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Year 10 Vol. 1, Issue 149 Cover Subject:
Directory Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM manolo@ividmc.travel Second Generation, Innovator & President
ENDLESS SUN-DAZED ADVENTURES AWAIT YOU • • •
Mexico Pages 4-7 Central America Pages 8, 9 South America Pages 10-17
Francisco BAEZA, DMCP fbaeza@ividmc.travel Vice President •
Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel General Comptroller
•
Quick Hits: Hoppy Days in Mexico City Page18 The Customer’s Always Right Page18
Raquel MIJARES, CIS Corporate Marketing Director
•
Advertise with CommuniQuest Page19
Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel Quality Director Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel Electronic Publishing
Pages 20, 21
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Content & Editing
Let’s Cook:
How to Prepare Fried Plantains Page 22
Fernando ROSAS corp.image@ividmc.travel Design Jorge OROZCO, DMCP jorozco@myday.travel Managing Director - MyDay Travel
Dr. Travel’s - Travel Tip: Common Sense From a Child Page 23 © Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.
Destination Offices Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
South America
IVI DMC² Los Cabos Yazmin ELOSEGUI 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 Mexico City, Central Mexico, IVI DMC² Dominican Republic IVI DMC² Panama Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit Ramon RIJO, CIS David JOHNSON Jaime NELO, CMS, DMCP Regional Managing Director Associate Regional Managing Destination Managing Director Director rrijo@ividmc.travel jnelo@ividmc.travel djohnson@ividmc.travel IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS Corporate Marketing Director rmijares@ividmc.travel
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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, When all the snow adventures go away, in Latin America we’re just getting warmed up. Here you can find a lifetime’s worth of outdoor activities to do. Whether you want to take your team to a higher performance level with a team building activity or just want to have an exciting group outing by means of an outdoor adventure, our destinations have it all! At IVI DMC2, our goal is to make sure your group has an amusing, exciting, and refreshing experience. Our fun, qualified staff will take your ideas and work with you to design an event around the thrill and skill level of your group. We have a variety of indoor and outdoor adventures and teambuilding activities to ensure a unique and gratifying experience for all types of groups. While in our jewel destinations, we also offer facility rentals and other services to help you round your experience; our day event groups include: energy-packed adventures, meeting room and gym rentals, meals and banquets, pool and pool parties, and of course, crafty teambuilding activities. Above it all, incredible lazuline skies will inspire you to breathe life in full. Thank goodness, the days are long in summertime because that’s the only way to fit everything in to host the perfect event!
Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM Second Generation, Innovator & President
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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LOS CABOS Prepare for a great selfie and to feel the sea breeze in front of El Arco, while watching sea lions and whales during season; go fishing, snorkel among schools of fish or just a sunbath. The options are endless and they’re entirely yours. From private yachts, catamarans, pirate boats, sunset sails, party cruises to snorkel tours to Chileno Bay, we have it all! SNORKELING Our snorkeling cruises will take you to explore Los Cabo´s snorkeling bays, Santa Maria or Chileno Bay. Experience the well-known superb service, while combining the best views, delicious buffet and bar. Jacques Cousteau named the Sea of Cortez "the world´s aquarium" for a reason. Rich marine life can be observed all along the beautiful turquoise bays of Baja. which boast a rich marine life in calm, protected waters. After snorkeling and a true Cousteau experience, the chefs will await you with a freshly prepared buffet lunch and refreshing drinks.
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YACHTS While in Cabo, you don’t need to be told life is good since there is beauty all around. Step aboard and meet your new yacht family. You will be greeted with mimosas, a welcome fruit platter, and a crew ready to make sure this is the best day of your vacation, from beginning to end. Swim with marine life, paddle board or just sit back and turn up your own music and let your new friends take good care of you. WHALE WATCHING Los Cabos’ biggest celebrities arrive like clockwork every winter. They don’t stay in plush resorts or dine in fancy restaurants, and they put on wild shows for the thousands who have come just to see them. We are talking about whales! The purpose of the tour is to find the wildlife and enjoy an up-close encounter with whales and who knows? You might be able to see cute dolphins play too!
Los Cabos serves up the ultimate terrain for off-road and dune buggy exploration, that can challenge your skills behind the wheel. Set out across desert landscape on a thrilling adventure in Migriño aboard a luxury ATV or UTV for an incredible off-road drive through sand creeks and canyons en route to the white sands of Margaritas Beach or to the 200-year-old Indian village of La Candelaria. The expert guides will equip you with all the safety gear and instructions you need to make your experience fun and safe. You will be fully prepared to enjoy your desert adventure and learn about local flora along the way. Zip Lines. The ultimate adventure in travel and vacation fun. The fun starts as you get connected to the cable, off the platform above cliffs and canyons, at over 300 feet in the air and at 50 miles per hour with only the wind at your side and nothing above you but clear skies; can´t get any better than this! It is an experience you'll always remember.
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CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA Cancun and Riviera Maya is undoubtedly one of the most paradisiacal places in the world thanks to its beaches and tropical climate. It is also considered a paradise for adrenaline-seekers. Cancun and Riviera Maya is the starting point for fun activities and adventure tours in the Mexican Caribbean. You can fly in ziplines above the jungle, cenotes and caverns. There are also adventure tours and jungle activities on ATVs. The adventure in Cancun and Riviera Maya never ends!
