Staying closer to home was the trend in this year's Incentive Travel Buyer's Handbook survey. Although, domestic destinations such as Florida, California, Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada are still popular, many planners are going the urban route with incentives to Washington, DC, Chicago, New York City, or regional destinations like North Carolina, Kentucky or Michigan.
The recession has hurt the travel industry, creating a buyer's market for many destinations. Planners with a budget are being enticed with lower than average rates, "stimulus" packages, and individual attention that was often lacking in good times.
Global destinations did not fare as well as in previous years in the survey. However, there are incentives to travel internationally, too, such as a stronger dollar, special group travel promotions, and the prospect of smaller crowds in popular cities such as Rome, Paris and London.
The bottom line for incentive travel planners is to do your homework, and look for the bargains in destinations that will thrill your attendees.
