Selecting a destination for an incentive travel program is trickier than ever. What will entice program participants most effectively? Is it safe? Are there geopolitical issues to consider?
A 2024 “Destination InSites” report from the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence reports the top three factors for selecting a destination, in order, are destination appeal, infrastructure, and safety, health and security.
Interestingly, safety, health and security, which placed sixth or lower in similar surveys prior to the COVID pandemic and an increase in geopolitical incidents, now places solidly in the top three factors for destination choice.
Of course, price – getting the biggest bang for the travel buck – remains a top factor. The SITE report states that budget is behind increased use of all- inclusive resorts. And in the U.S. and Europe, companies are keeping incentive travel groups closer to home to save on costs.