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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, Each year that passes, I have the honor of observing business trends as the president and innovator of our company. Now, I am pleased to share the M&E top trends for 2017. We invite leading companies to see what they can embrace this upcoming year. These trends have become mainstream for successful events in our different destinations. The world is changing and business trends for the upcoming years will have to accommodate more to a new generation of entrepreneurs. Today’s meeting attendees want more than trade shows and sit down dinners. For example, the tendency is leaning towards the use of outdoor gathering places, ‘greener’ business practices, broader food choices, and the latest in technology of course. In 2017, technology will be a necessary staple for every business in order to compete in today's competitive market. Therefore, services and strategies are revamping in order to cater to all types of business travelers. 2017 is going to be an exciting year of opportunities, take a peek at what lays in store! Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS Second Generation, Innovator, & President
About Us Our Vision: Associates: Preserve our company as the best place to work, so that our multicultural staff can thrive professionally and thus always perform their best. Customers: To offer an innovative high-quality service that exceeds all expectations. Partners: To continually consolidate our network of honest and successful partners. Revenue: To maximize the investment of our shareholders & help them gain good dividends. Planet: By means of our hard work instill in others the responsible management of resources.
Our Mission: To serve our customers supported on international certifications ISO 9001 and ADMC, thus ensuring 100% satisfaction to groups, conventions, incentives and special events customers. We create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on attendees visiting each and every one of the destinations in which we operate.
Our Objective: Always aim for 100 % overall customer satisfaction.
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Year 9 Vol. 1, Issue 133 Visionary, Founder, Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS & Master Coach jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Contents: Second Generation, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) Innovator & President GARCIA, CIS, CMS manolo@ividmc.travel
Cover Subject:
Top Meeting Trends for 2017
Executive Vice-President Karla JIMENEZ, CMS kjimenez@ividmc.travel
General Comptroller Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel
Corporate Marketing & Francisco BAEZA, DMCP Product Development Director fbaeza@ividmc.travel Quality Director
Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel
Electronic Publishing Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel Content and Editing Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Managing Director Jorge OROZCO, DMCP —MyDay Travel jorozco@myday.travel IVI DMC2 Enterprises Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
Los Cabos Puerto Vallarta Cancun & Riviera Maya Costa Rica Panama Argentina
DQuest
Caribbean
4-7 8-11 12,13 14,15 16,17 18-29 30,31
Quick Hits: New Archaeological Site New CVB CEO in Cancun Panama Canal Expansion Puerto Vallarta - PCMA Advertise with CommuniQuest The Customer’s Always Right
32 33 33 34 35 35
Let’s Cook: How to Prepare Ponche
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Dr. Travel Travel Tip: Reach Out and Meet Someone
Destination Offices: Mexico
Page
Central America
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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 Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Brazil Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director amajela@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit
IVI DMC² Dominican Republic
IVI DMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS, CIS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Argentina Jorge OROZCO, DMCP Regional Managing Director jorozco@ividmc.travel
Jaime NELO, CMS, DMCP Destination Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.travel
Ramon RIJO, CIS
Regional Managing Director
rrijo@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS Marketing Director
rmijares@ividmc.travel
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© Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved.
Cover Subject:
Top Meeting Trends for 2017
CABO SAN LUCAS: Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament It’s a five day exciting and competitive tournament. Thousands of people crowd the marina walkways to shop, party, and watch huge fish being weighed in at the scales in front of the world-famous Puerto Paraiso Entertainment Plaza. The name "Black and Blue" comes
from the two main objectives of fisheries: the black marlin and blue marlin. For the protection of these species of marlin, only those over 136 kilos qualify, so lighter specimens are returned to the sea. Records of the largest marlin caught in the tournament have been a giant blue marlin of 450 kilos and a black marlin of 292 kilos, caught by Rocky Gentile and Martha McNab in 1994 and in 2006, respectively.
LOS CABOS: A Little Piece of Heaven in Mexico Los Cabos is located in the Southern tip of Baja California and ranges from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo. It is the perfect choice for groups who are looking for
adrenaline or to simply relax and enjoy the good vibes this place has to offer. As in other beautiful places in the world, Los Cabos has seasons for different events and activities. Los Cabos has never seen so much development, and with the arrival of many top name resorts, the area will become an even more popular luxury destination in the world!
