Joelle Talbot, managing director of Fortis Events, says that years of working at home and lock downs has made incentives and other corporate events more important than ever.

‘People are so pleased to be getting offshore and engaging, so we are seeing more travellers making arrangements of their own to extend their time overseas.

‘Groups are becoming leisure travellers and vice-versa. ‘

Marissa Fernandez, managing director of DMS, says the trend has definitely shown up among DMCs, who are seeing people tag on personal travel around corporate activities around major events such as the Rugby World Cup.

‘They are not only extending their travels around France but also getting to places like Malta and Spain.’

Fernandez says DMS has never been busier and is seeing growth out of New Zealand for incentive travel, high end leisure and special interest tours ranging from music and garden tours through to history, culture and archaeology.

‘We have a record number of attendees at our event this year and that is indicative of how the industry is growing again. Many companies have new staff and it is important for them to attend events like this.’

Fernandez says DMCs are now more crucial than ever. ‘So much has changed on the ground and DMCs can keep agents up to date with what is happening and what is new. They are also in strong position to negotiate with local hotels.’