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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, Argentina is the southernmost country in South America, and it’s the fourth most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world. Its stretched-out, north-south physical geography produces many different micro-climates, which help to make Argentina a country of fascinating diversity and immense beauty. This means you can enjoy everything from sunny beaches on the Mar del Plata to trips through glacial landscapes. It shares borders with Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Chile; and to the west and south is bound by the Atlantic Ocean. Among the many tourist attractions are the Iguazu Falls, which were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This country is rich and famous in so many aspects. Take as an example its prime meat. Argentina's vast grassland Pampas host most of the country's cattle. The soils of the Pampas are among the richest in the world, thus it contributes to thriving livestock, fact that is worldwide recognized. Argentina is a well-rounded M&E destination with a European and Latin flavor that will delight your attendees. Its ever growing infrastructure and the candor of its people are at your disposal. 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 124
Visionary, Founder, Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS & Master Coach jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
Contents:
Page
Cover Subject
President Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS manolo@ividmc.travel
From Tango to Glaciers, Argentina Offers It All
Vice-President Karla JIMENEZ kjimenez@ividmc.travel General Comptroller Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel Corporate Marketing and Francisco BAEZA, DMCP Business Director fbaeza@ividmc.travel 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
4-27
DQuest
28, 29
Interview with Jorge OROZCO
30, 31
Quick Hits: Highlights From a Cruise to Argentina & Chile
32-36
Advertise with CommuniQuest
37
The Customer’s Always Right
37
Let’s Cook: How to Prepare Good Mate
38
Travel Tip: Inner Growth Opportunities
39
Destination Offices: Mexico IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS
Caribbean IVI DMC² Dominican Republic
Genaro ALMONTE, CIS
Marketing Director
Regional Managing Director
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
Jaime NELO, DMCP Destination Manager jnelo@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Los Cabos Yazmin ELOSEGUI Destination Manager 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 Regional Assistant 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:
From Tango to Glaciers, Argentina Has It All
Argentina, part of the Southern Cone, is one of the main destinations in Latin America and the most visited in South America. Its vast geography makes it the 8th largest country in the world. This vastness includes plains, plateaus and mountains and thus explains its great biodiversity. Here you will find tourist attractions, natural wonders, culture, traditions, and a superb cuisine. Argentina is located in the austral hemisphere, and its seasons are opposite to those of the northern hemisphere. This fact makes it ideal to escape the North American winter and enjoy spring or summer in South America. When it comes to safety, Argentina is one of the safest in America. It enjoys a climate of peace and security since there is no armed conflict, terrorism or health crisis.
Argent ina
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Important information: Capital: Buenos Aires
Language: Spanish Currency: Argentine Peso Extension: 2,780,400 km² Population: 43,131,966 inhabitants
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Cover Topic (continued...)
Convention Centers Buenos Aires is the most recognized location in Latin America to carry out any type of congress or convention due to its wide range of hotels and infrastructure for fairs and events.
La Rural It is the country’s largest center for conducting trade shows and exhibitions. With 7 halls, an auditorium and open spaces, this center offers endless possibilities for large events. Easily accessible by public transport and with underground parking, La Rural is the host center of the most important exhibitions and conventions.
Costa Salguero Center It was created in 1993 with the aim of hosting exhibitions, conventions, concerts, sporting events, social gatherings, and corporate meetings. Currently, it is one of the premier convention and exhibition centers in the capital.
Golden Center It is one of the most important centers in the country with 6 flexible rooms surrounded by lakes and gardens ideal for all kinds of events. A few meters from Jorge Newbery Airport, Golden Center meets the highest comfort with modern facilities, nature, and covered space for your event.
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Buenos Aires Convention & Expo Center (CEC) This center will be located in the Recoleta district and will boast three underground floors, so as not to invade the landscape of the land between the Faculty of Law of the UBA and Thays Park. Solar panels will be integrated into the exterior of the building in order to achieve the standard levels of sustainability of the city.
Hilton Buenos Aires Hotel Located in the heart of Puerto Madero and 10 minutes away from the business district. The hotel offers a variety of meeting rooms, business center and event facilities. meeting rooms
Its
for 2,500 people makes
it
the
largest auditorium within a hotel.
