CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest - Year 11 Vol. 1, 234

A Coastal Gem in the Mexican Riviera

DIRECTORY

Visionary, Founder and Seller of Dreams

Jose Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel

CEO

Leticia GARCIA lgarcia@ividmc.travel

President

Raquel MIJARES, CIS, DMCP, CITP rmijares@ividmc.travel

Vice President of Marketing

Mariana LEON, CMS, CITP mleon@@ividmc.travel

Corporate Quality

Director

Julia ORTIZ, CES, CMS jortiz@ividmc.travel

President dQuest DMO

Jose Luis REVILLA jlrevilla@dquest.travel

General Manager dQuest DMO

Francisco BAZAN corp.marketing@ividmc.travel

Content & Editing

Omar DELGADILLO corp.news@ividmc.travel

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Pg. 04-05 Corporate News

Key events, meetins and updates from our team.

Pg. 06-16 Mexico

Discover the latest hotel openings, vibrant celebrations, and exciting industry events in Riviera Nayarit.

Pg. 25 dQuest Shop

Explore the secrets of Melipona Honey

A letter from our founder

Dear reader,

Whether you're exploring the lush landscapes of the Sierra Madre or relaxing on pristine Pacific beaches, Riviera Nayarit beckons with its diverse array of destinations, perfect for gatherings of any scale. With modern convention centers, opulent resorts, and charming boutique hotels, there’s a venue to suit every occasion. State-of-the-art amenities and top-notch services ensure that every event is executed flawlessly, providing an unforgettable experience in this stunning coastal paradise. Our accomplishments and enthusiastic attitude are what uphold our motto, in your business, “WE MAKE YOU LOOK GREAT”!

Sincerely,

José-Manuel GARCÍA, CDS

Visionary, Founder and Seller of Dreams

IVI DMC Enterprises specializes in planning, logistics, and destination management services for incentives + corporate meetings + global congresses + ad-hoc events.

What we do…

We are experts in the design and execution of personalized programs for incentives, meetings, and ad-hoc events. This includes professional services for meet & greet, registration, hospitality desk, transportation, gift items, recreational activities, custom-designed group tours, teambuilding, pre and post tours, special events, innovative theme parties, decoration, A/V equipment, entertainment, photography, dinner programs, site inspections, VIP assistance, and more. From casual to elegant and from fun to artistic, we customize your program to suit your needs.

Fast Facts

• Creation: November 1, 1986

• Corporate Office: Cancun, Mexico

• Offices in Mexico: Los Cabos, Bahia de Banderas, and Mexican Caribbean

• Offices in The Caribbean: the Dominican Republic

• Specialization: Incentives, Meetings, and Ad-Hoc Events

• Clients: Incentive houses, specialized travel agencies, site selection companies, insurance, financial, and more!

• 1st DMC in Mexico: Implementing new service standards, such as our own quality system and latest technology across the enterprise

• Testimonials: Over 8,901 to date and several service awards granted by incentive houses

• Partnerships: As a leader in our field, we are also proud members of SITE, MPI, FICP, and DMC Coalition

• Rates: Guaranteed inclusive prices for 5 years offering the best cost-benefit ratio

Destination offices in Mexico & the Caribbean

IVI THE DMC Los Cabos

Marla GUADIAN, CMS, CIS

Destination Vice President mguadian@ividmc.travel

IVI THE DMC Bahia de Banderas

Marla GUADIAN, CMS, CIS

Destination Vice President mguadian@ividmc.travel

IVI THE DMC Dominican Republic

Bidia BISSUMBHAR, CIS, CES, CMM

Regional Vice President bidia@ividmc.travel

IVI THE DMC Mexican Caribbean

Mariana LEON, CMS, CITP

Corporate Vice President, Marketing mleon@ividmc.travel

Flying along with the Blue-Bee Squad

Hello everyone, and welcome to Flying Along with the BLUE-BEE Squad, a segment of CommuniQuest where we share updates, fun facts, and insights about our company's adventures. Let's dive in!

This month, we had numerous exciting online meetings that strengthened our relationships and communication with industry allies, potential ambassadors, and among our team.

Two standout internal meetings included a comprehensive session with all of our destination managers and a couple of productive meetings with our foundation team, Amigos of the Planet.

We had the pleasure of connecting with BCD Meetings & Events Argentina and MCI Brasil, fostering valuable industry relationships.

We also had inspiring conversations with potential ambassadors Ms. Jo Joshi and Sara Snyder. We look forward to collaborating with them!

CSR Events

This month, our foundation, Amigos of the Planet, hosted two incredible CSR events:

Event at Comedor de Juanita, Valle Verde: We supported over 50 people, providing essential aid and support.

