Jit Bose

Recently I was invited to be on a panel at BLTM to discuss the current trends in incentive industry. The event was organised by Fairest Media at their annual event BLTM which is an exclusive two-day B2B travel mart focussed on Business+Leisure Travel and MICE which was held at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi. The esteemed panel included Mr. Naveen Rizvi ( Vice President – SITE), Mr. Barun Gupta ( President SITE), Ms Jasminder Brishan ( Sr. Manager Global Travel – Owner Financial), Ms. Annabel Christine ( Asst. General Manager Travel – Ashok Leyland ) & Mr. Manian SGS ( Associate Director Travel – Mindsprint).

Here are my views on what Planners typically consider when selecting hotels for incentive travel programs:

1. Location: The hotel’s location should be attractive and convenient for participants, with easy access to attractions, activities, and transportation options. The more exciting the city is more interested are the participants.

2. Accommodation Quality: Planners look for comfortable and luxurious accommodations that align with the incentive’s prestige. Room quality, amenities, and cleanliness are crucial. Lot of incentives involves family travel hence quality of rooms and spacious rooms are always welcome.

3. Meeting and Event Facilities: If there are meetings or events planned, the hotel should offer suitable spaces with the necessary audio-visual equipment and seating arrangements. Planners are looking for unique venues beyond typical ball rooms.

4. Dining Options: A variety of dining options, including restaurants, bars, and room service, should be available to cater to participants’ tastes and preferences. Chefs offering local delicacies are equally important along with options of regional & international cuisines.

5. Activities and Experiences: The hotel should offer a range of on-site and nearby activities and experiences that align with the incentive’s goals and provide entertainment and relaxation.

6. Pricing and Value: Planners assess the hotel’s pricing to ensure it fits within the budget while still offering value in terms of amenities and services.

7. Reputation and Reviews: Checking reviews and the hotel’s reputation for delivering a positive guest experience is crucial to ensure participant satisfaction. 

8. Capacity and Availability: The hotel should have the capacity to accommodate the group size and be available on the desired dates.

9. Special Offers and Incentives: Some hotels offer additional perks or incentives for booking group stays, which planners may consider to enhance the overall package. Loyalty points to some a big draw.

10. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: Increasingly, planners are considering a hotel’s commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Please highlight Hotel’s all green initiatives. 

Ultimately, the choice of a hotel for incentive travel should align with the program’s goals, participant preferences, and the overall experience you want to create for your attendees. Safety security of the city and the Hotel location along with easy accessibility with regard to International and domestic air connectivity plays a huge role.

One of the biggest international markets for incentive travel to India is the United States. The United States has a significant number of companies that frequently organize incentive travel programs for their employees, and India’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique experiences make it an attractive destination for such programs.

However, please note that the popularity of incentive travel destinations can evolve over time, and the market dynamics may have changed since then. It’s advisable to consult more recent data and industry reports to get the most up-to-date information on the biggest international markets for incentive travel to India in 2023 or beyond.