communiquest magazine - june 2015 (semimonthly)
DESCRIPTION
"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:
Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 99
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
Contents: Page
How to Prepare Fruit Popsicles 3
Interview with Sonia VARGAS IVIDMC
2 Costa Rica
4
The Significance of IVIDMC2 5
Cover Subject:
“Walking on Sunshine” with
These Irresistible Parks &
Cultural Activities “And
Don’t It Feel Good!” Water & Theme Parks
Mariachis
National Parks
Cenotes
Museums & Much More...
6-13
Quick Hits: Friends of the Maya Foundation’s Community Development
Initiatives
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Travel Tip: Upgrade or Play Musical
Chairs 17
© Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved.
Destination Offices:
Mexico The Caribbean Central America South America
IVIDMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA President [email protected]
IVIDMC² Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE Regional Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras
Jorge LAZO Regional Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Colombia Carolina CALDERON Regional Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit, Mexico City, & Central Mexico
Jaime NELO Regional Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA Regional Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager [email protected]
IVIDMC² Brazil Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
Alexandra GONZALEZ Destination Manager [email protected]
IVIDMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Argentina & Chile Leila GOROSITO Regional Managing Director [email protected]
IVIDMC² Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Regional Managing Director [email protected]
Follow us on...
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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 President
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’
June 2015
How to Prepare Fruit Popsicles Summer is here and it’s hot! A refreshing way to cool down is with the childhood tradition of eating
popsicles. Who didn’t love hearing the ice cream truck go by the block! Well here’s a way to save
some pennies and cool down at the same time. Making your own home made natural fruit popsicles
is cheap, easy, and yummy!
Ingredients: (about 5 popsicles)
1/2 a pineapple
4 cups cold water
1/4 cup sugar
Popsicle trays (or disposable cups)
Popsicle sticks
Preparation: Cut off the skin and cut out the core of the
pineapple. Cut the meat into cubes. Put the
cubes into your blender with the water and
sugar and blend away! Pour the liquid into your
popsicle trays, put in the popsicle sticks, and
then place them in the freezer overnight and
they´ll be ready by tomorrow´s
mid-day heat wave. (Note: If
you don't have popsicle trays
you can improvise with
disposable cups and popsicle
sticks. When they are ready
place them upside down under
running water and they will pop
right out.)
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Costa Ricans have formed a democratic and
peaceful society (the oldest in Latin America),
which includes social security and health care
benefits and a high literacy rate, factors that
you will see reflected in the hospitality and
customer service that their guests receive.
CQ: What developments have been made
locally to cater to the M&I industry needs?
SV: The industry is in full development and
more hotels have been added to the list of
deluxe facilities and are prepared to receive
incentive travelers. For instance, just recently
a new luxury hotel opened its doors: Dreams
Las Mareas, located in the beautiful El Jobo
beach on the northern coast of Guanacaste.
This deluxe resort features 447 luxurious
suites filled with amenities for your comfort
and convenience.
CQ: What are some of the most popular
activities on your agenda for clients?
SV: Tours, transfers, and parties are what our
clients seek most often from us. We offer
many adventure and leisure tours that cater
either to the client who wants to relax or those
CQ: In your opinion, why is Costa Rica a
top destination for the M&I industry?
SV: I think that these four words describe why
Costa Rica should be your top M&I
destination: convenience, expertise, nature,
and safety. Please allow me to explain why I
say this. Whether you’re coming from the
United States, Canada, or Europe, flying to
Costa Rica has never been easier! Visitors
can arrive here in only 2.5 hours from Miami
and just 5 hours from Toronto. Costa Rica’s
two international airports serve 15 foreign
airlines with an estimated 378 flights per week
at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
and 53 at Daniel Oduber International Airport
(LIR).
Costa Rica offers high standards for
one-of-a-kind meetings, conventions, and
events. The destination offers modern facilities
that accommodate everything from executive
retreats and special interest groups to
incentive travel and corporate meetings with
first-class service.
