inCENTIVES – The Magic of Christmas: A Round Up of Winter Incentives
With Christmas just around the corner and temperatures beginning to fall, our editorial team have been busy compiling a list of our favourite winter incentives from around the world. Whether it’s business or pleasure, or a little bit of both, we invite you to take some inspiration from these destinations and start the new year with style.
Nothing conveys the winter spirit better than Switzerland’s snowy mountain peaks and this exclusive alpine adventure by Bucher Events takes your incentive group from Zurich International airport on a first-class train ride to the car-free village of Zermatt.
After a relaxing first day, they’ll have the chance to explore the village, shop in the most exclusive stores, ski the icing sugar slopes or enjoy a helicopter ride around the Matterhorn.
Follow that with an Executive Dinner, hosted in the traditional Whymer Stube where Edward Whymer - the first to ascend the Matterhorn - stayed in 1865, ending the evening with a nightcap in a private wine cellar.
Day three sees the group taking the Crystal Ride, a stunning gondola experience in glass-bottomed cabins with Swarovski décor, up to 3,883 meters above sea level to the Klein Matterhorn. There guests can explore the ice palace in the glacier and take in the jaw-dropping view from the platform or enjoy themselves on the slopes.
The trip closes with participants heading to Zurich to drink in the delights of Switzerland’s biggest and most exciting city.
With some of the greatest accumulations of snow on earth, this most northerly of Japan’s four islands is perfect for discovering the country’s winter wonders.
Hokkaido leads the way amongst Asia’s finest ski resorts and with its incredible snowfalls is a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts.
High fliers will appreciate this week-long escape, setting off from the island’s capital Sapporo and including two days of skiing in Niseko.
Highlights include a visit to the Okurayama Observatory, high above an Olympic ski jump stadium, leisure time , skiing in Niseko or a visit to Otaru with its grand architecture and commercial history.
The trip concludes with a flight to Tokyo and a half-day tour of this fascinating city, taking in the Imperial Palace Grounds, the city’s oldest temple and a night-time tour of Shinjuku for an authentic foodie experience.
Say Bonne Année in France for some Gallic New Year charm among the glorious countryside from mountain to sea.
Destination Management Company Magic Travels can arrange any number of options in this land of diversity, joie de vivre, charming vineyards, inspiring culture and fabulous gastronomy.
Take a trip to the snowy peaks in the Alps for sensational winter sports destinations and spectacular scenery. Investigate the country’s impressive cultural attractions – history, architecture, museums. Choose a winter seaside break – Brittany, the French Riviera or the Basque Country?
Or spend the holiday season in romantic Paris, City of Lights and iconic landmark, and discover Gustave Eiffel’s secret apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Bon Voyage!
For a unique take on Christmas and New Year, consider factoring in a trip to Turkey, the birthplace of Santa Claus – ‘Noel Baba’.
ODS Turkey are on hand to help you organise your event – from designing your menu and wine list through their gastronomical consultations to local advice and help with invitations and gifts.
Enjoy the wonderful weather and take in Instanbul’s Christmas Market at the Four Seasons Bosphorous, where the flavour is both multi-national and traditional, and the Istanbul Wonder Village.
Browse the themed souvenir stalls and stands from well-known companies and enjoy do-it-yourself workshops, the carousel, ice skating and performances throughout the day. Or go shopping in İstiklal Street, one of the best retail spots, or visit the world’s oldest Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market next door..
The city will be decked out with festive decorations and you’ll even get turkey – traditionally served on Christmas Eve but this version is stuffed with rice, pine nuts and currants. A church service on December 24 is also a must.
For a Christmas Day activity visit Cappadocia, in the heart of Anatolia for a hot air balloon ride.
And when it comes to seeing in the New Year, a concert is the way Istanbul celebrates – everything from a jazz concert to a 90s dance special and the Oldies but Goldies New year Party. Roll on 2023…
In the words of American writer and Nobel Prize in Literature John Steinbeck: "What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness."
We couldn’t agree more…