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Year 10 Vol. 1, Issue 165 Directory Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM manolo@ividmc.travel President
Cover Subject:
THE CLEANEST AND SAFEST BEACHES AND MARINAS • • •
Mexico Pages 4-7 Caribbean Pages 8, 9 Central America Pages 10-11
Francisco BAEZA, DMCP fbaeza@ividmc.travel Vice President Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel General Comptroller Raquel MIJARES, CIS, DMCP rmijares@ividmc.travel Corporate Marketing Director
Advertise with CommuniQuest Page 14
Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel Quality Director Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel Electronic Publishing
Pages 12, 13
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Content & Editing
Dr. Travel’s - Travel Tip: Renting a Car
David MIS corp.image@ividmc.travel Design
Page 15 © Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved.
Destination Offices Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
South America
IVI DMC² Los Cabos Yazmin ELOSEGUI, DMCP Destination Managing Director yelosegui@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA, CMS Regional Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Costa Rica Ligia VARGAS, CIS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² South America Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM manolo@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit & Central Mexico, Jaime NELO, CMS, DMCP Destination Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.travel IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS, DMCP Corporate Marketing Director rmijares@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Dominican Republic IVI DMC² Panama Ramon RIJO, CIS David JOHNSON, CIS Regional Managing Director Associate Regional Managing Director rrijo@ividmc.travel djohnson@ividmc.travel
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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, You've been waiting all year to hit the beach. Beach blanket? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Now check which beaches and marinas are the cleanest and safest throughout our destinations. Many of them have been granted a seal of approval for being the cleanest and safest. Each one has met a set of rigorous health and safety standards in order to protect the natural environment. To be eligible for this most important certification, beaches and marinas must meet high international standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety and services. 2
IVI DMC supports clean, safe and economically thriving beach communities. We promote education to protect. To protect not just our environment but the ones who live in it, the communities who depend on it, the businesses who benefit from it and the ecosystems which rely on it. Protecting our waterways means clean marinas, boat yards, a better world. Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM President IVI DMC2 Enterprises
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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.
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LOS CABOS
Many
of Los Cabos beaches and marinas have successfully qualified for the prestigious Blue Flag award. It was through a series of exacting environmental, educational, safetyrelated and access-related criteria that our destination was granted this special recognition. Let us begin mentioning the marinas that boast the certifications.
The main marina is located in Cabo San Lucas. It has a constant flow of people due to the arrival of the cruise ships and the meeting for different activities such as scuba diving, tours to the arch, whale watching, and fishing activities that allow for the catch and release of species such as marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi), rooster fish, tuna. And from December until April the marina offers whale watching tours, as well as the traditional glass bottom boats that will take you to the area known as Land’s End; also available are the sunset tours, snorkeling in the bays of Santa Maria and Chileno in the Sea of Cortez; this 2 bays hold the Blue Flag recognition. In any of this tours we will stop by the arch to appreciate it in its entirety and snap as many pictures as you want.
The second marina Is located in San Jose Del Cabo, in the new developed Puerto Los Cabos. It allows to swim with dolphins in their natural environment and to practice the best sport fishing ever!
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CABOS’ BEST 7 BEACHES (All of them are coastal beach types featuring beach access ramps for disabled) In Cabo San Lucas The Empacadora: Stands out for its calm waters and easy access, and for a family friendly environment. Come and enjoy fine golden sand with a gradual slope and low swell perfect for children with adult supervision. It is a beach for swimming, snorkeling, diving and it enjoys buoy protection. Hacienda Beach: Located close to the Medano beach stands out for its proximity to the marina, mall, and restaurants; this beach is visited by tourist and locals that want to swim and relax on its crystalline and warm waters. On The Cabo San Lucas – San Jose Corridor: Las Viudas: Ideal for relaxation and contemplation. Sometimes natural ocean pools are formed by the rocks around the area. Santa María: The most famous of this list and the most visited by tourists; it also has a parking lot a few steps from the beach, showers and public bathrooms. Chileno: Without a doubt the most magnificent and important beach that allows to perform different activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and scuba diving in its natural reef area. Chileno is home to a great and wide variety of sea life. San Jose Del Cabo Palmilla Beach: It’s the perfect spot for swimming for the tourists that stay in san Jose del Cabo. It is located 15 minutes away from the hotel zone and 25 minutes of Puerto Los Cabos. You can enjoy of a beautiful landscape surrounded by the exclusive residential area of One And Only Palmilla and its calm waters that are part of the Sea Of Cortez. Acapulquito: It’s the ideal place for the surf lovers. If you are a beginner, come and practice in this unique setting. If you are a seasoned surfer you can spend a nice time challenging the waves.
