Summary

• Discover Why Europe is the Best Retreat Destination: Culture, accessibility, and top-notch facilities - and more - make it the perfect choice!
• Direct and Easy Comparison with Other Destinations: Compare how Europe outshines the U.S. and Asia on cost, logistics, and experience.
• Find the Perfect Setting: Europe offers coastal escapes, vibrant cities, and serene countryside.
• Boost Team Productivity: See how European retreats enhance collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.
• Save Time and Money: Get expert tips on planning efficiently while maximizing value for your budget.
• Explore Real Success Stories: Get inspired by successful stories of organizations retreating in Europe.

Planning a corporate retreat? Plan in Europe – it offers the perfect mix of culture, accessibility, and top-notch corporate retreat facilities to smash your company retreat goals. Whether you’re after vibrant cities, serene countryside, or coastal escapes, Europe has it all. Plus, it’s better value than the U.S. or Asia. In this article, we explain why. We’ll also drop expert tips and success stories along the way. Let’s dive in!

‍Why Corporate Retreats Are Growing

‍More companies than ever are investing in corporate retreats. And the companies that already do, are starting to do them on a regular basis. The reason why is simple – they make organizations grow, and the ROI is high. Let’s look at the benefits of a company retreat through The Institute of Free Technology's “High ROI corporate retreat” to Athens:

• Develop Strong Leadership and Vision: 100% of respondents agreed that they gained valuable insights and engaged in meaningful discussions about developing strong leadership and vision throughout the event.
• Strengthen Team Bonds: 96% of the team made new friends with others during the off-site retreat. 
• Engagement: 95% said they are now more engaged in their work and are more aligned with the mission and values of the organization. 
• Ignite Innovation and Problem-Solving: 84% of the attendees said that collaborating in person at the all-hands allowed them to resolve their issues or challenges.

‍Now you know the benefits waiting for your company – let’s get started.

‍Retreat Planning Outside of Europe

Challenges of Planning a Corporate Retreat in America

• High Costs: The cost of living in the United States is significantly higher than across Europe on average. In fact, Europeans can’t afford America anymore, according to Le Monde. This has largely been due to post-Covid Inflation in America.
• Travel Logistics: America remains famously car-reliant. Walking and public transport are generally not options, sadly.
• Visa Restrictions: Strict entry requirements can pose challenges for international attendees.
• Environmental Concerns: The carbon footprint of long-distance travel may raise sustainability issues.

Challenges of Planning a Corporate Retreat in Asia

• Travel Logistics: Long-haul flights, visa requirements, and time zone differences can complicate planning, cause travel fatigue, and take up precious time. 
• Weather Variability: Asia is the continent most impacted by extreme weather. This could lead to flight and plans being canceled; leading to stress, missed goals, and wasted money. 
• Perceived Safety Concerns: Asia has the highest crime rate of all continents. Plus, there is political instability, health risks, and air pollution in some regions.
• Language Barriers: English proficiency in Asia is not consistent. So there could be communication issues. 
• Infrastructure Limitations: Remote areas may lack reliable internet, transportation, or medical services.

DEEP DIVE: Why Europe is a better destination than the US.

‍Why a Corporate Retreat in Europe is a Game-Changer!

Fun fact: 52.5% of meetings organized by international organizations take place in Europe, which will only grow. Here are the main reasons why: 

• It’s easy for everyone to get to
• There’s an amazing diversity of scenes to choose from 
• It’s easy to get around
• There’s loads of culture and fun
• There’s value for money 
• It’s the most eco-friendly continent in the world

Now, let’s add some depth to these points.

‍Diverse Destinations for Every Preference

‍Europe might be small, but there are entire worlds in every one of its little corners. Mountains to adventure in, historic castles to explore, modern cities to get inspired in, flowing countryside to retreat to, and dreamy beaches to relax on. This diversity of worlds is important, as there is a big diversity in retreat goals: relaxation, strategic planning, team building, innovation, skill development, leadership retreats, and rewarding. Now, here’s a breakdown of how the types of locations in Europe have allowed our clients to achieve different goals.

‍Coastal Beach Escapes

The Mediterranean beaches of Croatia, Montenegro, Spain and Italy provide a perfect balance of relaxation and inspiration. Our friends at Qwello achieved the goal of reconnecting on Brač Island, Croatia. 

Vibrant Cities

Cultural and business hubs like Athens, Barcelona, Paris and Amsterdam offer dynamic environments with access to top-tier event spaces and networking opportunities. Nomad Homes boosted team dynamic and productivity in the historic and lively city of Belgrade. 

Serene Countryside

Destinations such as Tuscany, Sicily, Turkish Riviera, and the Canary Islands offer tranquility that is ideal for reflection and goal-setting. Convert used the beauty and tranquility of Kotor in Montenegro, to take team morale to a new level! 

Remote Adventures

For teams seeking adventure and off-the-grid experiences, experience the Serbian Mountains, Piedmont, and the Montenegro Bays. FLC took to the fairytale Serbian mountains to tackle their future and strategic planning.

