CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest - Year 11 Vol. 1, 222

DIRECTORY

Visionary, Founder and Seller of Dreams

Jose Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel

CEO

Leticia GARCIA lgarcia@ividmc.travel

President

Raquel MIJARES, CIS, DMCP, CITP rmijares@ividmc.travel

Vice President of Marketing

Mariana LEON, CMS, CITP mleon@@ividmc.travel

Corporate Quality Director

Julia ORTIZ, CES, CMS jortiz@ividmc.travel

IT Manager

Ibrahyn OLIVAS informatica2@ividmc.travel

President dQuestDMO

Jose Luis REVILLA jlrevilla@dquest.travel

Content & Editing

Omar DELGADILLO corp.news@ividmc.travel

Pg. 04-05

Corporate News

Continuing 2023 on a high note, with visits, wonderful meetings and recognitions.

Pg. 26 dQuest Shop

Learn about the craftsmanship that goes into creating our meaningful gifts, that depict the perfect story.

Pg. 06-19 Mexico

From pottery and weaving to colorful textiles and folk art, Mexican artisans have honed their craft over generations, creating unique and beautiful piece

Destination offices

Mexico:

IVI DMC Los Cabos

Marla GUADIAN, CMS, CIS Destination Vice President mguadian@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC Bahia de Banderas

Jaime NELO, DMCP, CIS, CMS, CES, CCM Destination Vice President jnelo@ividmc.travel

Caribbean: IVI DMC Cuba

Alejandro DEBASA, CMS Regional Vice President adebasa@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC Dominican Republic

Bidia BISSUMBHAR, CIS, CES, CMM Regional Vice President bidia@ividmc.travel

Cover subject:

Handcrafted Memories from LATAM

Follow us on:

IVI DMC Central Mexico

Luli GARCIA

Destination Vice President lgarciamora@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC Mexican Caribbean

Ximena LOPEZ, CMS, CES Marketing & Planning Director xlopez@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC Costa Rica

Jeremy ZUÑIGA Regional Vice President jzuniga@ividmc.travel

A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER.

Dear reader,

Companies seeking to add an unforgettable cultural experience to their event will find that Mexico's rich traditions and handicrafts offer a wealth of opportunities. Witness the intricate processes of pottery-making, weaving, and other traditional crafts firsthand. In addition to adding a unique touch to your event, these cultural experiences can also serve as team-building exercises or incentives for attendees. Let us help you create an unforgettable event that combines business with an authentic taste of Mexico's vibrant culture while providing you with our unparalleled level of service. Our accomplishments and enthusiastic attitude are what uphold our motto, in your business, “WE MAKE YOU LOOK GREAT”!

Sincerely,

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

ABOUT IVI DMC

IVI DMC Enterprises specializes in planning, logistics, and destination management services for incentives + corporate meetings + global congresses + ad-hoc events.

What we do…

We are experts in the design and execution of personalized programs for incentives, meetings, and ad-hoc events. This includes professional services for meet & greet, registration, hospitality desk, transportation, gift items, recreational activities, custom-designed group tours, teambuilding, pre and post tours, special events, innovative theme parties, decoration, A/V equipment, entertainment, photography, dinner programs, site inspections, VIP assistance, and more. From casual to elegant and from fun to artistic, we customize your program to suit your needs.

Fast Facts

• Creation: November 1, 1986

• Corporate Office: Cancun, Mexico

• Offices in Mexico: Los Cabos, Bahia de Banderas, Central Mexico, and Mexican Caribbean

• Offices in The Caribbean: Cuba and the Dominican Republic

• Offices in Central America: Costa Rica

• Specialization: Incentives, Meetings, and Ad-Hoc Events

• Clients: Incentive houses, specialized travel agencies, site selection companies, insurance, financial, and more!

• 1st DMC in Mexico: Implementing new service standards, such as our own quality system and latest technology across the enterprise

• Testimonials: Over 8,901 to date and several service awards granted by incentive houses

• Partnerships: As a leader in our field, we are also proud members of SITE, MPI, FICP, and DMC Coalition

• Rates: Guaranteed inclusive prices for 5 years offering the best cost-benefit ratio

Flying along with the BLUE-BEE Squad

Good morning BLUE-BEES! How is your 2023 going so far? At IVI DMC Enterprises, we’ve been working as hard as always, keeping in touch with our different industry allies and clients. As you know, in this section of the CommuniQuest, we share with you all of the adventures we have had during the month, so without further say, let’s hop right into it.

