CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest - Year 10 Vol. 1, 198

Vol. 1, No. 198

DIRECTORY

INDEX

Visionary, Founder and Dream Seller: Jose Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel President:

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Jose Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA CIS, CMS, CCM, CES

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Exploring the richness of Santa Marta, Cali, and San Andres

Flying Along with the I-Bee Squad - Happy birthday Mr. Garcia!

manolo@ividmc.travel Vice President of Marketing: Raquel MIJARES, CIS, DMCP

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rmijares@ividmc.travel

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Corporate Quality Director:

C o l o mb ia’s vibran t hi sto r y an d biodiverse reg i o ns

Julia ORTIZ, CES, CMS jortiz@ividmc.travel IT Manager: Angel PEREZ

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cun.sistemas2@ividmc.travel

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Content & Editing:

Heritage Communities of Colombia

Omar DELGADILLO corp.news@ividmc.travel

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Gastronomic delights, rhythmic surroundings and more in Villavicencio, Barranquilla, and Boyaca

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The “City of Parks” in Bucaramanga, and Riohacha’s wonderous indigenous ethnic group

A closer look at Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin

Destination offices

Cover subject: M&E in South America’s allure: Colombia Follow us on:

Mexico:

Caribbean:

Central America:

South America:

IVI DMC Los Cabos

IVI DMC Cuba

IVI DMC Costa Rica

IVI DMC Colombia

Yazmin ELOSEGUI, DMCP, CIS,

Alejandro DEBASA, CMS

Jeremy ZUÑIGA, CIS

Julieth LOPEZ

CMS

Regional Managing Director

Regional Managing Director

Destination Manager

Destination Managing Director

adebasa@ividmc.travel

jzuniga@ividmc.travel

co.planning@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC Dominican Republic

IVI DMC Panama

yelosegui@ividmc.travel IVI DMC Puerto Vallarta & Riviera

Bidia BISSUMBHAR, CIS, CES, CMM Malek ALMAINI

Nayarit

Destination Manager

Destination Manager

Jaime NELO, DMCP, CMS, CES

bidia@ividmc.travel

malek@ividmc.travel

Destination Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.travel IVI DMC Cancun & Riviera Maya Ximena LOPEZ, CMS Marketing & Planning Director cun.planning2@ividmc.travel

© Copyright 2020. All Rights Reserved.

A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT. Dear reader, Unspoiled Caribbean shorelines, obscure Amazon jungle, mystical archaeological ruins, and cobbled colonial regions, Colombia flaunts all of South America’s allure. This destination has rapidly emerged into a global powerhouse in the meeting and event sector during the last decade by promoting sustainable development that benefits both visiting organizations and local communities. Its growth is also due to the promotion of this rich destination that charms not only with its awe-inspiring beaches but a distinctive culture. Plan your extraordinary event with our leading quality of service. Our accomplishments and enthusiastic attitude are what upholds up our motto, in your business, “We make YOU look GREAT”!

Sincerely,

Jose Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM, CES President IVI DMC Enterprises

Our Objective: Always aim for 100% overall customer satisfaction.

Our Vision: 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 loyal, honest and successful partners maximizing the return on investment to shareholders.

Planet: Inspire responsible resource management by means of our work.

Our Mission: Serve customers through our international certifications ISO 9001 and ADMC ensuring 100% customer satisfaction to incentives, corporate meetings, conventions, congresses, special events and VIP vacations, providing memorable experiences that leave a mark in each of the destinations in which we operate; maximizing the return on investment to shareholders.

As you may know, this section of the CommuniQuest is for us to show you all of our adventures for the months recounted. So lets jump right into it!

This month we recorded a video to show you all of our new safety and hygiene protocols! We had a great time and it is our pleasure to show you the video.

Click here to watch it!

In other news, our Associate Regional Managing Director Jeremy ZuĂąiga became a Certified Incentive Specialist (CIS), a title given by Site Global upon successful completion of an online exam! Congratulations! Always improving the IVI DMC standards and keeping up to date to make our clients and partners look GREAT!

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We make YOU look GREAT! We are still holding online meetings with many of our beloved industry partners. We miss you a lot and look forward to reuniting with you very soon.

