CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest - Year 11 Vol. 1, 208

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Vol. 1, No. 208

DIRECTORY

INDEX

Visionary, Founder and Seller of Dreams: Jose Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel

4-7

Pg.

CEO: Leticia GARCIA

Pg.

Flying Along with the I-Bee Squad - Extending our virtual meetings, and welcoming more friends

lgarcia@ividmc.travel Vice President of Marketing:

17-23

Smart gadgets & technologies in the Mexican Caribbean & Visitax

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

Pg. Corporate Business

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Tec hno l ogy in t h e me e ti ng s sect or in L os C ab o s & Games W K ND

Director: Mariana LEON, CMS, CITP corp.business@ividmc.travel

24-27

Costa Rica- the future headquarters of a new Space Agency

Corporate Quality Director: Julia ORTIZ, CES, CMS jortiz@ividmc.travel

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IT Manager:

15-16

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Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit's airport expansion

Angel PEREZ informatica@ividmc.travel Executive VP dQuest DMO

28-29

LIVE AQUA | Dog Friendly Hotels & Resorts

Jose Luis REVILLA jlrevilla@dquest.travel Content & Editing: Omar DELGADILLO corp.news@ividmc.travel

Cover subject: Technolgy shifts inside M&E

Follow us on:

Destination offices Mexico:

Caribbean:

Central America:

South America:

IVI DMC Los Cabos

IVI DMC Cuba

IVI DMC Costa Rica

IVI DMC Colombia

Yazmin ELOSEGUI, DMCP, CIS,

Alejandro DEBASA, CMS

Jeremy ZUÑIGA

Alexandra MONTAÑEZ

CMS, CITP

Regional Managing Director

Regional Managing Director

Regional Managing Director

Destination Managing Director

adebasa@ividmc.travel

jzuniga@ividmc.travel

amontanez@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC Dominican Republic

IVI DMC Panama

yelosegui@ividmc.travel IVI DMC Puerto Vallarta & Riviera

Bidia BISSUMBHAR, CIS, CES, CMM Mariana LEON, CMS, CITP

Nayarit

Regional Managing Director

Jaime NELO, DMCP, CIS, CMS,

bidia@ividmc.travel

corp.business@ividmc.travel

CES, CCM Destination Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.travel IVI DMC Cancun & Riviera Maya Ximena LOPEZ, CMS Marketing & Planning Director cun.planning2@ividmc.travel

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© Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.

A WORD FROM OUR FOUNDER. Dear reader, Meetings and events today go beyond the traditional style of lecture-hall sessions with podium-based presentations and rows of listeners. Technology has changed and continues to change the meeting experience (and attendee expectations), making it more interactive for the attendee. Thanks to the help of our experts in the field of technology, Latin America has established itself as a leader in this sector. Coupled with the sublime destinations, there is no question you should choose Latin America for your next Meeting or Incentive trip. Plan your extraordinary event with our leading quality of service. Our accomplishments and enthusiastic attitude are what upholds our motto, in your business, “We make YOU look GREAT”!

Sincerely,

José-Manuel GARCÍA, CDS Visionary, Founder Founder and and Seller Dream Visionary, ofSeller Dreams

COMPANY PROFILE •

IVI DMC and the BLUE BEES. (Our new hallmark nickname) “We make YOU look GREAT”

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Since 1986 and also to the dedication of an extraordinary team of duly certified associates, partners, and suppliers, we have integrated an exemplary company of professionals all of them with a high spirit of service, honesty, and loyalty, where to date we have reached more than 8,501 testimonials of events achieving, and extraordinary reputation within this yet amazing industry.

•

Did you know that the difference between a good DMC and another is their HIGHLY RECOGNIZED BRAND, MANY YEARS OF PROVEN EXPERIENCE AND CREATIVITY OUT OF THE BOX?

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At IVI DMC we highlight our ability to bring all imaginative ideas to life, from the formal to the absurd and from the artistic to the comic.

