CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest - February 2018 (Semimonthly)

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Year 10 Vol. 1, Issue 159 Directory

Cover Subject:

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE AND MAKE IT A SEASON TO REMEMBER!

Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM manolo@ividmc.travel Second Generation, Innovator & President

• • • •

Mexico Pages 4-10 Caribbean Pages 11, 12 Central America Pages 13-15 South America Pages 16, 17

Francisco BAEZA, DMCP fbaeza@ividmc.travel Vice President Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel General Comptroller Advertise with CommuniQuest Page 20

Raquel MIJARES, CIS rmijares@ividmc.travel Corporate Marketing Director Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel Quality Director Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel Electronic Publishing Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel Content & Editing

Pages 18, 19

Dr. Travel’s - Travel Tip: A Letter from the United Pilot Page 21

David MIS corp.image@ividmc.travel Design

© Copyright 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Destination Offices Mexico

Caribbean

Central America

South America

IVI DMC² Los Cabos Yazmin ELOSEGUI Destination Managing Director yelosegui@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA, CMS Regional Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC² Costa Rica Ligia VARGAS, CIS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC² South America Jorge OROZCO, DMCP Regional Managing Director jorozco@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, IVI DMC² Dominican Republic IVI DMC² Panama Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit Ramon RIJO, CIS David JOHNSON, CIS Jaime NELO, CMS, DMCP Regional Managing Director Associate Regional Managing Destination Managing Director Director rrijo@ividmc.travel jnelo@ividmc.travel djohnson@ividmc.travel IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS Corporate Marketing Director rmijares@ividmc.travel

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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, A major factor in having a successful incentive trip is selecting the right destination.

Whether it be a multi-country trip or a city break, Latin America offers a plethora of possibilities, so it would seem hard to know where to start. Fortunately, our industry experts have compiled a list of sure-fire destinations for corporate programs. So, whether you’re into culture, ziplining, cycling or sightseeing, these spots are certain to ensure that your travel experience starts off on the right foot.

With ancient ruins to visit, mountains to climb, rivers to raft, sleepy beaches and jungles to explore, Latin America is the ultimate adventure destination. Don’t let its size daunt you – we’ve narrowed down the what-to-do and must-see for you This, coupled with the general warmth of local people and our premium hotel network, makes travel a delight to the senses! Too, be sure to include CSR activities since these are meaningful and fulfilling, and it’s a good approach to give back to the community.

Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CMM Second Generation, Innovator & President

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Associates: Keep the ideal place to work, where our multicultural staff give their best, every day Customers: Offer an innovative high-quality service that exceeds expectations Partners: Consolidate our network of honest and successful partners Utilities: Maximize the return of investment to shareholders

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Serve customers through our international certifications ISO 9001 and ADMC; ensuring 100% customer satisfaction of incentives, conventions, and special events; providing memorable experiences in each of the destinations in which we operate; maximizing return of investment to shareholders.

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LOS CABOS

Los Cabos is only 152 km away from La Paz, the capital of the State. From Tijuana in the north to Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip, those that take the journey will encounter world famous grey whale watching, ancient cave paintings, high-end vineyards, turquoise bays, endless desert plains of cacti, and several missions founded by the Spanish in the 17th century.

Los Cabos, part of the "Costa Dorada" of Mexico, bathed by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, is a worldwide tourist destination, where the golf courses, hotels, condominiums and luxury villas and beautiful beaches of San JosĂŠ del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas combine with a majestic mountain and desert landscape. Other interesting spots with countless unique attractions near Los Cabos include: the islands of Baja California, Cabo Pacifico, Loreto, Coronado Island, Espiritu Santo, La Paz, Sierra de la Laguna, Todos Santos, and El Triunfo.

THE ARC OF THE END OF THE WORLD Coming to Los Cabos and not visiting the famous Arco is like not having come. It is so called because if a line is drawn to the south from this point, the next portion of mainland is Antarctica. Do not miss the opportunity to take a picture with this spectacular backdrop in the background. And then do not forget to visit Playa del Amor, which is where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific meet.

In a paradise where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, there is an activity for everyone: fishing, golf, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, relaxation in resorts and luxury spas, in addition to dancing until dawn.

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CHECK OUT OUR MAIN ACTIVITIES Fireworks to Receive 2018 (January) Admire the pyrotechnics illuminating the sky over the entire bay, signaling the arrival of the new year. If you want to be in a restaurant, bar or hotel, there are several options, but you could perfectly admire this party of lights on the beach with your partner, friends, or with whom you decide.