Collaboration with Huellas de Pan: Held at the Huellas de Pan food center, we welcomed and registered participating children, served them food and water, and facilitated an Art Club activity. The children created Alebrijes, boosting their imagination and creativity.

That wraps up this edition of Flying Along with the BLUE-BEE Squad! Remember to follow us and stay tuned for the next edition.

Vote for Puerto Vallarta as Best City in the World

The readers of Condé Nast Traveler, Worldwide Travel reference, ranked Puerto Vallarta as fourth place in their “Best Small Cities in the World” list in their “Readers’ Choice Awards 2023” list. Now, Puerto Vallarta has been nominated to be the “Best City in the World”!

Puerto Vallarta, “The Pacific Jewel”, lies in the heart of Banderas Bay, the second largest bay in the western hemisphere, located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, where Jalisco and Nayarit meet, offers the best of two worlds: tradition and vanguard.

Although Puerto Vallarta is best known for its beaches, it offers an extremely wide variety of other attractions, you will be amazed with the variety of choices from golf, whale watching, ecotourism, etcetera.

Our Destination has been voted the friendliest city in the world by Condé Nast Magazine for many years, among many awards and recognitions. Additionally, the town itself has the look and charm of a colonial Mexican village with its picturesque buildings, cobblestone streets and old Spanish-colonial style. It offers a unique blend of traditional, "Old Mexico" charm mixed with the modern amenities of a cosmopolitan setting. The town of Puerto Vallarta is full of the complete Mexican experience; also, we are the second greatest Gastronomical Destination in Latin America.

Additionally, the Riviera Nayarit is growing amazingly! As a complement to its current extraordinary Resorts, including the ones at Punta Mita, the most exclusive Complex in Latin America, many more openings are taking place in the following couple of years. This is the perfect scenario for high-end Incentive Group programs. We look forward to having the opportunity to partner with you on countless Event opportunities in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit!

Take Your Event to New Heights

The purpose of your Event in Puerto Vallarta or the Riviera Nayarit could be launching a new product line or celebrating a big sales milestone. Corporate events are a fabulous vehicle for boosting staff morale by providing recognition and opportunities for team building.

The Resorts being considered in this Double Destination definitely have talented chefs and a well-oiled food service machine and the best Team to provide fabulous service to make your Corporate or social Event unforgettable. During the planning stages, however, it pays to be aware that the best furniture and tableware can speak volumes about your Company and strength as a business and as a brand. IVI THE DMC will be delighted to assist for sure!

Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit

Hotel Mio Riviera

Nayarit Unique & Different

The Mio Riviera Nayarit Hotel will open its doors in November 2024, offering a "Unique and Different" experience exclusively for adults visiting Nuevo Nayarit, formerly known as Nuevo Vallarta.

Mio Nuevo Nayarit Hotel joins as an alternative to the well-known Brand, recognized for four years in Puerto Vallarta, thanks to the acceptance of audiences seeking novel lodging experiences. The luxurious vacation destination is pleased to announce the opening of its hotel in November 2024. Located on the stunning coast of the Mexican Pacific, Hotel Mío offers an exclusive and elegantly contemporary ambiance for those seeking a relaxing getaway to discover the unique corners of Nayarit, such as the Marietas Islands, Punta Mita, the village of Bucerías, not to mention the proximity to Puerto Vallarta with its lively boardwalk, nightlife, and hundreds of specialty restaurants.

Uniquely Luxurious

With modernist architecture and elegant design, Hotel Mio offers its guests a unique and memorable experience. From their arrival, guests will be greeted with friendly personalized attention to ensure their stay is truly unforgettable with the fresh touch of the Mio staff.

Hotel Mio Redefines Hospitality

The hotel boasts a variety of first-class amenities, including exclusive rooftop pools and jacuzzies with stunning views of the ocean and tropical forest in the main commercial and gastronomic hotel zone. Spa services to relax and rejuvenate, and a selection of international and local dishes to enjoy the flavors of our cuisine, 24-hour room service, gym, event room, not to mention its spacious rooms with private balconies, with state-of-the-art technology for comfort. Add to your experience beach clubs with special benefits, use of Mio Vallarta rooftop, thus complementing two destinations in one with the Mio mood. Every day happenings like DJs and unique vibes during your stay.

"We are delighted to open the doors of Hotel Mio and offer our guests an incomparable experience," said Jorge Peralta, Corporate Sales Director of Hotel Mio to the microphones of IVI THE DMC Bahia de Banderas. "Our hotel is designed for those seeking different, unique experiences, and we are committed to providing warm service and memorable experiences to each of our guests."

