communiquest magazine - july 2015 (semimonthly)
DESCRIPTION
"Breaking News, Travel Tips, and More for the M&I Industry"TRANSCRIPT
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Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
President
General Comptroller
Corporate Marketing and Business Director
Corporate Quality Director
Electronic Publishing
Content and Editing
Managing Director —MyDay Travel
Corporate Headquarters:
Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 100
Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS [email protected] Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS [email protected] Trinidad SANCHEZ [email protected] Francisco BAEZA [email protected] Julia ORTIZ [email protected] Alejandro PECH [email protected] Omar GALLEGOS [email protected] Jorge OROZCO, DMCP [email protected] Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
Contents: Page
How to Prepare Jamaica Tea 3
Celebrating Our 100th Issue of CommuniQuest!
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Cover Subject:
Well Thought Out Theme
Parties in Latin America for
Meetings & Incentives Viva La Fiesta
Summer Sweet Caribbean Night
Calypso Party
Gala Dinner
Neon Theme
Panamanian Theme Party
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Quick Hits: Master Chef Mexico 9
Interview with Jorge OROZCO MyDay Travel
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MyDay Travel: Spotlight Destination Argentina & Fun Facts
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Travel Tip: Cheap Travel 15
© Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved.
Destination Offices:
Mexico Caribbean Central America South America
IVIDMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA President [email protected]
IVIDMC² Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE Destination Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras
Jorge LAZO Destination Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Colombia Carolina CALDERON Destination Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit Jaime NELO Destination Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA Destination Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager [email protected]
IVIDMC² Brazil Andrea MAJELA Destination Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
Alexandra GONZALEZ Destination Manager [email protected]
IVIDMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Destination Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Argentina & Chile Leila GOROSITO Destination Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Destination Managing Director [email protected]
Follow us on...
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Message From Headquarters
As President of IVIDMC2, 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’
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 29 eventful years in the business, IVIDMC
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, CIS President
July 2015
How to Prepare Jamaica Tea The dog days are here and it’s as hot as can be! To cool
off, why not reach for an ice cold Jamaica tea (Hibiscus
tea). Not only is Jamaica tea refreshing but it also has so
many properties that are good for you. For example, it is
a source of vitamin C and it is known for cleansing the
kidneys. When it is easy to find these dried flowers in
your local store, this recipe is a lot cheaper than buying it
at Starbucks.
Ingredients:
1 cup of dried Jamaica flowers
4 cups water to boil
4 cups cold water
1/2 or 3/4 cups of sugar
Ice
Preparation:
In a medium sized pot add the cup of
dried Jamaica flowers and 4 cups of
water for boiling. On the stove bring
to a boil for about 3-5 minutes. Turn
off the stove and allow the flowers to
steep for another 5 minutes. Strain
the tea into a large pitcher. Add the
amount of sugar you prefer, some
even enjoy this drink with no sugar
added. Finally add in the other 4
cups of cold water and ice.
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Celebrating Our 100th Issue
of CommuniQuest!
Since its inception, CommuniQuest magazine has been serving the M&I industry with the purpose
of helping incentive and meeting planners choose the destination that best suits their needs. Our
magazine keeps on the watch for trendy destinations, hot deals, and new infrastructure, thus
making it a breeze to select the place achievers rightly deserve. We would like to take
this opportunity to share with you some highlights from the past year along with the faces behind
the destinations we handle. Our qualified staff is ready to serve you and make you look great!
Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS President [email protected]
Mario FOSTER IVIDMC² Los Cabos
Jaime NELO IVIDMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit [email protected]
Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach [email protected]
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Ligia VARGAS IVIDMC² Panama [email protected]
Sonia VARGAS IVIDMC² Costa Rica [email protected]
Andrea MAJELA IVIDMC² Brazil [email protected]
Carolina CALDERON IVIDMC² Colombia [email protected]
Genaro ALMONTE IVIDMC² Dominican Republic [email protected]
Jorge LAZO IVIDMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras
Alejandro DEBASA IVIDMC² Cuba [email protected]
Leila GOROSITO IVIDMC² Argentina & Chile [email protected]
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Cover Topic:
The diversity of Mexico's 32 states is both interesting and stunning! Each state has its own
folklore and cultural features with unique elements that help to create exceptional themed
parties. IVIDMC2 Cancun & Riviera Maya masterfully combines this unique variety, while
taking advantage of our destination’s privileged location - the turquoise blue waters of the
Caribbean as well as the greatness of the Mayan culture - to produce spectacular themed
events.
