Inspiring Destinations for Your Next Incentive Program

As a leading incentive agency, with reputation for unique and inspiring incentive programs, we are increasingly challenged by our corporate clients to come up with out-of-the-ordinary incentive destinations that can motivate their target executives to strive to attain their performance goals.  As enjoyable traditional ‘sun-and-sand’ destinations may be, some organizers are now more and more interested in incentive travel that offers their participants a truly exceptional experience with lasting beneficial impact. In what will be a series, we are pleased to present some truly unique incentive destinations that we have had the privilege to use for a few of our clients for their very ambitious and challenge-minded participants.  

Photo by Filip Gielda on Unsplash

As one such destination, last summer we organized an incentive program for a small team of very active professionals in a little-known land. That destination was Greenland.  If that doesn’t ring familiar, you are not alone. Few people in the world know much about the destination—and fewer have ever traveled there.  Greenland is an autonomous constituent country but part of Denmark.  World’s largest island, Greenland has a population of just under 60,000 inhabitants. It is situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Though geographically a part of the continent of North America, Greenland has always been politically and culturally associated with Europe. Most of its residents are Inuit, whose ancestors began migrating from the Canadian mainland in the 13thcentury, gradually settling across the large island. In 2009, Greenland was granted self-rule by Denmark.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Greenland arguably tops the list of most “exotic” destinations for extreme Arctic adventures, such as thrilling heli-skiing, kayaking among towering icebergs, and dogsledding across the top of the world near Qaanaaq (Thule). Roughly 80 percent of the island is covered by the Greenland ice sheet, and no roads connect remote towns and outposts. One can sail or soar into the wild via charter boat, ferry, helicopter, or plane. Adventurous visitors can climb the solid rock walls of south Greenland’s fjords or witness stunning northern lights displays in remote Northeast Greenland’s National Park, the world’s largest, covering an area more than twice the size of California.

Sermersooq Municipality, Greenland

Nothing compares to Greenland for an epic Arctic adventure. Greenland summers are truly glorious.  In summertime, after the snow has melted, miniature wildflowers dot the tundra with color. Towards the end of summer, tiny lowbush blueberries and crowberries ripen as dwarf birch turns to gold and russet. Whales frequent the fjord, while icebergs, spawned from massive glaciers, glitter in the light of a late sunset. Beneath granite peaks that tower over deep inlets, Greenland’s east coast offers some of the best hiking and kayaking in the world.  

After much anticipation and preparation, our excited group arrived in Greenland’s capital Nuuk, on a private jet. The following morning, after a good night’s rest followed by a hearty breakfast, the group appeared ready to learn a little about this unique land.  Greenland’s largest city and capital is fueled on fresh air, strong coffee and diverse personalities.  On a city tour, the group learned about Nuuk as a city of vitality, surrounded by immense nature and filled with vibrant Greenlanders leading fascinating lives of old traditions, modern twists, and diverse influences.  After a quick visit to the Northern Lights-inspired Katuaq Cultural Center, and marveling at mummies in the Greenland National Museum, our knowledgeable local guide led us to the picturesque Old Harbor that clearly demonstrated the role history and traditions play in this growing city.  We wrapped up our tour with a tasting flight of local craft beers at Greenland’s largest microbrewery.

After lunch, the group seemed prepared for their first “workout:” Climbing Ukkusissat Mountain in Nuuk.  Greenland is a hiker’s paradise. In Nuuk, it is said that you are not a true ‘Nuummioq’ until you’ve climbed Ukkusissat (aka Store Malene), which is just outside the city center. Our fit group easily made it to the summit, where they were treated to a stunning view of Nuuk and the surrounding fjords. 

Day Two was here and the group boarded awaiting helicopters for a scenic transfer from Kulusuk to East Greenland’s small administrative capital of Tasiilaq and from there toAmmassalik Island, where their more-demanding adventures were awaiting.  Until just a few years ago, this region was accessible only by hiking or kayaking. East Greenland is possibly one of the most isolated places in the world.  Beneath granite peaks that tower over deep inlets, Greenland’s east coast offers some of the best hiking and kayaking in the world.  Here, for accommodation, we had planned a deluxe safari-style camp near the Greenland ice sheet—unquestionably a first for most of the group—where our lucky guests were about to experience this amazing Arctic landscape in complete comfort—with close-up views of the Greenland ice sheet. The camp’s location near the edge of mighty Sermilik Fjord provided the group with eye-level vantage point on huge icebergs floating by—and where they were lucky enough to spot a few whales and seals in the frigid waters.

