TUI UK has hit back at suggestions that its new policy for First Choice to sell only all-inclusive holidays is contrary to its credentials as an environmentally conscientious operator.
First Choice announced on Friday that from summer 2012 it would dedicate itself to all-inclusive packages in response to an ever more budget conscious British public.
But media commentators have criticised the move, claiming it will benefit only the company’s shareholders and damage the economies around the world that depend on holidaymakers spending money.
However, communications director for TUI UK and Ireland Christian Cull said: “It is a myth to suggest that people do not go out of the hotel, just because they’re on an all-inclusive holiday.
“As a holiday company we encourage people to go on local excursions and explore all that the destination has to offer. We are doing a lot of work in this area to increase communications with customers whilst they’re on holiday, encouraging them to use local services.
“For many of our flagship properties we are also setting up excursions that will enable customers to get a real taste for the destination they are visiting.”
He said that two thirds of the holidays that First Choice sold were already all-inclusive, adding: “We are as committed now as ever to making our operations more sustainable.”
He highlighted the operator’s Holidays Forever commitments, which pledges to make sure 90% of its hotels meet strict ABTA-backed sustainability standards by 2014 and also said TUI UK was the first operator to launch such pledges.
He added: “All-inclusives also achieve better occupancy and are more in demand. We have also been working with experts to see how we can increase the benefits of all-inclusive to local communities and putting in practices to do this.”
by Dinah Hatch
