New trends in incentive travel in 2025
incentive travel It’s no longer just a benefit—it’s a powerful tool for improving employee engagement, motivation, and retention. Incentive travel spending is expected to grow 54% by 2025,According to this year’s Incentive travel indexbusinesses are creating meaningful and memorable experiences for their employees. Additionally, 81% of companies now view these travels as a key employee retention strategy, while 62% see them as a competitive advantage in recruiting. So, what is driving the growth of incentive travel? Here are five emerging trends shaping this landscape: 1. Unique experiences in emerging destinations Incentive travel is shifting from traditional luxury resorts to immersive, experience-driven travel to exciting, lesser-known destinations. Today’s employees want more than just five-star accommodations, they seek authentic cultural experiences, adventure and uniqueness. The demand for new destinations is clear – 70% of incentive travel buyers are actively seeking new destinations to keep their plans exciting. Destination such as Croatia, Portugal and Greece becoming more and more popular, and Caribbean Sea…
Personal Incentive Travel: Justification
A new e-book from SITE on the benefits of personal travel rewards. We know that non-cash rewards will increase in 2025 and beyond, as the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) predicts in its 2025 Industry Outlook white paper. The latest Incentive Travel Index, a joint initiative of IRF and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) in partnership with Oxford Economics, predicts growth for the incentive travel industry until 2026. Now, SITE's latest e-book, published in partnership with Pulse Experiential, Travel says personal incentive travel is also growing in popularity. Transformative Journeys: The Unparalleled Benefits of Personal Incentive Travel, The following six benefits of personal planning are listed: Customization. Personal incentive travel allows employees to choose their own travel dates, destinations and itinerary. This flexibility means travel itineraries can be personalized for the most meaningful experience and tailored to personal preferences – whether that’s adventure, relaxation or cultural enrichment. Sustainability. Planners can easily incorporate sustainable travel practices into their trips, aligning…
A new way to reward: DNA incentive travel
Genealogy travel has become a growing trend as more and more people explore their roots through DNA testing. Will DNA Incentive Travel be the next big thing in corporate rewards programs? Ancestry travel is on the rise as more people learn about their family tree roots through DNA testing kits and want to explore their family and cultural roots on a more meaningful trip than a typical vacation spot. But could this be a potential option for group or personalized business travel incentives? First, the potential disadvantages: Not everyone is interested in their family history, and some people may have questions about DNA testing, so it may not be suitable for everyone who qualifies. By definition, DNA travel requires extensive professional research and planning to create a hyper-specific experience tailored to one's family history, which can make it more time-consuming and potentially more expensive than traditional personal incentive travel. While DNA Travel may not be the right choice for every…
2024 Incentive Travel Index
Inspiring Research Foundation 2024 Incentive Travel Index (ITI) was presented in October with SITE at IMEX America, but key points were discussed in a recent webinar hosted by IRF President Stephanie Harris. Joined by: Chris JohnsonDirector of Corporate Events and Sports Partnerships Land O'Lakes and Richelle SewellChief Revenue Officer a 10The webinar focused on motivating professionals on how to deliver outstanding travel programs within the budget constraints of ITI reporting. Although the survey conducted for the study was international (2,800 respondents from 19 countries), the group focused primarily on data reported by 56% of North American respondents representing third-party incentive travel companies, Enterprise program owners, vendors and DMOs. Here are some highlights from the panel discussion: More business options Cash Reward Travel Awards; Surveys show travel awards are expected to increase by 37% in 2025 and by 45% two years later. Only half of the respondents said they Budget Matching inflation; the rest said the budget was flat. The group's…
Incentive Travel 2025: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
Listen to audio Why free time, authenticity and immersion are redefining course content What are the latest trends in incentive travel in 2025 and beyond? Smart Meetings sat down with SITE and SITE Foundation CEO Annette Gregg to discuss trends in budgeting, program inclusion, future challenges and destination selection for the coming year based on results from the SITE Foundation's Incentive Travel Index survey. Click here to watch the entire webinar. Good business prospects After the epidemic, the world situation is difficult to predict, with new regulatory agencies in the United States taking office, global geopolitical conflicts, and unstable stock markets. However, business is booming. “We’re really at an all-time high in occupancy right now, whether it’s luxury or upscale occupancy, which is a popular area that most incentive programs focus on,” Gregg said. Fortunately for planners, incentive travel is growing. Only 8% of North American corporate and institutional buyers reported reduced activity in 2024 and 2025, and only 6%…
2024 Incentive Travel Index
Incentive travel buyers expect activity and per-person spending over the next two years to exceed 2024 levels. However, they also reported concerns about rising costs, attracting talent to the industry, and safety concerns. Incentive travel index is a joint initiative of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), and is conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics. This annual study reports on destination preferences, program content, budgets and perceptions of the strategic importance of incentive travel. This year’s report also takes a pulse on hot topics such as technology, artificial intelligence, climate issues and sustainability. “Key workplace trends are increasing the strategic importance of incentive travel,” said IRF President Stephanie Harris. “Retention of talented employees and a competitive advantage in recruitment are considered increasingly important, and more recently Trends such as a new generation of qualifiers and leaders and a more distributed workforce.” “Incentive travel buyers are increasingly looking for something new, with more than…
Addressing the challenges women face in meetings and incentive travel
