The human impulse to share is powerful. That has been made pretty clear by the rise of Facebook, Twitter, and so many other social media platforms.

So when your company is hosting an incentive travel program, give your employees every opportunity to share their amazing experiences with one another and the rest of the world.

How to get the most out of Facebook:

When you log onto Facebook, what are the most common pictures you see?

Here’s a guess: Pictures of cool travel destinations and pictures of delicious food.

So how can your company’s incentive travel program make it to the top of your employee’s friends’ newsfeeds?

Take them to cool travel destinations, and serve them delicious food. They will take photos of them and post it to Facebook. You won’t even have to ask them to (In fact, don’t ask them to. It will take the fun out of it!).

That’s really all there is to it.

How to get the most out of Twitter:

Your employees are more likely to use Twitter to share things they’ve learned, funny observations, or how lucky they are to work for a company that takes them on such awesome trips.

Unlike Facebook, Twitter is a constant stream of real-time updates. It can be difficult for employees to tap into the ongoing conversations among their fellow employees/travel companions unless they’re using a common hashtag.

Employees can use a hashtag (a word or phrase beginning with a # symbol) to make their tweets easily discoverable. The trick is to give your employees a hashtag to use, because unless everyone is using the same one, their communication will get lost in the sea of Twitter.

Here’s a trick: Put a hashtag on your syllabus, emails, and any other materials that are distributed to the travel group. Don’t tell them to use it—they’ll figure it out.

For now, hashtags only work for Twitter when sorting out posts. But there’s speculation that Facebook is working on incorporating hashtags too, so this advice could soon be doubly important.

How to create a great hashtag:

Keep it simple and short. Try to make it unique to your trip, too. If you’re going to Puerto Rico, #PuertoRico2013 is simple and relatively short, but it’s likely being used by lots of other people and will therefore lead to all employee tweets getting lost.

An easy way to create a specific hashtag is by incorporating your company name, the destination, and the year.

#FordAlaska13

#BudDallas13

Don’t let it get too long, though. Twitter only allows 140 characters per tweet, so a hashtag eats up space. For example, #BakerMcKenziePuertoRico2013 is way too long. It could be shortened to #BMPuerto13.

The great thing about social media is it allows your employees to sing your company’s praises to the world. All you have to do is give them a common hashtag to use and some experiences worth sharing. That’s it.

If you’d like to learn more about how to produce an incentive travel program anywhere in the world that is worthy of social sharing, call us at (312) 332-1919 or email us at info@globalmsi.com!

It’s well-known that China’s economy will soon eclipse that of the United States. By no coincidence, it’s also the world’s fastest-growing travel market. As more businesspeople around the globe visit China, it’s likely that the nation’s cities without the name recognition of Shanghai or Beijing will become increasingly relevant.

Buying Business Travel recently looked into which Chinese cities will experience a boost in travel demand as a result. Here are the cities they targeted:

•        Guangzhou
•        Chongqing
•        Chengdu
•        Wuhan
•        Hangzhou
•        Shenzhen
•        Tianjin
•        Zhengzhou
•        Dalian
•        Harbin
•        Suzhou
•        Nanjing
•        Xiamen
•        Shenyang and Qingdao

In recognition of the importance of this fast emerging market for travel and event planning, GMS recently joined forces with Choose Chicago (Chicago’s convention bureau) to market Chicago (and the US) as a great destination for Chinese corporate and business travelers. GMS president, Hanson Ansary, was the only DMC on this important inaugural mission. “We hope,” he said in an interview later, “we can showcase our services to the Chinese corporate travel market as the leading international DMC in the US.”

Read the full report at Buying Business Travel.

Whether for business or pleasure, travel should not be stressful.

Of course, there are always elements out of your control: the weather, a stomach bug, a screaming baby on your flight. But if you are partnering with GMS, we make sure that you don’t have to worry about things like getting to your hotel from the airport, finding a hidden gem of a restaurant, or setting up for a big presentation.

However, there are still plenty of steps you can take to make sure you have a fun and—if necessary—productive trip.

Business Traveller magazine has published 50 ways to make your travel happier. A few of our favorites are:

#7 Invest in good underwear

#9 Use a mobile wallet

#20 Document your memories

#35 Eat sensibly

#42 Smile

#44 Send a postcard

#46 Talk to strangers

Read the full list of 50 ways to make your travel happier.

