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15 Corporate Incentive Travel Program Tips for 2024

You found our list of the best corporate incentive travel program tips !

Corporate incentive travel programs are initiatives that offer all-expenses paid trips and experiences in exchange for extraordinary performance. For example, a trip to Thailand or Mexico. These programs aim to motivate employees and raise morale, loyalty, and productivity.

Travel incentive programs are one example of employee incentives and employee engagement ideas , and can be a popular employment benefit .

This article includes:

  • incentive travel examples
  • incentive trips for employees
  • group travel incentive programs
  • corporate incentives besides travel

Here is the list!

Incentive travel examples

When it comes to destinations and trip experiences, possibilities are endless. Here are a few examples of incentive travel programs to give you inspiration:

  • A stay in the British countryside complete with castle tours
  • A food tour through Italy or France, or through your home city
  • Museum crawl through New York City
  • Hotel and tickets to a Broadway or West End show
  • A Seine River expedition through Germany
  • Weeklong country-hopping tour
  • Hiking excursion in the mountains
  • Wildlife interaction at a sanctuary
  • Wine country visits
  • Behind the scenes tour of a nearby brewery
  • Weekend stay at a local bed and breakfast
  • Tropical beach escape
  • Historical tour of a prominent city
  • Hot air balloon rides
  • Passes and accommodation to a cultural festival
  • Company cruises
  • Glamping or camping
  • Team building retreats

The items on this list provide a solid baseline for program structures, but there are many possibilities for irresistible trips that will drive employees to perform at their best.

Corporate incentive travel program tips

From soliciting suggestions from staff to leveraging social media, here are the steps for creating an effective corporate incentive travel program.

1. Ask your staff for ideas

A travel program is only an incentive if your staff wants to take the trips you choose. Instead of outright guessing, or stealthily scanning your staff’s Instagram vacation posts, ask your staff for destination and activity ideas.

First, gather plausible options for countries, cities, accommodations, excursions, and activities. Then, distribute a survey, and use the feedback to inform your selections. Consider including a write-in option on your questionnaire so employees can point you towards any useful travel resources or discount programs.

2. Determine the goal of your program

The point of an incentive program is to achieve a particular result or encourage a certain behavior. Thus, when designing your incentive trips for employees, it is important to outline the goal.

Corporate incentive travel program objectives may include:

  • Specific sales targets
  • Increased client satisfaction scores
  • Decrease in paperwork errors
  • Shorter customer wait times
  • Quicker production turnaround time

The goal of the program may include multiple aims, and targets may vary by position or department.

Trips are a significant investment, and organizations expect a worthwhile return on such a weighty investment. By outlining clear goals when introducing the program, you justify the expenditure and link the reward to a clear result.

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3. Provide clear guidelines to staff

Higher management are not the only parties that benefit from having accurate expectations for the program. When announcing the initiative, provide clear guidelines to the staff so employees understand how to earn the rewards. For best results, communicate the necessary targets, performance period timeline, methods of measurement, and ultimate prizes.

You may also want to mention:

  • The level of date flexibility for trips. Can attendees choose from multiple months or weekends, or will there only be one date for the trip? If the latter, then disclose the date upfront.
  • Whether or not family members and guests can join the trips.
  • Included amenities vs add-on options.
  • Accommodations the company can make for staff with special circumstances.

Misunderstanding requirements could lead to staff missing out on the opportunity, causing disappointment. Employees want to feel that managers are upfront and honest, and clear communication fosters trust.

4. Consult a travel expert

Corporate travel programs require a great deal of planning and logistics management. Coordinating such a program alone can feel overwhelming, but travel and events companies that specialize in running incentive programs can simplify the process.

Here are some recommended travel incentive companies:

  • American Express Meetings & Events
  • Creative Group Inc.
  • First Incentive Travel
  • Peak Performance Meetings & Incentives
  • Bishop McCann
  • Bi Worldwide
  • Fox World Travel
  • Maritz Global Events
  • George P. Johnson Experience Marketing
  • World Travel Inc

Even if you decide not to hire a third-party vendor to manage incentive trips, consider consulting a travel agent or other professional who has experience planning and executing group trips. If nothing else, then read HR blogs for advice. You do not need to reinvent the wheel; you can rely on the guidance of professionals who have seen success with incentives to shape your program.

5. Research multiple vendors

While destination management companies often advertise packages that remove the hassle from corporate travel planning, these all-inclusive offerings are not always the best options for your needs. Working with multiple event providers may be a more cost-effective solution that results in better experiences for your employees.

Consider branching out and enlisting different companies for transportation, accommodations, catering, and experiences such as museum tours or adventure sports outings. At minimum, research and compare multiple destination management companies to ensure you find the best deal and optimal level of service.

6. Negotiate exclusives

Most travel incentive companies work with organizations to create tailored, customized plans. When designing trips, securing exclusive amenities and activities can make the experience even more attractive. For instance, booking an illustrious restaurant for a private party with a special menu, or receiving an after-hours, behind-the-scenes tour of a historical site with an expert. Planning experiences that attendees cannot replicate during personal visits makes the experience feel more unique, which compels employees to work harder to secure their spots on the trip.

7. Use organizational resources

While a travel incentive trip differs from a business trip, branches in other geographical regions can be a great help to your planning process. Offices in other states or countries might be able to make an introduction to a contact such as a travel coordinator, local guide, restaurateur, or hospitality professional that can help you coordinate your trip. You might even take advantage of special corporate discounts or offerings thanks to your relationship with the sister site.

Even if your organization does not have locations worldwide, you may employ a teammate who has previously worked, traveled, or lived in your destination and can offer recommendations. Tapping into your company’s internal resources improves the journey.

8. Stick to a budget

Travel programs are rarely low-cost perks. Expenses like transportation, accommodation, meals, and entertainment add up quickly, even if your group remains local. While increases in worker output and performance often justify the price of the program, it is still important to stick to a budget to ensure a balanced return on investment.

Researching beforehand helps avoid overspending. Before you commit to a destination or travel package, ensure you understand the total cost, including any additional expenditures such as insurance, service fees, non-included meals, transportation between venues, and tips for service staff.

Remember that if employees show interest in pricey experiences that the company cannot cover, then you can compensate by scheduling free time and allowing attendees to purchase optional activities.

Here is a list of ways to spend your budget at year-end .

9. Be liberal with options

Your group is a diverse bunch with a wide range of interests. One employee’s dream trip might not be another’s. To guarantee that all travelers enjoy the experience, arrange an array of activities that suit many tastes. For example, plan a bar crawl one evening and an open mic the next. Or, give attendees the choice between wine tasting, rock climbing, or touring a museum.

When planning activities, keep in mind:

  • Physical ability
  • Level of socialization
  • Dietary needs
  • Non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers
  • Price, if members pay out of pocket
  • Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity

Keep these considerations in mind not only when planning activities, but also when booking trip details. For instance, steer clear of destinations with recent human rights violations or recent racial tensions in favor of diverse and inclusive locations where all guests feel welcome.

10. Focus on the experience more than the destination

While the ability to travel to a foreign country or a lively city is a major draw, the location is not as important as your team’s overall happiness. Instead of fixating on the destination, focus on the experience. You do not need to pick a flashy locale to garner interest in the program. Attendees can have fun in a neighboring town or an off-the-beaten-path destination if you plan meaningful and engaging activities.

When choosing a venue for your trip, explore unconventional options and open yourself to interesting possibilities. Aim to connect your staff meaningfully with the local culture and with each other. Keep an eye out for experiences unique to your host city, and aim to be travelers rather than simply tourists. In essence, unlock the full potential of each city, neighborhood, or business instead of relying on the allure of the destination to do the heavy lifting.

11. Offer resources and assistance

Assuming that every trip member is an experienced traveler is a mistake. Travel programs generate interest among a wide range of attendees, from globetrotters to folks who have yet to step foot in an airport. Because there may be a discrepancy in the travel knowledge within your group, offering resources and assistance is helpful. Even if your package includes transportation, members may need to book plane tickets individually, in which case you should designate a helper to answer questions and resolve issues.

Consider also providing:

  • Passport and visa application assistance
  • Packing tips
  • Applicable CDC advisories and vaccine information
  • A guide to cultural norms in your destination country
  • Travel medical and insurance resources
  • Currency exchange services
  • Safety recommendations and emergency contact information

You can equip the group with helpful literature, hold informational sessions, and create online forums where attendees can ask and answer questions, too.

12. Use trips as an opportunity to expand employees’ worldviews

While the trip acts first as an incentive and reward, the vacation can serve as an educational tool, too. By incorporating cultural experiences, you expand teammates’ worldviews, teach empathy, and develop soft skills that enhance employees’ abilities to interact with clients and colleagues.

To capitalize on the effects of the trip, select a destination that pushes staff out of their comfort zone and introduces new viewpoints and experiences. To achieve this end, the destination does not have to be a foreign country. Every country is culturally diverse, and workers benefit from visiting a new region, or even connecting with a distinct subculture close to home. The trip can be an opportunity not only for employees to relax and have fun, but also to grow.

13. Maximize team bonding

Being in an unfamiliar place together can bring a group closer together. Shared experiences are the root of team building, and group trips establish common ground and memories that form a foundation for continuing relationships. Group travel incentive programs can not only save companies time and money, but also supercharge group development. One of the best approaches to travel programs is to maximize team bonding potential by planning group excursions and team building activities and scheduling time for group reflection.

By dedicating Slack channels, social media groups, team chats, pre and post trip sessions, and shared online photo albums to the trip group, you can further fuel interactions between members.

Here is a list of team building ideas to try.

14. Leverage employee testimonials and social media

Organizations devote significant resources to travel programs. One way to optimize return on investment is to leverage employee testimonials and social media as a way to market company culture and motivate colleagues to strive for future travel incentives.

A few suggestions:

  • Distribute a survey at the end of the trip. Make the survey completion a scheduled activity, or incentivize feedback by holding a prize drawing in tandem.
  • Ask employees to submit photos and captions to the marketing team for the company social media page
  • Coordinate a social media takeover campaign where trip attendees schedule content for company social media channels
  • Encourage attendees to tag posts on personal accounts with the company handle and a specific hashtag.
  • Dedicate blog posts to the experience
  • Compile a highlights reel of the trip by editing together video clips
  • Allow participants to speak about the trip on a company podcast
  • Invite attendees to speak at information sessions for future trips

Most folks appreciate having a platform to share their stories and experiences. This user-generated content has many uses both internally and externally, such as in recruitment materials, marketing projects, and employee engagement campaigns .

15. Offer alternatives to travel

Although travel is an enticing incentive, it is not a universal motivator for all employees. Familial obligations, health complications, fear of flying, or a distaste for travel are examples of conditions that might prevent staff from reaping the rewards of the program. To better suit the needs of your entire organization, offer alternatives to trips, such as material bonuses or more localized experiences. Examples might include a chartered day at a nearby winery, tickets to the hometown sports team game, or extra paid time off. Read the next section for more suggestions on non-travel incentive rewards.

Other corporate incentives besides travel

Travel is not viable to every employee’s circumstances. For a more universally appealing incentive program, consider offering alternatives to travel. The following list offers a few suggestions.

Bonuses are the most common employee incentive. Monetary rewards give employees more autonomy over their winnings, since staff has the discretion to use the extra cash as they see fit. Not to mention, a financial award sends the message that the organization shares extra profits with staff, thus compelling employees to generate more revenue for the company.

When introducing financial incentives, it is important to explain a clear bonus structure so that the staff has a solid understanding of expectations and performance metrics.

2. Extra paid time off

Instead of scheduling a trip for employees, you could offer extra paid time off so that employees can travel when, where, and with whom they prefer. Through this method, your staff may opt for a staycation instead, choosing to use the extra time to catch up on errands, develop side hustles, spend time with family members, or relax at home. This approach signals that the company values employees’ personal time and appreciates work life balance. Plus, offering extra time awards employees more freedom to customize their prize.

3. Concerts

Concerts are close-to-home adventures. Music and nightlife enthusiasts love the chance to attend live performances. Access to sold-out or exclusive events, good seats or entry into VIP areas, and other perks like complimentary food or merchandise sweeten the deal. Partnering with a corporate-facing event company or local concert venue can help you net discounts and special offers for your employees.

4. Sporting events

Tickets or company box seats at a sporting event are an enticing prize for sports fans, salespeople, and anyone who relishes the energy of a live game. Best of all, since seasons consist of many games, you can divide the performance period into multiple benchmarks, and employ ticket giveaways as an ongoing motivator. Also, sports inspire attitudes of camaraderie and teamwork which you can channel into your workplace.

5. Technology

New gadgets and upgrades hit the technology market daily. Keeping all gadgets updated can be a challenge, so technology rewards are tempting incentives.

A few suggestions for technology incentives:

  • smartphones
  • video game systems
  • action cameras
  • smartwatches and fitness trackers
  • wireless earbuds
  • 3-D printers

Consider offering technology upgrades for personal use, work use, or a mix of both. For example, promise to buy high-tech printers for the winning department.

6. Parking spots

Parking can be a surprisingly effective employee motivator, especially if you work in a city with scarce or expensive parking options. Even if the office building houses a company garage, employees may eye a desirable spot. Winning a prized parking spot or a complimentary pass checks one box off of the proverbial to-do list and makes the morning commute less hectic. If parking is not part of your employee benefits package, then consider offering the amenity as a prize.

7. Fitness classes

Fitness is important, but not always inexpensive. While many companies offer wellness credits, gym memberships, or exercise classes as perks, bonus fitness services can make attractive prizes.

Here are some ideas for fitness incentives:

  • Home gym equipment
  • Subscription to online Yoga classes or Peloton
  • Personal trainers
  • Workout wardrobes
  • Fitness trackers and smart devices
  • Unusual exercise classes like parkour or circus aerobics

Even if your company provides regular exercise options, an upgraded fitness experience can serve as extra motivation.

8. Charity donations

Monetary gain is not a universal motivator, and at times philanthropy can drive efforts more effectively than cash rewards. One alternative to material prizes is to donate an agreed amount to a charity of the awardee’s choice.

Pro tip: Allow employees to suggest charities that fall within prescribed guidelines instead of picking from a limited list to ensure that workers can raise money for a cause they are passionate about.

9. Task management services

While you may not be able to give your employees extra hours in the day, gifting task services is the next best option. Hiring professional errand-runners frees up time in your employees schedules for relaxation, self-care, and self-improvement.

Suggestions for task services:

  • Grocery deliveries
  • Laundry and dry cleaning services
  • Cooks or professional meal preppers
  • Cleaners or organizing consultants
  • Childcare services

Consider gifting credit towards multiple-service providers like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack so awardees can choose the most useful options.

10. Meals with executives

Lunch or dinner with a member of the C-suite serves the dual function of providing a complimentary meal along with quality time with higher management. For best results, offer one-on-one meetings or small group experiences so that every awardee has ample opportunity to interact with the executive. Similar bonding opportunities include golf games, tennis matches, hikes, creative classes, winery or brewery trips, or video game showdowns.

11. Massages and self-care

Some workers might not treat themselves to massages, spa-days, and other self-love splurges, but will indulge if gifted an activity. Pampering experiences inspire employees to achieve a goal while emphasizing the importance of self-care.

Here are some examples of self-care incentives:

  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Salon appointments
  • Meditation session
  • Career consulting or meeting with a life coach

These prizes send the message that companies care about employee wellbeing as well as performance.

12. Extraordinary events

Though some folks use the term incentive events interchangeably with incentive trips, at-home events can offer the excitement of travel minus the forms, transportation costs, or downtime at the airport. Extraordinary events give employees opportunities to socialize, participate in new experiences, and make memories with colleagues.

Some examples of event incentives include:

  • Improv or standup comedy shows and workshops
  • Cooking classes with renowned chefs
  • Laser tag tournaments
  • Winery or brewery tours
  • Cocktail party at the CEO’s house
  • Amusement park trips
  • Early access to a new venue
  • Special sales or product trials

Limiting the number of spots at these events and awarding entry only to high-achieving employees makes the occasion feel more special and motivates staff to strive towards a goal.

Final Thoughts

Travel is one of the most common bullet points on bucket lists, which means that trips serve as a powerful motivator. By affording employees opportunities to travel, you expand their world views and supercharge their relationships with teammates, all while rewarding extraordinary efforts and results and assigning great value to your workers’ contributions.

Next, check out this list of employee wellness program ideas and this list of incentives to return to the office .

FAQ: Corporate incentive travel programs

Here are answers to the most common questions about corporate incentive travel programs.

What are corporate incentive travel programs?

Corporate incentive travel programs are motivational campaigns that reward top-performing employees with trips or special experiences. The aim of these programs is to increase staff loyalty, morale, and productivity. Incentive programs typically target specific goals such as fulfilling sales quotas, meeting product development deadlines, or raising customer satisfaction scores.

What are some good corporate incentive travel program tips?

