Key trends in incentive travel

In the last couple of years, we have witnessed a complete evolution and revolution in the events industry. How many times have we heard the words “digital, virtual, innovation, sustainability”? And how often, have we had to change the dates of our events, bookings, hotels, flights, contracts, etc. 

Although there is no crystal ball to predict the future, we have had our ear to the ground, listened to our peers and read between the lines to identify the key trends that are shaping the world of incentive travel as we enter the new year. 

Destination safety

Historically, the appeal of a destination has always been the highest-ranked criteria for destination selection, usually followed by infrastructure and value for money.  

Today, according to Corporate inSITEs Edition 2, we still see destination appeal in the top spot, followed by a new entry: safety. Choosing the right destination is not only about great flight connections and accessibility, hotels, weather, tasty food. It is also about the perception of a destination as safe.  
In the past, safety was based around crime and risk of terrorism, but now we have a new element to consider, Covid safety. Countries such as Portugal have benefitted from the approach they took to Covid; this perception of safety will be hugely important when selecting a destination in the future.  
 
Whilst we know that there are no guarantees when it comes to a global pandemic, selecting destinations that are in countries with high vaccination rates and with great healthcare will definitely support event success. We are also seeing an increase in requests for more rural destinations, while cities are currently not a massive draw; so, a venue or destination that is away from the hustle and bustle and with plenty of open spaces will be a hit for 2022.

Protocols and Planning

As we discussed earlier, when organising an incentive trip, you need to remember that many of the attendees may not have been to any events in over a year. Hence, you want to avoid causing any anxiety and fear of travel. As event organisers it comes as standard for us to have lists, running orders and risk assessments galore, but now we may need to share some of these with our attendees.  

As we have seen across the globe from our government's daily briefings, communication is key to building confidence and preventing panic, ensuring that we share the safety protocols and supporting our attendees in what to expect. 

For example, when organising indoor activities, it is important to provide enough space to maintain social distancing. For larger groups, it is preferable to schedule several smaller gatherings during the week, creating a more intimate experience instead of having one large meeting on the same day. At some events it may even be necessary to create a traffic light system using lanyards or bands which highlights the level of contact that an attendee is comfortable with. 

Sustainability is key

Sustainability has become a significant topic of conversation, particularly when planning an incentive programme or an event.  

Today’s corporate travellers are looking for accommodation and activities that limit their impact on the environment and positively affect the local communities.  

As we mentioned in our earlier blog, people appreciate the simple things in life and value the benefits of ‘giving back,’ which is something that has almost become expected from incentive travel programmes.  
Incentive attendees are now looking for experiences that will raise awareness of local cultures and that will have a positive impact on the destination. From offsetting carbon footprints, to tree-planting activities, from supporting renewable energy projects to volunteering experiences, incentive travellers really want to make a difference.  

Including sustainability within your incentive programme can also be beneficial for your business, improving brand awareness and supporting with employee engagement.

Authentic and creative experiences

Incentive travel is proven to be a highly effective motivational and rewarding tool. It works even better if the incentive trip includes extraordinary and unforgettable experiences.  

Travellers want to connect with the places they are visiting in a more meaningful way, trying to understand and experience better the local culture, food, and traditions.  

When organising an incentive programme, you need to think that, for some, you are putting together the trip of a lifetime, so try to be creative and authentic. Are there any ‘off the beaten track’ itineraries? What is the destination known for? Can you organise something exclusive and unique that participants can only experience in this specific destination at this particular time of the year?  

Whereas previously lunch at a Michelin star restaurant would be the norm, now more often a dinner at a local's house eating a traditional meal would be of greater appeal to some.

Wellness and outdoor experiences

After the many twists and turns of the last couple of years, it is no surprise that the demand for wellness travel has increased.  

Since great attention is being paid to health, boosting the immune system and wellness, more incentive programmes are including activities that promote healthy living.  

According to research, more people, especially during the pandemic, have rediscovered the healing power of nature, which has become a mood booster and stress reliever. 

So, it is not only about body and beauty treatment in a spa. Today's wellness programmes include park activities, hiking, open-air theatres, alfresco dining on panoramic terraces, or even yoga and meditation sessions...anything that can inspire, energise, and address mind, body and soul.  

Here at Eventful we design unforgettable incentive travel experiences. Contact us for more information!