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Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 94 Visionary, Founder, and Master Coach
Jose-Manuel GARCIA
President
Jose-Manuel (Manolo)
jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
Contents: How to Prepare a Chocolate, Banana, Peanut Butter Smoothie
GARCIA manolo@ividmc.com Marketing Vice President
Alicia ASTUDILLO, DMCP
aastudillo@ividmc.com
General Comptroller
Francisco BAEZA
fbaeza@ividmc.com Corporate Quality Director
Julia ORTIZ
jortiz@ividmc.com Electronic Publishing
Alejandro PECH
apech@ividmc.com Content and Editing
Omar GALLEGOS
ivicorp@ividmc.com Managing Director —MyDay Travel Corporate Headquarters:
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Cover Subject:
Top 2015 in Demand Tours & Activities
Trinidad SANCHEZ
tsanchez@ividmc.com Corporate Business Director
Page
Jorge OROZCO
jorozco@myday.travel Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15
Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
Swim with Dolphins Zip Line, ATVs, and Cenotes Rhythms of the Night Puebla and Cholula Pirate Boat Show La Ruta del Ron Barcelo Saona Island Sunset Cruise Panama Canal Helicopter Tour in Rio de Janeiro
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Banyan Tree MayaKoba - Early Bird Advantage
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Travel Tip: Know Your ABCs
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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 a Chocolate, Banana, Peanut Butter Smoothie They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your morning off right with this jolt of energy smoothie. “But I’m in a hurry”, you say. No need to worry, this smoothie takes just 5 minutes to prepare. Just make sure to slice up a banana and throw it in a zip lock bag and put it in the freezer over night. If you forgot this step, no worries, as a plan B you can throw in some ice to the mix, and then blend away! Your taste buds will go bananas with every sip!
Ingredients:
1 cup chocolate almond milk
1 frozen chopped banana
2 table spoons peanut butter
Whip cream (optional)
Preparation: In a blender put the frozen chopped banana, pour in the cup of chocolate almond milk and add the peanut butter. Blend until the banana is completely blended. Pour into a glass or a to go cup, if you're in a hurry. Top with whip cream if you so desire, and savor every sip.
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
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Cover Topic:
Top 2015 in Demand Tours & Activities
Swim with Dolphins Swim, learn, play, and plunge into a world of exciting adventure where dolphins lead the way! Swimming with dolphins is everything you could have ever imagined! The chance to encounter these highly intelligent and friendly marine mammals will fascinate and amaze you.
IVIDMC2 has selected the best Cancun & Riviera Maya suppliers that offer outstanding facilities and well-thought-out programs that both protect Dolphins and allow you to enjoy these friendly and wonderful animals.
Cancun and Riviera Maya 4
Cancun and Riviera Maya
April 2015
Zip Lines, ATVs, & Cenotes
IVIDMC2 Cancun & Riviera Maya brings you world-class canopy tours. Considered some of the longest zip line circuits in North America, they are also known for abiding to international safety standards. You have probably seen cenotes on the Travel Channel. Cenotes are sink holes where underground rivers meet, thus creating exotic swimming pools. Practice kayak, zip lines, rappel, and snorkel. Nothing is more refreshing than a cool jungle swim on a hot and sunny day! Maya people believe cenotes are protected by Aluxes (mythological creatures that guard them). Learn about history, anecdotes, and legends of the region by means of our certified tour guides that will immerse you into the amazing Mayan culture. The ATV tours take you through dirt terrain into the deep tropical jungle with winding narrow roads covered by canopies of rainforest. Safety-trained guides take the lead, stopping along the way for regrouping. And if lucky, you may be able to spot the unique wild life of our awesome destination.
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Rhythms of the Night
One of the most popular activities at Banderas Bay is called Rhythms of the Night. As night falls, the secluded cove of Las Caletas is transformed into a magical paradise, the ultimate backdrop for our exclusive event. Rhythms of the Night is an amazing voyage that will transport you to a mystical and spiritual land that time left behind untouched. Your adventure begins with a scenic ocean cruise across Banderas Bay to the isolated cove of Las Caletas overseeing one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Once at the private cove, a great dinner and a hypnotic and exhilarating spectacle will captivate you. Stories of an ancient civilization are told through live music and modern dance as one of Mexico's most innovative contemporary dance troupes transports you on a magical and mystical journey through time. Get in touch with your IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit representative and ask for a special all inclusive package for an unforgettable experience!
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Mexico City and Central Mexico
Puebla & Cholula Admire breathtaking views of the Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl volcanoes, along the drive to the quaint town of Cholula. Visit and climb the largest pyramidal structure in the world: 210 ft tall (64 m) with a width of 1,312 ff (400 m) at its base, being thus twice as large as that at Cheops in Egypt. From here, admire the City of Cholula that has over a hundred Spanish Colonial churches and chapels - one of them on top of the Great Pyramid. Puebla, also known as the City of Angels, is considered a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. It is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Art, culture, history, archeology, music, stunning gastronomy, and great business opportunities are combined to offer you a unique opportunity for a perfect escapade! Get in touch with your IVIDMC² Mexico City & Central Mexico representative and ask for a special all inclusive package!