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Golf Argentina is the country with more golf courses in South America, 294 fields of different categories, and designed by Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Randall Thompson, Mark Adams, among others. Argentina has been awarded twice as the Best Golf Destination of the Year (2008 and 2011) by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators .
Among the major golf courses can be found:
Palermo Lakes Golf Club has 18 holes, designed by Robert Hagge in 1994, with 9 lakes connected, excellent greens and it is the most difficult in Buenos Aires’ area.
Olivos Golf Glub has 27 holes, and has an underpass area, beautiful trees and excellent quality design. Designed in 1926 by Luther Koontz.
Nordelta Golf Club has 18 holes, designed by Jack Nicklaus, each hole has 5 different exit points, and occupies an area of 65 hectares.
Llao Llao Golf Club - located in Bariloche, maintains a perfect balance with the stunning natural surroundings. It is considered one of the best courses worldwide.
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Palermo (Buenos Aires) It is worth making special mention of Palermo, one of the 48 districts that make up the city of Buenos Aires. It is located in the north of the city and is the largest barrio (neighbourhood, in English). Here we can find the Palermo Forests which are actually a sum of several parks and green spaces where you will find a golf course, a polo field, the Galileo Galilei Planetarium, the Japanese Garden, the Palermo lakes, Rosedales, the Botanical Garden, among others. Also, you can find quaint houses, signature cuisine restaurants, coffee shops, and an urban theatre since this is the place where most of the artistic movement of the city is concentrated.
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Cover Topic (continued...) Gauchos are South American cattlemen,
Culture
much like the cowboys of North America. They are skilled riders. Many years ago, gauchos lived on horseback and traveled widely. They survived on meat and yerba mate which is a tealike herbal drink full of caffeine.
Tango A musical genre and a dance characteristic of the Rio de la Plata and its area of influence, mainly in Buenos Aires. Six main musical styles have left their mark on the tango: The Cuban habanera, candombe (Argentina and Uruguay), the Andalusian tango (Spain), milonga (Argentina and Uruguay), the mazurka (Poland) and the European polka. Tango can be defined as a sensual dance in which a couple transmit a deep emotional relationship by means of their bodies’ movements. Many of the lyrics of their songs are written in local slang and often express emotions and sadness felt by both men and women. When in Buenos Aires, attending a tango show it is a must, and if you are more adventurous, attend a milonga, the place where tango is danced.
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Gastronomy The main elements of Argentine cuisine are beef and wines. The typical food of Argentina is the parrillada
(bbq),
empanadas
(stuffed
pies),
chimichurri
(sauce),
choripรกn
(sausage
baguette), and pizza. Dulce de leche is used in most desserts; it is
a
traditional
sweet
corresponding to a caramelized milk variant. Wine consumption is also very important; there are cities such as Mendoza with a long standing viticulture. Argentina is the 5th largest producer of wine in the world, specially Malbec.
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Buenos Aires Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, and the main urban center of the country, it is a cosmopolitan city and a major world tourist destination. The city is divided into 48 districts, where we find influences of Spanish colonial styles, art deco, art nouveau, neo-Gothic, Italianate, and French Bourbon. It is a city with many benefits, as it has had no seismic activity in the last 128 years); there are no hurricanes or other natural phenomenas that affect the population or tourists. The climate is mild and throughout the year the temperature goes from -5.4°C to 43.3°C. The hotels are located in the most picturesque and ancient areas of the city such as Recoleta, Puerto Madero, Palermo, and Microcentro.
Art Festival Buenos Aires artistic ambiance has seen an increase in art galleries which multiply in the city with renowned artists and also new talent. This proliferation of these spaces captivates not only the experts but also appeals to Bonaerenses (Buenos Aires natives). These artistic spaces are found in districts such as San Telmo, La Boca, Retiro, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, and Palermo and have indeed become an attraction.
