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Year 10 Vol. 1, Issue 139 Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS manolo@ividmc.travel Second Generation, Innovator & President
Cover Subject:
Looking For the Ideal Venue? We’ll Find the Perfect Match. Mexico Pages 4-11 Caribbean Pages 12,13 Central America Pages 14, 15 South America Pages 16-21
Karla JIMENEZ, CMS kjimenez@ividmc.travel Executive Vice-President
Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel General Comptroller
Costa Rica Pages 22, 23
Francisco BAEZA, DMCP fbaeza@ividmc.travel Corporate Marketing & Product Development Director
Quick Hits: Pages 24-27
Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel Quality Director
Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel Electronic Publishing
News from Puerto Vallarta Employee of the Month The Customer’s Always Right Advertise with CommuniQuest
Pages 28, 29
Let’s Cook:
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Content & Editing
How to Prepare Spanish Rice
Fernando ROSAS corp.image@ividmc.travel Design
Dr. Travel’s
Page 30
Travel Tip: You Are What You Eat Page 31
Jorge OROZCO, DMCP jorozco@myday.travel Managing Director - MyDay Travel
© 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, We understand that planning successful events requires continued connections to your team and well-thought-out logistics. We, at IVI DMC2, help perfect your entire show. Whatever you’re planning, we have applause worthy resources and teams of professionals. With locations in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, there’s nothing we haven’t seen, from product launching and galas, to music industry parties and more! Our smartly designed, full-service facilities are ideal for everything. Put our selected venue in your corner and the stage is set for success. They say that variety is the spice of life and that is indeed true regarding the hotels and venues we have selected for meetings and events. We are certain that there's always a city, a beach, and a setting that holds the promise of an unforgettable meeting or event. The perfect stage for your next event awaits. Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS 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.
Follow us on...
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GRAND VELAS LOS CABOS Grand Velas Los Cabos is a deluxe all inclusive resort with 304 suites overlooking the very spot where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean. With contemporary architecture and dĂŠcor, this resort stands out as the most impressive development within the destination. It will soon be eligible to receive the AAA Five Diamond Award and will become a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The Convention Center offers 16,370 sq. ft. of flexible event space, with capacity for 10 to 1,700 attendees in cocktail reception arrangement, and it is conveniently divided into 20 breakout sessions. Exceptional outdoor venues are an ideal backdrop for any meeting and event in Los Cabos.
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MARQUIS L
Nestled down near the southe where the desert meets adults-only resort welcomes
suite accommodations and wo
abundance of superb ameni
accommodations. Marquis Lo
perfect option for corporate tra
The splendid Mar de Cortez Ba can accommodate up to 600
380 for a banquet. It is divisib foot high ceilings, it is ideal and events. At Marquis Los
indoor and outdoor options. Th
Marquis offer stunning views a
a banquet and a repertoire th options from coffee breaks to event.
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LOS CABOS
ern tip of the Baja Peninsula, the sea, this all-inclusive, you with dazzlingly elegant
orld-class dining, as well as an
ities, activities, and spacious
os Cabos thus becomes the
avelers.
allroom is 6,500 square feet; it guests in theater format and
ble into 4 sections. With its 21 for spectacular presentations Cabos, you will have superb
he Salon Oceanos and Beach
and can accommodate 500 for
hat includes splendid culinary a sophisticated menu for your
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SHERATON LOS CABOS From an executive meeting to a cocktail party for up to 1, 600 guests, Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar offers the highest levels of service and quality to make your event exceptional. Outstanding flexibility, modern facilities boasting over 18,000 square feet of meeting space with wireless internet access, caring staff, advanced meeting service capabilities, and close attention to detail are always part of the meeting experience. Thanks to the resort's location within the Cabo del Sol Golf complex, the world-famous Ocean Course and Desert Course lie close at hand. Other activities within easy reach include water sports, fishing, ATV rides, and whale watching. For urban excitement, a 10 minute drive leads to the nightlife of Cabo San Lucas, while a 20 minute drive in the other direction leads to the shops and galleries of San Jose del Cabo.
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JW MARRIOT LOS CABOS JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa welcomes groups to Puerto Los Cabos, a new 2,000-acre master-planned community on the coast where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, just off the desert dunes of Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Guests enter the open-air lobby to behold the sea over a series of tiered infinity pools, a sight that exemplifies the overall theme of the ocean merging with the property itself.
