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USING TRAVEL AS REWARDS FOR STAR EMPLOYEES MAKES A COMEBACK |
 While many companies have pushed their perks under the radar, the restaurant chain planted a Texas Roadhouse flag on the Waldorf Astoria, set off fireworks on Ellis Island, and posted the company mascot - an armadillo named Andy - on top of Radio City Music Hall. And why not? Says Texas Roadhouse CEO G.J. Hart, "Our biggest asset is the people that run our restaurants and that work there. And like any asset, if you want a return on that asset, you need to invest in it." Companies increasingly are emboldened to once again reward their best employees and representatives with motivational trips, incentive travel experts say. There's "the realization that you've got to reward your top performers if you want your company results to remain strong," says Brenda Anderson, CEO of Site, an organization of incentive and travel executives. "It's common sense. ... It's about rewarding your employees, making them feel connected to your company, your culture, your values."
For every dollar spent on incentive travel, a business typically reaps $3 to $4 in revenue, according to Site. And while some incentive programs offer solo trips, larger gatherings can be particularly valuable because they give attendees the chance to connect with one another as well as top executives, experts say. "They're in one place talking and networking and learning informally," says Paul Hebert, managing director of the Greenville, S.C.-based I2I, which consults with companies on the design of their incentive programs. "You end up elevating everybody's skill level."
Inspiration is the key
"Companies have to grow again, and you need an engaged, motivated and retained sales force to do that." Businesses are choosing more cost-effective locations, such as an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. Instead of just golf and spa activities, people have opportunities to participate in a team-building event as well. |
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NOW RESORTS OPENS SECOND MEXICO PROPERTY IN RIVIERA CANCUN |
 Now Resorts & Spas, the new all-inclusive brand by AMResorts, opened its second property since launching in January: the 496-room Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, which made its debut May 1. The resort is near Puerto Morelos, about a 15-minute drive from Cancun Airport. Its oceanfront setting features a collection of pools, Bali beds and palapas. The Now Sapphire offers six a la carte restaurants and seven bars where no reservations or wristbands are required. Now also features a spa, and its Explorers' Club caters to guests ages 3 to 12 with dedicated facilities and fully supervised activities.
The brand concept includes oversize guest rooms and suites with ocean views and private terraces; WiFi; flat-screen TVs with surround-sound systems; minibars; 24-hour room service and concierge service; multiple gourmet dining offerings; and full-service spa and fitness facilities.
The Now Resorts & Spas brand is the newest in the AMResorts family, which also include Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas and Dreams Resorts & Spas.
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 On March 4, President Obama signed the Travel Promotion Act in to law. The legislation creates a new public-private entity, called the Corporation for Travel Promotion, charged with promoting the U.S. to international visitors and with disseminating information on security and procedural issues as well as other travel information. The CTP will be partially funded through a $10 fee, paid once every two years, imposed on Visa Waiver Program travelers coming to the U.S. The rest will come from private donations and grants from corporations. |
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CHICAGO'S McCORMICK PLACE LABOR REFORM LAW PASSED |
 Last week, the Illinois General Assembly overrode a veto by Governor Pat Quinn and passed a law designed to reduce labor costs and make Chicago more competitive as a convention destination.
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ISLA MUJERES READIES FOR WHALE SHARK FESTIVAL |
 Isla Mujeres, the Caribbean island off the coast of Cancun, will celebrate the whale shark, the world's largest species of fish, at the Third Annual Whale Shark Festival, an event that showcases the island's achievements, traditions and the environment July 16 to 18. The festival is organized by Ceviche Tours, a local firm, and the Isla Mujeres Department of Tourism. Thousands of visitors typically take part in the Whale Shark Festival, which offers guests an opportunity to participate in ecotourism adventures such as swimming with the fish, which pose no danger to humans. Some 1,400 whale sharks make their way through the waters of Isla Mujeres every summer. The festival is held during a period in which hundreds of the sharks typically come together in a "Whale Shark Bloom," in which they swim as a group near the coast.
The festival also features traditional dances performed by local troupes and opportunities to explore Mayan ruins. Scientists from around the world will present seminars on marine biology, sustainable ecotourism and Mayan architecture.
A portion of the festival proceeds will be donated to several not-for-profit environmental organizations. |
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