Flying along with the

I-Bee Squad Lastly, as you may know, we recently celebrated the birthday of our Founder Mr. Jose Manuel Garcia. We’re all proud of everything he’s accomplished, and honored to be able to work by his side for all these years!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. GARCIA! - The I-Bee Squad

Happy birthday Mr. Garcia!

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Co l ombia

Colombia is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, the second in biodiversity, and the first in bird species. 10% of the world’s species live in Colombia, more than North America and Europe combined. It is also home to the most diverse butterflies and orchids in the world and Amazonian rain forest, Los Andes mountain system, savannahs, deserts, and beaches. Colombia is the only South American country surrounded by islands and shores over the Caribbean and Pacific ocean such as San AndrÊs, Providence, Santa Catalina, Malpelo and Gorgona.

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A diverse world with boundless allurements Colombia is divided into six natural regions, each with unique characteristics and weather according to the sea’s altitude. This enables the temperature´s change in short distances depending on your tendencies.

Capital: Bogota Official Language: Spanish, English is the official language of San Andres Island. There are 68 other languages used by ethnic groups Total Area: 440, 831 sq mi Population: 50.372.424 Coin: Peso (COP) Government: Democratic Geography: Savannah, Mountains, Beaches, Islands, Plains, paramos, Glacier peaks Weather: No distinct seasons, thermal levels vary per short distances and altitudes.

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Andean Region The West Mountains begin in Nudo de los Pastos Nariño Department and extend to Nudo de Paramillo Córdoba department.

Highest mountains: Huila Snow peak Ruiz Snow peak Tolima snow peak Galeras Volcano

18864.83 ft 17457.35 ft 17112.86 ft 14028.87 ft

The East Mountains are the longest mountain group in the country. They hold a 745 mile extension that originates from the Guajira Department — northeast of the country — with two pathways that lead to Los Motilones and The Táchira, which crosses the Venezuelan border.

Highest mountains: Sierra Nevada del cocuy Snow peak de Sumapaz Choachi peaks

17486.88 ft 12532.81 ft 9776.903 ft

Altiplanes Bogotás savannah Ubates savannah Sogamoso valley

8530.184 ft 8431.759 ft 8431.759 ft

Orinoquia Region The Colombian llanos, famous for the cattle tradition, have 119,691 sq mi of valleys in the middle of Arauca and Guaviare rivers. The mountain system la Macarena is located in this area as well.

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Caribbean Region Located north of the Andean region with a 51,043 sq mi area, this is home to the Caribbean seashore, some mountains, and the Guajira Desert.

One of the highest mountains in the country is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Martha, with the highest peaks measuring 18946.85ft above sea level. Visitors can also discover the cities of Santa Marta, Barranquilla, Cartagena and Guajira.

Amazonian Region The Colombian Amazon is located south of the country in the middle of the Guaviare and Amazonian rivers alongside the Brazilian border.

With an area of 155,733 sq mi is a rainforest where visitors can find the Amacayacu, Cahuinari Parks and the natural reserve of Nukak known for their beauty and biodiversity.

Pacific Region One of the best scuba spots in Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos is nestled in a cluster of granite islands rising out of the waters of the southern part of Banderas Bay – a thrilling place to explore.

There are the Devil’s Canyon and El Bajo, plus a fascinating multitude of beautiful fish, lobsters, octopuses, rays, and eels. Every Monday, Friday, and Saturday, our PADI Divemasters bring divers to scuba dive at Los Arcos and discover the adventure that awaits underneath the waves!

Insular Region San Andres, Providence, Santa Catalina Caribbean, Malpelo, and Gorgona Pacific Sea.

History

Colombia has been inhabited by many indigenous groups since 12.000 BC, such as the Muisca, Quimbaya, and Tayrona.

The Spanish arrived in 1492 known as the XVI Century and established the New Granada Kingdom with Santafe de BogotĂĄ Capital city. Most of the Colombian population is mixed between Spanish and indigenous groups including Africans brought to Colombia as slaves.

The diversity of races and customs gave birth to the amazing Colombian folklore, exquisite gastronomy and cultural expressions with worldwide artists such as painter and sculptor Fernando Botero and the Nobel prize bearer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a destination specialist in crafts, textiles, and Ceramics. The most important Colombian folklore expression is its music, with Grammy-winning artists such as Shakira, Juanes, and Carlos Vives who have a passion for singing and dancing. The country’s recent history from 2005 has shown significant improvement in security, stability, order, and justice with economic growth and development. Colombia nowadays is verified as a safe destination for tourists.

