Corporate Travel Destinations

Corporate travel is always a balance between profitability and exclusivity. Simply put, profitability is the benefit derived from any activity minus the costs and opportunities lost by taking the course of action. This causes many to inherently think of affordable destinations for corporate travel, but this is where exclusivity comes into play. Exclusivity is the concept that the more unique or interesting the destination, the more the trip is generally worth in a less quantifiable manner.

For example, an incentive cruise for employees to Hawaii is probably considered to be a lot more interesting than an incentive travel promotion to Nebraska. While there is nothing inherently wrong with Nebraska, it is simply not considered to be as exclusive and/or interesting as Hawaii. The key is to strike a balance between cost effective travel options and here are a handful of destinations that are surprisingly cost effective while generally being viewed as very exclusive:

Bimini – While small, it is a very affordable locale for hosting small gatherings and meetings. Just do not plan anything during hurricane season.

Oregon – Believe it or not, Oregon is home to a wide range of climates and terrain, which makes from some very interesting and affordable locales.

Sedona – Gorgeous sunsets, excellent hiking, top-notch spas and world-class golfing make this relaxed venue a great spot for meetings and corporate events.

When organizations contact a meeting planner, they are often trying to plan corporate travel on a budget. Many organizations find themselves in this financial dilemma. They understand the need for business travel incentives, but because of they unstable economy their budgets are a bit constrained. Deciding where and how to save money when planning incentive travel can be somewhat tricky. Organizations do not want to be extremely frugal with destinations, accommodations, or dining because this can make incentive travel unappealing. For organizations that desire assistance with incentive planning, a meeting planner may suggest the organization scrutinize their program content. By eliminating unnecessary program content, an organization may be able to save thousands of dollars.

One meeting planner determined how much a company could save by eliminating bottled water from a 3-day meeting. It was determined that the company would save over $65,000 by not offering attendees bottled water. As one can see, small incidentals can have large expenses. While eliminating bottled water may not be right for every organization, this example shows the effect that seemingly insignificant items can have on an organization's business travel budget. By carefully scrutinizing a meeting's program content, organizations may be able to save a bundle.

Many companies are trimming their budgets to adjust to the changing economic climate. When it is time to cut costs, the travel budget is usually one of the first items on the chopping block. For some companies, this may mean canceling travel plans altogether, but for others it simply means finding ways to stretch your corporate travel dollars and get a bigger bang for fewer bucks.

One option that has recently increased in popularity is staying close to home. When business meetings, team building activities, retreats, conferences and incentive travel take place closer to home, this can significantly cut down on transportation costs, as well as increasing attendance. However, opting for nearby destinations and venues comes with its own set of challenges, including creating excitement about the event and maintaining its appeal when you do not have an exotic location to rely on to do that for you.

Here are three ways to make your local event more appealing and create excitement among attendees:
1. Choose a unique venue. Think outside of the boardroom and opt for a museum, wild animal park, theme park or docked cruise ship.
2. Spring for better entertainment. If your budget will allow you to have a well-known headliner, this alone can make up for the lack of an exotic setting.
3. Invite an enticing guest speaker. A well-known guest speaker may or may not be more affordable than a great headliner, so check prices for both before deciding which will work better for your particular situation.

While organizing an meeting at sea for your next corporate travel destination, you may choose to take into consideration the prospect of including a stop on a private island as part of your tour. Some cruise lines now offer ports of call to private islands, usually in the Caribbean, as a portion of their cruise itinerary. Despite the fact that the cost of food, beverages, water sports equipment and other items will generally always cost more on a private island than they would at a conventional stop for an onshore excursion while in port, there are many good advantages to selecting cruise lines that include destinations at private islands.

Private islands may at times be populated with other vacationers, but they are not full with con artists or pickpockets, as are some public beaches, which delivers a more enjoyable setting for your attendees. Security is always there to safeguard that visitors will have no qualms about being mugged or having their belongings taken if they turn their backs, and your attendees can rest assured that the beaches will be impeccably clean and always pristine. Banana boat rides, scuba diving, snorkeling, massage and spa services, beverage bars and cafes are common features on private islands, making them an excellent pick for day-long beach entertainment, and possibly even organized events, depending on what type of agreement you can negotiate with the cruise company.

