A DESTINATION THAT CONNECTS THE WORLD
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Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 107 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
Traditional Panamanian Cuisine: Sancocho
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Cover Subject:
A Destination That Connects the World
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Panama
The Best Part of Waking Up in South America - Brazil MyDay Travel: 5 More Amazing Highways You Must Drive Once in Your Life
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Quick Hits: Pueblo Magico Friends of the Maya
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DQuest Travel
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Dr. Travel’s: Travel Kit/Cosmetic Pouch
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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
Traditional Panamanian Cuisine: Sancocho Sancocho (From Spanish sancochar, "to parboil") is a traditional stew considered a staple in Panama and in several Latin American cuisines. It is believed to be a variation from the Spanish dish known as cocido since it usually consists of large pieces of meat and vegetables served in a broth. Also known as sancocho de gallina, it is the national dish of Panama. The basic ingredients are: chicken, ñame (adding flavor and acting as a thickener, giving it its characteristic texture and brightness), and cilantro (giving it most of its characteristic flavor and greenish tone); often yuca, mazorca (corn on the cob) and otoe are added. Other optional ingredients include ñampí (as the Eddoe variety of Taro is known), chopped onions, garlic, and oregano. It is frequently served with white rice on the side, meant to be either mixed in or eaten with each spoonful. Hot sauce is also frequently added, depending on your degree of tolerance to spicy stuff! The above makes this meal popular amongst locals as a quick remedy for a hangover. The word sancocho is sometimes used as a metaphor to describe the country's racial diversity - melting pot - due to the varied ingredients that contribute to its particular properties and flavor. Are you now curious enough to try sancocho and other representative dishes the next time you visit us? We invite you and your group to come and taste this unique dish in Panama. A unique culinary, cultural, and enriching experience awaits you!
Message From Headquarters
only work with suppliers that meet our criteria in order to render an out-of-the-ordinary service.
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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 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 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
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Cover Topic:
A Destination That Connects the World Special Edition of Panama
Panama a Destination for Everybody For quite some time Panama has been a well-established and popular destination. Its natural beauty, such as its beaches, has long attracted tourists, especially families. As time has passed, our country has emerged into an attractive option for the business traveler. The role Panama now plays as a tourist destination has been further strengthened by great improvements in infrastructure including the Panama Canal. Our programs for meetings and events include an array of options now with an added interest in ecological and cultural travel. We invite you to read on and find out more of what this great destination can offer!
Central America: Panama 4
October 2015
Central America: Panama A Destination Yet to Discover A Tour of Panama City When touring Panama City, you will travel through 3 clearly delineated areas: the Old Quarters with ruins of the original city dating from he 16th century, the Spanish Colonial section, and the financial district with its modern architecture and skyscrapers. Some of the tours include a visit to the Panama Canal. These tours will help you to get a good picture of our rich cultural interbreeding and history visible in the make up of the people, the varied architecture of the city, and of the impressive engineering of the Canal.
Panama & Business Your business meeting will be a success because Panama is considered the business center of the Americas and the center of an emerging economy. Our country is the perfect place for you and your company to experience the beauty and dynamics of Latin America.
Museums Saturated with Culture The museums in Panama give us historical details and show us the authentic Panamanian identity. The Afro-Caribbean museum e.g. describes how this culture was introduced to Panama by the construction of an interoceanic path. The Panama Canal Museum tells us the history and exploits about this titanic undertaking and how it has been crucial for multiple worldwide cultures to use in order to pursue international trade fair in modern commerce. The amazing and colorful Biomuseum, designed by renown Frank Gehry, describes the marvels of geological and biological evolution in our continent and how the isthmus of Panama emerged from the depths of the ocean over 3 million years ago and changed the world we live in today. 5
Panamanian Folklore As with any other culture, folklore is very important in the lives of the people in Panama. Its folklore is very colorful and impressive in its make up. As for vocal music, we have: the saloma, tamborito, la tuna, la mejorana, los congos y los bullerengues. As for instrumental music these are worth mentioning: la mejorana, el punto, cumbia, and other rhythms. As regards typical dresses, the Panamanian Pollera is already a classic. This dress is a masterpiece of design and beauty of which Panamanians are very proud of. A distinction is made between two types of polleras, pollera montuna, a more plain design, which in former times was for everyday use; and a more elegant one, with more ornaments, lace, and color used on very special occasions and galas . The most popular dances are: el punto, mejorana, atravesao and bullerengue. Less widely known dances are: diablicos, grandiablos, congos, cucuĂĄs, torito, pajarilla, the cuenecuĂŠ, black bozales, and native Indian dances.
