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Edinburgh, Scotland: The first-ever UNESCO City of Literature, designated in 2004. For some cities, creativity is an actual framework. Around the world, local governments are rethinking how the arts, design, and innovation shape everyday life, and the result is a network of destinations where culture drives progress . UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network is one of the most inspiring initiatives in global urban planning. These cities aren’t chosen for their skyline or GDP. They’re recognized for how they center creativity; whether through design, gastronomy, literature, music, film, crafts, or digital arts. For planners, this matters. Here, culture isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation. Booking an event in a UNESCO Creative City means giving your attendees a front-row seat to local excellence. Every element is rooted in place, not brought in from somewhere else. What’s celebrated is already part of the fabric. Host a literary roundtable in Edinburgh . Build a culinary trail through San Antonio . Bring your next creative offsite to a design lab in Graz or Bandung . The options are endless, and the experiences are authentic. For planners, that opens the door to programs with built-in depth. When you align your event with a city’s creative strengths, everything from speaker sourcing to group excursions gains meaning. You’re doing SO much more than just booking a venue. You’re tapping into a story that’s already unfolding. When a city leads with culture, your event has a better story to tell and a deeper reason to be remembered. AUTHENTIC x UNESCO Ready to do more than just visit? Explore how you or your company can support UNESCO through partnership, service, influence, or financial contribution.

In Good Company is a series by AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® that highlights the people behind the brands shaping today’s incentive travel landscape. This week, we sat down with Pam Kressley and Lori Cassidy at Gift-a-Trip ... Pam, you spent nearly 30 years helping others build their brands and their dreams. What made you decide it was finally time to bet on your own?  I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. Even when I was working for other companies – I approached my role and treated my sales region as if it was my own personal small business.  I felt that regardless of who you work for - whether it’s someone else or yourself - you need to carry yourself every day knowing that your decisions, your responsiveness, and your work ethic reflects not only who you are as your own personal brand, as also effects your bottom line.  So deciding to finally go out on my own was easy. It was just a matter of finding the right solution, and the right business model, along with the right business partner, at the right time. Lori, you’ve been alongside Pam for most of that journey. What do you think she saw in you that made her want to build something from the ground up together? I believe that when someone chooses to build a company from the ground up with another person, it usually means they see qualities in that person that align with their own values, goals and ambitions.  Pam and I not only trust one another inherently, but we also have a shared vision and passion for this business.  Our complementary strengths and commitment to delivering excellence on all levels are just a few reasons as to what makes our partnership not just work, but thrive. Pam, this business is rooted in joy, but also in a clear gap in the market. What was missing from the travel space that you felt compelled to create?  Lori and I realized that outside of the turnkey certificate that we offered with Royal Caribbean (where we both worked for over a decade), our industry struggled to provide simple solutions when it came to individual travel rewards. They’re inherently clunky – typically requiring a lot of time and effort not only to source, but to deliver and execute. And without any guardrails built in, it can quickly get very granular, and take up a lot of a planner or administrator’s time.  Our goal was to simplify the process, by offering a wide variety of trip options at a wide variety of price points, with easy, turnkey direct-to-supplier fulfillment.  This not only saves time, but money, and a lot of resources along the way.  We knew we could do it better. Lori, what’s a moment since launching Gift-A-Trip that made you pause and think: “This is working. We’re doing something that matters." Out of the gate, Pam and I knew we were on to something, noting the void that existed in the marketplace for turnkey individual travel certificates from the top resort, hotel and cruise brands. Knowing that we have a created a solution for corporate buyers to seamlessly reward and recognize with the gift of travel is extremely satisfying, and we actually have to pinch ourselves from time to time to appreciate all that we have accomplished in just a few short years.  