As Valentine’s day approached, to spread the love with some of our great industry partners in Los Cabos, we visited them to give them a token of our appreciation. We thank all our hotelier friends for welcoming our team and we sincerely hope that you had a beautiful Valentine’s Day. The magic of a friendship is not to see each other every day, but to be present when needed.

Additionally, the month also started with good news—a wonderful testimonial from Michelle Castady Orlando, DMCP Principal + Owner Midwest at ETHOS Event Collective. Thank you for sharing your experience. We will keep working hard to MAKE YOU LOOK GREAT!

A couple of days later, we received another incredible testimonial from Angela Sirios, the director of people and culture at Wedgewood. Who recently shared her experience with our team in Los Cabos, congratulations Marla on this great achievement!

Also, this month we got the great news that we are a part of the prestigious list of the 25 TOP DMCs by Special Events Media. Thanks to all our team members who give their best every single day TO MAKE OUR CLIENTS LOOK GREAT! Thanks to our clients for their trust for so many years, it is always a pleasure to team up with you with the sole mission of delivering impeccable and memorable events!

See the full list here!

Finally, at the end of the month, we had a very productive online meeting with Tulio Baruch and Karla Aguirre from Viceroy Hotels & Resorts. We will keep working together TO MAKE OUR MUTUAL CLIENTS LOOK GREAT!

That was everything for this edition. We hope you enjoyed Flying Along with the BLUE-BEE Squad, see you next month!

Los Cabos

The history, culture, and tradition of Los Cabos are reflected in its handicrafts made by its artisans in abalone shells, the palm of the region, and leather—all made with the creativity of the people, besides the fact that this is the way of daily sustenance of a great part of the population.

It is an abundant mollusk in the region, consumed both for its delicious meat and for its shell from which crafts are made, including pendants, earrings, ornamental figures, chess boards, frames for photographs, and combs, all this mainly in Comondú.

Hand-embroidered clothing

This type of handmade clothing can be found mainly in Los Cabos, but they are made all over the region. Additionally, these embroideries may vary as the figures represent part of the history of the place where they were created, and the artisan also leaves a part of their sentiments and experiences captured in them.

Abalone shell handicrafts

Handicrafts made with palm leaves and torote

These handicrafts, made by artisans from the towns of El Triunfo and Sierra de Los Dolores, are well known throughout La Baja, highlighting the baskets and baskets sewn with the wet fiber giving them a spiral shape and intertwining its strips.

Leather handicrafts

Made by artisans in the Sierra de Miraflores region, they stand out for their high quality in objects as varied as briefcases, handbags, wallets, saddles, backpacks, footwear, and more.

Wooden handicrafts

The great variety of woods in the region such as choya, cardón, pitahaya, palo fierro, palo chino, parota, palo de arco, and mesquite root allows the elaboration of a wide range of products that include frames for photos, mirrors, canes, woods, furniture, jewelry boxes, trunks, ashtrays and more. Choya is a dry root, its elaboration requires careful handling as it is fragile, which also allows the artisans to give it a desired shape.

Bahia de Banderas

Huichol Art

Huichol art is one of the most traditional and recent innovations in folk arts and crafts produced by the Huichol ethnic group (really called Wixárika), who live mainly in the state of Nayarit and in parts of Jalisco, Durango, San Luis Potosí and Zacatecas. in Mexico.

Way above average crafts or souvenirs, these fabulous works of art are made using thousands of small glass beads, the latter called "Abalorios." Modern “Abalorio” beadworks usually consist of wooden masks and sculptures covered with small, colorful commercial beads attached with wax and resin and ornamented with motifs based on ancient symbols, visualized in the mystical experiences of their shamans.

These invaluable works can be the ideal gift for the Attendees to your Groups and Incentives, and even the prizes and awards for the winners of your Events. They can be small pieces that will decorate the shelves of their homes or their office. Even though they are delicate pieces, IVI DMC can help you send these fabulous pieces directly to the home or office of the winning teams.

Central Mexico

LATAM gifts to the world

Signature crafts from Central Mexico

If we talk about handicrafts, Mexico is one of the countries with the most incredible variety, color, and beauty, thanks to the skill and trade of people - often family dynasties- who dedicate their lives to making typical pieces and objects.

Fitted clay, silver, gold jewelry, wood carvings, jade or amber objects, sarapes, charro hats, mariachi costumes, rebozos, and ceramics from Puebla—in addition to piñatas—are part of folklore and traditions spread throughout Mexico.

