communiquest magazine - february 2015 (semimonthly)
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"Breaking News, Travel Tips, and More for the M&I Industry"TRANSCRIPT
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Visionary, Founder, and Master Coach
President
Marketing Vice President
General Comptroller
Corporate Business Director
Corporate Quality Director
Electronic Publishing
Content and Editing
Managing Director —MyDay Travel
Corporate Headquarters:
Mexico IVI DMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit, Mexico City, & Central Mexico Jaime NELO Regional Managing Director [email protected] IVI DMC² Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Destination Manager [email protected]
The Caribbean
IVI DMC² Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE Regional Managing Director [email protected]
Central America IVI DMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras Jorge LAZO Regional Managing Director [email protected] IVI DMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager [email protected] IVI DMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director [email protected]
South America IVI DMC² Colombia Carolina CALDERON Regional Managing Director [email protected] IVI DMC² Brazil Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director [email protected] IVI DMC² Argentina & Chile Leila GOROSITO Regional Managing Director [email protected]
Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 89
Jose-Manuel GARCIA [email protected] Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA [email protected] Alicia ASTUDILLO, DMCP [email protected] Trinidad SANCHEZ [email protected] Francisco BAEZA [email protected] Julia ORTIZ [email protected] Alejandro PECH [email protected] Omar GALLEGOS [email protected] Jorge OROZCO [email protected] Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
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Contents: Page
How to Make A Panama Hat 3
Interview with Jorge Lazo 4
Cover Subject:
Central America
Guatemala Costa Rica Panama
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Quick Hits:
Hyatt Playa del Carmen Air Costa Rica
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Dr. Travel’s: Letter from the
United Pilot
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The Customer is Always Right 11
© Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved.
Destination Offices:
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The popularity of the Panama hat
soared at the start of the 20th
century when a photograph of U.S.
President Theodore Roosevelt
sporting a stylish fino appeared in
the world press. The demand for
the chic hat rose and prominent
companies around the globe
began distributing them.
expectations by going the extra mile so to speak in regard to superlative service. A satis-fied client is our ultimate goal. With these lofty standards in mind, we strive to choose and only work with suppliers that meet our criteria in order to render an out-of-the-ordinary service.
After 28 eventful years in the business, IVI DMC
2 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!
Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA President
Message From Headquarters
As President of IVI DMC2, I
deem it an honor to run this prestigious company and continue its positioning as one of the best in the market. The canons assertively say that the customer is first, and I concur. I also agree that our
associates are the strong backbone of our company, and I consider them as my extended family. Without them we would not be where we are today.
Our company is recognized in the M&I industry as being down to earth and having an outstand-ing service-minded attitude. Our unchangeable commitment is to exceed our customers’
How to Make a Panama Hat
February 2015
How is the Panama hat made? A palm-like plant
provides the supple yet resistant fiber called toquilla.
Skilfull hat artisans are considered to be among the
world’s finest weavers, and what painstaking work they
perform! It can take them six months or more to weave
the high-quality Montecristi superfino. The length of
each fiber in the hat is quite short. Yet, in a genuine
Panama hat, you can hardly tell where one strand ends
and the next one begins. Furthermore, the strands are
so tightly woven that even water will not seep through!
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CQ: What are some of the most popular
activities on your agenda for clients?
JL: We only have the best of the best for the
M&I industry, take for example:
Antigua Guatemala: A colonial city painted
with vivid colors, with houses and cobble-
stone streets that transpire history. The main
square, churches, convents, fountains, and
government buildings are all a unique
amalgam of superb architecture.
Lake Atitlan: A lake surrounded by moun-
tains. Its waters are deep and cold. Along its
shores you can find 12 Mayan settlements
with crops, handcrafts, and regional dances.
Chichicastenango: A town where the
largest Mayan outdoor market in the region is
found. Visit the St. Thomas church, where
pagan and catholic rites are mixed. Be
amazed by the indigenous traditions related
to abundant crops, good health, and
prosperity. Beautiful handcrafts are made of
wood, clay, and colorful fabric.
Tikal: Considered the majesty of the Mayan
pyramids because of its complex astronomy,
royal palaces, organized priesthood, square
of the Acropolis, and its traditional ball game.
A luxuriant rainforest with vast flora and
fauna set the perfect backdrop for this place.