Todos Santos Art Festival (February-December) Todos Santos is prepared to enjoy exhibits, parades with allegorical cars, gastronomic samples, folklore, conferences, workshops, films, and concerts in the wide program of the Todos Santos Art Festival.

Traditional Festival of San Jose del Cabo (March) You can enjoy as every year, several artists of great renown in different venues such as the palenque and theater of the town. Livestock exhibition, horseback riding, fishing, sports, recreational, cultural, and service activities, without leaving aside the religious activities for the day of San JosĂŠ.

Cheese and Wine Festival (March) The wine festival that offers an unrivaled culinary experience. Too, taste the best cheeses of the world along with excellent international wine labels and a hot kitchen by our renowned Chef Manuel De Luca and his talented team.

Swim with Whale Sharks at La Paz (October-April) Affectionately known as the friendly giants, slide along with these magnificent animals and marvel as they glide gracefully through the water, feeding on microscopic plankton and krill. It is something safe and very fun to do.

More than 20 species of whales and dolphins are known to frequent the waters of Los Cabos, including: Humpback whales, Gray whales, and Blue whales.

Whale Watching When you go on a whale-watching excursion, you have the opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural environment. See how these animals come out of the water, whip their tails and interact with other members of the pack. It is truly an unforgettable experience!

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Sport Fishing Day (May) Baja’s calendar contemplates May 25th 2018 as the 'Sport Fishing Day'. The tournaments that take place will be in addition to the Bisbee's international tournaments and the sport fishing serial, with the Secretary of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Agricultural Development (Sepada) being responsible for organizing said event.

Art Walk (November-June) San Jose del Cabo offers its visitors dozens of great art galleries in the middle of a modern and intriguing city where, literally, you can find inspiration on every corner. Do not forget to stroll through the colorful streets of San José del Cabo. Its Spanish-style square is shaded by ancient trees and is surrounded by buildings from the colonial era.

Visit the church and the town hall or enjoy a pleasant evening in some of the delicious cafes, restaurants and bars Bisbee's Black & Blue 2018 (October) Bisbee’s Black & Blue Tournaments have been taking place in the Los Cabos region of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico for over 30 years. The Bisbee’s are currently producing three tournaments – Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore in Buenavista which takes place each July, the Los Cabos Offshore Charity Tournament and Black & Blue Marlin Tournament which take place every October in Cabo San Lucas. Thousands of people crowd the marina walkways to shop, party and watch huge fish being weighed in at the scales in front of the world-famous Puerto Paraiso entertainment plaza. The Black & Blue is a once in a lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

4 Incredible Fish Species You'll Find in Los Cabos (October) Los Cabos is known as one of the best destinations in the world to practice fishing. From October to December, you will have the perfect time to do it in Cabo San Lucas. The climate cools a bit and the water temperature is optimal for large fish to make their appearance. October brings most of the major fishing tournaments, including Bisbee's Black and Blue, the multi-million-dollar Marlin tournament scheduled for October 24 and 28, 2018.

Species: Marlin Striped, Goldfish, Sierra Spanish Mackerel, and Yellow Fin Tuna.

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Swimming with Dolphins Few experiences can be compared with swimming with these incredible mammals, so in your next visit to Los Cabos you cannot miss the opportunity to interact with them.

Camel Ride These noble friends will take you in caravan to explore the white sands of the beach overlooking the waters of the Pacific; during the winter you can even watch humpback whales pass by. After the walk enjoy the traditional Mexican food at Casa TĂ­pica.

Golf (All year) Los Cabos is the most important golf destination in Latin America; it is considered the golf capital in Mexico since its greens are in the most important rankings in the world.

Some of the most important golf stars such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman have designed amazing golf courses in this beautiful destination.

Baja 1000 (November) Also known as the Mexican 1000, it is a race of off-road car rally, enduro-type motorcycles and ATVs that takes place in the desert of the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico since 1962. It is the longest off-road race in the world and it is carried out in a single stage. It traditionally begins in the port city of Ensenada and ends in the port city of La Paz. The participants come from countries such as Italy, Guatemala, Germany, France, Brazil, Spain, Canada, Japan, and of course, the host Mexico.

Sabor a Cabo (December) All the restaurants participate with an impressive display of their icon recipes. The chefs have the opportunity to attend the more than 3 thousand people that attend each year.

Chefs with Michelin stars have also been invited, such as: Dieter Koschina, Enrique Olvera, Richard Sandoval, among others. The main objective has always been to support local charities.

