10 Reasons Why Group Travel Incentives are a Top Motivator & Great for Your Bottom Line
Originally posted on January 17, 2017, and updated on May 16, 2023.
With the pandemic largely in the rearview mirror, Americans are taking to the skies with force. According to the TSA website, passenger levels through April 2023 are in line with the same time frame in 2019. CAPA, Centre for Aviation, reports that corporate travel is gaining momentum in 2023, and leisure tourism is up more than 9 percent over 2019 levels. On the spectrum between traveling for business and traveling for pleasure, you’ll find group incentive travel.
Incentive travel has been steadily climbing since early 2022, with top destination hotels booking up years in advance. The Incentive Research Foundation, in conjunction with the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence and the Financial and Insurance Conference Professionals, found 67% of North American buyers resumed international incentive travel in 2022. Domestic (especially Hawaii) and Caribbean destinations also remain very popular right now. Allied Market Research predicts the global incentive travel market will grow from its 2021 level of $42 Billion to more than $215 Billion by 2031.
There’s a reason incentive travel is making a strong comeback. It works. It’s a great motivator, an aspirational reward, and a perfect balance of building relationships, recognizing outstanding performance and experiencing incredible moments together.
Some of the top industries utilizing incentive travel include healthcare, banking and finance, IT and manufacturing. Why should your business consider this often high-ROI motivator for your sales teams, channel partners, top performers and loyal customers? We’ve got 10 reasons for you!
1. Incentive travel creates a positive emotional connection.
When someone is emotionally connected to your company, they’re more likely to be more productive (employees), think of your product first (channel partners) and be loyal to your brand (customers).
2. It brings people together to celebrate.
We all appreciate the ability to gather now more than we did in 2019. Being recognized for an achievement among other top performers is an esteem booster that continues long after the travel experience ends.
3. It has trophy value.
When was the last time you saw someone post their bonus check on social media? That money usually goes right into the bank account and makes paying for gas and groceries easier, but doesn’t necessarily create a lasting memory. People definitely post their photos of amazing travel adventures and can easily share how they earned it without feeling braggy.
4. It builds trust.
When representatives of your company interact with participants during an incentive travel program, personal connections are made. This can lead to a higher level of confidence in your company and its leadership. Not to mention the shared experiences to reminisce about in future business meetings.
5. It increases loyalty.
Incentive travel winners will feel like they’re “part of the family” of your organization. Gratitude blooms. Loyalty to your brand follows.
6. It’s customizable.
Your travel program itinerary is unique to your company and its goals. You know your culture better than anyone. Building a travel experience that caters to your core values, demographics and participants’ personal interests will make your program a bar-raiser!
7. It’s a great way to promote healthy competition.
Whether you’re awarding the travel incentive to the top 5% or it’s a “hit and win” structure, people will be eager to beat out the competition or outperform their personal best. Often, we hear participants say, “I will do what it takes to earn this award again next year!”
8. It’s cost-effective.
With the correct rule structure, incentive travel programs can pay for themselves, and then some. Factor in the lifelong memories created, increases in loyalty and productivity, and now we’re in the “priceless” territory.
9. Travel has universal appeal.
This is especially true for Millennials, who seem to prioritize travel more than previous generations. And when the cost of travel is picked up, a significant other is included, and there are wow-worthy events accentuating the entire experience, it’s hard to beat it!
10. Having Motivation Excellence as your partner makes it easy!
We know how to Inspire Extraordinary Performance through our award-winning travel programs, performance-tracking platforms, and creative engagement campaigns.
Notice, we never used the word “trip” in this writing. Anyone can plan a trip. We create memorable experiences that are meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. With us as your guide, you’ll enjoy the “before, during and after” even more than your participants!
Now that you have the “Top Ten” list at your disposal, contact us if you’re ready to start down the road to building a successful incentive program (travel, point-based, lifestyle packages, individual travel, personalized rewards). We’re here to start from scratch, or pick up where you left off before the pandemic, and anywhere in between.
Why You Need a Non-Cash Employee Incentive Program
Once upon a time in the years before the internet and social media and people actually stayed at the same company their entire lives, companies didn’t think to worry about employee incentives. Their form of recognition was a lapel pin when employees hit years-of-service milestones, or perhaps a lump sum bonus check for hitting a major goal.
Fast forward a number of years and companies do in fact need to worry about employee incentives. In the wake of the “great recession” of 2008-2009, younger employees are diversifying their skill sets and older workers have learned that loyalty to a company doesn’t always pay off. Today’s CEOs have to consider the fact that their employees absolutely need reasons to stay put – and those reasons better be good.
In addition to a competitive compensation & benefits package, positive working environment, and meaningful work, today’s workforce needs to be rewarded to go the extra mile – without going an extra mile down the road to the next company.[bctt tweet=”Today’s workforce needs to be rewarded to go the extra mile.” username=”motivateme”]
So, what is a modern company to do? (more…)
4 Traits of Successful Channel Incentive Programs
Data-Driven
When it comes to channel incentives and channel loyalty, it’s important to first start with the basics: where are you, and where do you want to go? The first step is to understand where you are, as well as how & why you got there in the first place. Many times, there are patterns in data that can tell you some important things about your business. By taking a closer look at the data, you’re able to identify the issues and then create a solution to fix them.
Personalized
Not all rewards are created equal. All employees have different tastes, preferences, and dreams, and your incentive program should reflect that. Research has shown programs that give employees or reps the ability to choose their own rewards prove to be more effective than those with generic prizes.[bctt tweet=”Not all employee rewards are created equal.” username=”motivateme”]
A points-based system allows participants to earn in a variety of ways while working for something they’ve put on their personal wish list. A step further would be to add a unique travel experience incentive for top performers – an added bonus to go the extra mile and instill competition.
