1
Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 93 Visionary, Founder, and Master Coach
Jose-Manuel GARCIA
President
Jose-Manuel (Manolo)
jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
Contents: How to Prepare Mango Salsa
GARCIA manolo@ividmc.com Marketing Vice President
Alicia ASTUDILLO, DMCP
aastudillo@ividmc.com
General Comptroller
Trinidad SANCHEZ
tsanchez@ividmc.com Corporate Business Director
Francisco BAEZA
fbaeza@ividmc.com Corporate Quality Director
Julia ORTIZ
Alejandro PECH
Take advantage of these exceptional seasonal activities before they’re gone! Swim with Whale Sharks Visit the Monarch Butterflies Deep Sea Marlin Fishing Humpback Whale Watching Pororoca Surfing
apech@ividmc.com Content and Editing
Quick Hits: Costa rica
Omar GALLEGOS
ivicorp@ividmc.com Managing Director —MyDay Travel Corporate Headquarters:
Jorge OROZCO
jorozco@myday.travel Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15
Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
3
Cover Subject:
jortiz@ividmc.com Electronic Publishing
Page
5 6 7 8 10
11
It’s in Our Hands to Make a Difference
12
Travel Tip: Book Off-Peak Flights
13
Destination Offices: Mexico
The Caribbean
Central America
South America
IVIDMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA President manolo@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE Regional Managing Director galmonte@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras
IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit, Mexico City, & Central Mexico
IVIDMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA Regional Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Brazil Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director amajela@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Argentina & Chile Leila GOROSITO Regional Managing Director lgorosito@ividmc.com
Jaime NELO Regional Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.com IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
Alexandra GONZALEZ Destination Manager pv.planning1@ividmc.com IVIDMC² Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Regional Managing Director mfoster@ividmc.travel
Jorge LAZO Regional Managing Director jlazo@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Colombia Carolina CALDERON Regional Managing Director ccalderon@ividmc.com
Follow us on... © Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved. 2
April 2015
How to Prepare Mango Salsa How yummy mango salsa can be when accompanied with tortilla chips or added on fish tacos or tostadas! The party of flavors bursting in your mouth is so delicious! This is a crowd pleaser for sure. You will want to have plenty of this scrumptious salsa to go around. Just make sure that mangos are in season before you embark on this recipe.
Ingredients:
Preparation:
2 cups diced ripe mangos
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup green or red onions
2 jalapenos
Salt and pepper to taste
Peel and cut the fruit of the mango off of the seed. Dice the mango pieces. Pluck the cilantro off of the stems and discard the stems. Chop the cilantro, onion and jalapenos and add that to the diced mangos. Cut out and throw away the seeds from the red bell pepper. Add in the diced bell peppers, salt, and pepper. Pour in the lime juice and serve chilled.
expectations by going the extra mile so to speak in regard to superlative service. A satisfied client is our ultimate goal. With these lofty standards in mind, we strive to choose and only work with suppliers that meet our criteria in order to render an out-of-the-ordinary service.
Message From Headquarters As President of IVIDMC2, I deem it an honor to run this prestigious company and continue its positioning as one of the best in the market. The canons assertively say that the customer is first, and I concur. I also agree that our associates are the strong backbone of our company, and I consider them as my extended family. Without them we would not be where we are today.
After 28 eventful years in the business, IVIDMC2 is proud of the relationships we have forged with thousands of satisfied customers. We invite you to enjoy the pleasure of doing business with us and see for yourself that an unforgettable and successful event is feasible. You have my unfailing commitment to make you and your group look great!
Our company is recognized in the M&I industry as being down to earth and having an outstanding service-minded attitude. Our unchangeable commitment is to exceed our customers’
Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA President
3
Destinations This portal was created to assist Meeting Planners in easily locating ideal destinations, hotels, services, and activities within the group market in Latin America. On this site you will find a large collection of photographs and videos of selected hotels, tours, and activities that fit the needs of the M&I industry, as well as a RFP engine that will directly connect you with the hotel of your interest.
• Mexico • Dominican Republic • Guatemala • Costa Rica • Panama • Colombia • Brazil • Argentina • Chile
Easy to use
Go to the menu on top of the home page and click on the destination(s) of your interest. For instance, if you want to know more about Dominican Republic for a possible group follow these steps:
From “Destinations” select Dominican Republic. Immediately you will be on the Dominican Republic home page. As with each destination, you can see 10 reasons that make each destination stand out above the rest. You can click on each photo to see even more images.
