1
Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 109 Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
President
Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS manolo@ividmc.travel
General Comptroller
Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel
Corporate Marketing and Business Director
Francisco BAEZA fbaeza@ividmc.travel
Corporate Quality Director
Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel
Electronic Publishing
Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel
Content and Editing
Managing Director —MyDay Travel
Corporate Headquarters:
Contents:
Page
Pastel de Choclo: A Typical Chilean Dish
3
Cover Subject
Special Edition: Chile Biography: Kenneth WELCH, Regional Managing Director IVI DMC2 Chile
4-6
7
Quick Hits:
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Jorge OROZCO, DMCP jorozco@myday.travel Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
Argentina Friends of the Maya
8 9
DQuest Travel
10
Dr. Travel’s Travel Tip: Before You Go
11
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 Colombia Carolina CALDERON Regional Managing Director ccalderon@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 Brazil & Argentina Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director amajela@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director lvargas@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
Follow us on...
© Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved. 2
November 2015
Pastel de Choclo: ATypical Chilean Dish The word choclo refers to the new corn of the season, or sweet corn. Pastel de Choclo can be translated as “corn pie or corn casserole”. Just to give you an idea of what it’s like, we can refer to it as a beef and corn shepherd’s pie. It’s simply delicious! Usual ingredients can often include ground beef, chicken, raisins, basil, black olives, onions, and/or slices of hard boiled eggs. As you can see in the pictures it is traditionally served in individual clay bowls. Also as seen in the bottom right picture, sometimes pastel de choclo is used as a filling for traditional Chilean empanadas. This is a very typical dish in Chile, one you must try when you are here.
Message From Headquarters
only work with suppliers that meet our criteria in order to render an out-of-the-ordinary service.
2
As President of IVI DMC , 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 30 eventful years in the business, IVI DMC2 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’ 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
Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS President
3
Cover Topic
Special Edition: Chile
Few countries in the world can offer such a variety of landscapes, where tourists have the opportunity to immerse themselves in great travel experiences. Chile has extensive national parks that permit an authentic connection with nature and culture. Santiago, the capital, has earned itself an excellent reputation, standing out for being a city which is clean, orderly, safe, and modern. The country is divided into five marked areas of geography and climate. 1) The north, influenced by the presence of the Atacama Desert; 2) Santiago, Valparaíso and central valleys, defined by its Mediterranean climate; 3) to the south is the area of lakes and volcanoes; 4) Even further south is Patagonia and the Antarctic territory; 5) and finally the islands, highlights of which include Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe.
A Great Destination for Meetings & Conventions Chile’s first class infrastructure, economic, and political stability have generated high levels of trust, turning Chile into an ideal destination for Meetings and Incentive travel. Santiago offers five star convention centers and a large accommodation infrastructure with over 14,500 hotel rooms within the urban radius. In cities such as La Serena, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Concepción, Temuco, and Puerto Varas, you’ll also find a concentration of international meeting activities, thanks to its large network of services and privileged natural surroundings that allow the development of a diversity of touristic activities.
Modern Infrastructure Chile is internationally recognized for its outstanding developments in the areas of architecture, design, and both road and housing infrastructure, with projects located in the most diverse of geographical conditions. Moving through Chile is convenient, easy and secure, as the country has good land transport networks and air transport connections. It has modern infrastructure, services certified to international standards, a vast range of hotels, as well as first class facilities that host events for tourism development associated with businesses and conventions.
4
South America: Chile
South America: Chile
November 2015
Safety & Quality of Life Chile is the best country in which to live in Latin America, according to a global study prepared by Newsweek, while the research of the consultants of FTI (one of the market leaders) concluded that it is the safest country in the region, emphasizing the respect for the police and security forces. The strength and stability of its banking and financial systems have generated high levels of credibility in foreign markets, which has encouraged large companies to invest in the country, improving access to goods and services for the entire population.
Amazing Scenery The contrasts that Chile offers in terms of scenery, flora, and fauna are like none other. Its national parks total 14 million hectares and within these coexists a range of diverse ecosystems that have deserved to be declared World Biosphere Reserves. Chile has a privileged union of landscapes and climates of opposite extremes, a union that is capable of displaying an array of natural wonders that begins in the world’s driest desert and ends in the glaciers and straits that melt into the Pacific Ocean. Few experiences are as rewarding as admiring the giant ice sheets or enjoying one of the clearest skies in the world.
Advanced Connectivity
According to the Ranking Connectivity Scorecard, Chile leads Latin American development of telecommunication technologies. Satellite data and internet access are available throughout the Chilean territory. The number of public places with access to wireless networks has grown and there are possibilities to communicate with most countries in the world through mobile phones, a situation that has been facilitated by the optic fiber networks that have spread throughout the major urban centers.
5
Sustainability Public and private sectors are working for the development of sustainable tourism by promoting the adoption of sustainable practices in the Chilean tourism industry. With the objective to position Chile as a sustainable tourism destination, which allows conserving natural and cultural heritage, as well as providing opportunities in socio-economic development in the tourism locations and the communities inhabiting them.