Fitted Clay

The famous Barro Negro originating from Oaxaca is made by Doña Rosa, a humble lady from San Bartolo Coyotepec who, in the 1950s, managed to give a stunning finish to the clay objects she baked.

This technique, apparently already used by the Mixtecs and Zapotecs, consisted of reducing the atmospheres of a special twomouth kiln to generate a reverse oxidation process, and burnishing the piece so that it acquires the smooth texture of black clay. Today, with Doña Rosa gone, the tradition has been perpetuated, with the same material, clayey mud, baked in ovens to give rise to various containers and objects.

From Puebla de Zaragoza comes the Puebla or Talavera pottery, recalling the Spanish origin of Talavera de la Reina in Toledo. The art of decorating ceramic tiles, with the characteristic bluish tone of the Talavera from Puebla, is one of the most characteristic crafts of Mexico. Since the end of the 16th century, the production of Talavera has been verified and in the 17th century, norms and regulations were established with guilds that controlled quality and manufacturing. Currently, a Denomination of Origin shows the Puebla origin of the products.

Silversmith's

The mineral wealth of Mexico has meant that gold, silver, jadeite, or amber-based ornamentation of personal trousseau has been used for thousands of years. The Spanish first and companies of American and French investors later exploited mines to extract the coveted minerals with which all kinds of jewelry are made. As a result, in the State of Hidalgo and Taxco (State of Guerrero), we can find high-quality silver rings, earrings, and pendants, the work of local goldsmiths.

Talavera Poblana Mexico

Piñatas

Piñatas are internationally known, but it is not well known that they are used to celebrate Posadas on Christmas dates, apart from children's birthdays. The original ones have seven points alluding to the seven deadly sins according to the Catholic religion, and in their day, they were filled with fruit, although today, children prefer that there are candies and small toys inside. However, the master artisans have adapted to the new times, and now we can find piñatas in the shape of notable cartoons.

Charro Hats

So visually alluring that they are unmistakable, charro hats are perhaps the greatest illustration of Mexican craftsmanship and have become the quintessential souvenir. First, a precise ironing technique is made from rabbit fur to achieve that resistant texture. Later it is embroidered by hand with one or several colors. In their day, they were a symbol of the social status of the landowner and served to protect themselves from the sun when riding a horse.

In any market, as well as in the streets and tourist squares of the country, you will find the indigenous Otomi and Mazahua women responsible for making this beautiful craft. They migrated to the country's capital in the 1970s in search for for better opportunities, which gave birth to their crafts. This includes the production of textiles such as belts, backpacks, shawls, skirts, and dolls.

The history of these dolls is very particular and is an example that Mexican creativity has no limits. They arose due to the lack of economic resources to buy plastic dolls for the community's girls. Then, their mothers decided to replace plastic with cloth, thus creating even more resistant and personalized toys. Dönxu means doll in Otomí and pays homage to the indigenous woman, always hardworking, an excellent housewife, and who fights every day to give the best to her family.

“Lele” and “dönxu” dolls

As proof of this, these little dolls always carry a baby on their lap, representing love for their loved ones and fertility. It is very nostalgic to think that many girls who grew up accompanied by their Dönxu Dolls today are mothers dedicated to making them and preserving their traditions. In 2018, the Amealco artisan doll was declared a Cultural Heritage of the State of Querétaro along with the Dönxu, a native of San Ildefonso Tultepec and Lele, originally from Santiago Mexquititlán.

Today these indigenous groups remain in the central zone of Mexico, in the states of Hidalgo, Querétaro, the State of México, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Puebla, and Veracruz. These are some examples of Mexican crafts, but each corner of Mexico has its artistic expressions revalued with cultural programs such as Pueblos Mágicos that have allowed traditions to be preserved. If you are interested in learning mor about the crafts of Mexico firsthand, some tours allow us to get closer to the old trades and meet our invaluable artisans. Please let us know what kind of crafts you can offer to your clients, friends, family, or even for yourself! Please send us an email to IVI DMC Central Mexico: mcabral@ ividmc.travel

Mexican Caribbean

One of the most appealing things to do when visiting Mexico is to learn about the customs and traditions of the country, and much of this can be found in Mexican handicrafts. Mexican handicrafts are different decorative objects handmade by artisans from different parts of Mexico, they are very beautiful and colorful, and most of the instruments are made to be used daily at home, but with a different design, with that touch of folklore and bright colors.

