Case Study: A 5-Star Incentive Trip to the Scottish Borders & Edinburgh

Discover how a luxurious 5-star incentive trip perfectly blends the scenic beauty of the Scottish Borders with the historic charm of Edinburgh. Ideal for inspiring teams and creating unforgettable experiences.

Challenge:

Designing an unforgettable 5-day incentive trip to Scotland for a group of 50 independent financial and insurance brokers from Switzerland and their partners. The trip was scheduled for August, spanning a weekend, allowing some flexibility. As first-time visitors to Scotland, the group expected a mix of quintessential Scottish activities and iconic destinations. Initially, the plan focused on spending the entire trip in Edinburgh.

The biggest challenge? Securing affordable, high-quality 5-star accommodations in Edinburgh during August—a peak season due to the Military Tattoo Festival and Fringe Festival. With limited availability, high prices and reluctance from some venues to host incentive groups, a creative solution was essential.

Solution:

Move beyond Edinburgh and explore the Scottish Borders!

This hidden gem in Scotland, located south of Edinburgh near the English border, offers excellent accessibility via multiple airports, including Edinburgh and Newcastle upon Tyne. The Scottish Borders boast stunning landscapes, exquisite hotels, exclusive castles, and a diverse range of activities.

To tackle the overcrowded August season in Edinburgh, the trip was split into two locations:

• 2 nights in the Scottish Borders
• 2 nights in Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital.

To highlight the contrast between the regions, the accommodations were intentionally diverse:

• A charming mansion house with castle-like character and Scottish charm in the Borders.
• A hip, modern, and stylish hotel in Edinburgh.

Thanks to a collaborative and trusting partnership with the client, this innovative approach was embraced.

Result:

A luxurious 5-star incentive trip featuring:

• 2 nights at Schloss Roxburghe in the Scottish Borders.
• 2 nights at Virgin Edinburgh Hotel, a stylish urban retreat.
• Authentic Scottish activities under sunny skies.
• Culinary delights, breathtaking castles, and a grand gala dinner on the Royal Yacht Britannia.
• Guests dressed in elegant kilts, adding a touch of tradition.
• A spectacular Beat The Retreat performance as the entertainment highlight.

This seamless blend of tradition, luxury, and adventure made the incentive trip an unforgettable experience!

Conclusion:

The feedback received on departure day was phenomenal:

"We’ve been on many incentive trips before, but this one was the most beautiful, the most authentic and had the best food—which is not always a given for incentive groups!"

From our perspective, this trip proved that incentive travel to Scotland in August is absolutely possible—but it requires flexibility from the client and a certain budget. While Scotland is generally not a low-cost destination, August can be particularly expensive. However, when clients and service providers collaborate as equals and focus on delivering results, unforgettable moments can be created.

We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us and the exemplary partnership that made this trip such a success!