I can’t tell you how many times, clients have asked us “Where have you been, as your solution is exactly what we need and have been looking for!” – THIS validates the impact and necessity of what we have created.  Pam, when someone receives a certificate, they’re not just being given a trip, they’re being seen, celebrated, remembered. Why do you think that kind of giving feels different?  A trip isn’t just a thing - it’s an experience. Plus, trips are often seen as a luxury, something people might not give themselves. So when someone is rewarded with a trip, it signals that their contributions were exceptional. It’s not just a thanks, it’s an honor. Lori, what part of this work still takes your breath away? When I take a step back and reflect on the last few years, I truly have to pinch myself and say ‘WOW’—look at what we’ve created. From the early days when it was just an idea to now seeing how far we’ve come, the journey has been nothing short of incredible. It’s not just about the business, it’s about the lives we’ve impacted, the partnerships we've built, and the people who believe in what we're doing. We don’t always take the time to celebrate our wins, because we’re always focused on growth. But those moments of reflection remind me that what we’ve built is bigger than I ever imagined, and it’s humbling to see the ripple effects of our work.” Pam, what have you had to unlearn in order to build this the way you wanted to?  As the saying goes, “perfection is the enemy of progress.”  I’ve often believed that if it’s not perfect, it’s not ready. But when starting a business, perfection is a moving target and it can stall momentum. Building something meaningful often means unlearning that fear of imperfection, and instead trusting the process, and the learning that comes with doing.  I’ve also had to unlearn the need for external validation.  In our business, we celebrate our wins and learn from our losses in real time, not whether we’ve ‘won’ or ‘lost’ against an externally set quarterly or annual quota. So that’s been quite an adjustment. Lori, what do you hope people remember, not just about Gift-A-Trip, but about you, and the mark you left on this industry? I hope to be remembered as someone who always led with my heart, not just my head. I wasn’t afraid to take risks, to embrace bold ideas, and to encourage others to think outside the box because I believed that innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe, it comes from pushing limits and daring to dream bigger.  Ultimately, I want to be remembered for the positive change I’ve contributed to people’s lives and for the relationships I’ve helped build and strengthen. I also hope my work has had a meaningful impact within the travel industry, one that has helped push it forward and made a difference in the way we create and experience travel. Looking to Reward Differently? Gift-A-Trip offers turnkey travel certificates that trade clutter for connection. Discover how they’re redefining recognition, one trip at a time. Know someone who should be featured next? Nominate a colleague whose story deserves the spotlight. We’re always looking for leaders, legends, and the voices shaping the future of incentives. Submit a nomination here.

More than a view. A reminder that travel can connect us to something deeper: land, legacy, and lasting impact. Not all destinations are created equal. Some are backed by centuries of geologic evolution, centuries of study, and decades of global cooperation to keep them intact. UNESCO ’s work in the sciences includes climate change, biodiversity, freshwater security, renewable energy, and more. But one of its most visible and accessible science-led programs is the World Network of Biosphere Reserves , sites around the world that combine conservation with sustainable development. They are places where science, nature, and people live in active balance. For incentive planners, this presents a unique opportunity. What if your group dinner wasn’t just scenic, but tied to active conservation? What if your chosen resort supported a UNESCO-listed marine research program? What if your incentive escape gave your top performers a real sense of global responsibility ? Biosphere reserves aren’t remote academic hubs. They are living, accessible, breathtaking places, and many of them are already near top-tier incentive destinations. Science doesn’t make a trip less inspiring. It makes it more meaningful. AUTHENTIC x UNESCO Ready to do more than just visit? Explore how you or your company can support UNESCO through partnership, service, influence, or financial contribution.

