20 Apr Four Incentive Travel Trends to Follow in 2022
Over the past 2 years, the incentive travel industry has taken a huge hit, with almost all international programmes being cancelled or postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic. but we’re here to deliver the good news – 2022 is the year that incentive travel returns in all its greatness, and we are excited to share with you top trends to follow.
Why incentivise travel?
It has long been known that one of a kind bespoke incentive travel programs are one of the best ways to engage and motivate employees, with some of our clients reporting that their trips are “the best thing about working there”. Seven Events is an incentive travel agency, working in destinations across the globe. We work closely with clients to bring their dreams to life and every program is bespoke to that client and brief.
Trend #1: Sustainability
Sustainability is a hot topic the world over and in the incentive travel industry, it’s no different. 82% of people state that sustainability is more on their minds than before the pandemic. Tourists are keen to visit exotic locations and make the most of the physical and mental healing powers of the natural world but in a sustainable, considered way. we are frequently being asked by clients how they can make their events more sustainable – so here are a few that we love:
- Meat-free menus – Reducing the meat content on your event menus makes a huge impact on the level of co2 your program will produce. If you can go completely meat-free, why not try a reduced meat menu incorporating lots of locally sourced produce.
- Supporting the local economy – Wherever possible, use local suppliers and producers for things like entertainment and swag rather than flying equipment in from overseas.
- Carbon offsetting your flights – This is a really easy win and something that most airlines will offer as part of your flight booking. You can also ask your incentive travel agency for more information on how you can offset your wider program using bespoke online tools and software.
Trend #2: Private and Secluded Travel
Exclusive use bookings at luxury and private retreats are up by 200% since last year. Our clients want to ensure that the incentive programs they book are a real once in a lifetime experience for guests but also ensure they are safe and comfortable. clients are looking for peaceful, off-grid locations where they can escape the stress of the covid world and experience something truly unique, for these clients we recommend destinations such as Iceland, Japan and Sri Lanka.
Trend #3: Understanding the Restrictions
Whilst the UK is making a comeback from covid-19 and restrictions have eased, the same can’t be said for all destinations across the globe. having a good understanding of exactly what is required to travel to your chosen destination and providing that information in a clear and concise way to your attendees will help them to participate comfortably. some of the points to consider are:
- Passenger locator forms – where to find these and when to complete them
- Vaccination status and certificates – do these need to be printed or is digital ok?
- Testing going to/from the destination – we can help to provide testing to guests before their departure from the destination back to the UK.
Trend 4#: Incorporating DownTime
Over the past two years, most of us have become used to having a more balanced approach to work and life, with many reporting they appreciate the downtime they get from not commuting into the office each day. This should feed into your program too – offering guests a free evening or time in the morning to explore by themselves and spend downtime with colleagues is rated highly by attendees and will reflect in your post-event feedback.
When you are ready to start planning your next incentive program, the seven events team will be on hand ready to support you every step of the way. Each proposal is tailored to your brief and company values which is why we get such fantastic feedback on all of our trips. to find out more, get in touch with the team today by calling the office at +44 (0)207 659 4430 or heading to our website by clicking here: https://www.sevenevents.co.uk/enquire-now/