Lay out the rules before you announce the program

If your goal is to sell 10,000 Super Widgets in a 15-state area over a 12-month period, you’ll need to establish program launch, periodic review and completion dates, and stick to them. Calculate how many widget sales it will take to fund the program and structure realistic but challenging goals. What return on investment (ROI) can you expect? Spell out the rules in detail. Will you award only one trip, or will several top achievers share in the prize?

I recommend: : When you have sketched out the structure of the program, enlist the help of planning experts who can not only help you tweak the fine points but recommend and fulfill the travel reward too. Use fun contests and special events to keep excitement high throughout the run of the program.

Select a travel award that sizzles with excitement

It’s important to select a travel award that has “You Are Special!” and “We Appreciate You!” written all over it. It can be as simple as a long weekend in a nearby city, or as lavish as a week in Paris or Tuscany.

I recommend: Select a reward that will excite and energize not only the sales person but the accompanying spouse/partner too. And include plenty of extras. Book a limousine, a suite or concierge level room, an elegant dinner for two, a spa treatment or round of golf, theater tickets, champagne breakfast in bed, a tasteful room gift.  If your budget can handle a week in an international destination, be sure the award will be perceived as “exciting” and “over-the-top.” It can be an individual award for the top achiever, or a group award for the top “x” sales people. If you want to keep it simple, look into hotel vouchers, resort stay certificates, airline vouchers, packages from tour operators like Apple Vacations or hotel programs like Wyndham Resort’s Get Up and Go Program.

Choose a cruise

Cruise awards can create a very high level of excitement and they are easy to arrange. If budget is a big consideration, book dates in the off-season or consider a three-or four-day cruise on a mainstream cruise line. If your bottom line can handle a luxury cruise, make sure the ship you select is appropriate for your staff’s age group and lifestyle.

I recommend: Explore possibilities with the group departments at Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Disney and Seabourn. For help from cruise incentive experts, contact World Wide Travel & Cruise or Landry and Kling. 

Consult with proven travel incentive experts

Because a well-crafted travel incentive program is as much about motivation as it is about travel, hire experts with a stellar track record and professional credentials.

I recommend: Maritz Travel is well known and well established, as is MotivAction. Look for a member of the internationally-recognized Society of Incentive and Travel Executives. For help planning special events anywhere in the world, enlist the services of a destination management company (DMC).