Sustainability shapes strategic incentive trip design in Singapore

Multiyear incentive strategy sustained motivation to earn

A multiyear theme—Wonders of the World—tied successive trips together in a storyline, building anticipation for Singapore and teasing Egypt the following year for repeat earners. Monthly challenges unlocked trip enhancements like extra nights, suites and flight upgrades.

Strategic destination selection for sustainable incentive travel

Ecolab leaders intentionally selected Singapore to support the brand’s sustainability goals, while recognizing the success of the APAC region. As one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities, the destination reinforced the company’s role as a global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions. It also enabled meaningful cultural moments for earners from 37 countries. 

Event strategy

• Strengthened global employee engagement by using the Ecolab APAC HQ for hosted experiences 
• Delivered sustainable incentive travel through locally sourced food, venues and partners in the “greenest city in the world" 
• Motivated earners with multiyear theme and engagement campaign 

Cultural immersion in Singapore

• Exclusive Asian elephant feeding experience and behind-the-scenes tour, with a give-back component (activity costs partially went back to help fund the Asian Elephant Rescue)  
• F1 track go-kart racing included leadership participation 
• Luxury spa treatments at the Ritz–Carlton, Millenia Singapore 
• Market-to-table cooking class emphasized local flavors 
• Singapore Sling cocktail masterclass 
• Bumboat ride and Chinatown tour in small groups 
• Garden Gala with an exclusive, Ecolab-branded light show at Gardens by the Bay

Cohesive communications 

• Trip microsite shared earnings opportunities and trip updates throughout the year 
• Videos hyped the event  
• Attendee invitations and mailings conveyed luxury 
• Trip app enabled on-the-go information access 
• In-suite gifting and messaging enhanced the on-site experience 

Virtual travel experiences 

• Gameshow icon Vanna White introduced gifting packages via a fun recorded message 
• Pre-mailed drink kits tied to a mixology class  
• Leadership chat rooms recreated in-person receptions 
• An awards show emceed by late-night host James Corden  
• Winners received vouchers for individual trips 

Strategic event contracting reinvested savings into the experience 

Partnering with local suppliers for décor, amenities and entertainment supported the local economy and protected Ecolab’s budget. Those savings, plus securing tourism grants and negotiating hotel enhancements, were reinvested into guest-facing upgrades, like rooms with a view of the harbor’s nightly light show.

The hotel:

• Agreed to match the room rate from 5 years prior
• Offered credit from previous trip cancellations  
• Delivered a bottle of champagne and branded glasses with sweet treat and card to each room