Come & Discover the Pura Vida Way of Life!
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Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 106 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
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel
Managing Director —MyDay Travel
Jorge OROZCO, DMCP jorozco@myday.travel
Corporate Headquarters:
Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
Contents:
Page
Gallo Pinto a Very Traditional Dish
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Cover Subject:
Come and Discover the Pura Vida Way of Life!
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Costa Rica
MyDay Travel: 5 More Amazing Highways You Must Drive Once in Your Life Quick Hits: Site Classic Friends of the Maya
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DQuest Travel
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Travel Tip: Some More Packing Tips
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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 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
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© Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved. 2
October 2015
Gallo Pinto a Very Traditional Dish Gallo Pinto or gallopinto is a traditional dish of Nicaragua and Costa Rica made with rice and beans. It is not well known where the dish originated seeing that variations of gallo pinto are popular in many countries in and around the Caribbean. One theory suggests that gallo pinto was brought into Latin America by African slaves that migrated into Latin America. Gallo pinto means "spotted rooster" in Spanish. The name is said to originate in the multi-colored or speckled appearance that results from cooking the rice together with black or red beans. Beans are quickly cooked until the juice is almost consumed. There are other variations of this dish. Similar dishes are known as Moros y Cristianos ("Moors and Christians") in Spain and Cuba, or just Moro. A similar dish can be found in Panama, Honduras, and in El Salvador, where it is called casados or casamiento. In the Caribbean north coast of Honduras the dish is prepared using coconut milk, coriander and sometimes adding deep fried pork belly fat or chicharrones and it is called "Rice and Beans" even in Spanish, since it was introduced to the Honduran cuisine in the northern islands of the country where the population speaks mostly English. Other variations include using pigeon peas or kidney beans usually instead of black beans in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico along with coconut milk. Similar dishes exist in Colombia (calentado paisa) and even Peru (tacu tacu). Recently, empanadas filled with gallo pinto have become a popular alternative for people who have little time to eat breakfast. (Taken from www.wikipedia.com)
Message From Headquarters As President of IVI DMC2, 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.
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. After 29 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
Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS President
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Cover Topic:
Come and Discover the Pura Vida Way of Life Special Edition of Costa Rica
Marriott Los Sue単os, Costa Rica
Central America: Costa Rica
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October 2015
Central America: Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an irresistible paradise where 5% of the world’s biodiversity is found; wonderful sceneries change suddenly and beautifully in a matter of minutes! Our superb destination has it all: From pristine beaches to fascinating volcanoes; incredible adventures as well as the most relaxing experiences. The topography varies so much so that you could be hiking the cloud forest one day, riding waves on fast jet skis the next, or unwinding in a secluded spot within our 912 miles of coastline… all of this spiced with the happiest and friendliest people in the world! This is a great place to combine leisure and business; specially on ocean front venues where you are literally one step away from surf and sand! All the first-class hotels that receive incentive travelers are furnished with complete meeting facilities which include all the a/v equipment, great banquet services, wonderful amenities, and fast speed internet connection.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Already feeling like you need to come and see it for yourself? Getting to Costa Rica is easy! You may choose to arrive at any of our two international airports: Juan Santamaria (SJO), just outside San José, which receives the majority of flights; or Daniel Oduber (LIR), near the northern city of Liberia, which is a great option if you will be having your program at one of the many top-quality hotels on the Golden Coast. Some of the major airlines that fly to Costa Rica are: Air Canada
American Airlines
Avianca
Copa Delta
United Airlines
Jet Blue
Aeromexico
US Airways Interjet
Jet Blue And many more!
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Costa Rica: One of the Best Places for Your Incentive Programs
Volcán Poás, Costa Rica
Our country offers a combination of success-prone ingredients for your next incentive program:
Short distance flights from almost any city in America
Breathtaking venues and hotels with all kinds of meeting and vacationing facilities. Large variety of typical and gourmet Costa Rican flavors on almost every corner
A great combination between adventure and relaxation, all within the same area
Unforgettable parties and entertainment, including an underwater or rainforest theme party. All of the above accompanied by a sample of wild life and exotic plants with which we are privileged to have, and that will enrich your Pura Vida experience!