How Do You Know What Setting Suits Your Goals

‍Here’s our handy and concise guide to choosing the ideal corporate retreat venues for your company. But, if you’re the hands-on type who would rather speak to a human being directly, contact us and we can help you out – It’s free to talk!

‍Cultural Enrichment and Team-Building Opportunities

‍Once you’ve chosen the scenery, let’s dig deeper. How the enriched cultural experiences will uplift your team.

‍Food That Will Change Your Life: Experience the culinary delights that Europe is famous for. Take your team on an unforgettable wine-tasting tour in Italy, savoring the finest vintages. Master the art of Mediterranean cuisine with an authentic cooking class in Barcelona, led by local chefs.

‍Real Historical Immersion: The landmarks you’ve loved on TV and books are there waiting for you. Wander through iconic landmarks like the chateaux of France, bringing ancient history to life. Stroll along the medieval streets of Prague, where every corner tells a story.

‍Unique Team Activities: Virtual team-building games and after-work drinks at a local bar are fine. But there are activities out there that will stay with you forever. Challenge your team with adventure sports in the Serbian mountains, from skiing to paragliding. Unleash creativity with art workshops in Florence, inspired by the works of the Renaissance masters.

‍World-Class Cultural Experiences: Europe’s cultural richness is unparalleled, offering something for every taste. Discover masterpieces in renowned art galleries, browse charming bookshops, and attend live performances in cultural capitals like Paris and Vienna. Participate in local traditions and festivals, immersing your team in authentic cultural experiences.

Still wondering about the secret to the true European cultural experience? They are called local experts! They know the best spots to go to, and the spots to avoid. From restaurants to activities and corporate retreat venues, skip the tourist traps and get an authentic experience.

‍Accessibility, Strategic Location, and World-Class Facilities

‍Europe's infrastructure is built to support business tourism, offering world-class venues, transportation, and accommodation options. Europe is globally connected, with 400+ international airports, it serves as a seamless hub for distributed teams. Major airports—London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle—offer direct flights to almost every continent, handling 700+ million passengers annually.

There is also the visa flexibility – countries like Serbia and Turkey provide visa-friendly options, allowing international employees greater flexibility for travel and extended stays. Traveling in Europe is effortless, its high-speed rail networks, including Eurostar and TGV, connect major cities in under three hours!

All of our locations have cutting-edge facilities: high-speed internet and state-of-the-art co-working spaces in top cities cater to the needs of remote and hybrid teams. Diverse accommodation options vary from luxury resorts to budget-friendly boutique hotels.

When it comes to logistics and planning, destination management companies are always the best partners when retreating abroad. They not only have local expertise, but they are with you before, during, and after your trip. 

‍Budget-Friendly Options for Every Business Need

‍Whether you're planning a luxury corporate retreat or a budget-conscious getaway, business retreats in Europe offer value for money across every budget range. Europe is often more affordable than the U.S. while maintaining the same high quality. It offers better quality than many Asian destinations while still being budget-friendly. The cost of living across Europe is significantly lower than in the U.S., making it a financially smart choice for businesses. Affordable yet high-quality destinations like Greece, Hungary, Serbia and Montenegro provide world-class experiences at a fraction of the cost of Western Europe.

‍Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Retreats

‍Statistics show that Europe leads the world in environmental protection. This makes it the premier team-building retreat destination. There is a variety of eco-friendly accommodations across the continent, you can stay at sustainable eco-lodges in Sweden and Denmark, where green initiatives are seamlessly integrated into hospitality.

Europe’s low-impact transportation and carbon-neutral travel options include its extensive high-speed rail network and electric shuttle services, reducing your retreat’s carbon footprint.

And our sustainable experiences engage in meaningful activities such as organic farming workshops, nature conservation projects, and zero-waste team-building activities that leave a positive impact. Our destination management is entirely bespoke to our client's wants and goals. If you want to go green, then every element of your trip will be green. From your corporate retreat venue to the swag.

Now, Let's Compare

How OnsiteHub Can Help with Your Retreat Planning

Planning a corporate retreat can be overwhelming, but we make it simple, stress-free, and impactful. We tailor to your goals, every retreat is custom-designed to fit your company’s unique culture, objectives, and challenges. Our local expertise with a network of 20+ local experts across Europe ensures seamless navigation of language and cultural differences, making your retreat effortless.

Our exclusive destinations provide access to handpicked locations that inspire leadership growth and team connection. Now you can say goodbye to endless research – we’ve vetted the best venues and vendors, saving you countless hours. With our extensive partner network, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts without compromising quality.

We prioritize your business needs—if a destination doesn’t fit, we’ll let you know. Our automated systems integrate with your preferred tools, ensuring a hassle-free process from start to finish.

Ready to take your team to Europe for an unforgettable corporate retreat?

Contact us today to start planning and discover how Europe can elevate your team’s collaboration, creativity, and success. Remember, it’s free to chat. Share your vision with us, and we’ll show you how to bring it to life—seamlessly and stress-free. Let’s make it happen!