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Cover Subject:
Year 10 Vol. 1, Issue 163
UNIQUE CORPORATE GIFTS MADE TO IMPRESS
Directory Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM manolo@ividmc.travel President
#MadeInLosCabos Pages 4,5 • #MadeInCancun&RivieraMaya Pages 6, 7 • #MadeInDominicanRepublic Pages 8-11 •
Francisco BAEZA, DMCP fbaeza@ividmc.travel Vice President
Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel General Comptroller
#MadeInCostaRica Pages 12-14 #MadeInPanama Page 15
• •
Raquel MIJARES, CIS, DMCP rmijares@ividmc.travel Corporate Marketing Director
Quick Hits Pages 16, 17 Advertise with CommuniQuest Page 20
Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel Quality Director Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel Electronic Publishing
Pages 18, 19
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Content & Editing
Dr. Travel’s - Travel Tip: Common Sense From A Monkey Page 21
David MIS corp.image@ividmc.travel Design
© Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved.
Destination Offices Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
South America
IVI DMC² Los Cabos Yazmin ELOSEGUI, DMCP Destination Managing Director yelosegui@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA, CMS Regional Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Costa Rica Ligia VARGAS, CIS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² South America Jorge OROZCO, DMCP Regional Managing Director jorozco@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit & Central Mexico, Jaime NELO, CMS, DMCP Destination Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.travel IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS, DMCP Corporate Marketing Director rmijares@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Dominican Republic IVI DMC² Panama Ramon RIJO, CIS David JOHNSON, CIS Regional Managing Director Associate Regional Managing Director rrijo@ividmc.travel djohnson@ividmc.travel
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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, Sometimes the best gifts are those inspired by a particular area or country, such as our destinations. Our gifts and amenities are perfect for anyone and any occasion, and they are designed to show appreciation for our business associates, top employees, or valuable clients. At IVI DMC2 we delight in innovation; that’s why we’re focused on themed, eco-friendly ideas and customized gifts filled with locally sourced confections and goods produced by small artisans, bakers, and crafts people. We’re constantly developing new products and are always on the lookout for what’s new and fabulous and locally made. When you give a regional gift, you can feel especially good knowing that your acquisition gives over and over since these treats support small responsible businesses and local economies. Looking for that perfect corporate gift to accompany your program? Then, choose from our wide selection of original gift sets to make a lasting impression on partners, bosses, and staff. Our gifts will certainly enchant your loved ones and colleagues!
Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM President IVI DMC2 Enterprises
Our Objective
Our Vision
Always aim for 100% overall customer satisfaction.
Associates: Keep the ideal place to work, where our multicultural staff give their best, every day Customers: Offer an innovative high-quality service that exceeds expectations Partners: Consolidate our network of honest and successful partners Utilities: Maximize the return of investment to shareholders
Our Mission
Planet: Inspire responsible resource management by means of our work
Serve customers through our international certifications ISO 9001 and ADMC; ensuring 100% customer satisfaction of incentives, conventions, and special events; providing memorable experiences in each of the destinations in which we operate; maximizing return of investment to shareholders.
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#MadeInLosCabos
A special gift will add to the unforgettable memories of a unique incentive trip. Our crafting reflects love and passion. Some of the creators of these crafts are representatives of the different indigenous peoples who have settled in this region. The customs and ideology that these crafts reflect is what marvels thousands of tourists who come to our destination. The colors, the stones, the embroideries, the textures, and all the materials that are used in these crafts have a history to be told. Materials such as leather, torote fiber, tender palm leaf and different types of shells among them abalone - are used to make real works of art.
Damiana Liqueur If there is a typical drink that characterizes Baja California Sur is the so-called Damiana liqueur. It has great mixability and tastes great as a shooter. It has a rich history since its origins go back to the time of the Guaycurรก Indians who inhabited the region.
Blown Glass Cabo San Lucas is home to what was for many years the only glass factory in the peninsula of Baja California. Seeing the blown glass artisans is fascinating, the technique is amazing and they use recycled glass, free of lead to make 4 glasses, tableware, and more.
