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Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 92 Visionary, Founder, Jose-Manuel GARCIA jmgarcia@ividmc.travel and Master Coach President Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA manolo@ividmc.com Marketing Vice President Alicia ASTUDILLO, DMCP aastudillo@ividmc.com General Comptroller Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.com
Contents: How to Prepare Sangria
Unique Venues & Great Restaurants in Town for M&I:
Corporate Quality Director Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.com
Content and Editing Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.com Managing Director Jorge OROZCO jorozco@myday.travel —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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Cover Subject:
Corporate Business Director Francisco BAEZA fbaeza@ividmc.com
Electronic Publishing Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.com
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Mexico Dominican Republic Costa Rica Brazil
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Eventing: Love is Sweet
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Quick Hits: Skydive in Puerto Vallarta
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IVIDMC2 Helping the Community from Coast to Coast
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DQuest.travel
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Travel Tip: Don’t Set It Up for Failure
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Destination Offices: Mexico
Central America
South America
IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit, Mexico City, & Central Mexico Jaime NELO Regional Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras Jorge LAZO Regional Managing Director jlazo@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Colombia Carolina CALDERON Regional Managing Director ccalderon@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Regional Managing Director mfoster@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Brazil Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director amajela@ividmc.com
The Caribbean
IVIDMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Argentina & Chile Leila GOROSITO Regional Managing Director lgorosito@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE Regional Managing Director galmonte@ividmc.com
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March 2015
How to Prepare Sangria There are so many ways to prepare the famous wine punch, sangria. Normally, the first image that pops in your mind when you think of drinking one is a sweet wine with fruit. Below you will find a simple recipe for a delicious sangria, but first, here are a few tips. If you have time to do so, you can opt for cutting fresh fruit such as apples, peaches, mango, berries, pineapples, and grapes, instead of the below mentioned canned fruit. However, if you are really in a hurry, you may choose to add Sprite or 7 Up instead of the fresh lime juice, mineral water, and sugar suggested below. One final important tips is that sangria should always be served chilled.
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 1 liter of mineral water 1 bottle of wine (750ml) Canned fruit cocktail
Preparation: Stir the sugar and the freshly squeezed lime juice in a large glass punch bowl until the sugar dissolves. Add the fruit cocktail. Stir in the wine. Lastly, pour in the mineral water and stir lightly. Serve chilled.
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 28 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 President
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Cover Topic:
Unique Venues & Great Restaurants in Town for M&I: Aldea Corazon has been described as “The Sensation� in Playa del Carmen. This magical scenery of Mayan culture sets itself in a sacred garden located right on 5th Avenue, away from the busy streets. Have a seat and enjoy the view of 5th avenue while savoring a frozen cocktail, be delighted by the greenery within the air conditioning area, or find yourself in a magical environment
surrounded by dream catchers, tropical greenery, old leaf trees, and underground cenotes. Pamper the most discerning palate by enjoying mouth-watering dishes such as fresh local fish with hibiscus flower sauce or a tender beef fillet filled with huitlacoche (Mexican corn fungus) covered in a spicy Poblano chile sauce. Aldea Corazon serves a fusion of Mexican cuisine with a Mayan twist. Experience authentic Mexican cuisine elaborated with original recipes that have been passed on from generation to generation over the centuries. Some of their most amazing Mexican delicacies are prepared in an open style kitchen, including handmade tortillas. The famous mole sauce includes 73 different ingredients that render an exquisite and unique flavor. In addition, local artists have given a unique warm feeling to this busy corner in the heart of Playa del Carmen by means of their artwork. Be prepared to sing along with the mariachi at Mi Pueblo, a restaurant more Mexican than ever.
Cancun and Riviera Maya 4
Cancun and Riviera Maya
March 2015 Ristorante Da Bruno is an Italian eatery that specializes in authentic Italian cuisine. Da Bruno is located on the famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Because of its prime location and the use of imported Italian ingredients, this restaurant features real Italian awesomeness: pasta, seafood, and personal pizzas. Enjoy a great meal surrounded by a Mediterranean feel in the heart of Mexico’s Caribbean.
