The Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (Site) advises South African DMCs to get clever, get creative, repackage and resell this year. SA has been an incentive destination for the last two decades, and although the cyclical pattern of international incentive markets predicts that they will be looking at returning to the country, SA will need to invent new products and provide fresh angles to remain competitive. This is where DMCs can show their mettle, says Robin McLeod, Site SA Chapter Committee Member: CSR.
He says, pricewise, SA is very much on a par with other destinations. “Yes, we’re a long-haul destination with expensive airfares but once groups are on the ground, we’re competitive on every level – quality, price and experience; and, we’re hard to beat. We offer an amazing array that can suit everyone’s needs.” Yet, SA needs to come up with new options. DMCs cannot just go with the flow but need to offer unique experiences that set them apart from their competitors. “It’s not about the price; it’s about what you can offer to make a difference.” 
McLeod, who is Sales & Marketing Manager of Dragonfly, also says incentive travel has been simplified and is not so over the top any more. “It’s about getting back to basics.” Instead of throwing extravagant parties costing millions of rands, clients now rather want a township dinner, or supper in a private villa, joined by the home’s owner. “It’s about meeting the locals and interacting with them. You have to find an angle with a human element to it.”
For some markets CSR continues to play an important role. “Whereas incentives were all frivolous and fun before, companies have realised that they have to become more serious, get in touch with the countries they are visiting, and make a difference in those countries. Companies want interactive activities, something that relates to their industry,” he says. 

Geoff Saner, MD, Leading Incentives, adds: “Companies want to be seen to be giving back. Not only is it a feel-good factor for corporates but the emotion experienced by the participants is something money can’t buy, especially as they interact and see the effects of their specific day’s programme on local communities.”
Saner says as incentive groups mostly stay for a shorter period, usually between four and seven days, they want a good mix of ‘must see’ South African icons, with interactive and fun breaks, and appropriate leisure and shopping time wherever possible. “They want to experience as much of our country as possible.”