The winds of change in the aviation market have been blowing for a long time and have gradually changed the climate for incentive travel. The recent announcement that Dubai International is now the world’s second busiest international airport, and will overtake Heathrow by 2015, is a significant shift away from the old order and will have equally significant implications for the longer-term evolution of the incentive travel market.

One thing we love about Canada is it’s big! Big on contrasts, surprises, scenery and hospitality. And lesser known Alberta is potentially the biggest of the lot when it comes to delivering a big, ‘wow’ laden experience for incentive travel groups!

Designing an event for clients who want something more exquisite, less traditional and highly personal is one of the most challenging areas of event design. This is mainly due to the incredibly wide choice of options that open up to you, especially when budgets are not the primary consideration for the event.

Decay, economic tumbleweed, living on past glories and bleak are adjectives often used when talking about Detroit, Michigan. So where better to include on a business incentive travel trip!

The perpetual challenge for the incentive travel designer is resolving the conflicting demands of new and accessible, and managing to deliver great experiences within the budgets allowed. This is amplified when a client is extremely well travelled, is Five Star Plus and has traversed the globe many times. Time to think different…

With the first direct flights from Gatwick to Colombo already on sale, I reflect on Sri Lanka as a corporate and luxury travel destination.

Incentive travel is all about the ‘wow factor’. The world is getting smaller and people are becoming more well-travelled, especially those who work in global businesses, so this means that incentive event boundaries need to be pushed to provide a money-can’t-buy adventure which will motivate people to strive to earn a place. In addition, the experience must also create a lasting memory for those delegates involved and create a legend in company culture to motivate for the year after the event has taken place.

It’s always difficult to please everyone, especially when it comes to incentive travel and events. The audience might have a range of different ages and preferences, and what might seem like a once in a life time experience for one delegate, could be a nightmare for another. When I did an American 'road trip' earlier this month to gain more insight on long haul destinations I really appreciated the variety three cities in particular offered. 

Japan has all the elements for stunning incentive and group travel experiences, yet rarely features at the top of the ‘must visit’ list. Whilst distance is a factor, access is superb, and whilst the culture is unique, is it too different, too eclectic, and too challenging?

Twin centre destinations? They have been a feature of the incentive travel market for ever it seems, but often can be overlooked in the pursuit of the elusive singular ‘wow’ factor. However, twin centre events have unique merits and can be a heady mix of experiences, imprinting lasting memories on those attending. They are the ‘holistic’ option of the incentive travel market.