For planners looking to deliver something extraordinary, logistics can often get in the way of imagination. Capacity limits. Competing guests. Pre-set menus. Conflicting agendas. It doesn’t take long for a grand vision to start feeling boxed in. But when the venue is  the program, and every element is on the table, your incentive becomes something far more powerful : personal. That’s the promise of a full-ship charter. Not just exclusivity, but flexibility. The chance to design a journey that reflects your group’s culture, goals, and brand identity down to the finest detail, from the itinerary to the entertainment lineup. Charters offer space AND creative control. Want a shorter voyage tailored to tight calendars? Set your own duration. Need to eliminate hidden fees and streamline budgeting? Opt for an all-inclusive model where surprises are off the table. Looking to celebrate a milestone or reinforce a message? Shape every moment, from cocktail hours to pillow menus, around your vision. On Seabourn, the most remote destinations feel anything but rugged. It’s where expedition meets elegance in its highest form. Chartering Seabourn: One Trip, A Thousand Possibilities Which brings us to Seabourn , a brand that’s making chartering not only accessible, but exceptional. Their all-suite, yacht-like ships blend luxury and ease with spaces that are as flexible as they are refined. From the polar-ready Seabourn Venture to the veranda-filled Seabourn Encore, each vessel is a canvas for custom experiences. And the support? Impeccable. Seabourn’s charter team acts as your co-producers, working behind the scenes to shape every detail, from curated menus to signature onboard moments and bespoke excursions. Voyages are fully tailored, from the duration and ports to the programming and entertainment. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or rewarding top performers, Seabourn creates a journey that feels intentional from start to finish. No overlapping guests. No generic programming. Just a beautifully designed, entirely yours experience that reflects the reason you brought your group together in the first place. Full-ship charters simplify logistics, amplify impact, and put planners fully in the driver’s seat. Make your next program unforgettable. Looking to design a private voyage where every detail reflects your vision? Let’s chat about how a Seabourn charter could bring it to life. Watch MICE Bites® ON DEMAND: Seabourn with Pierre van Breda

In Good Company is a series by AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® that highlights the people behind the brands shaping today’s incentive travel landscape. This week, we sat down with Sean Mahoney , SVP at Transcend Cruises … Transcend has redefined the river cruise model. What was the initial vision that lit the spark for this concept?  Matthew Shollar, Co-Founder of Transcend Cruises, owned a niche charter cruise company designing bespoke voyages on luxury ocean and river ships. He grew increasingly frustrated with lines designed for leisure markets that lacked the flexibility, creativity, onboard venues and services for group events. He envisioned a cruise line that addressed all the pain points he experienced when chartering vessels. Enter Transcend Cruises, the only B2B river line in the industry offering luxury river vessels in Europe designed exclusively for groups. You’re not retrofitting an experience. You’re building it from scratch. What’s one design or operational decision you’re especially proud of?  Having been purpose built for groups, there are too many innovative design and operational features that truly distinguish Transcend from others to name a single one. So, I suppose I'm most proud of our "group focus" and unique ability to create experiences others can't replicate because they're designed for leisure guests.  What’s the biggest misconception planners have when they first hear “river cruise” and how do you reframe it?  Unfortunately, group buyer and/or planner perceptions about river cruising are mostly true. For instance, a customer may only want five nights but will be charged for seven because that's what a retail line published in its brochure. Or, that river vessels lack the kinds of venues and technology required for business meetings, receptions and other group events. Afterall, we were founded to fill a void in the marketplace and appeal to customers who have long wanted to conduct group events on river ships but lacked the product to do so. You’ve worked across different corners of hospitality. What drew you to this bold idea, and what keeps you motivated?  I've been very blessed throughout my career. I've worked for one of the single largest cruise brands at Royal Caribbean. One of the best known brands in the world at Disney and Disney Cruise Line. And the top rated brand in the cruise industry at Silversea Cruises. So, it only seemed natural that I join Transcend Cruises, a true market disruptor as the only B2B line in the industry. What’s something Transcend is doing that no one’s really talking about yet, but should be?  