Unique Gastronomy Chile is a well-guarded gastronomic treasure and the fruits provided by the land make a visit more than deserved. Chilean cuisine is a rich mixture of old traditions and ingredients used by the country’s indigenous people and European preparations and style. The country’s extensive Pacific coastline also gives it one of its greatest culinary treasures: an incredible array of seafood! A good Chilean meal is never complete without a glass of Chilean wine, produced in one of the country’s many wine valleys, and renowned throughout the world for its flavor and color. There are 11 different wine routes in Chile: Aconcagua, Cachapoal, Casablanca, Leyda, Colchagua, Curicó, Elqui, Limarí, Itata, Maipo Alto, and Maule, all excursions equal in scenic beauty, history, tradition, and wine-tasting opportunities.
Culture & Heritage The Mapuche people are the largest group of indigenous group of the country, and have been able to preserve their ancient traditions in many parts of the south. Further to the north the indigenous culture is dominated by the Aymaras, who inhabit the Andean Plateau in Chile. Far out in the Pacific, Easter Island preserves the mythical Rapa Nui culture. In terms of heritage, the country has five unique sites that have been recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
6
South America: Chile
November 2015
Biography: Kenneth WELCH, Regional Managing Director IVI DMC2 Chile We would like to take this opportunity to officially welcome Kenneth WELCH to the IVI DMC2 team. He specializes in groups and events in Chile. We would like to share a little about who he is and his background with you, by means of this brief biography.
Kenneth was born in Santiago de Chile. His family’s background is from Ireland, England, the United States, and of course the Mapuche people (natives from southern Chile and Argentina). Although Kenneth is in love with his country, its culture,
and its people, he has spent much of his life living and working abroad, such as in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and the United States. This has afforded him the opportunity to learn about the cultures and idiosyncrasies of these and other countries. He feels that his time abroad was spent like an ambassador of Chile, since he freely advocated the fascinating attractions from his beloved country. Kenneth has a degree in Hospitality Technology from the University Of Caxias do Sul, Brazil, as well as a diploma in Marketing from the University Adolfo Ibanez, Chile. After graduating, he began working for the Hilton chain in Brazil from 1990-1991. After this, he started a 20-year career working for important airlines such as Ladeco, United Airlines, and Aeromexico. Having this vast experience, he decided to start a new chapter in his professional life and thus devote himself to the management of his own company, serving the groups and incentives market. His goal is to always deliver travel experiences tailored to the interests and preferences of his customers since this is very rewarding to him. Kenneth is now backed by the experience and prestige of IVI DMC², the leading company in this segment in Latin America. Kenneth’s recent decision to join the family of IVI DMC² Chile, as Regional Managing Director & partner in Chile, is allowing him to live out his dream of assisting others to enjoy the marvelous sites of his country. Kenneth is now more than equipped to achieve the goal of making his clients look great!
7
is the southernmost country in South America, and the fourth most populous Spanishspeaking country in the world. Its stretched-out, north-south physical geography produces many different micro-climates, which help to make Argentina a country of fascinating diversity and immense beauty. It shares borders with Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Chile.
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.
About Us... Our Vision: To run a world-class destination management company that sets fresh trends and establishes new standards for best practices in the M&I industry by exceeding customer expectations. Our Mission: To bear exceptional product knowledge, therefore, enabling us to provide creative solutions, cost-value and effectiveness in every measurable way. To earn and maintain our clients’ trust at each one of our IVI DMC2 destinations by assuring them that their goals are our goals too, and by delivering services that exceed industry standards and customer expectations. To maintain a smooth-operating and efficient business organization that utilizes streamlining management systems with ISO quality standards, and pride and belief in the remarkable abilities of our people. Our People: IVI DMC2 has more than 150 year-round full-time employees throughout our branch network in Latin American. Extraordinary personalities, willingness, knowledge, commitment, service-oriented attitude, and experience in groups and conventions are what characterize them. “Yes, since 1986, we are those neatly attired people in the turquoise blue and white uniforms. Many people call us "Smurfs" since we are knowledgeable, witty, fun to have around, and beautiful or handsome (not necessarily in that order).”
8
November 2015
In the Tres Reyes community located in Quintana Roo, Mexico, we began giving English courses to preschoolers and elementary students.
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 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
9
Destinations • Mexico • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Belize • Guatemala • El Salvador • Honduras • 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 360 0 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.
10
November 2015
Travel Tip: Before You Go
Check your tickets as soon as you get them. Make sure your tickets have the correct destination, date, and time of your flight. (One time my travel agent mistakenly sent me someone else’s tickets. If I hadn't examined them, I would have been in Boise when I should have been in Birmingham!) Verify from which airport your flight will depart. Major cities frequently have several airports. I recall offering to drive some friends to catch their flight. Half-way to the San Francisco International Airport, they informed me they were leaving from Oakland Use the phone. Call the airlines before you leave for the airport to see if your flight has been delayed or canceled. If it has, switch to plan B ( which you should have considered when you booked your flight) Keep abreast of local weather and traffic conditions; rain and road repair can substantially increase your travel time to the airport. “If the Lord had wanted people to fly, He would have made it simpler to get to the airport.” —Milton Berle (Taken from page
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 IVI DMC²
11
The Customer is Always Right
Jorge was very flexible, clear, and easy to work with. Ximena was fantastic. Overall, fantastic staff. All that was promised when we met in July. Christie Knef Electrochemical
12