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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, It is our aim to inform our kind readers of the many activities your group can enjoy. Meeting planners are especially encouraged to consider our destinations as a means to achieve success in your upcoming corporate event. When planning an event, the location chosen is of utmost importance. Your very success depends on it! It’s been said that almost half of the world’s culture is found in Latin America. That explains why there are so many stupendous locations that focus on cultural activities and appeal to the senses. Our destinations boast a gamut of parks teeming with flora and fauna, customs, and ancient sites full of history. As a sample of such variety and fun, please read on to get better acquainted with some of what you can expect when visiting us. Rest assured that we will do our best to make you and your participants Look GREAT! Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS 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 123
Visionary, Founder, Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS & Master Coach jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
Contents:
Page
Cover Subject
President Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS manolo@ividmc.travel
Life-Enriching Activities For All
Vice-President Karla JIMENEZ kjimenez@ividmc.travel
Cancun & Riviera Maya Costa Rica Panama Colombia
General Comptroller Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel
Corporate Marketing and Francisco BAEZA, DMCP Business Director fbaeza@ividmc.travel
DQuest
Corporate 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
Corporate Headquarters Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
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Quick Hits: Friend of the Maya Foundation
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Advertise with CommuniQuest
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The Customer’s Always Right
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Let’s Cook : Churros
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Travel Tip: When One Door Closes, Another Opens
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Destination Offices: Mexico
Caribbean
IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS
IVI DMC² Dominican Republic
rmijares@ividmc.travel
galmonte@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit
IVI DMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA Regional Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel
Genaro ALMONTE, CIS
Marketing, Business & Planning Director Regional Managing Director
Jaime NELO, DMCP Destination Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.travel IVI DMC² Los Cabos Yazmin ELOSEGUI Destination Managing Director yelosegui@ividmc.travel
Follow us on...
Central America
South America
IVI DMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Colombia Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Panama David JOHNSON Associate Regional Managing Director djohnson@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Brazil Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director amajela@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Argentina Jorge OROZCO, DMCP Regional Managing Director jorozco@ividmc.travel
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© Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved.
Cover Topic:
Life-Enriching Activities For All
Cenote or Dz’onot is a Mayan word that means “cave with water”. The cenotes are water deposits of great depth, filled with the filtration of water from underground rivers and streams. Did you know that the formation of the Yucatan Peninsula is associated with the Chicxulub Ring? It’s a semicircle of cenotes, which according to studies, constitutes the edge of the crater that resulted from the impact of the asteroid that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Cenotes have their origin millions of years ago during the last Ice Age, when the Yucatan Peninsula was covered by seawater. When the level decreased, a coral reef barrier was exposed and formed a base of limestone. The porous nature of the limestone allowed the filtration of rainwater that filled underground tunnels and caverns, giving form to underground rivers. When the roof of a cave would collapse, a cenote would be formed. In Quintana Roo known cenotes cover an area of 39 square miles. However, many of them remain undiscovered. Ancient Maya communities had a strong connection with cenotes, as it was their source of water and the entrance to the underworld. Cenotes are found in few places on earth, but the Yucatan Peninsula claims most of them.
Cancun & Riviera Maya
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July 2016 The Maya culture dates back to the pre-Columbian period that took place between 300 to 1460 B.C.E. Both Chichen Itza and Tulum will take you back in time with these well-preserved sites. With two of Mexico's most prominent archaeological sites within close proximity of Cancun, the city is the perfect base for exploring these ancient ruins and learning about the pre-Hispanic Mayan civilization. The Tulum-Coba tour is a wonderful combination of two of the most wonderful places within the Maya realm—the enigmatic Maya ruins of Tulum and the beautiful archaeological site of Coba. Set off on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is not only a great place to visit, but also to learn all about one of the only walled cities built by the Maya. You can also take a dip in the cool, refreshing turquoise ocean. A visit to Coba, home to the famous “Nohoch Muul” temple—the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula - will allow you to discover the amazing history of these Maya ruins located in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean jungle. A tour of these two great testaments to the Mayan culture allows walking, bike riding, or swimming while enjoying a lesson in Mexican history. Rio Secreto (Secret River) is a journey through a glass museum, which formations tell the geological history of the earth. This tour is certainly a life changing experience. Chichen Itza is a place of magic. Today one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza transports visitors back to a time when the ancient Maya ruled over one of the most important empires on the entire planet. With architecture combining Toltec and original classical Maya cultures, the extensive site is worthy of a guided tour to learn about Chichen Itza’s fascinating history. With Xenotes Oasis Tour Experiences Maya Xcaret, you will visit four types of cenotes located in the Route of the Cenotes, between Cancun and Puerto Morelos. Each one has its own personality, so you will be surrounded by a different landscape while doing completely safe and fun activities rappelling, zip lines, snorkeling, and kayaking.
