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Year 10 Vol. 1, Issue 151 Cover Subject:
Directory Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM manolo@ividmc.travel Second Generation, Innovator & President
FUEL UP & FEEL GOOD WITH OUR TASTY RECOMMENDATIONS • • •
Mexico Pages 4-7 Cuba Pages 8, 9 Dominican Republic Pages 10, 11
Francisco BAEZA, DMCP fbaeza@ividmc.travel Vice President
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Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel General Comptroller
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Raquel MIJARES, CIS Corporate Marketing Director
Costa Rica Pages 12, 13 Panama Pages 14, 15 Advertise with CommuniQuest Page 19 The Customer’s Always Right Page 20
Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel Quality Director
Pages 16, 17
Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel Electronic Publishing
How to Prepare A Tequila Sunrise Page 18
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Content & Editing
Quick Hits: Wine Festivals in
Fernando ROSAS corp.image@ividmc.travel Design Jorge OROZCO, DMCP jorozco@myday.travel Managing Director - MyDay Travel
Guanajuato Page 20 Travel Tip: Increase Your Smileage Page 21 © Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.
Destination Offices Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
South America
IVI DMC² Los Cabos Yazmin ELOSEGUI 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 Jorge OROZCO, DMCP Regional Managing Director jorozco@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, IVI DMC² Dominican Republic IVI DMC² Panama Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit Ramon RIJO, CIS David JOHNSON Jaime NELO, CMS, DMCP Regional Managing Director Associate Regional Managing Destination Managing Director Director rrijo@ividmc.travel jnelo@ividmc.travel djohnson@ividmc.travel IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS Corporate Marketing Director rmijares@ividmc.travel
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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, Foodie hotspot Latin America dishes up everything from local treats to fine dining. Indulge too often however, and your belt may need an extra notch or two! Thankfully, the health food craze has well and truly hit in our tasty destinations. Next time you visit us here, why not try indulging in indigenous, healthy foods, of course, in addition to going after the trendy bent for seasonal, locally-produced ingredients. In other words, we invite you to try food in new and unusual ways. You’ll be gladly surprised! According to present world trends, hyper-regional food will continue to set our taste buds ablaze in the months and years to come. The restaurant gamut we propose in this issue will assure you of one thing: expect authenticity to be the order of the day due to the gutfriendly foods they specialize on. And remember, your food doesn’t have to be a lurid shade of oddity to look Instagram-worthy; rather, it well can be something you are not used to, but once you sink your teeth into it, it will blow you out of the water, or should we say - out of your table? Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM Second Generation, Innovator & President
Our Objective
Our Vision
Always aim for 100% overall customer satisfaction.
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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PUERTO VALLARTA & RIVIERA NAYARIT
Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit are undoubtedly distinguished by the service and hospitality of its residents: One of the most requested services without any doubt is its gorgeous gastronomy, which leaves a great taste to each of its visitors. Here are our top 3 favorite restaurants, which you cannot miss. LA PALAPA The cuisine of La Palapa is greatly influence by fresh and delicious local ingredients and abundant choices within the region. Located at Playa Los Muertos, the beach and ocean life is something integral to La Palapa’s identity. Tropical Mexican cuisine is masterfully combined with Asian and French elements to bring you a fresh, local culinary experience you will not soon forget.
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BISTRO TERESA. Bistro Teresa started in 2009 by Laura and Marisol in a small location off of highway 200 in Amapas. It is a restaurant that offers new and exciting culinary creations in a intimate setting. Due to the demand and having the view blocked by a condo project we have decided to open a new location which will never have obstructed views and has the capacity to meet our current demands for seating. We truly hope you enjoy your visit.
DON PEDRO´S. In 1992, two cousins, Damien and Nicholas, set off from Los Angeles on a surf and culinary adventure. Making their way south, they stumbled upon a diamond-in-the -rough called Sayulita. With one phone line in town at the Paleteria and hardly any other services, Sayulita was a dusty fishing village that time seemed to have forgotten. Tucked into a jungle-clad bay with a consistent river mouth break, Sayulita's serene natural beauty and the warm hospitality of the locals impressed the two travelers so much so that they decided to stay. And so a dream began to crystallize - to build a world-class restaurant on the beach of this little paradise. Like many passionate dreamers, they were laughed at, told it would never work. But true to the old adage "if you build it, they will come", and come to eat they did. Over 22 years later, they keep coming back. IVI DMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit will be delighted to make all arrangements and to make sure that each and every single detail of your important event is not a bit less than perfect.