Mexican Handicrafts: Where Heritage and Creativity Meet

It is important to mention that handicrafts are part of the history of Mexico that dates back to pre-Hispanic times, and the Mexican Caribbean has a lot of history in this class. The Mayas also contributed with handicrafts, since everything they used to live, eat, hunt, etc., was made with their own hands and they decorated it to their liking with Mayan religious symbols or with some very bright colors, handed down through generations. Although over time this practice ended with the manufacture of new materials, there are still a few who continue to do this work to keep the tradition alive and teach the world what crafts are.

Alebrijes

It is believed that giving an alebrije as a gift helps scare away evil spirits from homes, especially those with a more "monstrous" appearance. You can find them in all sizes.

Mayan calendars

Made of stone, these are replicas of the original that can be of various sizes.

Honey from the Mayan communities

The honey of the Gods. Throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, there is the Maya or Melipone bee, this bee is so old that it dates back to the greatness of the Mayan empire, the meliponas are bees that do not have a sting (they do not sting) and their honey has a different a taste and properties from conventional bee honey. In addition, different products can be made with honey such as moisturizing creams, shampoos, soaps, etc. It is a unique gift idea that also helps the Mayan communities.

Textiles

Throughout the country you can find all kinds of work done on traditional looms by skilled and delicate hands, you can find from the most classic to the most recent and innovative proposals, such as bags, hammocks, hats, etc.

Wood

Traditional games are those games that continue to endure and are passed down from generation, perhaps undergoing some changes, but maintaining their essence.

Tequila or Mezcal

Although they are not originally from the Mexican Caribbean, the origin of both is ancestral, it is one of the most typical gifts in all of Mexico, and in its different varieties—it is a gift to the world.

The squad that continues to MAKE YOU LOOK GREAT!

QROO unites 36 cities in the US, 26 in Mexico and 19 in Europe

In passenger traffic at Cancun International Airport, Colombia stands out as the one that grew the most until November 2022, with 38.8%, then Mexico with 24.1%, and Puerto Rico with 11.2%, according to data from the Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR).

Europe, which, although it grew towards destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, continues to lag despite the promotion they did for markets with incentives, congresses, and conventions, even for Africa, Spain, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, and Switzerland.

As reported by REPORTUR.mx, the Cancun Airport broke its record for operations in a single day, registering a total of 660 operations on Saturday, December 3; the previous record was 659 landings and takeoffs, registered on March 31, 2018. (Cancun: airport breaks historical record with 660 flights in one day).

ASUR announced that, of the total of 660 scheduled operations, 323 were arrivals, and 337 were departures. Of the 323 scheduled landings in the four airport terminals, 109 were flights from national destinations, and 214 originated abroad. With regards to the 337 takeoffs, 114 operations were for national destinations and 223 for international destinations.

At dQuest.Shop, we understand that the moments that truly shape our lives are often accompanied by a unique blend of emotions, lessons, and sensations that make them truly stand out. It is precisely for this reason that we strive to offer you gifts of artisanal origin, which serve as tangible reminders of these precious experiences. Whether you're looking for a piece of wood from an exotic trip where you learned about different trees in the area or a beautifully crafted Mexican doll dressed in your child's favorite color, we have the perfect gift for you, rich in culture, art, and tradition.

What our client’s have to say.

Program planning was very efficient. Program operation was excellent as always! Always on time and flexible.

Alee Habib

|

Director of Sales

Program Development: Jaime was wonderful to work with. Program Planning: I greatly appreciate all of Jaime's efforts in planning this program, especially around the Christmas holiday! Program Operation: I was not on site, however, my team said IVI was wonderful onsite!

“

Julie Wildebour | Program Manager

Program Development: All the staff at IVI is very attentive and quick to respond. Very organized and professional. Program Planning: Provided a catamaran alternative when we needed a solution fast. Very honest and a joy to work with. We hope to continue to work together in the future! Program Operation: Vans were always on time. Thank you, Efren, Fausto, Raquel, Jiovanni, and team!

Kerensa Monaco | Account Manager

Essential Travel Tips

Avoid credit/debit card fees

Save your money for your travels and choose credit and debit cards that won't hit you with foreign transaction fees or ATM fees. It may not seem like much at first, but those small charges can really accumulate over the course of a lengthy journey. So be savvy with your money and make every dollar count towards your travel experiences!

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Serving the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry since 1986.

Find us in over 21 destinations throughout:

• Mexico

• Cuba

• Dominican Republic

• Costa Rica

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”.

Sincerely,

José-Manuel GARCÍA, CDS

Visionary, Founder and Dream Seller

Visionary, Founder and Seller of Dreams