I understand what the all-inclusives have done to the small business person, I have friends who own bars and rest. down in the DR, and I know all about the all-inclusive vacationer who goes down to the DR with 13 dollars in thier pocket, and comes home with 7 dollars. I'm totally against that as well, and I'm aware of what it has done to these businesses. I stay at all-inclusives(only because I like the location of the Don Jaun, and I like the comfort of the Captains Club room, and the view we have with our morning coffee)but I would bet you could count the number of drinks that I have consumed there on one hand each time I am there. As for the food, we probably eat 35%of our meals at the all-inclusive, the rest we eat out. I like to be waited on, and eat what "I" feel like eating and at the time "I" feel like eating. We do not eat much there at all, not because of the quality either.....it's fine...and I'm not that picky, but we are hardly at the resort, and I would never consider "running back home" to get there on time, for my meal. I realize that this is not the most economical way to enjoy our vacation, but it is the way we wish to, and we are allowed to do as we wish while on vacation, and if that means wasteing money, so be it!
These owners of the businesses know the score though, and the all-inclusives did not pop up yesterday, they have been here, and will continue to be here for some time......so it's deal with it or get out of the business, but to cry to everyone about how someone else is wrecking your business.....I don't find that very productive! This may sound harsh, but it is the way it is!!!