The Star Stories En - June 2023

INTEGRITY

Tell and accept the truth. Honor your commitments. Take ownership and act with pride.

We care for people so they can be their best

We care for people so they can be their best

ALG Q2 GLOBAL TOWN HALL

One of the most important characteristics of our company that makes a big difference among other companies is constant communication. That is why on this occasion, the ALG Q2 Global Town Hall was held on June 22, an important moment for all colleagues to learn about all the activities carried out and to present the achievements obtained as a team.

If you were unable to attend the Town Hall, don’t worry, you can access the recording by clicking the button:

On this occasion, our speakers were:

John Ische

During the session, the winners of the Values Awards were presented to those colleagues who live the values to the fullest in their daily lives.

Working together, we can achieve all our goals!

Mark Hoplamazian

Javier Coll

Michelle Eguino

Gonzalo del Peón

Ray Snisky

Arturo Guzmán

Juan Pablo Puerta

Gabriel Felip

Shannon Gavin

CELEBRATING OUR RANKING IN GREAT PLACE TO WORK!

We are proud to celebrate that Great Place to Work Institute awarded our company the following positions in its “Best Places to Work in Mexico 2023” ranking.

Apple Leisure Group: 13th Place

(Ranking de 500 – 5000 colleagues)

AMR Collection: 19th Place

(Ranking de 50 – 500 colleagues)

Also, a celebration was held at the Cancun UNO offices for our colleagues. Where they received a special detail, we share some photos of the event below.

We are excited to announce that we have updated our Operations Manual with new content and procedures for various areas.

The updated information will be available soon, and our goal is to continue providing you with the latest tools and resources to help you perform your job effectively. In the meantime, we want to remind you how the Amstar Operations Manual works.

What information can you find in the AOM?

CELEBRATING HYATT GLOBAL WELLBEING WEEK

This special Hyatt tradition provides an opportunity for colleagues to prioritize their wellness and, in doing so, extend care to others. At Hyatt and ALG, supporting colleagues has always been central to our purpose - we care for people so they can be their best selves - and prioritizing the holistic well-being of colleagues means caring for both who they are and how they are.

It is essential to recognize that wellness is personal and means something different to everyone - depending on where they live, their environment, culture, values, and mindset - the wellness journey is authentic to every person.

During June, from June 4-10, Hyatt and Apple Leisure Group celebrated this vital week dedicated to colleagues to be inspired to pursue personal wellness by offering different programs, discussions, resources, and tools devoted to health to generate awareness and encourage wellness practices among our colleagues to prioritize self-care as a daily practice.

Thanks to all who participated in it!

Watch the video to see what wellbeing means to the Hyatt family

JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH!

Every year throughout the month of June, we celebrate and honor the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals who have had an impact on history locally, nationally, and internationally. It serves as a moment in time to reflect on the ways in which we are creating safe and welcoming environments for our colleagues, guests, members, customers, owners, and communities!

Pride Month is also a tribute to those who were involved in the 1969 Stonewall Riots — and event that catalyzed the LGBTQIA+ rights movement — and works to achieve equal justice and opportunities for the community.

The LGBTQIA+ acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and the + holds space for the expanding and new understanding of different parts of the very diverse gender and sexual identities!

Diversity & Inclusion

Our purpose is to care for you so you can be your best, and being your best means being your most authentic self, whether you’re celebrating Pride in New York or Europe this summer, or Asia this fall, you can confidently, comfortably, and proudly stay as you are.

We are deeply committed to caring for the holistic wellbeing of our colleagues and advancing a culture of opportunity for all. This starts with a culture that brings our values to life — particularly empathy, respect, inclusion, and wellbeing — and by recognizing that each of us play a collective role in cultivating an environment in which every individual feels safe to be their authentic self.

With parades, festivals, and concerts going on across the globe, there’s always some way for you to get involved in this celebration — as well as learn some important social history, educational topics around LGBTQIA+ community and best practices along the way. So, get ready to dust off your rainbow flags, douse yourself in glitter, join in the fun and get involved in any of the following ways!

CELEBRATING WELLBEING WEEK IN DOMINICA AND JAMAICA

As part of the celebration of ALG’s Global Wellbeing Week, a unique tradition of Hyatt, Amstar DMC Dominican Republic, and Jamaica highlighted one of our values, “Wellness,” by organizing a series of activities during the first week of June. The Human Resources department was in charge of this agenda in the person of Belmarie Del Carpio with the assistance of Krystal Roso and Marielena Cedeno, who make up this team.

