As an incentive destination Cyprus has been a short haul hidden jewel for the past few years as corporate buyers explored ever more exotic far-flung destinations. But the recession and a moratorium on long haul flights has brought places like Cyprus into sharp relief once more. Oxford Motivation took 8 corporate buyers to the Four Seasons in June to reacquaint them with the island. Gerry York, Travel Director explains: "People are looking to do shorter events but still need somewhere with a wow factor. Cyprus is only 4 hours flying time and has a wide range of superb hotels to choose from. We chose to partner with the Four Seasons because it is frankly the best on the island and never fails to deliver."
The individuals who went declined to reveal their names…shareholders are still very twitchy about what could be perceived as a ‘jolly’… but their comments were still valid as a measure of the current market. They all work for major players in the electronics, mobile telephony and networks industries.
"Four hours flying is just long enough for a two night incentive, it cannot really be more". "Gifts in the room, however small, are a great idea as it gives participants something to look forward to after a hard day relaxing on the beach or out exploring somewhere." "The great thing about travelling as part of a hosted group is that all the annoying things about travel are anticipated and taken care of, even stuff like personalised luggage labels". "I thought Premier DMC were fantastic, with their forward planning and their thinking about what would appeal to incentive groups…the day on the catamaran, with swimming just off Lady’s Mile beach, was unforgettable as a life experience, never mind as an inspection trip activity."
John Fisher, MD, is a long term fan of Cyprus:"This was probably my tenth visit and every time the whole package still delivers what an incentive is all about…intriguing destination with things to explore, easy flights, 5 star hotels, gourmet food or standard fare available, and a service attitude only matched by say the Far East. And unlike some destinations it has not fallen in love with its own hype and is always striving to ‘do things better’ although what they can improve on is hard to find. It ticks all the boxes for today’s short, sharp but quality warm incentive destination."