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Why plan your event in Colombia Colombia is a country with many attractions and climates ready to satisfy expectations with experiences, events, and tours that range from a paradise island to a coffee farm with the best coffee in the world. Our professional trained staff in every city is eager to welcome visitors with joy and passion, taking care of every expectation. From national and international hotel chains, gastronomic experiences for every taste with delicious recipes from every region, Colombia is prepared to amaze your senses.

Colombia is a destination specialized in creating unforgettable memories, your only request will be the desire to never leave.

Colombia is best distinguished by: • Paradise islands and beaches in the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea • The best coffee in the world • Crystal Chanel; the most beautiful river in the world (The Rainbow River) • Whale watching in Gorgona, Nuqui, and Bahia Solano • Scuba diving season all year • Ecotourism • A gastronomic variety for every taste defined by Spanish, Indigenous and African culture mix • Fruits and vegetables all the year picked straight from the trees.

• The Colombian locals are happy, loving, gentle, and at your service.

• The diverse climate options.

• Signature parades and celebrations.

• Football lovers, including many other sports.

• Unforgettable landscapes.

• Mega diversity in flora and fauna.

Awards and Prizes that distinguish Colombia Colombia is promoting the Biosecurity certification (check-in) COVID 19 BIOSAFE. This certification is designed to build trust with travelers and customers, minimizing the risk of virus contamination while promoting the country’s tourism. This provision could be implemented by service businesses, places, and touristic activities certified in biosecurity protocols once the reactivation begins. The touristic biosecurity brand has been certified by the Tourism Worldwide Organization, the first of its kind created in Latin America.

Colombia has recently been awarded in various events and tourism expo shows worldwide. On July 14, 2019, Colombia was elected as South America’s most prestigious destination in the World Travel Awards in the Travel Business International Awards, best known as the tourism Oscars. The World Travel Awards are recognized worldwide as a quality brand in the travel business, every year they award the countries who offer the best tourism experiences. Cali was awarded the best cultural city in the region, Bogota was chosen as the ideal meetings and conferences destination, and Cartagena was elected as the ideal city for newlyweds.

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Colombia is an excellent destination for tourism meetings. The country has more than 1000 weekly air routes, connecting 25 countries with 25 airlines. According to the last ranking from the International Congress and Convention Association, the country is ranked in Global Meetings Destination Top 30 with more meeting events in 2019. Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena were listed as the 10 main cities to host more meetings in Latin America.

In Orlando, Florida more than 700 tourism businessmen attended our operator’s annual conference where they regarded Colombia as the most attractive destination for tourism. According to the migration and commerce industry and tourism ministry, 3.4 million nonresident travelers came to Colombia between January and October 2019 — an increase of 2,7% — more than 2018, mostly from the United States, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Brazil.

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Heritage Communities of Colombia

Mompox, Bolivar Dare to swim with the largest fish in the world! These remarkable animals tour the Bay of La Paz, as they come to devour plankton in these rich waters. This exciting activity begins with a 30-minute boat ride to the area where the whale sharks are relaxing. Allow yourself to sense this exhilarating action in the fresh waters of the Sea of Cortez, either snorkeling, diving, or paddleboarding.

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Belen Beach, North of Santander Its name is derived from the ground which resembles the shore of the sea stoned streets and white houses. Visitors can find The Estoraques, a Unique natural reserve with an area of 640,62 acres.

Barichara, Santander Its name is derived from the ground which resembles the shore of the sea stoned streets and white houses. Visitors can find The Estoraques, a Unique natural reserve with an area of 640,62 acres.

Villa de Leyva, Boyaca A town full of colonial and colorful houses, stone streets of 150,694 sq ft and a central fountain. This is home to the famous kite festival which takes place every year.

Salamina, Caldas Known as ”The City of Light” or “Parks Town”, a place that resembles a nativity scene with 9 parks rich in colonial history, architecture, beautiful landscapes, mountains, and colorful balconies. Here we can learn about the coffee culture, from its harvesting to its production process.