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Our corporate image has changed, and with an amazing comparison between the world of bees so essential to the life of the planet, and where also the “IVI DMC & the BLUE BEES” are so essential in the service industry.

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iVi DMC works with international hygiene, health, safety and protection protocols through its OWN ISO9001 quality system model and world-class performance, from the formal to the absurd and from the artistic to the comic”.

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Our company commitment is to always perform with our 10 world-class CORE VALUES, where everything is done with: • Love and Passion • Communication • Respect • Tailor-Made Proactivity • Discipline & Dedication • State-of-the Art Creativity • Knowledge • Honesty & Integrity • Safety & Security • Cost-Value Same as: SUCCESSFUL DESTINATION MANAGEMENT.

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Flying along with the I-Bee Squad Welcome to Flying Along with the I-Bee Squad! The section of the CommuniQuest where we share with all of you everything that we’ve been doing during the month. Let’s jump right into it!

This past month we’ve been having lots of online meetings! We had one with Kurt Paven & Marty Mckay from Hosts Global, another with Craig Dooley, Jane Hendrix, Jamie Tennison, Anita Stimson, & Kelsey Whitney from SDI Meetings & Incentives, one with Rita Moser from Global Cynergies, and lastly with Chris Hobbs from Uniqueworld.

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We received a great testimonial from our friend and client, Mr. William Davies, Managing Director at Muse Event Management.

We’re glad you've enjoyed Costa Rica during your recent site visit and we hope to keep making YOU look GREAT! In other news, we successfully carried out a program in the Mexican Caribbean! Thank you Hailey Jump and Brightspot Incentives & Events for your continuous partnership. The group enjoyed the Unico 20º 87º Hotel Riviera Maya facilities, and they had an unforgettable time at the catamaran sail & snorkel activity. Also, they enjoyed their private dinner inside of a dry cenote in Rio Secreto!

Thank you for letting us make YOU look GREAT! Page 5

Also during the month we had a very welcoming and interesting visit to the beautiful Mahekal property and met with our exceptional friends Maria Elena Armenta and Sandra Sanchez. Looking forward to teaming up with them and having you all soon at our destination.

We were thrilled to welcome our clients and friends, Phil Cochrane and Dennis Mulcahy from iCentiviz. We were part of a great program at the incredible Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun All-Inclusive Spa Resort, which is an excellent option for your meetings & incentives in our Mexican Caribbean.

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Near the end of the month, we visited one of our favorite hotels in the Mexican Caribbean; the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen! We shared a delicious meal with our friends Marc Andre, Ivan Aragón, Araceli Cadena, & Sandra Salazar, and took a tour where we were able to discover all of the new updates that the hotel has had in the last couple of months. Thanks for your hospitality! We’re sure we’ll be working together for many years, and continue making YOU look GREAT! Lastly, at the end of the month, we welcomed Jennifer Veselko, the happy winner of the SITE Global Hybrid Conference 2021 raffle. We hope you enjoyed your stay at our amazing Mexican Caribbean!

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Los Cabos State-of-the-Art Technology Companies planning a conference abroad choose Los Cabos regularly, as conference centers here offer luxurious and comfortable spaces to entertain, relax, and get work done. Providers offer meeting services that span the gamut of practicalities with advanced audiovisual technology, logistics, furniture, décor, themed events, and more.

Planning is a breeze, as providers take care of all your needs in a coordinated effort. The Los Cabos International Convention Center—equipped with solar panels and environmentally friendly technology—was designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind and has been dubbed a "green" facility.

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Games WKND | Los Cabos Dates: 5/11/2021, 6/11/2021, 7/11/2021 Location: ICC Los Cabos Time: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Price: Ticket for 1 day: $8 USD (1 day to choose: Friday 05, Saturday 06 or Sunday 07) Ticket for 3 days: $ 19.50 USD Los Cabos Games WKND is an amazing space that brings together all people who love Gamer and POP culture, as well as followers of new technology trends. The perfect space to share your lifestyle with new friends, meet your favorite YouTube influencer or professional player and live unique experiences very much like a GAMER.