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PUERTO VALLARTA & RIVERA NAYARIT API PUERTO VALLARTA IS PROUD TO BEAR THE "ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT" AND "ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY" CERTIFICATIONS The terminal port of Puerto Vallarta has two important certificates for good ecological practices. The "Environmental Commitment" certificate issued by the SecretarĂa del Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo Territorial (Ministry of Environment and Territorial Development), and the "Environmental Quality" certificate granted by PROFEPA (Federal Procuracy of Environmental Protection), with Level 2 performance, which is the highest level defined by the NMX-AA- Standard, 162-SCFI-2012. Although it already bore a Level 1 Certificate, it was important to achieve a recertification with performance level 2, due to our high level of compliance, which means that greater efforts were made to meet the best environmental care practices to the date.
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CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA
In Mexico, six states have certified sites with Blue Flag, and these are Baja California Sur (9), Guerrero (6), Jalisco (8), Nayarit (3), Oaxaca (1), and Quintana Roo (10). The certification in Cancun began 4 years ago, being Playa Delfines the first to be awarded. Currently, Cancun and Riviera Maya have 9 beaches certified with Blue Flag: Ballenas, Chac-mool, Coral, Delfines, Marlin, El NiĂąo, Las Perlas, and Playa 88 in Playa del Carmen. It is expected that by the end of this year Holbox, Mahahual and Punta Esmeralda can join the project to improve beaches and be officially certified during 2019.
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Dominican Republic Dominican Republic proudly features the most beaches with the Blue Flag distinction in Latin America: Over 14 of our beaches carry the prestigious Blue Flag certification. Amongst these we have: Bahia Principe Bavaro, Barcelo Punta Cana and Iberostar, Barcelo Bavaro in Bavaro beach; and there are two more in the Cabeza de Toro: Grand Oasis Grand and Cabeza de Toro Natura Park. Why were we awarded this distinction? The main requirements include the implementing of measures that will guarantee the protection of local beaches by ensuring that the waters are not polluted and that there are no factors that will spoil the surrounding waters or the environment. Let’s take a look at two of these gorgeous beaches and first class marinas.
Juanillo Beach This tranquil getaway is located in the extreme east of the Dominican Republic, in Cap Cana; it is an ultra luxurious resort and a real estate community. It is only 15 minutes by car from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) and 30 minutes by car from BĂĄvaro.
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Bahia de las Aguilas beach is located in Los Haitises National Park and is made up of marine terraces and coastal plains. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Dominican Republic. It is a protected area in which it is possible to explore a completely virgin area where there are no facilities of any kind. It is an ideal place for lovers of adventure and ecotourism. Simply swimming in these most crystalline waters for a refreshing plunge of this Caribbean paradise is a delight.
The Marina of Cap Cana is the perfect place to start a day of adventure, sail on your yacht, tour the beautiful shores of the Dominican Republic, fish and explore the treasures of our island to return to our safe harbor. Marina Cap Cana offers more than 130 boats, with capacity for yachts up to 150 feet, with complete services for captains and crew. It is surrounded by a charming village with gourmet restaurants and elegant boutiques.
