Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546515
30 B M & T ••• September/October 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Are you looking for a way to make your next incentive or retreat experience unique, relaxing, and engaging for your attendees, without breaking the bank? If so, consider booking an all- inclusive resort. Today's all-inclusive resorts include everything from family-friendly escapes and adults-only proper- ties to five-star luxury, health, and gourmet resorts. These properties offer sophisticated amenities and experiences for conventions, executive retreats, and incentive groups. Major hotel chains like Hyatt and Hilton have moved into the category, blurring the line between the traditional resort stay and the all- inclusive experience. And meeting planners are taking notice. According to Market Intelo, corporate bookings at all-inclusive facilities rose 28.4% year-over-year through the first quarter of 2026, and 42% of corpo- rate meeting planners chose them with predictable budgeting among the top drivers. All-inclusive convenience works well with today's meetings' focus on connection, notes the Hilton Trends Report. Nearly half (49%) of business event attendees say team bonding and face-to-face discus- sion are their main motivations. At an all-inclusive, those opportunities can continue easily beyond scheduled sessions, whether attendees gather over dinner, meet beside the pool, or share an activity. GET THE RIGHT FIT All-inclusive resorts can accommodate groups ranging from intimate retreats to major gatherings, but head count may matter less than how attendees will spend their time. Incentive groups are a natural match, as are corporate retreats, executive meetings and association or affinity groups that balance busi- ness with networking, and recreation. The model can also help level your attendees' experience. With meals, beverages and many activi- ties included differences in individual budgets become less obvious, that makes it easier for every- one to comfortably enjoy group dinners, activities, and informal moments of connection. The fit gets less comfortable for programs that need elaborate production, extensive breakout space or highly customized catering. The question, then, isn't simply whether a resort can accommodate your group, but whether the all-inclusive experience fits your agenda. WHAT "ALL-INCLUSIVE" REALLY BUYS YOU Sticker price doesn't tell the whole story. A tradi- tional hotel room rate of $200 may look like a bar- gain beside a $450 all-inclusive rate—until breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee breaks, beverages and meeting- related charges begin landing on the bill. Add service charges and taxes to those individual expenses, and the gap can narrow quickly. But at an all-inclusive, meals, beverages, gratuities and many resort amenities are generally bundled into the upfront rate, turning variable expenses at tradi- tional properties into more predictable costs. For groups with substantial food-and-beverage consump- tion, that predictability can translate into savings. "A traditional convention hotel quotes you a room rate and then everything else (food, drinks, AV, resort fees) gets added on. There may also be a min- imum F&B spend," says travel advisor Carla Barbour of Bon Voyage by Barbour. "An all-inclu- sive gives you one number that covers lodging, meals, activities and entertainment, which makes budgeting far more predictable. You'll work with the resort's MICE contact on your specific meeting needs, all of which is handled in-house." However, "all-inclusive" doesn't mean everything is included. Private events, premium food and bever- ages, excursions, spa services, upgraded technology and outside vendors may carry additional charges. "During the contract phase, be sure to take into account any planned F&B functions such as recep- tions or gala dinners," says Tanya Philyaw, MPI Senior Meeting Planner. "Meals may already be included in the room rate so understanding what is and is not included may help avoid any budget sur- prises. Negotiating upgraded menus or group meals may help save additional costs." A L L A B O U T A L L -I N C L U S I V E S BY PATRICE A. KELLY