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Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 100
Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
President
Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS manolo@ividmc.travel
General Comptroller
Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel
Corporate Marketing and Business Director
Francisco BAEZA 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 —MyDay Travel
Jorge OROZCO, DMCP jorozco@myday.travel
Corporate Headquarters:
Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
Contents:
Page
How to Prepare Jamaica Tea
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Celebrating Our 100th Issue of CommuniQuest!
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Cover Subject:
Well Thought Out Theme Parties in Latin America for Meetings & Incentives
Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
Viva La Fiesta Summer Sweet Caribbean Night Calypso Party Gala Dinner Neon Theme Panamanian Theme Party
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Quick Hits: Master Chef Mexico
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Interview with Jorge OROZCO MyDay Travel
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MyDay Travel: Spotlight Destination Argentina & Fun Facts
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Travel Tip: Cheap Travel
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Destination Offices: Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
South America
IVIDMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA President manolo@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE Destination Managing Director galmonte@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras
IVIDMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit Jaime NELO Destination Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA Destination Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Brazil Andrea MAJELA Destination Managing Director amajela@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Destination Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Argentina & Chile Leila GOROSITO Destination Managing Director lgorosito@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
Alexandra GONZALEZ Destination Manager agonzalez@ividmc.travel IVIDMC² Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Destination Managing Director mfoster@ividmc.travel
Jorge LAZO Destination Managing Director jlazo@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Colombia Carolina CALDERON Destination Managing Director ccalderon@ividmc.travel
Follow us on... © Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved. 2
July 2015
How to Prepare Jamaica Tea The dog days are here and it’s as hot as can be! To cool off, why not reach for an ice cold Jamaica tea (Hibiscus tea). Not only is Jamaica tea refreshing but it also has so many properties that are good for you. For example, it is a source of vitamin C and it is known for cleansing the kidneys. When it is easy to find these dried flowers in your local store, this recipe is a lot cheaper than buying it at Starbucks.
Ingredients:
1 cup of dried Jamaica flowers
4 cups water to boil
4 cups cold water
1/2 or 3/4 cups of sugar
Ice
Preparation: In a medium sized pot add the cup of dried Jamaica flowers and 4 cups of water for boiling. On the stove bring to a boil for about 3-5 minutes. Turn off the stove and allow the flowers to steep for another 5 minutes. Strain the tea into a large pitcher. Add the amount of sugar you prefer, some even enjoy this drink with no sugar added. Finally add in the other 4 cups of cold water and ice.
expectations by going the extra mile so to speak in regard to superlative service. A satisfied client is our ultimate goal. With these lofty standards in mind, we strive to choose and only work with suppliers that meet our criteria in order to render an out-of-the-ordinary service.
Message From Headquarters As President of IVIDMC2, I deem it an honor to run this prestigious company and continue its positioning as one of the best in the market. The canons assertively say that the customer is first, and I concur. I also agree that our associates are the strong backbone of our company, and I consider them as my extended family. Without them we would not be where we are today.
After 29 eventful years in the business, IVIDMC2 is proud of the relationships we have forged with thousands of satisfied customers. We invite you to enjoy the pleasure of doing business with us and see for yourself that an unforgettable and successful event is feasible. You have my unfailing commitment to make you and your group look great!
Our company is recognized in the M&I industry as being down to earth and having an outstanding service-minded attitude. Our unchangeable commitment is to exceed our customers’
Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS President
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Celebrating Our 100 Issue of CommuniQuest! th
Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS President manolo@ividmc.travel
Since its inception, CommuniQuest magazine has been serving the M&I industry with the purpose of helping incentive and meeting planners choose the destination that best suits their needs. Our magazine keeps on the watch for trendy destinations, hot deals, and new infrastructure, thus making it a breeze to select the place achievers rightly deserve. We would like to take this opportunity to share with you some highlights from the past year along with the faces behind the destinations we handle. Our qualified staff is ready to serve you and make you look great!
Jaime NELO IVIDMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit jnelo@ividmc.travel
Mario FOSTER IVIDMC² Los Cabos mfoster@ividmc.travel
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Alejandro DEBASA IVIDMC² Cuba adebasa@ividmc.travel
Ligia VARGAS IVIDMC² Panama lvargas@ividmc.travel
Genaro ALMONTE IVIDMC² Dominican Republic galmonte@ividmc.travel
Carolina CALDERON IVIDMC² Colombia ccalderon@ividmc.travel
Jorge LAZO jlazo@ividmc.travel
Andrea MAJELA IVIDMC² Brazil amajela@ividmc.travel
Sonia VARGAS IVIDMC² Costa Rica svargas@ividmc.travel
Leila GOROSITO IVIDMC² Argentina & Chile lgorosito@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras
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Cover Topic:
Well Thought Out Theme Parties in Latin America for M&I
Cancun & Riviera Maya The diversity of Mexico's 32 states is both interesting and stunning! Each state has its own folklore and cultural features with unique elements that help to create exceptional themed parties. IVIDMC2 Cancun & Riviera Maya masterfully combines this unique variety, while taking advantage of our destination’s privileged location - the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean as well as the greatness of the Mayan culture - to produce spectacular themed events. Some Themed Parties: Viva La Fiesta
Mayan Gods & Magic
Summer Sweet Caribbean Night
Casino Royale
Frida Kahlo
And much more…
Mexico 6
Central America
July 2015
Costa Rica No incentive meeting is complete without a cherry on top, a themed party to celebrate the success of your event! When choosing Costa Rica rest assured that your program will be carefully planned by a seasoned event planner. Your theme party will be tailored according to your group size, age, needs, and of course, budget.
