In the current climate it is still possible to organise experiences that generate motivation, promote the values of an organisation and bring teams together - but in a different way.
In Spain, initiatives have emerged to reactivate the incentive industry. For example, I’M +, an association of incentive travel agencies, has created a Covid Safe seal, endorsed by Spanish medical associations. The association has also signed agreements with insurance companies and laboratories for rapid Covid tests, promoted the consistency of contracts internationally and introduced special services to assist delegates.
Incentives are changing and that will endure. They are more meaningful and responsible, with small groups enjoying personalised experiences that are exclusive without necessarily being luxurious, and prioritising outdoor activities; events are also more segmented and with strong added value.
Ribera del Duero, the golden mile
The great outdoors is the best setting for a safe incentive. In this example by Diwoto agency, a small group experienced a five-day incentive trip in the Ribera del Duero wine-producing region, celebrating its landscapes, culture, gastronomy and, of course, its wine.
They stayed at the Arzuaga Hotel & Spa, had dinner at Fuente Aceña, a boutique riverside hotel in a restored flour mill. They visited temple of wine tourism Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine and toured the vineyard in a Land Rover, learning about the history of the Abbey and its wines, which they later enjoyed in an exclusive tasting. After lunch at the wine bar, they returned to Arzuaga, where a spa experience awaited them. The trip continued with a visit to the Pago de Carraovejas winery, surrounded by vineyards, and a tasting.
At each location, guests’ temperature was taken and protective clothing supplied. In addition, insurance covered the possibility of infection, both to assistants and to the staff.
Experiences based on the characteristics of the destination, integrating corporate responsibility and sustainability, which strike an emotional chord and are motivating are here to stay. Here are some more ideas:
- Arrozicleta in Costa Brava Girona: This is an experience in which delegates cross the rice fields of the medieval town of Pals on a burricleta – electric bicycle – to participate in activities related to the cultivation and cooking of rice.
- Ninots workshop in Valencia: Es.Cultura organises this activity based on the famous Valencian Fallas, a tradition rated an International Tourist Interest. In small teams to ensure distancing, with face coverings in a spacious, ventilated room, participants learn to create and build ninots. These ephemeral monuments, made of cardboard, stone and other combustible materials, are burned during the Fallas festival.
- Outdoor games in Barcelona: Created by Humanside Experiences, these are sports activities for small groups that put teamwork to the test. In the Pool Regatta, a hotel pool is turned into a miniature ocean by a wave machine and a flotilla of radio-controlled sailboats; and the Orienteering Raid is a race in which participants are attached to each other by belts to maintain distance, and must locate hidden beacons with the help of a map and a compass.
- Treasure hunt in Seville: In an experience with a purpose proposed by BE Spain DMC & Events, guests tour the historic centre of the city looking for its treasures, revealing on the way the Seville’s main attractions to delegates who will earn points that are redeemed against donations to social or environmental initiatives.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