This Argentinean Grill will amaze you with its wide variety of charcoal grilled cuts of meat and large array of appetizers, seafood, pasta, and salads. Its privileged location in the heart of 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, only 1 block away from the Caribbean Sea, will enhance your dining experience being the perfect spot to enjoy the most cosmopolitan pedestrian avenue in all Latin America. Try the exquisite fresh tuna Carpaccio or the grilled charcoal octopus with a touch of cayenne pepper as a starter followed by juicy
beef tenderloin or famous cowboy steak. Let their professional staff and exquisite cuisine give you an experience to remember.
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Breathe and live the experience of Mar de las Pampas at this countryside Argentinean steakhouse replica. Savor their famous Argentinean meat cuts and our sunrises full of freshly
homemade baked bread and medialunas (Argentinean croissant). Rekindle your senses with their Argentine Pampa wilderness combined with the freshness of the Caribbean Sea.
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Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit
March 2015 2015 March
A New Sail Catamaran Docks The newest addition to the constellation of leisure options at Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit is this stunning, brand new 46-ft Sail CAT. It is ideal to be chartered for groups of up to 35 participants. Your group participants will enjoy sailing along the Banderas Bay in the morning or in the afternoon to admire a magnificent sunset. Deluxe food & beverage services are featured, and the second-to-none hospitality and service is experienced since the very moment you board.
Please contact an IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit representative and book now! It will start operating by the first week of May 2015.
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La Yola Inspired by the famous Dominican designer Oscar de La Renta, this beautiful restaurant is located in the heart of the Punta Cana marina and overlooking the Caribbean. It offers its clients a romantic and exclusive fine dining experience. With a great variety of fresh seafood, ceviche, and salads mixed with a tropical Caribbean flavor and a dash of influence from other cultures, it is sure to delight your taste buds.
Cuisine: Gourmet Specialties: Grilled lobster, fish filets, and fresh salads Seating capacity: 80 guests
Plaza Altos de Chavon A 16th century replica of a Mediterranean village perched high above the Chavon River. The village was designed by Dominican architect Jose Antonio Caro, and created by Italian master designer and cinematographer Roberto Coppa. Dominican artisans handcrafted the stone pathways, decorative ironwork, furniture and enchanting buildings, reviving almost forgotten crafts of metal work and stone carving. Under Coppa´s direction, each stone was hand cut, each wooden door frame was handcrafted and each wrought-iron detail hand-forged. Construction of the village began in 1976 and the village was inaugurated in 1982 with the concert of Frank Sinatra at the amphitheater. Reference: Casa de Campo Website
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Dominican Republic
March 2015
Playa Blanca This beautiful beach restaurant is located on the most breathtaking beach area in Punta Cana. Open and spacious you will find this location perfect for private dinners or cocktail parties. The wide beach offers plenty of space, broadening the horizon of possibilities in order to create the perfect private event. Come and enjoy their fresh seafood, meat, and international cuisine. Specialties: Buffets (Asian, Caribbean, and Mediterranean)
Capacity: 80 guests with plated menu. 80 guests with buffet inside the restaurant. Possibility to arrange seating directly on the beach.
KUKUA Restaurant Beach Club Character, charm, and uniqueness are the hallmark of this restaurant. At Kukua’s quality and service go hand in hand with the confidence and warmth of a family owned restaurant. A unique Caribbean setting that allows you to enjoy a unique array of dishes while time pleasantly passes slowly. Cuisine: Fresh seafood caught by local fishermen, Spanish paella, Italian pasta, beef tenderloin. Specialties: Grilled seafood platter. Maximum capacity: Inside the restaurant :120 guests Pool and beach area for cocktails: 100 guests
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La Palapa By Eden Roc
Located in the Caleton Beach Club, this unique restaurant is a delightful blend of Côte d’Azur ambiance and traditional Provencal and Italian specialties. Enjoy fish and seafood prepared to perfection, sumptuous gnocchi, linguini, Sushi, and fusion cuisine created by their team of culinary experts. All this with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean sea at every turn. No wonder La Palapa by Eden Roc is recognized and lauded as one of the finest restaurants in all of Punta Cana.
From casual food to the finest dining experience in the Dominican Republic, La Palapa of Eden Roc at Punta Cana is always a delight. Come and add a delicious dimension to your travel experience.
