Sustainable Incentive Travel Ideas for 2025
How to reward your team with purpose and impact
Corporate incentive travel is changing — moving beyond opulence to experiences that feel purposeful, people-first, and aligned with the values of today’s workforce. In 2025, the most successful corporate incentive travel programs are those that inspire — not just through beautiful destinations and bucket-list activities, but through purpose and sustainability.
As businesses strive to meet their ESG goals and align with the growing employee values of environmental responsibility, sustainable corporate incentive travel has become more than just a trend. It’s an opportunity to create real, lasting impact — for your people, your brand, and the environment.
Whether it’s a wellness retreat in Rotorua, a Coral Reef Conservation Snorkelling adventure in Fiji, or a leadership summit in the Daintree Rainforest, here’s how to deliver a corporate incentive travel experience that rewards with meaning.
Explore Sustainable Destinations for Corporate Incentive Travel that align with your values
Start strong by selecting a sustainable destination that prioritises environmental and cultural sustainability. Look for eco-friendly destinations with responsible tourism initiatives, low-impact infrastructure, and a clear commitment to protecting local ecosystems and communities.
Questions to ask:
- Does the region promote sustainable tourism or hold eco-certifications?
- What sustainability initiatives or environmental protections are currently active in the destination?
Top Picks for Sustainable Destinations:
- Queenstown, New Zealand, (carbon-neutral tourism initiatives)
- Tasmania, Australia, (eco-certified lodges and nature reserves)
- Koror, Palau, (visitor sustainability pledge and marine protection laws)
Travel Smarter: Minimise and offset Carbon Emissions
Transportation is often the biggest contributor to your corporate incentive travel carbon footprint. Aim to reduce emissions with direct flights, shared transfers, and low-emission travel options. Explore nearby international destinations and for ground transport, encourage eco-friendly transport such as trains, electric vehicles, or public options like Melbourne’s iconic tram network.
Sustainable Planning Insight: Offset emissions with a local carbon offset partner like Greenfleet or Trace, and communicate this initiative clearly with your attendees. This helps make your corporate incentive travel more carbon-neutral and eco-friendly.
Stay with Certified Eco-Accommodation
Work with eco-certified hotels and resorts that walk the talk when it comes to sustainability. These venues often operate on renewable energy, follow strict waste and water management practices, and support the local economy. Look for properties certified by EarthCheck, EcoTourism Australia, or Climate Active.
Questions to ask your group accommodation provider:
- What sustainability certifications do you hold?
- Can you provide a breakdown of your environmental policies and reporting?
Curate Attendee Experiences with Purpose
Today’s teams are looking for meaning, not just luxury. Replace traditional sightseeing with purpose-driven experiences that connect guests to place, people, and purpose. Unique experiences like these not only become more memorable but also foster positive word-of-mouth between staff and their wider networks.
Top Picks for Sustainable Experiences:
- Coral reef restoration programs in the Pacific Islands led by marine education conversationists
- Indigenous-led bush tucker foraging with Traditional Owners in the Northern Territory
- Volunteering or fundraising team challenges
- Wildlife conservation tours (e.g., supporting koala habitat regeneration in South-East Queensland)
- Ocean clean-up expeditions (charter-based or kayak clean-ups in coastal areas)
- Tree planting days supporting reforestation or regenerative farming initiatives
- Farm-to-table cooking classes hosted at local organic farms
- Behind-the-scenes sustainable winery or brewery tours (with eco-certified producers)
- Community cultural immersion programs (like weaving workshops with First Nations artisans)
- Eco-adventure activities (e.g., hiking with conservation rangers, electric mountain biking tours through protected reserves)
Eliminate Single-Use Plastics and Reduce Waste
Reimagine your welcome packs, signage, and amenities. Opt for digital itineraries, locally made reusable gifts, and compostable packaging. Partner with suppliers who prioritise waste reduction, and ask hotels and venues how they handle recycling, food waste and water conservation.
Sustainable Planning Insight: Provide attendees with a branded reusable water bottle and refillable toiletries. Small swaps like these can dramatically reduce your waste output — and leave a positive impression on your attendees about the sustainability commitments of your corporate incentive travel program.
Communicate Your Sustainability Goals and Engage your Team
Transparency creates trust. Let your team know the “why” behind your decisions — from low-impact travel options to plastic-free catering. Share your sustainability commitments in your pre-event comms, onsite signage, and post-trip wrap-ups. This not only sets the tone but also boosts engagement and buy-in, helping employees connect with your ESG goals.
Measure, Report, and Improve Your Sustainability Impact
Leverage event sustainability tools or calculators to measure the footprint of your program. From emissions and waste to water usage and sourcing, data gives you the insight you need to improve and report on your ESG outcomes. At On Purpose Events we offer detailed tracking and offsetting options tailored to business travel.
Sustainable Planning Insight: Use your findings to share a sustainability snapshot post-event — a great tool for internal comms, reports, and showcasing your sustainability achievements. This also demonstrates your commitment to carbon-neutral incentive programs.
Partner with a Sustainable Event Travel Specialist
Sustainable incentive travel isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about planning smarter. At On Purpose Events, we help organisations design and deliver carbon-neutral incentive programs that surprise and delight, while aligning with sustainability goals.
From strategic sourcing and ethical suppliers to purpose-led itineraries and custom carbon offsetting, we guide you every step of the way — without compromise. Whether you’re planning a carbon-neutral incentive trip or a hybrid conference, On Purpose Events help you design experiences that exceed expectations and align with your sustainability goals.
Contact us today to start planning your next event. Together, we’ll make every moment count for your brand, your people, and our planet.
Recap: Planning Sustainable Corporate Incentive Travel in 2025
✅ Choose eco-friendly destinations
✅ Minimise carbon emissions and offset where possible
✅ Select eco-certified hotels and suppliers
✅ Add purpose-driven, local experiences
✅ Avoid waste and single-use plastics
✅ Be transparent with your team
✅ Track your impact and build on it
✅ Work with the right partner for sustainable corporate incentive travel
