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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, In this month's issue we've put together what we call the Top-Notch Hotel list, meaning that our hotel array includes only the best for your upcoming event. Our destinations have so much to offer and to really enjoy your stay event-tailored accommodations are needed. From small to large size groups our resorts will fulfill all your needs: auditoriums, A/V, dĂŠcor, golf courses, etc. Our professional staff will ensure that all your needs and wishes are covered. Are you planning on team building activities, dine around or gala dinners, prize-giving ceremonies, tours to the main sites? We got you covered! We wish you the best of success in your endeavors. 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 115 Visionary, Founder, Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS & Master Coach jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
Contents:
Page
Cover Subject
President Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS manolo@ividmc.travel
Top-Notch Hotels for M&E
General Comptroller Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel Corporate Marketing and Francisco BAEZA 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
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Cancun Los Cabos Costa Rica Panama
Brazil Olympics | August 2016
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Advertise with CommuniQuest
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The Customer’s Always Right
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Let’s Cook—Trail Mix
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Dr. Travel’s Travel Tip: If You Check
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Destination Offices: Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
South America
IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS Marketing, Business & Planning Director rmijares@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE, CIS Regional Managing Director galmonte@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras Jorge LAZO Regional Managing Director jlazo@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Brazil & Argentina Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director amajela@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit Jaime NELO Destination Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA Regional Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Chile Kenneth WELCH Regional Managing Director kwelch@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Destination Managing Director mfoster@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel
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© Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved. 3
Cover Topic:
Top-Notch Hotels
Cancun & Riviera Maya
Let’s meet at the beach! Mexico is leading the way in three top sun and sand destinations for business conferences, and Cancun is first choice. Thousands of visitors arrive to the Cancun International Airport, and they do it for different reasons. Cancun has been awarded again the most important place for congress and convention events in Latin America, during the World Meetings Forum 2015. Two out of three events prefer a beach destination, which makes Cancun a favourite one. Besides its more than 1,660,000 sq. ft. of event space in hotels, wide air connectivity and top level tourist services, Cancun is one of the destinations with the most modern technical support in the country for events of any magnitude, from a small wedding, an international congress or even musical concerts of more than 15,000 attendees. Next, our top-notch list. PARADISUS LA ESMERALDA & LA PERLA
Grand Convention Center with a total of 25,000 sq. ft. (2,500 m 2) of flexible and accommodating meeting space
14 meeting rooms including a theatre and a ballroom that can be divided into 4 meeting rooms & 9 breakout rooms Group registration area capacity of up to 2,000 attendees Meeting’s foyer 4,305 sq. ft. (400 m 2)
Cancun & Riviera Maya 4
Cancun & Riviera Maya
March 2016
NIZUC RESORT & SPA Its state-of-the-art conference and events center offers over 8,500 sq. ft. which includes a ballroom, two conference rooms, expansive lobby and outdoor function space. Unique features include 21 ft. ceilings, panoramic ocean views, private motor lobby, and a host of high-tech amenities.
GRAND HYATT Their team will partner with you to create the custom details for perfect seminars, conferences, conventions or other corporate events and provide you with experienced and trusted local vendors. Conference and Banquet highlights: Over 15,000 square feet of flexible event space BANYAN TREE
14 indoor and outdoor function spaces, combining nature and the serene atmosphere of Mayakoba 4 Meeting Rooms
14 Event Venues
Maximum capacity of 350 people
18 versatile meeting rooms (12 with natural light) Pre-function and outdoor areas
Bridal suite
Beach front wedding gazebo
Choose from different room plans, setups and creative catering options
GRAND VELAS Resort features: 91,547 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including a state of the art convention center with 32 meeting rooms and 2 ballrooms for conferences and celebrations for up to 3,000 people. All of their dynamic spaces feature cutting edge technology and Wi-Fi, and executive guests stay productive in private offices in the professional business center. Their expansive foyer in front of the Convention Center is ideal for trade shows. The resort's magnificent gardens, terraces and beach areas are amazing spaces for outdoor receptions and elegant dinners surrounded by lush tropical foliage and enchanting views of the sparkling Caribbean Ocean.
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Cover Topic (Continued...)