A Nutrition Talk was given by nutritionist and Fitness Coach Deborah Terán, who guided daily caloric intake and the balance between food, exercise, and work.

Moving on to a much more ‘physical’ context, sessions were given by local Yoga and Meditation guru Lynda Petronski. We could not miss the Aerobics and Zumba sessions by trainer Pamela Gonzalez, who made the attendees burn many calories.

In Jamaica, we invited our colleagues to get active in a healthy and fun way where they could integrate as a team and take care of their health.

Photos courtesy of Andres Del Rosario, Senior Visual Designer.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

RACE WITH A CAUSE IN JAMAICA

On Sunday, June 4, Amstar Jamaica joined the Cornwall College 5k event. Our team consisted of former and current students and parents of the institution. Proceeds from the event will go towards the breakfast program for the college boys, sponsored by the Alumni Association.

On April 27th this year, we partnered with the National Parent Teacher Association of Jamaica Region 4 to support a mother at Catherine Hall Primary School who, along with her family, was the victim of a fire that destroyed everything they owned. Our contribution to the families included non-perishable food, school supplies, toiletries, household items, footwear, diapers, etc. The items were delivered by Amstar staff members, including current and former parents of the school.

They were very grateful for our contributions, and we thank everyone who contributed.

AMSTAR CONTEST IN COSTA RICA - COLLECTION OF PLASTIC LIDS

OSTIONAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

As part of our culture and working as a team, in June, we carried out the “Plastic Cap Collection” contest in Costa Rica, inviting all our colleagues to participate.

The material collected will be delivered to the next project we are supporting and promoting, which is the accessible walkway in the ostional national wildlife refuge, where the objective is that people with limited mobility can live and experience the arrival of sea turtles.

FATHER’S DAY IN JAMAICA

In June, we celebrate all our colleagues and fathers, who are a source of wise advice, valuable teachings, and comforting hugs.

That is why on this occasion, we want to recognize them for their significant impact, love, and unconditional support in the development of their children. This day allows us to express our love, admiration, and recognition to those who have taken on the challenge of being parents and have dedicated their time, effort, and love every day.

CELEBRATING PRIDE AT AMSTAR COSTA RICA

At Amstar, we live the value of inclusion to the fullest, where we try to understand, encourage diverse points of view, and support each other in all causes. In June, we carried out several activities in Amstar, Costa Rica. We designed pins for our colleagues on the occasion of pride to use during the month.

We also held the first PRIDE FESTIVAL in Costa Rica, called TAMARINDO PRIDE FEST, where Amstar provided transportation and participated in a day of lectures and conferences.

In these conferences, different contents of great interest are addressed around various minorities at a social disadvantage and the LGTBIQ+ community, ranging from the most vindictive and social aspect to culture and gender, and identity issues. We appreciate everyone’s participation.

AMSTAR WAS HONORED IN THE HEEL AWARDS 2023

We are thrilled to announce that during the 2023 Meeting Professionals International Mexico HEEL Awards held last week in Mexico City, Amstar was honored in the category

OF SPECIALIZED SERVICES:

HEEL is a word of Mayan origin whose meaning refers to transformation, change, and renewal, concepts that are particularly relevant in recent years to the travel industry in general and the MICE segment. The Awards celebrates individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Meetings & Events industry in Mexico. This achievement acknowledges Amstar’s exceptional accomplishments, collaborative spirit, and knowledge-sharing among MICE professionals. It also highlights our adherence to the core values promoted by the HEEL Awards: Hospitality, Engagement, Education, and Leadership.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TERRIFIC M&E TEAM IN MEXICO.

You demonstrate every day how to #MakeExtraordinaryHappen! Your dedication and hard work have once again paid off, and we are immensely proud of your achievement.

“QUALITY DELIVERY

DMC”.

AMSTAR PARTICIPATED IN THE ROMANCE TRAVEL FORUM 2023

Amstar was the official DMC of the Romance Travel Forum 2023. From June 25-29, our airport teams, hotel reps and Rossy Rodriguez and James Reese were there, every step of the way, providing world-class service from start to finish to more than 450 attendees who came to the #RivieraMaya for this major event.

The last few days were a great #opportunity to learn and #connect with the best industry professionals in North America, showcasing the romance-focused travel experiences we offer to enjoy the best of our beautiful destinations.

A DAY WITH... SUPPLIER ENGAGEMENT

Department objective:

To negotiate, contract, enter and maintain standardized product and service information for the sale of excursions, transfers, and supplements for all destinations.

Departments/ contact areas: Sales, operations, accounts payable, accounts receivable, marketing, commercial, IT, and groups.