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When work calls, business and pleasure blend seamlessly in Los Cabos' state-of-the-art facilities. Any business meeting, annual retreat, or corporate gathering can feel otherworldly when held in such a beautiful and vibrant destination.

There are very few destinations in the world where an outdoor seminar can be interrupted by a visual spectacle, such as whales.

The convention space in Los Cabos is one of the most modern and expansive you can find - just ask the presidents, heads of state, and other leaders who made this place their choice for the G20 Summit in 2012. Meetings and conventions - no matter their size - are handled with expertise, high-level hospitality, and perfect logistics.

And that's just the beginning - considering the stunning desert golf courses and trails or the myriad possibilities for outdoor adventures and world-class dining and nightlife options that exist in Los Cabos.

The result, of course, is that you and your fellow congressmen will have countless possibilities for work and play. Among the best spaces for events is the Los Cabos Convention Center, a state-of-the-art facility with 72,000 square feet of space that is just minutes from the many hotels in the area (under renovation). The Convention Center is recognized for its environmentally sustainable features, including a series of green walls that prevent the building from overheating and features more than 1,000 solar panels. The facility also features a full-service business center - to address any need that may arise - and a terrace overlooking the Sea of ​​Cortez.

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Los Cabos International Convention Center (CIC) The International Convention Center (ICC) is located in San Jose del Cabo. Equipped with solar panels and environmentally friendly technology, ICC Los Cabos is considered a “green” building and has a green wall considered one of the largest in the world that serves as a temperature regulator during warm seasons.

• • • • •

67758.81 square feet of meeting space Capacity for 8,000 people 3 exhibition areas 11 breakouts

• 440 parking spaces • 1,008 solar panels producing 412,000 KW • 28997.97 square feet large green wall • More than 699654.17 square feet of landmass

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Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa The services, facilities, and amenities of this luxurious all-inclusive resort make this property the ideal place for private functions and important business meetings. It offers more than 550 m2 of outdoor venues overlooking the Pacific Ocean, formal meeting rooms, and five restaurants that can also be used to host a meeting or event. This resort also offers a full catering service, stateof-the-art technology, audiovisual equipment, the assistance of a technician, and simultaneous translation services.

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Paradisus Los Cabos Nestled alongside a stunning beach with remarkable views of the Sea of Cortez, Paradisus Los Cabos—a recently renovated luxury all-inclusive resort. This resort is situated on 18.5 acres of land and offers world-class facilities, including adults-only Royal Service with personalized butler service, family concierge. This unique vacation experience meets the needs of even the smallest guests, YHI Spa, the Life Enriching Experience program, and flexible and modern meeting facilities equipped with the latest technology, needless to say, there is plenty more.

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Grand Velas Los Cabos Grand Velas Los Cabos, the most recognized resort in the destination awarded with 5 Diamonds

by AAA, with a privileged location, Mexican culture, and art that meets contemporary design.

It features exceptionally spacious ocean-view suites with private terraces that organically blend indoors with outdoors, some with personal plunge pools and wellness options. Spend the day lounging or swimming in our multi-level infinity pools, all overlooking the Sea of Cortez, walking along golden sand beaches by the water's edge, or enjoying one of our exclusive land and sea experiences.

And then there's Se Spa, where even before receiving a Mexican-inspired treatment that combines the latest in technology with local natural ingredients, you'll enjoy an acclaimed seven-step water indulgence. Savor a ten-course tasting menu with wine pairings from the two-star Michelin chef and his master sommelier, any number of themed gourmet restaurants, or opt for fresh Baja ceviche and a poolside tequila. End your perfect day by dancing to live music, mingling, and mingling, or simply enjoying Cabo's legendary star-studded skies on a balcony by the ocean. And if that wasn't enough, it's all-inclusive.