CABO SAN LUCAS: Whale Watching This is one of nature’s most delightful signs of seasonal change: The migration
of hundreds of whales from the cold waters of the Arctic to the warmer, calm waters surrounding the Baja Peninsula. From December to March, there is no better place to view such a spectacle than in Los Cabos! There are several spots to watch these magnificent cetaceans in their natural habitat. Magdalena Bay Whale Sanctuary and San Ignacio Lagoon are among the best places for sightings of the 11 species of whales found worldwide, eight of which venture to the waters of Cabos, including minke, bryde, fin, sei, humpback, gray, and blue whales. This 6 month trip is the longest trip made by any animal in the world!
Los Cabos
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5
Los Cabos
SAN JOSE DEL CABO: Jazz Festival Are you music lover? Then, San Jose Jazz Weekend is for you; a feast of flavors, friendship, and enjoyment for lovers of good music.
SAN JOSE DEL CABO: Art Walk District Enjoy an evening stroll through the Gallery District, visiting the art galleries, sipping wine, and dining in our neighborhood restaurants. Often, galleries will have special events such as “artist in attendance� or openings of new exhibitions. With the ever-growing popularity of the Art Walk,
downtown San Jose as a whole is bustling on Thursday evenings; but the heart, soul and sophistication of this weekly event lies too within the borders of the Gallery District, inside the galleries, located behind the church and main square.
It is important to mention that one of the biggest trends in Cabos is the renovations and developments of main resort chains. As you may know, Los Cabos has the reputation of having an environment for all kinds of tourism, and with the ever increasing competition between airlines the winner is you! More connecting options and lower prices for travelers are on the rise. Airlines on both sides of the border will now be able to fly whatever routes they want as often as they want and set competitive prices.
Los Cabos
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Swimming Pool at The Resort at Pedregal
Most of the resort area’s existing luxury hotels have reopened after extensive renovations and
are
looking
better
than
before:
The
Resort
at
Pedregal,
One
&
Only
Palmilla, Esperanza, and Las Ventanas al Paraiso, and Rosewood Resort. Even Me Cabo by Melia has undergone a major renovation and has a new Presidential Suite ME, combining three different units connected by a grand stairway and outfitted with a custom DJ booth for parties. The international hot spot Blue Marlin Ibiza will also be joining the resort as an avant-garde beach club. Strong hotel brands have recently opened in Los Cabo, such as The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, and adjacent Ritz-Carlton Reserve with its 10,000 ft2 residences, Auberge’s VieVage, Starwood’s Solaz Montage, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Mar Adentro by Encanto, and the Hard Rock Hotel, which will dramatically transform the coastline by end of 2017. In 2018, Four Seasons will open its first property in Los Cabos. Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas will be located in the private Costa Palmas community with a spectacular beachfront property. The 145-room Four Seasons Resort will include a Robert Trent Jones II–designed, 18-hole golf course. The property will also include a private yacht marina and yacht club. Set in one of the most sophisticated destinations in Mexico, Grand Velas Los Cabos opens its doors by the very spot where Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean converge. The beauty that shimmers from the contrast resulting of the union of the desert with the sea is unrivalled. More than 300 luxurious suites of over 1,000 ft2 with spectacular views and excellence in service, make stays at this resort an unforgettable vacation experience. The privileged location facing the monumental Arch becomes the perfect backdrop for sport fishing and aquatic activities. Grand Velas Los Cabos is the perfect blend of a unique destination, luxury all-inclusive, and world-class service.
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Los Cabos
Some trends for 2017 in Vallarta-Nayarit: The magic present in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit, the charm of the authentic, colorful Mexico, the abundant gastronomical offer, the wonderful sunsets over the Bay of Banderas and many, many more things, have lured visitors from Mexico and countries all over the world; they feel like at home in this magical bay! One of the most noticeable trends for Vallarta-Nayarit is a larger demand for upscale service. The most remarkable resorts across the bay are receiving abundant requests and celebrating numerous group contracts. Another emerging trend at this double destination is the holding of events in private villas. The Bay of Banderas is one of the favorite spots to build luxurious, unique residences. Some of them are available to celebrate cocktails, gala dinners, and themed events, in total privacy and enjoying all the services required to make them unforgettable and unique.
