Research: An Analysis of Sun-Spot Destination Resort Market Segments: All-Inclusive Package Versus Independent Travel Arrangements

Abstract

The sun-spot-destination resort market is one of the most important and growing segments of the contemporary tourism market. The objective of this study was to determine, through a telephone interview survey of 702 American travel parties, if there were significant differences between travel parties who preferred an all-inclusive travel package and those who preferred independent travel arrangements. The variables of interest in these comparisons were: socio-demographic characteristics, travel-related characteristics, determinant attributes and lifestyle characteristics. Results indicate that there are significant differences in terms of age distributions, employment status, preferred destinations, length of stay, several lifestyle characteristics and preferences for physical and psychological aspects (determinant attributes) of the resort.