Why choose Greece for Employee Recognition Trips?
Greece is known for its beautiful weather, hospitality, history, nightlife and the Olympic Games. However, Greece’s travel incentives exceed that brief list. When planning an Employee Recognition Trip, meeting planners have the opportunity to create a memorable experience, with guaranteed great weather, for their invited guests.
Meeting Planners know that finding an employee recognition trip destination is no easy task. Luckily, Greece has all the travel incentives you could want. From flexible meeting space to endless room options to cultural, historic, wellness and resort offerings that will excite any attendee, Greece has it all.
Employee recognition trips are about rewarding your employees and recognizing their efforts for a job well done. A well planned employee recognition trip makes your team work stronger, builds better relationships amongst your attendees and shows employees how much they are valued by their employers. The best part: employers are creating memorable experiences that will never be forgotten! When meeting planners are setting out to create their next employee recognition trip, Greece should be on the top of their list.
Where can I be guaranteed great weather from May to August for an employee recognition trip?
One of the biggest travel incentives for choosing Greece’s is it’s beautiful weather all year round. If you’re looking for the warmest months, May through August are the sweet spot. Unsurprisingly though, this time of year garners the most tourism.
The slower months for tourism are some of the best times to plan your business travel or employee engagement trips. Around the end of August and September, the traditional tourist season has slowed down because Winter is approaching. However, this is a great time to visit the Greek Islands because there are fewer crowds, but Greece’s sightseeing, beauty, food and hospitality are still in full bloom.
No matter when you plan your trip, the Greek Islands have fantastic weather. For that reason, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Greece.
Where can I find outstanding hospitality for my group travel?
Greece is known for its legendary hospitality and it is best experienced when they host medium to large size groups. The most frequent answer in the Greek hospitality industry is “of course!” Can your hotel handle spa services for all my guests? Of course! Can you arrange an array of private tours for my group? Of course! Can you secure the best seats in restaurants around Oia so our guests can see the magnificent sunset? Of course! Can you arrange an Olympian to be our keynote speaker? Of course!
Amazing hospitality is a Greek tradition that can’t be fully appreciated until you experience it firsthand!
Xenia is the ancient Greek concept of hospitality.
Translated as ‘guest-friendship’ or ‘ritualized friendship’, it is an institutionalized relationship rooted in generosity, gift exchange, and reciprocity.
Comprising 227 inhabited islands, and 6,000 islands and inlets in total, it can be difficult to narrow down your search. The greatest employee recognition trip locations should be private enough to enjoy the vast beauty of the Greek islands, but still be an easy drive to restaurants, nightlife and cultural destinations.
Some of the best employee engagement destinations include:
Mykonos
Aeolos Resort in Mykonos has everything you need for your business group. This resort hotel is walking distance to Mykonos Town, Little Venice, cafes, coffee shops, shopping and more. With complimentary transportation to many local destinations and second-to-none hospitality, this Chora boutique hotel has it all. With an outstanding on-site restaurant and bars located at each pool, your guests will have it all during their stay in Mykonos.
Not only is the location fantastic, but the resort itself is top tier. The Aeolos resort has exceptional staff, and they are glad to offer you all the info you need to fully experience Mykonos. Their reception can provide you with necessary information on car rentals, air tickets, or even ferry rides.
Aeolos offers beautiful suites with different views of the garden, the sea, or the pool. Whichever room you go with, you will not be disappointed with the quality of service that Aeolos provides.
Santorini
Fira
Astro Palace Hotel
Astro Palace Hotel, Fira, Santorini
The Astro Palace is one of the most popular spots to stay in Fira. With its gorgeous architecture, beautiful interiors, and unsurpassed service, you’ll be convinced you’re on the top of Mount Olympus itself!
Additionally, this midsize hotel offers a plethora of wellness services, including yoga classes, spa services, guided meditations, a private plunge pool and a steam room. Moreover, when you stay at Astro Palace you will immediately get access to the most spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.
A truly luxurious resort, you cannot go wrong with the Astro Palace when booking a place to stay.
Oia
Famous Sunset in Oia
On the Northwestern side of Santorini is the magnificent coastal town of Oia. Known for its breathtaking sunsets (and sunrises), Oia is truly one of the most picturesque places you and your guests could possibly visit.
If you choose Oia for your employee engagement event, Katikies Hotel is one of the best hotels you can choose. The location alone is a reason to choose this spectacular hotel, but its scenery is perfect too. Katikies Hotel is located within direct walking distance of many of Oia’s most popular shops and restaurants and your employees can embrace all the beauty, history and magic Oia contains.
With its amazing location, beautiful views, and unparalleled service, Katikies Hotel is a phenomenal option when traveling to Oia.
Dinner with a View in Oia
When visiting Oia, dinner with a view is a must. For your employee engagement experience, two restaurant options should include Pelekanos and Strogili.