Some good corporate incentive travel program tips include:

  • Ask your staff for ideas
  • Determine the goal of your program
  • Provide clear guidelines to staff
  • Consult a travel expert
  • Research multiple vendors
  • Negotiate exclusives
  • Use organizational resources
  • Stick to a budget
  • Be liberal with options
  • Focus on the experience more than the destination
  • Offer resources and assistance
  • Use trips as an opportunity to expand employees’ worldviews
  • Maximize team bonding
  • Leverage employee testimonials and social media
  • Offer alternatives to travel

Though travel programs require extensive planning and organization, following the proper steps can ensure that your program pays off by raising employee output and morale.

What are good companies to use for corporate incentive travel programs?

There are many providers who offer and arrange trips and engaging events for corporate incentive programs.

Here are some recommended companies to use for corporate incentive travel programs:

When selecting a partner organization, research multiple providers and choose an option that fits your company’s budget, company culture, and particular needs.

Do corporate incentive travel programs work?

Travel programs can be powerful motivators. Employer-sponsored trips are an attractive reward, especially when the experiences include exclusives such as exclusive tours, private accommodations, and company parties. Travel programs are an especially compelling incentive for sales teams, though the perk can motivate a vast variety of positions and departments.

Though travel is a hefty investment for organizations, the corresponding rise in productivity is significant. Plus, funding trips signals that employers value their workers efforts and personal growth.

What makes incentive travel programs effective?

Clear goals and benchmarks, measurable metrics, smart internal marketing, meaningful experiences, and attractive awards are all factors that make incentive travel programs effective. The best determinant of the operation’s success is the level of foresight, consideration, and communication that goes into the planning and execution of the program.

Besides travel, what can employers offer in incentive programs?

Some non-travel incentive program rewards include:

  • Extra paid time off
  • Sporting events
  • Parking spots
  • Fitness classes
  • Charity donations
  • Home services
  • Meal with an executive
  • Massages and self-care
  • Extraordinary events

Not every team member is able to travel, yet providing alternate rewards allows dedicated employees to reap the rewards of their efforts.

What is the difference between a corporate incentive program and an employee benefits program?

Organizations offer employee benefits across the board to all workers, although benefits packages might vary depending on position and band level, and individual candidates may be able to negotiate a more attractive package. While benefits programs are ongoing, built-in rewards, incentive programs are auxiliary, often limited-time offers. Corporate incentive programs exist to motivate employees to hit specific targets within a particular time frame.

Author avatar

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Team building content expert. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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What is Incentive Travel? (With 4 Examples + Top Locations)

More and more companies are considering incentive travel for their internal teams to reward employees and even external partners to incentivize sales.

But what is incentive travel? What are some examples of incentive trips? And is an incentive travel program right for your team?

This article breaks down everything you need to know.

What is incentive travel?

Let's start with incentive travel meaning: Incentive travel is the use of an all-expenses-paid trip to reward and motivate employees or channel partners for achieving specific business goals. Incentive trips can be given to individuals to use independently or designed as a group travel experience.

Incentive travel group trips can include a range of activities, from luxury cruises and beach vacations to adventure travel and cultural tours.

Most companies use incentive programs to create a memorable and unique experience that inspires participants to work harder and feel more connected to their company and colleagues. By offering these programs, businesses can boost employee morale, retention, and productivity, while also increasing loyalty and sales.

Incentive travel trips typically include a luxury hotel or resort, exciting itineraries, white-glove service, and networking opportunities that reward and connect top performers.

group of people enjoying incentive travel dinner by the pool

Who is incentive travel best for?

Incentive travel is best for companies looking to motivate, reward, and inspire employees or partners. It's typically considered a "VIP access" event.

It’s especially effective for businesses that are focused on boosting sales team engagement, improving retention rates, reducing employee turnover and burnout, and increasing productivity. Sales incentives are great ways to encourage your teams to hit their sales targets as well.

These types of attendees are typically given a qualification period to hit their target number and then selected for the trip based on their performance.

Incentive travel programs are also great for companies looking to create a stronger sense of community and teamwork within their organization.

Corporate incentive travel programs don’t just have to be for big businesses with a ton of money. With the right budget, incentive programs can be a perfect opportunity to connect your teams and inspire success.

Incentive travel is also not limited to any particular industry, as any business can benefit from incentivizing its employees to achieve specific goals. Neither is it limited to a department (though most programs focus on sales teams).

Analyzing your business needs will help you decide whether group travel incentive programs are best for your company.

group of people enjoying wine during incentive travel program

What are the benefits of incentive travel? Why incentive travel works.

There are several benefits to incentive travel. It’s a highly effective way to motivate and reward employees for their hard work and dedication. As companies implement travel incentive programs in their business, they begin to realize the importance of incentive travel.

For businesses that are still on the fence, here are some of the key benefits of incentive travel :

1. Increased employee motivation and engagement

Incentive travel provides employees with a tangible goal to work toward and the promise of a reward to achieve it. It also creates competition and a sense of scarcity among employees, as not everyone gets to partake. This can help increase motivation and engagement levels, leading to improved performance and productivity, including hitting a specific sales target or quota.

2. Improved retention rates

Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to stay with their company. Incentive travel programs are an especially effective way to show that appreciation, which can in turn help improve retention rates.

3. Enhanced team building and communication

Incentive travel trips often involved team-building activities that can help improve communication and collaboration among employees. They also offer a more relaxed environment in which to connect, as well as an opportunity to connect with executive leaders. All of these combine to form a better sense of community, which can help with business performance.

4. Increase company culture and brand reputation

Offering incentive travel programs can help create a positive company culture. This can make the company more attractive to potential employees, customers and partners, leading to increased success and growth.

5. Increased customer loyalty and sales

Incentive travel programs can also be used to reward channel partners or customers, which can help improve loyalty and drive sales.

Overall, there are many benefits to incentive travel trips. They offer a unique opportunity to inspire, engage and motivate attendees, and can be more effective than cash rewards or other gifts. Compare the incentive travel to cash rewards in our latest article.

various people enjoying networking during incentive travel at a resort pool

What are some disadvantages of incentive travel?

Although incentive travel can be incredibly effective for some teams, there are also a few disadvantages to consider.

Incentive travel can be expensive to plan and execute, requiring substantial financial resources. Companies need to allocate budgets for travel expenses, accommodation, meals, activities, and other related costs. This expenditure can strain the company's finances, particularly for smaller businesses or during periods of economic uncertainty.

2. Perceived inequity among employees

Offering incentive travel may create a sense of inequality among employees. Those who don't qualify for the incentive or are unable to attend due to personal circumstances may feel demotivated or undervalued.

3. Distraction from work

Planning and participating in incentive travel programs can temporarily divert employees' attention away from their regular work responsibilities. While the intention is to reward and motivate employees, excessive focus on the trip itself can lead to decreased productivity and potentially impact overall business operations. Companies should carefully balance the benefits of incentive travel against the potential disruption it may cause.

Overall, we've seen the benefits of incentive travel majorly outweigh the drawbacks, but it's important to evaluate the program for your own business.

an incentive travel example includes singers at an incentive travel program play for group of people networking

Examples of Incentive Travel Programs

Here are some ideas for your next trip:

Luxury beach vacations

A trip to a luxurious beach resort in a place like Cabo, Mexico, or Bali can be a great incentive option. This type of incentive travel program offers the chance to relax, enjoy the sun, and participate in activities like snorkeling, sailing, paddle boarding, and beach games.

Adventure travel

For more adventurous teams, an incentive travel program that includes activities like hiking, rock climbing, or white-water rafting can be a great motivator. This type of program offers unique and memorable experiences to build teamwork.

Cultural tours

A cultural tour can be a unique opportunity for teams to immerse themselves in a local culture they may not otherwise be able to. This type of program might include visits to historical sites, museums and local markets, as well as opportunities to sample local cuisine.

Wellness retreats

A wellness retreat can be a great way to help employees relax and reset, both physically and mentally. This type of program would include activities like yoga, meditation, spa treatments and healthy eating workshops.

These are just a couple of examples of the many types of incentive programs available. We encourage you to think beyond the typical go-to destinations to find an incentive program structure that works best for your team.

hammock in Mexico incentive travel destination

What are the best locations for incentive programs?

The best location for your incentive travel program depends on your team, the structure of your event, and your budget. We recommend starting with those three pillars and selecting several options to compare before you select a destination.

These programs can happen in any location, whether domestic or exotic locations.

With that said, here are some of our favorite incentive travel destinations from recent years:

Perfect for adventurous souls, Costa Rica offers several activities like zip-lining, hiking and water sports. The country also has a strong focus on sustainability and eco-tourism, making it a great destination for companies with a green focus.

Hawaii offers a multitude of options for those looking to relax, explore, or a little of both. Activities like surfing, hiking, and snorkeling are popular, as well as cultural experiences like hula dancing and lei making. Those looking to unwind also have the option of simply relaxing on the beach.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany offers stunning landscapes, historic architecture, and world-renowned cuisine. Activities like wine tasting, cooking classes, and visits to historic sites are popular.

Northern California

Northern California offers a multitude of resorts catering to those looking to escape for wellness retreats. With great weather year-round, this is a great option for companies looking to stay closer to home while still offering an escape.

With its mix of Mediterranean culture, pristine water, and gorgeous landscapes, Mallorca offers groups an amazing escape just off the coast of Spain. As one of our top-performing locations, Mallorca always offers that "wow" factor.

Not sure where to start when looking for the right destination for your team? Check out our guide to selecting the best destination for your incentive trip.

incentive travel location featuring resort looking over the hills of the Mediterranean

How is an incentive program typically structured?

To create an effective incentive trip program, organizations should start by defining clear goals and objectives. This involves determining the behaviors or outcomes they want to incentivize and the desired results they hope to achieve.

Next, consider factors such as timing, eligibility criteria, and performance metrics. Some companies choose to select the top percent of employees to include in their trip, some select specific departments, and others choose to bring their whole company. Whatever the selection criteria, make sure it's clearly defined and communicated to everyone involved, so they can understand how they can become a part of the group selected to go.

From there, your company can structure your incentive program by selecting destinations and activities that align with your goals, interests, and budget. Decide whether it should be a group trip or an individual reward trip.

fire dancer performs at incentive travel program

Example Incentive Trip Agenda

According to the Incentive Research Foundation, 3 - 5 day trips are ideal for incentive trips. This agenda is created around that recommendation and designed in a group travel format.

As you build your agenda, consider what mix of leisure and business activities you want, or how much free time to provide guests. Develop activities related to group interests instead of just what's available. And considering leveraging local knowledge to find cultural activities throughout.

  • Arrivals at destination, hotel check-in and welcome reception
  • Group dinner
  • Morning casual activities, such as yoga, spa, pool, or other
  • Afternoon small groups activities on site, such as sailing, golf, kayaking, or horseback riding
  • Evening cocktail reception and dinner
  • Full-day excursion or private tour to nearby cultural or natural attraction (e.g. city tour, national park)
  • Group lunch at local restaurant
  • Evening time to explore destination or attend optional activity (e.g. cooking class, wine tasting)
  • Morning volunteer event, such as school supply drive, beach cleanup, etc.
  • Afternoon time to explore destination or participate in optional activity (e.g. spa day, painting class, team-building exercises)
  • Evening awards dinner and celebration

This itinerary is just an example and can be customized to fit the specific goals and preferences of the group. The key to a successful trip agenda is to provide a balance of team-building activities, cultural experiences, free time for exploration, and leisure activities for relaxation. Learn how to make your sales incentive trip a success here.

incentive travel includes relaxing yoga sessions in beautiful locations

Is incentive travel right for my company?

Incentive travel may or may not be right for your company. There are several areas to consider as you decide if you should plan an incentive program.

Consider whether your team would benefit from a luxury trip with some rest and relaxation. Are your teams feeling burnt out or overwhelmed? This may be a good opportunity to reset.

Are your teams not hitting their sales targets? An incentive program might be the nudge they need to perform better -- beyond just getting a cash bonus.

Or, on the flip side, are your teams hitting certain achievements beyond expectations? Maybe it's time to reward those top performers with a little incentive travel trip.

Whatever your team looks like, it's important to understand if your budget and the outcomes are right for your company. Dive further into how to plan a successful incentive trip here.

Can I get help planning my incentive trip?

Yes, absolutely. Destination management companies and event planning companies are your ideal partners to help plan your event.

GoGather is your go-to event planner for your next incentive program. We have developed and planned travel incentives across the world, from Bali to Mexico to Mallorca. We help you design VIP trips to reward your top achievers and inspire success. Let's review your company goals and develop an amazing incentive trip specifically designed for your company. Start planning with us now.

Plan Your Next Incentive Trip with GoGather

Katie Moser

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Incentive travel that redefines extraordinary

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An incentive travel program is about more than just a cool vacation or hot-spot destination. 

For stakeholders, it’s about inspiring peak performance. For attendees, it’s about the reward and recognition they strived for. It’s about creating personalized, authentic experiences all over the world and strengthening relationships with colleagues while immersed in local communities. 

Get ideas that redefine extraordinary

An incentive trip like they’ve never experienced .

We personalize each part of the attendee journey. Like taking trip earners to a surprise lunch on the Great Wall of China. Or making sure ginger ale and crackers are waiting on the plane for the attendee with a fear of flying.

Our event design approach considers:

  • Stakeholder care  – Investing in the right places to meet goals
  • Attendee wonder  – Making them feel known, appreciated and inspired 
  • Novel experiences  – Motivating performance with “never done anything like it” moments 

Global destination expertise

Impress even the most well-traveled attendees with an undiscovered locale.

Our tenured buyers have traveled the globe (most recently Fiji and Cairo!) and have first-hand knowledge to source U.S.-based and international destinations. We’ll help select the perfect place and negotiate a transparent and fair contract.

Immersive brand experiences

Turning already incredible surroundings into larger-than-life experiences is what we do. 

From arranging jaw-dropping technical events (like a 300+ synchronized drone show) to delivering meaningful special touches throughout the trip.

Motivating communications

Inform and inspire your attendees leading up to the trip and long after they return home.  

Our award-winning communications team crafts campaign strategy that includes theming and brand development, digital and print elements, and pre-trip creative promotions that excite attendees. 

Thoughtful gifting

Make your event their trip. 

We collect attendee preferences upfront to curate gifts they’ll appreciate. This includes supporting local artisans to align with your brand values and creating hands-on gifting experiences.

Dependable event management

Our event managers work behind the scenes to deliver events that feel effortless. Full-time travel directors care for all the on-site needs so you can feel confident about the experience you are giving your attendees.

Concierge air travel

Have peace of mind we’ll help get your top performers booked and landed. 

In-house group air experts monitor flights 24/7. And we’re the first in the industry with a proprietary online tool for participants to have a consumer-like experience booking their own travel. 

Unwavering safety and security

Attendee well-being is top of mind. 

We contract with vetted global security partners to continuously monitor risks pre-trip and at the property. Our certified on-site team creates emergency plans and are trained to support crisis management situations.

Expert event analytics

Like you, we want to know which trip details should be repeated or refined for the next year. 

Our analytics team knows events first-hand and can make sure your pre- and post-event surveys  deliver insights that lead to smarter decisions.  

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ITA Group incentive travel event awarded best incentive program

We're proud to be recognized as a BizBash Event Experience Award (EEA) winner for our Google Cloud program in Koh Samui, Thailand. This culturally immersive event brought attendees together to thoughtfully celebrate the energy and vibrancy of the local culture through décor, food and art!

Our behind-the-scenes incentive travel magic

Since the day we opened our doors, we’ve led the industry in incentive travel—creating small, thoughtful touches and big, unforgettable experiences to make attendees feel special. 

See how these leading brands created exceptional experiences

Cultural immersion inspires a world-class incentive travel experience.

How Conga connected its top performers to organizational culture amidst the vibrancy of Marrakesh, Morocco.

Creative problem solving and solid partnership elevates incentive travel programs

Our global incentive travel partnerships are built on trust, innovative solutions, financial transparency and amazing experiences for participants.

Quick and easy pivot from incentive travel to alternate rewards

How offering world-class awards experiences helped a company achieve their incentive travel recognition goals.

Health risk mitigation ensured incentive travel success

How one super regional insurance carrier operated an incentive travel program that successfully delivered on expectations while ensuring peace of mind during a global health crisis.

Incentive travel that takes independent retail stores from good to great

How this aftermarket parts distributor drove sales growth and organizational culture with an incentive travel program.

I’m amazed by and appreciate the knowledge ITA Group brings to the table. We wanted an engagement plan to maximize relationship building with our most important customers, while letting them enjoy their hard-earned trip. From a relationship building, customer engagement, impacting our best customers standpoint, this was the best trip in our history! Client, VP of Marketing

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Use data to personalize the attendee journey

People expect personalized experiences—and incentive travel is no different. Asking the right pre-trip questions will give you the data you need to deliver curated, meaningful experiences that reward attendees’ hard work. 

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What is incentive travel? (4 Incentive travel program examples)

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Free holidays for your staff—what’s that all about?

Isn’t incentive travel just frivolous corporate spending, used by giant organisations with more money than sense?

Although corporate incentive travel can be expensive and difficult to deliver, it is still one of the most effective ways to motivate individuals , reward desirable behaviour and boost performance.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about incentive travel and how it can help you reach your company goals. ‍

What is incentive travel?

Incentive travel motivates or incentivises a group of people by rewarding top performers with an all-expenses-paid trip. Organisations can decide to offer the travel perk to individual employees , departments, partners, or VIP clients.

