Hottest destinations for Australian and New Zealand incentives ?
In 2011, destinations such as the US and Europe including Turkey, were on the rise because the strong AUD made them more ‘affordable’. This year, many other upcoming destinations are producing some fantastic new products. Previously unexplored incentive destinations such as Chile and Peru are growing; Qantas is now flying directly to Santiago, Chile and this initiative will no doubt, increase business in general to South America. Holland and The Baltic States are also starting to come into favour for incentives groups that are looking for new and unexplored destinations within Europe.

Other sought after incentive destinations ?
DMS represents more than 60 destinations, each city/country has its own flavour and characteristics and we are able to highlight core selling points for them all. However, Asia remains always a flavour of the month because new destinations are opening up continuously, Vietnam and Thailand are hot, and now that Singapore has added so many new hotels and attractions, it is becoming a very sought after destination

Most exciting new products ?
Singapore has greatly increased its incentive and conference offering reinventing itself with a vast array of new infrastructure – something new is coming online every day. Incentive agents should now start to draw their attention back to Singapore and see it as more than just a stopover en-route to Europe. Same with Dubai; it is back on the radar and being combined with Abu Dhabi or Oman. Holland is a very new flavour. It’s a small country offering every element needed for a great incentive program including exciting cultural and entertainment inclusions and easy access to all other European countries.

Latest trends in social and corporate responsibility?
A heavy focus is being put on CSR projects in all destinations throughout the world. Our DMCs are continually producing some outstanding work in their destinations, providing either support to underprivileged members of the local community or “give back” programs such as implementing team building with eco-friendly projects

Biggest turn-offs in the market at the moment?
Competition is very fierce because the corporate end user is becoming very demanding. It’s now quite common for clients to request an event planning company to provide radically different proposals for at least five destinations . Corporate Companies often will tender out the brief to multiple event planning companies, always looking for an edge. Everyone along the supply chain is fighting very hard to win the same piece of business.

What’s not working?
Requests for creative, exclusive, upmarket incentive programs – with very limited budgets.

What is working?
More emphasis is being put on incentive rewards within the corporate world – so demand is there.

What can we expect this year – the good, the bad, the ugly?
Incentive business should remain steady. However, we will have to watch out for the continuing impacts of the global economic downturn and be resilient enough to deal with these and other situations such as natural disasters – all of which are completely out of our control.

Most overused phrase, the one that you are sick of hearing?
“High-end incentive” – this term is used loosely in all aspects of incentives.

I never want to see again?
Another Global Financial Crisis

Performance Travel specializes in organising group travel in The Netherlands, thriving on many years of experience.

Whether it’s a small incentive or large meeting Performance Travel is up for the challenge and ready to show The Netherlands in a way your guests will remember for a long time to come.

Besides being an incoming agent for The Netherlands, Performance Travel is also an incentive house that creates programmes for our Dutch clients abroad, we expect DMC’s to work with our high standards and thrive to give back the same working as a DMC in The Netherlands. This gives you as our client the insurance that knowledgeable and experienced staff is working on your requests.

Destination highlights

Amsterdam has many different faces… Everyone knows the 165 romantic canals with the 1281 bridges, more than 600,000 cycles, the sparkling nightlife and the flower market. Every neighbourhood has got it’s own character. The Heren-, the Prinsen-and the Keizerscanal are recognizable by the luxurious, typical Dutch, mansions. In the different centuries, the buildings were adapted to the ruling trend. De Jordaan, is maybe the most interesting and cosy neighbourhood of Amsterdam. Everyone will feel like they are home in the most romantic area of the Netherlands. Every tourist has heard of it even before he ever put a step in Amsterdam: The red light district is world famous! The area around the Old Church has certainly established it’s name, the red lights are burning! Beside this, the city offers many other sights, excellent shopping opportunities and various exhibitions in 50 museums, like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum and the Rembrandthouse.

Destination at a glance

• Continent: Europe
• Flight time from Sydney: 20 Hours, 40 Minutes
• Language: Dutch
• Currency: Euro