Incentive travel is all the rage among progressive business organizations; it’s a well-calculated tactic to improve work quality and strengthen employee engagement. Whenever incentive travel programs are presented, employees claim they take their game to a whole new level — because who wouldn’t want to travel?
However, incentive travel programs are not like ideal holiday trips to a beautiful destination. Sure, you get to see a new place and you’re even provided pocket money, but most of the time, there other things incorporated into the program, especially since companies want to make sure that the money allocated to this provision creates a benefit for the organization as well.
Don’t be too disillusioned, though, because you can trust that it will still be an enriching experience. However, it’s important to understand that it may not be everything you hoped it would be. Why?
First of all, you may be given a responsibility to accomplish for the company during the trip. You may be required to go to meetings, attend functions, scout the market, provide a report about the market, etc. So, get ready to bring some of your work essentials for the trip because you may find yourself writing up a report while you’re lounging at the poolside of your hotel.Your travel incentive is not going to be a complete R&R.
Secondly, your itinerary may include compulsory activities that you’re not too keen on joining (such as the trek to the highest peak of a tourist destination). This is common for companies that really just take advantage of those tour package offered nowadays for their incentive travel program instead of actually taking time to thoughtfully design the trip with an incentive travel agency.
Thirdly, you may not like your accommodations, and this is a common occurrence because some travel agencies really just look at hotel, inns, and other rental properties online; they haven’t personally seen these places to fully determine their quality. It’s not like these accommodations are bad, but there’s a possibility that they may just fall short of your expectations.
Fourthly, you may not get to do everything that you set your heart on doing based on your itinerary due to weather conditions. The incentive travel program may have the best intentions but it has no control over weather, and when weather turns mean and ruins your trip, you can’t blame the program.
And lastly, the adventure can turn on you. Being in a different place may prompt you to try a bunch of novel activities such as parasailing, swimming with dolphins, etc. All are intended for fun, but a lot of things can happen due to a mix of different variables. If you’re lucky, you’ll escape laughing at the unexpected outcome, but if you’re not, things can go the other way. So, do study the adventure you want to try.
The idea here is make your expectations realistic; this way, you can make adequate preparations and be able to make the best out of all the things that can happen during the trip.
"I've been working with Bruce and his team on two projects and they've been great to work with. Bruce has helped us set up a referral/incentive program for us to roll out with our clients and strategic partners. Bruce was great to work with. He's set up a 7 tier program that allows for flexibility and he's also helped us to market the program."
"Beverly arranged and managed the early Envivio Sales incentive trips for us. Each of our events was an outstanding and motivating experience Our Sales team appreciated the attention to detail and to fun. Qualifying for the "trip" was a motivating factor behind many end of year sales pushes. I will use Beverly again in the future."
"Peak Performance’s attention to detail and personal service made me feel like I had a true corporate meeting planning partner that I could rely on throughout the planning process right up until I was on site. I look forward to doing more meetings with them."
"I have used your services two years in a row and you all have made my vacation a great one. You have the most helpful and considerate employees. Always very friendly, respectful and willing to make my travel experience a good one. Thank you and keep up the great job."