Puerto Vallarta
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Without question, Vallarta Nayarit is a favorite destination for high cuisine connoisseurs.
Its
extraordinary
restaurants never cease to surprise their customers with their creations;
also, the gastronomic festivals and events are dotted all over its calendar and are fantastic opportunities to sail through fantastic worlds for the senses.
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Puerto Vallarta
The festivals and the patron
in many villages across t
Pueblito Magico of Sayulita
most visitors, opposite to th
agendas at other destinatio
so abundant that it is s
Contact your representativ Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, further details!
Puerto Vallarta
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nal festivities celebrated
the area, including the
a, catch the attention of
he weekly programmed
ons. The regional joy is
shared with everyone!
ve at IVI DMC² Puerto & Central Mexico for
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Puerto Vallarta
Cancun on Track for Another Record Breaking Year in Inbound Tourism Compared to the previous year, Cancun reached a 2% increase in visitors during the first half of 2016. The addition of new hotels, restaurants, and other attractions in 2016 will help support the ongoing
growth
of
visitors
to the
destination. Recent resort expansions
have taken place at: Breathless Riviera Cancun
Resort
&
Spa,
Fiesta
Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Temptation Resort & Spa Cancun, and Moon Palace Cancun. This helps to contribute to the attractiveness of our destination. Cancun’s constant commitment to expansion and diversification will lead the city into yet another record breaking year. Some trending tours for 2017: Sail abroad this impressive galleon modeled after Columbus’ original flagship. Eat and dance in the midst of a real pirate battle. A real adventure!
Cancun & Riviera Maya
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Xcaret is the # 1 ecological park in Cancun. There is a large variety of endemic species and its own aquarium where one can choose to interact and/or observe.
Cancun's new oceanfront theme park, Ventura Park isn't just any ordinary theme park, think of it as a mega theme park, with many thrilling worlds of entertainment inside.
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Cancun & Riviera Maya
Wow Factor: Mother Nature Body Paint Display When we receive an RFP there is a constant and specific request: our clients always look for the WOW factor and out of the box ideas. That is completely understandable due to the market we cater to. Our clients are winners that travel all around the world and besides having an educated taste, they have seen many shows and many events; so it is our job to make their days in Costa Rica the ones they will always remember! At IVI DMC2 Costa Rica we fully understand this challenge, and that is why we are constantly working with wonderful vendors to achieve the most creative and trendy ideas. If you are looking for ideas for your next event, these are some of the trends we foresee for events in 2017. Awesome parties: A great party never goes out of style, and what makes it better than great is the add-ons and the ambience that we can create with the activities and the décor. We
have transformed ball rooms into a rainforest teeming with human butterflies and birds and taken underwater pictures with mermaids at a pool party. We have even played pretend “kidnap” with pirates, and travelled back to the 80’s with Atari games and disco balls included. Another aspect that is very important in a trendy party is that guests do not want to just sit on a chair and watch anymore. They want to get first hand experience when given the chance to learn the typical dances or taste the regional foods for example.
Costa Rica
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Optimize the use of smartphones in events Social media is a very important resource for many companies’ corporate image, so we aim to provide picture moments that will be shared on social communities such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter. Give Back Activities:
Our clients want give back activities (CSR) that truly help the community, and they want to be involved in the process as well as to have fun. We have created original CSR events that have all that and more, such as our clients’ favorite where they will create colorful versions of the Costa Rican oxcart to later fill with school supplies and groceries while working along with the friendly school kids they will help. State-of-the-Art Media: Avant-garde event planners know that technology has gone farther beyond the common video beam and if you are looking to step up in your media choices we can give you that! In collaboration with our professional vendors we have created special
apps where you can view the calendar and schedule of your events on your smartphone, and also amazing video conferences where the lecturer is virtually there. Larger than life screens, touch and interactive kiosks, light mapping‌right now the sky is the limit and of course this is a very interesting approach to wow the educated client that we service. Let us know about your specific and special media and technology requirements! For sure we have a solution for you!