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Xplor. Explorers can enjoy six incredible activities: zip-lines, amphibious vehicles, rafts, swimming in underground rivers, spelunking and hammock splash. With nature and adventure at their core, these activities take place in natural settings outdoors and within underground environments. You can also feel the thrill of the night while gliding in incredible zip-lines, explore this land of mysterious caves and dive into the refreshing waters of an underground river. Jungle Tour. It features a world filled with a tropical variety of birds, plants, and marine life. You will cruise on the lagoon through twisty mangrove channels that merge with the open sea. Once you reach the turquoise waters of the Caribbean you will jump into the water and enjoy snorkeling in the largest reef in the western hemisphere. Mayan Jungle. Ride through the exuberant rain forest on an Unimog. Live a great experience rappelling down a beautiful cenote and swim in a unique natural pool. Enjoy nature and fly over the jungle’s foliage on exciting zip-lines.
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PANAMA The Panama Canal is one of the seven wonders of the industrial world. A good way to enjoy this wonder is by means of the Aqua-bus; it provides a perfect opportunity to sightsee Panama City by land and sea. It is a very unique vehicle that drives through city streets and then plunges into the Bay of Panama and to the entrance of the Canal. SURF. Panama has some of the best surf breaks in all of Central America! Whether you like point breaks, beach breaks, hollow tubes, or long peelers, Panama has a variety of surf breaks to accommodate your style. Panama hosts events like the ISA World Masters, ISA World Surfing Games, and international competitions. It has also hosted multiple events of national surfing such as the APS and the DST. DEEP SEA FISHING. Panama has an abundance of large fish: Black marlin, blue marlin, striped marlin, swordfish, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, dorado (Mahi), cubera snapper, grouper, roosterfish, Jack Crevalle, bluefin Trevally, African pompano, Amberjack, and many more fabulous gamefish.
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Salt Water. The species that can be caught are mahi mahi, bonito, albacore, Crevalle Jack, Spanish mackerel, snapper, grouper, sea trout (seasonal), and yellow pompano. Fresh Water. It does not matter if you are a professional angler, a novice or just want to pull luck, because this will be a great opportunity to try to catch a snook, a peacock bass or maybe a huge tarpon.
STUNNING TREETOP CANOPY. Enjoy Panamanian rainforest from up above and admire its magnificent beauty from different canopy and zipline stations, with some lines a 1 kilometer long. Stations: La Granja, Canopy Tower, Anton Valley, Volcan Canopy Park, Boquete Canopy RIVER RAFTING. Panama's abundance in water and unique geography lends itself to rafting, Based on the season, the rivers rank in classes 1 to 5. Rio Grande class 3; Old Chiriqui class 3; Chagres class 3; Mamoni (East Panama City) classes 3-5. WILD LIFE ADVENTURE. Whale watching is one of the most exciting adventures activities between June and October. Humpback whales arrive from Antarctica to the warm Panamanian waters. ยกEach year about 300 whales migrate to the warm Panamanian waters!
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ARGENTINA Adventure tourism and extreme sports, in their different modalities, tend to increase the number of fans around the world. Argentina in particular is being the preferred spot for all lovers of adventure, who are willing to receive a good dose of adrenaline. This choice is not accidental, because the relief of our country presents a high diversity, in the broad sense of the word, for the practice of these exciting sports. It is not hard to imagine the endless plains of the pampas, the mighty rivers of the mountain range, the high summits of mountains and volcanoes, and even the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. All these scenarios are waiting to be discovered by the intrepid and adventurous. The practice of this adventure or alternative tourism allows to know in a more active way unusual or little-known places, while in an up-close contact with nature. You will find circuits of different degrees of difficulty that will make it possible to share family outings as activities where excitement and risk are at every step. If you're ready then, adjust your belt, harness, life jacket or simply your trekking boots, and dare to venture into adventure tourism and extreme sports, all done in the midst of Argentina's fantastic natural environment!
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4X4 OFF ROAD An indescribable journey through wild landscapes, in which the adventure is mixed with the experience of a lifetime in these lands. An incredible tour that allows you to live Ushuaia in its wildest forms. Suitable for all ages.
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HORSEBACK RIDING TO CAJÓN DEL AZUL, EL BOLSÓN We invite you to join us on a cavalcade to the drawer of the Blue River, one of the most fascinating places of the landscapes near El Bolsón. Autumn provides the perfect opportunity all day long in the Patagonian Andean forest and mountains. Mounted on our zainos, we begin quietly to advance by the road that enters the natural reserve Río Azul - Lago Escondido. In this protected area there are thick forests of cypresses and coihues trees furrowed by mountain streams and inhabited by a diverse birdlife.
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RAFTING ON THE CORCOVADO RIVER The rapids of the Corcovado River are ideal to organize a group outing. Each one has its assigned role, there are no dangers but many sensations and unparalleled fun. The Patagonian rivers often offer incredible surprises. Corcovado, in the province of Chubut, invites to be a protagonist of rafting its rapids, which vary in degrees of difficulty II and III. Your participants won’t stop thanking you enough for adding this thrilling adventure to the group’s agenda.
