The pandemic put incentive travel on hold, but in 2023, revenge travel was all the rage and that included the return of these motivational business rewards as well as destination meetings. According to IRF 2022 Destination Preference Studyconducted in March and April 2022 among 405 full-time sellers, respondents said their top three destination experiences were beach/sun, adventure travel, and mountains, a combination unique to Costa Rica.
(As part of the study, Cvent provided its top 20 destinations booked in 2021 and 2022; Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, located along the Pacific Ocean, came in 10th place.)
“The beautiful natural and geographic landscapes of Costa Rica and Central America provide easy access to national parks and reserves from anywhere in the country,” explained Maria Florencia Arenazageneral director of Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resortabout the region’s popularity within the meetings, events and incentive travel sector, adding that “the appeal of ecotourism, pleasant year-round climate and favorable exchange rates compared to the US dollar” are other determining factors.
The region also offers “convenient air access and proximity to major U.S. cities,” and “blends well with U.S. time zones and is an exotic but accessible destination for meetings and events,” she said. . Here are some other highlights you’ll find at Marriott Costa Rica hotels…
1. Renovated meeting spaces
Located on the Central Pacific’s Costa Verde, Los Sueños Marriott is currently undergoing a renovation of its meeting and event space, and BizBash was able to get a first-hand look at the new additions thanks to the Caribbean and Latin America team at Marriott.
With 37,348 square feet of conference space, the resort will soon have 10 renovated meeting rooms and outdoor venues for events blending modern and colonial architectural details, with the ocean-inspired decor colors complementing the panoramic views of the Herradura Bay. Local traditional elements are also incorporated into the design, including hand-painted mosaic tiles that adorn accent walls and floor sections. This tile work can be seen in traditional Costa Rican structures, as well as on the floors throughout the resort, specially commissioned during the hotel’s construction.
“With the renovated space, we are ready to host a wide variety of events on Costa Rica’s Green Coast, from intimate social gatherings, corporate meetings and motivational retreats to award galas prices and romantic weddings,” Arenaza said.
2. Sustainability initiatives
Environmental protection is a key aspect of living in Costa Rica, which means it is also a fundamental part of Marriott’s properties; the hotel brand follows a corporate sustainability strategy called Serve360, which is based on 17 sustainability goals.
This includes eliminating single-use plastics, such as using paper laundry bags. Additionally, in banquet areas and restaurants, plastic bottles have been replaced with glass and dispensers. And in the renovated meeting spaces at the Los Sueños Marriott, chandeliers now require fewer LED bulbs than their predecessors. Additionally, Marriott associates are also trained on issues of local indigenous cultures as well as providing recommendations to guests who wish to learn about and visit indigenous territories.
A 10-minute drive from Juan Santamaría International Airport, the Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen offers a resort vibe in the capital San José with views of the Central Valley mountains.Photo: Courtesy of Marriott International
In addition to initiatives such as eliminating single-use plastics, other efforts include digitizing materials and signage where possible, sourcing food locally, and offering carbon offset options. At Los Sueños Marriott, volunteer activities for groups such as ylang-ylang planting, beach cleaning, etc. are offered. are available.
According to The latest incentive travel report from IBTM World, employees are now placing more emphasis on incentives that deliver valued experiences, support corporate social responsibility (CSR), and demonstrate care for employees, with 35% of respondents placing greater value on employee activities. well-being and 44% highlighting the importance of building CSR-focused teams. . This means that opportunities for employees to connect with local culture and excursions that combat loneliness, stress and burnout should be part of incentive travel programs.
At Los Sueños Marriott, volunteer activities for groups include planting ylang-ylang trees.Photo: Courtesy of Marriott International
In addition to ecotourism activities, groups can also experience “endorphin tourism,” including rainforest ziplining, surfing, fishing and sailing, ATV adventures, and horseback riding. At the Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen, located 10 minutes from the Costa Rica Convention Center, a tour operator Travel Switzerland Costa Rica is available to coordinate off-site trips to Poás Volcano National Park and Hacienda Alsace, Starbucks’ first and only coffee farm, where groups can observe production up close. And at the Los Sueños Marriott, groups can tour the Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park for jungle excursions like canyoning and hikes to waterfalls.
4. On-Site Event Planning Services
In addition to meeting facilities including ballrooms, breakout rooms and expansive outdoor event spaces, organizers have access to audio-visual equipment, production services, catering services, discounted group rooms and event management staff to manage logistics at Marriott hotels in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen’s Isabela Steakhouse serves Peruvian cuisine.Photo: Courtesy of Marriott International