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Cancun & Riviera Maya
Cover Topic (continued...)
Wet'n Wild Waterpark said ‘goodbye' to usher in the multi park: Ventura Park. The place is reinventing itself, there is now (in addition to the water slides) zip lines, rides, and an entertainment area. It opened last February and it is located in the hotel zone of Cancun. These are the seven worlds that make up the 7-hectare multi park: WORLD ONE: Wet'n Wild - This place existed long before the other worlds, and it is the aquatic world of this new amusement park. It features water slides, wave pools, and more. WORLD TWO: Fun World - Featuring the only roller coaster in Cancun, flying chairs, and the classic carousel. WORLD THREE: AaahVentura! - It has 7 attractions, one of them being Tarzania, the perfect combination between a roller coaster and a zip line with a ride of 250 meters; there is also Zip Line Madness, in which you can cross the park at an altitude of 25 meters high. Visitors can also take the leap in the Heli Jump reaching 20 meters high in a controlled jump. WORLD FOUR: Underworld - It has 4 attractions with the latest technology. For example, it has a laser maze.
Cancun & Riviera Maya
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July 2016
WORLD FIVE: GrandPrix - It is a 250-meter circuit, where you can drive go-karts at 40 Km/h next to the Caribbean Sea. WORLD SIX: Dolphinaris WORLD SEVEN: Beach Club Beach Oh! - It is a beach club with a pool, a delicious cevicheria, and open bar. In addition to the seven worlds, Ventura Park offers fun both day and night. From Wednesday to Saturday, visitors have the option of fun nightly entertainment featuring different shows.
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Cancun & Riviera Maya
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July 2016
The Xenses Park resort of Experiences Xcaret Group opened last June. It is comprised of 23 hectares and it can accommodate up to 4,000 visitors a day. This is the sixth park opened by Experiences Xcaret Group in Quintana Roo. At Xenses enjoy a tour that includes more than 15 activities that go over land, air, and water. Have fun through unusual scenarios that will give you an unreal experience. Full of challenges to your mind, where everything around you is not what it seems, Xenses Park will strike your senses, even those you never knew you had! Xenses is a half-day park, ideal for having time to enjoy the attractions of Cancun and the Riviera Maya but now with your new capabilities of a Xensei (master of the senses). What is a Xensei? It is you after Xenses, after you have discovered aromas with your eyes, flavors with your ears and whispers through your skin. These new developed capabilities will make you aware of each reaction of your body and clearly define everything around you.
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Cancun & Riviera Maya
Cover Topic (continued...) osta Rican culture revolves around nature so when you visit our parks you will get a glimpse of the best of two worlds: magnificent natural views and adventure activities. Get a taste of our culture by trying local gastronomic staples and even by discovering some traditions through demonstrations and shows. Take for example the Palo Verde Park in the province of Guanacaste. Besides offering a wonderful boat tour with incredible sightings of local species of flora and fauna, it also offers a tour to the Guatil pottery area. Here you will learn about their art and be involved in the process of elaboration of their pieces, as well as be able to purchase some unique souvenirs. Other great adventure parks in the Guanacaste area are Borinquen, Rincon de la Vieja, & the newly inaugurated Diamante Eco Adventure Park. Another important part of Costa Rican culture is coffee, and you can learn a lot from it through the Britt Coffee Tour in the Central Valley. This tour will show you a coffee plantation where you can observe the fruit before being processed and the stages that are required before you can have that fragrant cup in front of you. Also experience -through a funny theatrical show- how the Costa Rican culture is very much built around this bean, which for us is called “the golden bean� and here you will see why. For those visiting the Central Pacific area of Costa Rica, the Manuel Antonio Park is a must see and it cannot be missed as this presents a one of a kind opportunity to be immersed in what Costa Ricans value the most: our natural resources. Where else do you have the opportunity to observe such a varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds? The park even includes 12 little isles just off the coast which are often visited by a number of dolphins and, at times, migrating whales can be observed. We know you are excited to come and experience this wonderful opportunity of culture intertwined in nature, so let us be your entryway to this one of a kind Paradise!
