I'm not usually one for beginning the speculation/discussion excessively early, especially given that this year's event is only half way through, however Alton Towers are already advertising February Half Term 2018 on their
website, with it being possible to book it at this year's price!
It could be interpreted as meaning that the 2018 event (running 10th-25th February) will once again be hotel-based, and perhaps that the Resort have no intention of returning to the type of event seen prior to 2016, at least for the foreseeable future.