Incentive travel programs continue to see rising popularity across the UK. With well-documented benefits ranging from improved productivity to increases in staff retention rates, more and more businesses across the country are starting to experience the power of travel incentive schemes first hand.
But before you start thinking about your business-boosting travel plans, it’s important to be aware there is a caveat to the success of travel incentive schemes. You cannot just send your employees anywhere and expect results. Incentive programs are all about unique and exciting destinations that drive your staff to top-level performances, so they qualify for rewards.
Fail to provide them with the “incentive” part of the scheme, and you’ll fail to reap the rewards. So you need to focus on selecting the right travel destinations for your employees. So where should you be looking, and why?
Vietnam
Why Vietnam?
Vietnam might have a troubled past, but its future is gloriously bright. The country has become one of the most sought after travel destinations in the world, with 8.5 million people visiting in the first six months of 2019. You only have to look at photos of the country to understand why it’s become so popular in recent years. Peaceful, beautiful and utterly serene, it’s a dream travel location for countless individuals across the UK.
Who Is Vietnam For?
Vietnam is an adventurous destination. Full of bustling, hectic cities, incredible wild scenery, and exotic foods and cultures, it’s a far cry from anything your staff will experience back home. Often a rugged and back-to-basics experience — although you could sprinkle in a little luxury — Vietnam is the perfect destination for employees who love to get in the thick of it and escape to a different world.
Malaysia
Why Malaysia?
Malaysia and the UK have strong historical and travel connections, making it an easy Eastern destination worth developing a travel scheme for. Rich in cultural diversity and luxurious travel experiences, this small but enchanting destination is a great choice for business travel programs. Kuala Lumpur is the world’s 10th most popular city for tourists, drawn in by its world-famous markets, food and skyline. The city joins legends like London, Paris and New York on the exclusive list and has aided the popularity of Malaysia as a tourist destination.
Who Is Malaysia For?
Malaysia might have some amazing opportunities for wild rainforest trekking and natural experiences, but what drives people to the country in their droves is the city life and culture. The capital of Kuala Lumpur provides all the thrills you’d expect of a vibrant Eastern hub. It’s a destination well suited for lovers of a thriving city vibe, looking for non-stop excitement in a location that promises new surprises around every corner.
Namibia
Why Namibia?
Culture, history, natural beauty, and wildlife; Namibia does have it all. From unforgettable experiences with ancient tribal communities to driving across the plains of Africa in search of giants like elephant and rhino, the country offers your employees the chance to check off some major bucket list activities. For an even more exotic encounter, you can arrange for travelers to ride buggies through the oldest desert in the world, and witness the majesty of the tallest dune on the planet.
Who Is Namibia For?
Known for being one of the safest countries in Africa, Namibia is a quiet and laid-back travel destination, just made for those who want to take it slow and unwind in peace. It’s not going to offer the vibrancy of big cities, nor the excitement of trekking through the wilds. But it is perfect for those who want a bit of outside-the-box adventure without having to get their hands dirty.
Costa Rica
Why Costa Rica?
Anyone who has seen Jurassic Park will be familiar with the aesthetics of Costa Rica. A wild, untamed and utterly gorgeous country, this unusual travel destination has seen massive jumps in visitor numbers in recent years. People visit to discover the enticing opportunities that lie hidden beneath its jungle canopies, as well as it’s waterfalls, rainforest, volcanos, exotic wildlife, and energetic local cultures. Costa Rica is a unique and special location. It’s a destination guaranteed to drive your employees to better results.
Who Is Costa Rica For?
Costa Rica inhabits a wild corner of the world. However, the range of travel experiences the country offers makes it perfect for those who like to relax in style and adventurous types who want to spend days hacking their way through forests and camping out under the stars. There are luxury jungle lodges that allow your employees to relax in peaceful surroundings, lounging by the pool or enjoying wellness activities, or wild treehouse cabins that put them right in the heart of nature. Costa Rica has something for everyone.
Croatia
Why Croatia?
Croatia is a truly unique European destination. The country promises an eclectic mix of old and new; urban and rural. City life is warm and inviting, with places like Dubrovnik and Split offering beautiful architecture and a quaint historical vibe. Venture outside the cities and you’ll enjoy stunning Mediterranean beaches, hot springs, and breathtaking national parks.
Who Is Croatia For?
Being a European destination, Croatia is only a two-hour flight from London. Short flights not only make Croatia a cost-effective travel option but useful for those looking to experience weekend or midweek trips without committing to extended travel. Croatia’s accessibility makes it perfect for those who have families or other commitments that can make longer-term travel hard. The mixture of culture and nature also ensures you can grab the attention of a range of employees, allowing everyone to experience something that interests them.
Sri Lanka
Why Sri Lanka?
A small island with a lot to offer, Sri Lankan tourism has exploded in recent years and it was even named the top country to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet. There are many reasons why your employees might find Sri Lanka particularly alluring. The country is home to a friendly and welcoming people who are eager to share their cultures, foods, and history with travelers. It is also a place of distinct natural beauty, with jungles, mountains and stunning wildlife, including herds of wild roaming elephant. In contrast, you can also enjoy beach towns and resorts that offer amazing tropical experiences mixed with luxurious accommodation.
Who Is Sri Lanka For?
Due to its size and diverse mixture of opportunities, Sri Lanka is a great destination for those who want to cram as much travel as possible into a short period. It is a country that lets your employees explore and indulge their desires for authentic travel experiences without having to give up on commitments back home and spend months backpacking. For adventurers with limited time on their hands, Sri Lanka is the place to go.
Japan
Why Japan?
Japan is famous for so many things. It’s world-renowned for its history and culture, with pointed pagoda architecture being instantly recognizable wherever you come from. Then there’s the art of zen, food and famous meditation gardens — fascinating, enchanting and guaranteed to absorb your employees. That’s before we even get started on the incredible mountainous landscapes, rural communities and exciting modern cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Who Is Japan For?
Japan is very much an unsung hero of the travel world. The incredible range of diverse experiences on offer means it’s a country that allows you to sculpt your incentive program around what will most entice your employees. You could offer a little bit of everything for those who want to see it all or focus on specific elements like the rich history of the vibrant and technically advanced cities. Whatever fits with the personality of your employees the most.
The Maldives
Why the Maldives?
The Maldives is a stunning collection of tropical islands set like jewels in the heart of the Indian Ocean. While this is one of the more expensive destinations on the list, it’s well worth the money. A once-in-a-life location, the Maldives present your business with the chance to treat employees to a lavish travel experience they won’t soon forget. If you want to drive your staff with true incentives, there can be few destinations quite like the Maldives.
Who Is the Maldives For?
A trip to The Maldives is perhaps the most decadent and luxurious travel experience on the planet. The islands are the ultimate in luxury. Incredible hotels and water-bound huts that make your staff feel like royalty match the breathtaking surroundings. The Maldives is a slow and peaceful destination, designed to unravel stress and release tensions of the body and mind. It’s not somewhere for people seeking thrills and excitement — it’s a place for people who want to let their troubles melt away.
