It was a long time in the making—an incentive travel experience so grand, so epic, that it would be remembered for years to come. We had the privilege of organizing and hosting one of the biggest incentive travel groups at Uwin Iwin to date. A staggering 320 travellers from one of our largest clients descended upon Rio de Janeiro last week, and it was nothing short of extraordinary.

Planning an epic trip for a group of this size was both a challenge and an opportunity. We created an unforgettable experience—one that would not only be memorable but would also inspire and motivate employees to reach their milestones and earn a spot on next year’s incentive trip.

Incentive Travel Director, Kele Mogotsi, shares: “Selecting the right destination to host a group of this size was crucial. It needed to have broad appeal, be a true bucket-list location and offer an experience that would be cherished for years to come. Brazil was undoubtedly one of those dream destinations.” Exotic, exciting, and full of life, Rio de Janeiro is a non-stop assault on the senses—a city bursting with dazzling colours, vibrant energy, and an irresistible spirit. Known as the home of Samba and Carnival, it’s a place where joy and spontaneity thrive all year round.

Our travellers stayed at a luxurious five-star hotel, perfectly located opposite the world-famous sands of Copacabana Beach—a global icon where golden shores meet the rhythm of the city. Their adventure kicked off with a spectacular evening at the Rio Samba School Warehouse, where they immersed themselves in a dazzling fusion of gastronomy, music and vibrant festivities. As the night unfolded, samba dancers in glittering costumes brought the celebration to life, while percussionists set the beat for an unforgettable evening of dancing, laughter and pure carnival magic.

The next day, the group visited the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With arms outstretched, welcoming all who visit Rio, the statue offers breathtaking panoramic views of Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach and Guanabara Bay. After soaking in the scenery, they dined at Assador, a premier steakhouse in Rio, for an authentic churrasco experience. Other activities during the course of the trip included a sunset experience at Sugarloaf Mountain, reached via a two-stage cable car ride. The first stop featured restaurants and a DJ playing vibrant music as the sun dipped below the horizon, illuminating the magnificent views of Guanabara Bay, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, and Corcovado Mountain. The final ascent led to the peak of Sugarloaf, where the group enjoyed sweeping views of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress, and the beaches of Niterói.

Beyond the planned activities, travellers had ample leisure time to embrace the laid-back Carioca lifestyle. Whether exploring the city, discovering hidden gems, shopping at local markets or simply soaking up the sun on Copacabana Beach, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

The grand finale was an opulent Gala Dinner, honouring the winners who had reached their goals and earned their place on this incredible trip. Surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of Rio’s tropical beauty blended with contemporary sophistication, it was a celebration of excellence and achievement.

Andrew, one of the lucky winners, shared his thoughts on the experience: “This reinforces that good deeds are indeed rewarded. We were treated to a phenomenal vacation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—visiting landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and staying at the world-class Fairmont Hotel. Though I had previously visited Brazil in 2008 when the Fairmont was known as the Sofitel, this experience felt like my very first time all over again. I loved every moment at Copacabana Beach and one of my highlights was the Escadaria Selarón steps, made famous by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams in their song Beautiful. I would visit again a thousand times over! Huge thanks to the organisers for making this happen—what a stellar job!”

Incentive travel has a profound effect on organisations and performance. It is a tool used not only to improve performance and retain talent but also to attract new talent, foster team connections and reinforce company culture. It drives sales, motivates employees and rewards them with once-in-a-lifetime experiences in extraordinary destinations.

Over the years, incentive travel has evolved to offer employees greater flexibility in choosing their activities, alongside curated events and immersive local experiences that positively impact the communities they visit. This trip perfectly balanced carefully planned activities with leisure time for sightseeing and personal exploration—creating a truly unique experience for all.
Here’s to another year of hard work, motivation and the chance to embark on another unforgettable adventure in 2026!