Casa de Campo Marina is inspired by the Mediterranean ports; it offers berths for 350 yachts from 50 to 250 feet in length, and is fully equipped with first class services and facilities. It is located less than 10 km from the town of La Romana, and from there, you can visit Catalina Island and dive in the wreck of Captain Kidd, or enjoy the lovely beach that is on the island.
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COSTA RICA Fishing is such a wonderful and exciting memory to treasure and well-seasoned fishing travelers know that! Well, Costa Rica is a paradise in that sense for we are blessed with two rich oceans teeming with marine life in our waters. For this reason, we have been diligently promoting the creation of first rate marinas in our Pacific shores, and eventually some in the Caribbean. Indeed, marinas are a telling sign of healthy and vibrant development in the regions they are being built. With all the purchasing power of a crowd of boaters in the high season, it’s no stretch to say that marinas can work wonders for a local economy. Not only do they provide jobs and income to their immediate waterfront communities, but they can also be a great boon to a region’s tourism. In the last few years Costa Rica has seen a fast pace in the creation of several marinas of first order quality in the Pacific coast. As an example we have: Marina Papagayo in the North Pacific, Guanacaste. Los Sueños Resort Marina in the central Pacific. And more to the south is Banana Bay Marina in Golfito, and Bellingham Marine and Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. All of them are first quality marinas by international standards but Marina Papagayo is considered, by many experts in the matter, as the best of all the Americas. Here’s an apt description of Marina Papagayo: “Costa Rica’s first and only luxury marina – the jewel of the Pacific American coastline. Whether you are a seasoned yachtsman, an adventurous angler or a group looking for the ultimate vacation, you’ll find Marina Papagayo offers voyagers the ultimate gateway to the fabulous fishing and raw jungle beauty of this jewel of the country.”
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PANAMA Panama has much to offer, from mountain havens boasting year-round mild temperatures to colonial towns where the traditions of grand old Spain have shaped and enriched the local culture. But it’s Panama’s sunny beaches that get the most attention and with good reason. BEACHES Along the Caribbean coast of Panama, white sand beaches and aquamarine waters rival the best of the Bahamas. For a memorable vacation, these picture-perfect destinations provide the ultimate tropical backdrop. Pacific coast beaches, on the other hand, are the most popular for weekend getaways and full-time residents. With cobalt blue waters and pine grey sands, storm petrels and pelicans careening above, these beaches rival the beauty of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. And their waters are always warm.
MARINAS Fuerte Amador Marina was built in 1998. Today, it is a tourism and entertainment oriented complex that holds the largest full service private marina of the Republic of Panama. Fuerte Amador is in constant development and welcomes visitors from all over the world who enjoy the variety of services available within its facilities. Ocean Reef Island Marina. It involves two man-made islands off Panama City. The marina settles between them, containing 200 slips. Thirty-seven of those slips suit mega yachts surpassing 80 feet. Indeed, the biggest superyacht slip can suit a 200-footer! Bocas Marina. Well below the hurricane belt, set in a well protected, secluded bay, lies Bocas Marina. This safe haven in paradise has been popular for over a decade and still receives glowing reports from cruisers. Shelter Bay Marina. The best location to prepare for your Canal transits, a base for cruising the archipelago of San Blas and Bocas del Toro islands, free of hurricane anxiety. A great home port, welcoming long term live-aboard in a comfortable and secure home away from home.
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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: Raquel MIJARES rmijares@ividmc.travel
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Doctor Travel’s - Renting a Car When You Need Wheels • If your plane is going to be late, call the rental car company and tell them. Some will only hold reservations a few hours. • Renting from off-site car rental operators is usually less expensive than renting from on-site companies at the airport. Make certain you know how to get back to the site to return the car, though. Off-site car rental companies often are in out-ofthe-way locations. • Ask for a car with the lowest mileage; it’s newer and safer. • If the car agency tries to persuade you to upgrade to a bigger car than the one you reserved, refuse. Often that’s all they have available, so you’ll get a better car at the original price anyway. Have you noticed? Anyone going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a moron. - George Carlin (Taken from page 197) 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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