Here, to get the group started on their discovery adventure, we set out to explore this magical land first by water. To create an action-packed teambuilding program for our energetic group, we first put them in what used to be the primary mode of transportation for the island’s Inuit population in centuries past—kayaks. Kayaks were once essential to the people of this region for hunting and fishing. Today, kayaks are making a comeback both as a symbol of national heritage as well as one of the active sports on the island. In fact, to celebrate the important historic role of kayaks, there is now even an Annual Greenland National Kayaking Championship.    

On Day Three, our group got a little close and personal with the Greenland way of life.  We took the group for an excursion to Kulusuk and Tasiilaq, the capital of East Greenland; and the tiny village of Tinit—a 20-minute boat ride from the group’s base camp—for a tour that outsiders rarely get to enjoy.  The group seemed to thoroughly enjoy meeting the locals and learning about the enduring culture and traditions of East Greenlanders. The walking tour—including a visit to the town museum in Tasiilaq—provided the group with a firsthand lesson in the local population’s history and way of life. Most of our participants later noted that the tour provided them with an educated insight into the challenges and rewards of life in modern Greenland—a lesson that they would have not otherwise ever learned.

Before you knew it, Day Four was upon us and, to the disappointment of the entire group, it was time for the long trek back home.  Luckily, we had good weather. So, onboard of helicopters again and over the snowcapped coastal mountains for the transfer back to Nuuk, and from there onward to North America equipped with the fondest and most enduring memories of a once-in-a-lifetime incentive trip.

Need inspiration for your next incentive program? Let the professionals at the Maxxus Group make a recommendation that is sure to wow your participants and measurably improve your ROI.

Racing Through the Dragon City

When we were asked by our client for a short incentive program to Beijing, we didn’t realize how short they had in mind. After finding out that the highend program had to be compacted into three days, we only then realized the magnitude of the challenge.  Thankfully, there is so much to do in this magical capital city that our challenge was to try to be very selective. After arriving in China’s Capital midday from the US, the group was checked in the centrally-located 5-star Waldorf Astoria Beijing. Hilton family’s upscale brand was the perfect fit for our VIP guests.  

Rich Chinese tradition and modern affluence flawlessly blend at the luxury Waldorf Astoria Beijing. We specifically chose Waldorf because it is located in the heart of the Wangfujing area, within walking distance of major milestones that we had to cover, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.  

Oriental charm meets contemporary luxury at Waldorf Astoria Beijing. From the sleek and stylish lobby to the opulent bathrooms, our guests were treated to a unique blend of modern elegance, rich Chinese heritage and dependable Waldorf service. 

Unfortunately for our travel weary guests, there was no time for recovery from the long trip.  Comfortable shoes on and box lunches in hand, the group was led to the “Forbidden City” as their first introduction to Beijing.

Operating under the official title of "The Palace Museum," the Forbidden City (also known as the Imperial Palace) has been a place of wonder and mystery for over 500 years. This massive complex sits on the northern edge of Tiananmen Square at the epicenter of Beijing. Beyond its towering fortifications, our guests found an intricate labyrinth of squares, halls, gates, pavilions, sleeping quarters, and temples. In some of the structures, curated art and historic relics have been placed; however, the greatest achievement is the compound itself. We made sure the group did not miss the highlights that included the Meridian Gate, the Turret, the Antiquarium, and the Imperial Garden.

After the tour and a short tea break, we headed to Tiananmen Square, which is among world’s most famous public square (think Time Square).  We were pleasantly surprised that most participants in the group recognized the Gate of Heavenly Peace—emblazoned with a portrait of Chairman Mao—as a symbol of Beijing. That recognition notwithstanding, it seemed our group was universally impressed by the vast size of the place. The square is the geographic, political, and tourist center of the Beijing, which makes it a must see. Although Tiananmen Square looks like a field of concrete, we wanted the group to see it for the surrounding attractions including the Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, and the National Museum of China.  We had to remind the group that taking a picture here is almost required to prove they had been to Beijing.