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CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA We are in a tropical paradise and we don’t mean the idyllic beaches only. The Mexican Caribbean is also a gastronomic paradise! Cancun and the Riviera Maya have a very wide culinary offer coming from all cultures, and even fusions between them. Mexican cuisine is well known all over the world for its variety of dishes and recipes, its conscientious elaboration and its distinctive and sophisticated flavors.
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Such is its our cuisine’s popularity, that in 2010 it was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Also, in Cancun and the Riviera Maya you can enjoy this rich national gastronomy combined with traditional recipes made with local products from the very Mayan kitchen. Mexican and Yucatecan cuisine are highly prized in the world because nature provides unbeatable typical products such as fruits and fish of exceptional flavors and quality.
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CUBA Cuban food goes beyond the long-standing staples: rice and beans. A new trend of private and family-owned restaurants, has taken over the Cuban capital by offering exciting cuisine in unique surroundings. In recent years, this wave of new private restaurants (paladares) are all over the island, especially in Havana. Other establishments are being expanded and refurbished in order to accommodate the growing flock of visitors looking for this type of eateries. This phenomenon has radically altered the food landscape to such an extent that going to dinner is now a pleasure sought after the connoisseurs.
PALADAR SAN CRISTOBAL Try out the secrets of the most outstanding Paladar in Cuba; it has a familiar, mystical atmosphere and it is a place full of memories where we want people to feel pampered and at home. Through a good dinner, we want to show our past and pay tribute to our Cuban culture and roots.
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PALADAR LA MONEDA CUBANA It is located at the entrance of the Plaza of the Havana Cathedral. Today, this restaurant-paladar welcomes its customers with a Cuban house feel and its most exquisite Cuban flavors; while you eat, enjoy the beauty of the colonial Old Havana and the wonderful views that can be seen from la Moneda Cubana.
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC In our country, especially in Punta Cana, our superb gastronomy has options for the great majority. The best restaurants are located within the resorts, and in exclusive and local areas. Due to the melting pot that we are, we have different specialties and renowned Chefs from all walks of life: Mexican, Portuguese, Italian, Peruvian, French, Asian,
Chinese, Spanish, Mediterranean, and of course Dominican. Our fine venues can easily accommodate events with capacities of up to more than 300 participants comfortably seated.
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Beautiful venues located at the beaches, exclusive commercial plazas, at historical sites, within the hotels, all offer high end possibilities due to our recognized international gastronomy.
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COSTA RICA Whether in the metropolis at the Central Valley or at the beach, you have at your disposal an endless gamut of good eating in Costa Rica in easily and affordable ways. Eating is one of the main pleasures in life and in traveling, and now you have the option of choosing among a plentiful selection of different restaurants. The kind of gastronomic experience you want for a meal is up to the dinner because the options ranging in what kind of cuisine to have are plentiful. You can choose the international cuisine that most pleases you or whatever you are in the mood for in that day, or you may decide to try the local cuisine in any of its well developed and tasty dishes that Costa Rica has. Besides a fine and ample option of high end restaurants for formal dining the number of informal restaurants is very large. Add to this a new trend taking place in San José City which is what is called gourmet markets; these are sites with a number of shops that offer a wide variety of gourmet food in an informal setting, where you can taste their gourmet dishes out on the sidewalks, sitting at a table or bar standing up in a casual atmosphere. This is really catching on with the young population that is more selective of the quality and tastiness of what they eat. Currently there are three well known gourmet markets in San José, these are Mercado La California, in the very heart of San José, El Mestizo in Escazú Plaza Tempo, and Container Platz in Santa Ana.
At EL MESTIZO, the kitchens are exposed and diners can sit on the bars to see how the dishes are prepared before their very eyes!
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PORO PORO RESTAURANT Named after one of the most colorful trees in Costa Rica, the one that in the dry season bursts in an explosion of bright orange blossoms. This is one of the best restaurants of its type in the world. It is without a doubt a 5-star restaurant, very close to perfection in all aspects: ambiance, service, food, views, and good taste.
ABBOCATTO RESTAURANT Another great restaurant with a well-earned place among the top restaurants in Costa Rica. Excellent cuisine, international and eclectic, marvelous ocean view and top -notch service and attention.