For more information about Mio Hotels, please contact your IVI THE DMC executive.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit celebrates World Meetings Industry Day

Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit celebrated Global Meetings Industry Day with an exclusive breakfast and wellness activities. Nestled in the mountains amidst a tropical jungle, the resort welcomed representatives from leading DMCs of Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.

In commemoration of Global Meetings Industry Day, Delta Hotels By Marriott Riviera Nayarit /An All Inclusive Resort joined the celebration with a special day marked by camaraderie and the promotion of well-being among colleagues and friends in the Industry.

The event featured distinguished representatives from the main Destination Management Companies (DMCs) of #RivieraNayarit and #PuertoVallarta; the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, as well as executives from Marriott chain hotels in the region, such as Sheraton Buganvilias Resort, The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, W Punta de Mita, and The St. Regis Punta de Mita Resort, who were warmly welcomed by the Delta Hotels by Riviera Nayarit team, led by Ismael Morales, general manager, and Patricia Orozco, Sales Director.

What our clients have to say

Thank you so much for your wonderful assistance with transfers, tours, dinner suggestions, and overall general assistance. As someone retired from the industry, I was certainly not expecting such devoted attention and display of partnership. It reminded me of the lovely network of individuals there are in the Incentive Travel industry and truly warmed my heart!

“

Lisa Graham | (formerly of BI WORLDWIDE and ITA Group)

The morning kicked off at 8:30 with a unique sound healing experience led by an expert therapist. This treatment immersed attendees in a state of deep relaxation through the sounds of instruments and healing frequencies. The activity took place in the hotel's idyllic gardens, amidst lush trees and palms, accompanied by the harmonious singing of birds.

Following the sound healing session, the hosts treated guests to an exquisite buffet breakfast, set in a naturally charming environment, with meticulously decorated tables, like the ones arranged by the Delta by Marriott for social and business events.

Then, Indira Santos, Director of the EntreAmigos Community Center, offered the conference "Building Community," as well as sharing interesting facts about this center located in the coastal town of San Francisco, Nayarit, better known as San Pancho.

Subsequently, participants were invited to explore the hotel's facilities, where they could discover new attractions such as the Aqua Jungle and River, a scenic trail, and the new Tower 5, nestled in the middle of the jungle, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains and Bay of Banderas.

The event was not only an opportunity to strengthen bonds among industry professionals but also to highlight the potential of Riviera Nayarit as a destination for meetings and events, but also to reiterate its commitment to well-being and innovation in tourism experiences.

The event served as a platform to showcase Riviera Nayarit's allure as a prime destination for gatherings and conferences, emphasizing its dedication to providing exceptional experiences and fostering innovation in tourism.

What our clients have to say

Puerto Vallarta visits important Clients of the MICE Industry in Mexico City

The Fideicomiso de Turismo Puerto Vallarta, through its new Directorate of Meetings Tourism -headed by Ms. Laura Suarez, seeks to promote with greater intensity the infrastructure and benefits offered by this destination for the realization of exhibitions, congresses, fairs and all kinds of events and conventions.

Laura Suárez, CIS is an expert in the segment; his experience includes work in hospitality, DMC, Convention Center and destination. Under his direction, the Trust adds more tactics to the promotional work so that Puerto Vallarta continues to be the leading destination in occupancy and visitor arrivals.

Among the actions recently implemented, the first round of sales calls for 2024 was held from April 9 to 11 as part of a series of promotional events dedicated to this segment.

Eugenia did a great job helping us coordinate and plan the program. The program operation was great. No issues.

John DeLeon | Vice President, Sales & Operation

Puerto Vallarta Captivates Meeting Planners in Mexico City with New Destinations and Hotel Upgrades

During the working day in Mexico City, 40 business appointments were made with meeting planners from the country's capital, in which the novelties in the destination, remodeling in hotels, support for congresses, conventions and events held in Puerto Vallarta were highlighted.

After the presentations, very good feedback was received from the agencies, which stated that there is interest in holding events in Puerto Vallarta and will even take advantage of the information received to nominate the destination in events that are already on the horizon.

Members of Puerto Vallarta's meetings tourism cluster actively participated in the meeting, this time made up of the Crown Paradise Club, Golden Crown Paradise, Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center, Vamar, Barceló, Fiesta Americana, Friendly Fun, Mío, Marriott, The Westin Resort & Spa and Hilton hotels; IVI THE DMC, Vallarta Adventures and the International Convention Center.

Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit

"Puerto Vallarta has great potential, since it has a wide range of specialized service providers that include hotels, DMCs, tour companies, restaurants, International Convention Center and various suppliers, which hand in hand with excellent connectivity, geographical location, security and a wide range of experiences allows successful events to be held," said Luis Antonio Villaseñor Nolasco, CIS, Director of the city's Tourism Trust.

