The full American plan hotel may include meals with the room and other types of activities such as recreational activities. The all-inclusive resort leverages the same types of benefits as a cruise package by combining rooms, dining, airfare and recreational activities. In the process, the consumer gains the benefits of predictability of vacation cost. The cruise industry, however, still offers the distinct advantage of providing multiple destinations, within one vacation, without travelers needing to pack and unpack. On the operations side, the all-inclusive package offers a number of significant benefits.
Meals are served buffet style, menus are less costly and waste is reduced.
Labor costs are lower and expense predictability is higher. The downside of the all-inclusive resort is that it does not support local business, nor do they typically generate as many jobs. Guests tend not to spend in local restaurants or retail. This combination of factors tends to reduce the resort's economic impact as it is multiplied through the local economy. At the same time, the all-inclusive resort offers advantages to operators in areas in which security may be an issue for travelers, and the resort grounds provide a safe and complete vacation environment.