Incentive travel experiences are a powerful way to motivate and reward employees. These experiences may be a domestic or international trip with luxury accommodation and scheduled activities. Incentive travel is often used by companies as a reward for achieving specific goals or business objectives.  

These trips are more than holidays; they are carefully planned events created to motivate teams and spark lasting memories.

The types of activities offered on incentive travel trips will depend on a few different factors:  

• the destination 

• participant needs and interests 

• the goals of the program 

If you need some help deciding on the right location for your incentive trip, learn how to choose the perfect travel reward.

 In this blog we take a look at some of the most popular types of incentive travel activities, as well as some examples to try on your next trip.

Adventure and Adrenaline

Adventure activities are a popular choice for incentive travel programmes. They get the adrenaline pumping, take participants out of their usual comfort zone and encourage team bonding through a memorable shared experience.  

Activities such as white-water rafting, ziplining, rock climbing, mountain biking or even sky diving make for exhilarating incentive experiences your team will never forget.  

However, when planning an incentive travel activity, it’s essential to ensure that your choice of activity is inclusive and accessible to all attendees. Participants may prefer a gentler style of adventure, such as a hot air balloon ride, rather than a helicopter ride or offroad safari. It’s essential that you understand individual needs and preferences first, so the programme is equally enjoyable for all.

Luxury Experiences 

How about giving your participants a taste of luxury? Recent research by SITE, the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, revealed that luxury, five star accommodation is considered a ‘must-have’ for incentive travel trips. Providing highly desirable, aspirational experiences is a sure way to make the trip memorable. It can also help to incentivise your teams by offering something that would otherwise be out of reach.  
 
This could include high-end accommodation, fine dining in attractive or exclusive restaurants, private tours, yacht trips, and indulgent experiences such as champagne tasting, to make your participants feel valued.

Wellness and Relaxation

Activities focused around wellness are an excellent way to recognise a team that has been working especially hard. They also demonstrate to your participants that you are willing in invest in their health and wellbeing, which can help you drive retention and satisfaction among teams, and support staff recruitment. 

Typical wellness activities include yoga, meditation and spa treatments, but you could also consider arts, crafts or cooking classes, which are enjoyable yet relaxing. Partaking in this type of incentive activity in nature can enhance the experience further, as the natural environment can encourage participants to unwind and rejuvenate. 

Team Bonding

Strengthening the relationships between your team members can be a key objective of incentive travel programmes. Team-building activities can improve communication and trust, and they can also help break down team siloes to drive cross-team working.  

Team building incentive activity ideas include escape rooms, scavenger hunts, competitive strategy games or sports. These activities are suitable for a range of different budgets and locations, and can help enhance team dynamics through shared experiences and collaboration.

Volunteering and Giving Back

Incentive activities that promote social responsibility are becoming increasingly popular. They provide participants with a sense of personal accomplishment, boost happiness, and create meaningful shared experiences, while supporting local communities in the chosen destination.  

Volunteering incentive travel activities include undertaking a beach clean, working at an elephant sanctuary, helping a community building project, or supporting conservation local efforts.  

With sustainability a growing travel priority for many people, you could also choose a destination that promotes sustainable practices and eco-tourism when planning this type of incentive experience. By working with local communities to minimise your trip’s ecological footprint, your participants will better connect with the experience through a shared sense of purpose.

Maximise your Return on Investment

It’s no secret that incentive travel offers many benefits to businesses – as well as providing a powerful team motivation tool, it is an essential strategic investment for businesses all around the world. 
 
If you’d like help planning your next incentive trip, don’t hesitate to contact the Black Book team. We are experts in creating and organising incentive travel programmes that align with your business goals and help you achieve the desired results. Contact us today and start planning a memorable and rewarding experience for your employees!