Maximum Capacity Caleton Grill Restaurant:100 guests Caleton Grill Terrace: 65 guests Caleton Beach: 570 guests Pool Terrace: 140 guests La Palapa: 80 guests
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Costa Rica
March 2015
They say that variety is the spice of life, and that is certainly most beneficial when considering venues and restaurants for your program. Our destination has an array of amazing options for you to enjoy! For example, enjoy a Costa Rican-style rodeo or a folkloric dance performance during dinner in a traditional setting at El Viejo Wetlands. Sample delicious food onboard a cruise ship as it heads toward an island retreat or a sunset in the Pacific. A variety of alternative locations are also available, such as butterfly gardens, colonial villages, coffee plantations, or private clubs. Also available for your group are iconic venues such as the National Museum, the Gold Museum, and the Museum of Costa Rican Art. Restaurants with a variety of specialties, theaters, and specialized cultural and historical sites will turn your event into a memorable occasion. The expertise of IVIDMC2 Costa Rica will make your event one that your clients will never forget.
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Skye Restaurant, the Soul of Unique Hotel This is an amazing roof top bar in Sao Paulo. It's on top of the Hotel Unique. The terrace has amazing views of the skyline of Sao Paulo and the garden district.
Figueria Rubiyat Located just a few steps away from Paulista Ave. and close to the best museums and hotels in SĂŁo Paulo, the Rubaiyat of Alameda Santos offers its customers delicious Mediterranean buffets, fish, and the best feijoada in town, in addition to its wide variety of cuts of prime meat served Ă la carte.
With a nice, elegant, and yet relaxed atmosphere, the lounge is the perfect place for lunches and dinners with your customers or your family.
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Brazil
March 2015
Fogo de Chão This
is
a fine dining,
full-service
Brazilian
steakhouse
or Churrascaria. Fogo de Chão currently operates 24 locations in the United States of America and nine locations in Brazil. The name Fogo de Chao means "fire on the ground" and summarizes the traditional gaucho method of roasting meats over an open fire. Lunch and dinner at Fogo de Chão operate the same and consist of the same items. There is an endless salad bar and tableside meat service. Customers can simply wait for their favorite cut of meat to make its rounds. The meal comes in two parts. The first starts at the gourmet salad bar, which offers cured meats, smoked salmon, imported cheeses aged from 1–30 years, vegetables, and salads. The second part of the meal consists of 16 different cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and lamb, served tableside.
Dalva E Dito Opened in 2009, this restaurant is a dream come true for its chef, who always wanted to offer Brazilian cuisine within an international standard. The meat is prepared with an improved technique of cooking at low temperatures, but without losing the charm of what may seem to be the most trivial and traditional flavors of their original recipes .
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D.O.M. Restaurant “Unique Brazilian gastronomy is a feasible dream.” This statement made by Chef Alex Atala summarizes the trajectory of the D.O.M. Restaurant. Created at a time when little was known about Brazil’s flavors, the D.O.M. was born like a project which is now a reality that reverberates around the world, diffusing ingredients like açaí, jambu, and tucupi. Currently chosen as the 6th best restaurant in the world by S. Pellegrino “World´s 50 Best Restaurants”, D.O.M. is a unique restaurant without claiming to be eloquent. On the contrary, its message is syntactic and poignant: to step out the comfort zone and propose a new gastronomic experience, rescuing the most authentic flavors of the Brazilian cuisine according to a contemporary gaze. With a discreet address at Barão de Capanema St. in the neighborhood of Jardins, São Paulo, D.O.M. presents a décor based on the harmonious balance between classic and modern, familiar and wild. The limited number of customers served daily and its private events area state the commitment to offer exclusivity and superlative comfort.
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Brazil
March 2015 2015 March
Jardineria Grill Jardineira Grill offers a fantastic range of salad and seafood buffets such as steamed pistol shrimp, octopus and squid salad, shellfish, and caviar. For those who love fish, Jardineira Grill offers a wide variety of cod, salmon, tuna, smoked surubi, and baby piraíba – a type of catfish from the Amazon basin and upper Araguaia. Besides all that, the menu also features a wide variety of prime cuts like an Argentine rib eye in a single cut, lamb chops, and exclusive cuts like ribs, sirloin strip steak, short ribs, and premium ribs. Splendid desserts arrive at the table with multiple layers of nuanced aromas and flavors: seasonal fruits accompanied by whipping cream, pies, fruit cream, and ice creams followed by a well-poured coffee to close this true banquet. This is a gastronomic reference in the city.
