The benefits of a business travel incentive program

26 Sept 2024 · 8
Ever feel like business trips are more of a drag than a perk? We get it. The long flights, packed schedules, and cookie-cutter hotel rooms can take the spark out of even the most enthusiastic employee. But, what if you could make these trips something your team looks forward to? 
A business travel incentive programme is more than just a nice-to-have. When you offer rewards like upgraded accommodations, extra time off, or even cash bonuses, you’re giving employees a reason to give 110% every time they pack their bags.
Let’s dive into why this simple strategy can transform your travel culture and keep your employees saying, “Yes, this is exactly what we needed!

What strategies do companies employ when it comes to business travel incentive programmes?

The key is to understand what really motivates your team. 
For example, a tech company might reward its top employees with a trip to a big industry event in Europe, mixing business with some exciting travel perks. On the other hand, a sales-driven company might offer their best salesperson a luxury vacation for two—something personal and truly rewarding.
If your team thrives on working together, group travel incentives like a weekend at a fancy resort can bring them closer while they relax and unwind. But, if your company values individual success, giving employees the freedom to choose their own travel destination or activity might be a good idea.
Some companies also extend these rewards to VIP clients, offering them special trips to build stronger relationships. But remember, the reward should always be something that gets everyone excited.
Don’t ruin the fun by mixing these trips with work meetings or team-building exercises that feel like chores. The trip should be a real reward—a chance for your team to enjoy, recharge, and create memories. When done right, these programmes motivate your team, help build loyalty and drive better performance.

What benefits do corporate travel incentive programmes bring?

Why are travel incentives so impactful? It’s simple—they go beyond just a paycheck, offering experiences that resonate on a deeper level. 
Here’s how corporate travel incentive programmes can make a real difference:
  • Boosts motivation: who wouldn’t work a little harder for the chance to sip cocktails on a beach or explore a new city? 
  • Increases loyalty: forget boring bonuses—give your employees something they’ll actually remember! When they feel valued with a cool trip, they’re more likely to stick around. 
  • Builds stronger teams: whether it’s team bonding over a mountain hike or sharing laughs at a local café, travel incentives help colleagues connect in ways that office coffee breaks just can’t match. Plus, 91% of companies agree that incentive travel is key for building engagement and a positive company culture.
  • Attracts top talent: in a sea of job offers, a travel incentive programme can be the golden ticket. It’s a perk that shows you value experiences, not just bottom lines. 
  • Creates unforgettable memories: let’s face it—cash is nice, but memories of a sunset in Barcelona? Priceless. These experiences leave a lasting impact, and 58% of respondents agree that incentive travel programmes are highly effective in achieving their goals.

How can an organisation establish an effective business travel incentive programme?

A corporate travel incentive can foster healthy competition if handled correctly, but it can breed discontent if poorly managed. Administrative teams can feel overlooked if they don't have a shot at the prize, or newer employees might feel disheartened if they see the same faces selected each year. 
However, there are clear steps you can take to ensure you craft a successful corporate travel incentive programme.
A checklist for creating a successful corporate travel incentive programme
  1. Decide on your metrics and motivators.
  2. Plan a grand prize that will excite your team!
  3. Incorporate into your company culture by marking major milestones.
  4. Assign hosts and capture the highlights so you can build excitement next year.
  5. Collect feedback from your winners. Analyse alternative targets you could measure and adapt for a new destination for the next cycle.

1. Choose clear metrics

The first step in creating a successful corporate travel incentive programme is to establish clear metrics. This means defining exactly what you want to achieve with the programme. Whether your goal is to boost sales, improve employee performance, or increase event attendance, your metrics should reflect these objectives.
For example, you might aim for a 15% increase in sales or a 90% attendance rate at your company’s annual conference. Clear, achievable goals will help keep your team focused and motivated.
Regularly monitor progress against these metrics to ensure the programme is on track. Adjustments may be needed along the way, but having well-defined metrics provides a solid foundation for measuring success and making informed decisions.

2. Design a memorable incentive trip!

Ask yourself “What is incentive travel you want employees to experience?”—it’s an experience that makes your employees feel truly valued. 
Choose a place that offers more than just scenic views—think about what will capture your team's interest, whether it's a vibrant city, a relaxing beach resort, or an adventurous getaway. Next, plan activities that will create lasting memories. Consider custom welcome gifts, personalised itineraries, and thoughtful surprises that show you’ve put extra effort into making the trip special.
You can use TravelPerk to handle all your travel management in-house and save you money. TravelPerk’s group travel service can remove the stress of juggling multiple travellers' arrangements. The team negotiates the best group rates and handles any changes you need along the way. 
Plus, each traveller has access to a 24-hour customer service line, where a team of real human beings can answer any questions. Lastly, the concierge team can help suggest once-in-a-lifetime activities or book pre-paid restaurants for your stay, and you can save up to 25% with VAT recovery reports along the way.
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3. Make a moment out of the milestones!

The key to building anticipation around your incentive programme is to keep your employees updated on their progress towards the next milestone. Share news and celebrate small victories along the way to keep motivation high. For example, you can send out weekly progress emails or set up a leaderboard to show how everyone is doing. You could host a virtual party, send out congratulatory messages, or even share a teaser video of what’s in store for the top achievers.
Reveal details from the itinerary as teams reach specific markers to build anticipation and stoke their competitive fires! You could share cryptic clues, behind-the-scenes photos, or exciting previews of the trip's activities. This keeps employees guessing and eager to find out what’s next. 

4. Assign hosts for the trip

Hosts are the point of contact and are key to creating a welcoming and well-organised environment.
Make sure your hosts are well-prepared. They should have detailed itineraries, knowledge of the destination, and a clear understanding of the programme’s objectives. This preparation allows them to smoothly handle logistics, offer insightful recommendations, and ensure that all activities go off without a hitch.
Encourage hosts to connect with attendees on a personal level to learn about their interests. For example, if the group enjoys fine dining or local beverages, consider organising wine tastings or visits to popular restaurants. Incorporate these preferences into the travel guide or itinerary to ensure everyone’s interests are considered. 
To share the trip's highlights with the team, capture moments with photos and short videos. Use these visuals in internal newsletters or company social media to build excitement for future programmes. Additionally, hosts can facilitate networking by pairing team members from different departments for activities, helping to break down silos and strengthen team connections.
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5. Establish space for feedback

A corporate incentive travel programme is only successful if the team has an amazing travel experience. You want your travellers to come back refreshed and raving about the fantastic time they had so that others can feel inspired to make the list next year.
There is bound to be an element of the trip that someone doesn't like, but you need to know if you missed the mark on a broader scale. After analysing the feedback and assessing alternative metrics you could measure, you will be in a solid position to tweak the programme next year!

Simplify business travel programmes with TravelPerk

A well-designed business travel incentive programme can dramatically boost employee motivation and performance. When you offer exciting travel rewards, you transform ordinary business trips into highly anticipated experiences.
For your next business travel incentive, try TravelPerk. TravelPerk simplifies corporate travel management by simplifying flight booking and accommodation hunting—all within one platform. Plus, you get access to an extensive library featuring thousands of negotiated rates for cost-effective travel options, so you can focus on the employee experience instead. 
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