Destination Debrief: Why Riviera Maya is an Incentive Travel Destination That Delivers

With more than 25 years in the travel industry, Lua Clark, Associate Director, Travel Programs, has been in the travel industry for over 25 years and has planned incentive programs everywhere from Japan to Rome. Recently, Susan Adams sat down with Lua to discuss one destination that consistently stands out for incentive groups of all sizes: Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Susan Adams: Lua, you've worked on incentive programs all over the world. Is there a destination that continues to impress both planners and attendees? 

Lua Clark: Absolutely. Riviera Maya is one of those destinations that checks all the boxes. It offers beautiful beaches, luxury accommodations, incredible cultural experiences, and outstanding infrastructure for groups. It's also highly accessible, with excellent airlift into Cancun from cities around the world, which makes it especially appealing for programs with international attendees. 

Susan Adams: One property that stands out for you is Hotel Xcaret Arte. What makes it special? 

Lua Clark: Hotel Xcaret Arte stands out as a destination that offers much more than a traditional beach resort experience. Set along the stunning Riviera Maya coastline, the property was thoughtfully designed to celebrate local craftsmanship and culture. It also combines luxury accommodations with access to the renowned Xcaret parks, giving attendees opportunities to experience adventure, culture, nature, and authentic Mexican traditions all within one destination. 

Susan Adams: What types of experiences can attendees expect there? 

Lua Clark: One of the things I love about Xcaret Arte is the variety. Attendees can enjoy the oceanfront setting while also exploring the Xcaret parks, which offer unique cultural and adventure experiences that showcase the best of Mexico. The resort's collection of restaurants is another highlight, featuring authentic regional flavors alongside innovative culinary experiences. It creates a program that feels immersive and distinctly connected to the destination. 

Susan Adams: From a planner's perspective, what makes Riviera Maya such a strong choice for incentive programs? 

Lua Clark: Flexibility and scalability. We've successfully operated programs with several hundred attendees, including groups arriving from all over the world. The accessibility through Cancun International Airport makes logistics much easier than many long-haul destinations. Riviera Maya can comfortably support everything from executive retreats to large-scale incentive programs while still delivering a high-end, memorable experience. 

Susan Adams: What else should planners know about creating memorable experiences in the region? 

Lua Clark: The local destination management community is exceptional. DMC partners in Riviera Maya are incredibly creative and resourceful as we collaborate on event design. Whether you're envisioning a beachfront celebration, a cultural immersion event, a themed evening, or spectacular entertainment, they can help bring that vision to life through customized décor, production, and local experiences that truly elevate the program. 

Susan Adams: If there is one reason Riviera Maya continues to be a favorite incentive destination, what would it be? 

Lua Clark: It offers the perfect combination of accessibility, luxury, culture, and experience. Attendees can relax, explore, celebrate, and connect with the destination in meaningful ways. That's what creates lasting memories and keeps people talking about a program long after they've returned home. 

Let's talk about your next incentive program and how we can bring more than 50 years of program experience to creating unforgettable travel experiences for your top performers.