Puebla and Cholula
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April 2015
Pirate Boat Show “Caribbean Buccaneers”, the aquatic tour offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a 3hour evening boat ride aboard a 16th century pirate galleon replica. A production of Mirage Entertainment a company specialized in live exotic shows. This particular production is the first in the Caribbean for the Mirage Entertainment company. The show features 22 experienced actors.
Medieval Punta Cana Medieval transports guests to the Middle Ages with this unique and fun dinner show at Imagine Cave. An amazing location for you to enjoy a special relaxed atmosphere. A spectacular dinner set in medieval times, in which the guests dress in clothing from the era, while the story of love and honor unfolds before their very eyes. Dancing, fryer juggling and, to cap it all off, an exhibition of weapons, siege machines and medieval outfits to make this a truly unforgettable experience.
Coco Bongo Coco Bongo, the world's most famous Disco Show opens its doors in Punta Cana, located downtown. Coco Bongo Show & Disco will deliver a unique experience that you’ll remember forever. It is a must see! It is a cross between Circus de Soleil/ Concert/Theatre/Nightclub. Everything from dance teams to trapeze artists, gymnasts and scenes from famous movies is played out to mainstream dance music. Every night Coco Bongo creates the best party by means of its unique atmosphere, acrobatic shows, imitations of famous artists, best services and all the details that distinguish the Coco Bongo hallmark.
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Dominican Republic
April 2015
La Ruta del Ron Barceló
La Ruta del Ron Barcelo allows visitors to learn about the wondrous world of rum from its origin in the sugarcane crops, till the final process of bottling. This enriching excursion will give you the opportunity to gaze upon our plantations, to observe them from a vantage point located in a Batey where Barcelo Rum has been providing work for the local community for many years. You will come to know our distillery where we develop the alcohols directly from sugarcane juices and finally, you’ll be taken to our rum aging cellars, the blending plant, and bottling. To finish the experience, at our Centro Cultural you will enjoy a taste of our rum.
Saona Island - a Caribbean Paradise The tour begins at the fishing village of Bayahibe, where you’ll board a catamaran and sail to Saona Island. Discovered by Christopher Columbus, the island is a government-protected nature preserve, so it teems with wildlife. A special experience is an up-close encounter with large fields of starfish. Once on the island, you can enjoy a refreshing drink and soak in a "Robinson Crusoe" day of sun, volleyball, merengue, and a great BBQ lunch on the beach. On the return, speedboats will take you past tropical waterfowl on your way to see a sacred Taino Indian princess' natural swimming pool. Lunch and beverages are included, but we can’t promise the princess will join us.
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Sunset Cruise Sailing and Snorkeling “Nature” is definitely a good-fitting second name for Costa Rica and our most popular tours prove that this is what our visitors will experience while here. Our best selling Sunset Cruise-Sailing and Snorkeling tour is the perfect combination of relaxation, fun, and action. During the three hour sail, we will be accompanied by dolphins, sea turtles and possibly whales! If you would rather get the best catch, we have the ultimate fishing as well. Adrenaline junkies will get their fix by zooming on our canopy tours, riding waves on jet skis or surfing for the first time. For the more adventurous kind, a variety of both exhilarating and relaxing activities are offered at the rustic Buena Vista Hacienda, a typical Costa Rican guest ranch next to the Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Whether you opt to hike on lush trails through the forest, walk the many hanging bridges, explore nature via horseback, take a thrilling zip line ride across the tree tops, or an adrenaline-filled glide down the 1,377 foot (420 meter) long water slide — adventure awaits! To top it all off bask in the mud baths and thermal waters, indeed a perfect grand finale!
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Panama
New Locks at the Panama Canal Definitely the most popular tour in Panama is the visit to the Panama Canal and a special highlight you won’t want to miss is the Panama Transit at the Canal. This is the most spectacular one day tour in Panama. You can also opt for a partial or shorter version of the tour, wherein you will transit a section of it. Either way you choose will be an unforgettable experience. The new locks on the Caribbean side have added interest to the sightseeing of this engineering wonder. Watch as these enormous ships sail off on the blue emerald paradisiac waters that glisten as the sun shines straight through the clear waters.
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Helicopter Tour in Rio What could be better than a sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro from the air? From the vantage point of a helicopter, you'll have unforgettable views of this beautiful city, nestled against a backdrop of granite peaks like Sugar Loaf Mountain rising from Guanabara Bay. On this 11-minute helicopter tour with a professional pilot, you’ll take some of the most spectacular photos of Rio imaginable, including Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain, overlooking Copacabana Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
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Destinations • Mexico • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Guatemala • Costa Rica • Panama • Colombia • Brazil • Argentina • Chile
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.
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).”
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April 2015
Travel Tip: Know Your ABCs Every airport has its own three-letter code. Some are easy to identify because they closely match the name of the city (like PIT for Pittsburgh or SFO for San Francisco). Others are more complicated (like MCO for Orlando or EWR for Newark). If you travel regularly, it would pay you to know the airport codes. It can help you read your ticket more easily, keep track of your frequent flyer miles, and talk like an airport pro (that’s PRO). In addition to knowing the city codes, you should know a few acronyms: ETA = Estimated time of arrival ETD = Estimated time of departure DT = Decision time (a determination of when a delayed flight might leave a gate) (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
Great Job! Thanks for all your help! Greg Slaight, CMP
Jose-Manuel GARCIA Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach IVIDMC²
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