To the right side there is a submenu showing airlines, hotels, restaurants, what to see, and what to do, etc. The content of each submenu includes: property description, amenities, location (Google map), photos, videos, pdf downloads. Some properties have 360 0 photos.
You can use this site for your own presentations; feel free to use the photos and videos. From the home page menu you can easily access videos, sample programs, change the language, get connected through our social media, & contact us.
About Us... Our Vision: To run a world-class company that sets fresh trends and establishes new standards for best practices in the M&I industry by exceeding customer expectations. Mission Statement: To earn and maintain our clients’ trust at each one of our destinations by convincing them that their goals are our goals, and by delivering services that exceed industry standards and customer expectations. We also will meet client needs by providing exceptional product knowledge, creative solutions, cost-value and effectiveness in every measurable way. We pride ourselves on our efficient business organization that relies on strong management systems, ISO quality standards, and belief in the remarkable abilities of our people. Our mission also features an infinite commitment: "To make you look great!" Our People: IVIDMC2 has more than 150 year-round full-time associates within the entire Latin American network with great personalities, knowledge, a caring attitude, and vast M&I business experience! “Yes, since 1986, we are those neatly attired people in the turquoise blue and white uniforms. Many people call us "the Smurfs". We are knowledgeable, witty, fun to have around, and beautiful or handsome (not necessarily in that order).”
4
Cover Topic:
April 2015
Take Advantage of These Exceptional Seasonal Activities Before They’re Gone!
Swim with Whale Sharks Get to see and snorkel with the biggest fish in the world, the enormous but harmless whale shark! Enjoy this experience to the full with IVI DMC 2, the first company to operate this unique tour for groups in our destination. The adventure of swimming with whale sharks is available from May to September.
Cancun and Riviera Maya 5
Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries
The Reserve of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere is located on the boarder of Michoacan and the State of Mexico. The Sanctuaries of the Monarch, considered to be one of the two Natural Wonders established by the UNESCO as Heritage of the Mankind on Mexican soil, welcome these majestic travelers by the millions, offering a unique spectacle, and are open to public from November to March of the next year. Please get in touch with your contact at IVI DMC² Mexico City & Central Mexico and include this wonderful natural experience in your group program!
Mexico City and Central Mexico 6
Los Cabos
April 2015
Deep Sea Fishing Fishing in Cabo San Lucas, at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is some of the best fishing in the world. Numerous species are available year round. But the top of the list is usually dominated by the world’s best Marlin fishing. Striped marlin are available year round. Black marlin and blue marlin are available in the warmer months along with Pacific sailfish. It's no wonder that Cabo is considered the "marlin capital of the world." Along with fishing for big game billfish, there is fine fishing available for yellowfin tuna, dorado, and wahoo. Besides the offshore fishing there can be some great inshore fishing for roosterfish, grouper, and snapper. Fishing in Cabo is water temperature driven. Ask any knowledgeable fisherman and he will tell you to check out the temperature breaks and blue water for the best chances to hook that fish of a lifetime.
7
Whale Watching Season at the Bahia de Banderas
From the second half of November until the end of March each year, Paradise on Earth, Bahia de Banderas, offers you the most spectacular whale watching opportunity in the world. Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit is the perfect scenario to admire these majestic creatures. IVI DMC² will be glad to arrange for you luxurious private yachts, classic sailboats, fantastic catamarans, or special programs with expert veterans from National Geographic.
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit 8
Dominican Republic
April 2015
Humpback Whale Sanctuary
One of the most interesting spots for whale watching in the world is in the Dominican Republic. Every year during the winter season, we receive humpback whales on our shores of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, from January 15 to March 30. Visit us during their mating season and enjoy our beautiful warm waters. Samana area to the north of our island is the preferred location to seem them, better known as the Shrine of humpback whales. However, some can often be spotted on the coast of Bavaro, and Sabana de la Mar to the northeast of the country. The Banco de la Plata is an underwater platform of coralline origin and is part of a banking system that extends from the Bahamas to the Bank of Christmas which has a Land Whale Watching Center in Punta Balandra. In an excursion hear them sing, see them mating, and closely observe them as they perform their aquatic acrobatics.
