Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1096207
Expert 10 MAR-APR 2019 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS MCMAG-ASIA.COM B efore asking ourselves why second- or even third-tier destinations are becoming more popular for incentive travel, we should answer this question: what makes an incentive a real incentive? As planners, what is it that we are looking for? In Latin, the word' incendere' means 'firing up' or 'to set fire'. When it comes to incentive travel, we want to create one-of-a-kind experiences that leave positive, long-lasting memories for our incentive participants. It is all about touching the emotional side of the guests so that the experiences are remembered forever in positive ways. I believe that going off the beaten track to look for new ideas is one of the chief missions of an incentive planner. However, where can we find these extraordinary, unique and exceptional experiences? Are there any left? Looking for that special touch Most planners agree that it is becoming more and more challenging to find these experiences in first-tier destinations. That is because guests who travel frequently have already seen the world over, and it is much harder for us to find unique experiences in larger incentive 'hubs'. In most cases, our target guests have already been to most big cities. No worries though, because this presents a huge opportunity for second- and third-tier destinations. As planners, we have observed many local suppliers — especially those with great potential in the incentive field — coming up with new approaches and creative ideas. These suppliers are also "I believe that going off the beaten track to look for new ideas is one of the chief missions of an incentive planner." — YUJI ANDREAS WENDLER, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TEAM TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL Yuji Andreas Wendler, managing director at Germany-based team travel international, shares why second-tier — or even third-tier — destinations don't necessarily need to be second best when it comes to incentive travel. WORDS YUJI ANDREAS WENDLER The rise of unchartered territories