10 Tips for Creating a Successful Incentive Travel Program

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Incentive travel is a wonderful way to entice employees or distributors to increase their effectiveness and your company’s position in the market place. The motivation a potential trip can provide has the ability to augment revenue as well as work place morale. Incentive travel can be focused on either a sales force or a distribution network, the trip can be national or international. Regardless, the perfect incentive travel program starts with careful planning.

Below are the ten most important tips for creating a successful incentive travel program which fits your company’s size, budget and culture:

  • Establish your corporate incentive program objectives. What would you like your incentive travel program to achieve? These objectives can range from increased revenue of sales, increased productivity and office morale, decrease in flawed business practices, or to simply reward your employees for their continued hard work. No matter the goal, it is important to provide a specific value to the improvement such as a sales quota which must be met, a specific dollar amount of revenue which must be attained, or any other method of evaluating the performance of your employees.
  •  Decide on the target recipient. In essence, who is eligible to participate in the incentive travel program? This could be sales persons, general employees, the management team, or even customers.
  • Learn what the preferences, interests, and values are of your target recipient in order to create a trip tailored to your specific needs based on your available budget.
  • Study the behavior and performance of your employees in order to ascertain practical tasks for your targeted recipients.
  • Be sure you have a clear system in place to track the performance level of your employees.
  • Think of any obstacles which may exist affecting the success of the program. This could be market conditions, current work place morale, or structural organization.
  • Determine whether the program will be planned and managed internally or outsourced to a company which specializes in incentive travel.
  • Recognize and become familiar with applicable tax implications. Often, under particular circumstances, travel can be taxable so it is important to understand certain tax forms which may be required.
  • Before selecting an incentive travel partner, be sure that the company agrees to satisfy the full extent of your contract, especially what is promised pertaining to your budget. Also, be fully aware of all cancellation polices.
  • At the conclusion of your program, evaluate both those who won and those that did not win to determine whether the program was effective in accomplishing your established objectives.

In conclusion, incentive travel is a good tool in establishing any set company goal. Be sure to set clear and concise goals, decide on a budget, determine what your target audience wants, and base your decision on options which cater to each. Even companies with smaller budgets can greatly benefit from incentive travel.

For more specific details on incentive travel trips, contact us online, or call us today – 704-540-1482.

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What is the Difference Between Incentive Travel & Travel Incentives?

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Many people do not understand that there is a difference between travel incentive programs for any individual, and the offering of incentive travel programs through a place of business aimed at inciting greater action and effort from employees, improving sales motivation, and rewarding sales increases. Travel incentives involve the use of travel based programs through credit cards usage, special purchases, banking transactions or even retail shopping incentives just to name a few. People who participate in the program receive travel awards based upon their spending habits. These rewards then offer travel at a reduced cost, or sometimes even free, for people who have garnered the incentive, and are allowed to choose, based on preset destination options, from a wide selection of locations to which they can redeem their incentive. Travel incentives often allow people to travel to destinations and locations that they might not normally be able to afford, but the hidden cost is the price of using the credit card, purchasing certain items, or participation in the program.

Incentive Travel Trips as Employee Rewards

Incentive travel is a much different industry that appeals to businesses and corporations. Incentive travel programs are used for employees at a large or small corporation, who are most likely involved in sales, and can be attained based on meeting and achieving certain criteria previously agreed on, and will be articulately stated in the program details. The idea of incentive travel programs is that many people who work on a commission based payout – where accomplishments are directly rewarded, but the failure to obtain a certain number of accomplishments could mean the forfeiture of certain payouts – will feel the desire to push themselves harder in their field of work in order to attain additional perks provided by the company. Incentive travel programs have proven to be a valuable ally for businesses and corporations looking to improve and drive sales goals, as the presented opportunity to have an all expenses paid vacation to a wonderful destination has been well received by the majority of people involved in programs where such an incentive is offered.

Looking for a Great Way to Motivate Employees?

Incentive travel programs provide a simple and fun way to motivate employees. To learn more about how incentive travel programs can benefit your business or company, contact Incentive Travel Solutions (ITS). We provide incentive travel programs that will inspire and motivate employee performance. Help your employees reach their sales goals, by improving their drive and motivation to receive an incredible perk.

