The boom in demand for all-inclusive holidays in long-haul destinations spread to the top end of the market, it was revealed yesterday.

Travellers are now wanting, and being offered, all-inclusive packages at luxury resorts in destinations such as the Maldives and Mauritius, holiday company Hayes & Jarvis said.

Kenya and other parts of east Africa are also proving popular places for all-inclusive deals at top-of-the range hotels, the company added.

It said that there had been a 51 per cent growth in bookings for all-inclusive holidays across its worldwide programme over the past 12 months.

Hayes & Jarvis programme director Lesley Rollo said: "Demand for all-inclusive holidays had now impacted on the luxury market just as much it had a year ago at three-star and four-star level.

"The luxury market is changing fast as people become savvy in their search for value.

"In the Maldives, luxury resorts offering B&B but charging handsomely for other meals struggled last year, while newer properties hit the jackpot with their five-star premium all-inclusive formula.

"We expect to see more evidence of this in the future."

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