Some Themed Parties:
Viva La Fiesta
Mayan Gods & Magic
Summer Sweet Caribbean Night
Casino Royale
Frida Kahlo
And much more…
Mexico
Cancun & Riviera Maya
Well Thought Out Theme Parties
in Latin America for M&I
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Costa Rica No incentive meeting is complete without a cherry on top, a themed party to celebrate
the success of your event! When choosing Costa Rica rest assured that your program
will be carefully planned by a seasoned event planner. Your theme party will be tailored
according to your group size, age, needs, and of course, budget.
Some of our most trendy themed parties:
Costa Rican typical party with folkloric
dances, marimba music, and traditional
Costa Rican masquerade (A great
theme for a welcome party!)
Calypso party with an under the sea
theme
Latin music & dance party with salsa
dancers
Cocktails & games at the beach with
pop DJ
Gala dinner with classical music & a
jazz band
Neon theme & cocktail show with live
band for dancing
Some nice add-ons we can include on to many
themes are: Body paint models, cigar rollers,
artisans, flower markets, comparsa band, carnival
style shows such as jugglers, and much more. What
are you waiting for? Come to Costa Rica
and join the party!
Central America
July 2015
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Panama's cuisine has been influence by the Amerindian,
Spanish, African, and Afro Caribbean cultures. Rice here is a
staple and it is prepared in so many ways, including soups such as
the popular sancocho. Other main ingredients are: corn, plantains,
chicken, meat, fish, and seafood, from which various dishes and
fried foods are prepared. Roots and tubers have preponderance in
the Panamanian diet, highlighting cassava, yams, ñampí, the otoe,
and to a lesser extent, potatoes.
The Tamborito (Little drum) is a Panamanian dance, where a
female singer (cantalante) leads the dancers with harmonic poems
followed by the box drummer and other drums. A chorus of women
Panama
Accessories for a Panamanian Themed Party
Allow your imagination to soar when planning a themed party! Panama is so rich in traditions and
colorful features that for certain your next event will be a hit. In its culture we see reflected elements
that, throughout time, have shaped the identity of Panama and its happy and creative people. This
unique destination and its distinctive flavor will fascinate your senses with the vast gamut of theme
parties available!
A craft market station is a must in a Panamanian themed
party. This way, guests have the commodity of acquiring
presents or souvenirs while at the same time learning a little
more about the Panamanian culture and its handcrafts.
The most popular dances are punto, atravesao, and
bullerengue. There are other important dances such as:
diablicos, grandiablos, congos, cucuas, torito, pajarilla,
dance of the cuenecué, and of course, indigenous dances.
Central America
respond to the cantalante’s song by
clapping twice to a measure and by
singing the copla (A Spanish poem), thus establishing a sort of dialogue
between cantalante, choir, and drums. The tamborito is a dance and
musical genre that prevails on the isthmus and is widely recognized as the
most important expression of Panamanian folklore.
Table centerpieces for a Panamanian theme party are made of different
regional flowers in different styles and colors, accompanied with
chandeliers and different diablicos masks.
Linens. To create a truly Panamanian atmosphere it is important to use
linen fabric with typical prints like those resembling a Pollera, the typical
dress.
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Panama
IVIDMC²
World Headquarters:
Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mx
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 Cuba Dominican Republic Belize Guatemala El Salvador Honduras Costa Rica Panama Colombia Brazil Argentina Chile Coming soon...Peru!
For further information on the fine hotels,
deals, activities, and group packages
mentioned in this magazine please
contact Francisco BAEZA:
The Riviera Nayarit Shows its Leadership in
High End Gastronomy: Chef Betty Vazquez to
Judge Master Chef Mexico
July 2015
Betty Vazquez, Riviera Nayarit’s culinary ambassador, will
participate in the MasterChef Mexico, an Azteca TV
production in conjunction with Discovery Home & Health. It
will air in Mexico and Latin America. She was named as
one of three judges for the first-ever MasterChef Mexico, a
reality cooking show in search of the country’s most
talented amateur chef.