As a destination, Costa Rica offers a wide
range of activities including natural
experiences like walks along national parks,
volcanoes, and reserves; floating on the rapids
of a river, canoeing, or enjoying the
therapeutic effects of hot springs. Other
options of interest include learning about the
farming, milling, and preparation of coffee;
visiting gardens to enjoy an amazing variety of
butterflies; playing golf on a modern first-class
course; or simply soaking up the energizing
effects of the tropical sun. After a busy
or relaxing day, you can finish it off with
a delicious dinner under the stars to
the rhythms of calypso.
Interview with Sonia VARGAS
IVIDMC2 Costa Rica
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The Significance of IVIDMC2
June 2015
looking for an adrenaline rush.
One of our most popular tours
is the Sunset Catamaran
Cruise, where clients enjoy a
premium open bar, a breath-
taking view and unforgettable
sunsets, sometimes even
whale and dolphin sightings.
Jet skies, canopy, and full day
Hacienda tours are at the top
of the list as well.
What is the significance of our name, IVIDMC2?
Allow us to introduce our company’s recharged
vision, from a traditional DMC to a whole new
level as a DMC2 (DMC to the second level).
With this new initiative our company has
upgraded its business’ focus and approach as a
Destination Management and Marketing Com-
pany that favors the promotion of destinations
in Latin America for the M&I niche.
Costa Rican typical party with folkloric dances, marimba music, and a traditional
Costa Rican mascarade. (A great theme for a welcome party)
Calypso party with "Under the Sea" theme
Latin music & dance party with Salsa dance show
Rain forest decoration with a marvelous show
Cocktails and games at the beach with DJ
Gala dinner, classical music, & jazz band
Neon theme and cocktail show with live band for dancing
Some nice add-ons we can fit on to many themes: Body paint performers, cigar rollers, artisan and
flower markets, comparsa band, carnival style shows such as stilt walkers and jugglers, and much
more. We also have a great variety of giveaways, amenities, and gifts according to your needs.
The most popular theme parties in Costa Rica:
Our aim is to orchestrate trust and teamwork where all involved are ready to deliver a great
performance. We strive to maintain high standards of quality and, by and large, exceed
customers’ expectations by working hard to achieve that goal. We do not settle for less.
IVIDMC2
takes things to a whole new level!
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Cover Topic:
EarthCheck Gold Certificate:
The First Two Eco-Parks to Ever Obtain this Award!
IVIDMC2 proudly shares this important news, the achievement of one of its strategic suppliers.
On this year’s edition of Earth Day, the Experiencias Xcaret family is celebrating a big
achievement. After years of sustainable work, eco-parks Xel-Ha and Xcaret have been granted
the international EarthCheck Gold Certificate for their commitment to the environment.
EarthCheck is an international leader in scientific benchmarking and environmental
management that certifies sustainable procedures in tourism firms around the world. Elizabeth
Lugo, Experiencias Xcaret’s head of operations, stated proudly that Xel-Ha has set a record to
be the first eco-park in the world to receive this award, thus setting the bar for future
certifications of theme parks worldwide. Elizabeth also highlighted how both of these Mexican
parks have achieved this commitment for 5 years in a row. During this timeframe, the group
has succeeded in achieving the following goals:
70% of solid waste has been reduced with its environmental management program.
30% of electric consumption has been reduced.
2,500 tons of compost have been produced at the organic treatment plants.
250,000 of native plants and trees have been donated for reforestation, with 60% of
them having been grown in the parks.
674,000 baby turtles have been released into the ocean.
16,000 children have attended the parks’ environmental education programs.
Mexico
Cancun & Riviera Maya
“Walking on Sunshine” with These
Irresistible Parks & Cultural Activities
“And Don’t It Feel Good!”
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The Festival Gourmet International Vallarta, the annual food and
wine event that has been tempting the most demanding bon-vivant
residents of the bay of Banderas and visitors from all over the
world for years, returns to Puerto Vallarta every November.
Throughout the 10 day event, selected restaurants host special
Puerto Vallarta
The main plaza of Mexico City is commonly known as the
Zócalo (Constitution Square.) This emblematic place
Mexico City
Mexico
became the center of the world
so to speak, as nearly ninety
diplomatic representations,
including the Mexican Hosts,
were present for the 7th edition
of the Fair of the Friend
chef's tables and winemaker dinners for a limited number of guests. This festival is memorable for
its magnificent gourmet menus paired with excellent wines. The best part of this 10-day event is
that each participating restaurant hosts a guest master chef to create a festival all of its own - and
that means you'll have a multitude of unique opportunities to savor inspired world-class menus!
