There is no doubt as to the effectivity of incentive programs in helping organizations achieve a diverse array of goals—from attracting and retaining top talent to increasing sales figures to improving productivity and employee morale.

However, incentive programs are made up of several components that need ample attention in order for these to mesh together, allowing the organization to meet the goals it has set for the travel program.

One of the key components of a successful travel incentives program is choosing a destination that generates buzz and excitement among program participants. A destination that can be easily accessed by your sales team won't generate as much excitement as one that seems to be beyond their reach.

Remember, a suitable destination is one that can provide your program winners with an opportunity to create new experiences. Ideally, such a location should be beyond your employees' reach, logistically and financially speaking; otherwise, your incentive program won't gain as much traction as you hope it will.

However, it is worthwhile to note that even the most popular of destinations can carry a substantial amount of risks for large groups traveling together. Perhaps you and your team members decide upon a location that is too far, or where English is not widely spoken.

A lot of these and other risks can be prevented or totally eliminated with some foresight and ample planning and preparation. Whichever destination you choose, whether it’s a popular one or something on the exotic side, you have to be conscious and aware of the risks involved and make the necessary adjustments.

What exactly can you do?

First, you have to look at your company's travel policy and check whether your chosen destination fits this policy.

Next, check whether you can outsource all or parts of the management of the incentive program. Sometimes, even if you have the resources available, including manpower, getting outside help can help you overcome many risks while allowing you to save more money over the long haul by eliminating the guesswork involved.

After that, you need to account for every possible emergency and craft a suitable contingency plan if the initial one does not pan out. This will allow your program winners to still get the best possible experience despite potential stumbling blocks that you may encounter.

Identifying these risks early on and making the necessary preparations and adjustments will help ensure the success of an incentive travel program.