Given the massive size of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, not to mention the long-haul flight from the US, the group was in bad need of rest.  So after a quick dinner on the go, we rushed them back to the hotel for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

For some people, China conjures up only one image: The Great Wall.  Our group was no exception. So, naturally we had to dedicate Day Two to an excursion to the most famous monument in the world.  Located just north of Beijing lies portions of the Great Wall. Although it is impossible to see the whole thing (after all, it measures about 5,500 miles long), the intent was for the group to experience a portion of it. That begs the question: Which section?

For the novice to Beijing, only an hour's drive northwest of Beijing, the Badaling section is convenient, hosts a large souvenir market, and has a gondola to whisk visitors up and down the wall. However, the place is naturally overcrowded with tourists. This creates mob-like scenes that can spoil the experience for a VIP group. 

The Mutianyu section, close to two hour's drive northeast of Beijing, was our favorite section for our discerning guests.  Here, they discovered majestic mountainous vistas, a cable car for quick-and-easy access, a fun sled ride down, and (best of all) fewer tourists. With a good supply of water, sunscreen, and snacks, the group got to live this grand experience for themselves—although naturally some guests found the hike challenging and tiresome. 

By the time we returned to the city, night had already fallen and the group welcomed their readied beverages prior to their authentic Chinese dinner at the famed restaurant Zijin Mansion.

You can’t come to Beijing and not experience a shopping marathon. We had saved Day Three for just that. The group got to choose which direction to go: Some elected ritzy shops while others were more interested in authentic Chinese artifacts. But both groups agreed on one destination: The Silk Market. 

Silk Market Beijing, also known as Silk Street, Xiushui Street or Xiushui Market, is a prosperous shopping market in the city, located on Xiushui Street in the Chaoyang District. While it started as an outdoor market, the Silk Market is now a shopping mall, which accommodates over 1,000 retailers and is regarded as one of the symbols of Beijing. Many foreign visitors, including some celebrities, enjoy Silk Market Beijing for shopping or having their clothes tailor-made. Even the former president, George Bush, visited the Silk Market with his daughter to buy some silk robes.  Although there are a variety of goods in Xiushui Street, the most attractive goods are silk. Even a silk museum has been built on the third floor. 

After their shopping extravaganza, the group was treated to an authentic afternoon teatime before rushing to their rooms to fit their purchases in their bloated luggage for their trip home.

Next time you want to impress your high achievers, let the Maxxus Group suggest something more enlightening than the humdrum all-inclusive beach hotel. 

A Cruise to China’s Sailing City

The second annual World Mice Day was recently held in the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao. The Maxxus Group was honored to have been invited to this important international fair as a hosted buyer. Qingdao does not come to mind as the first destination in China.  But the city of over 9 million continues to attract tourists and international businesses from around the world with its abundance of natural beauty and its designation as the new “Blue Silicon Valley” (the oceanic valley).  

If the choice of venue sounds uncharacteristic when compared to such other metropolises as Beijing or Shanghai, a little background may be in order:  In 2008, Qingdao hosted the Sailing Regattas of the 29thOlympic Gamesas well as the 13thParalympic Gamesat the city’s Olympic Sailing Centre & International Marina. In 2009, China’s Sailing City welcomed sailors from the Volvo Ocean Race.  In 2014, Qingdao hosted the International Horticultural Exposition. Qingdao also annually hosts the International Sailing Week,SINO CES, and International Beer Festival. Finally, the Clipper Round-The-World Yacht Raceis hosted bi-annually.

A Little History. A Little Geography

Throughout history, Qingdao has been known by several other names most notable one being Tsingtau. Tsingtau was a German concession from 1897 until the First World War broke out in 1914. During the siege of Tsingtao, the Japanese took control of the region while declaring war on Germany. The city reverted to Chinese rule in 1922, but was re-occupied by Japan again in 1938 during WWII. The city was finally completely liberated in 1949. 

Also known as the Switzerland of the East, Qingdao lies on the southern tip of Shandong Peninsula in Jiaozhou Bay, on the shores of the Yellow Sea.  Qingdao is one of China’s most important independent coastal regions.  The city has experienced rapid growth over the last decade. Qingdao’s port is the second-largest in China. 