You can use travel incentive programs to achieve your core business objectives like boosting quarterly sales figures, improving the quality of interactions between employees and executives, or nurturing relationships with high-spending or loyal customers. This is done by setting clear and attainable objectives that your target group will strive to achieve in order to win a place on the trip.

So what are some examples of incentive travel programs and what they can achieve? ‍

4 Incentive travel program examples

Incentive travel programs can be used to achieve a variety of desired outcomes from improved employee engagement to client spending incentives. Let’s take a closer look at four possible uses of corporate incentive travel programs. ‍

1. Employee motivation

One of the best ways to overcome organisational challenges such as low productivity, employee turnover and poor customer service is by developing travel incentives for staff. Motivating your employees with attractive travel rewards is an effective strategy for boosting employee engagement , altering attitudes, fostering teamwork, building morale and embedding new company values.

An employee motivation travel program is designed to bring your workforce together and inspire group interaction through an itinerary of teamwork exercises and experiential activities. This isn’t a free holiday, rather, it’s a purposeful team-building retreat with clear desired outcomes.

Example: Your technology scale-up has grown rapidly and you now have a large workforce with employees working remotely across the globe. Daily tasks are running smoothly, but your team isn’t motivated and the company culture is stagnant.

So, you reach out to a third-party retreat planner to help you organise a five-day team-building retreat in Honolulu full of unique team-bonding activities and carefully selected team-building games . The itinerary is specifically designed to strengthen interpersonal relationships and improve communication. ‍

2. Rewards and recognition

Incentive travel can be used to exemplify desirable behaviours and reward top achievers. Actions like bringing in big clients, promoting company values and going the extra mile should be encouraged by offering incentive awards.

Because these trips are offered as a reward or recognition for exemplary behaviour, the itinerary focuses more on pleasure and leisure activities rather than workshops and training events. After all, the idea is to motivate other employees to perform better, not deter them.

Example: You run a successful restaurant franchise and you want to generate more positive online reviews. At the beginning of the year, you announced that the top five servers to have their names mentioned in the most five-star reviews would win a trip to Tuscany, Italy .

The trip sounded fantastic, with relaxing vineyard tours, delicious cuisine and a luxury hotel. Excitement for the trip started to build and soon enough, the five-star reviews started rolling in. 

By the end of the year, five top-performing servers were rewarded with an all-expenses-paid trip to the picturesque region of Tuscany, Italy. ‍

3. Sales incentives

Sales incentive trips work in a similar way to rewards and recognition, but in this case, they’re geared towards more quantifiable corporate objectives such as increased sales and revenue.

Before planning the incentive group travel, you must first establish the requirements for attendance. To drive better sales figures, you should set goals slightly higher than what your employees would typically achieve.

These incentive travel programs are designed to be a reward, so the agenda should be made up of pleasurable activities including relaxing dinners, unique experiences, evening entertainment and free time to explore the destination.

Example: You own a company that sells renewable energy contracts door-to-door. You notice that your sales figures have started to drop and you want to do something to inspire your sales team to up their game.

You consider offering a cash bonus, but quickly decide a once-in-a-lifetime experience is more likely to resonate with the whole team and inspire them to make more sales.

You set new speculative yet attainable sales targets and announce a free employee holiday to Mammoth Lakes, CA , for anybody who achieves them.

The employee incentive travel program successfully motivates your team to push for more sales and your revenue starts to improve. ‍

4. Customer loyalty

Incentive tours can equally be used to cement relationships with loyal and high-paying clients. They sweeten the professional relationship and offer an incentive for the customer to continue doing business with you.

These are usually luxury trips, with plenty of time to relax, explore and enjoy unique experiences.

Example: You own a company that provides catering for corporate events. One of your clients, a major event planner, has been enlisting your services for a long time and you want to give them a reason to continue working with you.

You decide to create an incentive travel program. Each time the event planner books your catering company, they earn points that can later be cashed in for an incentive travel award.

This could be a relaxing spa weekend in Helsinki or a sunny beach holiday in Gran Canaria . ‍

What’s the objective of your incentive travel program?

It’s easy to see why incentive travel is often confused for a free holiday. After all, incentive trips are designed to be desirable and reinforce certain behaviours.

They wouldn't work if the itinerary was full of meetings, product demos and feedback sessions.

So when you’re designing your travel incentive program, consider your desired outcomes. Do you want to encourage your top clients to spend more? Do your new hires need help integrating with the rest of the team? 

Once you have the answers to these questions, you can go about planning a trip with an itinerary that supports your goals.

Surf Office has almost 10 years of experience planning fully customised work retreats for major organisations such as Google, Shopify, Hotjar and more. If you're looking to organise a motivational team-building retreat , we’d be delighted to hear more about it!

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  • January 3, 2024
  • Team Building

Post: Employee Incentive Travel Programs

Employee Incentive Travel concept photo with man dressed in a suit typing on laptop with a travel bubble to the left of his head

Employee motivation is a cornerstone in the overall performance of any organization. Besides monetary compensation, it has been proven that employees respond positively to the added benefits that their workplace brings them. That’s why many organizations are adopting Employee Incentive Travel (EIT) Programs to keep the spirits up. How do you design an incentive travel program? Why should organizations consider the option? What are the benefits of a travel incentive program? These are some of the questions we will cover in this article.

What is an Employee Incentive Travel Program?

An Employee Incentive Travel Program is a recognition program for rewarding exceptional employees with an all-expenses-paid trip to their favorite destination. The essence of the travel incentive program is to reward high-performing employees and motivate the rest to reach the desired standards. 

Some organizations also offer these incentive programs to employees for their loyalty and years of service. 

Benefits of the Travel Incentive Programs

Incentive travel has many benefits, mainly impacting the company’s overall performance. According to Forbes , employee recognition is vital to improve performance and work ethics. Besides improving overall morale, employee appreciation makes them feel they’re part of the company, creating a hospitable working environment that boosts productivity. Here are some common benefits of incentive travel Programs:

Increases Employee Engagement and Motivation

A travel incentive program helps improve focus and motivation, with employees knowing they can earn a well-deserved vacation based on their performance. It creates a serene environment that boosts engagement, with every worker performing at their best. 

Improves Satisfaction and Morale

Job satisfaction is critical to employees’ performance and work ethics. Having something positive to look forward to improves the workers’ morale, which reflects on their performance. A company can reach its objectives and desired goals promptly when everyone executes their roles as required. 

Increases Brand Loyalty

In a world where many workers feel unappreciated and undervalued, brand loyalty is becoming a rare virtue. However, introducing a travel incentive program could counter this feeling by creating a positive workplace culture of inclusivity. Employees tend to be loyal to a brand that appreciates them, with some even bringing in new clients. 

Strengthening Team Relationships

Besides being a getaway, corporate incentive travel programs may also act as a team-building exercise that helps create and strengthen worker bonds. Vacationing together and experiencing new things establishes long-lasting relationships between colleagues, translating to a positive working environment. 

How do You Design an Effective Employee Incentive Travel Program?

Any effective workplace policy should consider inclusivity and fairness when creating it. The same applies to designing an incentive travel program. As a rule of thumb, you should clarify what employees need to do to earn a spot. You could use a point-based system, where workers earn points for every workplace achievement. 

Choosing a preferred destination also boosts morale and motivation. Although a tropical destination is ideal, always consider employees’ needs and interests when picking a spot. 

Make it clear whether the program applies company-wide or targets specific departments. Picking a target audience also helps to tailor the program to their specific needs. In most cases, many companies have multi-department incentive programs to boost morale and motivation. 

It’s proven that having a company-wide incentive program might discourage some from participating due to the increased competition. However, targeting departments narrows down the competition, making everyone believe they can win. 

A budget is also crucial as it determines the destination and the overall experience. Budgeting in advance allows for determining the trip’s length and the activities included. 

Planning for logistics, like accommodation, traveling plans, activities, and meals in advance eliminates the pressure of last-minute cancellation. Only work with the best incentive travel program logistics agency. 

Types of the Incentive Travel Programs

Corporate incentive travel programs take different forms depending on the company’s goals and objectives. However, here are some common incentive travel programs found in many organizations today:

Performance-based Incentive Travel Programs

Every company has predefined performance metrics and awards this program to high-performing employees or teams. Some objectives include meeting project milestones, achieving sales targets, or surpassing key performance indicators (KPIs). It is the most common incentive trip in many organizations. 

New Product Launch Incentive Travel

Companies are known to launch new products regularly and offer this program to a team that helps to launch the product successfully. Market impact is crucial to any new product launch, and motivating employees responsible for this throughout the entire process translates to a successful project.

Sales Incentive Travel Programs

The program is commonly offered to outstanding sales teams and individuals in sales-driven companies for reaching or exceeding the pre-determined sales quotas. The travel incentives might include taking a holiday to a desired destination, staying in a luxury hotel, fine dining, or spa treatments, depending on the company’s budget. Sales incentive trips are usually recommended to motivate employees and achieve desired goals.

Customer Service Incentive Trips

Customer service employees might receive these incentive rewards for their outstanding work helping clients with queries or technical problems. The employee with the most positive client feedback receives the incentive trips, which might include water sports activities or theme park tickets. Doing so improves the customer service department, which helps to retain clients and even get referrals for outstanding work. An all-expenses paid trip eliminates the poor customer service record as everyone is focused on the travel incentives for top-performing employees.

Years of Service Incentive Travel

By offering work anniversary incentives , companies can show employees who have been committed to the company for many years. It’s meant to recognize their years of dedication and hard work during that period. Many companies go overboard to show how they appreciate the veterans by offering incentives like staying at a luxury cruise ship or a vacation to an exotic destination. 

Leadership and Management Development Travel Incentive Programs

The program is reserved for executives, like managers and supervisors, for their outstanding work guiding their teams to reach the objectives. Awarding employees who show initiative and stand out in their roles is also common.

Why Should Organizations Consider Incentive Travel Programs?

Besides motivating employees to perform at their best, travel incentive programs also create a harmonious working environment, especially when the incentive is aimed toward a team. In this case, collaboration and teamwork is the key to getting the reward. In return, the company experiences growth and progress as everyone works together toward a common goal. 

Workplaces can be stressful, especially when trying to reach objectives and goals. Creating an incentive travel program can spice things up, making employees look forward to working days. It also helps them develop the mental resilience to deal with everyday workplace stressors, knowing there is a reward once the project concludes. 

Which Program Works Best for an Organization?

Every organization is different, with varying objectives and projects. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the type of incentive travel program to offer, it helps target departments, as this helps increase competency and performance. 

In this case, members of these departments will have to perform exceptionally to get a chance at winning a spot. 

However, it’s crucial not to alienate any department, as this will be seen as favoritism and generate opposite effects. If an organization cannot afford to sponsor multiple travel incentive programs, it should have one where everyone is eligible to participate. Alternatively, an organization can rotate the programs yearly, with each department receiving a fair shot. 

Keep Employees Motivated

Employee Incentive Travel Programs are crucial for rewarding outstanding workers and motivating others to perform at their best. The programs aim to recognize rising talent and exceptional performers and appreciate long-serving employees. It’s a way of creating a hospitable working environment and alleviating pressure from everyday work. 

Before setting up an incentive travel program, it’s best to consider logistics, budget, a desired location, and the target audience. A successful incentive travel program promotes inclusivity and a fair chance for every employee to participate. It could be awarded to an individual or a team based on the company’s policies and objectives. 

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Incentive Travel: the Best Way to Motivate Your Employees

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Business travel isn’t quite back to pre-pandemic levels the way it’s complement, leisure travel, is. But there is a growing realization among senior level executives that the strategic use of employee rewards can increase profitability . And with much talk the past few years about increasing travel by outlets like Forbes , it’s no surprise that incentive travel is on the rise in the corporate sector. But does your organization really need one? Keep reading to learn the basics of incentive travel with tips and tricks from professional incentive travel planners you won’t find anywhere else.

What is incentive travel?

Incentive travel is any trip paid for by a company as a reward for employees with stellar performance. It’s often used to motivate and reward employees or partners.

Getaways typically last three or more days. Activities include everything from team-building exercises to networking opportunities to and free time to explore the destination.

And while they can be given to any department, incentive travel is most commonly used to motivate sales teams. As for who pays the bill, the company typically funds the majority of the expenses. Some incentive trips are offered separately or in combination with other perks.

Cvent interviewed Susan Shure of Susan Shure Travel who gave us some more thoughts on incentive travel.

“Incentive travel is also known in a lot of companies as employee reward programs,” she told us. “Companies can reward employees for years of service, employee of the month or year, and more. These rewards can include trips abroad [to places like] Europe, Caribbean all inclusive, [and] Hawaii, cruises and more.” They may include corporate meetings or some work-related events in addition to the vacation-like itinerary.

Incentive travel has been around since the 1970s, but it is often misunderstood due to the wide variety of forms it can take. But as non-monetary rewards, such as increased paid PTO, are becoming more prevalent in the corporate world, it’s no surprise that there’s a newfound interest in creating programs like these.

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The incentive travel industry as a whole is rebounding from its recession years ago, largely due to the backlash it received from the media and politicians, and from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the 2019 Incentive Research Fund index, 84% of U.S. businesses used non-cash incentives to retain and motivate their employees, with incentive travel being a popular option before the pandemic. Now with the looming economic recession, non-cash incentives can be a great way to retain employees.

And it’s clear why.

Incentive programs offer a lot of benefits

Like other perks, incentive travel is used to boost employee engagement and productivity. It works by encouraging employees to improve their performance and reach goals. This is especially motivating for younger and mid-career employees.

As of 2020, Millennials make up half of the world’s workforce . And if there’s one thing Millennials love, it’s travel. They’ve reportedly made travel more of a priority than any generation before them . So it’s easy to see why incentive programs are a great fit for most organizations.

Not only that but a travel program helps organizations create a culture of collaboration and commitment to a shared mission. Unifying teams through experiences rather than monetary incentives alone promotes better relationships with the company and positive associations with the business they work for.

This level of customization is one of the most attractive benefits of incentive travel. Not only do businesses have control over what activities they offer but they can also stay within budget and book for their specific party size.

Ni Wayan, Editor and Contributor at Balipedia , adds that the benefits for employers don’t stop there. “I believe that incentive travel is one of the most famous non-cash prizes that’s used by companies to motivate sales staff, partners, and even consumers to greatly improve sales, keep their best reps from going, and motivate the remaining sales staff to pick it up,” says Wayan.  

Incentive travel is also a great way to tie in your company’s values. Christopher Hill of Hands Up Incentives told Cvent via email that his company “specializes in sustainable incentive trips that include a CSR component in order to engage employees, bring them closer together, and enhance their reputation.”

There are many examples of incentive travel

Shure shared with Cvent the following examples of incentive travel packages she has organized:

● An all-expenses-paid trip to Bungalows Key Largo ● All-expenses-paid trip to Maui for a week ● A three-day cruise to the Bahamas ● Four nights at an all-inclusive hotel or resort

And Hill provided another example of a Hawaiian incentive travel package they arranged recently. It “included two days of building a community cultural center in a low-income part of Honolulu.” They also booked a luxury hotel and gala dinners for the group.

As for activities, Hill said they enjoyed everything from “cage shark swimming to mountain biking to a private tour of Pearl Harbor”.

Is incentive travel really worth the investment?

Annual incentive travel spending averaged $4,260 per employee in the U.S. before the pandemic. The return on investment that companies see in their travel programs is often measured in terms of profitability. This method helps determine if the program is working and, in turn, generating higher profits.

Many business owners are not convinced that paying for a perk is worth the intangible value it brings. Nevertheless, companies that choose to create incentive travel programs gain increased employee engagement, satisfaction, and profitability.

These can be measured through various metrics by department or by employee survey. So it is, in fact, more substantial than most executives believe.

And according to the IRF's Anatomy of a Successful Incentive Travel Program , “Examining the tenure and company performance ratings of 105 of the employees who earned the incentive trip, researchers found that 55% of incentive travel earners had top performance ratings and tenure of four years or more, showing a very real correlation between incentives, longevity and quality.” In other words, not only are incentive travel programs fun, they’re also impactful at a high level.

In a nutshell: incentive travel is an investment that's made to maximize business results.

Get to know the bleisure traveler

Wondering how to plan an incentive travel program employees will love?

It takes a little planning and forethought, but the process is relatively straightforward.

1. Have a vision

Set clear, achievable goals that are aligned with strategic business objectives. These goals should be measurable and specific. Even if your company isn’t ready to develop an entire program, you could still offer smaller perks such as plane tickets and a hotel voucher.

2. Know your team

Planners will also need to have a strong understanding of what motivates their employees. It should feel like an award that employees wholeheartedly respond to, so much so that they feel encouraged to develop new skills and ideas to unlock this achievement.

3. Make everything trackable

Adhere to a consistent communication style. Whether it's through a software system or an interactive leaderboard, employees must be able to follow their progress and prove it through detailed records.

4. Promote it often

Supporting the travel program is an integral part of a company's strategy. It should be promoted regularly and celebrated at all levels. During this qualification period, team members will work hard to reach their goals. The continuous effort and excitement management puts into building up the anticipation for the trip will motivate employees even more.