Addressing the challenges facing women in the meetings and incentives industry In this exclusive webinar, we’ll get a first look at the results of a joint survey conducted by Prevue and SITE’s Women’s Leadership Council, which reveals the specific barriers women in the industry face in their careers. We will delve into the following key topics: Finding the right balance: Flexible schedule, harmonious work and life Climbing the career ladder: Career Development Insights Breaking down barriers: Confronting ageism head-on Create a supportive environment: Addressing sexual harassment Guiding Light: The Importance of Leadership and Mentoring Rhonda Brewer has more than 30 years of experience in meetings and incentive travel and currently serves as Vice President of Sales for Motivation Excellence. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Sales for BCD Meetings and Events, focusing on strategic meetings management. She has also worked as an industry consultant, serving as Chief Sales and Operations Officer and President of Destination Management Company RMC…
Incentive Travel Planners Talk About Incentive Travel
Prevue recently caught up Heidi DillonEvent Operations Manager One10— leaders in Incentives & Recognition, Marketing Services, Travel & Events — discuss incentive trends, results and destination insights. Have expectations for incentive travel changed? One millennial planner said yes, and award winners want different types of experiences from their travel awards. Previous post: What trends or changes have you seen? Heidi Dillon: When I started in 2011-2012, the types of projects I saw were more formulaic… a welcome dinner, three events, a closing dinner, and that was it. Now it feels like some of these choices are more purposeful. Priorities are changing. It’s not just about the destination and the time of departure, it’s about every moment along the way. Heidi Dillon Why do you think this happens? The reality is, we’re all online…on Instagram and TikTok…you see what everyone else is doing, so how do you stand out from the crowd? It’s up to planners and companies to figure out…
Companies with outstanding performance vigorously promote incentive travel
New research from IRF shows that high-performing companies motivate employees with incentive travel and gift cards more frequently than lower-performing companies. According to a new white paper from the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and Insperity, top-performing companies use a variety of incentives to recruit, retain and motivate employees, but incentive travel and gift cards are most commonly used. It also found that non-cash incentives are most effective in improving employee performance and business results. The study, titled Driving growth through total rewardsAnalyzes how top-performing companies design and manage their total rewards programs to maximize employee performance. The study examined multiple parameters, including organizational performance, culture and talent acquisition and retention, and the key outcomes that each individual reward element could deliver. The study also broke down the results by specific industries: professional services, healthcare, retail, finance, technology and manufacturing. The most important insights from the white paper include: Non-cash rewards and recognition are key to reinforcing behaviors that drive business…
New and Renovated: Calling All Incentive Travel Planners
Listen to Audio Now is the time to give your attendees something special. Planning an incentive trip or executive retreat? Start here. Each of these three newly built and renovated hotels has something special to offer, so no matter what experience your attendees are looking for, you're sure to get top-notch reviews. From historic inns (we're talking 2 and a half centuries) to the luxurious lakefront resort of your dreams, discover your next incentive travel destination here. Lakeside Luxury Watermark Beach Resort In Osoyoos, British Columbia, Watermark Beach Resort The hotel transports guests to the region's desert paradise. Recently renovated, the hotel now offers over 10,500 square feet of meeting and event space, from intimate boardrooms to a grand ballroom and private dining spaces. Its flexible floor plans, integrated wireless connectivity and new AV system make meetings a breeze. Each of the 123 studio suites or 30 waterfront townhouses features a private balcony with views of Osoyoos Lake or the…
Los Angeles Tourism Bureau launches major group travel incentive program
Planners have access to financial incentives and more than 40 special hotel deals in the Los Angeles area through June 30, 2025. Planners know the diversity and enduring appeal of Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the United States and one of the most celebrated places on Earth. With more than 30 culturally rich communities, 75 miles of beautiful coastline, With more museums and performing arts venues than any other city in the U.S. and an innovative culinary scene, Los Angeles offers unique opportunities for memorable meetings and incentives. Now, New plans from Los Angeles Tourism Get extra incentives for booking your meeting or incentive here. Special offers valid through June 30, 2025. They are part of Tourism Los Angeles' "Now Playing" campaign, which highlights major events in the Los Angeles area in the coming months. "Over the next few months, Los Angeles will host hundreds of events," said Adam Burke, president and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism. "The Now…
Episode 139 – Incentive Design is Gamification with a Purpose
You’ve heard of gamification, but have you heard of incentive design? Incentive design is like gamification with a purpose – it will take your efforts to the next level! Incentli Founder and CEO Jeff Campbell joins the podcast to discuss why you need to consider incentive design. He helps event stakeholders use gamification and incentive design strategies to increase ROI. We discuss: How to use gamification and incentive design to increase event engagement and exhibitor ROI. How do you define gamification and how do you see its application in the events sector? What is Incentive Design and How Does It Help Trade Shows? Jeff's Top Tips: Event Professionals - Use gamification and incentive design strategies to increase engagement and ROI for all stakeholders Sponsors and Exhibitors – Become a part of the incentive design framework and generate more leads Jeff's key points: Combining gamification and incentive design will: 1. Increase exhibition registrations 2. Increase engagement 3. Improve the return on…
Explore the latest exhibition information and industry trends at ASAP Expo Magazine. Your one-stop platform, bringing together global exhibition highlights, industry trends and in-depth analysis, to help companies accurately connect with the market and seize business opportunities.