Cienaga, Magdalena Hidden in the middle of the Caribbean, this place is known as the magic realism capital, amidst The Sierra Nevada Santa Marta and the Caribbean sea. This place has 4 different sources of water; the sea, the ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, the Cordoba river, and the thermals from El Volcano.

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Bogota Colombia’s capital is one of the biggest cities in the country, with a climate that features moderate temperatures and fresh nights all year long. A convergence point for people from all over the country which makes Bogota a multicultural city where you can find modern and antique spots all in one place. Below the city’s surface lies a 4921.26 ft labyrinth of tunnels and chambers approximately a hundred years old which feature a dilapidated theater. Some are now used as rehearsal spaces by Distrital University’s Arts faculty which hopes to expand and restore more of this unique underworld.

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A blend of cosmopolitan and colonial in Colombia´s beating soul Bogota is one of the capital cities in the world with more natural privileges due to its great biodiversity. The natural heritage is the main touristic commodity, with 70% of the city’s territory and rural surroundings, it features the Andean Forest, The Secondary Forest, Paramo, Sub Paramo, and forest.

The city has vibrant greenery thanks to the parks and the West Mountains surrounding the city where visitors can find Guadalupe and Monserrate Sanctuaries, colorful modern buildings and colonial heritage residences. Bogota is the ideal destination with gastronomic variety, culture history, entertainment, business, and many more activities of a cosmopolitan city.

This destination offers programs and activities that feature history, art, and colonial-style tours in places such as Candelaria, El Chorro de Quevedo, National Museum, Modern Art Museum. It also showcases tourism, leisure, and exquisite gastronomic venues such as Monserrate, 93 Park, and Usaquen; visitors can enjoy unique experiences with Permanent exhibitions and fairs in Corferias. For music enthusiasts, there are Rock, Jazz, Salsa, and Hip hop Festivals, the theater, and International expo shows that include the Book and Literature Expo Show that welcomes global visitors every year.

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Cartagena Cartagena is located on the Caribbean shore of Colombia. Identified as Heroic city or Walled City with a fusion of Parades, Nightlife, Business meetings, colonial architecture, and unforgettable landscapes.

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This city has temperatures between 23 and 30 degrees celsius all year long and offers irresistible gastronomic variety and wide hotel infrastructure for every type of touristic activity.

You can’t miss the historical center tour, visiting the walls and the mysterious San Felipe’s Castle; at night you can ride a carriage and enjoy the colonial backdrops, idyllic ambiance, and Caribbean scenes.

In Cartagena and nearby places visitors can find parks, forests, gardens, exotic species, and fresh air. The aviary, the flora and fauna sanctuary from Los Colorado’s, Botanic garden from Turbaco and the oceanarium, are some of the places where visitors can enjoy biodiversity.

Indulge in unique experience from music, literature, film, and TV festivals. Enjoy the relaxing Rosario’s island, Baru, or Saint Bernard beaches.

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Medellin

The Charming Paisas (Medellin citizens) will make you fall in love with their marvelous food and perfect weather 24ยบC all year long once you reach this lovely destination. Medellin offers the amazing Paisa Culture full of dance, music, and fun. A fascinating and appealing city for corporate events with spectaculars landscapes all around and unique experiences at any time and every day.

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A hillside metropolis nestled in nature’s backyard

You can enjoy landscapes and nature in Medellin. Some of the places that you cannot miss are the botanical garden, the Arvi Park, Lleras Park, Barefoot Park, and Barrio Park where you can walk and watch birds fly around you. If you want a real encounter with Medellin nature you can visit the nearby towns and hike in the traditional bridle paths.

There is also the Cauca River, one of the longest and fastest of the country where visitors can practice Kayak and rafting. If you prefer art then you can visit Fernando Botero’s sculptures, The Modern Art Museum, Antioquia’s Museum, and the Interactive Park Explore. You can find expo shows in this region such as the Flowers expo. Medellin is also the host of Colombia fashion and Expocraftmen. Don’t forget to visit tourist places around Medellin like Guatape Peñon mountain and the Paisa little Town. Also, remember to try the famous bandeja paisa, a typical dish from Medellin.

