How to Plan Your Team’s Dream Pacific Northwest Incentive Trip
Where did your team go for their last incentive trip? Hawaii? St. Thomas? Paris? These are all pretty popular sales team and incentive trip destinations. Though who wouldn’t love a trip to the Caribbean, Hawaii, or Europe, sometimes even the best event planners overlook destinations right here in the U.S. And there is one destination in particular that we suggest you consider for your team’s next dream incentive trip—the Pacific Northwest.
You may be wondering why we would suggest something in the U.S. The reason is pretty simple—your employees want something out of the ordinary. Perhaps they already plan trips to the Caribbean and Europe to enjoy with their family, friends, and significant others.Or they may have already visited many of the typical incentive destinations and are ready for a new adventure.
So, why not take them to a gorgeous location they might not get to visit otherwise? The Pacific Northwest happens to be one of those places that some people overlook when planning vacations. And when groups do plan a trip to Seattle or the surrounding areas, we often hear that they wish they had visited sooner!
Why Do Companies Plan Incentive Trips?
For those working for start-ups or other organizations that might be new to incentive trip planning, we wanted to answer one of the more obvious questions—what’s the point of incentive trips? Are they worth it? Do employees appreciate company-paid travel as a reward for great work?
We’ve done our research. It turns out that nearly 80% of people appreciate incentive-focused trips. And not only that, but they love the opportunity to go somewhere new, somewhere they wouldn’t have thought of on their own.
With this high level of enthusiasm for incentive trips, it’s clear that they offer real value not just to employees but also to companies. Organizations that plan incentive trips understand they’re a powerful tool to inspire, reward, and retain top talent.
Here are 3 reasons why incentive trips are so effective:
1. Motivate and Reward High Performance: Incentive trips create an exciting goal for employees to work toward, encouraging them to reach and exceed performance benchmarks. The promise of an all-expenses-paid experience can be a powerful motivator, sparking engagement and dedication.
2. Strengthen Team Bonds: Incentive trips allow employees to interact in a relaxed, non-work setting, breaking down formal barriers. Shared experiences—whether it’s hiking a mountain trail, exploring a new city, or enjoying a scenic dinner—help build trust and camaraderie. This stronger team dynamic often translates to better collaboration and communication back at work.
3. Grow Morale and Retention: An incentive trip shows employees they’re valued, which boosts morale and can lead to higher job satisfaction. By recognizing hard work and dedication with meaningful rewards, companies reinforce loyalty and encourage long-term commitment, making it more likely that top performers will stay.
The Pacific Northwest: A Unique and Captivating Incentive Destination
So, with the reasons for incentive trips so clear, let’s chat a bit about why we feel so passionate about trips to the Pacific Northwest. Picture rugged coastlines, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain views—all providing a refreshing contrast to typical city-based trips. And don’t worry; we’re not just talking about a visit to Seattle or Portland. This region is full of hidden gems (that we can share with you!) and picturesque retreats that feel worlds away from the everyday.
Whether it’s a serene waterfront resort, a charming mountain lodge, or an island getaway, the Pacific Northwest allows for a truly immersive experience that offers something for everyone. It’s the kind of place where your team can hike one day, enjoy a wine tasting the next, and still have time to unwind with a sunset view.
Top Incentive Destinations in the Pacific Northwest
If a visit to the Pacific Northwest for your next company incentive event isn’t just a trip to Seattle and Portland, you’re probably wondering what we’re thinking. And trust us, the places to go, and the things to do and see are truly limitless. That said, we do have some favorite destinations in mind.
Semiahmoo Resort: Located on a picturesque peninsula, Semiahmoo offers stunning waterfront views, championship golf courses, and relaxing spa options. Ideal for team activities like beach bonfires and outdoor sports.
Suncadia Resort: Nestled in the mountains, Suncadia is perfect for those seeking a rustic yet refined experience. It offers hiking, zip-lining, and cozy lodge settings, making it a great backdrop for both adventure and relaxation.
Whidbey Island: Just a short ferry ride from the mainland, Whidbey Island provides a charming escape with scenic beaches, art galleries, and boutique wineries, perfect for a relaxing, culture-filled retreat.
San Juan Islands: This archipelago is known for whale watching, kayaking, and its laid-back island vibe. It’s a memorable spot to connect with nature and enjoy unique team-building experiences.
Leavenworth: A Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascades, Leavenworth offers seasonal festivals, beer and wine tasting, and outdoor adventures like hiking, river rafting, and snowshoeing—a truly unique destination with plenty of charm.
Seattle to Alaska Cruise: Start with a day exploring Seattle, then embark on a scenic Alaskan cruise for an unforgettable journey. This itinerary combines the urban allure of Seattle with the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your team.
Let Event Experience Help You Create a Memorable Itinerary in the Pacific Northwest
Planning an amazing incentive trip is a top priority for any event planner. After all, these are the company’s best of the best and deserve to be recognized for their efforts in helping the business to succeed, scale, and grow. So, why not reward them with an amazing trip with memories that will last a lifetime and be the talk of the company?
Event Experience is the Pacific Northwest’s premier destination management company. This means that we have the experience and skills necessary to create the very best incentive trip your company has ever experienced. Ready to get started? Contact us today.
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