Why use travel incentives?
      -Travel is considered to be the most effective reward.

According to the result of an email survey conducted by CMI, 58% say travel is more effective than cash or merchandise. Survey respondents consider travel to be the most effective reward. (Incentive Travel Fact Book)

"Cash bonuses are necessary but travel is a higher perceived reward," says Verizon's John Porterfield.

Additionally, in a recent survey of American workers, 85% said they were motivated by vacation travel incentives.

-Nothing beats travel for long-term results.

In a 2003 Incentive Survey of Buying Practices conducted by the Incentive Federation, survey respondents believe that travel and merchandise awards are remembered longer than cash payments. Specifically, 69% strongly agree with this statement. (Copyright IPC)
Porterfield added, "When people spend their money, it's gone. But the recognition that comes from our travel incentives lives on."

-Travel has a universal appeal and high-perceived value.

USA Today, in their recent survey, stated that "93% preferred travel over other incentives." This is because vacation travel is something that some or most people would not be able to get for themselves.

-Travel is desirable.

Another question asked on the Wirthlin Worldwide Research 2003 survey was "Suppose your employer wanted to reward your work performance. What would you find most rewarding?"
      88% - indicated a trip they plan and take with a companion to the destination of their choice
      5% - indicated a trip planned for them and a companion of choice with their co-workers
      5% - indicated a trip planned just for them and their co-workers.

-Travel has a promotion value.

A more exciting and memorable program can be built with travel than you can with cash.

Do travel incentives work?

According to the 2003 Incentive Travel Facts survey, travel incentives increase sales by an average of 15%. In addition, half of the respondents reported that travel incentives meet 75% - 99% of their objectives. (Incentive Magazine)

Jordan 's Furniture public relations director, Heather Copelas, says people still talk about the trip. "We did it at the time strictly for employee incentive reasons, but we had no idea how long-lasting the effect would be. And we got more employee goodwill and media attention than we ever could have imagined."

" What we found when using the cruise line is you can satisfy everybody."

•  Michael Darder, Sr. Regional Vice President, Washington National Insurance Co.