Los Cabos
JW MARRIOTT LOS CABOS BEACH RESORT & SPA *New hotel* Ultimate luxury at our Los Cabos Resort Are you ready for the ultimate hotel experience? JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa, the newest addition to the upscale Puerto Los Cabos development, boasts unparalleled luxury and a gorgeous location right on the beach. Whether you're visiting Cabo with your family or on a corporate event, you'll be delighted with our impeccable hotel facilities, including several swimming pools and a state-of-the-art spa, as well as our beautifully appointed accommodations. Settle in to your room or suite, and take advantage of high-tech amenities, plush bedding, and scenic beach or resort views. We also offer the Griffin Club, a cutting-edge, boutique hotel concept located right here within the resort. With over 38,500 square feet of flexible event space, we're one of Cabo's premier destinations for corporate meetings and social gatherings. We also showcase delicious cuisine at our several on-site restaurants. For a hotel stay that you'll never forget.
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Los Cabos
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Cover Topic (Continued...)
Costa Rica
JW Marriott, Guanacaste You have already decided you want to have your program in our green paradise and that is great! Now, rest assured that besides a great location you will also have a good choice of beautiful properties under the flags that you already trust and know. Many of the best programs develop close to the ocean, near our gold coast in the North Pacific, here you will find Westin, Four Seasons, JW Marriott, Andaz , the new Mangrove and Dreams Las Mareas Hotel. If you want to be closer to the city and decide for the Central Pacific then Marriott Los Sue単os will be the best choice, and city dwellers who stay at the capital always get the best at Real InterContinental or Wyndham San Jose; as well as the elegant and comfortable meeting rooms at hotels like Holiday Inn San Jose or Costa Rica Marriott. Besides these great properties, you can also trust the great culture of service (which is inherent in Ticos and Ticas), delicious food made with natural and fresh ingredients, and of course, the wonderful views and locations that you will only find in Costa Rica. Good hotels also attract businesses that cater to their guests, so you can always count on nearby activities, attractions, shopping and off-site locations for dinners and Meeting Set up at Andaz, Papagayo parties to bring variety to your program. When you add a great hotel with a wonderful incentives partner such as IVI DMC2 Costa Rica then you have a perfect recipe for success. We are already looking forward to working along with your selected hotel and have the best program together. See you soon in paradise!
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Costa Rica
Westin Playa Conchal Beach Club
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Costa Rica Marriott, San Jose
Cover Topic (Continued...)
Panama
Secrets Playa Bonita Currently, Panama City’s room stock is more than 11,000, according to the Panamanian Hotel Association (APATEL). Our City is full of hotel options that will suit your program needs, starting from quantity of rooms, amenities included, to events space area. This tropical city counts with important hotel chains that have strategically decided to start their operations in Panama first than any other country in Central America, such as Trump Hotel Collection and Ritz Carlton (this one opening soon). We also find other exclusive hotel chains such as Riu, Hard Rock, Hyatt, Sheraton, Hilton, Secrets and coming soon Dreams, for instance. IVI DMC² Panama acknowledges the importance of surpassing all your expectations and because of that we have built strong partnerships with hotels. Let yourself be amazed by this wonder of country with its known Panamanian hospitality and our great capability of working within your budget. Secrets Playa Bonita Located just minutes away from Panama City, the wonders of the Panama Canal and the historical colonial district, the adults-only Secrets Playa Bonita Panama Resort & Spa offers 310 luxurious rooms each with stunning views and a private balcony. Guests will be enchanted by golden sand beaches, jungle walkways, ocean view suites, and an infinity pool, a Secrets Spa by Pevonia®, and all the amenities for an luxury-unlimited experience.
Rooms in Secrets Playa Bonita
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Panama
Panama
March 2016
Riu Plaza Panama Hotel This stylish property is located at the heart of Panama’s banking district. It enjoys amazing cosmopolitan views and it offers 644 rooms. With its 34 stories, elegant contemporary design, ample lobby, spacious and modern rooms, exquisite and varied gastronomic offering and more than 56,500 square feet of event space area (23 event rooms), it will surpass the expectations of even the most demanding guests.