Of course, Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit want you to attend – so, how about creating your own
gourmet festival? Contact IVIDMC² to arrange a private cooking class with expert chefs at
extraordinary locations! Just as the great
Parisian Chef Gusteau used to say: “Anyone
can cook!”
Cultures. From May 15-31, this historical scenario displayed the cultural
traditions of many countries; amongst these were Argentina,
Cameroon, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Honduras, Uruguay,
Nigeria, Ireland, Pakistan, Russia, and India.
Last year’s event set an attendance record as it exceeded a count of
2.3 million visitors! This annual event is an ideal option to include in
your agenda for your next program. Would you like to receive more
information? We invite you to contact your IVIDMC² representative.
June 2015
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Blue Hole National Park
IVIDMC2 Belize has within its array of
options a visit to one of the most
important parks in the country, Blue Hole
National Park, which is surrounded by
nature and adventure.
Belize
Chocolate Festival of Belize
Every Commonwealth Day Holiday Weekend (late May), Belize celebrates the Chocolate
Festival. The purpose of this festival is to discover what's new in the world of chocolate and at
the same time, prolong the tourism season in the country.
This celebration lasts three days. Here tourists and locals alike enjoy various activities such as
concerts, visits to factories, and especially food. This festival makes it possible to raise funds
for community projects. In Belize, life is like a box of chocolates, so be ready for pleasant and
delicious surprises!
Central America
This place has an area of 500 acres of pure
nature where you can also find two spectacular
caves, Crystal and St Herman’s Caves. After the
walk and caving, you can enjoy a refreshing
swim in a natural pool of blue crystal clear
waters. The pool is surrounded by trails and
exotic plants. And for animal lovers, this place
doesn’t stay behind, the park has more than 200
types of birds to watch!
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Guatemala
Guatemala celebrates a new Guinness World Record for having created
the longest sawdust carpet in the world during Easter (or Holy Week.)
In 2014 Guatemala had received the same award for a carpet of 3,733.60 feet long (1,138 m.)
Remarkably, this year Guatemala by far surpassed their previous record by creating a carpet 1.42
miles long! (2,300 m.) To achieve this record the carpet had to be uninterrupted. There were more
than 3,000 volunteers involved. This rug is made of a single material, sawdust. Guatemala is known
for the beautiful and artistic designs created especially for the processions during Easter.
Central America
Xetulul and Xocomil
Both parks offer visitors many leisure activities. One
thing is surely guaranteed in these parks: Entertainment
and diversion. They are considered the most beautiful
and fully equipped in Latin America. Xetulul is an
amusement park that features a variety of activities for
children and adults. It has a capacity for 12,000 visitors.
It has 9 stations which include electronic games,
theater, shows, and more. Xocomil is a water park with
June 2015
over 15 attractions to enjoy. It has capacity
for 8,500 visitors. Xocomil received an
award for being the best water park in the
world in the innovation category .
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Royal Decameron Salinitas’ New Attractions
This amazing all-inclusive hotel is located in
Salinitas, El Salvador. Besides having already a
fabulous variety of breakfasts, lunches, dinner
buffets, and unlimited drinks, it recently made
available 6 new attractions for tourists, thus
making a stay here even more pleasurable!
Among these new attractions are paintball, HD
cinema, water slides, archery, arcade, and unlim-
ited snow cone stations! These new stations will
be available throughout all the hotel’s facilities.
During the day, the hotels organizes fun activities
in the pool area. From sunset till 2 am, the hotel
throws live shows at its disco!
El Salvador
Central America
Akwaterra Natural Adventures
Akwaterra is a park with various activities tailored to
all ages. Adventure is the main theme at this place.
Akwaterra describes its amazing tours according to
the four classical elements. For example:
Earth - Activities include horseback riding, mountain bike riding,
and treks through the woods.
Water - Visitors can take a crash course at the Surf school. After
the training you will ride the waves like a pro!
Air - Enjoy a paragliding trip soaring around the mountains of
San Salvador.