Some of our most trendy themed parties:
Costa Rican typical party with folkloric dances, marimba music, and traditional Costa Rican masquerade (A great theme for a welcome party!)
Calypso party with an under the sea theme
Latin music & dance party with salsa dancers
Cocktails & games at the beach with pop DJ
Gala dinner with classical music & a jazz band
Neon theme & cocktail show with live band for dancing
Some nice add-ons we can include on to many themes are: Body paint models, cigar rollers, artisans, flower markets, comparsa band, carnival style shows such as jugglers, and much more. What are you waiting for? Come to Costa Rica and join the party!
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Panama Allow your imagination to soar when planning a themed party! Panama is so rich in traditions and colorful features that for certain your next event will be a hit. In its culture we see reflected elements that, throughout time, have shaped the identity of Panama and its happy and creative people. This unique destination and its distinctive flavor will fascinate your senses with the vast gamut of theme parties available!
Accessories for a Panamanian Themed Party
Panama's cuisine has been influence by the Amerindian, Spanish, African, and Afro Caribbean cultures. Rice here is a staple and it is prepared in so many ways, including soups such as the popular sancocho. Other main ingredients are: corn, plantains, chicken, meat, fish, and seafood, from which various dishes and fried foods are prepared. Roots and tubers have preponderance in the Panamanian diet, highlighting cassava, yams, ñampí, the otoe, and to a lesser extent, potatoes. The Tamborito (Little drum) is a Panamanian dance, where a female singer (cantalante) leads the dancers with harmonic poems followed by the box drummer and other drums. A chorus of women respond to the cantalante’s song by clapping twice to a measure and by singing the copla (A Spanish poem), thus establishing a sort of dialogue between cantalante, choir, and drums. The tamborito is a dance and musical genre that prevails on the isthmus and is widely recognized as the most important expression of Panamanian folklore. Table centerpieces for a Panamanian theme party are made of different regional flowers in different styles and colors, accompanied with chandeliers and different diablicos masks. Linens. To create a truly Panamanian atmosphere it is important to use linen fabric with typical prints like those resembling a Pollera, the typical dress. A craft market station is a must in a Panamanian themed party. This way, guests have the commodity of acquiring presents or souvenirs while at the same time learning a little more about the Panamanian culture and its handcrafts. The most popular dances are punto, atravesao, and bullerengue. There are other important dances such as: diablicos, grandiablos, congos, cucuas, torito, pajarilla, dance of the cuenecué, and of course, indigenous dances.
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July 2015
The Riviera Nayarit Shows its Leadership in High End Gastronomy: Chef Betty Vazquez to Judge Master Chef Mexico Betty Vazquez, Riviera Nayarit’s culinary ambassador, will participate in the MasterChef Mexico, an Azteca TV production in conjunction with Discovery Home & Health. It will air in Mexico and Latin America. She was named as one of three judges for the first-ever MasterChef Mexico, a reality cooking show in search of the country’s most talented amateur chef. “The show airs very soon. It’s a very well produced series, the result of a the fine efforts on behalf of the participants and months of searching throughout Mexico for the first #MasterChefMx. I’m very proud to be a part of it,” said Chef Betty Vazquez. Betty has championed the cuisine of Nayarit, placing it front and center stage during her years of traveling around the world together with representatives from the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. Now, she will shine on TV for 16 consecutive Sundays, the first of which aired on June 28, 2015.
For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this magazine please contact Francisco BAEZA: fbaeza@ividmc.travel
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IVIDMC² 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 Belize Guatemala El Salvador Honduras Costa Rica Panama Colombia Brazil Argentina Chile Coming soon...Peru!
Panama
Interview with Jorge OROZCO MyDay Travel CQ: Please tell us a little about your background, especially your experience in the tourism industry, and what is your role in the company? JO: I have worked in tourism since I graduated from college 11 years ago. I began working as a hotelier. Afterwards, I had the privilege of joining IVIDMC² and I started working as an executive planner. A few years later I was promoted as planning and purchasing manager. In this position I was
CQ:
Please
tell
us
about
able to gain so much experience in handling groups mainly from United States and
MyDay
Canada. This expanded my outlook for this
Travel. When did it begin operating and with what objective in mind?
important market and motivated me to pursue and achieve a DMCP certification (Destination Management Certified Professional) supported by ADME. I served in this position for 4 years.