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Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit The Pacific Airport Group (GAP) has announced its expansion plan, which includes the creation of a new terminal at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, that will serve both this amazing destination and Riviera Nayarit to meet the demand and growth of this Double Destination, and as part of their current Master Program of Development.

Thanks to the confidence the Double Destination has earned, air traffic from both domestic and international passengers has been increasing month by month. Through the year 2020, the use of its air terminal had a very considerable recovery compared to the previous year, the recovery has been sustained. With new flights and routes confirmed and announced in a very frequent manner, it is very likely that, by the time you are reading this note, there will be even more domestic and international flights scheduled than the ones that were there back in 2019. As a fun fact, 1,556 flights are projected to be carried out by April 2021.

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Puerto Vallarta's connectivity on the rise As a result of this increase, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP, in Spanish) has granted a considerable investment project to build a new terminal in the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The new T2 will be a NET Zero (Zero Emissions) smart building with an energy saving of 40.78% and saving 58.3% of water consumption. Also, each luggage inspection system will have two tomography inspection units for greater security.

Puerto Vallarta continues taking firm steps in regards to connectivity and following constant verification sanitary protocols all over the airport facilities and by maintaining constant sanitation four times a day.

Also by achieving the ACI accreditation certificate that recognizes the airport commitment to prioritize health and safety measures under the recommendations of the Council Aviation Restart Task Force (CART) of the ACI Council and the guidelines by the Aviation Business Restart, along with best practices of our industry.

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Mexican Caribbean When it comes to technology for the MICE industry we know that our destination has meeting rooms equipped with everything a group requires. From projectors, comfortable tables, and chairs—that can be configured in different ways—to snacks such as coffee, water, and pastry delights; and as technology continues to innovate, these features are seamlessly integrated into the needs of programs. Here are a few examples.

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Smart Services at Hotels The Xcaret Mexico Hotel has the newest gadget, which is the smart bracelet that visitors receive upon arrival. No more cards to open the bedroom door. The “all-inclusive” wristband uses a new technology that allows you to open the room's door and windows simply by scanning it. It also remembers "the tastes and choices" of each guest, such as the temperature at which the air conditioning is set and maintains it that way.

As in the Xcaret group parks, the bracelet can also be scanned at strategically placed photography spots in the hotel. All the photos of the client, the hotel, and the parks, This gadget is included in the reservation packages available to guests.

Remote check-in Hotels like Marriott Cancun have a system that connects the hotel reception staff with guests without them having to go through the reception to check in. This change is being achieved thanks to virtual platforms in which guests can fill in their registration data, take a photo of their identification, and with just one click, check-in. Virtual connection is how the hotel staff can be contacted for any request before or during their stay.

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Reusable Water Bottles Every day more hotels in the destination use technology to take care of the environment.

An example of this is that now in many the water comes in reusable bottles that are filled with water produced in the hotel's purification plant, avoiding one of the most serious ecological problems: Plastics.

Smart Meeting Rooms Paradisus PDC has a 400 square meter smart event hall, which had an investment of four million dollars, MICE tourism, is one of its main segments. And it complies with what is requested by customers in terms of space and technological advance. To which is added the service and quality of the resort.

The new 180-degree projection room has six screens distributed along the side walls. In addition to a screen that covers the entire front wall. Being intelligent, the sound, the lights, and the screens integrated into the walls, in itself all the technology is managed through an iPad. Page 19

Compostable Coffee Capsules

QR codes

Many hotels are now implementing the use of compostable capsules as an innovative solution to reduce the impact of other materials such as plastic and aluminum on our planet.

This type of capsules in optimal conditions of humidity, temperature, and oxygen, completely degrade in just 3 months without leaving any residue. They are not only biodegradable but also compost when they come in contact with other organic waste.

There is limited interaction now more than ever, which has given QR codes massive exposure in restaurants and hotels. The destination is utilizing QR codes for travelers to download all the information they may need during their stay, from restaurant menus and spa treatments to excursions and daily resort schedules. Guests can explore all the latest news from their personal devices.