In our hometown of Chicago, you can find at least one new restaurant opening its doors every week. Luckily, these restaurants rarely disappoint. To stand out in such a crowded culinary scene, a new restaurant or venue must feature fresh flavors, unique decors, and a vibe that is all its own.

This winter has been brimming with new openings, and Jenny Berg at BizBash.com has listed her top-ten favorites:

1. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
2. Little Goat
3. Grace
4. The Boarding House
5. Gather
6. Park Tavern
7. Siena Tavern
8. The Glunz Tavern
9. Sumi Robata Bar and Charcoal Bar
10. Ward Eight

Read the full story and view the slideshow over at BizBash.com.

Choose Chicago, Chicago’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, invited GMS to take part in the bureau’s inaugural sales mission to Asia.

Acknowledging the significance of this emerging market, GMS seized the opportunity to take part in the sales mission to China, that took place from January 27 to February 4, 2013, with the hope of encouraging more travel to Chicago through stronger partnerships with key operators in the region.

“This sales mission provides an unprecedented opportunity for GMS to be among the first businesses to leverage those relationships,” GMS CEO Hanson Ansary said in an interview. GMS will be joining Choose Chicago on their very first sales mission to China—a trip that coincides with the world-famous Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Asian tour.

China is the fastest-growing travel market on the planet. Last year, Chicago and Illinois welcomed about 107,000 visitors from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong. Our guests from the East stayed an average of eight nights. (Eight just happens to be considered a very lucky number in China.) They spent nearly $6,000 per person, which produced an economic impact of about $642 million.

An impressive 35% of those Chinese tourists were visiting the United States for the first time. This statistic represents a significant opportunity for GMS to assist this rapidly developing segment of Chinese outbound travelers. Even with its excellent representation in China and Asia at large, GMS recognizes the importance of establishing more direct relationships in the region.

Asked about Asia’s growing needs for U.S.-based destination management services, Ansary said, “We are increasingly shifting our business focus to Asia, where we see tremendous opportunities for our industry and our company. Many of our clients are coming from Asia, and their preferred destination for many of their upcoming incentive programs and corporate meetings is Chicago.”

The Winter Olympic Experience

Whistler Olympic Park, the site of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, offers the finest Olympic experience in the world. Check out the Whistler Sliding Centre, the site of the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton competitions; enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and riflery at Whistler Olympic Park; and take the Garbanzo chairlift of the Creekside Gondola to the top of Dave Murray Downhill, the site of the men’s downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super combined, and superG races.

Snowmobile Tour with Mountaintop Fondue Dinner

Travel 6,000 vertical feet by luxury Snowcat or snowmobile to a Canadian log cabin that is absolutely ideal for hosting a group. Most often, our clients are greeted with live entertainment and a traditional fondue dinner. There is no better way to appreciate the surrounding coastal mountains and twinkling lights of Whistler village than from this venue’s rustic patio.

Dogsled and Snowshoe Tour

A dogsled tour is a true adrenaline rush. Full of fast-paced excitement, the tour includes a snowshoe trek to the famous Alexander Falls, a sight that is sure to leave you speechless. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Whistler Village, there’s nothing more magical than surrounding yourself with 800-year-old cedar trees along the Medicine Trail of the Callaghan Valley. You’ll sample healing teas along the former Trappers Route and relax after your tour in the one-of-a-kind “Moose Caboose.”

Winter Zipline

Yes, ziplining is a year-round activity. In fact, each season provides zipliners with unique experiences. Whistler offers a thrilling glide over spectacular creeks and through majestic old-growth forests. You’ll feel like you’re flying, but with the security of being safely tucked into a harness. Simply clip onto the zipline cable, and you’ll be zooming from platform to platform high above the valley below, learning about Whistler’s wildlife, and laughing with friends.

Blackcomb’s Tube Park

Located in the Base 2 Zone on Blackcomb Mountain, the Coca-Cola® Tube Park offers a tremendous amount of fun for the young and the young at heart. The great thing about tubing, as opposed to most mountain sports, is that there’s no skill or equipment required. All you need is a strong desire to have some fun. The Tube Park features 1,000 feet of sliding fun, including green, blue, and black lanes; a magic carpet to get back to the top; a fire pit; play area; and snack station. Accessible via the Excalibur Gondola, The Park is open into the evening for tubing under the lights.