Tourist Safety According to some international travel entities, Panama is considered one of the 5 safest countries in the world. Ongoing security strategies are in place to further enhance the climate of peace that Panama enjoys.
Central America: Panama 6
October 2015
Central America: Panama The National Theater of Panama The Teatro Nacional de Panamรก is the hub of cultural activity in the city. It is used for theatrical performances, dances, music, ballet, opera, and artistic exhibitions. It is located in the Old Quarters - in Spanish called Casco Antiguo. It seats 853 in its amphitheater. As you enter, you will be welcomed by a classy lobby. The building also has an event hall, balconies, and a gallery. A total delight for the senses!
Natural beauty In addition to the above, Panama is known for its beautiful beaches and islands both in the Pacific and the Caribbean. Fishing is superb here! We also have lush rain forests, rivers with crystal clear waters, volcanoes, valleys, and the warmth of its people.
Come to Panama! We will make sure that you and your people have a wonderful time!!!
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The Best Part of Waking Up in South America
Belmond Hotel da Cataratas The only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, enjoys an unrivalled location just a short stroll from the sensational waterfalls. Enjoy exclusive access to this magnificent sight at dawn and in the evening when the park is closed to visitors. This is an upscale luxury hotel with a Portuguese-colonial style. At the heart of the hotel there is a beautifully designed swimming pool, heated throughout the winter to provide year-round enjoyment. From celebrations to product launches, milestone birthdays to memorable meetings, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is an ideal venue. The colonial-style Iguassu and Dom Pedro conference rooms are located on the ground floor of the main building. They are airy and spacious, drawing in plenty of natural light. The rooms can be interconnected for larger events, and offer large terraces, suitable for cocktail receptions or coffee breaks.
South America: Brazil 8
South America: Brazil A Kattamaram Evening Spend an amazing moonlit evening. The new attraction of Itaipu tourist complex combines comfort and refinement for a memorable journey through the wonders of the reservoir of the world's largest hydroelectric power generator. With a complete infrastructure to serve up to 200 people, the boat has an open deck, American bar, restaurant, and solarium, ideal for relaxing and contemplating the beauty of the lush landscapes. In the Kattamaram restaurant the deck provides an incredible view of Lake Itaipu. The boat departs from Kattamaram port. This panoramic tour navigates about 5 miles (8 km) along the impressive Itaipu dam, which borders Brazil and Paraguay.
Chevrolet Hall is the largest convention center in Brazil and it is located in the city of Belo Horizonte. It was created by the Marist Brothers institution UBEE, the Brazilian Association of Education and Teaching. The goal was to create a venue with great diversity of spaces. It includes a multipurpose room, a theater, an arena, courts, and a parking lot. This structure is suitable for a wide variety of cultural, artistic, and sports events, be it of a technical, commercial, or recreational nature.
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October 2015
5 More Amazing Highways You Must Drive Once in Your Life We present you with the last series of highways featuring the best views and landscapes, to not only enjoy your vacation, but the drive as well. (To see more highways see the 2 previous CommuniQuest issues)
Route 40 – Argentina
Trollstigen – Norway
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Overseas Highway, Florida – U.S.A.
Oberalp – Switzerland
Route A82 – Scotland 11
Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit, Mexico Sayulita has been named as a Pueblo Magico. Tourism potential here is thus on the rise.
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
Friends of the Maya Foundation would like to give a warm welcome to the Coco’s Project as they join our heath and hygiene program in alliance with the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
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
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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 Kit/Cosmetic Pouch If diversities exist in luggage, this is the category that sets new standards. Every material available in the world and every claim of huge storage capabilities, come neatly packed in each kit. Before you purchase a travel kit, ask yourself:
Is it waterproof inside?
Will it hold all your toiletry needs including your electric toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, razor, dental floss, and cologne? Is the zipper or closing mechanism strong enough so you won’t find the contents spilled all over your clothes? Have you chosen function over form or name brand? This kit/pouch will be used and abused.
Go to a discount store, or look for a free kit during promotional periods for women’s or men’s fragrance lines in major department stores Spending money on leather or alligator is a waste of money. Leather adds weight you don’t need and it wont stand up to shampoo and perfume spilling on its surface. (Taken from page 104) 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.
The Customer is Always Right
Raquel was excellent! Edgar was very nice and helpful. Thank you. -Tim Wagstaff
Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach IVI DMC²
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