Costa Rican campesina portrayed at the B
Costa Rica
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July 2016
Guatil Pottery
Manuel Antonio National Park
Britt Coffee Tour 11
Costa Rica
Cover Topic (continued...)
anama is a natural bridge connecting the South American continent with Central America. The Republic of Panama is a former Spanish colony in Central America with a mixed population of Creoles, Mestizos, European immigrants, Africans, and indigenous groups. As you explore Panama, you will be able to see the different ethnic groups peacefully coexisting. This melting pot represents an attraction in itself because of the identity and richness of cultures that they depict. Panama is a surprisingly diverse metropolis due to its role as a commercial transit point. Here, all kinds of nationalities gracefully gather together thus contributing to this pluralized culture. Panamanian ethnicity is found everywhere, but especially in the beautiful handicrafts, such as woodcarvings, ceremonial masks, and pottery, as well is in its architecture, cuisine, and festivals.
This is a cultural endeavor where hospitality, creativity, talent, and inspiration have contributed to making this event an international reference. Much success is the result of the ongoing support from the authorities, private companies, NGOs, and the inestimable passion and loyalty of the regular attendees. For 13 consecutive years, this Jazz festival has reiterated its commitment to Panama`s, culture, society, tourism, economy, and education. It is the most important annual event for the ¨Fundacion Danilo Perez� which positively influences society through music, and by tirelessly working with the new generations year after year. We invite you to come in January 2017 and witness the making of lofty music that inspires peace and brotherhood. For further details of what this unique experience includes, please contact IVI DMC² Panama.
Panam a
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This unique embroidery is immediately recognized because of its colors, design, and geometric patterns inspired from tradition and nature. It consists of different colorful fabrics wrapped around the body. Only the bottom layer remains unmixed with the rest of the attire in order to offer support to the other pieces. This piece of
Woman sewing a panamanian “pollera�
work is exclusively made by the indigenous Gunas. The manufacturing of the Mola dress is one of the main sources of income for their families.
The pollera is a traditional costume of Panama worn by women. Its origin can be traced all the way back to colonial times. It is basically a blouse and a long skirt. This dress is the favorite preference of the Panama women which is not only worn by them in day to day affairs but also in different festivities, wedding ceremonies, and folklore dancing events. The Panamanian pollera is formed by multicolored fabric and embroidery. It can take around 8 months to make a hand-made complex design of a pollera. This is one example amongst many that are signature typical garbs of Panamanian folklore. The diablico sucio or dirty devil, is another sterling example of crafty design.
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P anama
Cover Topic (continued...)
olombia, offers many wonders to both residents and foreigners alike. Among these many wonders Colombia features a wide range of activities and interaction sites, that have become mandatory stops, no matter where you are. There are various options for all tastes. Among these excellent choices are: the Festival of Flowers that is celebrated annually in the city of Medellin, the Grand Carnival of Salsa in Cali, the great theme Hacienda Napoles park in Doradal, and the recognized Festival of black poetry and ancestral songs in the beautiful city of Cartagena. This explains why no tourist wants to leave this beautiful paradise without attending at least one of them.
(Top photo taken from the official website of the Institute of Heritage and Culture of Cartagena)
Colom bia
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July 2016
Every year in the month of September, an internationally recognized event, the World Festival of Salsa, takes place in the outstanding city of Cali, capital of the department of Valle del Cauca. Here, dance schools are gathered along with visiting salsa schools from other Colombian cities and from abroad. The event can total more than 5,000 dancers on stage. Thousands of dancers, exhibitors, teachers, experts in the field, and many interested people in learning this exotic and popular dance, meet during this renowned festival, making it better and more recognized year after year.