An Incentive Travel Solutions representative will be happy to go over how motivational travel packages work, the different kinds of places and locations that can be chosen from to offer as a travel destination, as well as how successful ITS incentive solutions have been. Contact us today!

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Bora Bora: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination

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Incentive Travel Solutions, A Charlotte, NC based Firm, highlights destinations for Corporate Incentive President’s Club and top performer trips.  This week, Incentive Travel Solutions takes a look at Tahiti, Bora Bora and the Society Islands.

Love at first sight is felt when embarking on this island which resembles the greens and blues of an artist’s pallet. Considered by many the most beautiful island in the world, it is a playground for romantics. First called “Pora Pora,” an ancient name meaning “first born,” derived from a legend that states it was the first island to rise out of the ocean after Taaroa, the supreme god, fished out of the waters. Remaining the island of all dreams, it is unquestionably the most mythical of all the Pacific Islands.

Kevin Devanney, President of Incentive Travel Solutions stresses “we must continue to raise the bar for our clients.  Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Society Islands are a first class destination”.  A member of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, Bora Bora is a popular international destination. Surrounding the island is a lagoon and barrier reef, providing for spectacular snorkeling and diving in the most clear aqua blue waters. In the center of the island are two extinct volcanoes, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. Known for its spectacular temperate climate, Bora Bora rarely sees temperatures dip below the 70’s or rise above the 80’s.

Dependent mainly on tourism, the island features every aspect a tourist needs for a relaxing sun-filled vacation. Each resort has fantastic restaurants with spectacular views and gourmet cuisine. It is worth trying restaurants at various resorts, namely the Intercontinental Thalasso, the Four Seasons, and the Intercontinental Le Moana. There are many fine dining and casual options on Bora Bora Island as well. Shopping is limited but world- renowned on the main island. Original art, pearls, and handcrafts are treasures waiting to be found. Boutiques and souvenir shops are yours to peruse. As public transportation is nonexistent, renting a car or scooter is the perfect way to cruise the island and shop around. An array of activities from horseback riding, cocktail cruises, private picnics, and jet skiing are the perfect way to spend your days. Also, a visit to the main island can be historical as it is a place where World War II canons can be viewed.

Bora Bora Accommodations

Accommodations in Bora Bora are superb. The Bora Bora Hotel was the first hotel ever to feature beach and over-water bungalows. Today, over-water bungalows are only commonly found in French Polynesia, where the protected lagoons and very even tides allow for sturdy construction and maintenance. Every resort offers beach and over-water bungalows and although this may seem an expensive destination, special amenities have been transformed into perfection which makes it well worth the cost. Newer hotels and resorts have been built on the smaller islands (motu) in the lagoon surrounding the main island, facing into the lagoon and the mountain of Bora Bora which offer privacy and exquisite views for the romantic vacationers. Each resort has brought its own unique blend of romantic experiences for their guests to delve in.

An exciting incentive travel destination for couples, Bora Bora is the perfect place to entice employees to work extra hard to be rewarded with such a fantastical trip. Offering every detail a true incentive program must have to make it highly successful, Bora Bora should always be a top destination consideration.

If your business is interested in planning an incentive travel trip to Bora, Bora, or another exotic location, give our team a call today! 704-540-1482.

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Copenhagen, Denmark: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination

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Located farthest south of all the Scandinavian countries Copenhagen (København), Denmark; Denmark’s capitol and most vibrant city, offers much in the way of art, architecture and gastronomic experiences. In fact, the rest of the world now examines Copenhagen for ideas regarding its architectural design, fashion, and intriguing culinary expertise. Being a major European city, this is not an inexpensive city to visit. However, the price is well worth the experience one encounters on a visit to the capitol city. The Dutch are also considered to be some of the happiest people in the world, and Denmark is among the top nations with the best quality of life.