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Costa Rica
Due to their interesting locations, Panama has become a strategic point of great interest to investors, companies, and tourists alike. Our bedazzling destination has joined the new trends of today’s world by catering to the needs of all kinds of visitors. New concepts in hotel buildings with ambitious designs, restaurants awarded worldwide, extreme activities, venues for important meetings and conferences, and festivals make Panama a choice destination.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Panama is the global benchmark of fashion in the region, responsible for creating links between local and international manufacturing industries. It has become an unrivalled platform to promoting talent and creating strategic
relationships
between
designers,
buyers, global brands, and reps of each of the areas in the field of fashion. Unique in style, the event opens
endless
opportunities,
creating
a
for
designers
space
and
brands,
leading attracting
thousands of visitors from different countries each year.
Panam a
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The Americas Golden Tower emerges as an icon of luxury and comfort in the city, and it is considered the business hub of Latin America. Design, service, and high quality standards make this new hotel a jewel in the financial center of the city. The hotel has a strategic location, only steps away from the Tower of the Americas in Panama, near banks and hospitals, and a few minutes from the best shopping centers, besides having easy access to and from the airport.
Maito Restaurant: awarded in 2016 as one of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants. Chef Mario Castrellon’s tasty menu is a tropical journey through Caribbean, indigenous, Asian, Creole, Afro-Antillean, and American cuisine that paints Panama’s multicultural
culinary identity like no other. The very casual fine dining experience here is perfectly adapted to the tropical weather, with perfect lighting, and exciting dishes. A few words about the chef: Castrellon was the first to plant the seeds of a new Panamanian cuisine with a modern vision. A dynamic chef and entrepreneur, he studied in Barcelona, returning to Panama after formal chef training and international work experience. He researches native products and visits producers, artisans, and indigenous communities on a regular basis and has his own organic farm. He has also begun a movement of young chefs looking to foster a Panamanian identity on the plate.
Maito Restaurant
Panaviera Pool Bar Piso 66 Hotel Trump
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P Panama
Argentina is formed by provinces where you can find different destinations, attractions, and unimaginable treasures. Immerse yourself and start an endless journey of horizons, cities, and geographies. Landscapes with mountains, gorges, mountains, lakes, rivers, lagoons, countryside, and sea are waiting for anyone who is willing to look for them. Small, big, similar, and very different cities, hide along Argentina to be discovered by its visitors. Each province has a history waiting to be discovered! Buenos Aires is the capital of the Argentine Republic and the most important urban nucleus of the country. It is located in the central-eastern region of the country, on the western shore of the Río de la Plata, on the Pampas plain. Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city and a major tourist destination worldwide. Its infrastructure is complex and makes it one of the most important metropolis in America. The city of Buenos Aires has a temperate and pleasant climate throughout the year. The temperatures are usually moderate throughout the year, which means that days
of intense heat or cold are few, which allows tourists to walk through the city comfortably during any season. Although occasionally there are sporadic peaks of 110 ºF (40 ºC) of thermal sensation During the months of January to March. In winter, July is the coldest month, with average temperatures of 3 °C and 8 °C, but there is no frost. During this time of year you will need a wool coat, a coat, or an overcoat, and a scarf. In summer, the heat is humid and the average temperature is 28 °C. At night, the temperature drops slightly; for the most part light clothing is worn and there is no need for coats.