This week the destination receives the visit of a select group of meeting planners, who will be offered detailed information and experiences with the aim of updating them and continuing to attract groups to the destination.

Puerto Vallarta:

Origin and Meaning of the Eye of God, a treasure of Mexican craftsmanship, present in the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

An ancestral tradition of the Wixárika people (also known as Huicholes), an indigenous community from Nayarit, is the mythical Eye of God. It’s a spiritual object made by weaving a design with various-colored threads onto a wooden cross.

What our clients have to say

Some believers think that this spiritual eye has the power to see and understand things that the physical eye does not. It is used in Wixárika rituals and is believed to protect those who pray to it. Director of

“ “ It is always a pleasure to partner with IVI. Thank you for making our two programs a success.

The traditional word for its name is Sikuli or Tzicuri, meaning ‘the power to see and understand unknown things.’ Within the Wixárika worldview, each color represents sacred and divine elements; for example, blue symbolizes the sky, water, and purity, while red represents strength, fire, and the heart. It is also said that they are created to protect the mother and child in the womb, and when the baby is born, the father adds a color for each year until the child reaches the age of five.

Furthermore, according to Wixárika religion, the Eye of God has a very important spiritual function. It is also believed that its creation establishes a direct link with the gods and spirits, allowing interaction with the spiritual world. Each Eye of God is woven with a specific intention, whether for protection, healing, abundance, or any other spiritual purpose.

The Eye of God Today

Although the Eye of God has its roots in ancestral culture, it has transcended borders and become a recognized symbol worldwide. Due to its beauty and significance, its presence has expanded in the artistic and decorative realms.

By acquiring one of these objects, we are not only obtaining a unique work of art but also contributing to the preservation of a millennia-old tradition. Let us keep the tradition alive by appreciating its beauty and valuing the cultural richness it represents.

leisure quest

Hello BLUE-BEES, and welcome to Leisure Quest! My name is Jose Luis Revilla, but everybody know me as “Tote”. And in order for you to understand this section of the CommuniQuest, you’ll have to know my story. So let’s get right into it.

Since I was a child I was passioned about three things. Singing, drawing and making videos. Therefore, as I grew up, I decided I would dedicate my life to any of these activities. But as you may know, it isn’t easy to make a living out of any of these disciplines. And after my musical career failed, I was stressing over my future. “What will happen with my life now?” “How will I succeed if I’m not able to do what I truly love?” These questions ran through my head on a daily basis.

Until one day I was given the opportunity to be a part of IVI DMC Enterprises. One of the most popular and renowned DMC’s in the world. In IVI DMC I was able to do what I love. I designed the mascot (the famous BLUE-BEE) and I even produced the jingle. Working in this company made me grow as a person, it made me learn more about life and business than everything I learned at school, and it made me discover one more passion I had (besides singing, drawing and making videos)… traveling.

In IVI DMC we help hundreds of thousands of people travel, discover and enjoy beautiful destinations. And as I discovered this new passion of mine, I knew that it doesn’t matter where life took me, I would love to be a part of the tourism industry.

As time went by and the pandemic came to an end, I decided to mix my passion of making videos with my passion of traveling, to make my first travel content creation project, “Tribu Nómada”. Well, it worked out. This project blew up and it went viral on social media (mainly Tik Tok). Reaching millions of users on a monthly basis.

This allowed me to create my own travel agency for individuals, “Tribu Nómada Travel”. With it we’ve been able to connect with hundreds of thousands of travellers who are visiting the Mexican Caribbean, and we’ve helped them live an incredible experience in our destinations. (All of this while I still was the president of dQuest DMO by IVI DMC Enterprises.)

After a couple of years, “Tribu Nómada Travel” grew up so much, that we had to open our own offices in Cancun. And this bring us to today.

How does a teenager from Cancun, in a span of 3 years goes from not even knowing what to do with his life, to being the head of a popular travel agency? Honestly, I do not know the answer. Maybe this is what happens when you mix hard-work with knowing how to take advantage of the opportunities life present you. Of maybe all of this was just ment to be. Whatever it was, I will forever be grateful to IVI DMC Enterprises for welcoming me with open arms, and helping me grow to become the man I am today.

During all this time and developement, I never left IVI DMC Enterprises. I couldn’t imagine stop being a BLUE-BEE. And I’ll always be here to do everything I can to support the company, as it did the same for me when I felt lost and without a path. Therefore, when Mr. Garcia invited me to be a part of the CommuniQuest with the new section “Leisure Quest”, I didn’t hesitate for a second.