The Hilton Panama Groups have access to every service needed, every amenity expected, and every dream destination activity on their list when they stay at Hilton Panama. The Hilton welcomes groups with 347 rooms and 25,000 sq. ft. of events space beautifully designed. Located outside Balboa Ave., guestrooms offer unrivaled views of Panama Bay and a foot and bike path trailing along the Pacific Ocean.
Dreams Playa Blanca, Ritz Carlton Reserve Hotel & Ritz Carlton The Ritz Carlton Reserve Hotel will comprise 80 intimate rooms, will feature a 1,800-square -foot function pavilion and boardroom with ocean views and will open in 2017. Dreams Buenaventura will be ready for late 2018 with its 614 spacious rooms and Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Ritz Carlton Panama downtown hotel will be ready for mid 2016, will include 226 rooms, four dining venues, two swimming pools, state-of-theart meeting space and a relaxing spa.
Hard Rock Hotel Located in the heart of Panama City, this magnificent 66-story tower rises in Punta Paitilla district. This Hotel offers 1,468 elegant rooms with impressive city and bay views. With 51,600 sq. ft. of events space area, this hotel will be more than happy to welcome your group and impress them with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
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You and your group will fall in love with all the greatness that envelops this magnificent event. For all the logistics, you can count on the expertise of our bilingual IVI DMC2 Brazil staff. As always, our unfailing commitment is to make you look GREAT!
The summer Olympics will be held in Brazil in
PLAN YOUR GROUP IN ADVANCE!
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March 2016
Advertise in CommuniQuest Magazine Advertising and promotional opportunities are now available in CommuniQuest magazine. Sponsorship placement opportunities are limited and are reserved on a “first come, first served” basis. We invite you to advertise in our vastly distributed magazine which is already available to over ten thousand avid readers. These readers are dedicated members, stakeholders, and fine suppliers. The magazine is an inviting 'cover to cover' read, ensuring an 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:
For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this magazine, please contact Francisco BAEZA: fbaeza@ividmc.travel
Mexico Cuba Dominican Republic Belize Guatemala El Salvador Honduras Costa Rica Panama Colombia Brazil Argentina Chile Coming soon...Peru!
The Customer is Always Right THANK YOU | IVI DMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit Good morning Ibonhe, I made it home safe and sound! Thank you for your hospitality and your company at the Rhythm of the Nights. It was a very enjoyable evening. Your staff (friends) did a great job. I look forward to working with all of you on the Express Pipe group. When I return from my next group, the middle of November, we can start the planning process. Kindest regards, Roberta Goldberg Program Manager, Group Travel HMI Performance Incentives
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Trail Mix Ingredients:
Peanuts
Cashews
Almonds
M&Ms
Raisins
Preparation: Do you like the famous salty sweet combo? And are you planning a road trip this spring vacation? Why not save a buck and make your own trail mix? Even buying individual sized packages of each ingredient will wind up making you a significant size travel mix.
Fun Fact: Do you know what’s in season in March? Asparagus Artichoke Scotch Kale Chervil
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Travel Tip: If You Check
March 2016
Remember all airlines limit the number (two or three), weight (seventy pounds), and size of your checked luggage. Excess fees are charged for over-the-limit, overweight baggage or oversized items.. (Bicycles an surfboards have an excess charge, skies and golf clubs don’t … go figure! Consider the curbside check-in for less carrying and shorter lines. (If you want to see your bags on the other end of your trip, tip the handlers.) If you ask the handler to put on a First Class bag tag, your luggage will be loaded last and delved first. I always tell the skycap I plan to upgrade at the ticket counter as I give him a $5 dollar bill. I wait to see that the First Class tag is place on the bag and the bag is put on the conveyor belt. If I have more than one bag, I add $2 to the tip per bag. Check-in at least thirty minutes before flight time, but not more than ninety minutes (for domestic travel). Check a bag too early, and it may get overlooked. Remove all tags from previous trips to avoid confusing baggage handlers. I suggest removing the tags as soon as you get to your destination or once you return home. A friend who travels all over the world keeps all his baggage tags on his luggage as if he were collecting ribbons at the county fair. On a trip to South Africa, he left his bag on the airplane. It took several months for its return. It seems the bag made a trip around the world… without him. (Taken from page 132) 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
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