Unlike traditional land-based or cruise events, Transcend provides a seamless blend of business and leisure, where participants can engage in productive sessions during the day and enjoy entertainment, fine dining, and stunning views in the evening. Despite these advantages, many event planners shy away from cruises, viewing them as a complex and unfamiliar option. This hesitation often leads them to stick with what they know—land-based events. This is where Transcend Cruises steps in, transforming the cruise purchasing and planning process from a daunting task into an exciting opportunity. Transcend Cruises specializes in making cruise events accessible to planners who may be hesitant to explore this option. We offer tailored solutions that demystify the process, ensuring that every detail is handled with care. Our group focus and expertise helps planners visualize the potential of a cruise event, guiding them through each step, from selecting the right ship and itinerary to customizing on-board experiences. Having been purpose built for the group events market, Transcend Cruises enables planners to confidently step out of their comfort zone. This not only expands their event options but also delivers an unforgettable guest experience blending the best aspects of both land and sea.   You’ve been an advocate for thoughtful group design. What does a well-orchestrated incentive program look like to you?  First and foremost, it must possess the motivational appeal to produce the expected ROI, ROE, ROO, etc...An exclusive bespoke charter on a luxurious Transcend Cruises vessel featuring immersive experiences in a variety of ports in several countries is sure to inspire the very best from prospective guests. The following items are also essential to a well executed incentive reward experience, all of which distinguish Transcend Cruises from other options. The ability to determine the voyage length and itinerary without restrictions due to published leisure voyages. Identical accommodations for guests qualifying at the same level. Enough suites for executives or top performers. Venues that are conducive to an awards presentation, meetings and/or other events. More wellness space than any other river line for the highly valued "free time" in any incentive program. The ability to rebrand the vessel to the customer resulting in greater brand equity and advocacy, which strengthen emotional connections and drive incremental effort. Finally, the focus and expertise resulting in an experience guests could not duplicate on their own and that they will treasure for a lifetime. Rethinking Events at Sea? Transcend Cruises was built with business in mind. Offering private, all-suite ships and customizable sailings for meetings and incentives. See how they’re changing the game at transcendcruises.com . Know someone who should be featured next? Nominate a colleague whose story deserves the spotlight. We’re always looking for leaders, legends, and the voices shaping the future of incentives. Submit a nomination here.

Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Today, it stands as a beacon for spiritual reflection and educational exchange. There’s a difference between tourism and transformation. UNESCO’s first strategic objective, fostering learning for all, goes beyond education as a classroom concept. It’s about access, inclusion, and lifelong development. From pre-primary schooling in rural villages to global media literacy campaigns, UNESCO believes knowledge should never be a privilege. It should be a path. That idea fits squarely within the world of incentive travel. Because travel, at its best, is education in motion. For planners, this opens up real opportunities. You might not be running an academic conference, but you are designing programs that can include learning exchanges, youth engagement, or hands-on cultural immersion. Some examples: -Partner with a local school or NGO for a purposeful offsite -Include speakers who’ve benefited from UNESCO programs -Support destinations that invest in vocational training for the hospitality workforce It’s not about tokenism or charity photo ops. It’s about giving your group access to learning moments that stretch beyond the boardroom. AUTHENTIC believes education doesn’t end with graduation. And when we travel with intention, we give people a reason to keep learning, even when the trip is over. AUTHENTIC x UNESCO Ready to do more than just visit? Explore how you or your company can support UNESCO through partnership, service, influence, or financial contribution.

There’s a shift happening in the world of corporate events and it doesn’t involve boardrooms or ballroom buffets. It’s a move toward moments that buzz with energy. Experiences that awaken the senses, stir competition, and leave attendees texting friends before the night is over. Welcome to the new era of incentive travel, where connection is sparked not by keynote speeches, but by collective adrenaline. Competitive socializing is quickly outpacing traditional group activities, fusing the thrill of gameplay with the polish of elevated hospitality. It’s not just about play, it's about presence. Shared moments. Emotional engagement. And a dopamine-fueled sense of camaraderie that lingers far beyond the event. Nowhere is that formula more potent than the world of Formula 1®, where global fandom meets precision, speed, and spectacle. Once the domain of high-net-worth spectators and exotic international circuits, the energy of F1 is being reimagined for the meetings and incentives crowd, with immersive venues designed to thrill. Enter F1® Arcade. This high-impact hospitality concept is bringing the world’s fastest sport to the social scene, complete with full-motion racing simulators, stylish craft bars, and beautifully designed private event spaces. With locations across the U.S. and U.K.—and a flagship opening at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas this fall—F1® Arcade is quickly becoming the go-to venue for planners who want something fresh, fun, and unforgettable. Racing attire not required. Just bring your team, a bit of competitive spirit, and a willingness to ditch the predictable for something a little more... turbocharged. Ready to trade ballrooms for a little velocity? Let’s chat  and see how F1® Arcade stacks up for your next event.