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CATHEDRAL HILL
To speak of San Carlos de Bariloche is also to speak of its Cathedral Hill, which name is due to the fact that its summits resemble the towers of a medieval temple. Its majesty is known by skiers from all over the world. The Cerro Catedral, just 20 kilometers from the city of Bariloche, opens its doors with the arrival of the first
snowfall to visitors eager to experience the adventure that entails skiing and winter sports. At 1,030 meters above sea level, Cathedral Hill seems to want to unite the earth with the sky. Pioneer in South America, today the camp is the most complete ski center in the country and continues to modernize its facilities to offer the visitor the most advanced infrastructure. Its general unification offers a total of more than 600 hectares of skiable surface divided into 53 well-marked tracks and various difficulties that reach 2,000 meters above sea level.
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With options for all types of skiing, including off-piste, those who practice freestyle and snowboarding have a specially designed area with bumps and rails to demonstrate their skills. Cerro Catedral is for years the scene of the most important snow festivals and international competitions. Among them stands out the launch of each season with the descent with torches, a night show that is gaining more and more fans each season.
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IGUAZÚ FALLS Consecrated among the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the Iguazu Falls are the most visited natural attraction in the province of Misiones and one of the most imposing in Argentina and the world. The Iguazú Falls are located within the National Park of the same name, about 20 kilometers from the city of Puerto Iguazú, north of the province of Misiones, Argentina. The river that forms them, also called Iguazú, is born in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and after traveling about 1,200 kilometers by a plateau, absorbing the flow of the tributaries that meets its path, reaches a point where a geological fault forms a crack in the plain. As if a giant shovel had sunk into the earth splitting its sides!
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LLAMA TREKKING A walk with llamas between ancient ruins, salt marshes, valleys and ravines; it is an ancestral activity that allows you to connect with mother nature and the most breathtaking landscapes of northern Argentina. From time immemorial, the Andean man has moved by the difficult terrain that the
mountains and the highland imply using llamas.
NAUTICAL SAFARI TO PERITO MORENO GLACIER One of the most traditional excursions to get to know the Perito Moreno glacier is to navigate by means of a catamaran and thus admire its high walls. The tour allows for a stop to better appreciate the glacier’s greatness.
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HOPPY DAYS IN MEXICO CITY Fashionable things come and go; some just pop for a moment and are never to be seen again. Craft beer is just the opposite. It has become a phenomenon, and Mexico City became the perfect destination to experience it. Many restaurants here had adopted this cultural and gastronomical happening even before it grew so big – perhaps even being one of the first spots. IVI DMC² offers the perfect venue where you can do all types of activities with craft beer involved. Located at the heart of one of the neighborhoods known by their huge, world-class gastronomical variety, a new spot features fantastic craft beer from all over the globe, and promotes local breweries that deserve a space on the shelf and on your table, including the one made on site. Gourmet food, friendly and jovial service and a modern ambiance and décor make the experience unique. We can do not only dining events, but also beer tasting guided by a world class professional, pairing with gourmet and top shelf street food. Ideal for teambuilding activities involving the beer brewing process!
The Customer’s Always Right On Assignment was very pleased with the program development for our trip. Yazmin did a wonderful job of being thorough and responsive to all of our needs and inquiries. The planning of our program was made very simple due to the IVI team's attention to detail. Every question or adjustment we requested was handled quickly and thoroughly. Yazmin, Fausto, Maribel, Gabriel, and the rest of the team made sure that every part of our program was executed perfectly. They were always on-time, always informed, and always willing to help. Ms. Mallory Roseborough| Marketing Events Coordinator
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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: Francisco BAEZA fbaeza@ividmc.travel
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How to Prepare Fried Plantains
Plantains are a staple and a favorite throughout the Caribbean. From boiling to frying, there are many ways to prepare them and they are so delicious! If you want them to be salty like a chip snack you need to use unripen plantains. For a sweeter caramelized snack, you will want to use ripe plantains.
Preparation: 1.
Preheat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2.
Peel the plantains and cut them into bite size pieces.
Ingredients
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1/2 liter of cooking oil
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2 plantains
3.
Fry the pieces until tender. Remove from oil.
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And enjoy!
TravelTip: Common Sense From a Child Children can be wonderful teachers when it comes to dealing with any kind of airline upset. I learned a great lesson from some children one day when my very early morning flight was canceled. While standing in line to be reticketed, I noticed how kids were reacting to the situation. They simply took out their Mutant Ninja Turtle toys, sat on the floor, and had fun playing. The adults, on the other hand, were moaning and groaning about the inconvenience. What the children did was use the extra time to enjoy themselves. You, too, can be creative in any airline adversity. Find something enjoyable to do instead of complaining. And be prepared in advance, like the children. Bring something you can enjoy. Do not work! Enjoy your crossword puzzle, write a postcard to your family and friends, or simply people-watch. The rest of the trip will be easier. (Taken from page 10) 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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