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Antigua & Barbuda An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

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Antigua and Barbuda are twin isles located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The two masses lie in the center of Leeward Islands, which is often referred to as the “Land of 365 Beaches.” Culture in the area has been immensely influenced by British customs since it was once part of the countries empire. Both isles reside to the southeast of Puerto Rico as part of the North American continent. The terrain of these islands was developed by limestone formations in addition to volcanic activity. They are low-lying land masses that have become popular for their beaches. Climates in the region are toned-down by the northeast trade winds and precipitation remains minimal due to the low elevation of each island.

Local History

Sir Christopher Codrington was the first to arrive in the beautiful lands of Antigua and Barbuda. The enterprising man came to the region in 1684 to determine if it was suitable for sugar cultivation. It was a successful venture where cultivation remained prominent on Antigua for approximately fifty years. In the mid-18th century, over one-hundred fifty processing windmills were scattered across the island and can still be viewed today by visitors. Many have been transformed into bars, shops, or restaurants; however, the original mill on Codrington’s estate has been fully restored. Antigua grew into a significant port and commercial colony at the end of the eighteenth century. It was then referred to as the “gateway to the Caribbean” since its position could be used to control numerous sailing routes. Several historical sites were built to protect the land from outside attacks during the colonization period and remain standing for visitors to view.

Things to See & Do

Of the two islands, Barbuda remains fairly undeveloped while Antigua has been slightly commercialized. Barbuda delivers white sanded beaches in a peaceful, mostly unaltered setting. The activities offered on this undeveloped mass of land are centered on nature. Travelers are able to participate in beachcombing, fishing, hunting, and resort offered fun. Resorts on both isles allow travelers to take part in activities such as:

  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Beach Basking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hiking
  • Bird Watching

Visitors have a few specific points of interest when staying on Barbuda including a trip to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary consists of stunning beaches mixed with shipwreck sites and gorgeous reef formations. The island, reachable by plane or boat from Antigua, houses luxury accommodations in addition to small, cozy hotels. Antigua is more modernized with a variety of things to do including eateries and shopping opportunities. Individuals visiting the island should take some time to see the best view of the English Harbour from Shirley Heights or the creative works of art housed at Harmony Hall museum. This particular museum plays a major role in the area arts community and holds many events to show off local creations. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda presents the story of these two land masses from their first formation to present day. Both isles provide countless attractions, sightseeing opportunities, and some of the best beach scenery in the world.

Travel Incentives: Generating a Plan to Boost Organizational Achievement

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Objectives are the first and foremost item of assessment as an organization begins to develop a travel incentive package. Selected goals must be specific, achievable, measurable, appropriately timed, and support the culture of an organization. Difficult to achieve objectives or those of ambitious nature are exciting, but can often lead to disappointment for everyone involved. While the criteria should be challenging, every determined goal must be reachable by applying a valid amount of effort. Objectives that cannot be measured or are not timed right make it highly difficult for anyone to earn the reward. This creates a level of discouragement capable of harming any future trip oriented efforts. For example, putting a program in place for boosting profits at the slowest time of the year is a good idea; however, goals should be set in accordance with average profits in order to avoid requiring participants to try to reach unreasonable sales totals. Timing has to be in sync with the desired goal to receive the most optimal results.

The Basics of Reward Program Design

A trip oriented reward program is frequently open-ended or close-ended; however, a company can set up a package falling between the two. Open programs consist of a planned set of objectives where a precise result has been laid out. They target the largest percentage of average performers, but also make it difficult to budget due to an unknown number or earners. Close-ended programs set an exact number of individuals who can qualify for the award and are easier to budget. The biggest drawback of this choice is the possibility of alienating certain people within a company. A good example is someone making the sales quota, but not being given the opportunity to receive the award. These programs also allow the same individuals to consistently win the offered trip. Resentment among coworkers is common when the same person is awarded the prize. A policy limiting the number of repeat wins is a good idea when a close-ended program will be used. Multi-level approaches with a mix of both basic types allow everyone to have a chance at the opportunity and still supply the recognition repeat earners need to continue performing above par.

Trip awards pay for themselves when a company carefully plans out and budgets the event. Administration costs typically fluctuate between five and fifteen percent depending on the travel incentives intricacy along with the amount of required analysis. Communication, promotion, and given awards additionally contribute to the total package cost. The time period designated for participants to earn the reward must align with the objectives. Diminishing sales might require a short term plan while quarterly improvements during a healthy profit era are ideal for a long term reward program. It is important to remember that federal government regulations view the reward as a form of income. Market value, program type, and merchandise costs could be required to be reported as part of each earners income. These factors must be taken into consideration and remain a priority as a company starts planning their travel package.

Incentive Travel Programs Aid in Alleviating Undesirable Employee Behaviors

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Members of upper management are directly responsible for ensuring employees remain motivated. A low morale work environment makes it more difficult for an organization to achieve goals or to maintain a productive staff since there is no motivation to excel. An executive or supervisor can easily pinpoint this environment.  Individuals spend an extensive amount of time in the office gossiping, are slow to complete tasks, and maintain only the minimum productivity necessary to earn their pay. It is the long term disadvantages that truly hurt the company since continued morale decreases affect sales, hiring, retention, performance, objective completion, and consumer satisfaction.

Employees who consistently come in late or do the bare minimum are not making a productive contribution to the company. Low morale is reflected on every sales call or as a staff completes projects for clients. The products or services offered by an organization have reduced quality when this type of environment is present. If even the slightest decrease in enthusiasm has been noticed, it is time to begin making an action plan. Incentive travel programs are one of the easiest and most justifiable methods for alleviating a noticed lack of motivation. They deliver long term performance enhancements and serve as an inspirational tool for continued success.

What Benefits Are Received With a Properly Planned Travel Package?

The tangible advantages of goal achievement and increased financial standing are common to these programs. Companies additionally experience a variety of intangible benefits when a program is carried out appropriately. Participant behaviors change as individuals are motivated to receive the end result. A positive environment and happier employees leads to:

  • Better Retention
  • Heightened Engagement
  • Support of Organizational Culture
  • Improved Networking Opportunities
  • Increased Enthusiasm
  • Individual or Group Recognition

A travel package is ideal because it supplies a desirable reward for meeting a defined set of criteria. The goals must be achievable, support organizational objectives, and understandable by every participant. By encouraging employees to perform wanted behaviors, a business is able point staff members in a direction that promotes organizational success. Attendance, motivational, and productivity improvements help the company remain competitive. The promise of a unique destination encourages individuals to be involved in the organizations future thus resulting in amplified staff engagement.

Incentive travel programs allow upper management and top performers to network or come together at a defined location. This type of gathering creates an environment where managers are able to gain insight regarding why earners put out the additional effort to have the possibility of winning the reward. The information received from supplied networking opportunities helps a company implement better practices to further boost productivity. Travel packages also give each individual participating in the program something worthwhile to work toward. Employees become motivated to have the experience provided by the selected trip and gain the same inspiration as another opportunity arises. The supplied recognition encourages others to put forth the required effort to receive the same experience described by earners as they return from a unique destination. Trip incentives are a rewarding choice any time a business desires to boost morale in the workplace.