Ice Skating

Now more than ever, Whistler has skating fever. It has always been a favorite pastime, but since the recent opening of Whistler Olympic Plaza’s outdoor skating rinks, more and more people can be found enjoying this classic Canadian sport. Go for a brisk skate on one of the local lakes, glide with a friend at the Plaza, or do laps in the arena at the Meadow Park Sports Centre.

Sleigh Rides

A winter sleigh ride is a must-do for any visit to Whistler. Hear the jingle of the sleigh bells as gentle, giant Percheron horses guide you over the snow. Sip hot chocolate and keep warm under cozy blankets. Sleigh rides are the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.

Too often we hear businesses tell us that they will be arranging their own event details this year. While we try to explain why that it is not in their best interest, they do not always come around. But eventually they do. That is because the know-how, industry relationships, and efficiency just isn’t there. It doesn’t take long for that to become painfully evident, and our clients always return, relieved to have their travel and meeting arrangements handled by professionals.

Group Travel is Our Expertise

We’ve been coordinating and managing corporate events, meetings, and custom trips for 15 years. Through that time, we’ve honed our skills, know-how, destination knowledge, and instincts. These include our ability to negotiate and lock down discounted rates; identify local activities within each destination; book groups for flights, charters, and cruises; manage staff and vendors; navigate security, health, and monetary requirements; and much more.

We Know Where Savings are Hiding

Over the years, we’ve also learned how to obtain the greatest value for our clients’ trips. Not a single vendor is going to disclose every available discount. It takes years of experience to know what prices are attainable through negotiation. Hotel contracts are usually fair, but we can spot language that exposes our clients to hidden fees and liabilities. Attrition and cancellation policies, force majeure clauses, and hotel performance clauses are just a few of the pitfalls that we look out for.

We Have Connections

Oftentimes, every moving part of a group event does not fit perfectly together. Priorities change, weather is unpredictable, and human error will occur—particularly when the coordinators are inexperienced. When this happens, we rely on the strength of our connections in the hospitality and travel industries to circumvent any gross fines while fixing the problem at hand. It’s an approach to problem-solving that in-house HR professionals simply can’t match.

We will Save You Time

Some companies take a myopic approach to the cost-benefit analysis of hiring a destination management company. They might only consider the dollar figures, while they ignore what strategies, relationships, and resources are additionally required to manage a successful event. Often, companies don’t consider their employees’ core competencies: Rather than learning how to coordinate an event on the fly, what skills could these employees be using that they already possess?

As your company ventures into 2013, surely saving money and getting the most out of your employees are top priorities. While it might be tempting to apply a do-it-yourself strategy to event planning and corporate travel, we suggest you take a closer look at the hidden costs of striking out on your own. In the end, an experienced event planning and destination management company will save you time and money while creating unforgettable experiences.

You probably do not need to be reminded that the holiday season is in full swing. There is no shortage of potential destinations for celebrating your familys holiday traditions, but the most important thing is that you are with family and loved ones.

If, however, you were wondering what the most Christmassy town in the world is, we’ve found it: Santa Claus, Indiana, where it’s Christmas 365 days a year.

The story of how this tiny town in Indiana came to be named Santa Claus is a good one:

In the early 1800’s, pioneers settled a small town in the gently rolling hills of Southern Indiana, originally naming it Santa Fe (pronounced “fee”). In the 1850’s the town’s application for a post office was denied, because another town with the same name already had a post office. On Christmas Eve, as services concluded in the small log church, the townspeople decided to stay and hold their final town meeting of the year. The only order of business, selecting a new name for the town, was not going very well.  Suddenly a gust of wind blew open the door to the church, and sleigh bells were heard in the distance. “Santa Claus!” exclaimed the excited children, providing the inspiration for the town’s new name. On May 21, 1856, the U.S. Post Office Department approved a post office in the newly-renamed town of Santa Claus, Indiana.

So should you ever find yourself in, say, July humming “Jingle Bells” and wondering where to go for a quick fix of Christmas spirit, you now know that you can find it year-round in southwest Indiana. Here are just a few Yuletide highlights that you’ll find in Santa Claus, Indiana.

Santa’s Candy Castle

The first building in Santa Claus Town was Santa’s Candy Castle, a red brick building that looked as though it had been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. It was sponsored by The Curtiss Candy Company, creators of the Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars, who were famous for their larger-than-life advertising campaigns. Santa’s Candy Castle was dedicated amidst tremendous fanfare on the cold, snowy day of December 22, 1935.

