Greece is the word…

Some places don’t just host your incentive, they elevate it. And Greece? It’s one of those rare gems that’s both aspirational and deeply memorable… served with sunshine, soul, and a generous dollop of tzatziki.

After a recent famil through Athens and Costa Navarino, we came away not only refreshed and inspired but absolutely convinced that Greece deserves a firm place on the radar for Australian and New Zealand incentive planners.

Incentive travel is no longer just about rewarding top performers with luxury — it’s about creating moments that move people. Greece, with its layers of mythology, philosophy, and hospitality, has the power to do just that.

Walking through Athens is like walking through time. From the ancient grandeur of the Parthenon to vibrant modern-day neighbourhoods like Plaka, it’s a city that balances legacy and life in equal measure. For delegates, it’s not just a sightseeing stop, it’s a story that unfolds with every step. There’s something profoundly energising about standing where great thinkers once stood and being reminded that ideas — like those formed in strategy sessions or sparked in team-building moments — have the power to shape the future.

Athens also delivers on the practical. With direct connections to international hubs, a wide range of five-star hotels, elegant rooftop venues, and superb local cuisine, it ticks every box for pre- or post-programs, opening nights, or incentive extensions.

Just 30 minutes from the buzz of central Athens, the Athens Riviera offers a completely different tempo with sweeping coastal views, luxe beach clubs, and laid-back elegance.

Whether it’s a sunset cocktail reception by Lake Vouliagmeni, a wellness morning by the sea, or a gala dinner overlooking the Aegean, the Riviera delivers glamour with ease. It’s ideal for groups looking to blend business with leisure, or as a final day escape to wind down the program in style.

The slower pace here creates space for connection, reflection, and celebration. It’s an elegant reminder that inspiration isn’t always found in motion, sometimes, it comes in stillness.

But the true revelation of our famil? Costa Navarino and you might get tired of hearing me wax lyrical about this place.

Tucked along the pristine coastline of the Peloponnese, Costa Navarino feels like discovering a secret Greek island — without the logistics that often complicate island destinations. With its growing airport (we are looking forward to seeing more connections), world-class resorts, and meticulously planned infrastructure, it offers scale, accessibility, and sophistication all wrapped in small-village charm.

There’s something magical about Costa Navarino’s energy. Maybe it’s the scent of the sea air mingling with wild herbs, or the golden light that casts everything in cinematic glow. But what really makes it special is how effortlessly it balances luxury with soul. Delegates can immerse themselves in hands-on experiences — from olive oil tastings and cooking classes to golf on world-renowned courses and spa rituals rooted in ancient wellness traditions.

Beyond the obvious beauty and appeal, Greece offers something deeper: the chance for delegates to reconnect — not just with each other, but with history, culture, and curiosity.

It’s hard not to feel humbled when surrounded by ruins older than most countries. It gives perspective. It invites reflection. It sparks imagination. In today’s fast-paced corporate world, destinations like Greece slow us down just enough to take stock and think big.

And then there are the people — the real heart of any experience. In Greece, you’ll meet characters who don’t just welcome you — they adopt you. Their warmth is infectious, their stories rich, and their humour delightfully dry. It’s impossible to leave without forming genuine connections, and those interactions leave a lasting imprint on your program.

This trip wouldn’t have been the same without our DMC partner, Symphony Greece and in particular Kyriakos and Thaleia, who orchestrated with heart. From logistics to local insights, they are the kind of partners who make you look good, but more importantly, make your guests feel seen. Their friendship is one we’ll cherish, and their professionalism is something we’re proud to stand behind.

At PillowMINT, we pride ourselves on being picky – about destinations, details, and most of all, partners. Greece, and Symphony, delivered on every level.

If you’re looking for a destination that delivers return on experience, genuine emotional connection, and a bold sense of place, Greece should be at the top of your list. Incentives are about inspiration — and where better to be inspired than the land that invented the very word?

Let’s talk about incentive travel that means more.

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Meet Me at AIME 2023

Ready for a catch-up at AIME 2023 (13-15 Feb) is Rebecca Easterman, who will provide you with the latest inspiring product updates from Asia, leaving you armed with everything you need for your events in 2023.

Well-timed with the excellent news of Hong Kong reopening to travel, Rebecca will be located on the Hong Kong Tourism Stand, F1A.

Managing groups ranging in size from 30 to 3,000, we run amazing events across Asia. As an integrated destination management company, we breathe life into creative concepts, transforming them into realities that go above and beyond our client’s expectations.

We manage the process from that initial spark of an idea to creative design, production, and management.

Click on the button below to message Rebecca, Director of Sales (M&I) Australia & New Zealand and Asia events expert!

Destination Asia Wins Three Accolades at the World MICE Awards 2022

We are delighted to announce that Destination Asia Events has won three accolades at the World MICE Awards in honour of the brand’s commitment to excellence. The awards include, ‘Singapore’s Best MICE Organiser 2022’, ‘Thailand’s Best MICE Organiser 2022’ and the prestigious ‘Asia’s Best MICE Organiser 2022’.

At Destination Asia Events we breathe life into creative concepts, transforming them into realities that go above and beyond our client’s expectations. Our teams manage the process from the initial spark of an idea to creative design, production, and management while ensuring they live up to the promise of always ‘exceeding expectations’.

Recent achievements include, a full day progressive dining event for 700 delegates in Singapore; a 3-day program for over 200 delegates from a financial services company where delegates experienced unique and inspiring live cultural performances in Kota Kinabalu; a 5-day event in Bali for 500 participants from a tech company which included a final night gala dinner illuminating the skies with an incredible light show; and a 5-day incentive program for 300 top performers from a telecoms company celebrating their success at a private island dining experience in Thailand. 

Monique Arnoux, Destination Asia CEO said, “It’s a tremendous achievement for Destination Asia to be voted not just the best MICE organizer in Thailand and Singapore, but also the best MICE organizer throughout the entire region of Asia. It’s an honour for every staff member in our event teams to receive these coveted awards, and a wonderful motivation to be recognized for our professional expertise, dedication, and client partnership approach. All of us believe in the importance of collaboration and maintaining a dedicated focus, to be always exceeding expectations!”

The World MICE Awards serve to celebrate and reward excellence in MICE tourism and is a sister event of the renowned World Travel Awards. The awards are voted on by industry professionals, media, and consumers.

From concept to delivery, start planning your next event in Asia with our team of experts. 

For more information please get in touch with Rebecca here.

Destination Asia appoint PillowMINT to grow M&I business in Australia & New Zealand

Destination Asia is delighted to announce that PillowMINT will now lead its Australia and New Zealand meetings and incentive business development. PillowMINT, led by Rebecca Easterman, is a dynamic destination sales and marketing agency with extensive travel industry experience, in-depth knowledge of the latest travel trends in Asia, and a wide spectrum of innovative marketing ideas and initiatives.

Rebecca has been a mainstay of the events industry since 2000 and will be our voice and representative in Australia and New Zealand-based.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Rebecca who will represent the growing incentives and events business to Asia from Australia and New Zealand,” said Katie Buxton, Destination Asia Global Director of Sales. “Rebecca’s extensive experience and expertise in destination sales and marketing complement the extensive portfolio of event opportunities Destination Asia has to offer across its network.”

Rebecca commented, “Our ethos of setting the highest standards with acute attention to detail aligns perfectly with Destination Asia’s superb customer experience and mantra of exceeding expectations.”

Rebecca replaces Nicole Naylor as the point of contact for meetings and incentives from Australia and New Zealand. We thank Nicole for her exceptional work and wish her the very best in all future endeavors.

Contact Rebecca at: rebecca@pillowmint.com.au