Views of the sky, sand, and sea highlight all 299 guest rooms and suites - as well as the spa, fitness center, beach club, event facilities, and seven bars and restaurants. The latter includes the signature Café des Artistes, a Mexican fine dining experience designed by celebrity Chef Thierry Blouet; Nak Grill & Bar specializing in local seafood; and P’yote Rooftop Bar for cocktails on the uppermost terrace. Guests seeking an ultimate experience from arrival to departure settle into the Griffin Club, an ultra luxe 45-room resort-within-a-resort with perks including a movie theater, exclusive beach and pool access, reserved spa areas, private lounge bar, and executive conference center. Overall, the resort provides 38,395 square feet for business and social events. The choice of venues ranges from the Mila Ballroom joined by six breakout rooms and an oceanfront patio to the open-air Sum-San Amphitheater with stadium seating to a wide selection of ocean-view terraces and gardens. A little closer to home (assuming you do not live south of Costa Rica) is the 299-room JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa, offering over 38,000 square feet (a lot) of meeting space and is located within the exclusive (as in gated) 2000-acre residential development of Puerto Los Cabos. Just 20 minutes from the airport, the resort overlooks a crystal clear beach and breath-taking views of the Sea of Cortez. The gorgeous property also has golf and lots of things to do!
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CUBA
THE FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON HAVANA The Four Points by Sheraton Havana has roomy spaces for meetings, weddings, and other special events. These event places feature air conditioning, access to fast Internet,
audiovisual
equipment,
and
a
qualified tech staff. The rooms hold capacity for up to 100 people and can be split into different sizes. It also features a terrace with room for 200 guests.
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Meeting area of 345 m2 Panoramic terrace of 140m2 215 m2 ballroom with a 80 m2 foyer 4 meeting rooms State-of-the-art technical equipment
THE GRAN HOTEL MANZANA KEMPINSKI The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana will be Cuba’s first modern luxury five-star hotel. And its location within a famous historic building currently makes it the most exclusive hotel project in Old Havana. With its impeccable 120-year history, European-style
luxury, and extraordinary quality, Kempinski hotel is a perfect fit in the Manzana de Gómez area. Constructed at the beginning of the 20th century as Cuba’s first European-style shopping arcade, it is now an iconic building in an important historical area. Undoubtedly, Kempinski will shine as a fine jewel in the city! Guests can choose from 246 luxury rooms and suites, ranging in size from 40 to 150 m 2 (such as the stunning presidential suite).
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COSTA RICA If there is one easy thing to know about the M&E market, it is that we accept only the best for our programs, as we are serving the best our fine clients have: their people. In Costa Rica you will not only find beautiful properties close to incredible wonders of nature, you will also be pampered by the most service-oriented and happy people you will ever find. And just like our clients, who celebrate the human asset of their company structure, we also think that a great, knowledgeable staff with a beaming smile makes all the difference when you are planning a meeting and incentives event. Most of our clients prefer to stay near the ocean, the Northern Pacific area or as it is also known The Gold Coast. Here you will find some of the best properties for large groups such as Westin, Four Seasons, JW Marriott, Andaz, and the new Mangrove, as well as
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Dreams Las Mareas. If you want to be closer to the city and decide for the Central Pacific, then Marriott Los Sueùos will be the best choice; and those who stay in San Jose will feel right at home at the Real Inter Continental or Wyndham San Jose, as well as in the elegant rooms and comfortable meeting facilities in the traditional style of Marriott Costa Rica. If you are handling a small group and looking for a boutique-like experience, then the Arenal Volcano area is a place you just don’t want to miss. Having the perfect landscape of an active - though safe - volcano makes for a once in a lifetime experience. A stay at a hotel such as the Nayara Arenal is one of those experiences you will talk about for months after you have returned home. Even when the hotels are great, you will want to get out and enjoy the other awesome things you can do while you are in Costa Rica. Rest assured that near your resort you will also find a wide variety of activities, attractions, shopping, and off-site locations for dinners and parties to bring fun and different experiences to your program. A great hotel and a wonderful incentives partner is all the math you need to do to have a perfect result! IVI DMC2 Costa Rica will make sure all the elements work to perfection. We are already looking forward to meeting you here in paradise!