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Santa Marta From a mixture of culture, flavor, landscapes, nature, and beaches you can find it all in Santa Marta. Since 1979 Unesco declared this city biosphere reserve and mankind heritage due to its 30 thousand indigenous communities that inhabited this region some of which are the Kogui, Arhuaco Kankuamo, and Wiwa.

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South America’s oldest Europeanfounded town and the second-mostimportant colonial city on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast Tayrona Park is the perfect place to learn more about Tyrone culture. It features a natural reserve where you can relax, enjoy different beaches, crystal waters, and its unique sunrises. Stroll the Cienaga Grande of Santa Marta, known as the biggest and most fertile lakeshore of the Caribbean in Colombia. It is home to several lakes, mangroves, forests with a diversity of flora and fauna.

Enjoy the cathedrals tour and understand the historical and colonial region of the city, the Bastidas pier, and finish your tour with a visit to Saint Peter Alejandrino Quinta, considered one of the most important national historical monuments. When visiting Santa Marta you cannot miss the Sea Parade, the International Caribbean Film Festival, the Sea Museum, or the aquarium.

If that wasn’t enough, you can enjoy the rays of the sun in a refreshing environment at Tatanga beach and taste the delicious gastronomic options such as coconut rice, patacones, and chipi chipi shrimp.

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Cali The dance city is full of flavor — not food in particular — but rather with musical rhythms such as currulao and salsa. Book your trip to the famous Cali parade and you will understand why Cali is known as the salsa dancing capital city.

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Cauca Valley is very rich in biodiversity and home to about 25% and 50% of the country’s fauna species and 11% flora species. Thanks to its geographic location and topographic characteristics there are about 5000 plant species and 1300 animal species. You can enjoy Cali’s colonial architecture and some monuments like the majestic king Christ very similar to the redemption of Christ in Rio de Janeiro. Art can be an option as well as museums, Cali offers a few options such as the archeological museum la Merced, Tertullian museum, and many more.

Enjoy the traditional gastronomy with exquisite dishes such as aborrajado, chuleta valluna, cholao, and the champus (corn drink, lulo, panela and pineapple) in Cauca valley. Experience the energy and the essence of the CaleĂąos when visiting the dance halls in juanchito where music and dance provide an unforgettable experience.

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San Andres In San Andres, you can visit many beaches such as Spratt Bright, Cocoplum y Sound Bay, Reefs as Rocky Cay, Haynes Cay, and Rose Cay. Don’t miss the opportunity to sail into famous Johnny Cays beach is 15 min away and provides a tranquil atmosphere and exquisite gastronomy. Providence and Santa Catalina are other naturally beautiful islands close to San Andres.

You cannot miss the lover’s cave and Morgan pirate cave tour during your visit. Shrimp, fish mixture, and delicious cocktails craft an exquisite gastronomy experience to the visitors of San Andres Island.

This Caribbean sea island is located in front of Nicaragua’s shore distinguished by its coral reefs and reggae music, reggaetón, soca, and merengue. It provides four different locations for scuba diving, different blue Tones Sea and the kindness from the local community that reside on this island.

In the year 2000, the reef was declared Biosphere World Reserve Sea Flower. Its surrounding islands and cays were also chosen in 2014, 2015, and 2019 Archipiélago was chosen as the best destination for Sun and Beach by the World Travel Awards. According to Colombia.travel.com, This little Paradise is influenced by British, Spanish, Pirates, and corsairs mixed with the afro town that gave life to this rich culture, in fact, you can hear local people speaking Spanish, English, and Creole — a mix of Isabelian English, Spanish and African dialects.

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San Andres Villavicencio This destination is in Colombia’s downtown, where the Andes join the Llanos plain, and southwest from Bogota. The Joropo dance is the soul of the llanero rhythm and the coleo sport very similar to a rodeo, where a small group of llaneros (cowboys) on horseback pursue cattle at high speeds through a narrow pathway (called a manga de coleo) in order to drop or tumble them.

This destination is in Colombia’s downtown, where the Andes join the Llanos plain, and southwest from Bogota. The Joropo dance is the soul of the llanero rhythm and the coleo sport very similar to a rodeo, where a small group of llaneros (cowboys) on horseback pursue cattle at high speeds through a narrow pathway (called a manga de coleo) in order to drop or tumble them.

