The results of a new global survey of the travel reward sector has found that destination appeal is imperative to the success of programs.
The Incentive Travel & Motivational Events Study from the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), a global body with more than 2500 members, also found that infrastructure within a destination is highly regarded.
In a post-COVID world safety, health and security are also at the top when incentive travel planners are selecting destinations to take their reward programs.
When asked about absolute requirements for incentive event destinations, the most popular must-haves were proof that everybody will be treated equally, and the need for luxury five-star accommodation.
Other key findings were:
- Clouds on the horizon – Nearly all of the incentive professionals who responded to this survey are concerned with the impact of rising costs and inflation (92%). And with much of the world watching how election results play out around the world in 2024, alongside ethno-national conflicts raging, half of the survey-takers are also concerned about geopolitical instability (49%).
- Key suppliers – Destination Management Companies and hotel reps/sales directors are clear preferred partners for planners.
- Country selection for incentive programs – More than 50 percent of planners surveyed said they look to forge and strengthen industry relationships at event industry trade shows (83%), through personal recommendations (67%), and as part of fam trips (62%). They’re also open to finding the information they need through online research, and at association events. While around four in 10 incentive organisers look for information from destination marketing organizations (DMOs), only a small handful rely on social media connections or industry media
- Influences on programs – key influencers on where programs go come from marketing heads (27%) and company CEOs (24%)
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence conducts regular global surveys to gauge the latest trends for the sector.