Central6 America: Costa Rica
Central America: Costa Rica
October 2015
Costa Rica is blessed with so many different surrounding and places to go! Considering infrastructure and logistics, these are the best regions for the incentive travelers:
Central Valley: The Central Valley is the very nucleus of Costa Rican history and national identity. Here is where the first coffee plantations started and marked the idiosyncrasy of the Costa Rican people, or “Ticos� as we are also known. Even though San Jose is mostly an urban area, there are plenty of things to do such as natural and cultural sightseeing: visiting volcanoes, waterfalls, whitewater rafting, canopy or zip line, shopping, and of course, a beaming night life full of gastronomic experiences.
Central Pacific: Very close to the Central Valley, this region allows for a group to come in through the capital city and then transfer to this area, giving the traveler a more diverse idea of our country as the trip requires traveling through San Jose and along some areas of tropical forest. Your clients will have a complete town and oceanfront experience that is easily accomplished within a couple of days.
North Pacific: This area is better known internationally as the Guanacaste region or Costa Rica's Guanacaste Gold Coast. It is by far, the preferred location for incentives in Costa Rica and there are many reasons why: an international airport (LIR) strategically located so it is close to all the main resorts and hotels, the incomparable beauty of the landscapes (which ranges from mountain forests to the most amazing beaches), a tourism oriented infrastructure full of options for exciting tours that allow for many experiences, and of course, warm sunny weather which is a relief for many of our northern travelers during the coldest months. If your guests like golf, this will be like paradise for them, as they will have the option to play at very exclusive courses planned by the best designers in the world.
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Coming Soon: Our New Convention Center!
The construction of this meeting space is almost a reality, and it will reflect the respect and love we have for the environment since green and design practices of building will be used. Costa Rica’s Convention Center Facts: Space for to 5,000 attendees
1,800 people for seated events
46 feet (14 m) of generous ceiling height
Rain water is reutilized
Its design allows for the best use of natural day light, and at night it will be energy efficient
Located in Heredia, close to the main urban area in Costa Rica and just 20 minutes away from the SJO Airport
Central8 America: Costa Rica
Central America: Costa Rica
Convention Center, Heredia, Costa Rica
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October 2015
Meet Our Costa Rica Team:
IVI DMC2 Costa Rica’s roster is featured by the best professionals in the area. Operating since 1999, we have conducted a large variety of programs that may be big or small, 100% fun or business-oriented, crazy or collected‌ you name it and we have done it. Led by Ligia Vargas, our Regional Director and Sonia Vargas, our Destination Manager, our team strives to provide the best options according to your program needs and budget. Our best efforts go to make you shine and fall in love with Costa Rica through the eyes of a professional DMC who cares about you and your program needs. We listen attentively to your requests before the program starts; and we remain as well flexible and will not hesitate to go the extra mile once your group is here or when your program is in full swing.
Central America: Costa Rica
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Central America: Costa Rica
October 2015
Come and Visit Us! IVI DMC2 Costa Rica will provide excellent and creative options for all the services you require for your program: Ground transportation, tours, activities, hospitality services, creative parties and entertainment, wonderful dĂŠcor, gifts and giveaways, CSR events, etc. In a nutshell, everything you will need for your group. We are already looking forward to meeting you here!
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5 More Amazing Highways You Must Drive Once in Your Life We present you with more highways featuring the best views and landscapes, to not only enjoy your vacation, but the drive as well. (To see more highways see the previous CommuniQuest issue)
Blue Ridge Route, North Carolina – U.S.A.
Chapman’s Peak Drive – South Africa
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Col de l’Iseran – France
Hana Highway – Hawaii
Yungas Rute – Bolivia 13
Winner of the Funny Picture contest by Meliá Hotels International at El Camaleon Mayakoba
IVI DMC² co-host DMC coordinated arrival transfers for all participants
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).”
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October 2015
IVI DMC² World Headquarters: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mx
IVI DMC2 Cancun staff visited a community to see the fine progress of the foundation’s efforts and also enjoy a unique, enriching experience.
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:
During our visit to El Naranjal Mayan village, we were able to visit the archeological site, the nursery, and had a taste of some local traditions in a natural backdrop.
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
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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.
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October 2015
Travel Tip: Some More Packing Tips Place at least two luggage tags, with the same address on the outside of each bag. Often the outside tags gets ripped off. Using two tags reduces this possibility. If the luggage is lost, the airline may try to open the luggage. Place a luggage tag inside your luggage. Tape it to the inside cover or somewhere easy to see. Do not put your home address on any luggage tag. Use your business address instead. (Taken from page 105)
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
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The Customer is Always Right
We received information in a timely manner. There was a great team who took care of our clients very well. Even taking extra time to help out during evenings with transfers. -Paula Murphy
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