5. Evaluate your program

Continual evaluation of your program rewards and structure is key to sustaining this strategy long term. Use a combination of KPI data linked to goals and an end-of-event assessment to determine if the program is meeting its intended purpose. Simply by asking attendees to rate the events and their overall experience, companies can easily measure the program's success.

6. Reap benefits long term

In that same study conducted by IRF, employees who earned an incentive getaway continued to perform at an elite level after they returned which was inspired by their trip.

Why should you partner with a professional to create your program?

Companies like Shure’s help businesses organize, book, and manage incentive travel. “Susan Shure Travel can put together any kind of employee incentive you want,” says Shure. “We can even arrange for you to charter a cruise ship as a company incentive.” As you can tell by now, the only limit to incentive travel is your imagination.

Follow the road less traveled to secure deals

In an email to Cvent, Broke Backpacker Founder and CEO Will Halton said that there is one often overlooked department of any travel brand you should contact directly when looking for affordable incentive trips. “If you are passionate about travel, look to speak to the marketing team of certain companies to see whether you can work together. Please note that this does[n’t] mean free stays or travel. It means creating a relationship which will help you explore the destination but also help the company to attract new audiences. A relationship is way more valuable in the long term [than] a discounted stay for one or two nights.”

In other words, this long-term strategy is great for securing travel incentives as long as you develop a network of hospitality marketers.

Up next, check out these fabulous venues and destinations for your next travel incentive getaway in The Palm Beaches .

Cvent Guest

Cvent is a market-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with more than 4,000 employees, ~21,000 customers, and 200,000 users worldwide.

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Incentive Travel

What is incentive travel? How are incentive programs, trips, and events different from conference and meeting planning? In this section we'll look at the definition of incentive travel, including: examples of incentive travel programs, how to become an incentive travel planner, an incentive travel planner job description, career advice, employment information, and the pros and cons of being an incentive travel planner in this sector of the events industry.

A guide to incentive travel programs; definitions, descriptions, and examples.

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Why become an incentive travel planner or destination manager? Career advice and employment information.

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What does an incentive travel planner do? Read a real incentive travel planner job description by Martin Turner, former Director of Travel, International Travel Group, and former Global Head of Events, Credit Suisse .

Pros and Cons of Incentive Travel

Pros and cons of incentive travel by Martin Turner, former Director of Travel, International Travel Group, and former Global Head of Events, Credit Suisse .

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MICE: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions

Although the content of an incentive travel program is very different to other types of meetings—in that the emphasis is on entertainment, activities, and socializing—the event planning process is very similar. Meetings and incentive programs both involve location planning, destination management, co-ordinating travel and accommodation, and creating a program of supporting events.

Meeting planners often find themselves working on a mix of meetings, conferences, and incentive travel programs, and in doing so will often call upon the services of a destination manager at a DMC (Destination Management Company). Destination managers are a type of event planner who offers local knowledge and resources to meeting planners in order to help deliver events in a particular region

What Is Incentive Travel?

Incentive travel is the reward element of an incentive, recognition, or loyalty program, which takes the form of an all-expenses paid trip with a program of scheduled events and activities.

Incentive Programs

Incentive, recognition, and loyalty programs (from here on referred to as just ‘incentive programs’) are used by companies as a motivational tool to achieve certain business objectives, for example to increase sales.

Participants—which might be the company’s employees, distributors / re-sellers, or customers—usually have to qualify by achieving a certain level of performance, pre-defined by the terms of the incentive program, e.g. achieving pre-set sales targets.

Those that meet the relevant criteria are then rewarded by taking part in the incentive travel trip (sometimes referred to as the ‘award’). These are usually group trips with a set itinerary where all those qualifying take part in the same program of events and activities, however individual incentive trips are also used by some companies.

Incentive Trips/Awards

To fulfill the award, the company will use some form of event / meeting planner to co-ordinate the trip and design the itinerary, including all travel arrangements, accommodation, receptions, dinners, activities, excursions, entertainment, and special events.

Often, this will involve the meeting planner hiring a Destination Management Company (DMC), located in the city where the event is being held, to assist them in booking and managing local elements, such as restaurants, venues, transport, staffing, production, décor, entertainment, activities, and excursions.

Incentives are a very effective way to drive sales. An incentive program might be aimed at a company’s employees i.e. the sales team, or its distributors / re-sellers.

For example, a car manufacturer might create an incentive program for its dealers, whereby they have to meet a certain sales target each month. At the end of the term of the program, a year perhaps, those that made the required amount of sales will be rewarded by coming together with management executives, and the other qualifying dealers, to attend the award trip.

This might consist of a three-day trip to Monte Carlo during the Monaco Grand Prix with a cocktail reception on a yacht, a private dinner at the world famous casino, followed by leisure activities and excursions such as sailing, wine tastings, golf, or a private tour of The Prince’s Palace.

Rewards and Recognition

Group travel can also be used as part of an employee reward and recognition program. Whereas incentive programs aim to inspire or influence someone’s efforts, the purpose of rewards and recognition programs are to reinforce certain behaviors.

A qualifying employee may be deemed to be improving customer service, living the corporate values, or meeting productivity goals. A company might create a group travel program ‘award’ as a way to engage with their employees, recognize performance, and reward top achievers.

The format is similar to those held for sales incentives in that, as a reward, the emphasis is on leisure activities, excursions, group dinners, and receptions. It might be a trip to Sir Richard Branson’s private game resort, Ulusaba Lodge in South Africa, with a program that includes safaris, hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours over canyons, and outdoor dinners and receptions with the finest African cuisine.

Employee Motivation

For example, in addition to various dinners and leisure activities, one company’s program included a team building session called ‘Helping Hands’ where employees were given a box of parts and an instruction booklet. Working as a team they had to assemble an object, which later transpired to be a prosthetic hand, which was then given to a land mine victim who had lost their hand.

Customer Loyalty

Another variation of an incentive program is when group travel is used to reward customer loyalty and repeat business. I have actually been on the receiving end on an incentive program organized by the parent company of a group of event industry suppliers.

The parent company owns a caterer, a venue finding company, a staffing agency, and a technical production company—amongst others. They have an incentive program whereby their customers, event companies such as my own, Left Field Productions , have their annual spend with any of the parent company’s businesses converted into points. Once a certain amount of points is accrued, my company qualifies for between one and three places on a group travel ‘award’.

One year this included a three-day trip to Portofino, Italy, where we stayed in the luxurious Hotel Splendido, which sits on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean and is frequented by celebrities such as Madonna, George Clooney, and Elizabeth Taylor.

The ‘incentive travel program’ is what, up until now, we have been referring to as the ‘award’; it’s the reward element of the entire ‘incentive program’. Among event planners however, the ‘award’ is generally referred to as the ‘incentive travel program’ or just the ‘travel program’. It’s not really regarded as an event, because it’s usually a lot more than that; it’s a program of events and activities over several days or even a week.

Incentive Program

The ‘incentive program’ is the entire scheme that leads up to and includes the ‘award’. The ‘incentive program’ might start up to a year in advance, often it’s unveiled at the end of the current program—perhaps at an awards dinner on the final evening—in order to build excitement.

The incentive program is often unveiled on the final night of the previous year’s incentive travel program.

Teaser Campaign

‘Teasers’ are sent out to participants to build anticipation of the official launch. For example, if the destination is going to be a beach resort, then a flip-flop might be sent to each participant with a cryptic clue attached. Promoting an incentive is all about building excitement, so often the way it is communicated needs to be creating and engaging.

Official Announcement

Official announcement, information packs, and enrolment kits are sent out for participants to ‘sign up’ to the incentive program. These packs will outline the terms and conditions of the program, with information on what is required to qualify, for example defining sales targets.

Qualification period

During this period, which could last up to a year, participants are required to meet the pre-defined criteria that would enable them to qualify for the award, for example hitting sales targets.

Mid-Program Motivation

More teasers and reminders will usually be sent out over the course of the qualifying period to encourage the participants to meet the necessary criteria.

Qualifiers Announced

Qualifiers or ‘winners’ announced. In some cases, physical trophies or other gifts are handed out at this stage, in advance of the actual ‘award’ trip. Shortly after, travel arrangements will be communicated to the qualifiers.

Guests might travel separately from different locations or, alternatively, group travel arrangements will be made where everybody takes the same flight together.

Upon arrival in the destination city, participants might be greeted at the airport by local representatives, before transferring to their hotels. Often the creative elements of the program start here.

For example, when I attended an incentive program in Monaco, we were flown from London to Nice, South of France, and had expected to be driven on to our hotel in Monte Carlo. However, on arrival in Nice, we discovered a series of helicopters had been laid on to transfer us the rest of the way.

Hotel Check-In

Participants are then greeted at the hotel, checked in, and have some time to settle in before the evening’s welcome dinner. Typically a welcome pack and gift is often left in room.

Welcome cocktail reception. An opportunity for everyone to meet and network, perhaps on a private terrace at the hotel, possibly with live entertainment from musicians and performers. Usually the meeting planner will add in a few extra creative touches to make the reception a little more special, such as a wine or tequila tasting.

Open-air dinner in the hotel’s private gardens overlooking the sea, possibly with after-dinner entertainment and/or some speeches from the hosts. Often the first evening’s dinner is held ‘on-site’ at the hotel as people are tired from travelling.

After-Dinner Drinks

Often, on the first night, this is just informal after-dinner drinks in the hotel bar as most people are tied from travelling. However, depending on the group, there might be cigars and cognac laid on, or a private lounge area with cocktails.

Breakfast at the hotel, perhaps followed by an informal meeting or presentation regarding upcoming activities.

Excursion to local attractions, sightseeing, and shopping. These might be cultural activities or the opportunity to take part in authentic ‘real life’ experiences typical of the location—such as exploring the Hutong area of Beijing by bicycle and having tea with locals in their homes.

Group lunch at a restaurant or special venue. Again, this is an opportunity for the meeting planner to get creative perhaps by obtaining access to a venue or location that's typically not accessible to the general public—such as lunch on a movie set or in private rooms at a royal palace.

Afternoon of leisure activities, which depending on the group, might be traditional activities, such as golf or a spa day. Alternatively, it could be more unusual activities like cage diving with sharks or bulldozer adventure playground days. Often, the meeting planner will try to obtain some sort of unique or VIP access, such as getting to kick around footballs with a professional team and star players at their local stadium.

Reception and Dinner

The second day's evening cocktail reception and dinner typically takes place ‘off-site’ at a restaurant or private venue, usually with entertainment. Again this might involve some sort of unusual venue, such as a USO themed event on a real naval base.

Nightclub / Casino

Option to continue on to a local nightclub/casino.

Breakfast at the hotel, perhaps followed by an informal meeting.

Excursion / Activities

More leisure activities, trips, or opportunity to experience local culture. Depending on the group, this could be anything from cave tours, to zero gravity flights at a NASA training facility, to private backstage tours of a Broadway show and an opportunity to meet the cast.

Group lunch at a restaurant or special venue.

Team Building

Team building / experiential activity—sometimes with a connection to the local community or a charity. This might be building a park in the desert for a children's home or the Helping Hand's activity mentioned previously where the group make prosthetic hands to be given to land mine victims who've lost their hand

Dinner/Dance/Awards

Cocktail reception, gala dinner, awards ceremony, and dancing ‘off-site’ at a private venue. Next year's destination/incentive program revealed.

Breakfast at hotel.

Check-out / transfers

Hotel check-out, transfers to airport.

Group lunch at a restaurant or special venue en route to airport

Return flight home

Obviously, this format only outlines the bare bones of a travel program. The challenge for the event planner is in making these programs as creative and engaging as possible—especially when you have to create something new and different every year.

The destination, accommodation, and activities might be amazing in their own right. For example, a three night trip to Hawaii with an itinerary that includes a sunset cocktail cruise, a private dinner on the beach, activities such as surfing, golf, waterfall hikes, hula lessons, and stargazing treks. It might also include excursions to the Diamond Head volcanic crater and Pearl Harbor, before a closing dinner and awards ceremony on the final night.

However, a good planner will make sure they include some extra special moments, private access to people and places, or exclusive experiences that the guests could not create themselves—either through lack of financial resources, local knowledge, contacts, or even imagination.

New Orleans

One leading incentive travel company created a trip to New Orleans for one of its clients, a Fortune 500 company. In addition to the usual 5 star accommodation and the finest local cuisine, the company added some extra touches to make the trip even more special. These included a private parade along Bourbon Street, followed by a dinner on the field of the Superdrome—where they were greeted by a marching band with their names circling on the ribbon board and their photos on the Jumbotron. They even had the chance to toss a few footballs around the pitch.

The following day, to connect with the local community, the group spent the afternoon planting trees and bushes at a newly rebuilt elementary school, which had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The playground and the landscaping that the group contributed to were the final touches to the redevelopment that had been seven years in the making.

Whether it’s providing exclusive access to something not readily available to the public, taking part in authentic ‘real life’ experiences typical of the local culture, or giving something back by connecting with the local community, those moments create memories that go far beyond being a business trip or vacation—and is what makes incentive travel work as a motivational tool.

REFERENCES 1. Anatomy of a Successful Incentive Travel Program White Paper, Melissa Van Dyke, Incentive Research Foundation

Why become an inventive travel planner or destination manager? Career advice and employment information.

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An Expert’s Guide to Planning Incentive Travel

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Incentive travel management is one of Paragon Events’ many areas of expertise and also one of our team’s favorite types of events to facilitate! The following tips will help produce an incentive program that suits your budget, reflects your company culture, and produces favorable ROI.

WHAT ARE YOUR INCENTIVE TRAVEL PROGRAM GOALS?

Outline your incentive travel budget & objectives.

Travel Compass | Paragon Events Blog

The first step in planning an incentive trip is to clearly establish and define your goals. This will help you to identify the target audience within your company. Once you determine the departments or key positions to incentivize, you can create internal qualification guidelines. This will also help you better measure your actual ROI later on. From experience, our clients often consider the following top objectives:

  • Increased sales
  • Increased productivity
  • Improved customer service
  • Lower turnover and absenteeism

Identifying some of these goals may also help to generate your program budget. How much is turnover costing your organization annually? Once winners meet the goals of the competition, how is that going to influence an increase in your overall sales revenue? Identifying these factors can help you delineate where to set your budget.

Generate Interest and Track Performance

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  • Create engaging event branding to entice employees
  • Hold a grand unveiling of the destination and qualification requirements ( Do this early to build anticipation and excitement! )
  • Maintain a schedule of internal communication to promote the trip and encourage employees to embrace the challenge

The key is to keep your employees engaged and competing to win!

Incentive Travel Risk Management

For any event, risk management plans are a necessity. As industry leaders in risk and crisis management, Paragon Events assists our clients in developing emergency preparedness plans for their incentive programs. We recommend several health and safety measures throughout the event planning to ensure a smooth program flow. These include insurance, security, communication plans, destination research, and documentation of protocol for specific locations and venues.

MAKE YOUR INCENTIVE TRIP WORTHWHILE

Destination and partner selection.

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Destination appeal is an important factor in holding your team’s motivation high. When selecting your incentive trip destination, there are several factors to keep in mind:

  • Value of your currency. Will you be able to get enough bang for your buck? Are you traveling nationally or internationally? Southeast Asia and New Orleans are current examples of great locations where your money will go a long way!
  • Tax benefits. Some destinations have little to no sales tax (Langkawi in Malaysia is one of our favorites!)
  • Hotel loyalty. Does your company receive perks from a certain hotel brand for business travel? Member points can be a bonus for your attendees.
  • Travel experience. It’s important to examine the safety and infrastructure of your destination. Consider the general activity level for attendees and make sure to distribute strong, travel guidelines.

Once in a Lifetime Experiences

Creating highly memorable and authentic experiences is what incentive travel is all about. Trips build lasting memories, improve workplace camaraderie, and provide tangible experiences more valuable than money or cash bonuses. Paragon Events strives to provide options to our clients that are unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Picture this:

  • Swimming with whale sharks in the Maldives
  • Racing dragon boats in Malaysia
  • Sleeping in glass igloos under the northern lights in Finland
  • Experiencing breathtaking vistas of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on a train journey
  • Celebrating the full moon rise on the shores of Western Australia
  • Catching a Giant Tuna off the coast of Nova Scotia

Currently, a trend we are seeing is allowing guests to select their activities in smaller groups to create a more personalized experience. This is a great opportunity to incorporate activities focused on wellness and social responsibility as well.

Immerse in Local Culture

incentive travel program

  • Share naturally-sourced gifts and artisan products such as custom-tailored traditional outfits
  • Hire local musicians, artisans, and performers as entertainment to showcase historical styles
  • Incorporate local and regional delicacies into food and beverage menus

Think beyond the big box hotels and popular tourism sites (this is the secret to finding hidden gems in any destination!).

MEASURE YOUR INCENTIVE TRAVEL SUCCESS

Hard dollar and soft power benefits.

