Travel incentive programs have come a long way in the past decade. After a lull mainly caused by a struggling economy, incentive travel is seeing a resurgence. Businesses are recognizing the impact that a well-designed incentive travel program can have and are making efforts to implement effective programs. Thanks to this renewed interest, it’s possible to track current trends in incentive travel. Many of these trends are attributed to the growing influence of Millennials in the workplace. Here are a few of the recent tendencies in incentive travel culture:
Personalization
Many employees are no longer content with just another cookie-cutter travel experience. It is now common for people to seek more customization and personalization for themselves as well as for groups. This trend is particularly common among Millennials, who have grown up in a world with more customization than ever before. Personalization helps employees feel valued as individuals and rewards their unique contributions.
Novelty
The disinterest in run-of-the-mill travel experiences also reveals a greater desire for novelty in incentive programs. Many employees are seeking a new experience and the opportunity to broaden their horizons. Millennials, in particular, prefer unique opportunities. Traditional destinations may not appeal to the latest generation of workers, who seek experiences that are new and exciting.
Relaxation
There is also an increasing number of travelers seeking the opportunity to relax. While many travel incentive programs in the past have filled the agenda with numerous events and experiences, this may not always be the best approach. If trip winners are constantly moving from one thing to another, will they be relaxing? Some people want the chance to sit in the sun or casually explore the destination at their own convenience. A trip cluttered with constant events and activities can end up being more stressful than restful.
Health and Wellness
Incentive travel planners must also consider society’s growing interest in health and wellness. It is now common for incentive programs to incorporate activities and events that prioritize holistic care. Employees want to see that their employers care about their overall well-being, so personalized workouts or even a 5K run can appeal to this demographic. They’ll also love unique meal options that prize health-consciousness.
Giving Back
In addition to this rise in health-consciousness is an increased interest in CSR—Corporate Social Responsibility. Many employees want to know that their company cares about the community, the environment, and other social causes. This has led to what is being called ‘impact travel’: travel opportunities that allow participants to give back to the community. It’s one thing for an employee to know that their company cares about making the world a better place, but why not let employees participate in that process?
Conclusion
Travel incentive programs are a fantastic way to motivate employees while also having a larger impact on social responsibility and broader business objectives. The current trends in incentive travel bode well for trip winners and for travel incentive programs in general.
For more information on how travel incentives can help your organization, contact Gavel International.
This article was last updated on June 11, 2025
- 4 Tips for Preserving Company Culture and Morale While Scaling Up - June 23, 2025
- Revitalize Meetings with Engaging Breakout Sessions - June 9, 2025
- Reconsider Best Practices Before They Leave Your Business Stranded - May 26, 2025