In this section, me and Fer (who is one of the members of “Tribu Nómada Travel”) will share with you our own articles about the Mexican Caribbean, and about the adventures we live in this amazing industry. We really hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoy writing them.

So remember to follow us on our different social media plataforms to stay in touch with all of our adventures, and remember to subscribe to the CommuniQuest so you don’t miss out on any editon of Leisure Quest! And if you read this whole article, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Your

unforgettable event in Mexico – let’s create magic together!

Indulge your senses with fantastic ocean views, palm trees, sounds of nature and the best dishes and drinks prepared with local ingredients. The perfect place for your wedding, an anniversary or a birthday celebration…. get away and experience a wonderful vacation with your loved ones. Imagine your group of friends and family in one of these private villas!

We understand that planning something so special so far away might be difficult: here we are to assist you every step of the way. Counting with someone who, like us, has lived locally in the destination for many years really makes the difference!

We will make it happen, thanks to 15 years of experience in event/wedding planning and a great team of local vendors and friends who support us along the way.

We will organize for you food and beverage, decoration, flowers, photography and videography, music, sound and lighting, ceremony officiant, hair and make-up, transportation, and anything else you might need in order for your event to turn out just perfect!

We are flexible and work with different budgets. In order to start, we will need to know your tentative date, number of people, budget, and expectations. How do you imagine your event? Let our experienced team make it a reality!

Celebration Quest

Learn more about our esteemed clients by clicking on their logos.

HUELLAS DE PAN NGO is an organization in Cancun, México that works to create healthy environments for children to interact assertively and acquire tools that allow them to make positive decisions and develop a comprehensive well-being life project.

We have developed activities that promote a sense of belonging, critical thinking and questioning, and healthy living practices. We create functional tools that enable children to handle assertive communication, problem-solving skills, and the design of a productive life project. In these spaces, psychoeducational workshops are held through Clubs:

• The Art Club includes artistic activities such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and many others that develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression.

• The Dialogue Club provides the opportunity to discuss current and controversial topics, promoting critical thinking, active listening, confidence, and teamwork.

• The Sports Club focuses on sports activities, promoting teamwork, problemsolving, resilience, responsibility, and leadership among participants.

The contribution from the MICE market has been a great help for Huellas de Pan, thanks to the donations and volunteer work groups that have been participating; today, in addition to providing food and education, we have a new goal that will positively impact the children of Cancun and their families.

HELP US REACH MORE! WITH YOUR HELP, THIS WILL BE POSSIBLE.

We have discovered that the 250 children we daily attend, require more care services. Join us and change children's lives!

Melipona Honey: “The Golden natures elixir”

Melipona honey is a type of honey produced by melipona bees, which is known for its medicinal, gastronomic, and beauty properties. This golden elixir contains a higher level of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals compared to conventional honey, making it an excellent natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent that benefits the immune system.

It is also used in gastronomy as a natural sweetener with a unique flavor that enriches the taste of desserts, dressings, and drinks. Moreover, melipona honey has moisturizing and hydrating properties that help keep the skin and hair healthy and glowing. Its regular consumption can improve our health and physical appearance while contributing to the preservation of melipona bees and supporting Mayan communities.

Essential Travel Tips

Document Your Memories

Take plenty of photos, keep a travel journal, or start a blog to document your experiences. These memories will last a lifetime and can be shared with friends and family back home.

Why advertise with M&I + Ad-Hoc Events Guru’s Digest?

Serving the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions industry since 1986.

Find us in over 15 destinations throughout:

• Mexico

• Dominican Republic

Advertising and promotional opportunities are now available in M&I + Ad-Hoc Events Guru’s Digest by IVI Corporation. Sponsorship placement opportunities are limited and are reserved on a “first come, first served” basis. We invite you to advertise in our vastly distributed M&I + Ad-Hoc Events Guru’s Digest which is already available to over 15,000 avid readers. These readers are dedicated clients, stakeholders, and fine suppliers. This M&I + Ad-Hoc Events Guru’s Digest is an inviting ‘cover to cover’ read, ensuring eye-catching and successful advertising. Click here to receive more information

Thanks for reading CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest I hope you find in this newsletter a useful tool that will help you make decisions for your successful business.We would be delighted to know if there anything else you’d like to see or experience in this monthly newsletter. Your suggestions are more than welcome. We wish you the best in your endeavors and business adventures, and please, don’t forget, working with us “WILL MAKE YOU LOOK GREAT”.

Sincerely,

José-Manuel GARCÍA, CDS Visionary, Founder and Seller of Dreams