What’s Hot in Incentive Travel & Events

LEMONADE HQ
3 days ago
3 min read

Corporate and incentive travel has undergone a major shift over the past decade, moving toward experiential, story-driven design. This mirrors a broader cultural trend: people now seek experience-driven living in their everyday lives. Today’s participants don’t just want a superstar destination, they crave moments and experiences that inspire, connect, and reward, and destinations like Whistler provide the perfect canvas.

So what's hot right now in 2025 and how can we weave this into what we do at LEMONADE.

Surreal landscape with snowy mountains, colourful swirls, and pine trees. A large pink sun and vivid yellow sky create a vibrant mood.

1. Corporate Incentive Travel has Levelled Up

The modern incentive trip has become a lavish, culturally immersive experience. Companies are treating top performers to ultra-luxurious adventures - from private concerts and yacht cruises to samurai sword lessons or curated museum tours. Spending can reach $25,000 per person, with some couples’ trips even hitting $75,000.

Despite economic pressures, these trips remain powerful motivators and symbols of prestige - a reflection of success and connection in today’s increasingly remote and automated work landscape.

2. Experiential Rewards Outshine Traditional Incentives

Employees are seeking high-touch experiences over gift cards or vouchers. These immersive experiences go beyond perks, they create memories that resonate. For Whistler and the Sea-to-Sky this could be staying in a safari-style tent overlooking the pacific ocean, escaping to a Wilderness Lodge, attending a 2026 FIFA World Cup game in Vancouver, or perhaps the newly announced World Cup Downhill Race in Sept 2026, Heli-skiing in the backcountry, or exploring unique cultural destinations.

Tent nestled among trees by a rocky shoreline, wooden stairs lead down. Overcast sky and serene water create a tranquil atmosphere. — Just a short floatplane ride from Whistler, you can mix the Sea with the Sky

3. Experiential & Wellness-Focused Hospitality

Luxury hospitality is embracing “slow luxury” trends, blending wellness, self-care, and immersive experiences. Boutique hotels, longevity treatments, tech-enhanced recovery services, and fashion-forward amenities create environments that leave a lasting impression. Leading brands like Four Seasons are spearheading this shift, offering inspiration for corporate retreats.

Did you know? Whistler's Four Seasons Hotel is the only Canadian hotel features on Travel + Leisure's Top 100 Hotels in the World List! #LemonadeLoves

Key Insights from Research

Strategic Value & ROI

Returning participants see an 18% boost in sales productivity and an impressive 112% ROI.
96% of buyers report that incentive travel meets objectives effectively.
55% of senior leaders now consider incentive travel essential, with 81% using it to retain talent and 62% using it to gain a hiring edge.

Preference for New & Local Experiences

70% of participants want new destinations, with 40% preferring locations close to home.
81% want free time; 50% crave unique cultural experiences.

Planning & Budget Considerations

Rising costs in luxury venues mean early planning is essential. Last-minute arrangements leave little room for creativity or maximising ROI.

Four people smile, holding sparklers in a snowy gazebo at dusk. Red cups and snow-covered decor create a festive, joyful atmosphere.

What These Trends Mean at LEMONADE for Whistler Incentive Travel & Events

✨ Investing in Relationships & Innovation: Our clients want more than just an event. They want stories that get retold, connections that matter, and experiences that stand out. That’s why we invest in relationships and champion fresh, adventurous ideas. These trends reinforce our mission: to craft immersive, narrative-driven experiences with an adventure-centric approach right here in Whistler, B.C.

✨ Purposeful Itineraries: Participants crave downtime and authentic cultural engagement. We design intentional itineraries, balancing inspiration with space to breathe, so each experience lands with emotional impact.

✨ Smart Planning for Maximum ROI: Time is the secret ingredient. Early planning unlocks creativity, negotiation, and attention to detail, transforming a standard retreat into an extraordinary, story-worthy experience.

Make Your Next Whistler Incentive Travel Trip Unforgettable

At LEMONADE., we don’t just plan events, we are passionate about creating story-worthy moments. From adventure-driven team building to luxury retreats in Whistler’s breathtaking landscape, we help your team or clients experience, connect, and remember like never before.