Guatemala City: A picturesque city with its
main square, city hall, cathedral, Gothic
churches, and museums. Be awed by the
contrasting combination of the ancient and
modern world.
Pacaya Volcano: Pacaya is an active
volcano in Guatemala. Pacaya rises to an
elevation of 8,373 ft. (2,552 m). Ideal for
hiking almost to the crater when conditions
permit. Enjoy lunch having as a backdrop
breathtaking views of the blue waters of the
Pacific Ocean.
CQ: In your opinion, why is Guatemala a
top destination for the M&I industry?
JL: Because Guatemala has what it takes to
be a first-class destination: infrastructure,
spearheading technology, commodities, di-
versity, ideal geographic location, convenient
flight connections, and more! Adding to the
above, its people are cordial, with colorful
and interesting traditions. Within its over
41,000 sq. m (108,000 km2) you can quickly
traverse the country and visit the many
colonial cities, the archeological sites, and be
amazed by the magic of the Mayan world
and the enviable spring-like year round
weather. Guatemala is certainly a trending
destination!
CQ: What developments have been made
locally to cater to the M&I industry needs?
JL: The airport has been remodeled in order
to receive more visitors, more harbors have
been constructed to receive more cruise
ships, many auditoriums have been
remodeled or constructed, and the hoteliers
have been highly trained in order to meet
world-class standards. Destination weddings
have become more and more popular. The
roads leading to sites of interest have been
improved. And even more improving is under
way!
CommuniQuest would like to share this brief interview held with Jorge Lazo, IVI DMC
2 Regional Director for Guatemala,
Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras.
Interview with Jorge Lazo
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A famous archeological site in Guatemala is
Tikal, the ruins of an ancient city found in a
rainforest in Guatemala. It is one of the
largest archaeological sites and urban
centers of the pre-Columbian Maya
civilization. It is located in the archaeological
region of the Peten Basin in what is now
northern Guatemala. This site is part of
Guatemala's Tikal National Park and in 1979
it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
Cover Topic: Central America
One of the elements that is unique to
Guatemala, is the living culture of the
indigenous population. Their traditions,
languages, rituals, and customs originate from
the 23 ethnic groups living throughout the
country; each clings to its ancestral roots and
are distinguished by their cuisine, habits, and
traditional garb which are very peculiar and
specific to each population.
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Costa Rica continues to rank among the top 10 destinations for sport fishing. According to Nature.org, Costa Rica’s “ocean diversity has an estimated 3.5 percent of all marine species roaming in its waters”. Costa Rica has a total of 570 International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world records – 208 of which are currently standing.
What makes Costa Rica so good for big game fish? First of all, Costa Rica has plenty of ocean access with the Caribbean Sea on the east coast and the Pacific Ocean on the west, offering a total of 765 miles (1,228 km) of coastline (132 m on the Caribbean and 633 m on the Pacific). Also, on both coasts, there are a large number of mangroves and rivers intertwined with the oceans. Man-
groves and rivers are essential nurseries for many species of feeder fish, creating a virtual year-round smorgasbord for predator fish.
The Pacific coast has phenomenal fishing for marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, tuna, dorado, wahoo, snapper, and more! And the Atlantic is also known for its wide variety of big tarpon and big snook. With inshore fishing many species of fish are available including striped bass, barracuda, rockfish, halibut, jack crevalle, mackerel, snapper, snook, rooster fish, and tarpon. Deep sea fish species that can be caught include marlin, wahoo, sailfish, and tuna.
Don’t miss the opportunity of being included in the IGFA records. IVI DMC
2 Costa Rica can
make it happen!
Costa Rica Sport Fishing
Consistently Ranks in Top 10
Cover Topic: Central America (Continued..)
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PANAMA SUBWAY
The city of Panama is growing into a modern metropolis by leaps and bounds. One very sure sign of this rapid rate of urban development is the inauguration of the subway system in the city. The subway makes it much easier for residents and visitors alike to move about in a swift and environmental-friendly way. It is now much simpler for tourist in the hotel zone to access the main shopping malls of the city, the famous seafood market, and/or the boardwalk.
