“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” Despite the recent changes in all our lives, this quote resonates with me more than any other. Of course, it could be because I am craving the ocean air and salty water! Am I the only one? Not at all. Luxury incentive travel has long been considered the ultimate reward, and aspirational five-star trips will continue to be desirable and influence the way incentive programs are designed. But people are also yearning for one-of-a-kind experiences that are meaningful, authentic and inspire a sense of connection. Plus, after coming home with many wonderful memories, winners feel a deepened loyalty towards their company, and this halo effect shifts to a renewed commitment to hit targets again! As humans, we crave connection and hate the idea of being left out! So look to create a little bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) with incentive travel and events as your reward.
The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasted a more than 11% increase in travel spending over 2019 pre-pandemic levels. This is an astonishing increase in spent, but not that surprising once you also consider the limitations on global travel for 2 years.
With a clear view, an organisation’s investment in an incentive travel program is like any of their other sales and marketing expenditure: purely a return-on-investment decision based on commercial outcomes. So, it’s a critical requirement that your program justifies overall spend and how they compare to other forms of Sales and Marketing expenditure. If the investment is to be sustainable, the program needs to ensure it triggers the right behaviours that are generally formed in year 2 or year 3 of a program.
Some long-term benefits of a strategic Travel Incentive program are:
What does an Incentive Travel program look like? Here are six steps to redefine your incentive travel program.
Now that your program is set, it’s time for the fun bit of selecting your travel destination.
Mt Mulligan Outback, Queensland
Experience the spirit of the Queensland back-country through a captivating and timeless landscape. The expansive property where you’ll stay and explore still bears the marks of the historic gold and coal rush and, in its current life as a working cattle station, the rich pastoral history of Australia.
Mt Mulligan Lodge lies at the foot of its impressive namesake, overlooks a sparkling weir, and is surrounded by an untamed landscape in every direction. What’s more, you’ll travel to this all-inclusive luxury lodge via a 35-minute scenic helicopter flight or a 2.5-hour 4WD adventure from Cairns.
Destination Highlights
Hotel of Choice – Mt Mulligan Lodge
The lodge accommodates 10 spacious guest retreats that complement the landscape and offer a luxurious and charming take on pastoral living. Each retreat is a sanctuary overlooking a eucalyptus-fringed weir and views of the ever-changing moods of Mount Mulligan.
The contemporary retreats are luxurious yet retain a raw external charm with their spotted gum timber cladding, pitched roofs and deep verandahs. Inside, the earthy tones and lavish leather furniture give a rich sense of place. Slide open the glass and timber doors onto your private deck to run a deep outdoor bath while you take in the incredible vista of the Northern Queensland outback.
Singapore – A Cultural Kaleidoscope
Capitalising on its melting pot of cultures, Singapore is fast becoming one of Asia’s must-see destinations. From cheap hawker fare to Michelin-starred fine dining, a buffet of activities on offer, and an ever-buzzing nightlife, Singaporeans (and tourists) will line up for it and Instagram the hell out of it.
Even the skyline’s getting in on the act, as concrete towers give way to green skyscrapers that look more like living ecosystems than business hubs. In fact, the entire country is fervently working towards their dream of a ‘City in a Garden’. Singapore’s sure to exceed your expectations for your next incentive group travel experience.
Destination Highlights
Hobart – Gateway to Nature Wonderland
Long considered by Australian “mainlanders” as a sleepy backwater, Tasmania has finally shaken off this reputation as tourists flock to the capital of this pure, scenic wonderland. And while it may be Australia’s smallest state, Tasmania packs a punch when it comes to the ultimate travel incentive or conference destination. The streets of Hobart buzz with art and culture while boasting an exciting foodie scene that offers something for everyone.
Outdoor lovers will find this a magical place where you can experience remarkable natural beauty, from brooding mountains to stunning beaches, all while you enjoy what’s said to be the cleanest air in the world. If you still aren’t sure why you should go, speak to our experts at 212F Group. Once you know the full story, we guarantee you’ll have Tasmania on your bucket list, whether coming from mainland Australia or on the new direct flights from New Zealand. It’s time to think Travel Incentive Tasmania!
Destination Highlights
We know that many companies are out there planning incentive travel programs using only internal resources. Often, that means assigning a meeting planner or charging someone in sales or marketing with the project. Stop! Let us do the heavy lifting. At 212F, our roots are in B2B travel incentives and corporate rewards programs for over 25 years. Over the years, we have seen hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on corporate travel and events. It is the best way to make sure your trip reflects your brand image and is maximum fun for everyone is to trust those who have experience running B2B incentive travel trips.
Contact our Travel, Conferences and events experts today – GET IN TOUCH!