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JSAV is a show and events group made up of experienced professionals in their respective fields. They have the latest technology to meet all your streaming and production needs.

With extensive experience working with meeting planners, producers, and technical directors, JSAV is known for tending to every detail and provide everything they need. This includes comprehensive proposals, equipment recommendations, pre-production, theme development, labor, production schedules, technical drawings, design, and detailed equipment and labor quotes.

JSAV has multiple options for the transmission of your event that can be adjusted to the budget of the event can be configured to deliver protection measures, guaranteeing both the privacy and the quality of the event. JSAV takes care of the installation and operation of all its events, all under the high-quality standards that guarantee audio and video streaming. They are also able to stream on multiple social platforms simultaneously.

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Cancun International Airport For Terminal 4 at the Cancun International Airport, the airport operator, ASUR, has used innovative technologies from SITA, the global IT provider for the world's airports.

This technology will provide flexible services to meet the needs of the nearly 50 airlines that use it, with 36 SITA AirportConnect® self-service check-in kiosks and another 104 shared-use workstations for check-in and boarding. The passenger systems will work with SITA AirportConnect Open, the common-use platform that allows any airline to use any counter, gate, or self-service kiosk.

This allows the airport to organize passenger processing most efficiently.

SITA's Airport Management solution is already used in Cancun and in the future to manage operations in the four terminals.

SITA's Airport Vision solution, dynamic multimedia, and flight visual information system will also be used in Terminal 4 to provide real-time updates to passengers throughout the check-in areas.

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Visitax As of this Thursday, April 1, the tax for foreign tourists who wish to vacation in the state of Quintana Roo or surrounding areas came into force. The payment relates to the services rendered to foreign tourists for vacationing in the state.

The payment will be made through the VISITAX website, a technological platform that will allow foreign tourists to make a payment of $ 224 Mexican pesos before and / or during their stay. The proof of payment must be downloaded to show it before guests' departure. In case of not having done it in advance, you will receive assistance at the airport to do it at that time.

To make the payment, a simple form must be completed at http://visitax.gob.mx/ with the following information: Number of people traveling, name, age and passport number individually and date of departure. It is important to note that, if the visit is with a family or in group, the payment can be made in a single payment and with individual receipts, as long as the data is fully loaded into the portal.

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The Canton of Liberia set to be the headquarters of the Costa Rican Space Agency

Taking advantage of the competitiveness of the country, such as its geographic location, the biological research that is generated, the level of education of engineers and scientists, has given way to bill 21,330, the proposal for the “Creation of the Costa Rican Space Agency”. The draft “Law for the Creation of the Costa Rican Space Agency” proposes creating a non-state public entity with an initial investment that will allow self-sufficiency to be achieved in the short term.

The agency intends to become an agent of the Costa Rican State to encourage the development of the aerospace area in Costa Rica. It is a scientific and technological entity, with eminently technical criteria.

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International strategic alliances Deputy Aida María Montiel stated: “Costa Rica does not have a counterpart to be able to make high-impact agreements with agencies from friendly countries, such as NASA, the European, Japanese or Korean Space Agencies, to mention just a few with which could create strategic alliances for the benefit of the country. With the approval of the bill, the requirements of international organizations would be met, since Costa Rica would have a formal and legally established counterpart.

Nationwide high-added value With the creation of the Agency, the aim is to encourage the emergence of areas of high added value outside the metropolitan area of the country, not only to remove them from the most populated regions but to use as a criterion the advantages of this province, such as its geographical conditions, the international airport and the ideal climate for the development of aerospace technology.

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The Costa Rican Space Agency will generate projects of high value since the aerospace sector requires suppliers that provide support in supplies and services such as meteorology, telecommunications, navigation, and remote sensing satellites, these are the main base of economic activities services are currently being provided.

