Turkish DMC MEP Destination Business Solutions won a 2025 SITE Crystal Award alongside BCD M&E New Zealand for a stunning three city incentive trip across Turkey. According to MEP MD Eda Özden Günyüz, the program was a brilliant example of the power of agency–DMC–corporate collaboration at its best. We get the lowdown…
Background
In partnership with BCD Meetings & Events New Zealand, MEP Destination Business Solutions created an award-winning seven-day incentive trip across Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Gallipoli for 130 reward-earners from a New Zealand based construction company.
The objective was to ensure the well-travelled attendees authentically experienced Turkey, steering clear of conventional tours and traffic jams through a program that blended adventure, networking, and cultural discovery.
Creative solution
From Istanbul’s ancient grandeur to the raw poignancy of Gallipoli and the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, the journey was a study in storytelling through place. MEP balanced heritage with modernity, transforming iconic venues into exclusive event spaces, including an evening cocktail reception at the Basilica Cistern and a magical final night at a 13th-century Caravanserai.
Each day offered up to five optional experiences tailored to different interests, supported by a 12-person guiding team. Starting in Istanbul, the program drew on different aspects of the city’s infrastructure to uniquely weave together the destination’s culture and history with curated tours of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.
Day 4 brought a poignant moment at Gallipoli, an especially significant site connected to ANZAC Day. MEP secured exclusive access for a moving ceremony commemorating the events of World War I at Anzac Cove and a memorable visit to war memorials. This personalised, meaningful ceremony honoured the client’s heritage and provided a profound, emotional experience that resonated deeply.
Following a private charter flight, MEP took full advantage of the gorgeous natural settings on full display in Cappadocia, coordinating hot air balloon rides and a beautiful evening in the Pasabag Valley.
Impact
The incentive delivered on every level—emotionally, logistically, and creatively and received excellent feedback from both BCD Meetings & Events and the end client, which reported a significant increase in sales, notable growth in market share, and positive account retention trends.
“There were so many highlights for the group, but the seamless flow of all the events and activities just proves that all the hard work, planning and onsite communication resulted in a week of multiple events that delivered a series of amazing experiences. From the moving sounds of the trumpeter playing the Last Post at Chunuk Bair at Gallipoli, to the incredible sight as the hot air balloons rose into the sky just as the sun rise to start a new day. Once in a lifetime moments that your team executed to perfection,” said Ross Jamieson, Director, BCD Meetings & Events, New Zealand.
The event won the 2025 SITE Crystal Award for the Best Destination-Based Experiential Incentive Travel Program. Eda Özden Günyüz, MD at MEP DMC Turkey, said: “We were thrilled to be the winners of this prestigious SITE award and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with BCD Meetings & Events New Zealand on such an extraordinary project. Bringing their vision to life across the dreamy destinations of Istanbul, Gallipoli and Cappadocia was both an honour and a reflection of the unique experiences Türkiye offers.”