The most rewarding incentive travel experiences instill a sense of wonder, while keeping attendees safe.
Destination selection is a major aspect of crafting a memorable journey. In my experience sourcing sites for thousands of incentive travel programs, I’ve come to understand the full range of considerations that influence decisions about incentive travel destinations. It’s my passion to support leaders in finding the right fit.
While incentive trips to Hawaii remain perennially popular, global organizations willing to consider a full range of options can manage risk and host budget-friendly programs. Unfortunately, misperceptions limit many potential destinations too early in the planning process.
Expert partners make navigating concerns about political unrest, extreme weather events and other risk factors easier. Event management companies bring on-the-ground knowledge of destination pros and cons to the selection process. Plus, up-to-date threat analysis and monitoring capabilities.
Risk mitigation in incentive travel destination selection
When my team sources potential corporate incentive trip destinations, we prioritize the following factors:
- Group size
- Program budget
- Where attendees are traveling from
- Time of year
- Property amenities
- Travel trends
We present carefully curated options, narrowed with the help of our buyers’ extensive travel market knowledge. Sometimes, recommendations include unexpected or emerging destinations.
One common question we hear from leaders considering a new destination: Is it safe?
This question is well-intentioned. However, feeling safe is subjective. Some popular destinations might be perceived as safe, but there is always something to consider. Densely touristed areas attract pickpockets, for instance. Other global destinations once considered unsafe have evolved into top picks. Headlines about unrest and other happenings in the U.S. are also shaping travel perceptions of the country.
All environments hold some inherent risks. And, given the pace of global events, these are constantly shifting.
It’s more helpful to approach the selection process understanding:
- Possible risk factors (environmental and human-made)
- Recommended risk management strategies
- Safety and security resources available
Your organization should have enough resources available to mitigate any of the risk factors identified, prioritizing safety and security of attendees throughout the journey.
Related: Peek into our events planners’ risk management playbook.
Educating decision-makers about incentive trip destinations
Often, misperceptions about incentive travel destination safety and security are based on secondhand information or media portrayals. Educating decision-makers helps inform the process.
For example, think about Cartagena, Colombia. Fans of the 1980s film “Romancing the Stone” might hold lingering fears about kidnappings and violence. However, this vibrant city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by miles of ancient walls.
Activities abound there, which creates multiple options that appeal to different generations and types of travelers. Start with salsa dance lessons or a nature trek to meet rare monkeys. Charter a yacht and explore the Islas Del Rosario, an archipelago of 27 coral islands.
Relaxing beach vacations are also popular. Mexico can host excellent, affordable options. But earners rank this location lower than places like the Caribbean in Incentive Research Foundation’s attendee perception reports. However, if a trip is happening around hurricane season, the Caribbean might not be the best choice. We’ve seen islands decimated by superstorms, resulting in trips re-booking elsewhere as a resort rebuilds.
Mexico might present a perfect alternative. When a brand pushes back at a suggestion, we try to understand why. Concerns about safety and, often, lack of familiarity with geography, might be at play.
Perhaps a CEO’s neighbor’s grandma had a bad experience in Mexico. We come to learn that incident was years ago, many miles from the luxury resort we could propose in Cabo San Lucas.
Or, as temperatures and political tensions rise in some popular destinations, pivot to avoid the heat. Set your event strategy around a more “neutral” mountainous destination, like Switzerland or Canada. Including spa time within an Alpine adventure appeals to high-energy earners.
Related: Discover Jodi’s incentive trip destinations picks for intergenerational groups.
Proactive incentive travel destination safety and security
Ideally, incentive trip destinations are selected and booked at least two years in advance to secure the best options and pricing. Many situations can unfold within that time span so creative problem-solving skills are a must.
Protecting your people and budget requires staying proactive. It’s important to have support in negotiating favorable contract provisions. Work with event safety and security partners to assess and monitor environmental and human-made threats. Strong partners can also arrange extra on-site event security as part of a comprehensive risk management strategy.
Find inspiration for destinations that delight in our incentive travel guidebook.