5 powerful incentive travel trends you need to know

Bespoke experiences, downtime to unwind, and a heightened focus on cultural immersion are among the latest trends shaping incentive travel, according to the Incentive Research Foundation’s (IRF) 2024 Trends Report.

The evolving trends reflected an increased desire for unique experiences and memorable incentive travel experiences, with elements that incorporate local culture to leave a lasting impact on attendees. Incentive travel is also adapting to the needs of a changing workforce, where younger, more dispersed employees are also influencing companies to create tailored experiences that motivate and empower their staff.

As a global financial hub with a rich cultural tapestry, Hong Kong is taking these trends to the next level, offering a seamless blend of business and leisure. The city’s unique contrasts and diverse attractions make it the ideal destination for memorable corporate incentive programmes. Here are five trends that event planners should keep their eye on:

1. Explore the arts to fuel a cultural vibe

According to recent insights from SITE, the integration of cultural activities is key when sourcing an incentive destination. In Hong Kong, teams will be spoilt for choice with artsy landmarks and venues that create one-of-a-kind meetings with a cultural ambience for groups of all sizes.

Here, planners can give teams a cultural vibe by exploring diverse artworks at world-class galleries or via a walking tour. Planners can also get inventive with art jamming or traditional Chinese painting workshops, or simply having a blast by taking a tour of internationally-renowned arts events and festivals, with a packed year-round Hong Kong events calendar to choose from.

2. A greater focus on wellbeing and sustainability

A significant trend in 2024 is the focus on wellbeing and sustainability in incentive travel, according to a recent incentives report by IBTM World, highlighting forest bathing, foraging excursions, meditation, and mindfulness. Beyond Hong Kong’s postcard-perfect skyline is green space that covers 75% of the city’s land mass, offering wellness sanctuaries to reinvigorate team spirit.

Fun-filled bonding experiences and active adventures such as hikes along picturesque trails or boat rides to UNESCO-recognised sites get the teambuilding off to a flying start – or the blood pumping, with Chinese martial arts activities or explorations of Hong Kong’s hidden gems and outlying islands on the table.

For a more relaxing activity, groups can join mindfulness workshops to boost wellbeing, eco-awareness, empathy, and compassion. Everyone’s inner wellbeing and sustainability knowledge is enhanced with wholesome dining at farm-to-table restaurants, organic farms or temples.

3. Create lasting impact with immersion in authentic cultures

With plenty of authentic sights and sounds in Hong Kong, there’s never a dull moment in the city. Hong Kong’s Old Town Central offers up a unique East-meets-West atmosphere, and groups can explore a range of world-class art and culture assets and local artistry in West Kowloon. Meanwhile, Lantau Island has everything a planner may need from iconic venues and attractions to adrenaline-fuelled beach adventures, running challenges, ice skating and much more.

Kevin Kuswadi, managing director of Pelangi Tour in Indonesia, said: "Hong Kong’s new attractions, including the Palace Museum and M+, as well as its diverse array of experiences, are appealing to Indonesian travellers in search of novelty. The Neighbourhoods theme is sure to attract them like a magnet."

4. Unwind and explore destinations after dark

In a city renowned for its nightlife, discover award-winning bars in Hong Kong’s hottest night spots or stage once-in-a-lifetime parties at iconic venues such as the Water World Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland. Gastronomical gurus will be amazed by Hong Kong’s diverse range of food and drinks workshops, paired with the city’s many colourful festivals and fiestas. There’s always a reason to celebrate and uncover more after-dark experiences to enrich incentive programmes.

5. Make memories with signature experiences

No incentive trip to Hong Kong is complete without classic experiences like a Victoria Harbour cruise, a thrilling horse-racing night, a ride up to The Peak to capture panoramic views of Hong Kong and the surrounding bay, or a stroll down the star-studded Avenue of Stars. The signature activities provide ample opportunities for memorable photos and experiences.

"Discovering Hong Kong’s exciting incentive possibilities through the ‘Hong Kong Incentive Playbook’ is a game-changer,” said Zhang Yang, general manager of Xi'an Cultural Tourism Co. Ltd.’s Beijing branch. “The diverse attractions, nostalgic sites and trendy bars offer unique experiences for all."

The ultimate guide to incentive planning

If you’re planning unforgettable journeys with unique and immersive experiences, look no further than the “Hong Kong Incentive Playbook” presented by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, an informative and user-friendly guide featuring over 100 imaginative incentive ideas grouped under five themes: "Arts & Culture", "Wellness & Nature", "Neighbourhoods", "Nightlife & Parties", and "Hong Kong Signatures".

Serving as a one-stop platform for incentive planners to build authentic and memorable experiences, the Playbook is accessible in English, traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese so that planners from anywhere in the world can create incentive programmes with a difference.

Click here to spark your inspiration.

The article is brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.