Increased sales and productivity are major benefits of hosting an incentive program. There are several other benefits for your organization—some of which may be surprising. Take a look:

  • Improved employee engagement
  • Positive relationship building between employees and management
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction
  • Increased mindshare in the marketplace
  • Greater ability to recruit new employees and partners
  • Stronger brand compliance

The value of these benefits must be carefully considered and held in high regard. While hard dollars are very important, engagement, growth, and overall employee satisfaction can be defining factors for your organization.

incentive travel program

ROI Calculation Methods

The purpose of holding incentive programs is to achieve certain internal goals whether they are direct, implied, or both. That means it is paramount to be able to look back and report on proven results. There are several ways that we ensure our clients are truly calculating their return on investment:

  • Net income margin/incentive investment
  • Incremental sales year over year
  • Employee satisfaction measurement
  • Client satisfaction measurement
  • Executive and winners post-event survey

Aside from the subjective employee benefits, the financial payoff for companies as a result of incentive travel is undeniable. A report by Oxford Economics USA found that for every dollar invested in business travel, companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue.

It Doesn’t End Onsite

incentive travel program

Incentive programs have boundless benefits for an organization. Let us put these tools into action and build a successful initiative that you and your employees will look forward to each year. Reach out to our team to learn how incentive travel can enhance your company goals.

This blog has been authored by Diane Ambrogio .

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Research / Incentive Travel Programs – Expectations and Challenges  

incentive travel

Incentive travel programs – expectations and challenges  .

by Incentive Research Foundation

Incentive Travel Programs – Expectations & Challenges

Reference deck: incentive travel programs - expectations & challenges.

The incentive travel industry declared itself open for business in 2022, following a two-year period of interruption and uncertainty. Restarting an entire industry is not like flipping a switch, especially when the challenge faced – in this case bringing people together in groups – is itself the central goal of the industry. The first year back was a great success but did not resemble the years prior to the pandemic. Planners kept their groups closer to home, redesigned their programs to accommodate new safety and health considerations, and accepted that hotels and venues were making concessions of their own in terms of availability and service levels. Building on the insights from the 2022 study, Expectations and Reality In The Hospitality Industry , the Incentive Research Foundation has collected updated perspectives of key industry groups to understand the current baseline and future outlook for incentive travel expectations. 

Methodology  

This study was conducted from April 30 to June 9, 2023. The first wave of this research was completed in 2022; that questionnaire was revised to account for current market conditions and used as the foundation for the 2023 survey. The questionnaire was approximately 10 minutes in length with questions varying based on the respondent type. A total of 372 respondents completed the survey. The four stakeholder groups were Hoteliers (n=92), Tourism Bureau/Convention & Visitors Bureaus (n=19), Destination Management Companies (n=45), and Incentive Planners / Third Party Agency (n=216). 

Executive Summary  

The outlook for incentive travel remains strong, with most respondents expecting travel to increase or hold steady through 2024. About a third of CVBs, tourism bureaus, DMCs, and planners surveyed expect incentive travel to increase between 10% and 49% through 2024. Hoteliers are the most measured in their expectations, perhaps due to increased competition as planners expand their destination consideration to a broader geography based on the successful operation of their recent programs.  

Figure 1: Incentive Travel Expected to Increase or Hold Steady Through 2024

incentive travel program

The focus for incentive travel in the coming 18 months has shifted slightly in one area. Planners’ consideration of domestic programs has declined ten percentage points, from 83% in 2022 to 73% in the current survey. This may reflect the higher levels of confidence to begin incorporating international travel into programs based on the successes of 2022. 

Figure 2: Changes in Incentive Destination Types  

incentive travel program

Even with the successful comeback of group incentive travel, industry professionals are contending with ongoing challenges posed by the broader market. Planners, hoteliers, and destination professionals are aligned in their concerns about the availability of qualified staff to provide needed service levels, as well as the impact of inflation on the cost of executing programs. Industry professionals must work together to reduce the impact to service levels, program costs, and service or amenity availability. 

Staffing  

Maintaining a qualified workforce was a shared challenge in 2022, with terms like “Quiet Quitting” and “The Great Resignation” widely used to describe the collective difficulty recruiting and retaining talent. On the front lines of service delivery, the industry continues to be challenged by talent management. Nearly 60% of hoteliers say finding and hiring qualified staff is a top concern, and 48% indicate retaining existing staff is a challenge. More than a third are working to build up staffing levels comparable to 2019 levels, and less than 20% of hoteliers feel they are easily able to maintain necessary staffing levels. The top obstacle hoteliers are facing as they work to achieve desired staffing levels is a lack of qualified candidates.  

Figure 3: Staffing Challenges for Hoteliers  

incentive travel program

Are you encountering any specific challenges or obstacles in managing your staffing levels? (Hoteliers)  

These concerns are not limited to hoteliers. Tourism bureaus place staffing shortages in the top three challenges for their destination. And DMCs feel similarly, as hiring qualified staff and retaining existing employees are two of their top three challenges. DMCs are feeling the financial impact of these labor challenges, with 56% indicating staffing is one of the top drivers of cost increases within their market. 

Even those organizations that have been able to maintain desired staffing levels have found it challenging. Tourism bureaus and CVBs seem to be the most successful managing their staffing levels, but even then only 32% of those organizations felt it was easy to do so.  

Figure 4: Maintaining Staffing Levels Is Challenging   

incentive travel program

Incentive travel planners are experiencing the impacts firsthand, and 96% indicate that staffing and service levels are a top concern in destination selection. Planners direct these concerns both to the destination and to the hotels. When working with tourism bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs, 87% of planners are concerned with local staffing shortages. (This is second only to concerns about general expense increases – largely an outcome of these staffing challenges.) With hotels, 82% of planners are concerned whether the hotel is able to maintain sufficient levels of qualified staff. 

Service Delivery  

Planners’ concerns about staffing levels correspond closely with caution about service levels. The focus on staffing and service delivery is amplified from 2022, when the industry was easing out of the pandemic and the collective ethos was “we’re in it together.” In 2023, expectations are high, and planners are watching to see if destinations and hotels are truly ready to deliver pre-pandemic service levels. Despite 96% of hoteliers indicating their property is fully operational, 75% of planners rank a hotel’s ability to maintain and deliver expected service levels as a top concern.  

Of the 81% of planners who have conducted a site visit in the past 6 months, only 68% of those site inspections have been up to their organization’s standards – consistent with our 2022 findings. Tourism bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs seem to appreciate these concerns. When asked what challenges event organizers should anticipate over the next 18 months, 36% indicate overall service availability and 20% point specifically to hotel service changes. 

Figure 5: Anticipated Challenges for Event Planners  

incentive travel program

What challenges should event planners anticipate over the next 18 months?

Planner Perspective  

The survey’s planner respondents’ perspectives are borne from experience – 92% of responding planners have operated a group incentive travel program in the past 18 months. Among these planners, 88% indicate that competitive rates and prices remain worse than pre-pandemic rates, and 80% indicate that hotel responsiveness is worse than 2019 levels. Among areas that have recovered or surpassed 2019 programs are activities and recreation (both on and off property), quality of food, event and activity options, and responsiveness from tourism bureaus and CVBs. 

Figure 6: Incentive Travel Planner Concerns – Overall  

incentive travel program

For programs you’ve operated in the last 18 months, how have the following attributes compared to 2019 incentive programs?

When partnering with tourism bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs, planners are primarily concerned with general expense increases and local staffing shortages. Higher costs coupled with real concerns about the overall experience delivery puts all parties in a challenging position, especially as the pandemic becomes more of a shared memory than a current constraint. 

Figure 7: Incentive Travel Planner Concerns – Tourism Bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs  

incentive travel program

Please rank your biggest concern about incentive travel in the next 18 months as it relates to tourism bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs.

On similar themes to the destination organizations, planners report concerns about the ability of hoteliers to provide adequate staffing to deliver service levels, as well as the expectation of increased operational costs and the impact those factors might have on their programs. 

Figure 8: Incentive Travel Planner Concerns – Hotels  

incentive travel program

Please rank your concern with the following hotel-related issues .

Figure 9: Planners’ Level of Concern Compared to Level of Communication to Attendees

incentive travel program

Hotel Perspective  

Nearly half of the hotelier respondents represent a resort property. Perspectives of large chains, multi-property brands, boutique hotels, and conference hotels are also represented. A majority of the hotelier respondents consider incentive group travel to be important to their hotel’s profitability, and 88% are responsible for booking incentive travel programs.

As noted earlier, 96% of hotelier respondents indicate their property is fully operational. For the majority (85%) of those hoteliers, that means they have returned to levels of service, amenity, and facility availability comparable to 2019 levels. Another 13% feel they have achieved fully-operational status after making permanent adjustments to operational levels compared to 2019. One key aspect of service delivery that has changed significantly over the past several years is housekeeping. Daily housekeeping is no longer an automatic expectation – only 72% of hoteliers currently provide housekeeping daily. Another 5% plan to return to daily housekeeping in the next 18 months, meaning 20% will continue to operate at a reduced level of service compared to 2019. This may not be expected or understood by planners, and transparency will be important as the parties work together to design a program.

incentive travel program

Figure 11: Housekeeping Services

incentive travel program

Which of the below best describes your housekeeping services?

These operational changes do not extend to food and beverage services; the vast majority of hotels have returned food and beverage operations to pre-pandemic levels.

incentive travel program

While working to regain ground lost during 2020 and 2021, hoteliers are facing numerous concerns about operating costs, primarily related to staffing and inflation. Recruiting qualified staff is by far the top concern, followed by inflation impact to cost of goods and retaining existing talent. About one third indicate group food and beverage service and general operating expense management are priorities. A smaller set of hoteliers continue to struggle with supply chain issues.  

Figure 12: Operational Concerns of Hoteliers  

incentive travel program

What do you see as your property’s biggest cost (operational) concerns in the next 18 months?

With the continued pressure to provide competitive pricing in the face of higher costs due to inflation, hoteliers have to decide how much of that cost differential to pass on to clients. The most common strategy, used by seven in ten hoteliers, is to find a way to meet in the middle by passing a portion, but not all of the additional cost, on to planners.  

Figure 13: How Hoteliers Handle Additional Costs  

incentive travel program

Tourism Bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs  

As with the other stakeholder groups, destination management organizations are feeling the most pressure from increasing costs and ongoing staffing shortages. They are also working to solve for the closure of preferred venues and transportation challenges within their local market. 

Figure 14: Challenges for DMCs, CVBs, and Tourism Bureaus  

incentive travel program

As they are not on the front line of service delivery, tourism bureaus and CVBs aren’t experiencing staffing challenges in the same way service providers are. Their concerns exist more at a market or destination level, and they are likely monitoring and raising concerns about the impact of staffing shortages on the ability to attract desirable programs.  

Figure 15: Staffing Challenges for DMCs, CVBs, and Tourism Bureaus  

incentive travel program

The primary challenges in maintaining a service-ready workforce are similar for both groups of DMOs. The lack of qualified candidates, elevated wage expectations, and the resources required to get new hires to a level of proficiency combine to create a considerable challenge for tourism bureaus, CVBs, and DMCs.  

Figure 16: Staffing Challenges (DMC, CVB, Tourism Bureau)  

incentive travel program

Destination Management Company Perspective 

As a front-line service provider, DMCs have hands-on experience with the challenges of the current market when executing a group incentive travel program. They indicate there are two primary drivers of cost increases – transportation and staff. These factors also ranked as top concerns with tourism bureaus and CVBs, confirming these are broad market level challenges rather than execution issues for specific DMCs. 

Figure 17: Cost Increases for DMCs  

incentive travel program

Where are you seeing the biggest increases in your cost of delivering services?

DMCs are addressing these cost increases by passing along some or all of the cost to the buyer. This is distinct from hoteliers, 71% of whom are absorbing some portion of the cost increase. More than a third of DMCs are passing along all of the additional cost to the buyer, compared to 12% of hoteliers. As the “general contractor” for an array of local services, many of which are likely small businesses compared to the hotels, DMCs are definitely feeling the pressure of broader market conditions. 

Figure 18: How DMCs Handle Additional Costs  

incentive travel program

When asked how they are balancing the pressure to deliver 2019-level amenities and services considering the higher operational costs they’re currently facing, several themes emerged:

  • Communication & transparency – working with clients to manage expectations and understand priorities 
  • Creative program design – provide attendees more free time and reduce the number of activities, and prioritize high-impact, high-value program elements 
  • Contract strategy – encourage clients to lock in programs earlier to avoid anticipated cost increases 
  • Negotiations – stronger focus on securing good contracts on behalf of the client  
  • Selectivity – being more purposeful in working with clients who see the value of the services and understand the current market conditions 

When considering their biggest challenges for incentive travel programs over the coming 18 months, DMCs are focused on solving for destination infrastructure readiness, growth initiatives to drive volume, positioning effectively against competing destinations, and recruiting qualified staff. 

Figure 19: DMC Challenges  

incentive travel program

The Partnership Experience  

Hoteliers & Incentive Planners 

To provide some additional insight on the alignment within the industry, each stakeholder group was asked to assess the working relationship with their counterpart group. Hoteliers and planners seem well-aligned, with both groups rating the partnership as excellent. 

Figure 20: The Hotelier – Incentive Planner Partnership  

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Perspectives diverge, however, when the two groups are asked to rate the recent incentive travel experience hoteliers have provided. Hoteliers are pleased with the experience they have provided, and 40% give a rating of “excellent.” Planners are much less likely to rate the experience as excellent, instead opting for very good or good ratings. 

DMCs & Incentive Planners 

Again, when assessing the general quality of the partnership, DMCs and planners agree that their relationships are excellent. When asked more specifically about the experience delivered on recent incentive programs, DMCs are more likely to provide an “excellent” rating than planners are. 

Figure 21: The DMC – Incentive Planner Experience  

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Figure 22: The DMC – Incentive Planner Partnership  

incentive travel program

Figure 23: The DMC – Incentive Planner Experience

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Summary  

Incentive travel demand seems to have largely recovered to 2019 levels – perhaps even beyond. Industry stakeholders face ongoing challenges as the effects of inflation and a tight labor market continue to reverberate through the supplier segments. There is agreement across planners, hotels, DMCs, and CVBs that staffing shortages may continue to challenge service availability in the coming months, requiring creative approaches to program design. This is particularly difficult in the context of increasing operational costs; clients expect increasing program costs to correlate to a higher level of service delivery. All parties agree that transparency, communication, and partnership are essential to effectively navigating the design and delivery of today’s incentive travel programs. 

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Incentive Expectations and Reality in the Hospitality Industry

Incentive Expectations and Reality in the Hospitality Industry

As travel restrictions and bans ease, companies are getting back to incentive travel resulting in extraordinary demand on a set of suppliers still largely in recovery mode. While many event owners and planners are ready to get back to business as usual, hoteliers, destination management companies, and tourism boards face very real ongoing challenges. The…

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IRF Webinar: 2023 Trends

IRF Webinar: 2023 Trends

Given one of the most challenging labor markets in history, incentives are a critical business strategy to help organizations attract, retain, and build culture. During this IRF webinar, we’ll discuss what lies ahead for the incentives industry.

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What Is Incentive Travel? Definition & Benefits

What Is Incentive Travel?

It’s no secret that offering an incentive to employees is a key factor in boosting performance, sales, and engagement.

So with that in mind, we answer the question, “What is incentive travel?” with a definition and the top benefits of offering an incentive trip program.

What Is Incentive Travel?

Incentive travel is a specific trip or tour offered to top-performing employees as a way to motivate them to make more sales, gain more customers, and/or improve overall performance. By offering an incentive trip, companies are able to drive their business goals and recognize top performers.

An incentive trip can be taken as a group or an individual vacation for the employee and their families.

Click here to request a FREE group travel quote!

Benefits of Offering an Incentive Trip

Offering an incentive trip has plenty of benefits, so we’ve outlined the top reasons why your company should start an incentive trip program today.

1. Company growth and increased sales

To reiterate, people like rewards. Employees respond to incentives and, in return, target sales are more likely to be met and there could be an increase in business growth. By giving employees a goal to strive for, it promotes productivity gains that could potentially be seen across the board.

The increase in sales and productivity driven by the workforce will far outweigh the cost of offering an incentive trip. Additionally, by making employees feel valued, this will also likely increase sales and overall performance.

2. Stronger relationships and increased loyalty

Not only will employees be incentivized to sell more or boost their overall performance, but companies that offer incentive travel are also able to build stronger relationships with their employees.

Everyone wants to be rewarded for their hard work and employees recognize when companies offer those rewards. Offering an incentive trip will not go unnoticed.

Additionally, employees may be more likely to stay with a company that offers these rewards. Company loyalty is extremely important in long-term employee retention and incentive travel can help with that.

3. Extra professional development time

During an incentive trip, many companies opt to use some of the time to promote additional professional development through workshops and seminars.

Certainly, one of the most important parts of an incentive trip is to allow employees to relax and reap the benefits of their hard work, but by setting aside a couple of hours for professional development, employers are given the opportunity to blend leisure and learning.

4. Family time leads to a better support network

Many companies offer incentive trips for employees and their families. By allowing their families to join, companies are also promoting a healthy family support system.

Travel creates long-lasting memories and hard-working employees deserve to take some time out with their families to enjoy these memories together. This will hopefully promote high productivity for years to come.

