THE LAST WORD
The state of the incentive industry – 18 months on The past 18 months have been something of a rollercoaster ride for all of us in the tourism and business events industry. We will not remember it with much fondness. By Rupert Jeffries, executive chairman and founder of Dragonfly Africa and Green Route Africa.
T
he positive aspect is that we have all had no choice but to adapt our business models to the circumstances. Each day has brought with it new challenges. Our international incentive clients have been forced to review the practicalities of travelling to faraway destinations such as Africa in these times of Covid-19. Unexpectedly, this situation has created a huge amount of additional work for us and our staff. Interpreting complicated contracts as well as negotiating cancellations with
suppliers. In addition, trying to find alternative accommodation space for these clients who have not cancelled, but wish to postpone their travel dates to a later time. It’s been tough, with fewer staff than normal and everyone anxious about the future of travel. There is no doubt that our staff miss the office norm, their colleagues, the daily camaraderie, and the comfort of their normal daily routines. And the idea of sharing and creating great ideas. And for how much longer must we run our business via Teams and Zoom?
42 Business Events Africa November 2021
Fortunately, the power of recognition and reward in the form of corporate travel incentive programmes remains exceptional — and enthusiasm for it remains undiminished. The excitement of the chase to win the award to travel somewhere exotic with five-star hotels, cultural experiences, wonderful food, in-room gifts, entertainment and time to chat more personally to their managers and bosses. It is clear that there is huge pent-up demand for travel. People cannot wait to get out again. Cash or merchandise rewards, or trips to www.businesseventsafrica.com
