The Key to Planning Incentives, Meetings and Events to Inspire Today’s Attendees

Scrub-beachscene

Are you tasked with researching destinations for incentive rewards, meetings, or special events? The key to program success is choosing a desirable destination to motivate peak performance and increase event attendance. Understanding the destination preferences of today’s attendees is critical, so we’d like to share insights from a recent industry report.

The Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) recently surveyed full-time sales employees who had been – or are currently eligible – for an incentive travel award. The Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel report, revealed that cruising has shown a strong recovery since 2021, rising from last ranked to number three in 2023. Millennials showed particular interest in cruising as an incentive experience

A Cruise Delivers Top Three Incentive Travel Preferences

Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club
Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini. Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages.
Attendees’ top two travel preferences were “beach/sunshine” and “adventure travel.” An incentive cruise can offer either or both of these choices. Myriad ships of all sizes sail to beaches worldwide, and Landry & Kling can help you narrow your choices. From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, to Mexico’s resorts on both coasts, to the South Seas, your guests will find gorgeous beaches with plenty of sunshine to enjoy during their event at sea.

Cruising can also be an entrée to the world of adventure. Last winter, our CEO, Joyce Landry, had a fabulous adventure experience during her luxe expedition cruise to Antarctica. If your participants prefer less exotic adventures, there are ropes courses on ships, zip lines at cruise lines’ private islands, and water sports and snorkeling in clear blue waters. So, while cruise travel is a solid number three motivating choice, it can also fulfill the first and second-ranked motivators!

Lindblad Expedition Alaska
Exploring Alaska glaciers by Zodiac. Photo courtesy of Lindblad-National Geographic Expeditions.

What Attendees Think About Cruising

The IRF survey delved further into attitudes toward cruises. We’re excited to share the results:

  • 71% of respondents agreed that an ocean cruise to a desirable destination would be “extremely motivating” as an incentive travel award.
  • 71% said a cruise ship provides all the comforts of a luxury hotel.
  • 69% of respondents agreed that a river cruise to a desirable destination would be “extremely motivating.”
  • 68% said a cruise ship provides a safe and secure environment.
  • 65% stated they would prefer to explore multiple international ports of call by cruise rather than one international destination at a hotel.
  • 65% of respondents agreed that the cruise experience is a desirable destination, regardless of the ports of cal

Find Your Perfect Cruise Destination

SeaDream Yacht in Portofino
SeaDream Yacht in Portofino, Italy. Photo courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club.

Planners, don’t miss the boat! If you’re searching for a motivating destination for your next meeting or incentive program, now is the time to think about a cruise. The team at Landry & Kling is your go-to resource for creating memorable MICE cruise programs. Let us know your program requirements, and we’ll find the perfect ship and itinerary to meet your needs and ensure success!

Request a quote, call us at +1 786-594-0732 or email inquiry@landrykling.com.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Scroll to Top