Argentina
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Alvear Icon Hotel Buenos Aires The Alvear Icon is presented as the new member of the Alvear family of hotels in Buenos Aires, with renowned hotels such as Alvear Art and Alvear Palace. This new project is considered to include 150 rooms and suites with 40 luxury residences, located in the best area of Puerto Madero, with a spa on floors 21 and 22 with an incomparable
panoramic view of the city, an indoor and outdoor pool with solarium, meeting room, and lounges with a capacity of up to a thousand people. The high-level restaurant is built 135 meters high, through which it will be accessed by a direct high-speed elevator. The investment is estimated at 40 million dollars, and its opening is estimated for mid 2017. Buenos Aires is also known as the best Polo house in the World and as every year, the Polo Open Argentine Championship brings together the best of this sport
during
November.
the Also
month known
of as
Palermo Open, it is one of the sporting experiences that makes us vibrate as spectators.
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Argentina
FORMULA E 2017 IN BUENOS AIRES The FIA Formula E started its third season 2016-2017 on October 9 of this year. It is important to mention that this season will be present in 12 different cities around the world, and Buenos Aires will again be part of the circuit on February 18 in the route of Puerto Madero, one of the preferred by the pilots for the speeds that they reach here.
These fast vehicles are estimated to accelerate from 0 to 100 Km/h in 2.9 seconds, while the speed will be limited to 225 km / h. They do not emit any type of pollutant emissions and the noise of the engine reaches around 80 db (like a street car driving at 110 km/h).
Argentina
20
ENTRE RIOS - THE GREATEST SUMMER SHOW IN OUR COUNTRY Every night of the carnival, thousands of people dance to the rhythm of the comparsas, in one of the best carnivals in the world. This city along with its
fascinating history, features a colorful carnival that is where the batucadas begin to rehearse and rehearse starting in September and explode to the maximum on the nights of January and February. Thousands of members between feathers and sequins make every night an unforgettable experience.
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Argentina
MENDOZA This city is the most important of the Cuyana region. It is distinguished by its Aconcagua hill, for its wines, and because it was built in the province of the liberator general San MartĂn, father of the country. It is one of the most beautiful and well-kept cities in the country. In it is the Wine Route which is one of the oldest and
renewed attractions that the city has. You can tour different wineries tasting the best wines produced here, wines which have made this region so famous. Every year, when
summer
comes,
the
Harvest
Festival is celebrated in Mendoza.
Argentina
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LAS LEÑAS - (Winter season is from June to September) Climate: in winter the cold is moderate during the day and the nights are very cold. Temperatures oscillate between 11.7 ºC and -1.4ºC. Las Leñas is the most important place as a ski and snowboard center in Argentina and America. It is located in the valley to the south of the province of Mendoza and in the northwest of the department Malargüe, in the interior of the Andes mountain range. Night Skiing Las Leñas is the only Ski Resort in South America that has night skiing. The tracks of Minerva and Eros merge at night and form a route of 2,000m long completely
illuminated. Night skiing is an activity that you can not fail to experience if you visit the valley. Cross-country Skiing (Randonee) This is a form of skiing that allows you to climb the mountain by yourself, using special skins under your skis. Once you reach the desired height you remove the skins and the exposed skis are used to descend naturally. This fun sport is ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers. After Skiing At the cusp, base, tracks, and hotels there are various activities and events to enjoy after skiing: Shows, games, casino, live music, restaurants, bars, night life, and much more.
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Argentina
CORDOBA Climate in this city is moderated by its clearly defined four seasons. In general terms the climate is pampeano (meaning: plain-like), winters are not very cold and there is little rain. Summers are usually wet with hot mornings and cool nights. Going for a walk on enchanted paths, enjoying the breeze of a privileged climate in all its seasons, the herbs aroma of the mountains, and the murmur of the rivers is bedazzling! Stroll through the historical center of the capital and know the Jesuit legacy. When you decide to get in touch with these landscapes and culture, you leave behind the vertiginous rhythm of everyday life. Cordoba is ideal to experience the most diverse sensations that can cause a traveler pleasure. This is the place where tourists can enjoy their favorite recreation activities throughout the year. In Cordoba, its annual calendar of fairs and festivals has several linked to the grape harvest, such as the National Festival of the Sagra of the grape and the Provincial Festival of the Vendimia (Colonia Caroya in March), the Festival of Typical Meals Caroyenses (Colonia Caroya In July), the National Holiday of Salame Casero (Oncativo in August), and the National Festival of Fruit Horticulture (Colonia Caroya in November), where you can participate in the joy of a people who take much pride in their products.
