According to the latest holiday figures, all-inclusive package holidays are now more popular amongst Irish holidaymakers than ever and even cheaper than they were 75 years ago.
On the 75th anniversary of the first package holiday, holiday experts at On the Beach have revealed what the inaugural trip was like and exactly how much it costs in today’s money.
According to the package holiday specialists, almost half (48%) of Irish holiday bookings for Summer 2025 are all-inclusive with it being the top choice for families (55%).
According to On the Beach bookings, of the hundreds of all-inclusive options for Irish holidaymakers, the Canaries and Spanish mainland are firm favourites when it comes to the most popular destinations.
Now, 75 years since the first all-inclusive holiday, On the Beach’s historic holiday expert, Nigel Robinson, who has been in the travel industry for 31 years, has revealed exactly what that first holiday was like.
Mr Robinson said: “Back in 1950, travel pioneer Vladimir Raitz shook up the holiday scene with the launch of the very first all-inclusive overseas getaway. His company, Horizon Holidays, flew holidaymakers to Corsica for a week of wine, food and fun, all for just £32 and 10 shillings, roughly €38.
“A group of 300 tourists were flown from London via Lyon to Casci aboard a war-surplus Dakota plane and were greeted on arrival with flowers and a municipal band before being accommodated in large army tents at a makeshift holiday camp.
“For the first time, this all-inclusive offering meant food and drink was included in the price and at a time of post-war rationing, the promise of unlimited meat-filled meals and free-flowing wine was a major attraction.
“Raitz’s innovation sparked the birth of the modern package holiday, however it wasn’t until later into the 60’s, when the economic climate started to shift in Ireland, that a holiday abroad like this would feel achievable. Now, 75 years later, it’s quickly become a firm favourite travel experience for Irish families and couples.”
The cost, €38, in today’s money, converts a whopping €1377.17pp* according to The Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator (CPI)
Today’s all-inclusive holidays, according to On the Beach, are now cheaper than they were in 1950. For those yet to book their summer getaway and interested in booking all-inclusive, the top five cheapest destinations for 2025 Irish departures are Morocco, Spain, Tunisia, Balerics and Bulgaria.
Whilst March is the month coming out on top as the cheapest month for travelling all-inclusive from Ireland, those in search of the best Summer all-inclusive deals should look at May, June and September as the best months for bookings as the average price per passenger is from €723 – €809pp.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach UK & Ireland said: “Let’s face it, holidays have had a serious glow-up over the last 75 years. Back in 1950, 300 brave Brits pitched up in Corsica with tents and tinned meat. Fast forward to now and we’re swapping canned rations for Michelin starred patron chefs, sleeping bags in tents for swim-up rooms and acidic wine for seriously good sundowner cocktail bars.
“The choice is huge as all-inclusive has rocketed in popularity, and since our launch in Ireland last year, it’s the number one choice for most people. Families are big believers in the board-basis, with couples also getting involved lured in by the golf courses, spas, sushi counters, patisseries and even Starbucks, all totally gratis, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
“If you’re yet to dip your toe in the all-inclusive pool, it really is time to move with the times, challenge your perceptions and give it a whirl. The feeling when you don’t have to put your hand in your pocket for an entire week is next level relaxation. All you need to do is lie-back and not think of home.”
She’s not wrong either, an all-inclusive stay at the five star Grand Muthu Oura View Beach Club in Portugal offers access to a whopping fourteen restaurants, gym, spa, infinity swimming pool kitted out with a water slide and diving areas, and it costs just €914pp for a week in May, that’s over €450 less than what people paid in1950 and a whole lot more bang for your buck.
Experts at On the Beach share their five reasons why all-inclusive is Ireland’s most popular holiday choice:
- More churros for your euros – making that upfront payment means you can enjoy as many drinks, meals and snacks as and when you feel like it, allowing you to get the most out of that upfront spend and have an indulging stay.
- Easy breezy dining – Take away the stress of deciding where to go for dinner or where will cater for the kids. Instead, feel right at home in your hotel’s restaurant of choice. And if the kids refuse a meal, you’ve got plenty of more options to see what tickles their tiny taste buds.
- Splash out – Have that ice-cream, order those post swim chips, yes to the second (or third) ice lolly. It’ll feel like you’re splashing out minus getting the cash out.
- Pack a punch – Never miss a chance to make the most of your board as even if you are heading out for the day or off to the beach for the afternoon, you can take a taste of your hotel with you by packing a lunch to ensure you don’t feel like you’re missing out.
- Challenge your taste buds – with many hotels offering up to 17 different restaurants of choice, the thought of paying for a meal you might not enjoy can be off-putting. Instead, order that dish knowing a backup is not going to cost you.
All-Inclusive deals cheaper than 75 years ago
- 74% Cheaper than 1950 – A seven night, all-inclusive stay at the four star BLUESEA Club Marthas, in Majorca, flying on Tuesday 3 June from Dublin costs just €632pp.
- 55% Cheaper than 1950 – A seven night, all-inclusive stay at the four star Mitsis Messonghi, in Corfu, flying on Friday 13 June from Dublin costs just €779pp.
- 34% Cheaper than 1950 – A seven night, all-inclusive stay at the four star Best Lloret Splash, in Costa Brava, flying on Tuesday 1 July from Cork costs just €968pp.
- 41% Cheaper than 1950 – A seven night, all-inclusive stay at the four star Broncemar Beach, in Fuerteventura, flying on Monday 7 July from Shannon costs just €900pp.
- 43% Cheaper than 1950 – A seven night, all-inclusive stay at the four star Playa Park, in Fuerteventura, flying on Wednesday 9 July from Cork costs just €880pp.
- 46% Cheaper than 1950 – A seven night, all-inclusive stay at the four star Panorama Village Hotel in Crete, flying on Tuesday 01 July from Dublin costs just €861pp.
