We at JTB are in the business of travel. While our services offer travel from general tourism to more specific packages, we also provide support in the planning and arranging of travel packages. Incentive travel is the ‘I’ in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), and has shown to be a useful tool for rewarding staff members within a business or organization. Keep reading to find out more about incentive travel and its advantages.
What is Incentive Travel
Incentive travel is a reward in the form of travel for employees. It is typically part of a rewards and recognition program and is set up to reward employees after hitting certain targets or other milestones. Incentive travel offers employees the opportunity to participate in specially planned excursions and events, frequently to unique locations, which add something special to a trip. In general, not enough employees are using their paid time off. Therefore, with the added benefit that the business handles all of the planning and management, incentive trips are a fantastic way for staff members to take some well-earned time to unwind in a way that is nevertheless productive. Here are some explanations for why an employer would provide incentive travel to staff members.
Reward Employees
Incentive travel is an opportunity to reward employees for their performance. For employees in sales roles, offering incentive travel as a reward for top-performing teams is an effective way to motivate employees to hit specific targets. For other types of performance-related roles, incentive travel can also be a great motivator in getting employees working towards certain targets. They serve as a great way to reward employees for their outstanding achievements and contributions. Reward exceptional employees who meet the criteria set with a trip to remember, courtesy of the company.
Attract Talent
Do you want the top talent to work for your business? Offering travel as a perk will help entice the best candidates in a competitive employment market. Pay and other advantages are important, but when it comes to luring top people to your organization, the chance to go to fascinating destinations as a reward would be the cherry on top.
Employee Satisfaction
Sometimes it would be beneficial for employees to have a little downtime within the company after all the hard work they put in. Although employees would always be grateful for a financial incentive such as a cash bonus, an Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) survey revealed that 80% of respondents found incentive travel to be “very” or “extremely” motivating. For employees, travel is often an extremely satisfying reward. By providing travel as a reward, employers can demonstrate to staff that their efforts are valued. Since employee satisfaction is closely related to retention, this will encourage staff to stay and exhibit loyalty, thus saving the company money.
Team Building
A new environment away from the office and away from the suits or other uniforms means the chance to open up, have better understanding among employees and create new bonds that would benefit your company in the long term. Travel has always proven to be effective in letting people show other sides to themselves outside of work. Add some team-building activities in an incentive trip to bring people closer. Rafting, hiking, and environmental experiences are excellent outdoor activities that can bring colleagues together. Alternatively, wine tasting or sushi-making classes can be an enjoyable way to combine food and drink with pleasure.
Boost Productivity and Creativity
Breaking away from the typical workplace or workstation surroundings might inspire fresh thinking and inventiveness. Employees can be inspired and given fresh ideas and alternative approaches to problem-solving by being exposed to both new and less constrictive environments as well as new experiences. It might be necessary to use incentive travel to help overcome upcoming work-related problems, like burnout.
Selecting the Right Incentive Travel Plan for your Team
Achieving your goals depends on choosing the appropriate incentive travel program. What do you want incentive travel to accomplish for your staff members? Boost revenue, strengthen relationships, raise morale, or discover fresh creative outlets? Learn about the preferences and interests of the people who are its target. Would they rather unwind in a serene place or seek out exhilarating encounters and adventures? Make sure to develop a plan that guarantees both the achievement of objectives and the satisfaction of staff members.
Find a Location
The ideal location should have a perfect balance for employees. There should be sufficient variety, whether in a bustling metropolis, a tranquil resort, or somewhere in nature, for the enjoyment of the staff. Make sure the location is easily accessible, has a comfortable climate and has enough local attractions to satisfy everyone. Many businesses are selecting locations based on sustainability and environmental conservation goals. This has come in the form of eco-friendly destinations and activities with an environmental consciousness, and greener hotels and resorts for accommodation. For locations that require airline travel, businesses tend to choose airlines that offer carbon offset programs.
Select a Date
Select a date that is most convenient for your staff. Steer clear of times right before and after significant holidays and deadlines, as well as extreme climates. To assist in selecting a day, see if there are any noteworthy local celebrations or events happening.
Create an Itinerary
Make sure that there are sufficient interesting activities to fulfill everyone’s expectations and interests as well as your goals for the trip. A varied schedule will enable everyone to participate. Activities for team development, cultural outings, cooking classes, and adventure sports are a few examples. Ensure that there are sufficient opportunities for participants to take breaks and rest so they can recharge.
Examples of Incentive Travel
Incentive travel can encompass a wide range of journeys and locations. Consider what your staff could find enjoyable. According to research conducted in 2022 by The Incentive Research Foundation, participants in incentive travel were drawn most to immersive experiences, adventure, local culture, and leisurely pursuits. Sustainable events in unique natural surroundings and welcome receptions in historical structures are becoming prevalent in recent years. Japan, Prague, Switzerland, Greece, Fiji, Costa Rica, and Hawaii are a few popular places for incentive travel.
Summary
Incentive travel is a fantastic way to reward and inspire people. But in order to make such trips a reality and choose the best one for your team, careful consideration and planning are needed. As a travel agency, JTB is here, ready to assist you every step of the way with the planning and arranging of the ideal incentive travel package thanks to our extensive knowledge and experience.
For additional information about incentive travel and how JTB can help, get in touch with us. https://www.jtbusa.com/meetings-events/contact-us.