5. Company bonding

Some companies treat incentive travel as more of a retreat for their employees to get to know each other, network, and team build. Whether you are getting the entire team together or a select few of the top sellers, this is an excellent opportunity to allow for some intercompany bonding.

This could also lead to higher sales or company growth because employees are able to get to know each other better on a much different level than they normally would in the office.

This is especially beneficial for companies spread out across the country or those that mainly work remotely. There’s nothing like an in-person connection and an incentive trip does just that. And it’s a lot of fun for everyone!

At the end of the day, offering incentive trips for employees is a win-win for everyone. Employees are encouraged to grow their productivity while they are also shown that their company values them and rewards them for their hard work. The company benefits from this hard work by hopefully seeing growth in the bottom line.

As a travel agency specializing in incentive travel, contact us and let us help you plan an incentive trip to motivate your employees and bring your company to a whole new level!

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Incentive Travel with Bolder Experiences and Better Results

Your incentive travel program matters. It helps your company hit its sales target. It convinces top performers to stay. And all that hinges on one thing: an incentive trip that inspires action. (No pressure, right?!)

We’re experts at making incentive travel do more (hey, we’ve had more than 60 years to master our craft!). We design and deliver bold, unforgettable experiences that motivate salespeople, drive growth, and build the kind of employee loyalty that is rare these days.

We’re here for whatever you need before, during and after the trip. Our incentive travel services include:

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Program Design & Campaign Communications

Design an event that wows. Then build excitement, so winners are counting down the days to your trip.

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Sourcing & Contracting

You know your winners, and we know the best places. We’ll find you the right hotel and negotiate on your behalf.

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Registration & Ticketing

Make registration, hotel booking and airline ticketing easy and painless for your winners.

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On–Site Support

Add on-site resources to make sure you’re prepared for everything: from little disruptions to major emergencies.

Our Approach to Designing Incentive Travel

We get that incentive travel programs look different from company to company. That’s why we structure our incentive travel approach to serve your team best. Your goals become our goals and your vision our vision. And, we don’t guess at what works — we use behavioral and data science to guide our recommendations.

We can also help refresh your incentive travel program, since even the best trip can lose its impact for repeat winners who have “seen it all.”

Through this perfect mix of personal engagement and scientific insights, we create standout incentive trips that motivate your top performers (and make you look good in the process!).

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Our Incentive Travel Program Services

Your incentive travel program is important, and how you plan for it might change year–to–year. We understand that different trips might mean different needs — and we can adjust to meet them.

From delivering a comprehensive incentive travel program to managing trip communications, we’ve done it all. Our motto? Whatever you need we can handle! That’s why we structure our services to serve you best.

Learn how to use incentive travel to transform your sales efforts!

Download the free eBook.

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We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and jump into action. Let’s talk.

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“The trip literally brings the group together. Most importantly people are connected, which helps make it clear what we want to accomplish as a company.”

"Everything was flawlessly planned from beginning to end. Can’t thank you guys enough for the help and creativity you brought to the Uber Canada Winter Retreat!"

Thanks for organising, it couldn't have been an easy task to co-ordinate so many people and events but you pulled it off and everything seemed to run so smoothly!

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Incentive Travel Planners

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Top Performers Trip in The Amalfi Coast, Italy

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We Plan Luxury & Bespoke Travel Incentive Programs

We're an award-winning and top corporate incentive travel company focused on creating unforgettable and truly one-of-a-kind experiences around the globe. ‍ With over 250 trips under our belt, it's safe to say we've got the planning chops to put together the most memorable incentive trips that will truly "Wow!" your top performers. With past trips to exotic places like Dubai, Morocco, Amalfi Coast, and Thailand, we have the know-how to make any destination work. Pair an incentive travel program with a sporting event like a Formula 1 Race in Monaco, or tie in a festival like the Royal Ascot in London or Carnival in Rio - we've got you covered!

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Inspiration for Your Next Incentive Trip

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Play capture-the-flag from a heli in.

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Soak up the Sun in

Fruit Market in Cartagena Colombia

Enjoy Apres-Ski in the Alps

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See an F1 Race in

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Let Us Help Plan Your Travel Incentive Program

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5-Star Hotel Accommodations

We leave no stone unturned to find the right 5-star accommodations. The hotel should be a highlight of the incentive program, which is why we go above and beyond to source the most glamorous and unique properties around the world.

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Luxury Travel Arrangements

We specialize in booking charter flights and luxury transportation for our discerning clients. We understand that your journey getting to the destination can be just as important as the destination - so travel in style!

One-of-a-Kind Experiences

From private behind-the-scenes access to elite cultural and sporting events, to exclusive dining experiences and private performances by world-class musicians, we have a vast selection of experiences that are guaranteed to wow your guests.

World-Class White Glove Service

We pride ourselves on delivering the absolute best in class service on our incentive travel programs. Our dedicated team of travel experts are always one step ahead to deliver unforgettable experiences that cater to your every need.

What Else We Can Help You With

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Custom Trip Websites

With an in-house web designer, Moniker can design a custom retreat website that will manage registration, agenda details, flight bookings, and FAQ's. We'll even include a packing list to take all the stress out of the process!

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Attendee Communication

Our team will set up and manage a dedicated inbox and serve as the main point of contact guests with questions about the trip, flight change requests, or anything else that may come up.

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Budget & Expense Tracking

You'll have 24/7 access to your incentive travel program's budget and see updates every step of the way, along with all the back-ups and vendor invoices/contracts in a shared folder on the cloud.

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White Glove Concierge Service

As a top incentive travel company, we'll work with your attendees to book all transportation, flight reservations, and support them with any special requests, such as extending their trip or ensuring their needs are catered to every step of the way.

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Attendee Swag & Gifting

Moniker will assist with the sourcing, design, and distribution of unique and functional swag and/or gifting to your attendees both before or during the incentive travel program. Whether it be company-branded swag or a destination-themed gift to surprise them on arrival, we've got you covered.

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Video Production

Capture the memories with a professionally produced trip video, filmed throughout the entire event. A great tool for recruiting and showcasing your company's culture!

Ready to start planning your incentive travel program?

Sample itinerary of a top brokers trip to st. tropez & monoco.

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Starting the Trip off in St. Tropez

Kicking off in St Tropez with a welcome soiree at the prestigious Lily of the Valley Hotel before the group made their way to L’Opera in the heart of St Tropez. Occupying prime real estate L’Opera has become the place to dine, famed for its exceptional gastronomy and enthralling evening entertainment. Making it the perfect place to kickstart a week of celebrations!

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Exclusive Beach Club Experience

After a short presentation and work session the group was given the opportunity to spend the day at leisure, enjoy spa treatments, take a walking tour, shop or meet up for lunch and an afternoon at the chic La Réserve à la Plage Beach Club.

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Surprise Heli Ride to Monoco

After breakfast, the group was surprised with a day trip to the glamour city of Cannes via helicopter or Van Dutch Speedboats - with glasses of Veuve Clicquot to sip along the way. On arrival, the itinerary was kept simple, with the option to take a walking tour, relax at a beach club or stroll around at leisure. Tonight everyone checked into the one and only Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo.

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Luxury Cars in Monte Carlo

Today was about seeing, tasting and fully experiencing Monte Carlo, world-famous for its luxury, casinos and super yacht-lined harbour. The group had the option to try their hand at a custom perfume blending workshop or a luxury car driving experience. The week came to a close with a glamorous Le Dîner en Blanc inspired dinner party complete with synchronized swimmers and a violinist arriving via helicopter.

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Past Incentive Travel Programs

Here is just a handful of some of the amazing incentives we've planned for our clients in the recent past:

Top Producer's Trip Featuring the F1 Race in Abu Dhabi

Number of Participants: 60 Number of Days: 4 Location: Dubai, UAE

A condo developer brought their Top Producers together for a 4-night bucket-list worthy adventure in Dubai & Abu Dhabi to celebrate their recent achievements on a successful project launch.  With an itinerary anchored around the F1 race in Abu Dhabi, the group had a front-row VIP seat as Max Verstappen won a thrilling finish over Lewis Hamilton in the final race of the season. They also toasted to their success atop the world in the Burj Khalifa, bashed through sand dunes before dining under the stars at a bedouin desert camp, skydived over the Palm Islands, and explored old Dubai's famous spice and gold souks to learn about Dubai's rich history and culture. Definitely a trip to remember!

Luxury incentive trip in Cartagena, Colombia

President's Club Trip to Cartagena, Colombia

Number of Participants: 120 ‍ Number of Days : 5 ‍ Location: Cartagena, Colombia

A direct sales beauty company brought 120 people from around the globe for 5-days set in one of Latin America’s most enchanting seaside cities, Cartagena, Colombia. The group spent the week immersing themselves in the local culture, enjoying the diverse Colombian cuisine, and also participating in a full-day CSR volunteer project that transformed a local primary school and women's community. They also managed to get outside of the city, sailing by catamaran to a more private island to soak up some sun before returning to Cartagena for a final night of salsa under the stars, at a beautiful venue set right on the historic fortress walls of Old Town.

Incentive trip on the Amalfi Coast of Italy

Top Brokers Trip to The Amalfi Coast, Italy

Number of Participants: 45 Number of Days: 5 Location: Amalfi Coast, Italy

A real estate developer took its top agents to Italy within the stunning Amalfi Coast, as part of an incentive program aimed at promoting a new residential development project. The program featured a 5-night stay at a stunning Italian hotel, with a private sailboat ride out to the famous island of Capri. Every night was a toast to the brokers success and their continued excellence to contributing to the real estate developer's projects.

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Request a Incentive Trip Package

We'll provide you with an array of hand-selected destinations and exclusive activities to choose from. Additionally we'll showcase approximate budgets and flights costs for each proposed location.

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We are an award-winning corporate culture agency, focused on helping companies come together, virtually or in-person on imaginative incentive trips, retreats, and off-sites around the world

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Incentive Travel: A Proven Strategy for Employee Engagement

Meetings & Incentives

Incentive travel: a proven strategy for employee engagement.

When considering opportunities to motivate employees, increase productivity and encourage staff retention, an incentive travel program can be one way to engage your team and boost morale.  

What Is Incentive Travel?

An incentive travel program rewards top-performing employees with a specially crafted and curated vacation, paid for by the company. An employee typically qualifies for the trip by meeting a specific goal, which could be tied to an increase in sales, production, customers, etc.  According to Anne Albright, executive vice president for MCI USA’s Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives (SEM&I) business unit, “The primary goals [of an incentive travel program] are to motivate your team and to drive sales. An effective incentive trip pays for itself, while increasing profits.” 

Benefits of Incentive Travel Programs  

Being able to drive sales and increase profits is just one benefit of incentive travel. Another, Albright says, is building camaraderie and “esprit de corps” — or a shared feeling of fellowship and pride — among the team, even those who do not receive the trip especially if they know they can try again for it the following year.   “[Through incentive travel], you are creating a special club that people become aware of, and as time goes on, the club becomes more and more important,” she says. “People really want to be part of it.”  The trips are also one of the few times top salespeople are able to interact on a one-on-one basis with senior management in a social setting. Albright explains, “There’s extreme value that comes from that type of interaction that you don’t get with someone sitting across your desk or, these days, behind the screen of a monitor. You’re building shared memories, and there is something very strong about having shared experiences with people with whom you work.” 

Considerations for Planning Incentive Travel  

Incentive travel programs can widely vary from company to company based on budget, corporate culture, size of the team, destination and more. Because there are so many factors to consider, most organizations outsource a specialist like Albright to coordinate their program. She offers these five considerations for getting started planning an incentive trip. 

  • Think about the experience of the employee — and their spouse. “Most of the time, if the employee has a partner, this trip is for both of them,” Albright says. “You truly want the spouse to be equally invested because their partner is likely putting in a lot of time to earn that trip, and you want them to share in the reward.”  
  • Select a destination that is motivational and aligns with your company culture. “You want people to long to go on this trip,” Albright says. That starts with knowing your team and what kind of destination may incentivize them the most. For instance, a team comprised of seasoned professionals who regularly travel may warrant an international trip with more amenities and special events offsite. Think about how you can maximize your incentive program’s budget to ensure everyone has a unique and enjoyable experience they’ll be talking about for weeks to come.    
  • Ensure you’ll have sufficient lift and ease getting to the destination. “If you have large numbers of people coming out of one city, you’ll quickly fill up the aircraft, and we live in a world of capacity-controlled inventory,” Albright explains. “You're going to drive the price of your air travel up if you don't have proper lift going into a destination.”   
  • Determine the best time of year to travel. “You can extend your dollars and offer a lot more for less if you can consider the time of year you're traveling,” Albright says. Traveling during a shoulder season or off-season is one way to extend the budget. It’s also beneficial to think about the geography of your employees when determining when to travel. For instance, those based in the north may favor a tropical destination during the winter months.   

When it comes to incentive travel, it’s important to build a program that team members look forward to participating in year after year. Not only will your company reap the rewards of their efforts, but employees will have the opportunity to engage in an experience developed especially for them as a result of their hard work.  Are you ready to curate incentive experiences that go beyond mere rewards? Embark on a travel experience that will be talked about for years to come. Connect with MCI USA today , and let us show you the power of incentive travel in motivating performance. 

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MTI Events

Travel Incentive Programs for Your Employees

Motivate your employees and help them travel the world with mti events.

Corporate travel incentive programs are great employee rewards and recognition programs that drive top-performing employees, fuel employee engagement, and create stronger business results. Going to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower, taking a bus tour in Barcelona and seeing sights like La Sagrada Familia, or maybe sitting on a beautiful beach in Bali; doesn’t getting a break from work to visit a new place and try new things sound amazing?

Traveling is something that everyone loves. Visiting and exploring new places is thrilling and can be a rewarding experience. Many people have a dream of traveling more, but unfortunately, for many people, this is not easy as they have a location-dependent job. Vacations can also cost a significant amount of money, which not everyone can afford.

Did you know that you can help your employees have the chance to travel more? The answer is to establish a corporate travel incentives program. Take our word for it; having incentive travel experiences is a fantastic way to reward your well-performing employees.

When planned and executed correctly, incentive travel can be a budget-friendly and effective performance and motivational improvement strategy. Setting up a program like this doesn’t have to be complicated and has excellent benefits.

Customized Employee Incentive Trips

At MTI Events, our focus is to organize memorable incentive trips and events for your employees. We bring three decades of experience in creating solutions that suit your budget and goals. Each of our programs is built from scratch, with your company’s specific objectives in mind from start to finish. We go beyond making itineraries and hotel arrangements. We create unique experiences tailored to your employees’ interests and your company values. A company incentive trip that pays for itself – this is what you’ll get by working with us. Our planning approach is proactive and flexible. All you need to do is give us the details of what you want your employees to get out of the trip, and we’ll work closely with your team to plan the trip they desire.

Setting Up A Travel Incentive Program

Although setting up a corporate travel incentive program will take some work, it is not that difficult and, in the end, is definitely worth the effort. If you are thinking about setting one up but have no idea where to begin, just give us a call today to get started. 

The first step to setting up a travel incentive program for employees is identifying the goals to work towards. Specific goals give a solid performance target to your team members.

The second step is to identify which team members will be eligible for the program. Are you planning on only sales incentive trips? How will the rest of your team feel about that? Adapting your program to motivate employees from a variety of roles provides an even better long-term return on investment .

Reach New Business Heights with Travel Incentives

Help your employees explore exotic events around the world with mti events travel incentive programs.

The allure of travel is universal. No matter what kind of business you’re running, each and every one of your employees can likely be motivated by a new travel experience. Some would save up for a year to spend a week in an exotic destination.

Even an out-of-state trip over the weekend can be enough to recharge the mind and body. But for some of your employees, traveling is a luxury they can’t afford.

By offering an incentive travel experience , with all the expenses and extras paid by your company, your employees will buckle down to earn the reward. They will be driven to become top performers. Your staff will return after the trip eager to work hard and remain loyal to your company. A happy workforce leads to better business outcomes, from increased productivity to more satisfied customers.

How We Can Help You

At MTI Events, we can help your company by setting up a single or group travel incentive program . If your company has already set up a corporate incentives program but wants help making sure that the program continues to run smoothly, then we also offer program management services. 

If you don’t have a corporate travel incentives program set up for your company, what are you waiting for? Your rewarded employees could be sitting on a beach somewhere, eating food in Italy, or having another memorable experience that they earned through hard work.

With our help, it doesn’t have to be challenging to set up and manage your program, and it is clear that there is a multitude of benefits associated with having this type of program in place. 

Contact us today if you want help with setting up your corporate incentives travel program . Your employees will thank you, and having happy employees can be very beneficial for you and your company.

MTI Events is Your Partner for Success

By partnering with us, you’ll get an incentive travel company that will win you your employees’ trust and commitment.

Having been in the industry for 30 years, we’ve established an extensive network in the travel and hospitality industry in multiple destinations around the world. This is why we’re able to tailor a program that fits your vision.

We have worked with companies that have leveraged the power of incentive travel programs to drive competition in their markets with as few as thirty salespeople, as well as companies looking to maintain their market dominance by motivating hundreds of staffers in sales offices around the world.

MTI Events is the only company you need to work with to create a custom travel incentive program for your greatest assets. Send us an email or call us at 913-521-8946 to speak to a representative.

