Ones to watch. Our thoughts on future incentive travel destinations.
Founded in 1972, we can lay claim to being one of the first specialised event management agencies in the U.K. Now approaching our fortieth year of business and having delivered in excess of 3,500 client events in over 65 countries around the globe, our passion for new destinations remains as fervent as ever!
One of the first events that we delivered was an incentive travel award and incentive travel is still a specialist area.
A true incentive programme cannot be bought ‘off-the-shelf’ or reproduced - it should be a one-time magical & memorable experience. We always approach destinations from the standpoint of what can be done, as opposed to what has been done. New destinations and new experiences in established destinations are the lifeblood of delivering unique, exceptional experiences - that is the heart of a successful incentive event. This is even more critical in incentive programmes that we have run for many years, where each year we have to produce an incentive event that raises the bar. It’s the type of challenge that we relish.
When looking at destinations, clearly flight access and the right quality venues are critical but often five star service isn’t always required when it’s replaced by unique five star experiences or views.
With our finger firmly on the pulse of what works, what is new and what will deliver the critical ‘wow factor,’ amongst the destinations catching our attention, include:
Beautiful adriatic sea with rocks
Montenegro:
We have been fans of the Southern Adriatic for some time. As small as it is, Montenegro is a country of great diversity; it certainly packs a punch - from sandy beaches to medieval cities to mountain parks. Along the coast, in a blink of an eye, you could be back in the Mediterranean thirty years ago. Whilst flight access does currently require some creativity, we think Amanresorts Sveti Stefan - a restored 15th century island which will have 58 suites once completed - will be well worth a trip.
Brazil:
While the world knows Rio for its flamboyance and rhythm - a country of this size and diversity should be ripe for unique experiences. With the World Cup and Olympics due to take place within the next six years, the spotlight is certainly switched on. There will always be Rio de Janeiro but, for a change of pace and perfect as a two-centre, we’d say that - thinking like a local - Búzios (around two hours from Rio) oozes laid back sophistication and - for a change of rhythm - Northern Brazil and the Amazon basin offers some undiscovered gems.
Massive sandstone pillars soar above iconic Monument Valley at sunset
Utah:
Wide open spaces and for scenery straight out of a ‘Cowboy and Indian’ movie, nowhere in the U.S. does classic towering red rock desert quite like the Canyonlands of Southern Utah. With its Mormon heritage, state capital Salt Lake City feels still retains its frontier feel and, with a hop, skip and a jump, you’re at some of the best skiing in the United States at Park City, also famous for the Sundance Film festival. With a hub in Salt Lake City, Delta Airlines is offering increasing international services to the state - with a direct flight to Paris already, here’s hoping for a direct London connection.
Liverpool:
Closer to home; refreshed, renewed and looking good - from world-class museums and cultural attractions, cultural icons and the ever present “Mersey beat”, we’d say that Liverpool has an infectious spirit to embrace and unique incentive experiences. We think that new the boutique 5 star Layla Hotel is a game changer in the hotel stakes and will provide an incredibly cool and luxurious base to explore the city.
Panama:
From the Pacific to Caribbean, beach to mountains to rainforest, indigenous cultures to a vibrant and cosmopolitan capital city, Panama’s diversity means the destination can offer multi-centre options, but its size means that it’s all possible from one. There is certainly more to the country than the Panama Canal - although the canal is definitely worth a visit.
Medieval town of Carcassonne at night
Carcassonne:
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this medieval fortified city sits amongst some of the most stunning scenery of south west France. With direct flights from Ryanair plus a host of UK flights into neighboring Toulouse, the city is already on the map for weekend tourist but we think its charms are particularly alluring to incentive events. Set within the walls of the Citadel, we rate Hotel de la Cité - an Orient Express Hotel - for its fairytale setting, gracious accommodation and Michelin starred food. Outside Carcassonne and close-by, the Ruby Coast is a spectacular setting and it’s not difficult to see why the landscape inspired painters from Matisse to Picasso.
If you would like to know more about these unique destinations, please contact us. We’d also love to share our thoughts on other unique destinations - both near and far - that we feel deliver the WOW factor.