News and Trend 2025
As reported in the Incentive Travel Index 2024, the top reasons for incentive travel are employee retention (81 percent), attracting and retaining the next generation of qualified leaders (70 percent), and the fact that travel is increasingly valued as a reward (68 percent).
The Incentive Research Foundation has released its IRF 2025 Trends Report, an update on key trends in the corporate incentive world for this year.
According to IRF’s compilation, in 2025 incentive programs and rewards will undergo significant changes in response to evolving business priorities, changing audience preferences and the need for something new, while remaining an effective tool that companies use to gain a competitive advantage.
Non-monetary rewards and recognition, continue to have a significant impact on employee performance and the promotion of business results; this is prompting HR to expand the reach within departments with more inclusive rewards: no longer solely for the sales team but also for employees who indirectly contribute to the achievement of sales goals.
The whole is greater than the value of its parts
Building on this philosophy, having a portfolio of incentive, reward and recognition programs is a strategic driver for increasing ‘Company Culture’ and employee loyalty.
How then to take action?
To impress leadership, create a lasting impression on participants, and constantly raise the bar, incentive travel organizers will continue to look for new destinations in 2025.
According to the Incentive Travel Index 2024, 70 percent of buyers are looking for something new and considering destinations they have never used before, seeking more space, fresh air and fewer crowds.
The desire is to offer previously unvisited destinations and access to travel experiences that attendees would not be able to do on their own.
Creating memorable travel experiences that reinforce employee loyalty is key to the strategic importance of incentive travel.
