A new survey commissioned by Atlantis Paradise Island suggests meetings and incentive travel remains strong, with attendees placing greater value on destinations that are easy to reach and offer everything in one location.
The survey* of more than 2,000 meeting attendees, planners and third-party sources in the U.S. and Canada found that 75% attended a meeting, conference or event in the past year. Looking ahead, more than 92% expect to travel at least twice for meetings in 2026, while nearly four in 10 anticipate taking four or more business trips.
“Today’s meetings audiences are looking for destinations that make it easy to bring people together while offering the scale, flexibility and variety that modern programs require,” said Steve Silverman, Senior VP of group sales for Atlantis Paradise Island in a media statement.
What Drives Attendance
Accessibility topped the list of factors influencing attendance, with 65% citing ease of access and direct flights as the biggest draw for resort-based conferences. Destination appeal also remains important, with 74% rating it as “very” or “extremely” important. Variety of meeting space (53%) and quality accommodations and amenities (41%) were the next-highest priorities.
All-in-One Resorts Gain Favor
The survey found growing interest in integrated resort destinations:
- 70% prefer an all-in-one resort for offsite meetings and events.
- 46% value the ability to combine business and leisure, citing efficiency and productivity.
- Consistency, dedicated meetings support teams and group booking rewards ranked ahead of sustainability initiatives as factors driving loyalty.
The Marina at Atlantis.
Bleisure Continues to Grow
The blending of business and leisure travel also remains a trend. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said they are likely to extend a work trip or bring family members before or after a meeting. Among those traveling with companions, 65% said they would bring adult family members or friends.
Cost and Air Access Matter
While demand remains high, 61% of respondents identified airfare as the biggest challenge when planning Caribbean meetings. With extensive nonstop service from major U.S. and Canadian cities, Atlantis’ accessibility addresses that concern.
New nonstop flights from Minneapolis and Detroit, along with expanded service from Miami and Atlanta and new routes from Raleigh and Tampa, are expected to improve access in 2026.
Productivity and Pop Culture
The survey also looked at traveler behavior and preferences beyond the meeting room. About 32% of respondents said they use flight time to catch up on work emails before arriving at a conference.
Asked which television series best reflects their ideal work conference, 38% chose The White Lotus, ahead of The Bear and Severance. When asked who they would most like to see headline a conference event, 29% selected Taylor Swift, ahead of Harry Styles, Bad Bunny and Ariana Grande.
Atlantis Scores Well with Respondents
Respondents gave Atlantis Paradise Island an above-average Net Promoter Score of 41.65 when asked how likely they would be to request the resort for a future corporate meeting or event. The all-in-one resort experience was cited by 79% as Atlantis’ strongest attribute, followed by its dining options, beach access and entertainment.
Overall, 52% of respondents reported higher attendance levels than in previous years, while 35% indicated participation levels have remained steady, suggesting continued strength in the meetings and events sector.
The resort says the findings will help shape its future meetings strategy, including new programming and promotions.
For more information, visit atlantisbahamas.com/meetings.
*Survey conducted by Zoho Survey. Conch image: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.
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