Qingdao is well known for its European architecture, attractive coastal landscapes, and local folklore. Popular attractions include mystical Mount Lao, Badaguan, Tsingtao Brewery Museum, and Zhongshan Park. With its abundance of natural beauty, China’s Sailing City has become a bustling tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Qingdao & Mice Industry
Although starting relatively late, Qingdao MICE industry is growing fast. With the completion of the first two phases of the Qingdao International Convention Center, Qingdao MICE industry is catching up fast with its counterpart cities in China. In recent years, Qingdao has become one of the most bustling MICE areas in China. Between 2006 to 2011, Qingdao was among “China Top Ten Exhibition Cities.” With so many tradeshows and exhibitions under its belt, Qingdao has now become a bustling center of commerce in China.   

Qingdao has claimed many titled among them: The world's most beautiful bay, the world beer city, and the world's sailing capital.  

WMD-2018 

Billed as “a professional communication platform for the MICE people [from] around the globe,” WMD-2018 lived up to its claim by gathering a distinguished group of world-renowned entrepreneurs, educational experts and other professionals from MICE industry to share their insight and success stories, and engaged attendees from across China and overseas through a unique mix of training and interactive sessions. 

The three-day event was made up of six professional programs including keynote speeches by senior government officials, MICE Industry representatives and academia.  There was also a tradeshow component at which various suppliers from the region got the opportunity to showcase their services and venue.  All in all, WMD-2018 turned out to be a very unique forum at which to discover a unique part of China and come home with a great deal of knowledge about the MICE industry in Qingdao and its prospects globally.

We look forward to our participation at the third World Mice Day in Qingdao.

Three Roaring Days in the Lion City

Singapore, an island city-state off southern Malaysia, is a global financial center with a tropical climate and multicultural population. Its colonial core centers on the Padang, a cricket field since the 1830s and now flanked by grand buildings at every turn. So, we were very excited when we were asked to put together an exciting incentive program for our VIP automaker client. 

Though a small country by any standards, Singapore is well endowed with enumerable attractions to satisfy any visitor—young and not-so-young.  So, we had our work cut out for us: We had to compact all that there is to do in the “Lion City” in three days.   

For a group that had never been to Singapore, the choice of hotel was relatively easy. Notwithstanding the line up of all the luxury brands, we felt the group would enjoy Marina Bay Sands the most—known for its wide range of amenities (a world-class casino, multiple nightclubs, performance halls, shops and spectacular overnight accommodations. Not to mention the Sands SkyPark, an elevated open-air concourse that crowns the resort). But the hotel is also famous for its iconic rooftop infinity pool that is one of the must-see attractions in Singapore—and one that can only be enjoyed by the hotel guests.  

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

As the name indicates, the hotel is located in the district of Marina Bay, which is considered to be Singapore's tourism epicenter. Marina Bay houses some of the city's main points of interest as well as numerous opportunities for entertainment like The Float at Marina Bay (the world's largest floating stadium). We felt a walk around Marina Bay was a must for our first-time travelers. We recommended that the group try to take a stroll during the day and night, as both take on two different atmospheres. Those who were able to venture out at night were treated to the nightly light show put on by Marina Bay Sands.  But after a grueling 15-hour journey from the west coast of the US, most of the group seemed a bit exhausted on arrival and anxious to rush to their waiting plush rooms, all with spectacular views of the city in every direction.  

The next morning, after a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel’s 55thfloor executive dining room, with comfortable shoes on, we set out to discover this magical land.  Our first stop: Orchard Road. Every modern metropolis has its commercial avenue. Singapore's version is Orchard Road. This electric boulevard buzzes with the whizzing of cars, the humming of neon lights and the swiping of credit cards, a far cry from the way things once were way back when. Orchard Road got its name from the presence of fruit orchards, nutmeg plantations and pepper farms that dotted the area in the early 19thcentury. Today, the mile-long street houses tons of eateries and a whopping 47 shopping malls carrying high-end brands, popular international retailers as well as local shops. The massive ION Orchard shopping complex is arguably the centerpiece of the street, so no surprise that many of our guests were inevitably lured inside by the designer names and stream of fashionable patrons.  

Shopping bags in hand, the group was then transported to Little India with its bustling stalls.  Straying a little from the mainland, the group got to immerse itself in this famed neighborhood.  This cultural enclave, located a little more than 2 miles northwest of Marina Bay, features a dense network of streets and shops where the group was able to find anything from flower garlands to fragrant spices and colorful fabrics. While the group as a whole started by perusing the boutiques along Serangoon Road, many of them soon ventured down the smaller alleyways to discover true treasures. The adventurous bunch quickly discovered the 24-hour Mustafa Centre, perfect for grabbing any last-minute amenities, and the open-air Tekka Centre, which offers sari and goldsmith retailers. Our final meeting point was the gorgeous Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, a Hindu place of worship.