The phrase that describes the team:

Team members:

Cipriana Acevedo

Sarahi Rodriguez

Karla Mendez Senior Manager Supplier Engagement Supervisor Supplier Engagement Agent

We are the sum of experience and quality in several generations united to provide excellent service to our clients.

Benjamin Rodriguez

Cristian Calvo Joshue Pech

Geysi Kinil

Guillermo Aguilar

Adrian Euan

Valeria Cauich

Dora Pool

Neftali Dzib

Mariana Tolentino

Gabriela Castro

Data Management Agent

Supplier Engagement Agent

Supplier Engagement Agent

Data Management Agent

Supplier Engagement Agent

Supplier Engagement Agent

Data Management Agent

Data Management Agent

Data Management Agent

Data Management Agent

Supplier Engagement Agent

INTERVIEW WITH THE AREA LEADER:

CIPRIANA ACEVEDO

What has been your trajectory within the company?

In 1996 I started as a representative in the Riviera Maya, and three years later, I was in charge of the sales team in this destination with 60 representatives; in2006 we created the Commercial Area department for better attention in negotiations with suppliers and contracting products of which I was in charge. In 2018 we started the merger with the Data Management product loading area, and since then, I have been in charge of both areas, so the department was renamed Supplier Engagement.

What does Amstar mean to you?

Stability, learning, new challenges, and trust.

What is the main strength of the department?

Each of its members contribute their ingenuity and expertise in what they know how to do, their great perseverance to be better every day, and above all, teamwork.

What are the main challenges facing the department today?

Our biggest challenges are:

Satisfy our internal customers with our tools, explain the importance of the business’s processes and care through hiring, and apply safety and quality policies. Have the product available for sale in the shortest time possible for sellers of all channels.

What information from the department would be helpful for all colleagues within the company to know that would help the department to provide better service, meet its goals, or achieve a more significant impact?

All requests are received with the highest degree of importance and assigned according to their urgency and economic impact on the business. Everything goes unassigned, but only some things can be approved. In Data Management, we serve all countries, and in Supplier Engagement, we are following up on more than 1000 products for different destinations in Mexico.

In Amstar our priority is your personal and professional development, so we put at your disposal our online platform My Learning, where you can have access to our catalog of courses that will help you to be your best version.

WHAT ARE CORE BELIEFS, AND HOW CAN WE WORK ON THEM?

BY WE EMOTIONALLY CARE

A fundamental part of parenting and family, however, is shaped for children’s development, is teaching young children how to understand and relate to the world around them. We do it almost instinctively; most of us consider that children need to learn from their world, and we approach them with the conception of teaching them, although children are generally more brilliant than we usually consider them because the reality is that they are sponges for learning and they are learning all the time.

From our childhood, we learn as much as possible and develop what we know as core beliefs. Core beliefs, in short, are firm ideas about ourselves, the world around us, and our relationships that we consider primordial and almost absolute truths.

We automatically generate these ideas because they arise from our experiences as conclusions, we make about the world around us that help us shape our understanding and expectations of the world. For example, some of them may be about the danger, such as “if I jump from a high place, I may get hurt,” they may be about our behavior: “If I behave well, I will receive a reward eventually,” they may be about our human relationships: “people like me easily” or about ourselves: “I am a capable problem solver.”

We all develop these ideas without realizing it, and they are usually formed around our experiences, testing whether our beliefs are true or not. But, just as there are “neutral” or “positive”

ideas, there are also beliefs that can be negatively oriented or dysfunctional, such as thinking that “people underestimate me,” “I can’t adapt to challenges,” or “everyone thinks I’m boring.” Just as positive core beliefs emerge from childhood experience, so do negative ones, and often once a negative core belief occurs, we do not test it. Just as the belief “jumping from a high altitude can hurt me,” our psyche will prevent us from wanting to try core beliefs such as “I cannot give a different opinion to others because then I will be unpleasant” because we assume that it is accurate and, therefore, that immediately testing it will hurt us.

To work on in our beliefs, the best response is to prepare for deep introspection with oneself and seek help from a mental health professional. Although this is an intrinsic task for each of us, it is best to have the guidance of a professional, as changing core beliefs also involves changing our understanding of the world around us. A qualified psychotherapist’s job is to find these beliefs by working with their patient to make them evident so that together they can evaluate them, reform them, and make them more functional. If we consider ourselves fit to face challenges because of our core beliefs, we will be willing to overcome conflict. If, on the other hand, this belief changes to “I am fit to face challenges, but not succeeding the first time does not make me any less,” then we will have an even more functional and resilient aptitude.