Simple
Simple – to the participant. Success in a channel incentive program starts with high participation, and participation increases when the program is easily understood. This begins with a well-designed program and is amplified with a stellar communications program. When the program is laid out in a way that’s easy to understand, chances are you’ll be more successful from the start.
Attainable
Of course you want your participants to set their sights high. This, if achieved, is a win-win for everyone. But it’s key to make sure the milestones you choose are challenging, yet attainable. A good starting point to understand where challenge meets reality is – you guessed it – in your data.
Going back to your data further drives home our first section: your channel incentive program needs to be data driven, without a doubt. Without using proper business intelligence tools, how will you pinpoint the problems you need to solve?
Remember, the most successful programs are well-designed, crafted with thoughtful development. They are easy to understand, personal, and most importantly, attainable. Because no one likes a goal they’ll never reach.
Need to get started with your data-driven program? Learn more about our approach.
Welcome to Our Team, Rebecca!
In late June, we warmly welcomed a new team member to the Motivation Excellence family. Below is the press release announcing our newest Business Development Director, Rebecca Steiner.
Rebecca Steiner has been hired by Motivation Excellence, Inc., an engagement and incentive company focused on inspiring people to achieve excellence. Rebecca will work directly with clients developing solutions that will improve business results. (more…)
Designing Your Meeting Experience
2016 meeting trends have shown that people no longer want to sit in a stuffy conference hall and listen to a boring presentation. (But really, is this trending? Who has ever wanted this?)
According to the 2016 Successful Meetings annual poll, nearly two thirds of meetings planners said the “need to create a compelling meeting experience” for attendees was one of the most important trends to follow in order to create effective meetings in 2016. Take your meeting, product launch, or trade show to the next level by following these guidelines.[bctt tweet=”Creating a compelling meeting experience is one of the top trends among meeting planners.” username=”motivateme”] (more…)
Employee Spotlight: Jen
Each month we will be highlighting one of our amazing employees. We’ll ask them some work-related questions and also some not-so-work-related questions – hopefully, you’ll be able to see why we think we’ve got the best people around.
Today, our spotlight is on Jen Hurley, Travel Billing Services Director.
First, tell us your job role and how long you’ve been at Motivation Excellence.
I have been the Travel Billing Services Director for a little over two years. And I have loved every minute of it! Seriously, this is probably the best, most fun job I have had.
First job?
I was a billing clerk at a trucking company. I think that’s where I developed my mouth.
If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it?“Trying to Find Calm Amongst Chaos.” I have three kids. I think this title is self-explanatory.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My Kindle. I read constantly. If I forget it at home I feel like I’m missing a piece of myself for the entire day.
If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?
I don’t know if I would like to be another person. I think we are all who we are for a reason. But if I absolutely had to pick I’d be Donald Trump just so I could end my presidential campaign. (shout to Joe!)
What’s the worst thing you did as a kid?
I told my grandma my brother was swearing and he was sent to bed with no dinner. I still feel bad about that.
Do you have a motto or personal mantra?
Don’t let your past dictate the person you are today.
What I fear most:
Disappointing or failing my family. Every day I worry that I’m not a good enough mom or wife. I think that’s pretty common, unfortunately.
What I’m proudest of:
My three kids. They are growing up to be smart, funny, caring people, and I have no idea how it’s happening.
People would be surprised to know:
My knowledge of useless information knows no bounds. I can’t remember what day of the week it is, but if you are looking for a piece of obscure pop culture trivia, I’m your girl.
Pet peeves:
This is a long list…. I think it can be summed in in rude people. Things like interrupting, treating people poorly or speaking down to people put my teeth on edge.
What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
My husband and I went to Florida for a week and completely forgot that we were responsible adults. It was fantastic!
If I could do it all over again, I would:
I would go to college right after high school. That is my biggest regret.
Tell us about what you do when you’re not at work:
I love to read. I read, on average, three books a week. But I like to create things too. Right now I’m learning to sew, and after that I want to tackle crochet. My biggest dream is to build something from scratch. Like a table, or cabinet or house. Unfortunately, I’m not terribly gifted when it comes to carpentry.
And finally, you’re happiest when:
I’m hanging out with my family. My three monkeys keep me on my toes, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
How to Launch a Killer Channel Incentive Program
Delivering the Sales Results You Need Now
by Leslie Remenek, Business Development Director
In today’s highly competitive marketplace, it is a challenge in itself simply to attract and influence customers to buy your products. (more…)
Group Travel Incentives: Shared Experiences that Motivate & Provide Value
Did you know that 46% of U.S. businesses use travel incentives? Whether you’re looking to accelerate sales of selective product lines, fast track new products, or simply distinguish your best and most loyal customers, incentive travel is an extremely effective motivator. (more…)
Travel Advisories: How We Deal With Warnings & Alerts
Whether you’re planning a travel experience for your sales team, employees, or channel partners, we want you to know: we’ve got you. When you book a travel program with us, you’re not only getting world-class service, you’ll be receiving years of experience and a vast network of travel partners. Here are some ways we avoid – and react to – various travel adversities.
More Than Logistics: Measuring Your Meeting
There’s SO much more to events than logistics. Do you know what your attendees want to take away from your meeting? Do you know what you want them to be taking away? Before we begin planning the event, it’s imperative to find out the “why” of your meeting and put it into action.