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July 2016
Colon Theatre Considered one of the most important opera theatres in the world, to the same level as La Scala in Milan, the Garnier Opera in Paris, and the Royal Opera House in London. A visit here is considered a must. After over a century of existence, in 2008 the city began an in-depth remodeling in order to restore all its splendor and at the same time provide it with the most important technological advances. This work allowed the theatre to be reopened for the Nation’s bicentennial, in 2010.
Museums Buenos Aires has a rich historical heritage and it is reflected in its buildings and monuments. Amongst the most notable building there are the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Evita Museum, May Square, and Old Quarter.
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Soccer For soccer lovers, visiting the River Plate and Boca Juniors Stadiums (or El Monumental and Bombonera, as they are popularly known) is something that cannot be missed.
Caminito One of the most emblematic walks of the city and a must-see. It is quite possibly the biggest mainstream tourist hotspot in Buenos Aires; the quaint and colorful Caminito street will delight you with its typical houses in the neighborhood of La Boca, showing their different colored painted walls. This neighborhood is also an open-air museum where plastic artists exhibit and sell their works inspired by the color of their environment and the feel of the tango.
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Tortoni Café This is a prominent bar located in the district of Monserrat, it is the oldest of the city (founded in 1858) and it is a real attraction for those who visit. In its marble tables and walls is reflected an important part of the history of Buenos Aires, as among its most prominent customers were writers as Jorge Luis Borges, Luigi Pirandello, Federico Garcia Lorca, and Julio Cortazar, as well as musicians such as Arthur Rubinstein and the legendary Carlos Gardel. The imposing facade constructed in 1898 on the Avenida de Mayo was designed by architect Alejandro Christophersen. Shows of jazz and tango are presented in the bar’s basement. Next to the coffee are the National Academy of Tango and the World Tango Museum.
Recoleta’s Cemetery The Recoleta Cemetery is located in the exclusive neighborhood of Recoleta, which owes its name to the convent of Recoletos monks, who also owned the Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It is the most visited thanks to its numerous and impressive mausoleums and vaults of Argentina’s many heroes. Many of the vaults and mausoleums are the work of important architects and are adorned with marbles and sculptures; more than 90 vaults have been declared National Historic Landmarks.
Hotels Hotels in this city represent Argentina culture at its best, from classic and vintage hotels to the most modern, with excellent designs and excellent service. Alvear Palace is a luxury hotel in the district of La Recoleta, opened in 1932. Four Seasons Buenos Aires is located in La Recoleta, and it offers one of the most luxurious and most historic properties in Buenos Aires, surrounded by the most prestigious shops, cafes, and restaurants. Hilton Buenos Aires - is located in Puerto Madero, it is a 5-star hotel featuring a convention center with more than 2,000 square meters and a capacity for 2,700 guests. Hotel Madero, located in Puerto Madero, manages to reflect all the style and sophistication in every detail, where people are comfortable and feel at home. Sofitel Buenos Aires is located in the Retiro district, the property has a historicist eclectic style, and was built in 1925.
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Cover Topic (continued...)
Puerto de Frutos - Tigre Puerto de Frutos is a pier along the Lujan River in the province of Buenos Aires, in the town of Tigre, it is a must-see visit, especially for those who like to buy typical souvenirs leather
from
the
products,
area,
wood,
particularly carpets,
mate, antiques, jewellery, aboriginal crafts,
wine,
traditional
clothing,
handmade sweets, paintings, among many other things, or just to relax and
enjoy
the
beautiful
views
surrounding the area.
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Quebrada de Humahuaca The word “quebrada” means deep valley, ravine or gulch. According to lonelyplanet.com, this impressive valley is “a dry yet river-scoured canyon overlooked by mountainsides whose sedimentary strata have been eroded into spectacular scalloped formations revealing a spectrum of colors in undulating waves.” Combining stunning natural landscapes and dotting existing towns along the Quebrada de Humahuaca make it very appealing to enjoy one of the natural and most important cultural attractions of Argentina, which together with the Calchaquíe Valleys mark the physiognomy of the region. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is known for its local festivals. The various possibilities for adventure tourism and charm of the mountain villages are almost endless. One such festival, the Quebrada de Humahuaca Carnival, deserves special attention since it is a blend of ancient traditions, history, and rituals.