UNESCO exists to protect what gives the world meaning. Its mission isn’t rooted in trends, tourism, or headlines. It’s rooted in the long-term preservation of the things that shape who we are as a global community. As we begin our ongoing series spotlighting the work of UNESCO, we’re starting with the foundation: what this organization actually does, why it matters, and how it intersects with the travel and meetings industry in powerful, often overlooked ways. UNESCO’s work is centered around five strategic objectives: 1. Fostering learning for all From basic education to lifelong learning, UNESCO supports inclusive, equitable access to knowledge, across all ages, genders, and geographies. 2. Advancing scientific collaboration and sustainability Through climate science, ocean research, and biosphere programs, UNESCO promotes scientific knowledge that supports a sustainable future for people and the planet. 3. Building inclusive, just, and peaceful societies By promoting human rights, social cohesion, and ethical governance (including AI ethics), UNESCO works to create more equitable societies worldwide. 4. Protecting cultural heritage and creativity UNESCO safeguards both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, from historic cities and sacred landscapes to traditions, languages, and local crafts. 5. Strengthening freedom of expression and access to information UNESCO defends press freedom, media development, and the right to access information. These are cornerstones of open and democratic societies. These objectives don’t just belong to governments or academics. They belong to all of us. Over the coming weeks, AUTHENTIC will dedicate space to each one. Through stories, destinations, experiences, and ideas, we’ll show how travel can do more than move people. It can protect, amplify, and connect. This series isn’t about charity. It’s about alignment. And it starts here. AUTHENTIC x UNESCO Ready to do more than just visit? Explore how you or your company can support UNESCO through partnership, service, influence, or financial contribution.

For all its luxury and grandeur, a cruise ship is a moving machine. One that must keep time with the tide, deliver world-class service, and somehow host everything from weddings to workshops, without missing a beat. But unlike land-based venues, ships can’t just “add a room.” Every square foot serves a purpose, every hour is already spoken for. And for group planners, that invisible choreography can be both impressive and impossible to navigate. Especially when the answer to “can we book this space?” is often: We’ll get back to you. That’s changing. A new generation of cruise lines is starting to run differently behind the scenes. Using smart, real-time tech to coordinate group events with less back-and-forth, and more certainty. One example: Go by Spark Cooperative , a platform built by people who’ve stood on both sides of the clipboard. It gives ship and shore teams a shared view of what’s happening, when—and what’s possible. No spreadsheets. No guesswork. It’s the kind of innovation that makes everything else feel seamless. Why it matters: Answers in days, not weeks Less friction between planners and cruise ops Events confirmed early, with fewer surprises onboard QR-based schedules your guests can actually use And coming soon: digital signage + co-branded daily programs The best kind of planning, is the kind no one sees. Better tech, fewer headaches, happier guests. Let’s chat   to see how Go by Spar Cooperative fits your next program.