The Routes of Wine represent a particular characteristic because of its location, since, thanks to its proximity, it allows simultaneous knowledge of wineries, artisan producers and vineyards next to Jesuit convents, the old Camino Real and food routes (in the North area), lakes, mountains, microclimates, and handicrafts (in Calamuchita, Traslasierras and the Northwest). Joining history, traditions, landscapes, and production techniques, 8 wineries and 7 artisan producers invite us to tour Cordoba and taste its wines.
Argentina
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VILLA GENERAL BELGRANO (CORDOBA)
-
A
central-like
European town Thousands of tourists visit this city every year especially in the month
of
October
for
the
Oktoberfest Argentina, National
Beer Festival, as well as Easter for the National Feast of the Viennese Mass and the Alpine Chocolate Festival. During the rest of the year, Villa General Belgrano is sought after to rest and enjoy the sun and sierras, to cross its beautiful rivers and streams, and to savor a yummy hot
chocolate
with
cakes
especially in wintery weather.
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Argentina
USHUAIA Regardless of the time of the year, you will notice that in this city the offer of excursions is very large; you can perform varied activities during the days you are in the city. There are however, 3 points that you can not miss: The End of the World sign in the National Park, the lighthouse navigation through the Beagle Channel, and the crossing of the Andes. During the winter season, and considering that Cerro Castor is located in Ushuaia, there are many activities related to sports or snow rides. Variants of skiing and snowboarding such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and off-piste skiing, snowmobile rides, sleigh rides, and snowshoeing or hiking in the woods are among the most popular. You can also make excursions to the glaciers of Lake Fagnano and visits to Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Argentina
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CALAFATE In El Calafate we can find a climate that is mostly dry, with very marked seasons throughout the year, which allows us to enjoy it differently during each season. As for clothes, it is advisable to always be casual and, if possible, wear comfortable coats with a hood, as well as gloves and a scarf. Proper footwear is especially recommended, either training shoes or trekking footwear. Don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen with a UV protector factor of at least 40.
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Argentina
Hosteria Isla Victoria December 2016 to March 2017 - All-Inclusive Experience in Patagonia Argentina. Crossing the imposing and majestic Nahuel Huapi Lake. At port TunquelĂŠn the trip begins to the island where the hotel is located, in Anchorena Bay.
Argentina
28
When arriving at the private dock, you’ll have the view of the inn built on a cliff top, with a large reception, spacious livings, and spectacular terraces. All-Inclusive refers to: - Breakfasts, lunches, teas, and dinners - Daily excursions - Facilities
- Wifi
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Argentina
30
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New Archaeological Site Ichkabal Opens to the Public The relatively recent discovery is believed to have been one of the most important political centers in the region during the pre-classic Mayan era. Located in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, and with taller structures compared to Chichen Itza’s archaeological site, Ichkabal is an addition to the state’s current touristic offer. According to Sedetur and INAH, it will be open to visitors at some point during the first six months of 2017. More than 11 million pesos will be allocated to the investigation and modernization of access roads, ecotourism development, training, quality of service, development of cultural products, as well as connectivity and integration of archaeological pathways. The archaeological site has great natural riches, and activities such as hiking, bird watching, and development of strategies for the conservation of wildlife.
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New CVB CEO The CVB (The Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau) is pleased to announce Lizzie Cole Guerrero as the agency’s new director and CEO. Almost 30 years of experience in tourism and marketing back her up. She declared: “We will continue promoting the growth of the destination’s dynamic tourism offerings and solidifying Cancun’s international presence as one of the most popular leisure destinations in the world.” She recently
participated at the World Travel Market in London.
The Panama Canal Expansion is the largest project at the Canal since its original construction. The project will create a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity. The existing locks allow the passage of vessels that can carry up to 5,000 TEUs. (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit). After the expansion the Post-Panamax vessels will be able to transit through the Canal, with up to 13,000/14,000 TEUs. The Expansion will double the Canal’s capacity, having a direct impact on economies of scale and international maritime trade. The
Panama Canal expansion is based on six years of research, which included more than 100 studies on the economic feasibility, market demand, environmental impact and other technical engineering aspects. Work on the Panama Canal Expansion began in September 2007 at a total cost of $5.2 billion USD. The program consists of several components: New locks (a third set of locks), a Pacific access channel, improvement of navigational channels (dredging), and improvements to the water supply.
