You’ve made the decision to invest in your company’s greatest asset – your team. And now you need to consider the ideal destination for your event, to maximise your investment.
From modern infrastructure to Mediterranean charm, Barcelona is the European city that has it all… but here are seven specific reasons why I believe Barcelona is unbeatable as a team building, reward or incentive destination.
1. Many & Affordable Flights
Due to Barcelona’s popularity as a year-round tourist destination, getting to the Catalan capital is easy. Over 500 flights a day arrive at El Prat Airport, directly linking Spain’s second biggest city to destinations across the UK, Europe, USA and beyond. (Data according to Flightconnections.com).
The sheer number of flights to Barcelona also tends to keep prices low, especially if booked in advance, or out of the summer season.
Those flying from the UK are particularly well served, with over 40 daily direct flights from London alone. So many flights per day brings another advantage: you get maximum flexibility on flight times, offering optimum logistics for your event.
2. Reliably Good Weather
With 300 days of sunshine a year, Barcelona is a good bet for warm dry weather year-round. And, typically when it does rain, it tends to be short showers more than day-long deluges.
Warm weather not only makes for a more pleasant trip in general but it makes planning outdoor activities like treasure hunts, beach games, sailing trips, or bike tours feasible – when in other cities such activities might be considered too risky or weather-dependent.
3. Stunning To Look At…. Unforgettable To Explore
There is no other city that looks like Barcelona. That’s because, in the 19th century, a group of Catalan architects set out to forge a “national” identity through the power of design. They created the unique Modernista school of architecture, which drew from art nouveau, Arabic influences and the natural world.
Exploring Barcelona is an experience your team will never forget, because it’s an experience completely distinct from other world cities. I’d highly recommend signing your team up for a Gaudi tour, or electric bike tour, especially if you wish to inspire creativity in your colleagues and encourage them to think outside the box. Gaudi himself pioneered many of the techniques he used.
While Gaudi and his contemporaries steals the show, Barcelona is a very forward-looking city and some of its 21st architecture is just as breathtaking as its Modernista façades.
4. World-beating Gastronomy
Barcelona could be considered Spain’s dining room, and you’ll find plates from around the entire Iberian peninsular on menus around the city. Basque pintxos, Galician octopus, Valencian paella and Andalusian prawns can all be found amongst Catalonia’s own specialties, such as pa amb tomàquet, botifarra, fidueà, arroz negre and of course crema catalana.
What elevates Barcelona’s cuisine above the norm though is the creativity of the chefs, many of whom were schooled in the legendary El Bulli restaurant run by Ferran Adria (and voted World’s Best Restaurant a record 5 times in the 2000s).
Classic tapas are constantly given a fresh twist, or fused with foreign influences, to delight and astound diners’ palates. Furthermore, this creativity is not just evident at Michelin-starred eateries, but at any self-respecting restaurant and gastro bar in the city.
Decor, ambiance and vistas are the final touch to any great dining experience and Barcelona abounds in restaurants with beachside views, swish interiors and exclusive rooftops.
5. Amazing Range of Team Building Activities
Whether you want to challenge your team to think outside the box, encourage them to work together, or offer them opportunities to build stronger personal bonds, Barcelona offers a wide range of activities to match your goals.
My personal favourite activities are those that combine working in a team, with memorable insights into the local culture, such as the Paella Cooking Class, the Human Castle Activity, the Tapas Treasure Hunt or local-themed Murder Mystery Event.
There are also plenty of activities totally unique to Barcelona, such as the FC Barcelona Immersive Tour, the Gaudi Highlights Tour or the chance to Create Your Own Spanish Cava.
6. The Mediterranean Sea
Unlike many coastal cities, Barcelona actually sits directly on the Mediterranean sea, with several 4 and 5-star hotels within a stone’s throw of the shoreline. This makes accessing the water extremely easy and convenient, and I highly recommend booking a Catamaran Cruise for your team. These large and sturdy vessels are very steady, thanks to their twin hulls, and are perfect for hosting drinks with canapes or tapas. For something more sporty, the Sailing Regatta is the ultimate team building activity, as your colleagues help the qualified captains pilot nimble racing yachts on the water.
If you prefer to just admire the Mediterranean from the shore, the Beach Games or Sand Sculpture Competition are great fun…. while your team can have a positive impact with the Beach Clean Up event.
7. Fantastic Hotel Options
In recent years Barcelona has experienced a significant growth in upscale hotel options, and companies bring their teams to BCN have a wide choice of 4 and 5 star hotels to choose from. In total the city has 75,000 rooms, many located near to the large conference centres and trade fair venues that host the likes of Mobile World Conference (MWC), IBTM, SIL Barcelona, ISE and ICE Barcelona.
If you want advice on which of Barcelona’s hotels will best meet your needs, and / or you wish to access preferential rates, then get in touch with our team and we’ll help ensure your team are best situated to enjoy the city in comfort.
Got Doubts? Or Questions?
If you are still left with any doubts about Barcelona’s suitability for your event, or questions, you can get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to help.
Similarly, if you’re ready to get the ball rolling on your event, or any aspect of your event, you can drop us a line today with your requirements and we’ll get back to you asap.
We’ll also be glad to schedule a call.
Leave a Reply