New IRF Study: Incentive Travel Continues To Be Strong Employee Motivator
The Incentive Research Foundation’s “The Impact of Destination Choice on Motivation” reports that group incentive travel was considered highly motivating by 80% of North American employees surveyed the IRF.
The study discusses significant shifts in the type of incentive trips participants want coming out of the pandemic. Top destinations include Hawaii, the Caribbean, Western Europe, California, Florida, and Alaska.
The Incentive Research Foundation’s The Impact of Destination Choice on Motivation reports that group incentive travel was considered highly motivating by 80% of North American employees surveyed by the IRF. The study discusses significant shifts in the type of incentive trips participants want coming out of the pandemic.
Using data from the IRF survey, Cvent, and 3D Cruise Partners, the study examines the top employee destination preferences and compares them to actual bookings and quote requests. Top destinations include Hawaii, the Caribbean, Western Europe, California, Florida, and Alaska.
“As global vaccination rates increase and restrictions are relaxed, incentive program participants are becoming more comfortable with traveling. But employee preferences around destinations and experience design have changed since the pandemic, so planners will need to rethink their incentive trip strategy,” said Stephanie Harris, IRF President. “The Impact of Destination Choice on Motivation examines how the post-pandemic incentive travel experience can be designed to achieve your target performance goals.”
The Impact of Destination Choice on Motivation looks at the aspects of how experiences are designed to determine the elements that provide maximum inspiration to earn the award. Key insights include:
- Participants want less crowding, and more open spaces, remote areas, and private residences
- Over half (52%) would most prefer an incentive trip lasting between six to nine days
- Respondents with children under the age of 18 living at home found group travel much more motivating than those without children living at home
- Hawaii, Florida, and California are all within the ‘top’ preferred regions and are also seeing high volume RFP activity
- While Mexico has limited motivational value to program earners, there is significant RFP activity by program owners
- A shift in cruise preferences favors Europe over the Caribbean. European River and Mediterranean cruises account for 57% of requested quotes so far in 2021
- Going to an appealing destination and being able to invite a guest were the most important aspects for creating a highly motivating incentive
To download the full study and white paper, visit the IRF’s The Impact of Destination Choice on Motivation webpage.