In Good Company is a series by AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives® that highlights the people behind the brands shaping today’s incentive travel landscape. This week, we sat down with Matthew Boutwell, Senior Director of Global Charter & Incentive Sales at Crystal Cruises… What drew you to the world of luxury travel in the first place? I started my career working with the more mainstream cruise lines which are great, and I think shaped my transition into the higher end and luxury segment of the market. The draw for me personally in the luxury space is being able to offer something completely out of the box, new, and challenging to our team operationally and delivering that level of expectation, whereas the mainstream markets will be more restricted. From a service perspective, nothing compares to the exceptional quality that can be delivered in this segment. Another draw for me to this segment is the number of guests you experience and travel with. As you travel more and more you start to see the real value of the guest to space ratio where a quiet corner or a seat at the bar is easily found on board. Crystal has been through quite a journey. What does it feel like to be part of its next chapter? I was asked to join Crystal soon after Abercrombie & Kent Travel group purchased the Crystal Trademark and two of their ocean ships.  It was truly an incredible honor to have had the opportunity to grow both the MICE team and company from where it was to where we are today and part of the AKTG Family. With three more ships on the way and the first to be delivered in May 2028, there is so many more opportunities to offer our guests both in destinations and ships. How would you describe the Crystal experience to someone who’s never sailed ultra-luxury before? We all have a favorite restaurant or bar by home that we visit and every time we do the host, or hostess smiles as we come in and greets us by name or the bartender may say ‘the usual Mr/Mrs. XXX’. We keep going back to the same venue at the same seats and continue to come back because of the service and food. This to me is what ultra luxury is, the personal touch of your butler or host/hostess greeting you by name, remembering your coffee order, asking if you would like the same seat as last night by the window. But it goes further than just this, the experience on board the ultra-luxury products will also not ask for a credit card or room number every time you are ordering a drink, asking to sign a bill before leaving dinner, but instead offering for you to try both main meals because you cannot decide between the two. What’s something that surprised even you when you first stepped on board? I first went on board in May 2023 while the ships were still in drydock from the previous company. These ships were originally built to carry 850 – 1,100 guests and after we purchased both ships the capacity decreased 606 – 740 but the ships size remained the same.  The sheer amount of public space on board is incomparable to any other luxury product.  When you see the ship along with the vast number of full suites we have on board, it shows there is nothing in the market similar to what we are offering here at Crystal. You’ve worked with some incredible travel brands. How has your definition of luxury evolved along the way? I have had the opportunity to work for and with many phenomenal luxury brands in the past but for me after 17 years in the industry it comes down to service. You can have the best hotel or cruise ship in the world with beautiful spaces and locations but if your service and delivery is off, guests will not return no matter how great the view or suite was. When we went back to service in July 2023, we offered our previous crew the opportunity to rejoin in our new brand, and over 85% came back right from our re-launch. Another very important aspect of luxury is to be free from schedules and set times. We all have schedules during our work and life at home but on holiday we may want the freedom to choose, Crystal and A&K make it a standard for the guests to make their own choice on how they want to holiday. When you're working with a corporate group, what makes Crystal feel different from the rest? Flexibility and product. No other cruise line offers groups the flexibility for dining, blocking of public space, meeting, and the incredible opportunity to have A&K lead all our shore excursions for both FIT and Corporate groups.    What’s a memory from a sailing or incentive program that reminds you why you love what you do? I have operated/contracted hundreds if not thousands of programs in my career but two memories really stick out to me. The first was on a mainstream cruise line with a group of approximately 800 guests from the USA travelling to the Caribbean. On sail away from Miami I was on the top deck standing next to a couple who won the incentive to be on board and as we passed Miami Beach the couple said to each other that if wasn’t for XX company and how hard he/she worked we would have never been able to see this view.  I asked them if it was their first cruise and of course the answer was yes but they then told me it was the first time leaving the country. This incentive gave these guests two first time experiences even before we left the view of the city.  The second was on a full ship charter to the Arctic operating roundtrip Longyearbyen which is the furthest northern airport in the world.  Logistics do not even begin to explain the difficulty of operating in these regions. Fresh fruit on day 7? Steak for 200 people if they ordered it every night? Weather? Coordinating charter flights from Oslo? The list never ended for this charter. After every guest made the charter flight and the two back up aircrafts landed with all the luggage and provisions the real fun started for this client. In the Arctic and more remote areas of the world, itineraries are more of a guided idea instead of a schedule and it did not disappoint. From watching every guest jump into the icy water from the ship to midnight sun dance parties, and hikes to remote mountains with nothing but a guide was something magical to see come to life. What do you hope clients and colleagues take away from working with you? From the client perspective an authentic, honest feedback, and a partner who will always help whenever it is feasible.  