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SOFITEL
Sofitel is found within a 5-minute w
General San MartĂn subway and 2 kilom
ColĂłn Theater. The rooms are soph
decorated with Argentine leather deta
equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen fridge, and a Bose speaker system. The living
room
and
a
Nespresso
m
2-bedroom apartments are stylish and ha Room service is also available. The
refined French restaurant, an elegant ca
pub, an indoor swimming pool, a gy
(Turkish bath), massage service, a busin
meeting rooms, and parking (at an additi
HILT
This modern h
Madero district
and 3.1 kilome
Modern Art. Th
the river) are screen TVs
mini-fridge, an
feature access
free cocktails a
separate living restaurant,
a
delicatessen-st
rooftop swimm
resort offers m
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walk from the
meters from the
histicated and
ails. They are
n TV, a mini suites have a
machine.
The
ave a kitchen. hotel has a
afe bar, a cozy
ym, Hamman
ness center, 4
ional fee).
TON BUENOS AIRES
hotel is located in the exclusive Puerto
t, a 12-minute walk from Plaza de Mayo
eters from the Buenos Aires Museum of
he rooms (some with views to the city or
e modest and are equipped with flat and Wi-Fi (at an additional fee),
nd coffee maker. Executive rooms
s to a living room where breakfast and
are offered at night. The suites have a
g room. There is a modern Argentinean
an
elegant
wine
bar,
and
a
tyle cafĂŠ. Other facilities include a
ming pool, a gym, and a sauna. The
more than 6,700 m2 of meeting space.
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FOUR SE
Having a privileged location
neighborhood and close to th cultural center of the capital
you unsurpassed service and
facilities. Enjoy the comforts o
the beauty and sophisticati
mansion from the early 20th ce
HOTEL
As soon as you walk along th
rug and a black horsehair be
Faena’s fantastical world. Fro tufted
leather
sofas and
white-and-red Bistro Sur, wit
walls, the hotel’s restaurants a to new heights.
HOTEL EM BUENOS
The Hotel Emperador stands location and the best view to
12 versatile rooms offer natur
from 30 to 543 m2. These
capacity of 650 people, makin
exhibitions, and all kinds of so
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EASONS
n in the prestigious Recoleta
he business, commercial, and city, the Four Seasons offers
d completely renovated modern
of the contemporary tower and
ion of the legendary French
entury.
FAENA
he long hallway featuring a red
ench, you know you’ve entered
om the library lounge, with its crystal
candelabra
to the
h unicorn heads adorning the
and bars take theatrical design
MPERADOR S AIRES
s out for offering a privileged the river in the city. Most of its
ral light and spaces that range
e rooms feature a maximum
ng them ideal for conferences,
ocial events.
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PARK HYATT PALACIO DUHAU HOTEL BUENOS AIRES This luxury hotel, housed in a neoclassical palace and adjacent building, is located 2 kilometers from the Colรณn Theater and 3 kilometers from the Casa Rosada. The elegant rooms have marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi; and some rooms offer seating areas, balconies, and views to the gardens. The suites have living rooms, while superior suites include fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, kitchens, or private terraces. Butler and room services are available. The facilities include 3 refined restaurants, some with garden terraces, a luxurious bar, a gym, a spa, an indoor pool, an art gallery, and a ballroom. 20
HOTEL MADERO BUENOS AIRES This imposing Art Deco hotel is located 3.4 kilometers from downtown in the modern port district of Puerto Madero and at a 14-minute walk from the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art. The elegant rooms, many with balconies, are equipped
with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and a minibar. The superior rooms and suites, some with Jacuzzis and private terraces, have a seating area and access to the Club room. The breakfast buffet is free. The facilities include a refined restaurant serving high-end cuisine and 24-hour room service, a modern bar, and a rooftop juice bar. There is also a spa with an indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna, and a gym.
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COSTA RICA Costa Rica occupies a privileged place in the heart of Central America, with 51 thousand square kilometers of extension and beaches bathed by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The variety of landscape and microclimates that can be enjoyed in one day, make this country a paradisiacal destination. The culture of Costa Rica is highly varied as it has indigenous, Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and Asian cultural influences. Costa Rica is a mestizo, multiethnic and multicultural country. A pioneer in eco-tourism, Costa Rica has been distinguished for its environmental protection. The official language is Spanish, although more than 10 languages that coexist in the country can be counted, five of them are native to the indigenous communities and the rest come from the immigration of several countries and different ethnic groups that have contributed with their languages and dialects to the linguistic richness existing in the nation.
Main Sites of Interest:
Corcovado National Park and Drake Bay
Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna
Tamarindo, Playa Langosta and Playa Grande
Manuel Antonio & Manuel Antonio National Park
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Tortuguero National Park 22
Did you know?
