Boot-camps for C-level executives?

Incentive travel is the invention of the modern corporate world.  It’s only a few decades old. Initially its main aim was to reward employees for achieving certain business objectives and was conceived like a mere pleasure ride in nice destinations. Only recently with the development of HR disciplines has been flavored with personal development elements: trainings, skills test, business simulations, role plays, personality tests etc.

The seas, mountains, dunes and wadis of Oman, clearly lend the country for adventure type inventive trips, and taking into account its upscale resort offering, even to pure laid back luxury trips. However, what could possible position Oman on a very high competitive spot in the incentive travel market is a concept built on a holistic approach to executive personal development.

The sole goal of such a trip would be to enable participates to become better, more successful leaders, while becoming healthier and happier. Beside classic components of executive development like in-depth personal assessment, coaching, originality in leadership, a range of other subjects should also be addressed like nutrition, fitness, health risk and last but not least memorable spa experiences, outdoor challenges like sailing, wadi bashing, off road driving, orientation etc.  Participants should be able to characterize a successful trip with the likes of: "I know more about myself than 10 days ago", "I feel healthier than 10 days ago", "Now I know how to stay away from unnecessary stress", "This should be on the to do list of most executives", "I feel this made me a better leader".

A combination of individual and team exercises, physical and mental activities, competitive and introspective exercises as well as spa treatments and culinary experiences should be considered.  All performed under the guidance of personal coaches, activity instructors (sailing, driving, climbing etc.), psychologists, graphologists, nutritionists, yoga (holistic health) instructors and doctors.

Sounds like an expensive package I know. Maybe it has to have a 5 days version as well. But with some fine tuning and detailing, such a retreat concept could be developed into a world class offering, and with a bit of smart marketing can become a unique attraction for Oman as well as a successful business.