Huichol Art The artwork, so vibrant in color and rich in symbolism, effortlessly draws the viewer into its compelling world of magic and myth. The unifying factor of the work is the colorful pattern which symbols and designs date back centuries. The most common and sought after items are yarn paintings and objects masterfully decorated with small, beautiful beads.
Beach Kit When warm beach weather is scheduled we plan our week around going to the beach either at a bay or surf beach near our resort. Our perfect beach kit includes some essential and basics such as: Kit includes: - Swimwear - Towel - Flip flops - Sunglasses
Mexican Rebozos Ideal for the cool climate of Los Cabos. In Baja California Sur, the use of these rebozos is very common, mainly for outdoor activities. They are colorful and very warm. The rebozo is manufactured practically in all Mexico, and each region has its very distinct patterns such as the color and the interweaving.
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#MadeInCancun&RivieraMaya In the Yucatan Peninsula we can find an interesting diversity of crafts due to the great contribution of the Mayan culture. We can find items of the most diverse materials, designs and colors, which besides being useful, they bring beauty and harmony to our environment. These items include filigree jewelry in gold and silver, artifacts of tortoise shell, shells, snail, wood and carved stone, clay vessels, musical instruments, hemp and cotton fiber fabrics, embroidery, lace applications, openwork, and cross stitch, terns, guayaberas and hammocks, straw and palm jipi hats, reed and bejuco petates, bags and leather shoes. Among the most representative we feature the following:
Mexican Hammocks Hammocks are perfect gifts for all ages, from children to grandparents. They're stylish, very contemporary, unusual and very beautiful. The gift of blissful comfort and relaxation will be cherished for years to come.
Embroidered Textiles Mexico is one of the richest and most ancient cultures in the western hemisphere. Mexican clothes and textiles have been influenced by the available elements, its history and the local customs. Its great variety shows the country's cultural diversity. The different materials, looms, weaving techniques, embroidery styles and colors used in Mexican textiles result from the combination of the Mesoamerican and Spanish cultures, along with some oriental influences. Among the most traditional embroidery is the cross stitch and the draft.
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Palma Traditionally used to roof Mayan houses. However, you can create beautiful basketry, fine hats, rattles, and varied objects where each craftsman expresses his creativity and dexterity. It has an elaborate process which part of the time is done in caves in order to retain moisture and be manipulated.
X'tabentún Anise This liqueur comes from the state of Yucatan. It is made from anise, rum and honey from the bees that feed on the X'tabentún flower. It is an excellent digestive after a delicious lime soup and the traditional cochinita pibil. The name comes from the flower Xtabtenún, which only grows in Yucatan. Perfect served alone, cold or in coffee.
Pottery Direct modeling of clay to create special figures (to the skill of each craftsman) or mainly everyday objects, pots, vases, vessels, among others. This technique was developed from the beginning of the Mayan culture and to this day it is still considered a practice with outstanding creative elements. Some potters still produce special pieces for the celebrations of Hanal Pixan (Day of the Deceased Saints).
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#MadeinDominicanRepublic
Some of the most treasured souvenirs are those that are handcrafted by local Dominican artisans. When shopping in Punta Cana, you'll find many wood carvings, paintings and traditional items, like hand-painted faceless dolls made of clay or ceramic. In some cases, you will have the opportunity to speak directly with the artist and learn about how he honed the craft, a bit about his families, country, and why he chooses to create these items. In this way, you get a very nice story to go along with a beautiful treasure to take home and display. Faceless Dolls It is precisely the lack of faces that makes them a true symbol of the Dominican Republic, as it reflects the Dominicans’ mixture of African, European and aboriginal identities, races and cultures. They represent the island’s culture and history in such a simple and beautiful way. They have become a must-have for every tourist passing through the country. 8
Dominican Cigars If you enjoy a good cigar or you are looking for a very special gift to take home to someone who does, you can't go wrong with touring the cigar factories in Santo Domingo, or the largest one in La Romana. You can purchase some directly from there. Crafting a good cigar takes true skill and nothing beats seeing how it is done to know how to pick out the best ones. You'll also find good tobacco shops all around the country where you can buy all kinds of Dominican brands of cigars. Planting of tobacco in the Dominican Republic is more than an economic activity; it is a tradition, part of the culture.
