Nature's biological and psychological benefits make glamorous camping, or glamping, an ideal award for incentive recipients who have earned a retreat. Glamping is an especially good fit coming out of COVID-19 because it aligns so well with demand for new experiences that enable positive regeneration of mind and spirit after the unprecedented challenges we’ve faced over the past year. The glamping experience creates authentic bonding opportunities, such as campfire storytelling, which is hugely important given the isolation sales teams and other groups have experienced. Here are few ideas on how glamping could be the perfect fit for your participants.
Nostalgia Meets Luxury
For many, spending time in nature evokes a dose of nostalgia, back to simpler times and pleasures. People have long sought to recapture those memories by camping in the great outdoors. These days, increasing numbers of people are opting for a new style of upgraded camping. An array of private properties, unique campsites and online apps are redefining “roughing it” with glamping experiences.
Fortunately, the glamping trend has turned the idea of a luxe outdoor experience from a paradox into a reality. Today, glamping comes not only with starry skies and cozy campfires, but also with amenities and comforts not usually associated with roughing it, like gourmet grub and wine pairing.
Provide Space & Time to Interact
Glamping aligns well with participants desire to reconnect with nature, corporate social responsibility goals and values such as environmental sustainability and supporting rural communities. The 2020 IRF Incentive industry travel index showed that activities promoting wellness and activities in support of CSR or other sustainability will be typical in the future.
Glamping also creates opportunities for “white space,” to give sales teams an opportunity for open networking. Not only with each other, but with spouses and other invited guests. This helps break down barriers between team members, build a community and celebrate the behind-the-scenes players supporting their efforts at home.
New Experiences for Repeat Winners
Top-performing sales teams are well compensated and accustomed to high-end service and amenities. The quality of the accommodations, food and beverage, transport, entertainment and optional activities should all be top tier.
Most top performers are well-versed in five-star resorts on the beach, so an opportunity to create a unique experience is top priority. Bucket-list opportunities to see and do things that will be remembered for a lifetime are ideal. Many brands are looking for ways to create social media magnification of the event to drive FOMO for future top performers.
Some on-site considerations include:
Thoughtful & Creative Amenities
Help your top performers prepare for fun in the great outdoors with these glamping gifts
Fireside Necessities
Here, guests will receive all the essentials to cozy up to the warm fire: slippers (Ugg or similar brand), Pendleton camp blanket, campsite mugs/enamelware, local snacks and a water bottle.
Tent-Side Spa Experience
A typical resort spa experience arrives right at the tent’s door, complete with face masks, lavender tent sprays, Aesop travel kits, body/face wipes and nail grooming kit.
Tent Essentials
These gifting elements will ensure guests can truly make their luxury tent a home away from home: playing cards, books, phone tripod/clip, s’mores roasting stick, twinkle lights and camping knots tying kit.
Glamping Is a Great Way to Maximize Budget
Many hotels are rebooking 2020 and 2021 groups as far out as 2024, creating compression on those years and leaving many groups vying for little space. On top of that, leisure travel is driving demand and premium rates. You may be looking for ways to make the most of your spend. Glamping is a great way to present a domestic location in an exciting and fresh experience.
When companies execute on their goals, top performers feel valued and motivated. So, when you’re looking to reward and recognize your top talent, make sure you’re constantly evolving and changing up your incentive travel year after year. Looking for ways to do just this? Check out our post on how you can reimagine the future of your incentive travel program.