(NC) Set a business goal with the reward of an all expenses paid group vacation—and watch as the morale and productivity in your workplace soar.

 

Better still, the returns on this investment are usually immediate, even if the reward is 12 months into the future. Incentive travel starts to pay off from the time you announce it—and from then until the business goal is met, adding a few reminders—of how it will be when company pals are basking lavishly together in the sun, sea, and sand—is a morale booster that works every time.

 

To be stronger, more cohesive, and to be better equipped in today's volatile environment, take your main players as far away from the corporate confines as possible, advise specialists in this field at Club Med. “Take them to one of nature's most magnificent settings so our specialized team can awaken their motivation, confidence, and sense of achievement.” Here are a few more Club Med planning tips:

 

•Use incentive travel to attract new customers or reward established clients. Plan a sweepstakes, a draw, or a contest for referrals. An all-expenses paid vacation gives potential customers a reason to take a closer look at your company and it gives your best clients, a thank you.

 

•If your company has a new idea or program to launch, do it in an exciting destination when the mind is free and the pressures are few.

 

•Be sure all of your “team building” activities are pre-arranged exclusively for your group. The best resorts, for example, plan ice-breaker games and other spontaneous fun to motivate and sustain enthusiasm.

 

•Choose a destination and resort with a celebrated name. You don't have to persuade anyone, for example, on the excitement of a free week at Club Med in one of 80 countries.

 

•Give them great food, since surveys show that “exquisite meal experiences” are top priority when vacationing. The widest variety includes choices from a la carte restaurants, to grand buffets, to specialty themed gala meals and events.

 

•Give them a lifetime of recreational opportunities with expert instruction from SCUBA to tennis to horseback riding.

 

•Surprise treats are vital, yet often overlooked. Don't be satisfied simply with a perfect all-inclusive resort in the perfect natural setting. Surprise your VIPs periodically with a luxurious massage or a facial at the spa. Arrange for a premium golf package, or choose a destination with unique offerings like yoga, archery, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, kickoboxing, pilates - or even flying on a trapeze at Circus School.