Dominican Larimar Jewelry Larimar is a beautiful blue and white stone with a marbled appearance that is only found in the Dominican Republic. It is considered a semi-precious stone and it is often made into some of the most beautiful jewelry you'll find anywhere. Since it is so beautiful and only found in the Dominican Republic, many visitors put larimar on their "have to get" shopping list. The name Larimar comes from the contraction of 'Lari', the name of the daughter of the discoverer, and 'Mar', the Spanish word for 'sea', because the blue of this stone evokes the color of the sea.
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Dominican Paintings Painting is part of life in the Dominican Republic. All the houses, from the most bourgeois to the most modest, are painted with dazzling colors. In the galleries, and also in the streets, happy and colorful native paintings are everywhere. The first cultural influences of Europe in the New World took place in Santo Domingo, and are reflected in the walls and stones. It was the architecture and the urban design of the cities the main sample of that expression. Then goldsmithing, silverware and finally painting and sculpture were introduced. In Santo Domingo, the Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles show new vigor. In painting and sculpture, the sacred aspect of the theme prevailed, since it was in the convents where the fine arts were learned and practiced. After the second half of the 19 th century, Europe once again brought its powerful influence. Impressionism, postimpressionism, costumbrismo and Art Nouveau are represented in some way in Dominican painting.
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Canqui単a The canqui単a is a delicious sweet that is sold in the bus stations and in the different provinces: It is that candy that villagers used to buy when they visited Santo Domingo, and bring to their children. This sweet is very, very tasty. In the country you can find a significant variety of sweets that attract the attention of children and adults. When an adult takes a canqui単a in his hands, he usually says: "this reminds me of my childhood." And they also say that whoever did not taste this sweet did not have a full childhood. The canqui単a is the longing for Dominicans living in other countries.
Mamajuana Some historians and local researchers consider that the "mamajuana" was originally a tea elaborated by the Taino Indians to cure the flu and headaches and molars. Others say that its history began in the early sixteenth century with the arrival of African slaves and their practices of healing. These sources affirm that the slaves used honey or molasses to sweeten the roots and leaves. As for the name, the most accepted version refers that it is a derivation of the French bottle "dame-jeanne", where presumably it was elaborated for the first time. It has become the national libation of the country. Come and try it or offer it as a very original gift!
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#MadeInCostaRica Needless to remark how deeply ingrained in our minds is that when we travel, we buy that little gift either just for ourselves to have a lasting memento of our trip, or as sweet gesture for a colleague or a friend. When we give it lets them know that even if traveling abroad we still have them in our hearts and minds. And this apparently trivial act of getting a souvenir or regional gift generates more satisfaction in the long run than we realized. That is why we want our clients to make a quick list of those little regional gifts from Costa Rica that can help them in that regard. Here are a few suggestions. Coffee Indeed, a must, but you should buy the export quality brands, to be truly amazed. You cannot go wrong with Coffee Britt, Dota, Tarrazú or Café Rey Premium. Banana Paper The waste product in the banana industry – banana leaves – have long clogged the country’s river ways, polluting communities and fragile ecosystems. A few years ago, a handful of savvy entrepreneurs decided to collect this waste product and turn it into recycled paper, which is sold as reams for printing paper and greeting cards in the United States. In Costa Rica, you can find these greeting cards in the artisan market and in many souvenir shops. Sibu Chocolate First harvested by locals on the Caribbean coast, the chocolate bean, which comes from the cacao tree, has a long history in Costa Rica. Sibú chocolate has harnessed the country’s experience in producing chocolate, refining it into flavors that rival the best tastes of Europe. The small company works with a Rainforest Alliance certified farm on Costa Rica’s Atlantic slope, which ensures fair wages and dignified living conditions. Chocolates include caramel-infused fresh ginger and coconut, organic vanilla bean milk chocolate, a signature spicy truffle with nutmeg and cinnamon and a Tarrazú cappuccino milk chocolate, among others.