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Cover Topic (continued...)
Must See Sites to Visit
Iguazu Iguazu Falls are located in the north of the country, in the province of Misiones, and sharing territory with southern Brazil. They are considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Devil’s Throat is the jump with the highest flow of falls and it is located on the Argentine side; it is 80 meters high. Iguazu Falls are recognized as the most spectacular in its category. This area is rich in flora and fauna; here we can find 450 species of birds, also jaguars, tapirs, anteaters, eagles, turtles, herons, and fish. No wonder people who visit it for the first time are at a loss of words when they try to describe this marvel.
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Cordoba It is also known as La Docta. It is the second most populous city after Buenos Aires, and the largest in the country. It is an important cultural, economic, educational, and financial hub. It has been declared a provisional capital of the country twice, in 1806 and 1955. In Cordoba you can enjoy:
Ecotourism
Golf
Bird watching
Sport fishing
Sierras, water, and sun
Active tourism
Mining tourism
Cultural tourism
Wine Road
M&E tourism
Gualeguaychú It is located in the province of Entre Rios, and it is known for the carnivals that are held every year on every Saturday of January, February and the first Saturday of March. It is considered the largest festival in Argentina, and it is considered one of the best carnivals in the world, after Rio de Janeiro. In addition to the carnival, Gualeguaychú has beaches on the coast and private and public spas, the Cathedral of San Jose, the Calvarino Palace and the Thermal Baths of Guaychú.
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Moon Valley The Ischigualasto Provincial Park (or "Moon Valley", due to its otherworld appearance) is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular wonders that Argentina possesses. Its name comes from a Quechua word meaning “place where the moon rests�. It is located northwest of the province of San Juan, in the department of San Agustin de Valle Fertil; it is believed that this used to be a region where millions of years ago there was a lake with plenty of unique flora and fauna. Today, the desert climate is one that characterizes this place, with little rain that usually occurs in summer, strong winds, and extreme temperatures. It was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the Talampaya National Park in La Rioja.
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Salta Salta is located northwest of the country, and it has renown hotel chains and large convention sites. Throughout the year there are so many activities such as:
The Train to the Clouds - A rail service that crosses the Andes and it has a duration of approximately 16 hours.
Cachi Tour - Admire natural postcard sights as you visit El Carril, Pulares, Quebrada de Escoipe, Cuesta del Obispo, Piedra del Molino. Then, continue by Tin Tin, a super-straight stretch of road that extends for about 11 miles. It looks out of this world, as if taken from a science fiction story. Admire the cacti desert as you drive through - which seems to extend endlessly.
Salinas Grandes – it is advised to stop in this sector of the Puna to enjoy the sunset in one of the most amazing landscapes of this region with deep blue skies and a vibrant sun. A vision beyond the ordinary, one of the strangest and most secluded corners of the country.
North Andino – to reach there you must cross the province of Jujuy, by the Quebrada de Humahuaca. The landscape will allure you with a show of colors and goats and their shepherds. The silence is broken only by the bells of the church, children playing, or the sight of the immensity of the mountains framed by a deep blue sky.
Wine Route - in Salta. The cultivation of the vine was introduced by the Jesuits in the 18th century, mainly in Cafayate. Here, the Torrontes grape produces the characteristic white wine of Argentina. It has an intense aroma and fruity flavor. This variety has become a trademark of this region, thus becoming the white wine flagship of the country.
Baritú National Park - A true immensity with deep scent of leaves and wet earth. A place almost inaccessible to the sun due to the dense flora. The Baritú National Park, is an unspoiled paradise of 72,000 hectares. Baritú is the only tropical park of Argentina influenced by the Tropic of Capricorn, and it is considered one of the best protected reserves in the world.