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When you arrive at Villavo, remember to walk by Liberators Square, Our Lady of Carmen Cathedral, King Christ Monument, Catama, Merecure Arqueological Park, Catama, and the Axe park, Life park, and Sikuani among others. Villavo’s Ocarros Park is home to 1200 animals from 193 different species.

Enjoy the fun from llanos nightlife, a mix of modern music with joropo chords and music that llanera attributes to this destination. The Llanero cuisine will captivate your palate, enjoy diverse gastronomy from signature dishes such as mamona Tungos hallacas and cachapas made of corn.

Barranquilla Known as the sand land, it is one of the main Colombian cities and a touristic reference for travelers and businessmen. This city is a reference to important artistic and cultural characters of the country such as awardwinning writers, poets, painters, sculptures, musicians, and journalists.

Colombia’s fourth-largest cosmopolitan city on the Caribbean coast is known as the where the party never stops, famous for its Carnaval de Barranquilla A city surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes in Bocas de Ceniza and historical port and beaches in Puerto Colombia, not to mention its Historic Center, declared Cultural Interest Property in 1999, Modern Art Museum, Maria Reina Cathedral, San Antonio de Salgar Castle and Roberto Melendez Metropolitan Stadium — home to Colombia’s soccer team during the world cup eliminatory.

This destination is full of joy, reflecting the more influential youth and creative spirits surrounded by music, parades, art, and fun. Barranquilla’s gastronomy offers delicious meals, thanks to cultural mix with Caribbean influences. Enjoy traditional dishes such as guandu soup with salt meat, bollos de yucca, and fruit drinks as corozo, tamarindo, zapote, and nispero.

Barranquilla’s Carnival is the most prestigious festival in Colombia, one that is celebrated in February. UNESCO is the only celebration from the Caribbean that declared a MasterPiece Oral and Immaterial Mankind Heritage.

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Boyaca Dotted with quaint colonial towns — the root of Colombia’s patriotism — where their independence was declared upon Spain in the Battle of Boyaca.

This state is located in Colombia’s midtown, and it is composed of colonial cities and architectural style. Boyaca was the place of major victories in Colombian Independence history. A Tour in Boyaca is one of the best activities in Colombia, it features beautiful landscapes, adventures, and culture. It features many locations with colonial-style, ecological landscapes, and weather for those who are searching for something else than beach and sun.

Overall Boyaca is full of different experiences and beautiful little towns.

Villa de Leyva is highlighted by wine houses, museums, and festivals such as the Astronomic in February, Wind and Kite Festival in August, and Lights Festival in December.

Chiquinquira is widely distinguished for its cathedral’s architecture, handcraft in Tagua, wine houses in Nobsa city and water sources, and thermal pools with health properties in Paipa. Traditional corn-based dishes are part of this state’s Gastronomy arsenal, producing a mixture of flavors with yucca, potatoes, meat, and lamb the most traditional drinks like chicha and corn guarapo for the perfect pairing.

Bucaramanga The luscious green city denominated the “City of Parks�

With flowery parks, large avenues, and the great charisma of its people, welcomes visitors to the Ciudad Bonita of Colombia. Named after the greenness of its many parks, the pleasant climate of around 25ÂşC, and the culture of Santander.

It has a great hotel infrastructure and a wide gastronomic menu that welcomes tourists with its magic of indigenous and peasant philosophy.

Bucaramanga has more than 72 parks within its metropolitan area, which makes it a city that stands out for its sustainable urban development as well as its colorful green landscape. The Centennial Park, Santander Park, Water Park, La Flora Park, and the Chicamocha National Park are considered a marvel of international stature that offers visitors a wonderful view of the Chicamocha Canyon.

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For adrenaline sports fanatics, Bucaramanga has a variety of places that are experts in intense sports that offer activities such as paragliding, rafting, and rappelling. Its gastronomic variety features signature dishes that include lamb, pepitoria, fry ants, corn arepa, sweet jelly, smoke steak, mute soup and changua soup.

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A glipmse into the wonders of La Guajira Riohacha is located on the Caribbean coast of the district of La Guajira. It is the cradle of the most numerous indigenous ethnic group in Colombia, the Wayuu, a culture of interest for those who visit these lands. It occupies about a quarter of the territory of La Guajira, including areas of indigenous reserves, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park and the Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.