MIRADOR RESTAURANT AT VILLA CALETAS It doesn’t get more romantic and spectacular than this. Incredible setting on top of a small mountain overlooking the Pacific. The food is international and of unparalleled quality, coupled with professional and warm service. Desserts are to die for and surprising. A must if you are in the area. We are sure that Costa Rica will not let you down in your expectations for good dining neither in quality or variety. Come and see for yourself! 13
PANAMA Panama City is no doubt, one of the pearls of the Pacific in the Americas. But did you know that in its own way Panama is Caribbean-like in its essence and history? And this is so because a very short distance - only 70 miles - separates it from the Caribbean side. Besides, its history and a large segment of its population make it truly Caribbean in its flavor. Talking about flavor, Panama City is the cosmopolitan city where dining is a real pleasure and an international and cultural experience. You’ll be in awed too at the colorful entertainment that usually comes along with some of the most renown dining places.
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ERRE DE RAMÓN FREIXA. The exclusive Ramon Freixa Panama Erre gourmet restaurant is ran by the Spaniard chef awarded with 2 Michelin stars for his restaurant in Madrid, Ramón Freixa. Panama Erre is a restaurant where a dinner becomes a celebration.
CALLIOPE. Excellent and elegant restaurant with an incredible ambiance, a real treat with its gourmet dishes, located in the old quarters of Panama City. MADRIGAL. An excellent gastronomic selection in a very beautiful restored old building in the Old Quarters.
DONDE JOSE. A place for Panamanian cuisine at the highest level of innovation and exquisite flavor for a limited number of dinners. Most of the dishes are elaborations and inspired accomplishments from chef Jose’s gastronomic expertise on autochthonous dishes of Panama.
CABANA. It is inspired by the scent from the kitchen of Agadir in Southern Morocco, and intertwined with the flavors from the Mediterranean, and certain typical products of the Caribbean and Central America.
AZAHAR PANAMA. Fusion cuisine. High quality international dishes: Spanish, Italian, French, and Asian.
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How to Prepare A Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail made of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup and served unmixed in a tall glass . Ingredients: •
3 oz. (6 parts) orange juice
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1 1/2 oz. (3 parts) tequila
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1/2 oz. (1 part) grenadine syrup
Preparation: Pour the tequila and orange juice into glass over ice. Add the grenadine, which will sink to the bottom. Do not stir. Garnish and serve. Served: On the rocks; poured over ice Standard garnish: Orange slice, cherry It's another Tequila sunrise...
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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: Francisco BAEZA fbaeza@ividmc.travel
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WINE FESTIVALS IN GUANAJUATO Summer is almost gone, and autumn is a new season to enjoy Mexican wine! During almost one month, locals and visitors to the State of Guanajuato will enjoy various activities involving wine, including the Fifth Wine & Vintage Festival, Valley of the Independence 2017. It will include regional gastronomy tasting, workshops, grape pressing by foot, live music, art & cultural activities, and more. Various wine houses will offer several activities on this festival at the
beautiful regions of the State of Guanajuato, in which you will be able to enjoy this growing domestic tradition. IVI DMC² can integrate a visit to the wine regions of Mexico in your incentive program, or as a group excursion between sessions. Make your dates coincide with this wonderful festival and rest assured that your participants will thank you for ages!
The Customer’s Always Right Jose has been very accommodating and has helped us in any aspect. He acts in urgency and always provide us with an answer. He did a very good job; we highly recommend IVI DMC2 to be used to those who will need assistance. Ms. Elizabeth Silverio | VP Sales & Marketing
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Travel Secret: Increase Your Smileage If you can’t find any laughter in a situation, remember to at least smile. When you smile, the world smiles back. “Smiles and frowns,” says Dr. Jerry Teplitz, a stress specialist, “affect people whether we are aware of it or not. If you are in an airport where nobody wants to be, and planes are running really late, literally the energy of everyone around you is affecting you.” Smiling is important, whether or not you have anything to smile about. Research has shown that your body doesn’t know the difference between a real smile and a fake one. So even if you don’t feel like smiling, do it anyway. It triggers a time when you were smiling for real (like when the plane actually left on time). (Taken from page 30)
“A smiling face will get you a great deal more than a stomping foot.” - V. Neil Wyrick
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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