Attending a City's Hosted Tour: When an Event Planner Becomes the Guest

Many event planners are familiar with planning an incentive trip for their clients: three days and two nights in some fantastic location, staying in a great four or five star hotel or resort, fine dining, local activities, entertainment, and more.

It's a grueling schedule to plan one of these programs, but a lot of fun for the planner and more fun for the guests.

Well, event destinations are recognizing the importance of marketing themselves to those same planners who organize this type of event for clients. And, role reversal: attending a hosted tour allows the event planner to have an opportunity to be on the receiving end of the VIP treatment.

But remember, this isn't a reward program -- it's an educational program to become more familiar with the destination. And to be honest, there's nothing better than having an opportunity to see venues first hand, early in the event selection process, and having an opportunity to build direct relationships with those who you may ultimately hire to be on your side. Still, not a bad assignment.

I attended FITUR Congresos and participated in a hosted tour of Spain at the end of January to learn more about what opportunities are available for group meetings and events there.

International destinations are now investing their marketing dollars to attract the event and meeting planners responsble for making destination recommendations. They are frequently tied to event conferences, but are also scheduled at other times throughout the year.

What can planners expect on hosted tours?

• Complimentary accommodations and travel.
• Begin your days early in the morning.
• Visits to multiple hotels and conference centers.
• Brief visits to museums and other attractions.
• Guided bus tours of the destination.
• Dining experiences at the better restaurants in town.
• Limited or no breaks in the schedule.
• Concluding your days around midnight.