Time to head back to Marina Bay for a dine-around among the many eateries in the area and onto the hotel for a wide choice of entertainment to finish the night by.  

Before you knew it, day two was upon us. After a restful night, we set out to discover the other end of the spectrum, Gardens by the Bay, a stone’s throw from our hotel.  For those members of the group that were looking for a taste of nature without the trek, we had to take them to Gardens by the Bay, which is for all practical purposes an urban jungle. The attraction features a wide variety of enticing things to do and see that seamlessly mix Mother Nature with the metropolis. The Supertree Grove, the most recognized landmark of the park, features 18 "supertrees" that support the OCBC Skyway, a 419-foot-long aerial walkway that affords views of both the surrounding gardens as well as Marina Bay.

In the nearby seashell-shaped facilities, the group got to find the highly lauded Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world and showcases numerous types of plants and flowers grouped by country—tulips next to replicas of Dutch architecture and Birds of Paradise flowers in the South African Garden. The Cloud Forest—the group’s favorite—features a 114-foot-tall mini mountain that is host to the world's tallest indoor waterfall.  

Back to the urban life:  As a nation of mostly immigrants, Singapore possesses a number of ethnic enclaves. Chinatown is one of the largest of them. Broken up into five districts, the neighborhood is packed with a variety of things to do and is constantly buzzing with pedestrians passing in and out of its shops, eateries and food stalls.  No surprise, then, that our guests were all in awe just soaking in the sights and scenes.  Those looking for souvenirs, headed right over to Pagoda Street for trinkets galore; and some ended up grabbing a bite on Smith Street or New Bridge Road, the latter of which is known for its barbecued meats.  And when they seemed to need a break from the hustle and bustle, we took them to the Telok Ayer district. This area has the largest concentration of ancient mosques and temples in Chinatown. We had to step in the Thian Hock Keng Temple for some quiet Zen. 

After their daylight excursion, the group seemed to be itching for a night out on the town. So, we directed them to the Tangong Pagar district, which offers loads of bars, pubs and karaoke lounges. 

Day three was already here; so we headed to Merlion Park, which hosts one of Singapore's most recognizable monuments. The Merlion statue is the head of a lion with the body and tail of a fish, and the hybrid creature spouts water from its mouth and into the bay. Measuring 28 feet tall, the statue may seem a bit odd to the naked eye, but the statue is actually a nod to Singapore's history. The head of Merlion represents Singapura, the city's first name, which means “Lion City” in Malay. The fish tail and body symbolize Singapore's old days as a small fishing town. Even though the statue has claimed all the fame, another notable highlight is the park's panoramic view of the bay. The urban vista, with the spectacular Marina Bay Sands resort in the background, seemed to have greatly impressed our VIP guests. 

After a box lunch, and to complete their trip, we planned a farewell to the city for the group from the top of the Singapore Flyer (think London Eye) Ever since Chicago built one in 1893 for the World Expo, cities around the world have learned that tourists really like Ferris wheels–huge ones. In 2000, London built its famous Eye, standing 443 feet tall. But Singapore didn't wait long before constructing the Flyer, which trumps its British equivalent by almost a hundred feet. Since opening in 2008, the 42-storey-tall Flyer, billed as Asia's largest giant observation wheel, has offered visitors 360-degree views of the urban landscape from Marina Bay. The attraction claims that visitors can catch a glimpse of neighboring Malaysia or Indonesia from the highest point of the observation wheel. 

Our group labelled the Singapore Flyer as their favorite, with many of them saying the views atop the wheel were simply breathtaking. The 30-minute ride time seemed to have given our excited guests ample time to take in the great views and snap lots of pictures. What's more, the pods were air-conditioned, making it a great place for them to also cool off from Singapore's year-round heat. 

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. The group’s flight home was upon us and after a quick refresh, and a rushed dinner-on-the-go, they boarded the waiting coaches and headed to Singapore’s Changi Airport, which is more like an upscale shopping mall. Our group was among the privileged few that got to fly on Singapore Airlines’ inaugural flight to Los Angeles on the first AirbusA350-900 Ultra Long Range (ULR) aircraft and with that an exciting trip to the Lion City came to an end. If Instagram posts are any indications, the group had a blast on this fast-paced trip.