(Top photo taken from the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Cali)
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Co lombia
One of the main events of Medellin, if not the most important, is the annual Festival of Flowers. This great and beautiful Antioquian town is the meeting point of thousands of people both foreign and from different parts of Colombia. They all flock here to delight the eye with decorated floats dressed with beautiful flowers that adorn carriages and reflect just how important the flower industry is in this city. The festival resembles that of the Rose Parade in the United States, but it differs however, in that this festival breaks any scheme of a simple parade seeing that the festival lasts 10 days! Each day is different, with varied activities such as the National Horse Festival, National festival of Lay, Classic Car Parade, the Festival of Orchestras, among others. Medellin certainly is the pride of all Colombia! (Photos taken from the official website of the municipality of Medellin & Colombia
Colom bia
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July 2016
Immersed in the mountains of Doradal, Antioquia, it is found one of the most emblematic recreational parks of all Colombia: Hacienda Napoles theme park. Accounting towards its success is that the park is in constant evolvement, always innovating. This summer come and plunge in a world of fun. Enjoy the water slides, huge swimming pools with big waterfalls. The park also features one of the most visited safaris in the country, with animals from the African savannah such as antelopes, zebras, lions, and rhinos - some of the few found in the American continent. The park has become a mandatory stop for anyone visiting the cities of Medellin, Bogota, and Pereira. Undoubtedly, a visit to this wonderful little piece of Africa in the beautiful Antioquia will imprint an indelible memory in your life.
(Photos taken from the official TripAdvisor website)
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Co lombia
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Hand Crafts at Flea Market
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July 2016
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 Initial contact with Raquel was great. Ernesto & Diego were excellent. I would definitely recommend and request them again! Heather M. Bull | Ms. Travel Counsellor
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Mexico Cuba Dominican Republic Belize Guatemala El Salvador Honduras Costa Rica Panama Colombia Brazil Argentina Chile Coming soon...Peru!
For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this magazine, please contact Francisco BAEZA: fbaeza@ividmc.travel
Travel Tip: When One Door Closes, Another Opens One of my teachers left me with some unforgettable words. He said, “To want what you don’t have is to waste what you do have.” If you are miserable about air travel, you are focusing on what you don’t have instead of looking for what you do have. The next time you are delayed, relieve your stress by looking for what opportunity the delay has opened up for you. For example, an executive I met from United Way told me he had been booked on three different flights with nine different reservations for a delay that totaled eighteen hours. He realized this long period of uninterrupted time gave him a chance to watch the U.S. Senate debates about the Persian Gulf War, something he would never have done if the delay hadn’t occurred. Because of this, he said he had new confidence in the U.S. government and the democratic process. In another instance, business consultant Rebecca Morgan turns annoying delays into productive scrap time by addressing her Christmas cards. Who cares if it’s July? She’s the first one on her block to have them finished. I take birthday, anniversary, congratulations, and thank you cards with me when I travel. Sometimes I write a thank you card prior to the arrival at my destination. I may be visiting several hotels for consideration in our travel incentive programs. These hotels have taken the time to show me the property, perhaps invited me for a meal, or even to stay over night at no charge. A thank you goes a long way in firming up the relationship. Recently, I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hawaii. We were unable to use the facilities due to the previous spa commitments from other clients. I left thank you notes for all the staff who worked with me on the sight inspection, though. I received two phones calls from the hotel. In both cases, they were amazed I took the time to thank them and they offered me a complimentary return visit when I wanted to vacation in Hawaii. Both of the respondents informed me my thank you note was much appreciated … and not the norm. The doors of opportunity can be either physical things you can do around the airport or they can be directed inwardly as a wonderful time to work on your personal growth. (Taken from page 140) 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
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July 2016
LET’S COOK! - Churros History is divided on how exactly churros came to exist. Its past is controversial. Some say it came from Spanish shepherds, others say the credit goes to Portuguese sailors who got the idea from the Chinese. The truth is that it was the conquistadors who introduced them to Latin America. But what really is a churro? It is tasty deep fried sticks of dough, sprinkled with sugar. The dough is a mixture of flour, water, and salt. Some versions are made of potato dough. Churros are popular in Spain, Portugal, France, the Philippines, Latin America, the Southwestern United States, and recently in the streets of London! While the Brazilians prefer a chocolate filling, Cubans like their churros with Guava stuffing, Mexicans with dulce de leche or vanilla. The delectable art of churro making is passed down from generation to generation, and today in Spain the churro is almost a national symbol. Therefore it’s not surprising that someone who specializes in making churros, a Churrero, is held in high esteem. Enjoying churros as a snack on the street is not the only way they are to be eaten. Freshly made churros are also meant to be savored for breakfast, dipped into thick hot chocolate or served with café con leche. Doesn’t this sounds like the perfect indulgence during a cold wintery day? If you should ever visit one of our destinations be sure to go with your friends to a churreria and taste as many as you can and become a churro fan!
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, and 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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