The vast majority of employees love the idea of individual motivational travel, and they can take their time anywhere they choose. Their companies usually disagree.
“Some companies don’t want to give up their level of control over group incentives,” said Tracy Norum, senior director of incentives and engagement at Global Conference & Incentives (M&IW).
Participant preferences in the Inspiring Research Foundation (IRF) Report, 94% of respondents described personal travel as “very” or “extremely” motivated. The report found that appeals to these travel were consistent across generations.
There are many positive things to do with a single trip: Winners can decide when they want to travel, and the experience is more like a vacation because they don’t connect with colleagues and talk shops. While group incentives usually allow winners to bring only one guest, individual incentives allow them to travel with their families.
Norum found that this type of travel attracted a certain age group. “Our experience shows that Gen X is the largest group. They will make most of their careers motivated travel the only option, so highly personalized, exclusive rewards will be motivated too.
“Personal incentives can be more likely to travel a family,” she said. “Many of our clients who offer pre-planned packages include Disney experiences or adventures for a family of four.”
Companies can include special styles – “sunshine” gifts for Caribbean travel, warm coats for cooler destinations, wildlife photography gear, and Safari Essentials for traveling to Africa. Throughout the journey, the organizer’s books traveled and served as the main contact person.
At the highest level, individual incentives can carry their own concierge with you and include a luxurious experience designed around attendee preferences. For example, M&IW offers planned packages for clients in the food service industry that include one-on-one tasting with the main sommelier, dining with the chef in his restaurant, or meeting with the chef after a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant and receiving signature recipes.
“Just because it’s an individual’s motivational trip doesn’t mean it’s not highly planned,” said Greg Byrnes, senior director of Strategic Accounts. “It still replicates the components of a special trip that you don’t have to plan yourself. Of course, this is not something you can redeem with points, because these issues are usually fairly generic.”
Not for everyone
Andy Schwarz, vice president of content and communications at IRF, said that despite being attractive to individuals, companies still prefer group travel.
“Personal travel is very popular and has attracted a lot of attention from the pandemic,” he said. “Now, focus more on group travel.”
Min Choi, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Germania Insurance, said his company’s organized travel has proven to be more effective than a single trip. About 50% of attendees are repeat winners, and travel also allows them to build new relationships and even friendships.
“These group tours provide higher ROI, allowing us to more effectively recognize our highest performers and share experiences in strengthening bonds,” he said.
Group travel also allows companies to create experiences that will allow attendees to copy themselves. “While most courses are available for golf, individual travelers usually don’t have the opportunity to have dinner at the age of 16.”Th A hole overlooking the ocean. ” he said.
Attendees don’t have to pay any fees, or even remuneration, so they can only enjoy the experience. No need to worry about safety issues or fear of getting lost in an unknown destination.
“These trips provide attendees with a great opportunity to explore new locations,” Choi said. “They can rest assured that they are part of a group and that our travelers have arranged everything.”
