You might be surprised to learn that Incentive Travel is more than just a jolly. It's a powerful way to motivate and reward your teams for a job well done. Here, we have a list of our top destinations for Incentive Travel, but before we explore the where, let's dig into the what and the why.
So, what exactly is incentive travel? and why is it important?
Ok, so picture this: You've been working hard and smashing targets, and suddenly, it is announced the team is going on an all-expenses paid-for trip to an incredible destination. How awesome would that be? Well, that's the magic of incentive travel!
These days, employees are looking for more job satisfaction and to feel like they're a part of something. It's important to let them know they are valued and appreciated; an incentive is a perfect way to do that. It's like dangling a juicy carrot to motivate your team whilst thanking them for their hard work. With an exclusive, unforgettable experience, you can inspire, build camaraderie, and excite the team to be more engaged. An incentive helps to promote 'buy-in' from the team and align their personal objectives with the business objectives.
The benefits of incentive travel:
✅ Retain and attract top talent
✅ Align employee and business objectives
✅ Enhance team bonding and collaboration
✅ Boost productivity and engagement
✅ Recognise and reward top-performing employees
✅ Strengthen team relationships
✅ Encourage employees to care about the business
✅ Create everlasting memories that are spoken about for years to come
"With the right incentive travel programme in place, you've got the recipe for success."
Stephen Wallbridge, asembl. Account Director.
So, as you can see, a travel incentive is a no-brainer! But, when there's the whole globe to explore, how do you decide where to go for a VIP, once-in-a-lifetime experience?
Here are 5 of our top incentive travel destinations that will inspire your teams:
1. Chiang Mai, Thailand, Asia.
Chiang Mai offers a cost-effective long-haul destination nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand. The city has an element of spiritual awakening, focusing on traditional culture, temples, architecture, and local markets for an authentic Thai experience.
Time to go: December to March, when temperatures are highest, and rainfall is lowest.
How to get there: We suggest flying into Bangkok and starting the adventure on the overnight train. Passengers can sit back, relax and admire the scenery.
Pro Tip: Leave plenty of space in your suitcase for lots of mementoes!
2. Budva, Tivat and Kotor, Montenegro, Southern Europe.
Montenegro is becoming a go-to incentive travel destination because there's plenty to love. Only a short flight away from the UK, Montenegro's history is rich and fascinating, making it a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and adrenaline. From stepping back in time in the medieval towns of Budva, Tivat or Kotor to enjoying action-packed activities, you are spoilt for choice.
Time to go: May to October. It gets hot in July and August, so is busy with tourists.
How to get there: For UK travellers, direct flights are available from London to the country's capital, Podgorica, making it a convenient starting point to explore.
Pro Tip: Extend the excitement by flying into Dubrovnik, Croatia (better known as Kings Landing for those Game of Thrones fans!) and travel along the Adriatic coast to Montenegro.
3. Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan Northeast Asia.
Our perfect plan to experience Japan fully is to start in Tokyo for a few days before taking the iconic bullet train to Kyoto. Tokyo offers incredible dining experiences and vibrancy like no other metropolis. The perfect juxtaposition is the more traditional Kyoto, where you can immerse in golden temples, zen gardens, and tea ceremonies.
Time to go: March to May or September to November are the best months to avoid the mugginess and heat of the summer; avoiding peak time helps keep costs down.
How to get there: Direct flights to Japan all take off from London Heathrow.
Pro Tip: Mount Fuji is a short journey from Tokyo and is an unmissable day out for breathtaking views.
4. Mexico City and Los Cabos, Mexico, North America.
With the F1 and Day of Dead celebrations creating a buzzing atmosphere, October is a great time to visit Mexico City. And, once you've worked up an appetite, you can hit the local food market. The colours, smells, and tastes are a treat for the senses, and we guarantee you won't leave hungry. The next stop is a few days of luxury in Los Cabos at one of the many beach resorts to live the high life with yacht cruises and fine dining.
Time to go: End of October to November for dry, warm days, avoiding the busy season.
How to get there: A direct flight from London Heathrow to Benito Juárez International Airport takes approximately 11.5 hours.
Pro tip: Keep locations in Mexico City close to avoid traffic chaos or allow plenty of travel time.
5. Scottsdale, Arizona. USA
Often stereotyped as an up-scale destination for the more mature, wealthy traveller, don’t be fooled; Scottsdale has a lot to offer. Yes, there are plenty of high-end resorts and golf courses, but you can also take a step into the Wild West with Old Town Scottsdale, immerse yourself in desert surroundings with adrenaline-boosting activities, eat delicious food and hydrate at the vineyards.
Time to go: The best time to visit is early spring and late fall, so September through November and March through early May.
How to get there: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the closest major airport to Scottsdale located 7 miles west of downtown, which means your group is only minutes from the city’s finest hotels, resorts and meeting facilities.
Pro tip: After all those activities and desert exploration, don’t forget to book some pampering at one of the many spas.
Ok, so in true asembl. fashion, we got carried away and have included a little bonus, wild card destination…. so hear us out...
Bonus: Sydney, Australia.
If you're looking for an incentive travel destination that will really excite your team, Australia is your answer. Everyone says it's too far away being put off by flying time or price, but that's what makes Australia THE trip of a lifetime! There is so much to do, from dining at the Sydney Opera House to climbing the Harbour Bridge, surfing at the iconic Bondi beach, or horse riding in the Hunter Valley; there is something for everyone.
Time to go: December to February are the months to go to fully experience the Australian sunshine.
How to get there: Flying to Sydney means one stop at a city of your choice. Our recommendation would be to go via Singapore Airport.
Pro tip: Why not extend the fun and, on the way home, stop off at Singapore for a few days to swim in the world-famous infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.