Best incentive travel destinations in Europe
Incentive travel is making a comeback of sorts. It was once a huge thing among businesses but has fallen out of fashion in recent years due to the tough economic climate and, of course, the pandemic. Now, however, it seems that companies are keen to treat their employees to special and unique experiences or show off the fact that they are bouncing back – not only through bonuses and benefits but also by sending their top performers on incentive trips. It is a way of rewarding employees for hard work and allowing them to bond in a social environment. The idea behind incentive travel is simple: create a memorable experience that will help generate excitement and drive engagement within the workplace.
The best incentive travel destinations in Europe
When shopping for the perfect destination, many companies, all over the world, are drawn to Europe. Both as a continent and as a Union, Europe is a magnet for incentive travel due to its fantastic wealth of destinations, cultures, and landscapes (in a relatively small area, if compared to Asia or the Americas), as well as its conveniently uniform legal framework and average level of safety. Moreover, European citizens can move about freely without a visa and it's cheaper to travel within the European Union than to leave it. This makes it easier to organize meetings or purchase incentive packages in different countries without any hassle around travel logistics.
Meeting planners have a plethora of incentive travel destinations to choose from in Europe, with most countries offering varied and flexible travel programs. Vaulting cathedrals, lavish palaces and world-famous landmarks, scenery that takes your breath away, historical sites that are awe-inspiring and hubs of culture and nightlife that most travellers can't wait to explore. Picking the best destination, however, can be challenging, you can select famous historical cities such as London or Paris, but also explore fewer known destinations like Leipzig or Krakow. Or maybe your team is more nature-oriented, in which case you might go for the Swiss Alps or the majestic beauty of the Norwegian fjords.
If you're looking for the best incentive travel destinations in Europe, then this post is for you.
Italy
The European continent is a vast playground for incentive travel. There are so many options, and Italy usually occupies the top positions in most travellers' list. We might not be entirely objective here, since Italy is not only our physical home, but also the country that has shaped The Aia's history and personality, but there is no doubt that it also offers all sorts of opportunities for your employees to experience. From outdoor adventure to fine dining, from world-famous art, architecture, and culture to beautiful landscapes, Italy has it all, and you can tailor an incentive trip here to suit every taste.
This means that you will be able to satisfy very different needs and interests in one trip. After all, teams are rarely homogeneous when it comes to hobbies and passions and it is unlikely that every single employee within your travel group will be a history buff or that they all happen to be experienced mountain bikers, scuba divers, or enthusiastic hikers. Depending on the specific composition of your team, you might design your incentive travel package to include wildly different experiences, in the same location. If, for instance, your chosen destination is famous for its wine production (as most Italian regions are), why not book a wine-tasting class or a visit to the local wineries? Cooking classes are also a popular choice – as is everything that involves Italian food. And, of course, take advantage of the unique wealth of cultural and natural wonders that every region, city, and town in Italy has to offer.
The Baltic States
The Baltic States – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – are often overlooked by incentive planners, but they're home to some of Europe's most exciting cities, making them ideal destinations for incentive travel. Estonia is bordered by the Baltic Sea and Russia and is one of the smallest countries in the EU. With a population of just 1.3 million people, it boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the medieval Old Town in Tallinn and the origin point of the Struve Geodetic Arc at the University of Tartu. It is a very modern country, especially compared to its neighbours. It was one of the first countries that implemented e-government and it is still one of the most connected countries in the world. The capital Tallinn is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, so it is not surprising that many companies decide to organise team building activities there!
Latvia shares a border with Estonia and Lithuania, as well as Russia to the east. In terms of size and population density, it has more in common with its neighbours than with Western Europe — which makes it an interesting destination for incentive groups looking for something different from their usual conference destinations.
Lithuania lies between Poland and Belarus in Eastern Europe and has a population of under 3 million people — slightly smaller than that of an average European city! It's home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites including Vilnius' old town (which was once known as "Little Paris") and the Kernavė Archaeological Site.
Latvia and Lithuania are less developed than Estonia but still offer great opportunities for business trips or incentive travel as well as cultural events. Latvia has been influenced by Scandinavian culture, while Lithuania has been influenced by Russian culture.
Cyprus
Cyprus is a spectacular – and often overlook – incentive travel destination. This island's history is a fascinating and gripping tale of cultural clashes and extreme passions, and the island itself boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Europe.
Cyprus is renowned for its beautiful beaches and sunshine, as well as its rich and multi-faceted culture. If you’re looking to take your team on a luxury incentive trip without investing an outrageous budget, then Cyprus should be one of the top options in your list. With over 648 kms of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from – each with their own unique charm! Whether you want quiet seclusion or lively nightlife, Cyprus has it all!
This Mediterranean Island has been inhabited since at least 2000 BC by various civilizations that have left their mark on it by contributing to its rich heritage and culture. From ancient temples to underwater Roman walls, there are many historical sites worth exploring. Moreover, Cyprus has an amazing selection of restaurants offering traditional Cypriot cuisine as well as international cuisines.
How to create the perfect incentive travel experience
There are many benefits to creating a unique incentive travel program. Not only does it encourage employees to go the extra mile, but it also increases brand loyalty and improve the bottom line. But creating a fun, effective program is not easy. While having fun and cultivating a feeling of camaraderie are the main goals of any retreat, creating a true incentive travel experience involves more than just throwing a bunch of people on a bus and taking them somewhere. You need to know your employees and their interests in order to craft the perfect itinerary.
Before you pick a destination, therefore, you should consider your employees and the cultures of your various departments. What makes one employee tick will vary greatly from one to the next. You must know what motivates your people and cater to their wants and needs while they're away from their usual routine. They are, after all, the ones who have made your company as successful as it is today.