A cruise meeting is one of the most excellent ideas if you really want to motivate employees. Your meeting attendees will never forget the delight of stopping at several alluring destinations and just unpacking one time. Additionally to increasing attendance, incentives like an all inclusive incentive cruise will be much easier on the incentive travel budget, too.

Cruise meetings can save up to 40 percent over a land-based hotel venue, and extend fabulous onboard facilities and dining choices. Also, cruise ships are now being designed with meetings in mind, e.G. Dedicated meeting facilities, cutting-edge technology, flexible public spaces and roomy theaters that can often accommodate as many as 1,600 people. With most cruise lines, conference space and A/V equipment are complimentary, and the dedicated meeting facilities extend groups more privacy and technology.

Venues like a cruise ship's fabulous show lounges, comedy clubs, and culinary centers can stimulate creative thinking and team building. And there is no shortage of fun activities and challenging sports facilities for your incentive group to take part in between meetings, offering tons of motivational appeal (and bragging rights) for event participants of every age.

An all inclusive incentive cruise can save you up to 40% compared to hotel venues since so much is included. Meals, meeting rooms, A/V, coffee breaks, activities, entertainment and even room service are part of the all-inclusive cruise fare.

While organizing an meeting at sea for your next corporate travel destination, you may choose to take into consideration the prospect of including a stop on a private island as part of your tour. Some cruise lines now offer ports of call to private islands, usually in the Caribbean, as a portion of their cruise itinerary. Despite the fact that the cost of food, beverages, water sports equipment and other items will generally always cost more on a private island than they would at a conventional stop for an onshore excursion while in port, there are many good advantages to selecting cruise lines that include destinations at private islands.

Private islands may at times be populated with other vacationers, but they are not full with con artists or pickpockets, as are some public beaches, which delivers a more enjoyable setting for your attendees. Security is always there to safeguard that visitors will have no qualms about being mugged or having their belongings taken if they turn their backs, and your attendees can rest assured that the beaches will be impeccably clean and always pristine. Banana boat rides, scuba diving, snorkeling, massage and spa services, beverage bars and cafes are common features on private islands, making them an excellent pick for day-long beach entertainment, and possibly even organized events, depending on what type of agreement you can negotiate with the cruise company.

A cruise meeting is one of the most excellent ideas if you really want to motivate employees. Your meeting attendees will never forget the delight of stopping at several alluring destinations and just unpacking one time. Additionally to increasing attendance, incentives like an all inclusive incentive cruise will be much easier on the incentive travel budget, too.

Cruise meetings can save up to 40 percent over a land-based hotel venue, and extend fabulous onboard facilities and dining choices. Also, cruise ships are now being designed with meetings in mind, e.G. Dedicated meeting facilities, cutting-edge technology, flexible public spaces and roomy theaters that can often accommodate as many as 1,600 people. With most cruise lines, conference space and A/V equipment are complimentary, and the dedicated meeting facilities extend groups more privacy and technology.

Venues like a cruise ship's fabulous show lounges, comedy clubs, and culinary centers can stimulate creative thinking and team building. And there is no shortage of fun activities and challenging sports facilities for your incentive group to take part in between meetings, offering tons of motivational appeal (and bragging rights) for event participants of every age.

An all inclusive incentive cruise can save you up to 40% compared to hotel venues since so much is included. Meals, meeting rooms, A/V, coffee breaks, activities, entertainment and even room service are part of the all-inclusive cruise fare.

Barcelona, Spain is among the most visited cities in Europe, and with good reason. It is home to a well-preserved medieval district, sensational architectural landmarks by the world-renowned Antoni Gaudi, fabulous Catalan cuisine, a newly finished waterfront promenade, numerous museums and a wide variety of shopping opportunities that appeal to any type of traveler.

With so much to offer and an exceptional climate throughout the year, it is no wonder that this magical city is a top destination for both business and leisure travel.

Barcelona is well connected to major cities via air or rail and boasts a reliable, safe public transportation system, as well as plenty of taxis and car rental agencies. Hotels range from upscale and fashionable, to affordable and comfortable, with options to fit any company’s travel budget.

Business meeting and incentive travel planners should also keep in mind that Barcelona Cards are available, which begin at just $25 per person and provide discounted admission to museums and attractions, as well as free use of Barcelona’s public transportation system. This is a nice addition to a travel package, or simply a friendly tip to pass on to your participants.

More information on the Barcelona Card, as well as general tourist information, can be found at www.barcelonaturisme.com.