticeable changes in hotel designs lately are adjustments to interior spaces to help guests socially distance by spacing tables 6 feet apart in on-site restaurants or extending outdoor dining areas . More technology advancements like ultraviolet lighting and opting into upholstery fabrics that are easier to clean and resistant to bacteria are expected to stay for the foreseeable future .
Do these new protocols hinder the overall resort experience or impact the all-inclusive vacation ? Not at all . While lockdowns , stay-at-home orders and social distancing have put an everlasting emphasis on the ode to the outdoors , the all-inclusive vacation experience seems to align well . Hotels are also continuing to capitalize on this trend of spending time outdoors when it comes to business travel by implementing work-from-hotel packages that feature outdoor workspaces , events and seminars . Plus , it ’ s important to recognize that when it comes to the pause on cruising over the past year , the wave of converting cruise clients to all-inclusive resort clients just makes sense . A survey of active members of the U . S . Tour Operators Association showed that eight out of 10 are “ enthusiastic ” to “ cautiously optimistic ” for a complete resumption of hotel and resort business by the end of 2021 .
2021 is the recovery year for hotels and resorts , and all-inclusive vacations are the go-to choice for vacationers these days . The layout and size of most all-inclusive resorts provide guests with their own little travel bubble since venturing anywhere beyond the property itself isn ’ t always necessary . Add a controlled capacity ; alfresco dining , entertainment and activities options ; and advanced sanitation and safety protocols to the mix , and it ’ s no wonder travel advisors and savvy vacation suppliers continue to see an increase in bookings this year . From multigenerational families to clusters of friends , groups traveling to all-inclusive resorts are higher than usual in 2021 and into 2022 . Chuck Anderson , owner of Adventures by Anderson in Colorado , reported that 90 % of his business is currently all-inclusive resorts and he attributes it all to COVID-19 . He also said , “ The safety protocols these all-inclusive resorts are undertaking are far beyond anything I ’ ve seen in the U . S .
Once you go and see it for yourself firsthand , you are less afraid .”
Many travelers aren ’ t afraid to splurge now that they have had time to save for their post-pandemic travel plans . Ellen Geissel , a New Jersey travel advisor , says , “ People are more willing to spend now than they were pre-pandemic .” Geissel goes on to say that travel advisors shouldn ’ t be afraid to approach their clients with the upgrades and incentives all-inclusives have been offering lately . “ Many people who didn ’ t go anywhere last year have saved that vacation money and want to step up to a swim-up room or suite . I think there is a whole ‘ I deserve it ’ vibe going on .” That said , many all-inclusive resorts are offering programs where kids and teens stay free , which are great incentives for an all-inclusive vacation experience .
Though we may soon forget how many checkpoints go into ensuring our next hotel room is clean or the type of air purifier installed in a resort ’ s elevator , we ’ ll now understand that there is a lot going on behind the scenes to ensure the health , safety and comfort of travelers . Now that ’ s some great peace of mind .
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