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Decision Drivers 2022: Elevating the Experience

As incentive travel programmes rebound to meet pent-up demand, expectations are higher than ever. With the goal of retaining top performers and attracting new talent, incentive travel programmes are expected to deliver unique, memorable experiences.

The IRF’s new report, Decision Drivers 2022: Elevating the Experience, explores incentive buyers’ current priorities, considerations, and challenges in designing incentive travel programmes that meet the changing demands of today’s workforce.

In August, the IRF, in conjunction with Destination Canada Business Events, gathered a group of corporate incentive programme owners and third-party incentive house executives, from across the country, who met in person at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta Canada. The group participated in roundtable discussions and shared their insights on the programme elements, desired outcomes, and top considerations when selecting incentive travel destinations.

“Experience, authenticity, and wellness are driving the decisions for today’s incentive programme owners,” said Stephanie Harris, IRF president. “Hotels, DMOs, and CVBs who bring together critical programme elements in a way that is seamless for the planner, and can demonstrate their ability to execute as promised, will come out ahead.”

Insights shared by incentive travel buyers in Decision Drivers 2022: Elevating the Experience include:

• Incentive travel buyers expect hotels to honour the destination by both embracing the unique elements of their surroundings within the experience they offer, but also delivering incentive-level service.

• Consistency in delivery and staffing is an area of significant concern. This uncertainty means increased need for transparent conversations between suppliers and programme owners.

• Thoughtful use of the environment, creative and authentic education about the area, and meaningful immersion into local culture are drawing in programme owners and decision-makers.

• Tapping into the expertise of DMOs and CVBs can result in exciting new experiences and additional resources to support programmes.

• Programme winners want free time to explore on their own. Planners are choosing destinations that have a variety of experiences nearby for participants to take in on their own time.

• Many US companies continue to prefer keeping participants close to home and are reconsidering destinations that offer immersive and different experiences without creating uncertainty.

• While some companies are open to emerging destinations, they are not willing to compromise service or luxury when considering a new, off-thebeaten-path destination.

To view or download a copy of the full report, please visit The IRF’s Decision Drivers 2022 webpage. www.theIRF.org