Incentive travel programs are often organized in large-scale organizations to celebrate project completion. When you talk about an incentive travel program, you often think of glitz and glam. Employees often expect too much from this corporate gathering, but the associated costs are also high. Because the expectations are sky-high, management will often miss potentially disastrous aspects of this event. This post will reveal incentive travel program mistakes you should avoid making it successful. Keep walking with us to learn more!
Incentive travel program mistakes:
An incentive travel program could be an important event for your organization and employees. You must incorporate employee-friendly and fun activities to make the event more adventurous. A proper plan and schedule will help you conduct these activities on time and return home before it’s too late. However, some managerial bodies often overlook these aspects and commit serious mistakes that ruin the entire experience. The following list will uncover common mistakes you should avoid while organizing an incentive travel program. Let us begin!
1. Budgeting mistakes:
Budgeting is probably the most important factor in your incentive travel program. You can never afford to go over or under the budget. It takes a managerial mind to allocate the right amount of funds to specific activities to keep things in line. Anything above or below the line will lead to negative consequences, probably the last thing you want. Ensure you know your budget limits from top to bottom to streamline the event experience.
Knowing your budget is essential before signing contracts and deals with vendors. How can you plan with a fine-toothed comb if you don’t know your budget? Therefore, never commit the mistake of ignoring your budget before this event since it carries a higher value.
2. Traveling too much:
Traveling too much is another common mistake you should avoid in your next incentive travel program. Your employees would never love to take a 16-hour flight to a destination to stay for 2 nights only. Planning things accordingly and taking short stays at different destinations would be best. Moreover, it will also help your employees take some rest from the hectic long flight.
Before you finalize a destination, consider where your attendees would travel from. Planning for these aspects is never easy unless you hire a professional Dubai events company and allow experts to help you on different fronts.
3. Spending too much on Resorts:
While a resort is a crucial element of your incentive travel program, it does not mean you should spend the entire budget on it. Everyone loves to stay in a seven-star resort and enjoy the view, but does your budget allow it? If not, you should look for a viable alternative that is budget-friendly. No one will frown at you for not booking a seven-star resort if your budget is limited.
Various organizations often neglect this point and book a high-rating resort for attendees. The decision cost them a major chunk of their budget, leaving too little funds for other activities. Why would you ruin the overall event experience by spending too much on a resort?
4. Inviting award-winners only:
Is the travel program intended only for award winners? Certainly not! If you do so, you are probably making a grave mistake. You should not limit the event only to award-winners. You should invite everyone in your office to participate when you announce this travel program. Keep things clear from the word go to avoid misconceptions.
The best scenario is that the winners get a free trip, and other employees will pay. Be smart with this strategy to avoid hurdles; some employees would complain about this. The more careful you are, the better the outcomes.
5. Not going with a proper schedule:
An incentive travel program often includes numerous activities like company dinners and other group activities. Making a proper schedule for these activities is smart to streamline the overall experience. Time is crucial in this event, and you must not waste it. Never spend too much time on a single activity, as you might miss the others. Planning your schedule will be easier if you ask Dubai events company for help and advice on this matter!
Your employees are on vacation, and a small group activity might go a long way. Therefore, always keep an eye on the watch and never waste an extra minute on a single activity. Following your schedule will help you complete everything on time and get home before it’s too late.
6. Failing to establish clear goals and objectives:
Incentive travel programs should be designed with specific goals and objectives in mind, such as increasing sales, improving employee morale, or rewarding top performers. Without clear goals, it can be challenging to measure the success of the program.
7. Lack of communication and transparency:
Participants should be fully informed about the program’s rules, eligibility requirements, and how winners will be chosen. Failure to communicate effectively can lead to misunderstandings and distrust among employees.
8. Poor planning and execution:
The success of an incentive travel program is highly dependent on careful planning and flawless execution. Poorly planned programs can result in logistical challenges, cost overruns, and other issues that can negatively impact the program’s effectiveness.
9. Inappropriate destination:
The destination should be carefully chosen to meet the needs and preferences of the attendees. It’s important to consider factors such as accessibility, seasonality, and cultural differences.
Overly complex itinerary:
While it’s important to provide a variety of activities, an overly complex itinerary can be overwhelming and exhausting for participants. Keep the program balanced and provide ample time for rest and relaxation.
10. Failure to follow up:
Following up after the incentive travel program is critical to reinforcing the benefits and impact of the program. Without proper follow-up, the benefits of the program may fade quickly.
Trust corporate event organizers for your next event!
Throwing a corporate event could be hectic since you must wear multiple hats. You are prone to grave mistakes as you go down the road. However, you can avoid these mistakes and make your event successful by hiring professional event organizers. They know how to go about things and plan for the big day. Call them today!