With regard to the field of medicine, advanced tele-diagnostic and self-diagnosis equipment are being developed that apply to a large number of situations that occur in our daily lives.

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In the case of meteorological satellites, those of telecommunications and navigation and remote sensing; These allow weather forecasting, sending information or communications of all kinds, satellite-based navigation services (GPS), mapping or analysis of land resources.

Project aimed for Guanacaste The project plans to have a Space Center for research, innovation and development, which will be located in Liberia, Guanacaste. This is since it has the same climatic and geographical conditions as the Cape Canaveral Space Center, in Florida, United States. This center will have complementary training services for international experts, exhibitions, a museum that offers additional services to tourism that visits that region and that generates a productive chain.

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LIVE AQUA | Dog Friendly Hotels & Resorts

The best trips are always the ones you take with your best friends, and your dog is one of them.

Live Aqua wants you to have a unique experience together at the amazing destinations where Live Aqua is present. With their new Dog-Friendly Hotels & Resorts program, your dog is welcome to stay in your room and to be treated with the impeccable service that they are known for.

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When you check-in, your companion will receive their own welcome kit with amenities to enjoy throughout their stay, including a comfortable, exclusive bed, a feeding and drinking bowl, and more.

This pampering service available at Live Aqua San Miguel de Allende, Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún, Live Aqua Urban Resort Monterrey, Live Aqua Urban Resort Mexico, Live Aqua Private Residences Los Cabos, Fiesta Americana Cuernavaca Hacienda San Antonio El Puente, and Fiesta Americana Hacienda Galindo Resort & Spa.

Click here to learn more about this initiative>>

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In distant lands...great experiences await.

Become a pirate for a day and recreate the sense of adventure as you found yourself among a wreckage on the shore of the deep turquoise Caribbean. A shipwreck in which your guests can enjoy a dinner and entertainment experience like never before!

Flaming drum show: Optional Drumming to set an intense mood. Use prior to show or incorporate with show.

Sea creatures: An Acrobatic show with Cirque like qualities.

Click here to learn more

What our client’s have to say.

“

“

Marla and Yazmin were helpful in logistics and the overall planning process. Yazmin, Reyna, and Alejandro were all great to work with onsite. They handled our-at times-wild group with patience and kindness and were so accommodating with last-minute requests.

Lauren Reisman | Event Manager

“

Andrew White | President

“

Thank you again for everything Lucy! It was so great getting to see you, and I thank you for everything you did to make our stay so very special!! Wishing you a wonderful remainder of your week and I hope to bring groups back to you soon!

“

“

Excellent program thank you. Alejandro and his team on the ground were excellent!

Rhonda Brewer | VP Sales

Doctor Travel’s cure for the common trip Carry petroleum jelly on planes It may sound rather strange or perhaps not too enticing but on your next trip, be sure to carry petroleum jelly to line your nostrils. It helps relieve headaches and dry nasal passages due to dry plane air on long flights.

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Why advertise with CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest Advertising and promotional opportunities are now available in CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest. Sponsorship placement opportunities are limited and are reserved on a “first come, first served” basis. We invite you to advertise in our vastly distributed Incentive Travel Digest which is already available to over 10,000 avid readers. These readers are dedicated members, stakeholders, and fine suppliers. This Incentive Travel Digest is an inviting ‘cover to cover’ read, ensuring eyecatching and successful advertising.

Click here to receive more information

Serving the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry since 1986.

Find us in over 41 destinations throughout: • Mexico • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Costa Rica & • Panama • Colombia

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CONTACT:

Dear reader!

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”.

IVI DMC² Corporate office: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mx Phone: +52 (998) 287-1700 Email:ivicorp@ividmc. travel

Sincerely,

For further information on the finest hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this travel digest, please contact:

José-Manuel GARCÍA, CDS Visionary, Founder Founder and and Seller Dream Visionary, ofSeller Dreams

Raquel MIJARES rmijares@ividmc.travel

Follow us on:

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