Copenhagen is considered one of the cleanest large cities in all of Europe, and it is relatively just as safe. It is more than easy to become familiar with the city. The layout is superb for navigating and the transportation system is quite superior to most cities its size and it is often thought that “all (of) Denmark’s roads, trains, and bicycle paths lead to the heart of the capitol.”  On most livable cities lists, Copenhagen often ranks within the top five, if not the top location for the best city to live in.

With an abundant amount of adventures to partake in while visiting Copenhagen, the following three attractions can simply not be missed:

Tivoli

Tivoli, a famous park situated where the once-fortified city’s ramparts used to be, is a must-see for all visitors to Copenhagen. There is an on-site lake which relics the city’s former moat. Home to a variety of amusement park-like rides, events, and live entertainment, there are activities for all ages. For thrill-seekers, rides such as the Spinning Top and the Demon exist. For the older crowd, over 40 restaurants and bars are open to satisfy any thirst or hunger, some which have been in business since as early as 1843. For the little ones activities such as the aquarium and merry-go-round are sure to entice. Although a year-round “festival,” Christmas time kicks all of the alluring festivities into high gear.

Strget- Main Shopping Street

The longest and oldest pedestrian-only shopping street in all of Europe, Strget is the main shopping street in Copenhagen. In 1964, the street was closed to all buses, bicycles, trams and cars, to allow for hundreds upon hundreds of shoppers to explore without the worry of automotive traffic. Designed with every budget in mind, Strget offers shopping and dining experiences for everyone, whether on a small or an unlimited budget.

Copenhagen JazzHouse

Another must-do in Copenhagen is visiting and attending a concert at the Copenhagen JazzHouse. Founded in 1990, the JazzHouse is home to over 250 concerts each year. Although the venue only holds a little over 100 people, the intimacy it provides makes it even more intriguing. Jazz being especially first-rate in Copenhagen, it is imperative to hear live jazz while visiting. On weekends, the JazzHouse transforms itself into a vibrant night club.

If you are looking for a fabulous destination for your next incentive travel trip we have the best team standing by to make that happen. Fill out our contact form, or call us today 704-540-1482.

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Florence, Italy: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination

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About: Florence

Florence, capital of the region of Tuscany, has a population of around half a million inhabitants, spreads on the banks of the Arno, between the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the middle of the Italian peninsula. It is a city which bustles with industry and craft, commerce and culture, art and science. Being on the main national railway lines, it is easily accessible from most important places both in Italy and abroad.

The term “Jewel of Renaissance” has been coined for Florence. Florence was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Politically, economically, and culturally it was the most important city in Europe for around 250 years; from some time before 1300 until the early 1500s. Contemporary Florence invites visitors to explore its ancient treasures of art and architecture as it is considered a cultural, artistic and architectural gem.

The city holds something unique for everyone who visits; from incredible wines, delicious gastronomic experiences, well preserved architecture, and original cultural and historical sites. Shopping in Florence is often a big deal. With items ranging from hand crafted to designer, leather goods and stunning jewelry, the best places to shop on at Piazza della Republica and Piazza Santa Croce. The climate is temperate but rather variable, with breezy winters and hot summers.

Galleria degli Uffizi

Piazzale degli Uffizi, One of the world’s most famous fine art museums with collections of Renaissance paintings and sculptures from classical antiquity. Included is The Birth of Venus by Sandro Boticelli. Designed by architect Vasari, the Museum was originally used as the offices of the Medici administration. An astounding collection of prints and drawings can be found on the first floor while sculptures and paintings can be found on the second.

Pitti Palace

On the quieter south bank of the Arno, the former Medici family palace contains galleries of their art and treasures. The Boboli gardens behind the palazzo offer wonderful walks and excellent views of the city and the countryside south of the city.

Traverse the Duomo or Campanile

Climb the winding staircases inside the duomo or the nearby bell tower to see some of the best views of Florence. Not only can you see the Tuscan countryside in the distance and the impressive palaces and churches of Florence in the fore, but it becomes obvious just how large the Duomo is.

Street Performers by the Uffizi

In front of the Palazzo Vecchio, in the evenings, street performers often put on a show here. Performances can range from violin duets to people dressed as sculptures. The Uffizi is a nice place to stop while you eat your after-dinner gelato.