This subway has 12 stations along its 9 miles stretch. Each train carries 200 passengers and are air conditioned for the comfort of the passengers. The stations are very modern with elevators, escalators, and ample boarding space in every station. Security is provided by a very efficient surveillance system and there are always train personnel at hand to guide and inform you.
BIOMUSEUM
Also known as the Biodiversity Museum, the Bio museum was designed by the world famous and talented architect Frank Gehry. This building, his first work in Latin America, was designed in such a way that it “tells” the main theme of the museum, which is about how this territory of the Isthmus of Panama emerged from the sea to unite two continents while splitting a vast ocean, thus changing the biodiversity of the planet.
February 2015
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For further information on the
fine hotels, deals, activities,
and group packages mentioned
in this magazine please contact
Alicia Astudillo:
Quick Hits
Hyatt Playa del Carmen Located on a privileged stretch of white sand, facing the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean, and featuring 314 guestrooms including 36 suites, Hyatt Playa del Carmen is now accepting group reservations from June 1, 2015 onward!
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IVI DMC² World Headquarters: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Phone: +52 (998) 287-1700
Email: [email protected]
Serving the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions Industry since 1986. Find us in over 40 destinations throughout: Mexico Dominican Republic Guatemala Costa Rica Panama Colombia Brazil Argentina Chile
February 2015
Look! Up in the Sky! It's a Bird! It's
a Plane! Yes, it’s Air Costa Rica!
The new national airline, Air Costa
Rica, will be certified to begin opera-
tions in the country in the first half of
2015, as designated by the Direc-
torate General of Civil Aviation.
According to the director of that entity,
Alvaro Vargas, the necessary operating permits, documents, manuals,
and procedures are being obtained and this paperwork is progressing
well.
In addition, the airline sent a group of elite pilots to be trained in Miami,
USA, and the logistics are in the works for opening in Panama. The
operation site and training center has been reviewed and approved by
the civil aviation. The initial destinations of this airline will be Panama
City, Managua, Nicaragua, and Miami.
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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.
About Us... Our Vision: To run a world-class company that sets fresh trends and establishes new standards for best practices in the M&I industry by exceeding customer expectations. Mission Statement: To earn and maintain our clients’ trust at each one of our destinations by convincing them that their goals are our goals, and by delivering services that exceed industry standards and customer expectations. We also will meet client needs by providing exceptional product knowledge, creative solutions, cost-value and effectiveness in every measurable way. We pride ourselves on our efficient business organization that relies on strong management systems, ISO quality standards, and belief in the remarkable abilities of our people. Our mission also features an infinite commitment: "To make you look great!" Our People: IVI DMC
2 has more than 150 year-round full-time associates within the entire Latin
American network with great personalities, knowledge, a caring attitude, and vast M&I business experience!
“Yes, since 1986, we are those neatly attired people in the turquoise blue and white uniforms. Many people call us "the Smurfs". We are knowledgeable, witty, fun to have around, and beautiful or handsome (not necessarily in that order).”
Destinations Mexico • Dominican Republic • Guatemala • 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.
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THANK YOU FOR READING
Like life in general, the M&I Industry seems to move at
the speed of light. As a committed B2B partner, we aim
to help you keep up with the latest industry news and
opportunities. CommuniQuest magazine is a valuable
tool that brings you the timely
information and analysis that you
need, with a lair for what's hot,
relevant, and interesting. I wish
you the best of success in your
quest, whatever it may be.
Jose-Manuel GARCIA
Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
IVI DMC²
“Thank you very much! We appreciate
your partnership and look forward to
working with you next year.”
-Christiane Branderhorst Thirty One Gifts
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: [email protected]
Doctor Travel’s: Letter from the United Pilot
The Customer is Always Right
On a recent trip to Hawaii, I was upgraded to First Class using my upgrade certificates which I earned as a frequent flyer. About two hours into the flight, the flight attendant presented each person in the cabin with an envelope with our name on the envelope. Inside we found a letter addressed to each passenger, by name. This was a letter, from the captain of this aircraft thanking us for flying with United. Most important, it was a true expression of a pilot-owner to his customers. The pilot mentioned he appreciated our business. For almost the next hour, the twelve people in First Class spoke about the gesture and the deterioration of service and quality of other airlines. Not one person had anything derogatory to say about United. Funny how a little customer service goes a long way. (Taken from page 28)
February 2015
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