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3 key factors for creating unforgettable incentive travel programs

In today's competitive business environment, companies are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to motivate and retain their employees. One effective way to achieve this is through incentive travel programs, which offer employees the opportunity to travel to exciting destinations as a reward for their hard work and dedication.  

As we mentioned in our previous blog, incentive travel programs not only motivate employees but also have a positive impact on business performance, employee morale, and company culture.  

But how do you plan an unforgettable and unique incentive travel program? 

Keep reading as we explore the three key factors for creating a memorable incentive trip. 

Why is Incentive Travel Important Nowadays? 

Nowadays, businesses are increasingly realizing the importance of investing in incentive travel programs to motivate and retain their employees. These programs offer a unique opportunity for employees to travel to exciting destinations and experience new cultures, all while being rewarded for their hard work and dedication. 

By selecting unique destinations, customizing the program to meet the preferences and interests of participants, and offering unforgettable experiences, businesses can create once-in-a-lifetime incentive trips that will leave a lasting impression on their employees. 

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How to Plan an Incentive Travel Program

It’s been a while, but they say it’s like riding a bike – you never forget how to plan an incentive travel program. And because of a late-in-the-game staffing challenge, I landed on the Big Island of Hawaii after six intense weeks of working side-by-side with my colleague, Travel Experience Producer Heather Graver. Together, we planned and executed a program to be proud of for nearly 1000 people at the Fairmont Orchid, my new favorite hotel. I admit it took me a few days to get in the groove, but there were some principles that got me through:

Start with the Big Picture

It’s easy to forget the point of it all. A planner can get so focused on how many hors d’oeuvres per person are included in the Banquet Event Order that they forget what the program is all about.

The program is about the client’s goals, and about celebrating the people who have achieved them. That’s a big accomplishment, for the company and for the individual guests. It is essential to understand how the program fits into the company’s broader business strategy and to plan every experience and every event to live up to the expectations that inspired a year of hard work and commitment.

Only by understanding the relationships between the company and the guests, and by making the client’s priorities your own, can you really craft an experiential reward that lives up to the hype and represents the brand.

Smiling tourist sitting on a beach chair in Hawaii drinking coconut water from a coconut

Write It All Down

When I’m planning, I start with the agenda. This operational document can easily run to over 100 pages. It’s the only way that I can see the gaps in what we’re planning. It also automatically highlights decisions that need to be made or details that need further thought. It’s how you work out where to station the photographers or what time your team will need to advance the VIP reception. Heather and I used the agenda to communicate to each other, adding and answering questions, making sure we had it all covered.

By capturing all of the thinking in one place, you provide the on-site operational team with everything they need to know to execute the program as you intended. And, most importantly, you free yourself up to deal with challenges as they arise because everything else is taken care of and delegated.

Check Your Data

Most programs have a lot of data flying around – registrations, dietary preferences, optional activity selections, tax information, guest changes, and VIP invitations. It gets complex very quickly.

It’s important to commit time and resources to making sure that changes are making it through all of the lists. The implications of one guest name change can reach far and wide, from printed materials to seating charts. And when we’re striving for perfection, it’s worth it to stop, take a moment, and be sure that we’ve thought things through.

Just as important is being sure you understand the numbers. When working with nearly 1000 guests, even a small change in cost gets large quickly. Miss a $1 addition to breakfast and over six days, that becomes a $6,000 loss. We check, double-check, and negotiate to obtain what our clients need, on budget.

Rely on Talented People

Particularly with large program, one person really can’t do it all. This is tough to take for many planners, who tenaciously prefer to remain in control of every detail through the life of the program. But with all of the moving parts – flights, people, guest rooms, meals, activities, special requests, emergencies, weather, and even volcanos (yes, volcanos) – it’s just not possible to avoid delegating.

As a full-service incentive house, we can rely on our colleagues. In the weeks leading up to our program, 17 people in the office worked with us to bring the event to life, from IT to Marketing Communications. On site, we brought in our best trip directors, each of whom was assigned a role and responsibilities. All together, it took nearly 40 people from Next Level to deliver the program, not to mention the local vendors and talent we brought in for their expertise. It really does take a village.

A few months ago, we wrote an article on The Top Five Reasons You Need an Incentive Travel Company . This was #5: Depth on the Bench. It’s an absolute essential for a successful program.

We had a great program. Amazingly the volcano blew on the night we had a lava themed event, but we were otherwise not impacted by the seismic and volcanic activity 70 miles across the island. Guests went exploring every day – snorkeling, riding ATVs, taking helicopter excursions, and playing rounds of golf by the ocean – on this gorgeous island. They came back to the Fairmont every night to tell us of their adventures, often a little sunburned, but always excited about the experience. Two weeks later, they’re still adding updates on the event app, sharing pictures, thanking the client for the opportunity, and extending the networking at home.

I’ve gone back to Marketing, where, as a colleague once told me, “There are no Marketing emergencies!” (Thank goodness!). I’ll miss the thrill of working so hard on the planning and seeing the event come to life. But mostly, I’ll miss the happy people, enjoying a well-deserved reward and being treated with more care and thought than they’ve ever experienced before. It’s pretty awesome to be able to give that kind of joy to 1000 guests.

If you’re planning a program, do yourself and every person attending a favor: bring in an incentive travel specialist. They can take on the hard work and the stress, anticipate the challenges, tap resources, and treat every person on your program like the important individual they are. It’s worth it.

  • Loyalty and Incentives
  • Engagement and Recognition
  • Travel and Events

Celebrity Incentives

(800) 722-5934

Corporate Incentives, Meetings & Charters

What Is Incentive Travel?

Incentive travel is defined as a trip designed to motivate, incentivize, and reward employees or business associates. This type of trip could range from being given to one individual, all the way up to large group awards made available only after certain targets have been met throughout the year.

You can use incentive travel as a team-building experience, networking opportunity, or simply as a reward for those who’ve earned it. Get the formula right, offer a suitably enticing award and the concept of incentive travel will contribute towards your team being motivated to achieve ever-higher targets.

Who Is Incentive Travel Best For?

Incentive travel is best for companies that want to reward their employees for a job well done, or for meeting targets. Incentive travel is perfect for companies that don’t necessarily want to reward employees exclusively with cash benefits, but still want to make sure every employee feels recognized and appreciated.

Incentive travel trips should be highly cost-effective at scale, thanks to competitive corporate pricing, and experientially rewarding in a way that other gifts or bonuses may not be. The benefits of an exotic trip, often with a chance to bring a partner, are intangible, too; employees feel a sense of bonding with one another and a feeling of being valued by their employer.

What is incentive travel at its core? A high-value, cost-efficient way to reward your employees with a luxury experience that builds relationships, loyalty, and team spirit.

Why Should You Implement an Incentive Travel Program?

The reasons for incentivizing your employees are endless from a business perspective, and incentive travel is simply a great tool to do it efficiently. Incentive trips for employees offer a unique way for them to travel and explore new places. Customized events and experiences take travel beyond the ordinary. An incentive trip allows employees the time and freedom to bond with their peers outside of work without distractions or interruptions.

Running a successful business involves a lot of variables, and keeping your teams motivated is one of them. Setting company goals, individual goals, and benchmark anniversaries go hand-in-hand with keeping your team focused and in line for success. Incentive travel offers a  great way to thank your employees for what they do, and celebrate their success together. It’s also a great perk for hiring new employees, particularly when company incentive trips reach legendary status and are talked about with anticipation.

Incentive travel is perfect for corporate groups, distributor meetings, board-level events or individual prizes. It can really be used for any reason, and can be scaled to fit both large and small groups when needed. Celebrity Cruises offers a wide range of exciting itineraries all over the world that are ideal options for companies wanting to offer a high-value, luxurious award.

Why Should I Choose a Cruise for Incentive Travel?

A cruise is a popular choice as an incentive award among companies worldwide, for many reasons. A luxury cruise is a unique experience, giving guests the opportunity to see many different exotic destinations in one single trip.

Cruises also provide a luxurious setting that rivals any of the best hotels, while offering all sorts of opportunities for customization and further rewards. On a Celebrity cruise ship, there are opportunities for meals in exclusive venues, private cocktail events, tailor-made shore excursions , and, if required, a meeting element in a private function room. Add in calls at some of the most glamorous and exciting ports on earth and you have a tremendous reward with which to motivate your team.

How Do I Plan an Incentive Travel Trip With Celebrity Cruises?

Incentive travel with Celebrity Cruises is luxury cruising at its finest. It’s an immersive, exciting, adventurous experience that will make lifelong memories for your team. You can expect service at the highest level, as well as a dedicated event manager to ensure that your whole experience runs flawlessly, leaving you, the host, time to bond with your team and colleagues.

We have dedicated teams to help you plan your itineraries and events, create custom-designed shore excursions, manage budgets, and add in extra levels of recognition for your top performers, from spa treatments to suite accommodation.

The first step in planning your incentive group travel is to think about what you’re looking for. A short getaway to the Bahamas, with minimal impact on work time? Or the trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos for your elite performers? Experiences ashore, or private dinners and parties on board? For a big event, you may even want to consider a private charter of one of our ships.

Once you’ve identified the purpose of your incentive trip, your budget and the size of your group, it’s time to start planning. Choose between more than 300 destinations worldwide, and over 3,000 different shore excursions. You’ll find cruises year-round, so finding dates will be flexible and convenient to you. 

We offer a wide variety of luxurious staterooms , all of which are meticulously appointed and beautifully designed, offering the service level of a world-class hotel. Dining options range from casual poolside fare to Michelin-standard dining experiences. Whatever the award you have in mind, we can find the perfect fit on any one of our luxurious, modern ships.

What is incentive travel to us? It’s a way to help businesses say “thank you” to the hard-working people for making it happen on a daily basis. It’s a way to share the unique reward of luxury travel with those who’ve earned it the most. To learn more about our incentive travel programs, contact us here or call us at 1-800-722-5934.

Wealth of Geeks

Wealth of Geeks

Moving in 2024? Dozens of Cities and States Will Pay New Residents Up to $15,000 to Live There

Posted: March 1, 2024 | Last updated: March 1, 2024

<p><span>Tired of the place where you live? Consider getting paid to relocate. Dozens of cities and states want you, especially if you’re a remote worker. </span><span>In return, the new residents will find apartments or homes far more affordable than big-city housing. They may also appreciate a different pace of living.</span></p> <p><span>Some incentives are designed to help new residents pay down student loan debt. Depending on the program, you could be paid a lump sum, a monthly amount, or, in one case, every year for as long as you live there. </span><span>You’ll need to prove your age and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, then go through an application process and possibly a video interview. Sometimes, you’ll have to promise to stay for a set amount of time to get the cash.</span></p> <p><span>Research the area ahead of time because once accepted, you may have as little as three months to provide a signed lease or agreement to rent/buy in the region. Generally speaking, you’ll need a “real” job, i.e., with an annual W-2 tax form.</span></p>

Tired of the place where you live? Consider getting paid to relocate. Dozens of cities and states want you, especially if you’re a remote worker. In return, the new residents will find apartments or homes far more affordable than big-city housing. They may also appreciate a different pace of living.

Some incentives are designed to help new residents pay down student loan debt. Depending on the program, you could be paid a lump sum, a monthly amount, or, in one case, every year for as long as you live there. You’ll need to prove your age and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, then go through an application process and possibly a video interview. Sometimes, you’ll have to promise to stay for a set amount of time to get the cash.

Research the area ahead of time because once accepted, you may have as little as three months to provide a signed lease or agreement to rent/buy in the region. Generally speaking, you’ll need a “real” job, i.e., with an annual W-2 tax form.

<p><span>This aggregator website features 197 towns with incentives to attract new residents. Currently, it lists programs in dozens of communities in Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, New Mexico, Georgia, and other states.</span></p><p><span>These regions are so anxious to get remote workers that they offer thousands of dollars for relocation, additional money for home buying, free Internet, gym memberships, tax waivers, and free sports events, concerts, and outdoor adventures.</span></p><p><span>Lincoln County, Kansas, will even give qualified applicants a free lot to build a home. It also offers newcomers a dozen fresh-from-the-farm eggs every month for one year. Have you </span><em><span>seen</span></em><span> the price of eggs lately?</span></p><p><span>Program rules vary, but typically, you must be a full-time remote worker who doesn’t currently live in the area. Visit the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.makemymove.com/moving-living" rel="nofollow noopener"><span>Make My Move website</span></a><span> for more information.</span></p>

Make My Move (various states)

This aggregator website features 197 towns with incentives to attract new residents. Currently, it lists programs in dozens of communities in Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, New Mexico, Georgia, and other states.

These regions are so anxious to get remote workers that they offer thousands of dollars for relocation, additional money for home buying, free Internet, gym memberships, tax waivers, and free sports events, concerts, and outdoor adventures.

Lincoln County, Kansas, will even give qualified applicants a free lot to build a home. It also offers newcomers a dozen fresh-from-the-farm eggs every month for one year. Have you  seen  the price of eggs lately?

Program rules vary, but typically, you must be a full-time remote worker who doesn’t currently live in the area. Visit the  Make My Move website  for more information.

<p><span>The Green Mountain State has two programs to attract workers: the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://accd.vermont.gov/content/new-remote-worker-grant-program-guidelines" rel="nofollow noopener"><span>New Remote Worker Grant</span></a><span> and the </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://accd.vermont.gov/content/new-relocating-worker-grant-program-guidelines" rel="nofollow noopener"><span>New Relocating Worker Grant</span></a><span> (for those who move to Vermont and take a qualifying job). These grants reimburse up to $7,500 (depending on the city of residence) for relocation expenses, including moving costs, shipping, supplies, closing costs, lease deposit, and one month’s rent.</span></p><p><span>Vermont is an undeniably beautiful state with a small population (its largest city has only 40,000 residents) and tremendous access to outdoor activities. Folks who live here are independent-minded and politically aware. Before you move, consider the twin trials of harsh winters, a lingering “mud season,” plus a high cost of living.</span></p><p><span>On the bright side: You get Ben & Jerry’s </span><em><span>and</span></em><span> the Vermont Country Store!</span></p>

The Green Mountain State has two programs to attract workers: the  New Remote Worker Grant  and the  New Relocating Worker Grant  (for those who move to Vermont and take a qualifying job). These grants reimburse up to $7,500 (depending on the city of residence) for relocation expenses, including moving costs, shipping, supplies, closing costs, lease deposit, and one month’s rent.

Vermont is an undeniably beautiful state with a small population (its largest city has only 40,000 residents) and tremendous access to outdoor activities. Folks who live here are independent-minded and politically aware. Before you move, consider the twin trials of harsh winters, a lingering “mud season,” plus a high cost of living.

On the bright side: You get Ben & Jerry’s  and  the Vermont Country Store!

<p>Rochester is New York’s tenth-most populous municipality and fourth-most populous city. With the <a href="https://www.makemymove.com/get-paid/rochester-ny" rel="nofollow noopener">Move to Rochester Grant</a>, which will pay you up to $15,000 to move there, the city is making good on its promises to draw in talent and revitalize the area. Discover its thriving arts scene, enjoy its tranquil parks, and find reasonably priced homes with the ideal balance of style and affordability.</p>

Greater Rochester, NY

The third largest city in the state, Rochester, is much closer to Niagara Falls (90 miles) than New York City (330 miles). The  Greater ROC Remote program encompasses a nine-county network, and it’s generous: $10,000 to relocate and up to $9,000 in home-buying incentives. It’s for full-time remote workers living at least 300 miles from the region.

Sure, it’s snowy in the winter. But oh, the summers! The area is known for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, boating, and biking. It features 140 festivals and events each year (including one of the top 10 U.S. jazz fests), the Seneca Park Zoo, the country’s second-biggest children’s museum, renowned regional breweries and wineries, loads of arts and culture, and more than 12,000 acres of parkland that includes Letchworth State Park (aka “the Grand Canyon of the East”).

If accepted, you have six months to move there.

<p><span>Do you have a degree in science, technology, engineering, math, or the arts? Did you earn that degree within the past seven years, and did you go into debt to get it? If so, Hamilton’s </span><a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.hamiltonfoundation.org/scholarships/scholarships-for-recent-college-graduates-tap-scholarship/#gsc.tab=0" rel="nofollow noopener"><span>Talent Attraction Program</span></a><span> might be just what you need. Open to those with remote worker positions or those getting jobs in Butler County, the program pays $400 a month (maximum of $15,000) toward your educational loans.</span></p><p><span>Like other Rust Belt cities, this former industrial town is reinventing itself. It has a 30-acre sculpture park, brewpubs, an arthouse cinema, several galleries, canoeing/kayaking, a 12-week free summer concert series, quirky retail options, and three designated historic districts established by the U.S. Register of Historic Places.</span></p><p><span>Located just 20 minutes outside Cincinnati, this town of 64,000 could be the right fit if you want easy access to a big city while living in a slightly quieter location.</span></p>

Hamilton, OH

Do you have a degree in science, technology, engineering, math, or the arts? Did you earn that degree within the past seven years, and did you go into debt to get it? If so, Hamilton’s Talent Attraction Program  might be just what you need. Open to those with remote worker positions or those getting jobs in Butler County, the program pays $400 a month (maximum of $15,000) toward your educational loans.

