IN THE PAST, when anyone brought up individual incentive travel, Marriott and Hyatt — the two powerhouses in the industry — immediately came to mind. But as the demand for these rewards increases, so does the number of companies offering them. Some, such as Fairmont and Starwood Hotels, added individual incentive products in late 2004, while Holland America was just introduced one as we went to press in mid-April.
BEST WESTERN — The re-loadable Best Western Travel Card can be used worldwide to pay for rooms and incidentals. It is available as a plastic card or a virtual card; companies can load between $25 and $1,000 and include a customized message. www.travelcard.bestwestern.com
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE — “Preferred Awards” certificates are available for Carnival cruises' 20 ships in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, and Europe. www.carnival.com
CLEARSKY MARKETING — ClearSky Marketing Inc. offers individual travel awards to more than 200 destinations around the world. Each three- or four-day package typically includes accommodations, a complimentary gift, full breakfast for two, a round of golf for two, and admission to a local activity. www.clearskymarketing.com
CREATED TO MOTIVATE — Created To Motivate offers individual travel awards that include Vacation Makers Weekend Rewards. Recipients can choose from more than 325 quality hotels and resorts in three levels, beginning at $295 and including rooms, breakfast, and tax. www.ctm-incentives.com
FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS — Fairmont Ovation Rewards is the company's new individual incentive travel product. Each rewards certificate includes a one-night stay at a Fairmont property, a full breakfast for two, and all applicable taxes and gratuities. Companies can purchase add-on gift certificates in the sum of $25 and/or $100. There are no blackout dates. robert.ward@fairmont.com
GET UP & GO TRAVEL INCENTIVES — Fairfield Resorts' individual incentive program offers a range of options, from three-day trips to any of 21 cities to five-day trips to destinations including Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. getupandgoincentives@fairfieldresorts.com
HOLLAND AMERICA — This five-star fleet includes 12 luxury ships that sail to more than 280 ports of call and visit cruising destinations on all seven continents. Holland America's individual incentive program is available for all destinations. www.hollandamerica.com
HOTELS.COM — Certificates are available for more than 15,000 properties in 400 cities around the world. The company specializes in providing travelers with accommodations during sold-out periods. Certificates are applicable to discounted hotel rooms only, and do not apply to rental cars and vacation packages. www.hotels.com
iEXPLORE — IExplore offers thousands of hiking, biking, diving, and multisport tours, as well as cultural, expedition cruising, wildlife safari, and culinary tours to off-the-beaten-path destinations. iExplore can create customized reward certificates or implement a point redemption system. www.iexplore.com
INCENTIVES MARKETPLACE — This Web site is like a virtual “do-it-yourself” incentive store, where users can browse for ideas, shop prices, and even get client references. www.IncentivesMarketplace.com
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE — NCL can customize individual incentive programs, ranging from a three-day Caribbean getaway to a 12-day European cruise. NCL has a fleet of 14 ships in service and under construction. www.ncl.com
PALACE RESORTS — Palace Rewards offers four- to seven-night award packages at its four five-star, all-inclusive resorts: Moon Palace, Aventura Spa Palace, Xpu-Ha Palace, and Sun Palace. A trip packet delivered to the winner includes airline tickets, reservation confirmation, travel bag, document wallet, disposable flash camera, customs requirements, packing tips, and luggage tags. www.palaceresorts.com
RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX — A range of experiences are possible with Relais & Châteaux certificates, from a gourmet dinner for two at the renowned restaurant Daniel in New York City to a trip to the Singita South African Game Reserve. Valid for two years, the certificates are accepted at more than 400 member properties in 50 countries, as well as at 250 Leading Hotels of the World. www.relaischateaux.com/gift
ROADTRIPS — With Roadtrips' Pro-SPORT Getaway Awards, winners can choose a ‘getaway’ to any NFL, Major League Baseball, NHL, or NBA game with a pair of great seats, a first-class hotel, and support from the Roadtrips At-Your-Service Desk. www.roadtrips.com/incentives
ROYAL CARIBBEAN — Royal Carib-bean has 19 ships in service and two under construction, traveling worldwide. Individual incentive certificates are available for a three-, four-, or seven-night cruise. www.royalincentives.com
STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS — A Starwood Preferred Guest Gift Card can be redeemed at Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, and W Hotels. Cards are available in denominations from $25 to $1,000 and arrive in an elegant carrier envelope. www.starwoodgiftcard.com
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS THEME PARKS — Individual incentives include one-day and multiday tickets. The multiday pass gives recipients unlimited park-to-park access. www.universalstudios.com
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT — Certificates include three- or four-night “Magic Your Way” packages, with accommodations at one of Disney's resorts, and a “Magic Your Way” base ticket with a park-hopper option. Disney Cruise Line certificates include a three-night vacation for up to two adults and two children. Disney also offers Incentive Rewards Dollar-Denominated Certificates in increments of $100, $500, and $1,000. www.disneymeetings.com
WORLD AWARD ALLIANCE — This new global network of leading incentive companies, including Hinda Incentives, The Grass Roots Group, BitTIme, and Accumulate, offers clients a global service of online ordering and local fulfillment for travel and merchandise incentives. www.hinda.com
WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS — Available in $10, $25, and $100 denominations, individual certificates can be used at any Wyndham hotel or Summerfield Suites. Overnight delivery, gift-wrap service, and customization are available. www.wyndham.com