Terraço Itália The Terraço Itália Circuit will have you experiencing some of the glamour of Sao Paulo. Terraço Itália is one of the most sophisticated restaurants of Sao Paulo, and is located on the rooftop of the Itália building and has one of the most impressive views of Sao Paulo.
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Eventing: Love is Sweet This 2015, a dessert and candy table is a must! Having a candy table offers your guests a large variety of candies and sweets during the reception, and not only that, these tables are now trendy and part of the décor and wedding ambience as they fill the place with pleasant sights and flavors. Top 5 options are:
Candy and Dessert Table This table is filled with truffles, mints, cookies and mini desserts. Everything is set up beautifully on acrylic, mirror or glass bases combined with floral arrangements and candles. Also, including the wedding logo and colors on mini boxes, ribbons, paper bags, stickers, and more, will create the cutest spot!
Snacks Table This table is filled with dry snacks & salty items such as: popcorn, chips, pretzels, assorted nuts, and even crudités. This table will be perfect for your guests that are not big on chocolate and sweets.
Mini Wedding Cakes Instead of, or in addition to, the traditional wedding cake with several layers, serve a mini version of the wedding cake on each guests’ table! This is a super trendy option! You can also set them on the dessert table and have different designs, flavors, and sizes.
Bride and Groom Attire on Every Detail You can include cookies, cake pops, cupcakes, lollipops, truffles, and strawberries with the bride and groom’s attire; it is the cutest thing. Add to the dessert designs such as: Mini wedding dresses, mini tux, mini pearls, and diamonds or even mini veils! It is a fun and original idea.
Change the Cupcakes for Cake Pops! A cake pop is a form of cake styled as a lollipop. Cake crumbs are mixed with icing or chocolate, and formed into small spheres or cubes in the same way as cake balls, before being given a coating of icing, chocolate, or other decorations. They are bite size and are very flexible to décor offering fun design and colors.
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March 2015 For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this magazine please contact Alicia Astudillo: aastudillo@ividmc.com
IVI DMC² World Headquarters: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico Phone: +52 (998) 287-1700 Email: ivicorp@ividmc.com
Sky Dive in Puerto Vallarta On this 3rd edition of the event entitled "III Pachanga Beach Boogie 2015", around 100 professional skydivers - including world champions from Europe and the Americas - got together to add more drops to their trajectory and to share their skydiving experiences and skills with others at Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, from February 13th to the 22nd. The event received ample coverage on national and international media, which, in turn, generously promoted the Riviera Nayarit. As if this weren’t enough, the professional skydivers circulated the news to the ends of the earth via their own social media accounts.
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Serving the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions Industry since 1986. Find us in over 40 destinations throughout:
Mexico Dominican Republic Guatemala Belize El Salvador Honduras Costa Rica Panama Colombia Brazil Argentina Chile Coming soon...Cuba!
IVIDMC2 Helping the Community from Coast to Coast Friends of the Maya Foundation sponsored teams for Maya teens to participate in the sports event Mayathlon, a cross-country sprint triathlon in a Mayan Village. The goal was to raise funds to build a school classroom in the village. Local athletes from Cancun and Playa del Carmen teamed with the Mayan youths. Both Marlene Cid and Enrique Castillo from our team got 2nd place awards! In an upcoming issue we will be sharing events taking place in Puerto Vallarta. Stay tuned...
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March 2015
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Destinations • Mexico • 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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March 2015
Travel Tip: Don’t Set It Up for Failure I once asked an attorney— who travels cross-country on regular basis — his best tip for airline passengers. His answer? “Try not to set it up for failure.” For example, instead of going from Sacramento, California, to Washington, D.C., with a mandatory stopover in Chicago, this attorney drove one-and-one -half hours to San Francisco and got on a nonstop flight. This may be difficult to do sometimes with the spoke-and-hub system, but avoid changing planes whenever possible. Every change of plane means another chance for a delay or a canceled connection or lost luggage. (Taken from page 50) 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 Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach IVIDMC²
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The Customer is Always Right Fausto was delightful to work with. He was extremely friendly and helpful at the hospitality desk with the attendees. He had a great attitude and was very efficient with the flight arrivals & departures as well as with coordinating the transportation. Kim Findlay SDI Meetings & Incentives
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