Pelekanos Restaurant is located in the center of Oia’s shopping district, adjacent to hotels and walking distance from the main tour bus drop off area. With an award-winning chef, flexible seating and hospitality that will exceed your expectations, the view will be the star of the show. Contact the dining manager to confirm the perfect time for your guests to experience great dining along with the most magnificent sunset they will ever experience.
Strogili Restaurant, located a few yards from Pelekanos, is a perfect companion restaurant. Strogili has a long tradition of working with corporate groups and their experience is evident from the vast amount of dining accommodations available.
Crete
Surrounded by the ocean and ancient Minoan ruins lies the Blue Palace Resort. The Blue Palace resort provides a unique experience to its guests, offering private cruises and embracing the traditions of Crete at every turn.
Bungalows, villas, palm trees, and private pools, all surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. That’s the Blue Palace Resort.
While experiencing the beauty of Crete, why not stay at a resort that reflects that same beauty and tradition?
For meeting planners and event planners: Crete has a tradition of venues that are easy to work with and are experienced with welcoming business travelers. Bringing your attendees to Crete should definitely be on your short list.
Historical Travel Incentive Destinations to visit in Greece!
For history buffs, there are plenty of travel incentive destinations in Greece. The Acropolis is one of the most famous pieces of history that has been preserved from the ancient world. Overlooking the beautiful capital city of Athens, the word “Acropolis” actually translates to “high city.” This ancient site consists of many different structures, one of which is the Parthenon.
Nightlife Options for Employee Recognition Trips in Greece?
Sunset Boat Tours
Greece is brimming with culture and history, but there is also a lot that goes on when the sun goes down. Some of the more popular options at night are sunset boat tours. Enjoy a cruise off the coast of the beautiful Aegean Sea, and watch as the sun sets in the sky.
If you’re looking for more of a party, look no further. Specifically, the island of Mykonos is referred to as “party island,” due to the numerous clubs and bars throughout the area. Greece has so much variety to offer, which is precisely why it is the perfect group travel destination.
What is the Best Way to Travel to Greece?
If you’re currently looking to travel to Greece, now is the perfect time. Greek tourism minister Vassilis Kikilias has stated that direct flights between the US and Greece will start serving passengers on March 7th, 2022.
Earlier in the year, Greece decided to ease its travel-related COVID restrictions, and it is now much easier to travel there. Fully vaccinated travelers from the US, Australia, and Canada are no longer required to show a negative COVID test when travelling to Greece.
What is the Best Way to Travel around Greece?
One of the most efficient ways to travel throughout the islands of Greece is by ferry. There are plenty of ferry rides to and from every island in the area. This is perfect for those trying to see as much as possible in a short period of time.
Moreover, the ferries in Greece are incredibly fast, with Seajet being the fastest. Capable of holding up to 1310 passengers and more than 200 vehicles, it is astounding that this vessel is able to maintain speeds of about 50 knots. Faster ships and shorter travel times mean that you can seamlessly travel between the islands of Greece and get the most out of your trip. Quality transportation is an underrated aspect of Greece’s travel incentives!
Best way to find ferries
Not only does Greece have an extremely efficient ferry system, but it is very simple to find and book a ferry ride. Websites such as ferryhopper.com make it a breeze to find the next available ferry, and more effectively plan out your trip.
Olympian Keynote Speakers
Greece’s travel incentives can be expanded by booking an Olympic Keynote Speaker for your trip. How can you spread the Olympic ideals of competition, teamwork, collaboration and winning to your business team? First, by bringing everyone together in the country where the Olympics were born! Even better, you can further your employee engagement event by having your business’s “Olympic Team” learn from an Olympian. Keynotes on teamwork, accomplishment, goal setting and collaboration are just a few of the ways to make your event memorable.
What does it take to achieve the Olympic mindset? How can you work to optimally perform in every area of your life? How do you become the best team-player and have the strength to give it your all, everyday?
Nobody knows these answers better than Olympic athletes themselves. With Greece being the birthplace of the Olympics, why not have your employees learn directly from an Olympic athlete? The Mollie Plotkin Group represents the finest Olympic athlete speakers from the United States, UK and Canada.
Hiring a keynote speaker is a great bonus incentive for employee recognition, and the impact they can have on your workers will be tangible. These speakers help organizations with employees who are feeling burnt-out, or just need some motivation. Our Olympian keynote speakers will identify the areas in which your company is struggling, and help you bring the best out of each and every member of your corporate team.
Olympians know what it takes to compete among the best, and they want to bring that knowledge straight to your next event. Imagine how impactful your trip will be if you pair an Olympian with Greece’s travel incentives.