9
Pororoca Surfing Instead of the sapphire-blue water that usually puts surfers in a familiar context, the water is dark, brown, and murky. And instead of riding it a few hundred feet into shore, the surfer rides it for miles, without an end in sight. And finally, instead of worrying about sharks and coral, the surfer is worrying about schools of pira単a and uprooted trees. It's called Pororoca, and in the Amazon basin it allows surfers from all over the world to come and experience the truly rare
challenge of surfing for miles up the world's largest river. Pororoca is caused when the incoming ocean tide creates such an influx of water into the river, a wave forms at the tide's leading edge. Tidal bores occur all over the world, but between the months of February and March in the Amazon, they reach epic proportions. Pororoca only happens a couple of times each year, but it's just predictable enough for an organized event to be formed around it.
Brazil 10
April 2015
Costa Rica is blessed with an all year average temperature of 79oF (26oC) at the lowlands and coastal areas, which is where most of the resort developments are located.
IVI DMC² World Headquarters: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico Phone: +52 (998) 287-1700 Email: ivicorp@ividmc.com
Being so close to the equator, we don’t have a real winter or summer, just rainy and dry season, so climate will never be an issue for the activities you choose! Rainy season is from May to November and it is usually characterized by sunny mornings and rainy afternoons, so you will still be very likely to have time to pack your morning with exciting adventures without the rain. So what’s in the menu for fun and relaxation? There’s so many things you can choose from! If you like the ocean you can ride the waves on jet skis, get the catch of the day with the best fishing of the area, learn to surf, or even relax on a sunset sailing tour. If you are the adventurous kind, how about canopy, horseback riding, atv’s, water slides, thermal waters, and trails? In Costa Rica you can even visit an active Volcano! So, escape the urban jungle and come to check out the best nature-adventure-fun-relaxation combo in the world!
Serving the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions Industry since 1986. Find us in over 40 destinations throughout:
Mexico Dominican Republic Cuba Guatemala Belize El Salvador Honduras Costa Rica Panama Colombia Brazil Argentina Chile Coming soon...Peru!
For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this magazine please contact Alicia Astudillo: aastudillo@ividmc.com
11
It’s in Our Hands to Make a Difference Friends of the Maya Foundation gives back to the community and protects the environment in various less fortunate Mayan villages. You can contribute by funding completely or partially through a wide array of projects and infrastructure services; mentioned below are a few options:
Mi Amigo de la Calle focuses on improving conditions for stray cats and dogs and educating locals about the ethical treatment of pets and stray animals. By supporting this project, neutering, and medical attention will reach the abandoned and neglected pets to prevent disease and overpopulation.
Bicineta brings awareness and action against obesity and stress with physical activity and social recreation. By supporting this project we can reach children at schools by buying bicycles for them to share and ride safely around town.
UT brings team sports into the Maya villages by joining efforts with the sports team members at the Technological University in Cancun. By supporting this project, we can formalize a weekly visit from the coach and other team members to help the children, teenagers, and adults train in different team sports and participate in local tournaments.
Yum Balam sets camera traps and monitors the activities of wild jaguars near human settlements that are in risk of being hunted. Jaguars are relocated inside natural reserves thus preventing them from killing livestock and/or being killed by humans.
Tumben Cuxtal is a Health program for Women, helping them through every stage of pregnancy and birth, integrating traditional Maya techniques and the modern approach seeking a balance in body, mind, and soul for the pregnant women and their families. By supporting this project we can train and monitor midwifes and improve sanitation and working conditions for the delivery of the babies. For further information on how to participate visit our website: http://www.friendsofthemaya.org
12
April 2015
Travel Tip: Book Off-Peak Flights
Avoid flying on a Friday. Instead, book your flight for a Tuesday or Wednesday, if you can. Midweek is less crowded.
Avoid flights that depart or arrive between 7 to 9 A.M. and 4 to 7 P.M. at any major airport. These are the busiest times of the day. I Know I said to take the earliest flights, but you should consider the length of the flight, how important your arrival time is for the trip, and the possibilities of being remanded to coach because you did not have seniority for the upgrade list. (Taken from page 53)
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&I 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 magazine is a valuable tool that brings you the timely information and analysis that you need, with a lair for what's hot, relevant, and interesting. I wish you the best of success in your quest, whatever it may be.
The Customer is Always Right
Thank you for your flexibility with last minute changes. Thank you! Caroline Howard
Jose-Manuel GARCIA Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach IVIDMC²
13
14