Like other Rust Belt cities, this former industrial town is reinventing itself. It has a 30-acre sculpture park, brewpubs, an arthouse cinema, several galleries, canoeing/kayaking, a 12-week free summer concert series, quirky retail options, and three designated historic districts established by the U.S. Register of Historic Places.

Located just 20 minutes outside Cincinnati, this town of 64,000 could be the right fit if you want easy access to a big city while living in a slightly quieter location.

<p>Paducah, Kentucky, is one of the few places in the state that will experience totality. The city is hosting an “<a href="https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2024/02/23/kentucky-location-total-solar-eclipse-rare-astronomy-eclipse-glasses-paducah-morganfield-henderson/72698504007/" rel="nofollow noopener">X Marks the Spot: Paducah Eclipse Festival</a>” on April 7-8. If Paducah sounds like a good spot, you can also visit free viewing spots in the area, like Kolb Park, Stuart Nelson Park, or Pat & Jim Brockenborough Rotary Health Park. The eclipse totality starts at 2:00 p.m. CDT and lasts 1:31 minutes.</p>

Paducah, KY

Kentucky isn’t just horse racing and bourbon distilleries. Paducah has a burgeoning cultural scene, biking/jogging trails, boating, riverwalk, and a growing reputation for food and drink. The motto of its  Remote Workers Incentive Program is “Do What You Do From Paducah,” and they want to make moving there a little easier.

Among the offerings are $2,500 to relocate, a one-year waiver for the 2% payroll tax, u p to $70 per month for a year’s worth of Internet service, and m ore than $1,000 worth of free tickets to local arts/cultural attractions (including the symphony, an arthouse cinema, an entrepreneurial hub, and theater and art centers)

Have all your ducks in a row before applying because if you’re accepted, you have just three months to prove you’ve rented or are about to buy a place.

<p><span>Over 2,000 jobs are available in this mid-Atlantic state. Its $766 million budget includes new battery facilities and electric buses. Employment for technicians, mechanics, and bus drivers is therefore on the rise.</span></p>

West Virginia

The state’s  Ascend West Virginia  program was designed to attract more residents to this beautiful place. You’ll need a full-time job with a company outside the state. Remote workers who qualify can get $12,000 in cold, hard cash: $10,000 during the first year and $2,000 at the end of their second year of residency. You’ll also be given access to free whitewater rafting, skiing, and other outdoor activities.

While a love for the great outdoors is a big plus, West Virginia isn’t  all  hills. For example, Morgantown is a college city with a burgeoning foodie culture, Division 1 sports, a brand-new baseball team in the MLB Draft League, and plenty of hiking, boating, and other outdoorsy recreation close by. In the Greenbrier Valley region, you can explore the Lost World Caverns or traverse a 78-mile former railroad – but you can also get a massage, sip a craft beer, visit galleries and specialty retail, and indulge in diverse dining options.

<p><a href="https://www.makemymove.com/get-paid/shoals-al" rel="nofollow noopener">Shoals, Alabama</a>, home to communities like Florence and Muscle Shoals, invites you to experience its charming landscapes, lively culture, and Southern hospitality while receiving financial assistance to make your move even more enjoyable. Applications for <a href="https://remoteshoals.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">Remote Shoals</a>, a relocation incentive program that pays out according to your pay, are open to new residents. You can, therefore, make up to $10,000 on a sliding scale, regardless of your experience level or stage of employment.</p>

The Shoals, AL

About two hours away from Memphis, Nashville, and Birmingham, this region hosts two world-famous music companies: Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (the subject of  an acclaimed documentary ) and FAME Recording Studios. To ensure continued population growth, the  Remote Shoals program  will pay $10,000 to qualified applicants with remote work jobs.

Four main cities participate: Muscle Shoals, Florence, Tuscumbia, and Sheffield. The biggest town, Florence, promotes its “vibrant and bustling urban experience.” The fastest-growing city, Muscle Shoals, has been attracting a lot of families due to its “community atmosphere,” according to the program.

Once accepted, you’ll get 25% of the cash upfront, another 25% six months after that, and the remaining 50% after your first full year of residence. Note: You must earn at least $52,000 a year to apply and be ready to move within six months after qualifying.

<ul> <li>Population: 285,821</li> <li>Violent Crime Rate: 8.64</li> </ul>

Last Frontier residents can collect an annual dividend from  the Alaska Permanent Fund , a program created with oil revenues. Each year, a portion of the fund is distributed to all eligible Alaskans who apply. Yes, even the kids!

The amount varies since it’s based on investments, but in the past few years, it’s ranged from $1,314 to $3,284. Eligibility is based on full-time residency, and you can’t have lived outside the state for more than 180 days (with some exceptions, such as military service).

Alaska can be a tough place to live because it’s isolated and expensive (locals call it “the Alaska gouge”). But it’s also a gorgeous place to live, and both summer and winter recreation is primo. The annual check does help defray the higher cost of living and the price of a full-spectrum light box to combat  Seasonal Affective Disorder . And remember: Where a typical pay-you-to-move-there program pays you a set amount of cash, the PFD check is  annual  for each household member for as long as you live there.

<p>Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C., makes it an ideal location for government-related jobs, defense contractors, and tech companies. The state offers a strong job market, excellent education options, and a high standard of living. Its Chesapeake Bay shoreline provides numerous recreational opportunities. This state scored 45.92.</p>

SmartBuy (Maryland)

Want to move to Maryland? The state’s  SmartBuy program  offers up to $40,000 worth of student loan repayment for first-time homebuyers who buy state-owned homes. You’ll also need to meet income limits established by each county.

Here’s how it works: You buy a house through an approved lender and get 15% of the purchase price in cash toward your student debt. The money comes from a second mortgage loan on your new place, with no interest or payments, and 20% of the loan is forgiven each year. Note: that 15% must completely retire at least one household member’s total student debt.

There’s no guarantee a home will be available in the part of Maryland you want to move to, but it’s worth a shot, right? And when you live in Maryland, you’re close to some pretty incredible places; a short car ride or a few-hour trip will get you to Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia, Richmond, or Washington, D.C.

<p>The city is well-known for its <a href="https://choosetopeka.com/apply/" rel="nofollow noopener">Choose Topeka</a> program. The purpose of this initiative was to entice distant employees in the town through monetary rewards. Relocation incentives of up to $15,000 are available to remote workers who satisfy program requirements and move to Topeka. The incentives are usually given in several ways, such as cashback for relocation costs, help with rent, or help with a down payment on a Topeka house. </p>

The  Choose Topeka program has several access points: one employer match program and two for individual workers. 

If you’re a transitioning military service member, Topeka wants to thank you for your service in the form of cold, hard cash if you move there. Successful applicants will get $5,000 without restrictions on how it’s spent. Use it for moving costs, fixing your new place, or building the emergency fund  all new homeowners need.

If you’ve lived in Shawnee County before and want to move back, you may be eligible for assistance (the website does not specify how much). Applicants must have jobs with an annual salary of at least $50,000.

<p>With a larger aging population than the rest of the country, Michigan sees a rising demand for healthcare services, notably in senior care. The state’s healthcare industry is booming, witnessing the establishment of new hospitals, clinics, and research facilities, generating diverse work opportunities. Michigan presents an impressive 284,380 healthcare-related positions, offering competitive salaries, including a median of $76,240—exceeding the national average for healthcare occupations.</p>

A program called  Move to Michigan  makes relocating to the southwest part of the state more enticing. How does up to $15,000 toward your mortgage sound?

Applicants must work remotely for a company headquartered outside Michigan. The home they buy or build has to cost at least $200,000 and be located in one of nine specific cities or townships. Child-free folks will get $10,000; those with kids attending public school for the first two years of residency will get $15,000. All participants can choose a couple of perks, including an annual gym membership, car service to and from regional airports, parks/beach access, and a coworking space membership.

Sure, it’s cold. But not all year long! Did we mention that this region has Lake Michigan as its backyard? Or that it’s known for a “Makers Trail” of wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries? The area has a symphony orchestra, live theater, museums, and galleries to keep you culturally fit, but remember to schedule a trip to the pumpkin patch in the fall or the area’s farm stands for fresh produce.

<p>This state’s diverse economy includes energy, agriculture, and aerospace industries, providing a broad spectrum of career opportunities. The state’s low cost of living and affordable housing make it appealing for professionals looking to establish a solid career foundation. </p><p>Its friendly communities and rich cultural heritage also create a unique and welcoming atmosphere, placing it at a score of 42.98.</p>

The  Tulsa Remote program provides a $10,000 grant for full-time remote workers who want to move to Oklahoma City. Participants will get $3,000 upfront to help with relocation costs and then $500 monthly. They’ll also get one-on-one support, monthly events and meetups for “Remoters,” access to a Slack community, and discounts for concerts and the city’s pro baseball, hockey, and soccer teams.

Aside from that, Tulsa has a ballet and opera company, museums and galleries, a black-owned bookstore and coffee shop, live music, a zoo, a botanical garden, and lots of fishing and boating.

If accepted, you have up to one year to relocate. Participants may rent instead of buying a home.

<p>“Subway had this promotion that if you verified/registered an email for a rewards card, you’d get a certain amount of points,” recalls a sneaky commenter. “It gave you enough points for a six-inch, with a drink and cookies or chips.”</p><p>You can guess what this gentleman did next; he opened dozens of email addresses to game the system.</p>

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IMAGES

  1. Discover The Best Travel Incentive Program For Your Company

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  2. Benefits of a Business Travel Incentive Program

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  3. 5 Essentials for Incentive Travel Programs

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  4. 6 Ways to Design an Incentive Travel Program

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  5. Rules for a Successful Incentive Travel Program

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  6. 10 Ways a Travel Incentive Program Boosts Morale Of Employees

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COMMENTS

  1. 15 Corporate Incentive Travel Program Tips for 2024

    1. Ask your staff for ideas. A travel program is only an incentive if your staff wants to take the trips you choose. Instead of outright guessing, or stealthily scanning your staff's Instagram vacation posts, ask your staff for destination and activity ideas. First, gather plausible options for countries, cities, accommodations, excursions ...

  2. What is Incentive Travel? (With 4 Examples + Top Locations)

    Incentive travel programs are an especially effective way to show that appreciation, which can in turn help improve retention rates. 3. Enhanced team building and communication. Incentive travel trips often involved team-building activities that can help improve communication and collaboration among employees.

  3. Incentive Travel Agency

    An incentive travel program is about more than just a cool vacation or hot-spot destination. For stakeholders, it's about inspiring peak performance. For attendees, it's about the reward and recognition they strived for. It's about creating personalized, authentic experiences all over the world and strengthening relationships with ...

  4. Incentive Travel: How You Can Use it to Motivate Your Team

    5. How to Plan an Incentive Travel Program. Well-executed incentive programs have specific stages to them. When each stage is thoroughly designed and implemented, the return on your investment will be more than enough to make it worth every penny. But again, the program has to be designed and rolled out correctly, or it won't be maximized.

  5. What is incentive travel? (4 Incentive travel program examples)

    Incentive travel programs can be used to achieve a variety of desired outcomes from improved employee engagement to client spending incentives. Let's take a closer look at four possible uses of corporate incentive travel programs. 1. Employee motivation. One of the best ways to overcome organisational challenges such as low productivity ...

  6. Employee Incentive Travel Programs: A How and Why Guide

    An Employee Incentive Travel Program is a recognition program for rewarding exceptional employees with an all-expenses-paid trip to their favorite destination. The essence of the travel incentive program is to reward high-performing employees and motivate the rest to reach the desired standards. Some organizations also offer these incentive ...

  7. Incentive Travel: the Best Way to Motivate Your Employees

    And according to the IRF's Anatomy of a Successful Incentive Travel Program, "Examining the tenure and company performance ratings of 105 of the employees who earned the incentive trip, researchers found that 55% of incentive travel earners had top performance ratings and tenure of four years or more, showing a very real correlation between ...

  8. What is Incentive Travel? Definition & Examples from the Pros

    The incentive travel program itself might consist of a number of different events and activities. These might include cocktail reception, lunches, dinners, dances, award ceremonies, team building exercises, leisure activities, shopping trips, tours, excursions, insights into local culture, or working with local charities. ...

  9. An Expert's Guide to Planning Incentive Travel

    An Expert's Guide to Planning Incentive Travel. Whether large or small, local or international, incentive trips are guaranteed to have a positive impact within your organization. Incentive travel is a great way to motivate valuable employees and reward top performers. These programs can help to not only inspire your teams to increase sales ...

  10. Anatomy of a Successful Incentive Travel Program

    The incentive travel program is a good incentive to drive performance. 3.85; The incentive trip made me feel that the company truly appreciates me. 3.84; It's clear from these responses that both the incentive travel award and the recognition by corporate leaders motivate employees who participate in an ITP. They're also excited about the ...

  11. Incentive Travel Programs

    Figure 1: Incentive Travel Expected to Increase or Hold Steady Through 2024. The focus for incentive travel in the coming 18 months has shifted slightly in one area. Planners' consideration of domestic programs has declined ten percentage points, from 83% in 2022 to 73% in the current survey. This may reflect the higher levels of confidence ...

  12. Employee Performance Incentive Programs with Travel Benefits

    First things first, the chosen travel incentives must be relevant, attainable, and aligned with employee preferences and aspirations, and there must be clear criteria for earning and redeeming travel rewards. Once your employee performance incentives are in place, select key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the impact of travel benefits.

  13. Top 7 incentive travel companies

    7. Brightspot. Brightspot is an incentive travel company that specializes in designing and managing incentive programs and trips. Their experts are CMPs (Certified Meeting Professionals) that have deep knowledge of the travel industry and extensive experience in designing corporate events and meetings.

  14. What Is Incentive Travel? Definition & Benefits

    Incentive travel is a specific trip or tour offered to top-performing employees as a way to motivate them to make more sales, gain more customers, and/or improve overall performance. By offering an incentive trip, companies are able to drive their business goals and recognize top performers. An incentive trip can be taken as a group or an ...

  15. Incentive Travel

    Our Incentive Travel Program Services. Your incentive travel program is important, and how you plan for it might change year-to-year. We understand that different trips might mean different needs — and we can adjust to meet them. From delivering a comprehensive incentive travel program to managing trip communications, we've done it all.

  16. The complete guide for incentive trips for employees

    Here are some examples of incentive travel programs that can help you meet your business objectives: Sales incentive reward programs. This type of program is designed to reward top-performing sales teams and representatives and is a powerful tool for driving sales performance. Those who achieve their sales targets or surpass performance goals ...

  17. Luxury Incentive Trips

    We Plan Luxury & Bespoke Travel Incentive Programs. We're an award-winning and top corporate incentive travel company focused on creating unforgettable and truly one-of-a-kind experiences around the globe. With over 250 trips under our belt, it's safe to say we've got the planning chops to put together the most memorable incentive trips that ...

  18. Incentive Travel Programs: Boost Morale & Productivity

    An incentive travel program rewards top-performing employees with a specially crafted and curated vacation, paid for by the company. An employee typically qualifies for the trip by meeting a specific goal, which could be tied to an increase in sales, production, customers, etc. According to Anne Albright, executive vice president for MCI USA ...

  19. Proven Corporate Employee Travel Incentive Programs

    MTI Events is the only company you need to work with to create a custom travel incentive program for your greatest assets. Send us an email or call us at 913-521-8946 to speak to a representative. Reward your top-performing employees with a corporate travel incentive program. MTI Events will customize employee rewards and recognition programs ...

  20. 3 key factors for creating unforgettable incentive travel programs

    Planning a memorable incentive travel program can be challenging, but it is definitely achievable with proper planning, research, creativity, and with the support of professional partners. The success of an incentive trip depends on the program's ability to offer an unforgettable experience that participants will cherish and remember for years ...

  21. How to Create a Tiered Incentive Travel Program

    Incentive planners always love an incentive travel program. It's a great way to motivate your customer base and express your gratitude by sending winners somewhere unforgettable. However, problems with a single-trip program can arise over time. It could be that your trip has gotten too large. With so many trip earners, a program can become ...

  22. A Guide to How to Plan an Incentive Travel Program

    It is essential to understand how the program fits into the company's broader business strategy and to plan every experience and every event to live up to the expectations that inspired a year of hard work and commitment. Only by understanding the relationships between the company and the guests, and by making the client's priorities your ...

  23. What Is Incentive Travel?

    Incentive travel is defined as a trip designed to motivate, incentivize, and reward employees or business associates. This type of trip could range from being given to one individual, all the way up to large group awards made available only after certain targets have been met throughout the year. You can use incentive travel as a team-building ...

  24. Arabian Adventures Secures SITE Crystal Award for Excellence in

    The accolade, presented by The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) in Istanbul, Turkey, underscores the company's leadership in crafting unique travel experiences. This year's award-winning project involved a meticulously designed multi-city event across the UAE for a leading France-based renewable energy firm, showcasing Arabian ...

  25. Moving in 2024? Dozens of Cities and States Will Pay New ...

    This aggregator website features 197 towns with incentives to attract new residents. Currently, it lists programs in dozens of communities in Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, New Mexico, Georgia ...