Winter Incentive Destinations 

Winter is almost here and if you are planning an incentive travel trip now is the time to start making enquiries. Winter is a great time to explore Christmas markets, ski down the alps, or try to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. However, it’s also a perfect opportunity to escape the chill of England and jet off to a tropical paradise. We’ve chosen our top winter destinations to help you decide where you should take your partners or employees next season. 

Reykjavik, Iceland 

We couldn’t talk about winter getaways without talking about Reykjavik in Iceland. The country’s capital is filled with attractions and activities to keep groups of any size entertained for the duration of their stay, whether it’s relaxation you want or exhilaration there is something for everyone. From northern lights tours to spas in the region’s natural geothermal waters, or even a helicopter ride over the city and surrounding geography. We also can’t forget the Blue Lagoon, a top destination for many people’s bucket lists, under an hour drive from the capitol. Reykjavik makes a great incentive to reward stakeholders with a trip they’ll never forget. 

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands 

If you want to give your guest a taste of summer in the coldest months, try the Canary Islands. We recommend the Fuerteventura region for its immaculate beaches and warm temperatures even in the depths of winter. If beaches are what you are looking for in Fuerteventura, look no further than desert nature reserve - Dunas de Corralejo - a 24km ² stretch of beaches, dunes, and volcanic rock, all set against the blue skies of the Canary Islands. But beaches aren’t the only attractions in Fuerteventura, there are plenty of water sports and hiking trails to choose from to invigorate your partners. If sports aren’t your style, how about a tour of the region's wineries, unique in their tastes from growing in the volcanic climate. 

Copenhagen, Denmark 

If you don’t mind you and your guests facing the cold this winter, try a weekend getaway to Copenhagen. The capital of Denmark is famed for its unrivalled beauty during Christmas, making it a perfect city break for businesses and their stakeholders. The city is filled with sightseeing opportunities, amazing gastronomy, and unique theme parks. However, if you are visiting Copenhagen during the winter, you must get involved in hygge. The city is transformed with lights, wooden stalls, and snow topped trees to create that cosy, Christmas feeling. Many of the famous landmarks and attractions including Tivoli gardens, Copenhagen Zoo, and many more, undertake a Christmas transformation and host their very own Christmas markets to create the perfect atmosphere for a corporate Christmas incentive. 

Seville, Spain 

If you want a city break without the chill, then Seville might be the perfect choice for your next winter reward. Even outside of Summer, the region enjoys highs of 20° but lets you and your guests skip out on the crowds expected in the hotter months. You can expect short queues to even some of Seville’s most revered attractions including the cathedral, Alcazar, and the Plaza de España. But that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t get involved in the Christmas festivities. 

York, UK 

Not fancying flying over the winter period? Then York is a great choice for a destination that is filled with Christmas cheer. This historic city is renowned for its Christmas markets that run from November through to December, spreading throughout the city's iconic cobbled streets. But even outside of the markets, York has plenty of attractions for guests including the Chocolate Museum, the National Railway Museum, the Shambles, and for the brave, the York Dungeons. This city offers a unique experience which can’t be enjoyed anywhere else, making it a top pick for winter incentives. We attended a FAM trip to York and you can see all the highlights here.

The Alps, France 

France is filled with magical locations all year long, but nothing beats the ski season in The Alps. From November through to February you and your team can enjoy world-class pistes and dine on authentic Savonyard cuisine. It isn’t all about skiing though, there is Folie Douce, a truly unique alpine clubbing experience. But the region is filled with geothermal spas and retreats if you and your team fancy a break from skiing. 

New York, USA 

New York is the best destination if your company’s Christmas incentive motto is ‘Go big or go home!’ This city is on the bucket list for millions of people, with thousands of sights and activities to enjoy over December. The city is lit up with some of the best light displays you’ll ever see including Saks Fifth Avenue, Central Park, and Rockefeller. If you don’t want to walk to see the lights, you can always book on the Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Bus Tour. If you want something more exciting than awe-inspiring, book onto a holiday Broadway show like the Nutcracker, or try your hand at ice-skating. But if the Christmas festivities get too much there are amazing rooftop bars to escape the hustle and bustle and sit down with a drink instead. New York has proved a popular destination for our clients, you can see an example of one of our trips in this case study. If a Christmas rooftop bar take your fancy but you don’t want to go New York, check out our London rooftop bars instead. 

Cape Town, Africa 

For summer in winter there is no better place than Cape Town. You’ll be treated to temperatures over 30° and the white sand beaches are particularly popular for groups. The area is alive with festivals, open air cinemas, and parties, making it a great choice for teams wanting to let loose. The warm weather and electric atmosphere attracts many tourists, making it imperative for corporate groups to book early to avoid disappointment for rooms and restaurant reservations. We even did a client incentive to South Africa in March which was a huge success.

Edinburgh, UK  

From November through to January Edinburgh is a sight to behold. The Christmas markets offer traditional food and drinks, as well as some modern classics. Each year a variety of fairground rides for all ages pop up across the city, including a Ferris wheel, perfect for enjoying the Edinburgh skyline. George Street has become a top destination to admire the light installations which grow more impressive each year. It’s not all about Christmas though. The Hogmanay, New Year, celebrations kick off on the 30th of December, including firework displays and torchlit processions throughout the city. Get a sneak peak at what an incentive trip to Edinburgh could look like for your clients by checking our video from a client event.

Lapland, Finland 

But if you want to give your stakeholders the full Christmas experience there is no destination better than Lapland. The region is dedicated to all things snow related with the option to go husky sledding, ride with reindeer, or blitz across the snow in a snowmobile. Although it can’t be guaranteed, visiting during winter gives the best chances to catch a glimpse of the magical Northern Lights. But if that isn’t Christmassy enough there is Santa Village and Santa Park, located just outside Rovaniemi, giving guests a range of festive activities to get involved in. 

As you can see winter incentives are a fantastic way to reward your stakeholders with some of the more memorable events of their lives. These destinations are just a few of the options available when it comes to winter getaways to choose from but there are many more to suit every business goal. We can help shape the perfect winter incentive to meet your needs and truly reward your guest. Start your Christmas experience now and talk to one of the team.