JO: MyDay Travel initiated in 2012 with the purpose of providing our clients with a unique platform to organize namely: weddings,
When I completed this fruitful cycle, I was given the unique opportunity to be the MyDay
business and personal trips. MyDay Travel
Travel general director.
stems from IVIDMC2 and therefore, has the same filosophy when it comes to quality. Our
CQ: Amongst so many options for FITs and
goal is to offer a true VIP service in order for our customers to fully enjoy and get the most
honeymooners, what is it that makes MyDay Travel the perfect option?
of the destination they choose. Before our customers - honeymooners, FITs, or business
JO: Simply put: Unlike many OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), we understand our custom-
travelers - arrive to their destination we make sure they have all the information they will need. This information comprises airport
ers so well that we know that they prefer personal assistance versus a complicated and
greeting, ground transfers, activities available in the area, recommended restaurants, and
cold booking system. Besides having a friendly reservation system and online
much more.
assistance, we anticipate questions that may arise and therefore provide key and timely information regarding venues, activities, etc. Therefore, as our customer makes his booking he gets fully informed of what he can expect from his trip.
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July 2015
El Calafate – Argentina Thanks to the presence of the great Argentino and Viedma lakes, and to its privileged geographic location, el Calafate is the hot spot for touristic activities in the area, inside and outside Los Glaciares National Park. Of the many available excursions in this national park, el Perito Moreno glacier stands out above the rest and is the main attraction. There are other exciting activities such as minitrekking on the glaciers, navigation through the Argentino Lake, visiting Onelli Bay, and the Upsala, Spegazzini, Onelli, and Seco, among other glaciers.
Fun Facts: Did you know?
Singapore Airlines is the second largest consumer of Dom Pérignon champange in the world.
The biggest hotel pool is located in the San Alfonso del Mar hotel in Chile, measuring 1 km (0.63 miles) in length.
An international study in 2006 considered Iceland as the 4th happiest nation in the world.
In 1902, Australia was the second country in the world to give women the right to vote. While in 1893, New Zeland was the first country to do so.
South Africa is the second biggest exporter of fruits in the world
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Destinations • Mexico • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Guatemala • Costa Rica • Panama • Colombia • Brazil • Argentina • Chile This portal was created to assist Meeting Planners in easily locating ideal destinations, hotels, services, and activities within the group market in Latin America. On this site you will find a large collection of photographs and videos of selected hotels, tours, and activities that fit the needs of the M&I industry, as well as a RFP engine that will directly connect you with the hotel of your interest.
Easy to use
Go to the menu on top of the home page and click on the destination(s) of your interest. For instance, if you want to know more about Dominican Republic for a possible group follow these steps:
From “Destinations” select Dominican Republic. Immediately you will be on the Dominican Republic home page. As with each destination, you can see 10 reasons that make each destination stand out above the rest. You can click on each photo to see even more images.
To the right side there is a submenu showing airlines, hotels, restaurants, what to see, and what to do, etc. The content of each submenu includes: property description, amenities, location (Google map), photos, videos, pdf downloads. Some properties have 3600 photos.
You can use this site for your own presentations; feel free to use the photos and videos. From the home page menu you can easily access videos, sample programs, change the language, get connected through our social media, & contact us.
About Us... Our Vision: To run a world-class company that sets fresh trends and establishes new standards for best practices in the M&I industry by exceeding customer expectations. Mission Statement: To earn and maintain our clients’ trust at each one of our destinations by convincing them that their goals are our goals, and by delivering services that exceed industry standards and customer expectations. We also will meet client needs by providing exceptional product knowledge, creative solutions, cost-value and effectiveness in every measurable way. We pride ourselves on our efficient business organization that relies on strong management systems, ISO quality standards, and belief in the remarkable abilities of our people. Our mission also features an infinite commitment: "To make you look great!" Our People: IVIDMC2 has more than 150 year-round full-time associates within the entire Latin American network with great personalities, knowledge, a caring attitude, and vast M&I business experience! “Yes, since 1986, we are those neatly attired people in the turquoise blue and white uniforms. Many people call us "the Smurfs". We are knowledgeable, witty, fun to have around, and beautiful or handsome (not necessarily in that order).”
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July 2015
Cheap Travel The Weekend Stay-Over Because the airlines know business travelers generally cannot stay over a weekend, the cost of a mid-week fare is significantly higher than one that includes a Saturday night. Sometimes the difference can be double the price. So, if you are looking for a lower fare, make sure it includes a Saturday night (for example, departing on a Tuesday and returning the following Monday). The One-Stop A flight that makes a stop between your departure city and your destination can sometimes be significantly cheaper than one that makes no stops. Although you might have to spend an extra hour or two on the ground, and you risk additional delays, the savings may be worth it. (Taken from page 70) 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&I 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 magazine 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 IVIDMC²
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The Customer is Always Right
Raquel was very detailed and very responsive. Your entire staff worked hard to accommodate all of us; they were very organized and so kind to our entire group. Always had a smile, a great and fun attitude, we will always remember your kindness! - Jayne Fowlkes
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