Leslie Maxie
If Greece’s travel incentives aren’t enough, a keynote from Leslie Maxie will excite your team even more. As an Olympian, Leslie teaches that, “excellence is not an accident.” It takes immense commitment and continued dedicated efforts if you want to succeed, regardless of what field you are in. In addition to being an Olympic track and field star, Leslie Maxie is also a veteran of the sports journalism and media industry.
Maxie has worked for ESPN, CBS, NBC, and Fox Sports Net just to name a few. This media experience is evident in every one of her speeches. She is a captivating speaker who delivers an important message. In addition to her speeches on leadership, motivation, and achieving the Olympic mindset, Leslie also specializes in keynotes on women’s empowerment.
Olympian Leslie Maxie encompasses the spirit of the Olympic’s and will bring the same motivation to your business team.
Margaret Hoelzer
U.S. Olympic swimmer Margaret Hoelzer is an inspiration in the pool and on the keynote speaking stage. As a two-time Olympian (2004 & 2008) and former world record holder, Margaret Hoelzer has been one of the top U.S. Olympic swimmers. After winning three medals in the 2008 Olympics, and breaking a world record, Margaret Hoelzer revealed to the world that she had been sexually abused as a child. From then on, she vowed to use her platform to help spread awareness of this systemic issue. Margaret was one of the first athletes to speak openly about her experience with sexual abuse.
Since then, Margaret has become a national spokesperson for the National Children’s Advocacy Center and an acclaimed keynote speaker. Today, she is a sought after keynote speaker sharing her story of how she overcame adversity, teamwork, women’s empowerment and team building.
Mike Babcock
Mike Babcock is one of the most accomplished professional coaches in NHL history. He is the only NHL coach to have won an Olympic gold medal, a Stanley Cup, a World Championship Title, and a World Junior Championship.
Mike Babcock is not only an accomplished former Olympic Coach for Team Canada, but a successful athlete and NHL coach. With his vast knowledge and experience, Mike Babcock will show your team and employees how to continue to grow, team build and accomplish your goals.
Babcock has an impressive career, as he spent 17 years as a coach in the NHL with a 10 year stay as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. Nowadays, Mike is one of the most sought after keynote speakers within the sports industry.
Edwin Moses
Olympic track star Edwin Moses has carried out one of the longest records in world sports history. For ten years straight, Edwin was unbeaten in the 400 meter hurdles. To put that in perspective, that is 122 consecutive races and 107 finals. Edwin is a true ambassador of the sport, and has dedicated his life to improving track & field, sportsmanship and the Olympics.
Moses is equally famous for his efforts to prevent doping within athletics. Together, with many of the other top track & field athletes, Edwin developed one of the most thorough drug tests in competitive athletics. This legendary Olympian inspires business audiences around the world with the lessons he’s learned on, and off, the track.
In 2009 the University of Massachusetts gave Edwin an honorary Doctor of Science degree for his adamant stance against doping in sports. Additionally, Edwin Moses completed an MBA from Pepperdine University and has been a keynote speaker to corporations, associations and colleges & universities around the U.S.
Throughout his career, Edwin continued to rise above every obstacle in his path and now teaches others how they can do the same. A keynote from an Olympian of this caliber is the only travel incentive your organization will need to head to Greece.
Ken Hitchcock
Ken Hitchcock is one of the winningest coaches in the history of the NHL. Astoundingly, Ken has led his teams to the playoffs in 14 of his 22 seasons coaching. Currently, Ken Hitchcock is a Coaching Consultant for the St. Louis Blues and keynote speaker on transformative leadership and team-building.
Ken Hitchcock’s keynotes focus on creating better, more communicative teams within a working environment. Having Ken Hithcock speak to your employees means they’ll be performing like champions in no time.
Johnny Quinn
U.S. Olympian, author, and former professional football player Johnny Quinn (truly) does it all.
Johnny Quinn has possibly had one of the most interesting athletic career shifts in both the worlds of professional and Olympic sports. After being cut from two different NFL teams, Quinn, at the urging of his agent, decided to try his hand at another sport. In 2010 Johnny Quinn tried out for the U.S. Olympic Bobsled team and was then selected to represent the team at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Amazingly, Johnny Quinn is one of only three other people that have competed in the NFL as well as the Winter Olympics. Hire Olympian Johnny Quinn to motivate and inspire your audience to perform their best.
Rich Nichols
Rich Nichols is an Olympian and attorney for the sports & entertainment industry, and has represented numerous high-profile athletes. This includes NFL Wide Receiver James Lofton and Olympic champions Edwin Moses and Marion Jones. Notable, Rich Nichols was also the impetus in the movement to gain equal pay for the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team.
In addition to his extensive career in law, Nichols himself was a two-time NCAA Division 1 All-American athlete. He has also represented the U.S. as a member of the United States Track & Field team in the Olympic games.
Whenever Rich Nichols takes on a new challenge, he approaches it headfirst, like a true Olympian.