COMMEMORATING WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY:

NO PLASTIC POLLUTION

As part of World Environment Day, we would like to share a little about the “No Plastic Pollution” campaign and its impact today. As you can imagine, more than 400 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide every year, and it is believed that half of this material is designed for a single-use life.

Less than 10% is recycled.

Between 19 and 23 million tons of plastic waste are estimated to end up in lakes, rivers, and seas each year. That is equivalent to the weight of about 2200 Eiffel Towers combined.

Microplastics (plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm) also invade food, water, and even the air.

Environmental Education Program

People are estimated to ingest more than 50,000 plastic particles yearly; even more, if inhaled particles are considered, single-use plastic products that are discarded or burned harm human health and biodiversity and pollute all types of ecosystems, from mountain peaks to the seabed.

The problem of plastic pollution can be addressed by building on scientific advances and existing solutions. Governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders must scale up and implement effective, targeted measures to solve this crisis. For this reason, it is paramount that World Environment Day mobilizes transformative environmental action in every corner of the world.

Why do we need your participation?

Time is running out, and nature is in an emergency. To keep global warming below 1.5°C this century, we must halve annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. If we do not act now, exposure to polluted air will increase by 50% this decade, while plastic waste flowing into aquatic ecosystems could triple by 2040. But these will not be the only consequences. Many more will follow.

We need urgent action to address these pressing problems, making “One Earth” and its focus on sustainable living harmoniously with nature as relevant as ever.

REST, RENEWAL, AND SLEEP POR DAVID PRITCHARD

Why rest?

Why take time to unwind?

Why sleep for 7 to 8 hours?

Rest is associated with a pause. The pause interrupts the action to renew energy to continue and pick up where the activity left off. Renewal, however, is not just a rest. Renewal is associated with a stop. Stopping is more than just pausing. Stopping allows one to choose a new path, not just resume the previous one.

By stopping, we do not just pause and rest to resume old patterns. By eliminating, we reflect and choose whether it is worth returning to the old habits. Renewal opens something new to arise, a transformation that could change your life...

“Rest when you are tired. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, mind, and spirit. Then get back to work.”

-Ralph Marston.

RECHARGE, RENEW, AND REPAIR

Stay still, listen to music, read a good book, walk, or meditate.

When your tank is empty, don’t force yourself to do work. You can pause and resume. It will allow you to regain the creativity and energy you need to do your best work.

Living with children, family, and friends, it can be challenging to understand what is happening. Being alone with your thoughts and fears allows you to understand and comprehend without all the layers and filters of what is happening around us.

Go to Sleep-

Yes; we need more than 7 hours!

It’s restorative, and we renew our bodies and mind. We all need to conquer our superhero power the next day. Please permit yourself to call it a day and go to bed....

IDEAS FOR APPLYING POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY AT WORK

It’s already June, and we want to share some ideas to help you create a more pleasant workspace that will allow you to develop and reach your best version.

Enjoy the moments to the fullest.

Always stay connected to the present to enjoy every moment you live. Whether it is a conversation with a co-worker, a joke shared, a congratulation received, or a surprise made to a friend. Learning to appreciate the good things that happen to us is the first step to getting closer to happiness.

Achieve your goals

Plan your monthly goals and focus on achieving them. That way, when they become a reality, you will feel the satisfaction of the goal accomplished, and you will have the desire to define new challenges.

Create good moments

It is always nice to feel warmth in the work environment, no matter that, at this time, the activities are carried out virtually. Please try to show interest in others, applaud their achievements, and ask them how they feel because, in this way, you will foster positive bonds with others.

Think positive

Discuss with your colleagues positive experiences, success stories, hopeful anecdotes, and situations that have brought you joy. Then invite one of your co-workers to tell you about something good they have recently experienced. That way, you will generate the habit of sharing positive experiences instead of negative things.

Express your emotions

It is essential to find a space to express your emotions to your bosses so that they can provide the necessary help to improve any situation that could generate stress or tension in the work environment.

Keep a positive attitude

Regardless of the situation you are living at work, always try to look for the positive side, the teaching, the possibility of learning. You will see that if you change your perspective, you will feel differently and be able to face any problem with a better spirit.

Kud s

A KUDO to the Jamaica Department of Transport:

A BIG THANK YOU to the Jamaica Department of Transport for all the hard work you have consistently put in, especially in June.

your efforts do not go unnoticed!

ltheurel@unlimitedvc.com