Incentive Travel is Back on the Agenda

Amid frozen salaries and slashed bonuses, you might assume that staff motivation is no longer in fashion. In fact, the reverse is true. Organizations that have undergone restructuring are inevitably left with staff unsure about their futures.

As a result, companies look at how to restore morale and get the best from a slimmed-down workforce.  Consequently, motivation programs are back and corporations are turning to the tried and tested methods including the travel incentive.

After all, the whole purpose of an incentive is to improve performance, making them the perfect example of a successful Return on Investment. Time and again surveys show that group travel remains the most popular form of reward in both employee and dealer programs.

According to Des McLaughlin, Managing Director of Grass Roots, “These are well thought-out projects that are meticulously planned, and not staged for frivolous purposes. In this respect, it is not about spending money needlessly. Travel has always been an integral element of incentives and the program needs to truly impress the recipient to ensure they work hard to attain their place.”

It is clear that motivational programs now matter more if corporate performance targets are met. One new trend is shorter programs. Many companies do not want their staff out of the office for more than a few days; however, this is not stopping them from booking shorter-stay exotic incentive trips.

For more information on how to develop a successful incentive travel program, contact Covington Meetings & Events.

Source: 2011 Meetings Industry Report conducted by Grass Roots, April 2011