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Mendoza It is the International Capital of Wine, chosen as one of the 21 most beautiful cities in the world. Located at the foot of the highest mountains of the Andes, the city itself is an attraction. It has dynamic
artistic
and
cultural
activities: theatres, museums, art galleries, and craft shows. The city is the ideal starting point for excursions to the main tourist attractions of the province, such as the Wine Routes, mountains, rivers, hot springs, and nature reserves. The city of Mendoza invites visitors to reconnect with nature, history, new friends and why not? With your inner self!
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Bariloche It is located in the province of Rio Negro, it is the most visited destination in Patagonia. Its natural reserves include lakes, forests, and mountains; it also has ski resorts, and it is the 2nd largest ski destination worldwide. Bariloche was named as the national capital of adventure tourism. Its main economic activity is tourism, and it has activities during summer and winter.
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Puerto Madryn It is located in the province of Chubut, facing the Atlantic Ocean or Argentine Sea. It is one of the most important centres of tourism in the country, and it is the national capital of diving. During winter, whale and dolphin watching is perfect. You can also spot penguins, sea elephants, and
different
summer,
the
birds.
During
beaches
are
the very
popular both for sunbathing and for activities canoeing,
such
as
windsurfing,
kayaking, among
others. Definitely a must-see place for nature lovers.
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El Calafate It is a city located along Argentino Lake in the province of Santa Cruz. It is the natural gate to enter the Glaciers National Park, where you will find a contrast of colors:
the
turquoise
lake
and
the
desert-like vegetation. In the Glaciers National Park, we find the most famous glaciers such as: Upsala, Fitz Roy, and Perito Moreno; the latter being most famous for its length and the famous detachment called rupture.
Ushuaia It is located in the province of Tierra del Fuego. It is the only city in Argentina on the waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is the southernmost city in the world. Here you can practice winter sports like downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. You can hop on the Tren del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train), to get into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, where we find examples of exotic wildlife such as European rabbits, beavers, and the grey fox.
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Cover Topic (continued...)
Connectivity Main destinations
Ministro Pistarini International Airport connectivity
Atlanta
worldwide. It is considered one of the
Dallas
Houston
Miami NYC
Mexico City
Cancun
(EZE) main
has and
excellent most
modern
airports
throughout Latin America. It currently serves annually more than 10 million visitors. Miami and New York being in the top 10 most frequented flights.
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Main a
Delta Ai
America
United A Argentin
Aerome
airlines
irlines
an Airlines
Airlines nian Airlines
exico
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CQ: Please tell us a little about yourself, how long have you been working for IVI DMC²? JO: I've been working for IVI DMC² for 9 years already. I started in the headquarters in Cancun as Planning Executive, then in the Purchasing department, and I also acted as Planning and Purchasing Manager. I started this journey when I was 22 and I have had the opportunity to grow in all aspects during this time. CQ: What are some of the most popular activities on your agenda for clients? JO: Gastronomy is one of the most popular. Argentinean cuts are know in every part of the world. Walking tours in Buenos Aires, Ski in Bariloche, Perito Moreno glacier ship tour, wine route in Mendoza, and Iguazu falls tour are the activities you can't miss when visiting Argentina.
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CQ: What developments have been made locally to cater to the M&E industry needs? JO: Argentina is a tailor made destination. First class hotels such as: Four Seasons Buenos Aires, Sofitel, Hotel Madero, Hilton Buenos Aires and the many convention centers complement all that is offered for the M&E industry. As the 8th largest country in the world, it is easy to find all requirements for a top convention or a small incentive program. There are different geographical areas to host events: Buenos Aires, Campana, La Plata, Cordoba, Cuyo, Mendoza, Patagonia, etc. CQ: In your opinion, why is Argentina a top destination for the M&E industry? JO: Argentina is one of the biggest and most beautiful countries in the world. We have first class hotels and convention centers; customer service, and gastronomy are spectacular for the M&E industry. The combination between cultural activities, tango, cooking classes, the urban life in Buenos Aires, amazing landscape all over the country, glaciers and snow in the south, wine routes, and the gaucho life makes Argentina the ideal place to visit.
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Buenos Aires City Tour You will visit the Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Casa Rosada, located in a key area of Buenos Aires City. You will walk by the colorful streets of La Boca and Caminito. You will visit La Recoleta Cemetery, a place with impressive mausoleums. Afterwards you will find the section of Palermo where you can admire magnificent mansions and parks.
Chilean Fjords Punta del Este, Uruguay You will visit the beautiful beaches (Playa Mansa, West side, and Playa Brava, the East side, as well as areas of Beverly Hills and San Rafael. You will also enjoy the lovely panoramic views in Punta Ballena, and a visit to the Conrad Hotel and Casino, enjoying an excellent glass of wine.
Behold the amazing islands and fjords of the southern coast of Chile. The fjords are these narrow sea inlets interspersed isolated rock formations. It is a place that seems untouched from the beginning of time. From the boat admire some glaciers and, if time allows, there will be the chance to see one of them at close range.
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Ensenada Zaratiegui Bay It has become a tourist attraction, a “must-see� tour, departing from Ushuaia city, and seeking the attractions of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Bring your camera and shot the beautiful view of La Isla Redonda, el Canal Beagle (in honour of the British ship, where Charles Darwin, the naturalist, was travelling) and the stunning Snowy Mountains
Concha y Toro Go for a walk through the gardens, park and the outside family summer residence of Concha y Toro (late XIX century). Learn where the Concha y Toro wine of Jardin de Variedades comes from, a place with 26 wine grapes strains. Visit the vineyard Parque Viejo. Enjoy a panoramic View of Valle del Maipo from the vineyard terrace. Wine tasting - Visit the wineries guard, including the centenarian Casillero del Diablo, a wine legend.
Delta Tour Enjoy the day in this natural setting where we will not only sail between islands, but we can walk and enjoy views. We will learn about the islander life. Have lunch facing the river. We will visit the Puerto de Frutos, a very characteristic place. In addition, and on the way back, we will see stately mansions in the northern part of the province which are other attractions. San Isidro, its history, its characters. We will see the main official residence of the President of Argentina (Quinta de Olivos). 33
PetrohuĂŠ R
Highlights from a Cruise (continued...)
Not far from the Todos L find the jewel of the par blue waters and emerald ing a torrential and frothy yon of volcanic rock car the bold adventurers en will also include a visit to Centre, for a short walk the Pacific Ocean. Befor a delicious lunch. Once ras, you will have the the main square near the
Iguazu Falls Tour You will enjoy an amazing day exploring the landscape of abundant subtropical vegetation in the IguazĂş National Park. This tour includes a round trip flight from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu. While flying you will be able to admire the beautiful scenery of the jungle. Arriving at the Iguazu Falls, you will walk along the paths where you will find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world composed of 300 impressive waterfalls. The tour includes a ride on the ecological train that will take you to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), this is a set of waterfalls 80 m high that flow into a narrow gorge, which has the largest flow of Iguazu Falls, in fact the highest flow worldwide.
Penguin Reserv
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You will spend a day exp insula Valdes, a place t ed a UNESCO World He the Estancia San Lorenz serve). On the beach y 2,000 adorable penguins as other species such a birds), guanacos (similar Estancia, you will enjoy sisting of delicious empa accompanied by a glass head to Punta Norte, wh and sea elephants are lo
River Rapids
Los Santos Lake, you will rk, the Petrohué Rapids, d green running and formy waterfall through a canrved by the lava. Watch njoying rafting. The tour o the Volcano Osorno Ski and panoramic views of re returning you will enjoy you arrive to Puerto Vachance to walk about e Llanquihue Lake shore.
End of the world train You will go on a train ride. In this journey, you will cross Pipo River and Cañadon del Toro, to then venture to Tierra del Fuego National Park. The landscape is spectacular, it has beautiful waterfalls, majestic forest and amazing mountains and glaciers. The train will stop at the Cascada La Macarena station, to appreciate panoramic views and see a reconstruction of a typical settlement of two large groups of natives who originally inhabited this land, the Yámana and the Shelknam.
ve & Punta Norte
ploring the wildlife of Penthat has been designateritage Site. You will visit zo (Magellan penguin reyou will see more than s walking around, as well as the rheas (ostrich-like r to llamas) and more. At a traditional lunch conanadas and roasted lamb s of wine. Then you will here colonies of sea lions cated.
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Highlights from a Cruise (continued...)
Santiago de Chile, lakes, hot springs and glaciers This tour will take you to discover the charms of Santiago City and its colonial architecture. You will depart from your hotel, toward the Cajon del Maipo. This canyon offers spectacular views of the glacial valley that will leave you breathless. You will continue towards San Gabriel town where you will visit the beautiful Lead reservoir from where enjoy spectacular views. From here we head to the hot springs Lead. After this visit we will go back to the road, towards the San Francisco glacier, where we will enjoy a snack while admiring the stunning glacier. If you are still with energy, you may follow a 1-hour walking route towards Laguna Los Patos, a small mountain lake full of wild ducks.
Osorno Volcano This tour will take you to witness the charming villages of Lake District. The tour begins looking at the landscape while you are traveling to Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas. Upon entering to the towns and cities, you will feel the German influence on architecture, with beautiful flowers decorating the streets. Once you arrive to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, you will have 50 minutes to explore. The name comes from the founder of the cities of basin Lake Llanquihue. Their big tourist attraction are the Todos los Santos Lake and the snowy summit of the Osorno Volcano. From here you can also see the unmistakable Pointed Volcano (2,493 m high), ant he Tronador Hill (3,491 m high), which mark the border with Argentina. Walk along the paths that take you to see rivers, lakes and waterfalls.
Estancia Olga Teresa + Patagonian Barbecue You will visit a typical Chilean sheep farm, known as Estancia Olga Teresa, located in the middle of a large rural community called Río Verde. You will observe activities like sheep shearing and the skills of Chilean cowboys who are working together with the sheepdogs. Remember to bring your binoculars to spot the condors soaring in the skies. You will enjoy a “pisco sour” (a classic Chilean cocktail) and delicious baked “empanadas” (stuffed pastry); this is only a snack because for lunch you will taste the authentic Patagonian barbeque, consisting of roast lamb “al palo”, cooked slowly during several hours, which go well with a Chilian red wine. To finish, on the way to Punta Arenas, relax enjoying the landscape, and, if you wish, you can visit the Main Square (Plaza Principal) to go around the shops and their craftwork markets.
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The Customer is Always Right Excellent! Great return trip wonderfully done. Fausto did a remarkable job very responsive and wonderful. Mr. Chandler Martin | Director
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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
LET’S COOK!
Argentina’s favorite beverage. It is a tea made with yerba mate leaves. These plants are previously dried, cut and ground. They have a bitter taste due to tannins in their leaves, so it is valid to sweeten with sugar, honey or your favorite sweetener. Mate is a drink that goes with loneliness moments, but it is best enjoyed in the company of friends or relatives; it is common to share a mate with several people. Enjoy it along with biscuits or facturas (Argentinian pastries) while chitchatting. It is usual to find people with the mate in parks, festivals and concerts.
Curious terminology...
Yerba mate: is the name of the herb used to make mate.
Mate: is the name of the vessel used to serve the infusion. It is also the name given to the tea already prepared.
Bombilla: (special straw). Small tube used to carry the infusion from the container (mate) to the mouth. This process is performed through suction.
Cebar: is the action of preparing and serving mate.
Cebador: person who prepares and serves mate.
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Travel Tip: Inner Growth Opportunities
Delayed flights give you a chance to test your patience. Ask yourself: Ho important will this delay seem five or ten years from now?
Lost bags give you a chance to see how skillful you are at doing with less. When you don’t get your meal right away, you are given a chance to examine your compassion for busy flight attendants.
Crying children give you a chance to turn howls into music.
When people push and shove or when there is overcrowding, you are given a chance to se how tolerant you can be. And no matter what the circumstances, you are always given a chance to test your love for your fellow human beings.
One writer told me when things get really stressed, he gets up on a chair and yells, “Oh what an opportunity for growth and learning!” While this may not be the most appropriate action to take at airports, you can still look for those doors of opportunity. (Taken from page 143) 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, 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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