Costa Rica has the highest biodiversity per square kilometer in the world. It has more than 500,000 species, representing about 5% of the world's biodiversity in just 51,000 kilometers.
25% of the territory of Costa Rica is set apart as protected areas.
In 1948, the constitution abolished the army, except in the event of a war.
Approximately 52 species of hummingbirds are native to Costa Rica, making it the capital of the hummingbird.
About 10% of the world's butterflies live in Costa Rica.
Its capital was the third city in the world - after Paris and New York - to be lit by electric power.
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THE RIVIERA NAYARIT FORBES TOP 12 OF 2017 Forbes Travel Guide recently published its Top 12 Destinations of 2017 and we were not surprised to see that the Riviera Nayarit is on this list. According to the article on Mexico’s Pacific treasure, "Mexico’s Pacific coast isn’t a new entry on travelers’ radars by any stretch. But because of the region’s 2017 calendar, it should get more than the casual consideration when families start planning their vacations.” Forbes Travel Guide mentions some of the acclaimed festivals that sprinkle all over the destination's calendar; it also highlighted its ultra-luxurious resorts. Overall, it recognized the international positioning acquired by the destination saying that this exclusive swath of beachfront certainly has earned their attention. It is good to mention that Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit often ranks on top lists of prestigious media specialized in tourism; Forbes Travel Guide certainly is one to be trusted. If the Riviera Nayarit has been surfing your mind for your future group event, now you have another top-shelf reference to make an informed decision. Contact us at IVI DMC² for further tips and suggestions!
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LA ISLA SHOPPING VILLAGE OPENS IN PUERTO VALLARTA The successful concept of La Isla, which has been a contact, shopping, and amusement point at the most known resort destinations in Mexico for around two decades, opens its doors now in the city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. This fantastic commercial complex, which covers an area of around 323,500 sq. ft. features channels and an open air ambiance, huge underground parking space, entertainment, and 24-hour security. It is located on the main avenue of Puerto Vallarta, so it offers easy access for both tourists and locals alike. It is currently being occupied by excellent brand name stores, and all of its spaces will offer endless products and gastronomical, and amusement options. You will find deluxe brand boutiques, movie theatres, fashion stores, jewelry stores, an entertainment center for kids, restaurants, and more.
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EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Mariana LEON, IVI DMC2 Business Manager, was awarded as the February 2017 Employee of the Month. Here are some comments from her fellow colleges:
She performs her duties very thoroughly.
She’s a good coworker and she does her job very well.
Excellent attitude and comradeship.
She always has a good attitude towards coworkers and clients.
“We take this opportunity to recognize our best associate for the month of February. Her great performance toward clients and coworkers and an excellent service-oriented attitude are reflected in her results. We feel so proud to have her as a part of our family.” - Manolo
The Customer’s Always Right THANK YOU | IVI DMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit 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, we can start the planning process. Kindest regards, Roberta Goldberg Program Manager, Group Travel
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Advertise with CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest Advertising
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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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How to Prepare Spanish Rice
Ingredients:
Preparation:
2 cups rice
3 cups of water
2 cups of salsa
rinsed raw rice. Continue stirring until all the rice
1 Knorr chicken broth cube
is slightly golden brown. Add in the 3 cups of
1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
purified water and 2 cups of salsa. Finely cut up
1/4 cup oil
Cilantro as a garnish
Using tap water, rinse and thoroughly drain the rice. Pour the oil in a pot and once hot fry the
the Knorr cube into a powder and stir it and the garlic salt into the pot. Cover and cook over a low-medium flame for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed. Once served, garnish with cilantro.
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TravelTip: You Are WhatYou Eat
Eat Before You Board One thing you can do if you detest airline meals is to eat before you fly. By eating either at home or at the airport, you have a far wider variety from which to choose than you do onboard.
Check the Meal Service The airline's meal schedule may not match your stomach’s timetable – especially when you are changing time zones, be prepared.
Take Your Own Food Instead of depending on what the airlines will provide, satisfy your personal needs and tastes by packing a meal. If you choose to do this, take only foods that stay fresh for several hours without refrigeration. And, remember, its not considered good form to take an uncooked roast beef onboard and ask the flight attendant to cook it for you!
You can’t really blame people for being concerned about the safety of flying. Who in their right mind would want their last meal to be airline food? - Bob Orben (Taken from page 166) 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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