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Year 10 Vol. 1, Issue 148 Directory Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM manolo@ividmc.travel Second Generation, Innovator & President Francisco BAEZA, DMCP fbaeza@ividmc.travel Vice President
Cover Subject:
COSTA RICA, THE PEACEFUL SOUL OF CENTRAL AMERICA • • • •
Introduction pages 4, 5 Culture of Service page 6 Adventures and Nature page 7-9 General Facts pages 10, 11
Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel General Comptroller
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Raquel MIJARES, CIS Corporate Marketing Director
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Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel Quality Director Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel Electronic Publishing
The Customer’s Always Right Page 14 Advertise with CommuniQuest Page 15 Quick Hits: Dinner in the Sky Page 16
Pages 12, 13
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Content & Editing
LET’S COOK!
Gallo Pinto, a Very Traditional Dish Page 14
Fernando ROSAS corp.image@ividmc.travel Design
Dr. Travel’s - Travel Tip:
Jorge OROZCO, DMCP jorozco@myday.travel Managing Director - MyDay Travel
10 Travel Commandments Page 17 © Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.
Destination Offices Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
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 South America Jorge OROZCO, DMCP Regional Managing Director jorozco@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, IVI DMC² Dominican Republic Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit Ramon RIJO, CIS Jaime NELO, CMS, DMCP Regional Managing Director Destination Managing Director rrijo@ividmc.travel jnelo@ividmc.travel IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS Marketing Director rmijares@ividmc.travel
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IVI DMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS, CIS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel
Message From Headquarters Dear reader, The old adage says that all roads lead to Rome. In Costa Rica’s case, we can rightly say that all trails lead to pristine waterfalls, hazy crater lakes or junglefringed, unattended beaches. Explore it by horseback, foot or kayak, and you’ll discover that Costa Rica is a tropical choose-your-own-adventure destination. And then there are the people. Costa Ricans, or Ticos as they like to call themselves, are proud of their little slice of Eden, inviting guests to join them into the easygoing rhythms of the pura vida (full of life). This green jewel destination is by and large, the eco and adventure tourism capital of Central America. Costa Rica has a worthy place in the agenda of business travelers around the world due to its world-class infrastructure, visionary sustainability initiatives and a long-standing culture of great customer service. Be attentive as you explore this paradise and you’ll realize why it is said to be the peaceful soul of Central America. Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM Second Generation, Innovator & President
Our Objective
Our Vision
Always aim for 100% overall customer satisfaction.
Associates: Keep the ideal place to work, where our multicultural staff give their best, every day Customers: Offer an innovative high-quality service that exceeds expectations Partners: Consolidate our network of honest and successful partners Utilities: Maximize the return of investment to shareholders
Our Mission
Planet: Inspire responsible resource management by means of our work
Serve customers through our international certifications ISO 9001 and ADMC; ensuring 100% customer satisfaction of incentives, conventions, and special events; providing memorable experiences in each of the destinations in which we operate; maximizing return of investment to shareholders.
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One of the main reasons your company plans an incentive trip is to celebrate, right? Then it is only natural that you should have your celebration in one of the happiest countries in the world: Costa Rica. Ticos, as Costa Ricans are known, will always greet you with a smile and the wonderful phrase “Pura Vida” (meaning full of life), which reflects the feeling of wellness we all enjoy. Many explain this state of mind due to the fact that Costa Rica abolished its army in 1949, and has since reallocated army funds to be spent on education, health and, pensions; and also because we live in a lush, green country that holds a big piece of the world’s biodiversity in only 19,700 mi2. But there are many more reasons and ways to enjoy happiness in Costa Rica that are related specifically to the M&E industry. Let us tell you about it. 4
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CULTURE OF SERVICE You can be sure Costa Ricans will always go the extra mile to serve you and it is specially so at IVI DMC2 Costa Rica, since we scout and select only the best vendors for your program’s needs. Also, as education is one of the pillars of our society, many people speak more than one language, and English is the most spoken second language in CR, so communication will always be easy.
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ADVENTURE AND WONDERFUL WEATHER Have you seen a picture of somebody enjoying our wonderful adventures who is not grinning from ear to ear? There are so many options to choose from that will make you smile by even looking at the options we have for you: zip lining over the canopy, stand up paddle board, horse back riding, rafting, deep-sea fishing… you name it; if it doesn’t involve snow we will surely have it! Weather. There is no winter here! Because we are located so close to the Equator we only have dry and sunny seasons, which are locally known as golden and green season. In Costa Rica the average annual temperature is around 70-81 °F and an average of 100 inches of rainfall.
ADMIRABLE GASTRONOMY The term “Farm to Table” is nothing out of the extraordinary in Costa Rica. How can you not smile and be happy when our food is prepared with the freshest local ingredients? And… have you tried Costa Rican coffee? If you haven’t, you will never want to settle for less quality!
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ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES BY LAND AND SEA Costa Rica has always been THE place for adventure; it almost seems that our unique landscape was created with this purpose in mind. Our destinations has plenty of resources that make it ideal to explore and enjoy: Two oceans, many rivers and lakes, endless miles of sandy beaches, and rainforests. Have you ever felt the exhilaration of ziplining over the rain forest canopy? Did you know it was invented in Costa Rica in the 1970’s! That is proof enough that we know how to take what we have and make it fun, and we have been making this for a long, long time. If you have already tried ziplining and want to have a similar thrilling experience but kick it up a notch, then canyoning and rappelling are some other choices for you. Rest assured that you will be up close and personal with the nature at its best while also challenging your adventurous spirit when you jump down from a waterfall in the unspoiled rainforest. You can also admire our nature in adventure-mode when you drive the ATVs or when hiking and horseback riding. These activities will allow you to better appreciate the wonders that surround you while having lots of fun!
