At Virgin Incentives, we believe that recognition should feel truly rewarding, not just a thank-you, but an experience that creates lasting memories. Our Virgin Gift Card allows employees to choose something that excites them, whether it’s a weekend getaway, an adrenaline-fueled adventure, or even a dream holiday through some well-known Virgin companies.
One of our own team members, Jack Gibson-Barton, experienced this firsthand. Jack was rewarded with a Virgin Gift Card for his outstanding sales performance during the busy Christmas peak period. But instead of just receiving a standard reward, Jack was able to turn his hard work into an unforgettable two-week holiday to Orlando, Florida, visiting the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
We sat down with Jack to hear about his experience, from being recognised for his achievements to booking his dream trip and making incredible memories. Read on to discover why memory-making rewards like the Virgin Gift Card are a game-changer for employee motivation and recognition.
About the Reward & Recognition
1. Can you tell us a bit about your role at Virgin Incentives and what you do day to day?
Hi I am Jack, I am a Client Relationship Manager, My day to day role consists of heading the new business workstreams for both marketing agencies and HR clients, ensuring our clients, employees and customers are receiving the best rewards money can buy.
2. What was the reason behind receiving the Virgin Gift Card as a reward?
I received a Virgin Gift Card as a reward for securing the largest order during our peak season in the lead-up to Christmas.
3. How did it feel to be recognised for your hard work with this incentive?
Honestly, it felt really special. It’s one thing to be acknowledged for your hard work, but to receive such a meaningful reward, one that I could put towards an incredible holiday, made it even more rewarding. It felt like all the effort I put in really paid off. I’m truly grateful for the experience.
Redeeming the Virgin Gift Card
4. Who did you redeem your Virgin Gift Card with? And what did you purchase?
I redeemed my Virgin Gift Card with Virgin Atlantic Holidays and put it towards a two-week holiday to Orlando with my other half. It was the perfect way to use the reward, turning my hard work into an unforgettable adventure!
5. Can you walk us through the booking process – was it easy and convenient to use?
Oh, it was so easy! The Virgin Gift Card website is super clear and makes it simple to see all the ways you can redeem it. When booking through Virgin Atlantic Holidays, they have a dedicated phone line, and the team were incredibly helpful – it felt like a concierge service! I just gave them the details of the things we wanted to do, where we wanted to stay, and I even gave them a quote number from the website which they could base their search on. From there, they used their expert knowledge to enhance the search and ensure we got the best options available. The entire process was seamless, stress-free, and super convenient.
The Experience – Orlando Trip
6. Tell us about your trip, what did you get up to? And what were some of the highlights?
Where do I even begin?! The entire two weeks were a highlight! From the amazing food to the incredible Florida weather, every day was an adventure. One of the standout moments was attending a college football game, the atmosphere was electric, and experiencing the energy of a live game in the U.S. was unforgettable. But honestly, there were so many highlights that it’s hard to pick just a few!
7. Which theme parks did you visit, and what was the most memorable moment?
We visited Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Discovery Cove on Sea World property. Each one offered completely different but equally amazing experiences. The most memorable moment for me? Riding Guardians of the Galaxy at EPCOT! The ride was so immersive, so fun, and just pure excitement from start to finish. It was a true “WOW” experience that I’ll never forget.
8. How did this experience compare to other rewards or incentives you’ve received in the past?
I don’t think anything I’ve earned or won in the past even comes close to this. Being able to say that my company rewarded me with a dream holiday is pretty surreal. This wasn’t just a standard reward, it was an experience that created lifelong memories for both me and my partner. It’s something we’ll cherish forever, and that’s what makes this kind of incentive so special.
The Impact of the Virgin Gift Card
9. What would you say to other businesses considering using the Virgin Gift Card for employee rewards?
I say this to my clients all the time! I know I technically sell this product as part of our collection, but after my own experience, I genuinely encourage any business with the budget to invest in rewarding their employees in this way. The Virgin Gift Card is so much more than just a financial bonus, it gives employees the opportunity to choose a meaningful experience that they’ll remember forever. For me, it contributed towards a once-in-a-lifetime holiday and I am forever grateful that my workplace allowed me to do that. Imagine the impact that could have on employee motivation, loyalty, and morale. It really is a no-brainer for companies looking to recognise and reward their teams in a way that truly stands out.
10. Would you say this reward made you feel more valued as an employee?
100%! At Virgin Incentives, we’ve always been great at running incentives using our own products, and I think that makes a huge difference. Knowing that there’s an exciting reward up for grabs genuinely makes our team work even harder. It creates a positive, motivated workplace culture where people push themselves to achieve their best, because they know the reward is something amazing.
Bonus Question
11. If you could use a Virgin Gift Card again, what experience would you choose next?
Without a doubt, I’d use it on Virgin Atlantic again! This time, I think I’d love to explore New York or Texas, and I know I’d be in for another unforgettable trip!
Final Thoughts
Jack’s experience is a perfect example of how the Virgin Gift Card transforms employee rewards into meaningful, memorable experiences. Whether it’s a weekend getaway through Virgin Experience Days, an incredible hot air balloon flight through Virgin Balloon Flights, or even a dream holiday through Virgin Atlantic Holidays, this incentive makes a real impact on employees – motivating them, making them feel valued, and leaving them with unforgettable memories. If your business wants to reward your team in a way that truly stands out, the Virgin Gift Card is the perfect choice. Find out more below:
