Unlocking the Benefits of Outbound Incentive Travel: A Comprehensive Review Study

Purpose The objective of this research was to contribute to the literature on incentive travel programs and provide a foundation for future research in this area. To highlight the social implications of outbound incentive travel programs, including their potential impact on employee well-being, customer relationships, tourism, economic development, and the environment. Theoretical Framework A framework for knowledge generation and theory development in incentive travel is attempted through the literature review. Design/ Method / approach A chronological analysis of the literature on incentive travel and event tourism is the focal point of this study. With reference to seminal contributions, key terms and concepts are underlined. Journals, publications, and research pertaining to this topic have been reviewed using content analysis. Each article was subjected to a series of content analyses, where the type of content, nature of the research, theme and sub-theme, publication year, type of journals, area or city focus, type of data and analysis tool used, respondent and author profile were all taken into consideration. A total of 45 papers were categorized according to the year they were published and then analyzed using the descriptive analysis approach. Findings The findings of the study are likely to provide a comprehensive understanding of outbound incentive travel programs and their potential benefits and challenges, and offer practical guidance for organizations looking to implement these programs in a responsible and effective manner. Research, Practical & Social implications The study may identify gaps in the existing literature on outbound incentive travel programs, highlighting areas for future research and exploration. Originality/ value the study has the potential to contribute to both academic research and practical applications related to outbound incentive travel programs, and may have broader implications for organizational culture, values, and social responsibility.