Something different: a combination incentive trip to Split/Hvar
I have already written about a site inspection for a fantastic trip to Rovinj, besides this destination, there are many other great destinations in Croatia that are perfectly suited for an incentive. Thus, on Tuesday 15 May 2018, the start was given for the annual incentive travel from one of our regular clients. For years, we have had the pleasure of organising both the dealer and employee trips. For the first time this year, the two trips are heading to different destinations. For the dealer trip, we travelled to Croatia (Split/Hvar), which we tell you more about in this article. The employees are heading to the beautiful island of Mallorca, about which there will of course be more in another blog!
The preparations for the incentive trip
Project Manager Lotte and I have been busy with the preparations since September 2017. We have travelled to the destination twice. Once without and once with the contact persons. The first time was in November, when we visited regular suppliers and partners, but of course we were also on the lookout for new “hidden gems”. And we certainly found them again; new jewels of restaurants and hotels keep popping up. Split and Hvar are really on the rise as incentive destinations!
Incentive trip to Split-Hvar
On 15 May it was an early start; Lotte was sleeping with part of the group in a hotel close to Schiphol. I was to welcome the remaining participants around 05:00.
Lotte arrived at Schiphol by shuttle bus and we soon had the entire group checked in. All except one person. This person had accidentally brought his wife's passport. Oops! It happens, but he was naturally terrified. Fortunately, we were there with him; this participant already saw himself heading back home. He felt so stupid (like anyone to whom this happens). After reassuring him a few times that this could happen to the best of them, he started to believe again that he might still be able to come along. Together with him, I walked over to the emergency documents department and, with my most charming smile, asked them if they could please help us out as a group…
We encountered two – fortunately – very helpful military police officers who immediately got to work to make sure he could still come along. So glad that we can arrange that on the spot, thanks of course also to the two men behind the counter. How wonderful it is when you can be of assistance with advice and practical help.
Once that was sorted, we were able to go through security and customs with him and found the group enjoying a sandwich and coffee. Of course, a few jokes were made about it—that's all part of the fun!
Once arrived
On arrival in Split, we first briefly explored the city with guides before quickly heading to the lunch venue. A delicious lunch was enjoyed at a stunning restaurant on the Split waterfront, preceded by a refreshing welcome drink with bubbles.
Around 15:00 we were due to make the crossing to Hvar. What the guests didn't know was that we wouldn't be doing this by ferry, but by four large, super-fast speedboats. Meanwhile, some bad weather was hanging over Split, so the crossing went just a little differently than planned and was certainly more spectacular. The sea was a bit rough, but everyone enjoyed this somewhat wild ride.
Before we knew it, we were across and saw the magnificent resort looming. Time for the welcome drinks!
Sun, sea, good restaurants: pure enjoyment!
For the coming days we had prepared a fantastic programme with gems of restaurants.
Thus, a Beetle tour was scheduled, combined with wonderful stops. Then the crossing to Split, where the group would spend their final evening at the Le Méridien hotel. We made this crossing by catamaran. A perfect way to combine a daytime activity with a crossing and moor right by the final hotel. What a party on the catamaran: the sun, sea and music created the absolute perfect atmosphere. Pure enjoyment!
For the closing evening we had chosen a wonderful beach club next to the hotel. After a day of catamarans it is always very nice not to have to travel or walk very far anymore.
Against the backdrop of a breath-taking sunset, everyone enjoyed the fantastic food. Lotte and I looked back on a number of thoroughly successful days. Things really couldn't get any better!
The next day we were still to take the group to Split for some free time and lunch at one of our favourite restaurants. Another such gem.
Pride
Tired but satisfied, we took the group to the airport. We were immensely thanked and I always get goosebumps when there is loud applause.
Partly thanks to the flawless collaboration with our contacts at this client, we have once again succeeded in creating a perfect experience. Proud... once again. Especially of our project manager Lotte, too. She had prepared everything down to the finest detail, and then things simply cannot go wrong.
The trip was of an unprecedented level. That means I cannot think of any areas for improvement.
Your attention to everyone on this trip is so wonderful! Without feeling uncomfortable, I let the organisation pamper me wonderfully! THANK you once again!
Brilliant. Delicious food in stunning and extraordinary locations.
The trip was brilliant once again and we enjoyed it from start to finish!
Keep up the good work ? hopefully these trips will continue to exist for a long time because they are overwhelmingly great!
... WOW!