You’ve recognized the benefits of incorporating incentive travel into your business, but how do you determine the best destination?
An employee incentive program is most effective when designed to suit its audience. The destination must appeal to all your team members and should offer activities that create an unforgettable experience for each employee. Of course, it must also be within your budget.
Here are three factors to consider when choosing the perfect destination for your incentive trip!
1) Business Objectives
When choosing an incentive destination, start by determining your program goals. Specifically, what should your incentive program accomplish? Ultimately, programs are designed to influence behavior. Your business objectives may be increasing sales, driving new business relationships, team building, or improving employee retention.
Is team building your goal? Consider a location allowing plenty of group interaction, activity, and immersion. Are you rewarding and recognizing top performers? A luxury destination that specializes in VIP treatment might be the best option.
2) Employee Demographic
When planning an incentive trip, you should first think about your team demographics. Does your team consist of people in their mid-to-late-20s or older? Is your staff an adventurous bunch or a quiet, reserved group? Do your team members have common interests?
Knowing your team is imperative in choosing a destination and designing an audience-centric program. In analyzing your audience demographics, one of the most important questions you need to ask is, “Where have they been before?” A key component of successful incentive programs is keeping the ultimate reward exciting, new, and relevant.
According to the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), more than ever, people want to travel as a reward after emerging from the grasp of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Destinations that provide exclusive experiences are standing out even more in today’s incentive market. Treating travel as a luxury and elevating your employees’ experience as much as possible in a post-pandemic reality should be at the forefront of your planning process!
3) Budget & Time Frame
Budget will affect your destination, but it doesn’t need to define the experience. Depending on your business objectives, an incentive getaway can last from a handful of nights to a week or more, and weekend getaways can work for smaller budgets. Once you clearly understand your employee demographic and budget, you’ll have a better perspective of the destination options that best fit your needs.
At HPM Associates, we can work with you to plan the perfect incentive travel program that fits within your budget and meets your business objectives!
As international corporate meeting planners, we work closely with hundreds of the world’s finest destination hotels, lodges, and resorts, including some with all-inclusive packages. You can count on us to create a memorable experience for you and your team members.
Contact us at (305)274-0030 to learn more about our expertise and services.