Fire - An amazing hike to the active volcanoes in the area.
Besides these adventurous
tours, there are plenty of
more activities in the natural
reserve near the park.
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Exploring other cultures and customs is
a real highlight of traveling. In our
agenda for the M&I industry, cultural
activities is a common request. Hence,
our “Costa Rican Typical Fiesta” was
created. It is such a success that it
always receives good reviews from our
guests, who learn a lot about our folklore
in a magnificent party environment.
First, the set up: Lush plants and sounds
immerse you into the tropical rainforest.
Costa Rica
June 2015 Central America
Then, the music: Marimbas sing with their wooden voices and dancers dressed in the
Costa Rican typical costume glide in harmony with the rhythms. The girls’ costume
consists of a colorful, long, full skirt that. As the skirt it undulates it resembles the
beautiful flying macaws which by the way, fly free in our wonderful land. Next, the
flavors: Savor the many regional dishes! Learn about the typical flavors of Costa Rica
with a menu that is catered to your taste buds while introducing you the bounty of our
blessed land. And last but not least: End the night with a traditional masquerade… a
surprise of fun costumes and music that will surely make you rise from your seat!
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Panama
Central America
There are plenty of things to do in
Panama culturally or otherwise. In the
city the possibilities are numerous and
so close by! One section of the city has
been declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO and it is known as Casco
Antiguo in Spanish (Old Quarter). Both
Casco Viejo and La Ciudad del Saber
(City of Knowledge) have some of the
best convention centers in Panama.
There are many prestigious
cultural activities taking
place in these surround-
ings: The International
Jazz Festival, the
Afro-Caribbean Festival,
the Annual Arts Festival,
and the International Film
Festival. Panama also
boasts amazing museums,
some of them being
interactive such as the
Panama Canal Museum.
Among the cultural activities
not to be missed, is a visit to
some of the autochthonous
communities of the Embera or
the Kuna. With them the visitor
shares in their food, dances,
and partakes of other aspects
of their culture that for sure will
be a highlight of your visit!
Take home with you exquisite
handcrafts and souvenirs
made by these fascinating
people.
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June 2015 South America
Brazil
The Rio Art Museum opened in 2013. Its design is exquisite: Three buildings are
united under an undulating roof, thus joining the new art museum and the school of
arts. The concrete canopy resembles a flying object and it has been described as an
extremely light and fluid structure. On the rooftops you will find outdoor bars and
ample event space.
The Rio Art Museum space promotes a cross-reading of the history of the city, its
social fabric, its symbolic life, challenges, and social expectations. We invite you to
consider this venue as an original location to be included in your next event
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For further information
on the fine hotels, deals,
activities, and group
packages mentioned in
this magazine please
contact Alicia Astudillo:
Children’s books for the Vida y Esperanza school
donated by The Ritz Carlton Hotel through its
Community Footprints
Program
Friends of the Maya Foundation’s
Community Development Initiatives
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Panama
June 2015
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 more information contact:
Friends of the Maya Foundation A.C.
Mariana García Solana
Managing Director
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.friendsofthemaya.org
Facebook: Friends of the Maya Foundation A.C.
Twitter: @AmigosDeLosMaya
Hotel Banyan Tree Mayakoba starts off its community awareness program in the Vida y
Esperanza Community
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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
Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
IVIDMC²
The IVI team working our program
was an absolute pleasure to work
with. We had many last minute
changes and requests. The team
handled them well and always with
a smile and “can do” attitude. We
would absolutely love to work with
you again. Great job! You made our
job easier. -Kristen Early
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
Try to get the flight attended to upgrade you once
you board the plane. This used to be easier than it is
today due to the high number of upgrades required
by the frequent flyer participants. Offer to have a
coach meal. The airline may not have boarded extra
First Class meals because the seats were empty.
Just because you are assigned a seat, doesn’t mean
you have to sit in it. The moment the door of the
plane is closed, seek out a more desirable seat and
move to it. Make your move quickly though. Others
are making the same plans.
Please return your seat to its upright and most
uncomfortable position. Later, you may lean back
and break the knees of the passenger behind you.
– Flight attendant (Taken from page 68)
Travel Tip: Upgrade or Play Musical Chairs
June 2015
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