Corporate Travel Destinations

There is a misconception among some segments of the corporate meeting and incentive travel industry that cruises are an extravagantly expensive option for corporate meetings and travel. On the contrary, opting to plan your next corporate meeting onboard a cruise ship can be quite cost-effective and can result in significant cost savings when compared to corporate meeting destinations that are land-based. This is particularly true when travel and event planners take advantage of enticing packages available when planning meetings with multiple attendees. The cost savings can be even greater if most of the attendees live near a port or cruise terminal, avoiding the need for air travel.

The idea of attending a corporate meeting at sea event is also much more exciting and appealing to attendees, which results in them actually looking forward to the trip, rather than dreading yet another event where they spend hours locked in a boring meeting room in Omaha or Kansas City. Onboard activities and entertainment are an excellent way to wind down after a long day of meetings, and offer plenty of options for days off. Stopping in interesting ports of call also adds appeal to shipboard corporate travel, and allows attendees to spend time enjoying attractions, dining, entertainment and shopping off the ship as well.

Plan your next corporate meeting on a cruise ship and you will find that attendees will be happier and more productive as they enjoy the opportunity to both work and play onboard.

In an effort to regain lost market share, some major airlines are implementing special discount airfare programs for corporate and incentive travel. Delta, in particular, is back on track with its previously shelved Delta Meeting Network, which offers benefits such as discounts on published fares, special fares for air travel for more than 10 meeting attendees and one free ticket for every 40 purchased.

Other major airlines are offering similar programs, providing corporate meeting planners and incentive travel planners with new, cost-saving options for air transportation. Companies can contract with Delta, or other airlines, for a particular meeting or event, or for multiple meetings, making this program cost-effective, simple and convenient for meeting and event planners and travel managers.

Another recent change to the air travel industry that is of interest to corporate travel planners is the expansion of Wi-Fi availability among major carriers. AirTran now offers Wi-Fi fleetwide, with Southwest working towards a fleetwide expansion and several other major carrriers, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America and US Airways implementing pilot programs or beginning to expand availability to multiple routes.

This is excellent news for travel planners that will now have increased options for pleasing clients who need Internet access to complete work or prepare for meetings during their flights.

The latest hotspot in Orlando is the Bonnet creek with mature woodlands, natural waterways, and surrounded on three sides by the famous Walt Disney World Resort. The crown jewel on this creek is the Waldorf Astoria Orlando resort. Adjacent to the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, the Waldorf is the latest addition to the legendary Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

The enviable location combined with excellent amenities and impeccable service, this resort is surely destined to rule the event planners hot list.

The 497 sprawling guestrooms have been carefully designed aimed to indulge the guests with the ultimate in luxury. The Waldorf boasts of the lush Deluxe Rooms, one-bedroom Deluxe Suites, spacious and lavish two-bedroom Luxury suites, Waldorf Astoria Suites and the Presidential Suites. The accommodations feature warm décor with soothing colors, excellent furnishings, Italian marble bath counters, exclusive Guerlain amenities, Internet connection, and LCD television. Continue reading »

Planning corporate events can be quite tasking, however if the venue is something as beautiful and charming as the region of the Bahamas, the effort is worth taking. An eternal favorite with business visitors and event planners, the Bahamas is a splendid business destination offering a wide array of delightful facilities and experiences.

Business can truly become a pleasure in the Bahamas. There are three main areas that you could explore for your business visit- the Grand Bahama Island, the Out Islands, and Nassau.

The beautiful Grand Bahama Island

Three things define the Grand Bahama Island- superb golf facilities, vibrant casinos, and cosmopolitan shopping. So whether you are a sports buff, shopaholic, or simply love to try your luck with gambling, this island has all that it takes to offer a splendid business vacation. Continue reading »

New York City, the seat of financial activities in the US, has been experiencing an economic crisis ever since the bank debacles. However in spite of all the economic trouble, this busy and active city attracted millions of business visitors in 2008 and continues to do so. This reflects the popularity of the city as a much sought after business destination for event planners and their clients.

The city is also all geared up to improve its meeting facilities and innovative tools as well as resources are all out there for you to explore. Now that’s some good news for event planners who have been waiting for the bad times to pass by. The event-planning infrastructure in New York is certainly happening!

A newly reopened information center that deals with meeting planning issues adds to the advantages offered by this vibrant city. When you land in New York, be assured that you will receive only world-class hospitality and flawless service from the meeting planning industry. It’s truly a pleasure to be in New York, whether for business or pleasure, or for a combination of both. Continue reading »

The popular Hawaiian destination, Waikiki is back, and this time it looks even better! Going by the high recommendations of many event planners, Waikiki is on the right track, creating a great reputation for itself.

When it comes to business destinations there are many, however there will always be few that will remain favorites. Waikiki happily prides itself for being one of the most preferred and favored business destinations in Hawaii.

The island has given itself a face-lift in terms of infrastructure, design, service, and all the other vital elements necessary for successful corporate event planning. Continue reading »

If you are looking for a superb business destination, look no further than Atlanta. This beautiful city in the South of US offers vibrant choices and an amazing landscape that is sure to keep business visitors thoroughly satisfied.

Characterized by majestic towers that are architectural marvels, Atlanta is a great destination for all kinds of corporate meetings.

The city is growing in leaps and bounds boasting of the headquarters of many successful companies. Atlanta is indeed a big name when it comes to development, identified by a fantastic urban landscape marked by impressive buildings.

For an excellent incentive travel destination, opt for the wonderful southern location of Atlanta. Not only is the infrastructure of the city highly conducive to event meetings, the hospitality industry is also immensely competent. Continue reading »

With corporate groups increasingly looking for ways to encourage and motivate their staff, incentive travel programs are gaining high popularity.

When it comes to event planning, incentive travel programs are a great option. Event planners who specialize in incentive travel deals have a lot to look forward to- a profession that perfectly blends business with pleasure.

Corporate groups regularly send their employees for incentive travel deals as a means to keep their staff happy. Incentive travel trips are not just for motivating or rewarding employees, they are also meant for many other purposes, such as:

• Creating a solid business relationship between two companies
• Training new recruits and helping them break the ice through interactive sessions in these group meetings
• Offering long time loyal customers or dealers a pleasant vacation

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