With broadcast television still years away, the formal dedication ceremony was broadcast live by radio station WGBF of Evansville. Thousands attended the dedication including national business leaders, politicians, and most importantly, many very excited young children. The grand affair marked the opening of Santa Claus, Indiana’s first tourist attraction and the first themed attraction in the United States.

The bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 shocked the nation, and tourism to Santa’s Candy Castle sharply declined. Formally closed in the 70s, Santa’s Candy Castle wasn’t reopened until 2006 after a family purchased it and began restorations. Those restorations still continue today, but Santa’s Candy Castle remains free and open to the public, just as it was in 1935.  Inside, you’ll find plenty of candy, chocolate, and gifts.

Learn more at www.santascandycastle.com.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Santa Claus Land, today known as Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, opened on August 3, 1946. Free to the public, the park had a Santa, toys, dining, and rides, including The Freedom Train, which still runs today. By the 1980’s, the theme park had added many more rides for children and their parents, plus two entirely new sections: Halloween and Fourth of July. With more holidays than just Christmas represented, the name of the park was officially changed to Holiday World. In 1993, the Splashin’ Safari water park was added.

Holiday World is known for its three wooden roller coasters: The Raven, The Legend, and The Voyage (ranked as the best roller coaster in the world by the Golden Ticket Awards). Some of the more popular rides at Splashin’ Safari today include Giraffica, Wildebeest (the world’s second-largest water coaster), and Mammoth (the world’s longest water coaster at 1,763 feet long).

Learn more at www.holidayworld.com.

More activities and lodging options in Santa Claus, Indiana:

• Christmas Lake Golf Course (more info)
• Frosty’s Fun Center (more info)
• Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort (more info)
• Santa Claus Museum (more info)
• Santa’s Lodge (more info)
• Santa’s Stables (more info)

Vancouver is the city our colleague, Emilie, calls home. She is in touch with the citys culture, knows the best restaurants, and can recommend a wonderful hotel to fit any budget. Of course, that is what we do for our clients in every city they travel to, but for us, Vancouver is special.

Here are a few little-known facts about the City of Glass:

- You can’t buy alcohol in grocery stores. (Don’t worry—there are plenty of places where you can!

- In 2007, Vancouver was rated the No.-1 city in North America by the Mercer Group’s Quality of Living Survey.

- Greenpeace was founded in Vancouver in the 1960s.

- Thirty-five percent of Vancouver’s population is foreign-born, the highest in the world.

- Vancouverites dine out more than any other North American city. (That’s probably because the weather tends to be mild, and there are always new restaurants popping up.)

- Vancouver contains one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in North America.

The city of Vancouver is filled with surprises. Contact us today, and learn how GMS can make your company’s next trip to Vancouver one that you’ll never forget!

Travel can be rewarding, educational, and inspirational. And it is always really fun. But with all that comes responsibility. While it can be easy to think of the world as one giant amusement park, it is not. One persons destination is another persons home.

At GMS, it’s our duty to be sure that we’re leading the charge in green travel practices. We identify eco-friendly options and local cultural norms for our clients to consider whenever we can. Below are the major components of any travel program, along with a few environmentally conscious points your company can reference the next time it ventures out of town.

Transportation

• If possible, get everyone on a bus or train on your way there.
• Carpool when you have to.
• Use public transportation when you can.
• Reduce idling and be conservative with the AC.
• Check the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

 Hotels

• See if they use high-efficiency lighting.
• Is the building LEED-certified?
• Does the staff practice water-saving procedures?
• Check for energy-saving appliances.
• Every hotel should have a recycling program.

Venues

• Do they provide reusable dishware?
• Every venue should have a recycling program.
• Avoid water bottles—see if they offer alternatives.
• Is the venue location easy to access by public transport?
• See if they have programs in place for excess food, whether it is donated or composted.

We at GMS are always working with our partners to reduce our carbon footprint. Having enjoyed so many natural treasures across the world with our clients, we feel extremely lucky. We are truly indebted to our planet and the locals who make every trip unique.

In addition to considering our impact on the environment, GMS always chooses to patronize local businesses when possible. Buying local allows our clients to partake in a region’s culture while also ensuring that those local businesses are supported—so that we can visit them next time!