Riohacha offers a glimpse into the wonders of guajira crafts such as chinchorros, blankets, hammocks, hats, among other objects appreciated for their color and quality.

Riohacha was, in the 19th century, the cradle of the most popular music in Colombia, known today as Vallenato.

The Francisco el Hombre Festival in April is a must-see event for all music enthusiasts. This genre is influenced

by North American, European, and Caribbean music and dance. Some dances such as La Yonna or Baile de la Chichamaya La Yonna were born from the sound of mother nature and represent the peace of the community, the magical-religious customs and the female initiation are still preserved in the rancherĂ­as.

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Riohacha

The pedestrian tourist pier, the colonial houses, the coastal boardwalk invites visitors to stroll at night in front of the sea and beaches on the north side of the mouth of the RancherĂ­as river. The Boca Camarones, Casa Robles, Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas, and Uribia which are located on the outskirts of the city, are a must-stop during your journey.

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What our client’s have to say.

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Laura Hagen | Program Manager – Event Operations

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“

I know this wasn’t a complex program, but everything was flawless.

We have 100% confidence in you!

I would highly recommend IVI DMC to any group traveling to Costa Rica. The communication from IVI DMC was impeccable!

I’ve never had such a positive experience with a DMC.

Hillary Carpenter | Marketing & Meeting Coordinator at Travel Time Agency

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“

We have 100% confidence in IVI - even though we ran the team into the ground, they always had smiles and great attitudes! The client was DEMANDING, but all responses were professional and made us feel as we were one team (heart) There were times where I felt like with 1,000 requests at the same time, David could have used someone else to help respond our requests. I know it was a lot!

April Cabalka | Supervisor- Event Operations

GET REWARDED WITH THE ANDAZ MEETINGS OFFER • Rates starting from $179 USD++ in European plan • 25,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points • 5% rebate to Master bill in guest rooms only • Flexible cancellation fees • No attrition fees (two years history required) • 16% VAT reimbursement on master account charges in rooms, restaurants and banquets • Complimentary Resort Fee • For every 25 rooms paid and occupied receive 1 comp Andaz King room and 1 upgrade to a Lagoon Suite (subject to availability) • 20% off in banquet food and beverage • 15% off in Encore AV services • 15% off in Naum Spa • Meal plans available for groups

Let’s make a moment together: This offer is valid for groups minimum of 10 and maximum of 75 paid guest rooms on peak nights for a minimum of 2 nights. Booked by December 31st, 2020 and held fromJune 1st to October 31st, 2020 and from May 1st to October 31st, 2021. VAT reimbursement applies only with specific requirements and for conventions, congress, fairs or exhibitions, subject to audit and Mexican Tax Law. Contact us to check on availability: hola@ividmc.travel Terms and conditions: Rates plus taxes and service charges (3% occupancy tax, 16% VAT, 10% of room service charge and $1.40 USD for Environmental tax per occupied room per day). Blackout dates may apply. May not be combined with other offers. Void where prohibited. Hyatt reserves the right to alter or withdraw these offers at any time without previous notice.

Not valid for previous bookings. A sales contract is required. Audiovisual discount is exclusive of labor and service fees. Food and beverage promotion only applies on banquet consumptions.

andazmayakoba.com

hola@ividmc.travel

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Doctor Travel’s cure for the common trip Make sure to use sunscreen when touring the outdoors When traveling to various destinations in Latin America, you’re bound to be exposed to heaps of sun, so make sure to wear sunscreen every single day, regardless of weather and temperature conditions.

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Dear reader!

Thanks for reading Communiquest Incentive Travel Digest I hope you find in this newsletter a useful tool that will help you make decisions for your successful business.We would be delighted to know if there anything else you’d like to see or experience in this monthly newsletter. Your suggestions are more than welcome.

We wish you the best in your endeavors and business adventures, and please, don’t forget, working with us “Will make YOU look GREAT”.

IVI DMC² Corporate office: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mx Phone: +52 (998) 287-1700 Email:ivicorp@ividmc. travel

Sincerely,

For further information on the finest hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this travel digest, please contact:

José-Manuel GARCÍA, CDS Visionary, Founder and Dream Seller

Raquel MIJARES rmijares@ividmc.travel

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