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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, Colombia is truly a verdant wonderland. Its quaint cities have bold and bright avenues. Here, colonial meets contemporary masterfully. This destination will allure you with its soaring Andean summits, unspoiled Caribbean beaches, intriguing Amazon jungle, mystifying archaeological sites and cobbled colonial communities. The ever-growing tourism infrastructure along with the stellar hospitality of Colombians will allure you. When you visit Colombia you will be mesmerized by the variety of things to do and see. Lovers of history and archaeology will be enthralled by Bogota’s vast museums and will be truly impressed by the Tierradentro, Lost City and San Agustin sites. Beyond the history, you can also find unique dancing, delicious food, and a seducing nightlife. Journey into the Amazon, go diving, drink superb coffee, and much more. Do you want something out of the ordinary? Then, come and let this marvelous destination amaze you! 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 122 Contents: Visionary, Founder, Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS & Master Coach jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
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Cover Subject
Colombia
President Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS manolo@ividmc.travel
Meetings in Colombia With Coffee Aroma in the Air
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: Colombia, Among the Top Ten Countries to Travel to in 2016
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Advertise with CommuniQuest
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The Customer’s Always Right
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Let’s Cook : Colombian Coffee
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Travel Tip: Remember It’s a Process
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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
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. 3
Cover Topic:
Colombia
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olombia is a big country located in the northwest part of South America. It is one of the richest countries in biodiversity, culture and ethnicity. The word "Colombia" is named after Christopher Columbus, the explorer who discovered the Americas. Mountains, beaches, ancient cathedrals are common sights here, though it is mainly its people’s warmth and hospitality what characterizes Colombia and thus make it one of the most visited and sought-after destinations. Cities such as Bogota (the capital and growth locomotive), Medellin, and Cartagena are amongst the most visited. Each one of them has its own personality, its own beauty. We invite you to come and discover the greatness of our land and thus allow yourself to be pampered by the kindness of Colombians, feature that has made them famous around the world. Photo courtesy of National Geographic: Capital city Bogota
Colombia
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June 2016
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Edellin’s name evokes great mountain ridges, numerous national parks, a rich biodiversity and a village full of kindness and worth... this is Medellin, the capital of Antioquia department and one of the most booming Colombian cities as regards economy and tourism infrastructure. Among its many attractions is the Flower Fair, held annually. This festival has helped establish a reputation as the cultural capital of Colombia. It brings together the largest number of domestic and foreign visitors. According to a prestigious publication, Colombia comes in second, just behind Holland, as a major supplier of live flowers to world markets. It is a festival that features color everywhere and that promises cultural enrichment. If we go a little beyond the green mountains of Medellin, we will be able to admire a giant stone: “El Peñol”, in the town of Guatape. This monolith is a must see since it offers breathtaking views from atop; this wonder has become a popular stop for anyone who visits Antioquia. You can get here either by bus or by car rental.
Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera Gallery
Photos courtesy of the municipality of Medellin and Flower Fair official website
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Colombia
Cover Topic (continued...)
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artagena de Indias is known as the walled wonder. A perfect mix where the modern age mingles with the past, makes Cartagena de Indias an ideal city for anyone who
wants to peer into the ancient history of Colombia, its pirates and warships, while at the same time enjoying the modern, cosmopolitan twist this city offers. Its strategic bayside location has also seen a huge tourist growth recently. Located on Colombia’s northern coast and facing the Caribbean Sea, it is by far the most visited city in the country by both local and international tourists. Cartagena's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site – a maze of cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillea, horse-drawn carriages, and impressive churches. Rich in culture and color, Cartagena promises to create long-lasting impressions that will make you eager to return.
Colombia
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Top: Photo courtesy of the department of Bolivar official website
Bottom: Photo courtesy of the municipality of Cartagena official website
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Colombia
Cover Topic (continued...)
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ogota is the city for everyone. It is the capital of Colombia and the main administrative and economic center of the country. It has one of the largest and most important airports throughout Latin America: El Dorado. Its benign and cool climate makes Bogota a preferred destination for many. The city is blessed by an average temperature of 15°C (58°F). The great city for everyone has been listed by The New York Times as the city number 21 (out of 53) in the list of best tourist destinations in America. It is known for housing renown cultural hubs such as the Colon Theatre and huge libraries such as Virgilio Barco Library. The city has developed an efficient public transportation system which is acclaimed as a pioneer in the use of hybrid buses that reduce significantly the emissions into the environment. A fine example is the Transmilenio bus network, which over the last decade has transported more than 3,000,000,000 passengers and currently serves 1.7 million users per day. It has been recognized by the U.N. as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Water and oil are being saved tremendously, while the rate of accidents on the road has decreased by 80%. The system is also integrated with a bicycle network, offering bicycle parking for more than 1,600 bicycles at various stations. What a feat of urban engineering! Photo courtesy of the Public Library Capital Network official website of Colombia: Public Library Virgilio Barco, Bogota.
Colombia
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June 2016
BestCities Global Alliance network, a reputable organization which has put together a list of friendly, English-speaking cities known for comfort, cleanliness and safety, has welcomed to their list Bogota, thus making it the first city in Latin America to be part of such recognized list. This distinction means that Bogota now competes with cities such as Vancouver, Melbourne, Edinburgh, and Dubai. Aspects such as cultural and gastronomic offer, bilingualism, quality of life, safety, and historical wealth, were important aspects that had a bearing in the process of selection of new cities servicing great events. Bogota underwent a rigorous certification process which began with the visit of the BestCities’ staff to this destination. With the assistance of IVI DMC² Colombia, find out why Colombia is recognized as one of the best destinations for your convention or group event in Latin America. Photo courtesy of the BestCities Global Alliance official website: Luis Angel Arango Library´s Auditorium in Bogota.
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Colombia
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Colombia Among the Top Recommended Countries to Travel to in 2016 Hills of Mavecure
Rough Guides, a leading publisher of travel and reference information, conducts an annual, worldwide research on the best countries to visit and categorizes them on a top ten list 10. For 2016, Colombia is positioned as number 2 on this prestigious list and no wonder! Emblematic and unique places such as the Lost City in Magdalena, the Salt Cathedral in Bogota, the hills of Mavecure in Guainia, the tombs of the National Archeological Park of Tierradentro, and many more make this great country great for visiting. Colombia has rightly earned this distinction and is able to hobnob with destinations the size of Nepal and Wales in the U.K. Well done Colombia!
Salt Cathedral
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June 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 IVI staff was very pleasant to work with; Gregorio was a great help. Ms. Molly Hoyt | Meetings Manager
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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
Colombian Coffee Is the Best in the World!
Facts: Besides being the best coffee in the world, Colombia is also the world’s second largest coffee producer. The social importance of this drink is undeniable. Good coffee is like wine: it is a tasting journey that uses all the senses. Colombia also produces the world's tastiest coffee. You have the perfect excuse to start your day with a cup of this magical liquid wherever you are: on the street, in a cafe, at home, on a balcony, at your computer, or in the garden. Enjoy it with friends or when taking a short break at the office. When planning your next coffee agenda, don’t forget to include your business meeting!
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June 2016
Travel Tip: Remember It’s a Process Often we get so caught up in wanting to get to our destination, we forget about the journey itself. Getting from one place to another involves a process. Part of the process may be enjoyable and part may not. Focus on the former; forget the latter. Nothing erases unpleasant thoughts more effectively than concentration on pleasant ones. - Hans Selye If we see ourselves as victims of circumstances or as victims of irrational forces beyond our control, the chances are that our distress will be intensified. - Dr. Allen Fay (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
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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