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Wood Crafts in Costa Rica In Costa Rica, crafts made out of wood date back to pre-Columbian times, as the country's indigenous Indian populations made use of the ample balsa wood, cedar and bamboo found in the local forests. Costa Rican artisans have a strong tradition of woodworking. The most attractive arts and crafts you will find in the country are made out of precious woods: bowls, boxes, jewelry, masks, mobiles, home accessories among other crafts. Borucan Masks One of the groups that is most strongly associated with the creation of wood crafts is the Boruca tribe, which lives in a reservation in the southern Caribbean part of Costa Rica. They primarily use wood to create ceremonial masks, which are used in the annual Fiesta de los Diablitos (Party of the Little Devils). The masks used in the Boruca ceremonies are carved by hand. After they have finished carving the wood, native artisans hand-paint their creations. These masks incorporate depictions of many different kinds of animals that dwell in the rainforest, including pumas, toucans, frogs and more.
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Nicoyana Ceramics are the most representative art of the culture of the Greater Nicoya, which was developed for 2,000 years in the Pacific region of Nicaragua and the northern Pacific of Costa Rica (present province of Guanacaste). For its quality and finishing, during the pre-Hispanic era, it became a precious product of commercial exchange with other regions of Mesoamerica and South America. The manufacture of Chorotegan ceramics was a specialized work in which both the sensitivity of the artist and the need to acquire a utilitarian good were involved. The main manifestations of this pottery were in the elaboration of vessels of various styles, in which polychrome pottery stands out, with Mesoamerican motifs, starting from AD 500, as well as collections of musical instruments, censers and anthropomorphic sculptures made of clay. The tradition of preHispanic Nicaraguan pottery remains to this day in the hands of Chorotegan artisans settled in the villages of Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya in Costa Rica. It was declared a cultural heritage of Costa Rica in 2013.
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#MadeInPanama Panama’s art and handicrafts are a palpable proof of its diverse past and a testament to the people’s ability to adapt to the times while maintaining a strong sense of identity. Indigenous arts have been well preserved and aren’t we thankful for it? Let’s see why. A Panama hat or just Panama is a traditional brimmed hat made from the plaited leaves of the toquilla straw plant. Straw hats woven in Ecuador, like many other 19th and early 20th century South American goods, were shipped first to the Isthmus of Panama before sailing for their destinations in Asia, the rest of the Americas and Europe. When President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Panama Canal construction wearing a Panama Hat it became internationally famous.
Mola The mola, or molas, is a handmade material that forms part of the traditional outfit of the Guna people of Panama. Mola panels have many uses; they can be framed as art or made into pillows, placed as mats or wall hangings. Some people even make them into bedspreads. Molas are very sturdy and well sewn Artesanal Chocolates "From tree to bar" that begins in the plantations of cacao in Bocas del Toro province, continues with harvesting, fermenting and drying of the seed to the selection of the best beans to be treated gently and turn them into delicious artisan chocolate 100% Panamanian. Embera Handcrafts Embera artisans work with a palm fiber called "chunga" to make baskets, plates, masks and many more creative products. They also carve rosewood and a local hard seed named "tagua" which is considered the vegetable ivory, they carve on shapes of ants, wasps, frogs and others in different sizes in tagua seeds and rosewood. Their art is well known locally and internationally and very much appreciated by collectors of such products. All of these items are hand made one by one, so each of them is unique and with its own story to tell. Panamanian Cigars When you think of Panama, the first thing that comes to mind is the canal — not tobacco. But our Central American country has been manufacturing cigars for over 100 years, Panama is on the growing list of nations that are exporting tobacco to the U.S. and elsewhere.