“The show airs very soon. It’s a very well produced series,
the result of a the fine efforts on behalf of the participants
and months of searching throughout Mexico for the first
#MasterChefMx. I’m very proud to be a part of it,” said Chef
Betty Vazquez. Betty has championed the cuisine of
Nayarit, placing it front and center stage during her years
of traveling around the world together with representatives
from the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Now, she will shine on TV for 16 consecutive Sundays, the
first of which aired on June 28, 2015.
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Interview with Jorge OROZCO MyDay Travel
CQ: Please tell us a little about your back-
ground, especially your experience in the
tourism industry, and what is your role in
the company?
JO: I have worked in tourism since I
graduated from college 11 years ago. I began
working as a hotelier. Afterwards, I had the
privilege of joining IVIDMC² and I started
working as an executive planner. A few years
later I was promoted as planning and
purchasing manager. In this position I was
able to gain so much experience in handling
groups mainly from United States and
Canada. This expanded my outlook for this
important market and motivated me to pursue
and achieve a DMCP certification (Destination
Management Certified Professional) supported
by ADME. I served in this position for 4 years.
When I completed this fruitful cycle, I was
given the unique opportunity to be the MyDay
Travel general director.
CQ: Amongst so many options for FITs and
honeymooners, what is it that makes
MyDay Travel the perfect option?
JO: Simply put: Unlike many OTAs (Online
Travel Agencies), we understand our custom-
ers so well that we know that they prefer
personal assistance versus a complicated and
cold booking system. Besides having a
friendly reservation system and online
assistance, we anticipate questions that may
arise and therefore provide key and timely
information regarding venues, activities, etc.
Therefore, as our customer makes his booking
he gets fully informed of what he can expect
from his trip.
CQ: Please tell us about MyDay
Travel. When did it begin operating and
with what objective in mind?
JO: MyDay Travel initiated in 2012 with the
purpose of providing our clients with a unique
platform to organize namely: weddings,
business and personal trips. MyDay Travel
stems from IVIDMC2 and therefore, has the
same filosophy when it comes to quality. Our
goal is to offer a true VIP service in order for
our customers to fully enjoy and get the most
of the destination they choose. Before our
customers - honeymooners, FITs, or business
travelers - arrive to their destination we make
sure they have all the information they will
need. This information comprises airport
greeting, ground transfers, activities available
in the area, recommended restaurants, and
much more.
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July 2015
El Calafate – Argentina
Thanks to the presence of the great Argentino and Viedma lakes, and to its privileged geographic
location, el Calafate is the hot spot for touristic activities in the area, inside and outside Los Glaciares
National Park.
Of the many available excursions in this national park, el Perito Moreno glacier stands out above the
rest and is the main attraction. There are other exciting activities such as minitrekking on the glaciers,
navigation through the Argentino Lake, visiting Onelli Bay, and the Upsala, Spegazzini, Onelli, and
Seco, among other glaciers.
Fun Facts:
Did you know?
Singapore Airlines is the second largest consumer of Dom Pérignon champange in the world.
The biggest hotel pool is located in the San Alfonso del Mar hotel in Chile, measuring 1 km
(0.63 miles) in length.
An international study in 2006 considered Iceland as the 4th happiest nation in the world.
In 1902, Australia was the second country in the world to give women the right to vote. While
in 1893, New Zeland was the first country to do so.
South Africa is the second biggest exporter of fruits in the world
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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.
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 indus-try, as well as a RFP engine that will directly connect you with the hotel of your interest.
Destinations
• Mexico • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Guatemala • Costa Rica • Panama
• Colombia • Brazil • Argentina • Chile
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:
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: IVIDMC2 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).”
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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, CDS
Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
IVIDMC²
Raquel was very detailed and very responsive. Your entire staff worked hard to accommodate all of us; they were very organized and so kind to our entire group. Always had a smile, a great and fun attitude, we will always remember your kindness! - Jayne Fowlkes
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]
The Customer is Always Right
The Weekend Stay-Over
Because the airlines know business
travelers generally cannot stay over a
weekend, the cost of a mid-week fare
is significantly higher than one that
includes a Saturday night. Sometimes
the difference can be double the price.
Cheap Travel
July 2015
So, if you are looking for a lower fare, make sure it includes a Saturday night (for
example, departing on a Tuesday and returning the following Monday).
The One-Stop
A flight that makes a stop between your departure city and your destination can
sometimes be significantly cheaper than one that makes no stops. Although you
might have to spend an extra hour or two on the ground, and you risk additional
delays, the savings may be worth it.
(Taken from page 70)
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