Selecting the destination for an inspirational trip is down to the public – usually small entrepreneurs we support in mentoring, incubation or acceleration projects.
It all depends on the project, the cost-benefit, the availability of those involved, etc. so that the script can be rolled out to its fullest.
In this case, the role of Raízes is to curate and deal with local partners who will engage with interested entrepreneurs, in addition to monitoring the entire process.
Much more than a leisure trip (e.g. a visit to an inspiring local beach, for example), this exercise has a very specific purpose. Therefore, for this tool to achieve the best results, it is important to use rigorous methods:
- Map similar initiatives;
- Ensure that the purpose of the trip is clear;
- Negotiate partnerships with local players who can present the initiatives in detail, showing how they work, and ensuring that conversation rounds with visiting entrepreneurs are carried out.
This all involves clear purpose planning, from the most suitable destination being mapped out (i.e. one with enough similarities to the entrepreneurs’ interests) to, when on site, carrying out elaborate information exchange meetings, involving a full guidance process to visiting entrepreneurs.
Participants receive all the instructions in advance, including material to follow along and fill in as the trip unfolds.
The benchmarking trip is a guide to observation, as this way, a person who is not used to having this kind of critical overview of and connection with other references, can be oriented to develop such skills.
Thus, in cases where not the entire group of beneficiaries travels, those do travel can reproduce what is useful to others through conversations, feedback, photos and videos.
There is usually a detailed meeting for this transfer of knowledge to occur.
In the case of tourism entrepreneurs or territorial tourism development projects, we carry out familiarization tours and press trips including tour operators and agents, specialized journalists and digital tourism influencers.
See how the Splendor case worked out.