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W Punta de Mita Among The Top 10 Most Luxurious Hotels In The World According to the online edition of Reader’s Digest, W Punta de Mita, the Riviera Nayarit’s boho-chic hotel, held its own in the ranking of the best of the world from among palaces, luxury resorts, and skyscrapers. Amongst the many luxury resorts and hotels in the world, W Punta de Mita stands out for its style, innovation, and service. Since its inauguration in 2016 it has received multiple awards, and on this occasion it has been included in the ranking of the Top 10 Most Luxurious Hotels in the world, a list that has been described as a “decadent countdown of the world’s most expensive luxury hotels.” This prestigious list also includes Los Veneros development, in fifth place, cheek by jowl with hotels of the likes of Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace; the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, Rome’s Westin Excelsior, and the legendary New York Plaza Hotel, to name a few. W Punta de Mita is inspired in the ambiance of the bohemian culture. The hotel renders tribute to the Huichol culture and traditions as reflected in the décor. It has 119 villas and one extreme WOW suite (the brand’s version of the traditional presidential suite); all the villas are exquisitely decorated with a contemporary Mexican touch, artisanal tile floors, and private balconies and patios.
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Conrad Will Open Doors at Amazing Riviera Nayarit
Hilton's luxury hotel brand announced the plans to redesign, expand, reopen and rename a renowned resort in Punta de Mita, Mexico. The Conrad Playa Mita will debut in the final quarter of 2019. After making a huge investment, a subsidiary of Walton Street Capital Mexico, the re-imagined property will reopen after a complete refurbishment of the existing hotel, which includes the addition of 265 new rooms and suites. The Resort will be the second property of this luxury brand to operate in Mexico, after the successful opening of the Conrad San Luis PotosĂ in May 2017. Hilton's top executives for Latin America and the Caribbean have confidence that Mexico is a priority market and thus it is in their regional growth plans. Along with this, the recent contract signature of the Waldorf Astoria Cancun, the firm will continue the expansion of their luxurious brands on the Pacific coast of the country. The global Vice President of brand development for Luxury and Lifestyle brands of Hilton stated that, as the second property of the brand in Mexico, Conrad Playa Mita will embody modern luxury in one of the most visited destinations in the world.
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IVI DMC² World Headquarters: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mx
Phone: +52 (998) 287-1700 Email: ivicorp@ividmc.travel Serving the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry since 1986. Find us in over 40 destinations throughout: • • • • • •
Mexico Cuba Dominican Republic Costa Rica Panama South America
For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this travel digest, please contact: Raquel MIJARES rmijares@ividmc.travel
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Dr.Travel’s: Common Sense From A Monkey Once, a monkey who was searching for something to eat, put his hand in a trap containing food. The monkey was caught. What the monkey didn't realize was all he had to do to get out was to open his hand, release the food, and he would be freed from this predicament. I have seen otherwise civilized people act as if they were wild monkeys when their flights were canceled or delayed or when their luggage was lost.
“The really happy man is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.” - Anonymous
A little common sense, however, will tell you that you cannot battle the trials and tribulations of air travel with a clenched fist. In fact, the harder you tense, the more stress you create. You cannot yell at a ticket attendant, flight steward, or fellow passenger. It's a losing battle. The trick, which the monkey didn't learn - but you can learn - is to let go and stop struggling. (Taken from page 6)
James Feldman, (a.k.a. Doctor Travel) is a Certified Facilitator and internationally recognized professional motivator, author, television host, and radio personality. His company Incentive Travelers Cheque Int’l provides individual and group incentive travel awards for many Fortune 500 companies. His book “Doctor’s Travel Cure For The Common Trip” is an entertaining and invaluable travel guide whose purpose is not to tell you where to go, but rather to help you get ready for the adventure. CommuniQuest is pleased to share some of Mr. Feldman’s travel wisdom with our readers, who from time to time must deal with lines, cancellations, lost luggage, and a person in the adjacent seat making extensive use of the air sickness bag. Reprinted by permission from the Author: jfeldman@itcheque.com
THANK YOU FOR READING Like life in general, the M&E Industry seems to move at the speed of light. As a committed B2B partner, we aim to help you keep up with the latest industry news and opportunities. CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest is a valuable tool that brings you the timely information and analysis that you need, with a lair for what's hot, relevant, & interesting. I wish you the best of success in your quest, whatever it may be. Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
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