Current trends in Incentive travel: How we help you stay ahead
We always keep an eye on market developments to offer you the best experiences in incentive travel. Recently, the Incentive Travel Index published by SITE and the Incentive Research Foundation, with support from Oxford Economics, highlighted the current trends in the industry. We want to share the key points from this study with you and show how we can use this information together for your upcoming events.
Moderate optimism for 2025
The incentive travel market shows cautious optimism for 2025. Only 37% of buyers expect an increase in activity levels (number of participants), although this figure rises to 45% for 2026. This means companies remain confident about the positive impact of incentive travel on team motivation and performance.
Budgets under pressure due to inflation
Inflation continues to be a significant challenge. 31% of buyers anticipate their budgets will increase but not keep up with inflation, while 38% expect to match inflation. However, 42% will see their per-person budgets not keeping pace with inflation, highlighting the importance of careful planning to maximize Return on Investment.
Main expense areas: Hotels and air travel
Hotels (27%) and air travel (21%) make up nearly half of the total cost of incentive trips. These areas also top the list of cost increases, cited by 50% and 47% of professionals, respectively. At MRCO, we have strong partnerships to offer you preferential rates and optimized solutions.
An incentive trip costs an average of $4,900 per participant, with a lower average in Europe ($4,000) compared to North America ($5,400). This significant investment underscores the importance of ensuring a tangible return on investment, which is a top priority for clients.
Preferred activities by region
- Europe: Group culinary experiences (60%)
- North America: Free time (60%)
- Asia-Pacific: Cultural activities and sightseeing (57%)
These differences highlight the importance of tailoring activities to meet the specific interests of your team. In Morocco, we are fortunate to offer a unique combination of these experiences, thanks to our rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and renowned cuisine.
Objectives of incentive travel: Focusing on people
Incentive programs can help achieve various goals. Currently, there's a strong focus on "Motivation and Building Company Culture," cited by 58% of professionals, while 40% emphasize financial ROI. Employee retention tops the list of priorities (81%), followed by integrating new generations of leaders (68%). In today's competitive talent market, tools that help retain your best employees are extremely valuable.
Adapting to new generations
67% believe it's necessary to reinvent incentive travel to meet the expectations of new generations. A significant 47% think incentive travel is falling behind in an era of generational change. Meeting the needs and tastes of both younger and more mature generations will be an interesting challenge. At MRCO, we're committed to creating innovative programs that appeal to all age groups, incorporating technology, sustainability, and authentic experiences.
Sustainability not seen as a major challenge
Only 23% consider an increased focus on sustainability to be a long-term challenge, and even fewer (13%) see it as a short-term issue. Additionally, only 18% think that long-distance travel will be hard to justify in an era of climate change. While surprising, these figures suggest that despite environmental concerns, the desire for travel remains strong.
Morocco: A destination of choice for your next incentive trip
Morocco offers an ideal setting for successful incentive travel:
Accessibility: Direct flights from many international cities.
Diversity of experiences: From the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains and historic medinas.
Cultural richness: Immersion in an ancient culture with authentic activities.
Modern infrastructure: Luxury hotels, well-equipped conference centers, and quality services.
How MRCO supports you ?
Our local expertise and deep market knowledge allow us to design tailor-made programs that meet your specific objectives. We help you:
Optimize your budget: Through our partnerships, we negotiate the best rates for you.
Create unique experiences: Innovative activities that foster engagement and motivation.
Manage logistics: Complete support for total peace of mind.
Measure ROI: Clear indicators to assess the impact of your incentive trip.
Ready to plan your next incentive trip to Morocco?
Contact us today to discuss your projects:
📞 Phone: +212 663 176 313
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.mrco.company
Together, let's make your next incentive trip a resounding success.