Insider perspective: Top incentive travel destinations for 2026
By: Jodi Swailes
What you need to know
- Incentive travel programs remain an effective strategy to engage and retain employees.
- Repeat earners want experiential itineraries that prioritize local immersion, wellness and sustainability.
- Choosing a luxury incentive trip destination involves assessing internal organizational priorities
A motivating incentive travel destination is more than a reward for exceptional performance. The best incentive trips blend authentic experiences and brand values to inspire ambitious employees. Meaningful time in exciting locales transforms a few unforgettable days into lasting loyalty.
Many forward-thinking organizations plan early to secure top incentive trip destinations at the most favorable rates. (Our experts recommend the ideal corporate event planning timeline begins between 18 months and 2 years out.) Having an insider perspective benefits organizations interested in booking (and sometimes buying out) breathtaking properties that blend adventure and culture, luxury and sustainability.
Here are our picks for incentive trips that even repeat earners will be eager to experience.
Trending North American incentive travel destinations for 2026
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Alberta, Canada
Why this destination is trending: Canada leads in corporate event sustainability commitments. Plus, the strong exchange rate (20% or more savings on the U.S. dollar) supports event budgets. Mountain sports like fly fishing, biking and heli-hiking get attendees away from the crowds, immersing them in the majestic natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Jasper is bouncing back from 2024’s devastating wildfires, with a story to tell.
- New tours enlighten visitors on fire ecology while highlighting how nature adapts and recovers.
- Fireside chats about Cree traditions and culture, beading lessons, plant walks and drumming sessions infuse indigenous knowledge.
Where to stay: BASIN Glacial Waters, a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly thermal bathing experience, is now open at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Located in Alberta's Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel is globally recognized for progressive environmental stewardship and responsible tourism. Currently undergoing a full transformation, The Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff will reopen in July, 2026.
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Boston, U.S.
Why this destination is trending: Expect more than fireworks for America’s 250th anniversary celebration. Revolutionary roots and revelatory innovation merge in a city steeped in culture. Pair special programming along the city’s iconic Freedom Trail with the July return of Sail Boston, an event that packs the harbor with historic tall ships from all over the world. Guests from around the globe will take interest in Boston as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Consider combining city activities with an escape to Martha’s Vineyard or Cape Cod for coastal relaxation.
Where to stay: Raffles Boston represents the international luxury hotelier’s first North American location. Renowned for elegant accommodations and a standout butler service, their hospitality team can call on an array of local partnerships to enhance guests' stay. The five-star Four Seasons Hotel Boston is also a premier property, nestled among Victorian brownstone homes near Back Bay.
Trending island incentive travel destinations for 2026
Dominican Republic
Why this destination is trending: We consider the Dominican Republic “the new Cabo." The Caribbean nation is on the cusp of the same kind of hotel boom as Cabo San Lucas and also boasts top-rated golf opportunities, like at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. Destination management companies are designing new experiences to immerse attendees in the island and culture:
- Luxury sailing excursions to the National Park of the East
- Kid-friendly adventures at Scape Park, such as zip lining, cave tours and dune buggies
- Deep dives into the cuisine with cooking classes
Where to stay: New luxury hotels include the 340-room W Punta Cana, which elevates adults-only, all-inclusive across 13 exceptional restaurants and bars, and The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort—both Marriott properties. With a Four Seasons scheduled to open in 2026 and a Ritz-Carlton planned for future years, this destination is destined to become even more popular.
![View of incentive travel destination Okinawa, Japan]()
Okinawa, Japan
Why this destination is having a trending: Tourism to Japan is booming, so look for a wellness-oriented destination not overtaken by leisure travel. Okinawa prefecture, a chain of subtropical islands, is one of the world’s famed Blue Zones. Known as “Japan’s Hawaii,” this region features pristine beaches, excellent scuba diving and easy access to nature. Other experiences include
Junglia, an immersive amusement park opened in Yambaru Forest. Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recently underwent a complete restoration.
Where to stay: A new
Rosewood Miyakojima opened in March 2025, with wellness activities tied to the region's reputation for longevity and lasting health. Attendees can learn local secrets while exploring treatments and study the meditative impact of martial arts. The 97-room
Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, a golf and spa resort, also accommodates groups.
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Singapore
Why this destination is trending: We’ve seen how Singapore serves as a motivating destination for clients, especially multigenerational groups. Attendees fly into the Travel + Leisure No. 1 airport in the world, which features biometric, passport-less clearance. Then, make conservation a centerpiece with activations at Mandai Rainforest Wild Asia, an adventure-driven zoological park. The Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa tripled its size, reframing its mission with a Research and Learning Centre for innovation, sustainability and community outreach. Iconic Gardens by the Bay, in the heart of Singapore’s downtown, is home to a diverse collection of over 1.5 million plants and the new immersive, multisensory art of IMBA Theater.
Where to stay: New cruise ships are calling Singapore home and offering adventures throughout Asia. Disney’s first Asia-based vessel, Disney Adventure, sets sail from Singapore in 2026.
Related: What you need to know to design multigenerational incentive travel experiences.
A 2026 destination for “set-jetting” like a hero
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Greece’s Peloponnese Peninsula
Why this destination is trending: Group travel to Greece has surged for the past few years (Crete made our list in 2025), but few get beyond Athens. With Kalamata International airport expanding flight schedules to meet growing needs, getting to the Peloponnese Peninsula is easier than ever. This location offers the perfect combination of fine dining, uncrowded beaches, access to history and nature.
It’s also the setting for the soon-to-be-released, star-studded film The Odyssey. Trend reports show more travelers are seeking out real-life filming locations as destinations. In Greece, these cinematic spots support multisensory excursions:
- Hike to oceanside Nestor’s Cave to see where Matt Damon’s Odysseus outwits the Cyclops.
- Swim in Poseidon’s realm at Voidokilia Beach
- Explore Methoni Castle and the nearby town of Pylos, where Odysseus’s son seeks wisdom
Where to stay: Costa Navarino made gastronomy a priority, with a culinary program led by an executive chef with a Michelin-starred pedigree. Stay at the W, The Westin, Mandarin Oriental, or The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, which has 128 infinity pools.
Related: Slovenia is another emerging European destination our team recently explored.
Choose an incentive trip destination to complement company culture
Already booked for 2026? There’s still time to tap into trends. No matter the destination, incentive trip audiences are looking for programs that showcase:
- Experiential itineraries over sightseeing
- Local immersion and community partnerships
- Inclusion of wellness and agenda flexibility
- Sustainability and carbon-conscious travel
Thinking holistically, our experts suggest matching destinations to company culture, attendee interests and program goals. We consider the climate, budget, seasonality and travel duration to make recommendations. Having a partner to manage logistics, compliance and vendor relationships keeps the event planning cycle moving smoothly towards the overall event vision.
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