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Costa Rica is surrounded by water, and adventure junkies do know what to do about that! These are some of the favorite activities you can explore and we are sure you will have a hard time choosing having so many to pick from: Stand up paddle, jet skis, kayaks, canoes along the river, fishing, boating, surfing, diving, snorkeling, whitewater rafting. Wow! It is an exhilarating list already! For incentives travelers our adventure activities are an opportunity to test the
limits of your team’s comfort zone; they also provide the chance to join everybody in the camaraderie of an exciting adventure while creating unforgettable memories together. Our vendors are always thoroughly tested for safety and quality standards so you can rest assured this will fun, and at the same time safe. Provide your team with an opportunity to break barriers and feel super powers! Come join us in our adventure-filled land!
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BIODIVERSITY. Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth's surface (51.100 km2). However, it contains nearly 6 percent of the world's biodiversity. So, how can you not be happy while surrounded by lush greens, tropical flowers and many species of animals, some of which are really, really cute? Somebody said sloth here? WONDERFUL FACILITIES. World-renown quality hotels have some of their most wonderful properties in Costa Rica, so you can smile and rest assured that you will be getting the quality standards you expect and deserve. Yet another reason to be happy! Also consider that all of these properties are committed to the CST (or Certification for Sustainable Tourism Program) which outlines the three main pillars for developing an operation that reduces the impact on the environment: people, planet and profit.
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SMART CONNECTIVITY. With two international airports strategically located, Costa Rica receives flights from all over the world and from all the major airlines. Once you land in Costa Rica, your final destination is sure to be just some minutes away! LIFE’S A BEACH. With almost 1,000 miles of coastline, Costa Rica is home to many lovely beaches which provide not only a relaxing break under the sun (if that is what you need), but also many opportunities for those seeking adventure either on the surf or at the ocean a little bit further beyond. We can almost tell that just by reading our happy list you are smiling and ready to bring your program here! Don’t wait and contact IVI DMC2 Costa Rica today so you can smile and be happy before, during and after your program. The above is only possible here, at the happiest place on Earth: Costa Rica.
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Gallo Pinto, a Very Traditional Dish Gallo Pinto or gallopinto is a traditional dish of Nicaragua and Costa Rica made with rice and beans. It is not well known where the dish originated seeing that variations of gallo pinto are popular in many countries in and around the Caribbean. One theory suggests that gallo pinto was brought into Latin America by African slaves. Gallo pinto means "spotted rooster" in Spanish. The name is said to originate in the multi-colored or speckled look that results from cooking the rice together with black or red beans. In this dish, the beans are cooked until the juice is almost consumed. There are other variations of this delicacy. Similar dishes are known as Moros y Cristianos ("Moors and Christians") in Spain and Cuba, or just Moro. A similar dish can be found in Panama, El Salvador, and in Honduras, where it is called casados or casamiento. Recently, empanadas filled with gallo pinto have become a popular alternative for people who have little time to eat breakfast. Gallo pinto anyone?
The Customer’s Always Right Initial contact with Raquel was great. The whole staff were excellent. I would definitely recommend and request them again!
Heather M. Bull | Ms. Travel Counsellor
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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: • • • • • •
Mexico Cuba Dominican Republic Costa Rica Panama South America
For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this travel digest, please contact: Francisco BAEZA fbaeza@ividmc.travel
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DINNERINTHESKY-TEOTIHUACAN A high-end experience at 150 feet! Have you ever felt being lifted from the ground way high up to then enjoy a delicacy from an expert chef? If you haven’t, Dinner in The Sky Mexico welcomes you to a heavenly experience! 22 diners are elevated up to 45 meters from the ground to delight themselves with a high-end menu near the clouds. Teotihuacan is one of the official magical venues to experience this amazing, one-in-a-lifetime experience; it is a masterly setting with beautiful views of the pyramids, and hot air balloons. Your Dinner in the Sky flight promises to be unforgettable and make you feel on cloud nine!
This great activity will take place in: Queretaro, July 14 - August 6 Teotihuacan, August & September Puebla, October 12-29 Guadalajara, November 9-26 The experience includes breakfast, lunch or champagne sunset. Contact us at IVI DMC² and secure your seat to live a lofty experience!
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TravelTip: 10Travel Commandments Would you like to enjoy a trouble-free journey? Then Dr. Travel's 10 travel commandments would be helpful to keep in mind: 1. Make your reservation early. 2. Get a seat assignment. 3. Request a special meal, even a kid's meal. 4. Ask for a reasonable amount of time between airplane connections. 5. Carry information letters or numbers for hotel and car rentals. 6. Take only credit cards that have not reached their credit limit. 7. Familiarize yourself with your travel plans. Either leave a schedule at home or at your business so you can be contacted, if necessary. 8. Take any medications with you. Do not check-in anything you may need on the trip. 9. Stretch, relax, chat, read, watch a movie, and drink only nonalcoholic liquids. 10. Ask for help! (Taken from the preface) 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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