Designing Sales Incentive Trips That Inspire

For this Vivid Perspective article, I was joined by Amanda Douglas, Commercial Director at Four Seasons Ko Olina. We talk about trends we are seeing in the incentive trip market and best practices for an inspiring and engaging event for your high performers.

Sales incentive trips have evolved beyond mere rewards. They are strategic tools to drive performance, foster loyalty, and reinforce company culture. With the incentive travel market projected to grow from $52.65 billion in 2024 to $61.12 billion in 2025 (a CAGR of 16.1%), it's clear that organizations are doubling down on experience as a lever for engagement and retention. But with rising travel costs and a reduction in international flights, many organizations are reassessing where and how they plan. At the same time, there’s a clear appetite for luxury, personalization, and unique experiences that feel truly rewarding.

Rising Travel Costs & Reduced International Routes: What It Means

Global airfare prices have risen over 20% since 2023, according to Investopedia, and international flights are harder to come by due to aircraft delivery delays and staffing shortages. These challenges are reshaping how incentive travel is planned:

• More domestic & regional travel to reduce costs and logistical risks and increase participation

• Earlier planning windows to lock in routes and availability

• Stronger ROI pressure, requiring each trip to drive measurable engagement or loyalty

Trending Global Incentive Travel Destinations for 2025

According to the 2024 Attendee Preferences for Incentive Travel report, Hawai‘i, Florida, and Las Vegas rank as top destinations. And even with tightened travel conditions, companies are still looking abroad, but strategically. According to Cvent and SITE Global, the following hot destinations are seeing a surge in bookings:

• Portugal – Known for its affordability, vibrant cities, and wine regions

• Croatia – Coastal beauty, historic sites, and a blend of culture and adventure

• Greece – Iconic island experiences, elevated hospitality, and cultural immersion

• Japan – Especially popular for 2025, with a spike in culinary and innovation-themed incentives

• New Zealand – A favorite for once-in-a-lifetime, nature-forward experiences

• British Columbia, Canada – A domestic-alternative feel for U.S. companies, with access to luxury lodges and sustainable wilderness

The Rise of Luxury and “Over-the-Top” Experiences

Despite economic pressure, high performers still expect standout experiences and companies are responding. The 2024 Incentive Travel Index reports that:

• 65% of planners are investing more in personalization and luxury experiences

• Top-performing programs feature exclusive, immersive activities, such as private yacht charters, wellness-focused itineraries, and behind-the-scenes access to local culture

Luxury today isn’t about excess, it’s about thoughtful, premium curation that makes attendees feel seen and valued.

Thoughtful Gifting: Meaningful and Memorable

Gifting remains a key component, but the focus has shifted toward meaning over material. According to the IRF 2025 Trends Report we're seeing:

• Moderate-value items ($50–$100) with high perceived usefulness (e.g., tech accessories, wellness kits).

• Personalized touches that reflect the destination or attendee preferences – something truly unique for attendees.

• Sustainable, local products aligned with environmental values.

Gifting is an extension of your brand voice and part of the overall experience design.

Personalized Experiences: What Matters Most

The modern incentive attendee wants options and meaning. A thoughtful planner will ensure:

• Balanced agendas with room to breathe, recharge, and explore independently.  Attendees want R&R as well as unique experiences to reward their hard work.

• Choose-your-own-adventure style programming, from kayaking to cooking classes.

• Recognition programming, but in inventive, unique ways. Instead of just an awards dinner, focus on the celebration.

Let’s Create a Journey Worth Repeating

To get the most from your incentive investment, we like to follow these planning steps:

• Starting early – Locking in airfare and hotels before demand spikes

• Gathering pre-trip insights – Surveying your team on preferred experiences

• Setting clear objectives – Tying travel to measurable goals like revenue performance or retention

• Storytelling before, during, and after – To create continuity and internal momentum

From premium domestic escapes like Hawai‘i to emerging international gems like Portugal and Japan, at Vivid Creative House we specialize in creating tailor-made sales incentive experiences that are immersive, memorable, and cost-savvy without compromising on impact. We ensure:

• Narrative-driven programming

• Fully custom design, not recycled itineraries

• End-to-end logistics and creative support

• Experiences that drive performance, loyalty, and culture