Talk to an Inntel expert
How Inntel coordinated an incentive trip of a lifetime to Sicily for our client’s top performing sales professionals
Understanding the brief
One of Inntel’s clients, a global communications company, asked them to help us create a bespoke luxury trip of a lifetime for incentive winners and their partners.
The original brief was given back in 2020 during COVID-19 travel restrictions. The client wished to provide a sumptuous travel experience for its top sales performers from across the globe. Originally, the trip was due to take place in 2021 however the client later extended the timeframe to 2023.
The big question was, where would be the best destination? With a generous budget and attendees coming from as far afield as Australia and India as well as Europe, the scope was worldwide, so there was a myriad of possibilities.
Thanks to Inntel’s years of experience in delivering global business travel and events solutions, they could present the client with a meticulously researched and expertly selected list of the best destinations for the trip. From the proposed list, three destinations were shortlisted by the client: Madrid, Sicily and Malta.
The team commissioned a videographer to create videos of all three destinations to present to the client and help them make the final decision. The videos were shared with the client’s employees who were then invited to vote for their favourite.
Sicily came out top! It’s easy to see why – with its vibrant culture, whitewashed sandy beaches, mountain ranges and fine Mediterranean cuisine, the island certainly has lots to offer.
In the year prior to receiving the brief from the client, Inntel’s leadership team went to Taormina in Sicily for an annual strategy meeting and enjoyed a variety of memorable cultural activities whilst there. This provided Inntel’s project manager with first-hand knowledge when putting together the itinerary.
Inntel’s team took pride in going the extra mile to create an unforgettable experience for the client’s valued guests. The exciting itinerary included walking tours, wine tasting, pizza making, exclusive beaches, water sports, a Mount Etna excursion and an awards event hosted in a privately hired historic castle complete with traditional music and entertainment along with a banquet featuring the finest local produce.
Solving problems
Despite the meticulous planning, there were some unavoidable challenges that arose during the trip. With a number of guests travelling from across the globe, flights were delayed, diverted and missed.
Inntel’s agile approach meant that bespoke solutions were created quickly. Fast, effective communication between the team members onsite and those located in the head office meant that new travel arrangements were booked and regular updates were given in a collective team effort to ensure the client’s experience was seamless.
Adding value
Thanks to Inntel’s strong industry reputation and the team’s expert local knowledge, significant savings were negotiated on accommodation costs. Centrally located in Taormina, the selected boutique hotel – with its individually styled rooms and first class service – was the perfect setting for this amazing trip. The attendees occupied most of the hotel’s 25 rooms, so they also enjoyed socialising in the communal areas.
Inntel’s team also thoroughly researched and negotiated with local restaurants and venues, to secure the very best rates. Plus, they liaised with the hotel to arrange every intricate detail of the trip, from the welcome drinks to upgraded coffee breaks, and personal touches, like delivering local produce and gifts to the guests’ rooms.
Satisfying customers
Inntel never loses sight of delivering the best possible value, no matter what the client’s budget is. During the debrief meeting, all elements of the trip’s costs were broken down for full transparency. This project was delivered under budget and the client feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
During the several years I worked with Inntel on a program, I was thoroughly impressed with them. From the initial short videos they produced, which generated excitement in the sales team, through all the delays and changes we had to make due to COVID-19, to the actual trip itself, Inntel exceeded my expectations.
In the initial consultation and site visit, Inntel took the time to understand our needs and objectives, ensuring our winners felt valued. We had the pleasure of working with Sarah and Tash for several years to make our trip happen. They provided us with valuable advice and experience and were always flexible and responsive to any changes we needed to make. They also ensured we stayed within our budget while maintaining the VIP experience we wanted. During the trip, Sarah worked tirelessly to ensure that everything ran smoothly. She exuded an air of authority that immediately earned the trust of our C-level hosts, and her calmness helped to alleviate much of my stress levels.
We had brilliant feedback from the guests and hosts both during and after the trip; they loved how they experienced something unique they couldn’t arrange for themselves and appreciated how inclusive they and their partners felt. The business was impressed we delivered a high-level programme under budget. I enjoyed working with Inntel and would be happy to work with them again on programme of this nature.
Julie S