Gen Zers are collectively entering their all-inclusive era. A new study shows 42% of Gen Z travelers prefer to stay in an all-inclusive resort over other accommodations, and one-third of Gen Z travelers report their opinion of all-inclusive resorts has changed for the better.
These statistics might be mystifying, especially as new data shows the youngest travelers crave experiences not usually associated with all-inclusives, like cultural immersion and elevated dining. But as industry leaders like Hilton debut luxurious new resorts with next-level amenities and plenty of ways to sate cultural curiosity, it's clear the new all-inclusive experience is far from what older generations might know.
Travel With Ease
The appeal of all-inclusive travel with Gen Z is likely the most unexpected detail to emerge from the new Hotels.com Unpack '25 Trends in Travel report, but the surprises don't stop there. Searches on the industry-leading travel-booking platform using the "all-inclusive" filter jumped 60% across every generation of users within the last year.
What makes this style of travel so universally appealing? "The frictionless, hassle-free experience of staying in an all-inclusive resort is really unmatched by anything else," says Nicole Tilzer, Vice President, All-Inclusive & Resort Strategy at Hilton. "It makes everything from planning to budgeting straightforward and seamless in a way no other style of travel ever could be."
It's a sentiment that rings true with travelers young and old, as 41% of Gen Z travelers cite minimizing travel stress as their top reason for gravitating toward this style of travel. 39% credit the appeal of all-inclusive resorts to the ease of booking.
More and Better
Hilton is one of a number of hotel and resort groups responding to the trend, leading a rapid yet carefully charted expansion in the all-inclusive space in recent years. The brand increased its all-inclusive offerings globally by over 60% in the past five years alone. While Caribbean and Latin American destinations traditionally associated with all-inclusive travel have been a focus, Hilton's all-inclusive resorts are going global with recent openings in Europe.
Adding new properties to their impressive portfolio is just one part of the brand's strategy. Enhancing and expanding the experience is the real heart of the transformation, designed to make all-inclusive more than just a passing travel trend.
"Travelers get plenty of cost-effective value from being able to leave their wallet in the room, but the all-inclusive experience at Hilton is far from a basic one," says Tilzer. There's no sacrificing the experience here, she says: "our guests are finding that rich, vibrant travel experience that Hilton is known for, in addition to the frictionless experience of an all-inclusive."
A New Caribbean Escape
One of the newest Hilton all-inclusives is the Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, soon debuting on the white sands of the Dominican Republic. Removed from the busy beaches of Punta Cana, the newest resort in the Dominican Republic sits at the entrance of Samaná Bay, an area known for its migrating humpback whales and protected ecosystems that hide age-old Indigenous petroglyphs.
The luxe coastal resort will feature 500 extravagant rooms, suites, and 20 exclusive bungalows with private pools on a secluded stretch of beachfront. The expansive property boasts 10 restaurants and bars, a family-friendly water park, and four pools, with special dining options and exclusive rooftop pool access to club-level and bungalow guests.
The new opening highlights a commitment to weaving the culture and history of the Dominican Republic into the experience in a way that travelers probably wouldn't expect from an all-inclusive resort. The resort's Anacaona restaurant will feature Taino cuisine, highlighting native ingredients through the lens of current culture, as well as an additional Caribbean-inspired restaurant.
"It's a meaningful way to learn about and experience local flavors, while also being highly sustainable and supporting local communities and growers," says Tilzer. For the increasing number of foodies considering an all-inclusive stay, it's a dream.
A Whirlwind of Debuts
Zemi Miches is just one of several new properties in the works for Hilton. The brand-new Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique, which will welcome its first guests within the next few months, is already set to become one of the best luxury resorts in Costa Rica.
The oceanfront Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire, Tapestry Collection by Hilton on the lesser-visited Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, known for its world-class diving and diverse cultural heritage, also recently opened in December 2024.
Hilton also recently announced The Sens Cancun Adults Only All‑Inclusive Resort, Tapestry by Hilton, in Mexico's most popular resort area. It's a sign that the brand shows no signs of slowing down its expansion anytime soon, especially in Mexico, where Hilton already has over six all-inclusive resorts and over 100 hotels.
"Whether it's for events, weddings, or multi-generational travel, so many different types of travelers are all starting to see value in all-inclusives," says Tilzer. As Hilton continues to elevate the experience of the all-inclusive stay and even further enhance its ease and convenience, it seems this new trend is here to stay.
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