Incentive Travel: It Works for Budgets Big or Small

The value of incentive travel has served many years to encourage and motivate workers to do their very best. In regards to businesses, the lure of incentive travel has captured the interest of many employees, customers, sales people and clients in various fields.

For years business owners have enticed employees with the prospect of incentive trip invitations based upon their level of commitment and performance within the company. Recent studies have found that the use of such programs has indeed boosted the overall success of companies, including, of course, an increase in revenue.

Employees who work hard are normally doing so as a result of some sort of incentive. When the incentive is a trip to a wonderful destination, employees will perform outstandingly well in order to win that trip. As an incentive trip stands to award employees for their hard work, the recognition employees receive by merely winning the trip is an incentive in itself. Also, many companies hold award ceremonies in order to personally recognize their achievements. The result of such a ceremony will likely continue to lure employees into giving their best so that they can be recognized by their superiors more often. The feeling of accomplishment will last long after the trip is over and will encourage employees to continue in their efforts to win the next available trip as will pictures and memories. Life enrichment is also exceedingly valuable to participants. Travel offers cultural experiences which broadens horizons and introduces the customs of other people and places.

Group incentive travel, the primary method most offered by employers, can educate, build team spirit, improve morale, and increase the productivity of top performers. Another important aspect an incentive trip offers is providing quality time for management and winners to network and become better acquainted with one another. Employees often love to spend time one on one with their employers; a truly personal experience which creates relationships outside of the workplace. This often motivates employees to work hard in the workplace in order to “look good” to the employer, just as students tend to do in school.

Corporate budgets for incentive travel can be big or small and there are plenty of destinations to accommodate both. Many companies start out by allocating a small amount to their initial trip, often choosing a domestic destination, in order to see the benefits of an offer. Travel awards have indefinable value to workers that can drastically surpass their actual cost. Travel in itself is valued higher than its actual cost which is a plus in and of its self. If and when the benefits become apparent and are rewarding, and revenue is increased, budgets often increase as well. More desirable destinations are chosen with a variety of activity options offered which further entice employees. Programs should always be rewarding, and never exhausting. Even to budgets.