In a world where everyone has deadlines and budgets it is important to know that everyone is doing their part to deliver once in a lifetime experiences and incentives. For my team, they know I never ask for something that I would not do myself and that we always will and do work best together, without my entire team we would not have the success we do today. Planning a luxury program at sea? Crystal delivers the kind of high-touch service, spacious design, and personalized attention today’s groups remember. Learn more about their ultra-luxury offerings and group experiences at crystalcruises.com . Know someone who should be featured next? Nominate a colleague whose story deserves the spotlight. We’re always looking for leaders, legends, and the voices shaping the future of incentives. Submit a nomination here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fort Lauderdale, FL – July 1, 2025  — AUTHENTIC Meetings & Incentives , a boutique leader in meaningful MICE marketing and destination storytelling, has launched an ongoing editorial series titled AUTHENTIC x UNESCO . The initiative is designed to spotlight UNESCO’s global mission while giving back in the most fitting way AUTHENTIC knows how: through consistent storytelling, visibility, and financial contribution. UNESCO , the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, works to build peace through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication. Its mission is vast, but its aim is simple: to protect what makes us human. As a company rooted in travel, culture, and connection, AUTHENTIC recognizes the responsibility, and privilege, of being able to contribute. This series reflects that commitment. Each week, AUTHENTIC will dedicate space across its digital platforms to celebrate the people, destinations, and ideas that align with UNESCO’s vision for a more inclusive, sustainable, and educated world. “We wanted to find a meaningful way to give back,” s aid Nataly Horan, CEO of AUTHENTIC. “Highlighting UNESCO’s work felt natural. They’re protecting the very things we believe make travel worth doing. Heritage, knowledge, and human connection. This is our way of helping keep the world authentic.” The series will spotlight UNESCO’s strategic objectives: Learning for all Advancing scientific collaboration and sustainability Building inclusive, just, and peaceful societies Protecting cultural heritage and creativity Strengthening freedom of expression and access to information In addition to ongoing visibility through blog posts, email newsletters, and LinkedIn features, AUTHENTIC will contribute a portion of ad revenue and dedicate paid media placements to raise awareness for UNESCO’s mission. AUTHENTIC x UNESCO Ready to do more than just visit? Explore how you or your company can support UNESCO through partnership, service, influence, or financial contribution. 🔗 Get involved at unesco.org

Why individual travel incentives are earning their place alongside group programs... Incentive travel is powerful. There’s something about shared experiences, that creates lasting impact. For years, group trips have set the standard for recognition in the MICE world. But lately, we’ve been having a different kind of conversation with planners. It usually starts with: “We’re looking for something a little more flexible this time.” Or: “What if we offered a few different ways to celebrate?” Because while group trips will always be a core part of incentive strategy, sometimes the most meaningful reward, is one that’s tailored. A quiet beach weekend with a partner. A family cruise timed around school breaks. A solo adventure that feels more like restoration than recognition. And when you make space for those moments in your program, magic still happens. It just looks a little different. The Case for Individual Travel Rewards We’re in an era of personalization. We’ve seen it in gifting, dining, and itinerary design. Incentive programs are no exception. That doesn’t mean walking away from group travel. It means adding options that reflect the people you’re celebrating. Options that say: we see how you work, and we want your reward to match your life. For planners, that flexibility used to be tough to manage. But now, it’s easier than ever. One Simple Way to Offer Choice Gift-A-Trip  has created a streamlined way to offer individual travel rewards—without sacrificing structure, oversight, or brand feel. Their fully-inclusive travel certificates work directly with major cruise lines, resorts, and hotels. That means: You choose the reward tier The recipient chooses the destination and dates And you both get to feel good about it It’s an elegant solution for planners who want to extend their incentive reach—without adding complexity. A Thoughtful Addition to Any Program At the end of the day, recognition should feel good for everyone involved. For the company, it’s about motivating teams and reinforcing culture. For the earner, it’s about feeling seen, appreciated, and celebrated in a way that fits. Whether you’re designing your next program or just rethinking how you recognize individual wins, don’t underestimate the value of offering choice. Sometimes, that’s the reward in itself. Want to explore what individual travel rewards could look like for your team? Let’s chat. Or start with a look at Gift-A-Trip —a smart, planner-friendly option that makes flexibility easy. Watch the recording of the Gift-A-Trip presentation on MICE Bites®!