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While we were talking about trends… Great things always come in groups -literally! On November 4th, Puerto Vallarta, was honored to host the PCMA Mexico Professional Exchange, by the prestigious association of which we, IVI DMC², are members. Hoteliers, DMCs, travel agencies, and purveyors were invited to attend this excellent seminar, in which the main topic was, you guessed it right: Trends. Top-shelf guest speakers, all CMP’s (Certified Meeting Professionals) and decision makers for worldwide renown companies, shared their knowledge about the trends that are marking the business travel
industry. Sensory analytics (Trust, confidence, teamwork with clients), tribalization (gathering individuals through common interests), content safaris (innovation of the learning processes), Living 360° (overall coverage of the individual’s needs during sessions) and immersive telepresence (eliminating the geographical barriers by using the current technology, thus optimizing productivity), were indicated to be the trends all professionals in the M&E business’ efforts should be focused on. PCMA, the Professional Convention Management Association, is the most recognized authority in education, business networking and community engagement for leaders in the global meetings, convention and business event industry.
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Advertise with CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest Advertising and promotional opportunities are now available in CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest. Sponsorship placement opportunities are limited and are reserved on a “first come, first served” basis. We invite you to advertise in our vastly distributed Incentive Travel Digest which is already available to over 10,000 avid readers. These readers are dedicated members, stakeholders, and fine suppliers. The Incentive Travel Digest is an inviting 'cover to cover' read, ensuring eye-catching and successful advertising. Click here to receive more information
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:
The Customer is Always Right We were 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. 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 35
Mexico Cuba Dominican Republic Costa Rica Panama Brazil Argentina
For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this magazine, please contact Francisco BAEZA: fbaeza@ividmc.travel
How to Prepare Ponche Ponche is an essential part of the holiday season in Mexico. For Americans the idea of a fruit punch is a cold fruity flavored sweet beverage. This Ponche is far from that concept. Although it definitely is a fruit filled beverage, it is served hot and the wonderful flavor and aroma of cinnamon gives it the biggest punch.
Ingredients:
Preparation:
Water (1 gallon)
Place all the fruits and cinnamon sticks in a big pot.
1 piloncillo cone (raw sugar cane)
Pour the water into the pot, the water should cover all
3 cinnamon sticks 1 1/2 Lb. guavas (about 12 guavas) 1 1/2 cup apples, chopped
the fruits. Now turn on the stove, place the lid on the pot, and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling add in the piloncillo and lower the flame. Keep the lid on the pot and allow the ponche to simmer until the piloncillo
3/4 cup prunes, chopped
is fully dissolved. Once all the fruits are tenderly
Dried fruits as well (optional)
cooked it’s time to enjoy this delightful masterpiece.
Rum (optional)
Pour some Ponche along with some fruit chunks into a tea cup and add a shot glass of rum to the tea cup if so desired. 36
Travel Tip: Reach Out and Meet Someone One of the most interesting ways to pass the time on a plane is to chat with your seatmate. By talking with the person next to you, you may meet Mr. or Mrs. Wonderful, share a laugh, or possible acquire a new business client. One poll showed a new customer contact or business relationship occurs about twenty-five percent of the time when business travelers talk with the person seated next to them.
When travel gets boring (or chaotic), remember misery loves company. Those around you are as anxious as you are to talk with someone. Become an ear for them. This helps pass the time and, who knows, you may even make a partner or a friend for life. If your seatmate doesn’t want to talk, chat with the flight attendant. Sure, they are working and can’t talk for more than a few minutes at a time, but on long flights, they also get bored and may be looking for a conversation. The person most people would like to sit next to on a long flight? According to one survey, it’s Oprah Winfrey.
(Taken from page 161)
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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