Loreto (All year) Loreto, a magical town, retains the tradition of a fishing village and it is considered the first human settlement of Baja California Sur; In the Sierra de San Francisco you can see some extraordinary rock paintings and petroglyphs. It's like time traveling in time! Here, you can also see whales and the place is ideal for activities such as kayaking, diving, snorkeling, hiking and fishing.

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PUERTO VALLARTA & RIVERA NAYARIT Indeed, all-Inclusive resorts offer great shows within their premises. Additionally, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit abound in festivals, celebrations, shows and more. A first visit to our extraordinary double destination will never be the same as the one to come next. Music, cinema, theater, gastronomy, arts, nature tours (including the extraordinary sighting of humpback whales) and more will appear in every corner of the Bay of Banderas, as well as in the paradisiacal beaches of the North Riviera Nayarit.

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CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA Our destination is characterized by its extraordinary white sands and turquoise blue sea, warm and friendly people, excellent cuisine and cultural experiences in its majestic archaeological zones. Cancun & Riviera Maya await you with open arms to enjoy its privileged attributes. Natural reserves, cenotes, spectacular reefs, archeological sites, parks and endless options will make a memorable trip to the beautiful Mexican Caribbean.

Every time you have the opportunity to travel here use it since each experience will be different. Here’s a list of some of the best seasonal options you can enjoy.

Swim with Whale Shark (June-September): In this incredible experience you will swim with a fish 3 or 4 times bigger than you! Holbox and Contoy islands are recognized for hosting such spectacular creatures, which in spite of their size and the reputation of the "sharks", do not pose any danger to humans and, to the contrary, they tend to be quite friendly with divers and tourists. They are fed by means of a water filtration mechanism (since they do not have teeth) and their favorite food is phytoplankton and some schools of small fish.

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Chichen Itzรก - Equinox and Solstice (March 21 and September 21): Visit this imposing architectural complex where the Mayans show us their total mastery and knowledge of the stars and the sun. The pyramid was located in a very specific way where in these two dates a spectacular phenomenon occurs and you can not miss it. In front of thousands of people from all over the world, before an audio-presentation in several languages you will witness the descent (March 21) and rise (September 21) of one of the most important deities of this great culture, Kukulkan, whose head is sculpted at the foot of the stairway.

OHL Classic Mayakoba (November 5-11): Recognized as one of the best by players, sponsors and spectators, it is the first tournament to be outside the US and Canada as part of the PGA Tour since 2007. This event takes place at El Camaleรณn Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman, and presents 132 golfers every year. A unique experience for professionals and spectators where you can also appreciate charity events and taste a splendid gastronomy by the host hotels and the guest chef, Federico Lรณpez.

IRONMAN 70.3 (September): Cozumel, one of the main destinations worldwide with 22 km of reef and great marine diversity, is the host of this world-class event where the community of Ironman and the island come into communion. Divided into three stages, swimming, cycling and running, all participants demonstrate their resilience in a unique setting. Athlete or spectator, Cozumel and IRONMAN, await you to enjoy a great experience in a privileged destination.

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CUBA Cubans definitely know how to sing. So, it’s not a surprise that our calendar is filled aplenty with festivals and events. Within the most anticipated is the International Ballet Festival of Havana, the festival of Habanos and the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba that attracts tourists from all over the world. Many events and festivals are held throughout Cuba. If you like festivals, we will tell you about some of the most important ones so you can start organizing your next trip. We assure you that the event you choose will make you have a good time sharing with the local people, their culture, and their dances.

Since 1960, the Gran Teatro has been presenting the International Ballet Festival of Havana, where performers from all over the world come to dance. In 1965 it became the headquarters for the National Ballet of Cuba and by 1985 the theater was renamed the Gran Teatro de La Habana. After a great deal of renovations, the theater was once again reopened on January 1st, 2016 and renamed the Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso.

Every year celebrities and fans of the world of Jazz flock to Cuba, as pilgrims to Mecca so to speak, for the International Jazz Festival of Havana. Cuba is a nation of intense rhythms, colors, emotions, aromas and flavors. What most travelers remember is their ubiquitous, pulsating music, and the friendly and passionate Cubans who make it and delight in it.

Cuba is like a music machine that pumps sound from wall to wall thus feeding the world’s music scene.

Come visit Cuba and enjoy our Afro-Cuban rhythms.

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20th Habanos Festival 2018 The 20th edition of the annual Habanos festival will give visitors the opportunity to visit tobacco plantations and factories and be among the first in the world to smoke newly releases. Cuba is considered by experts to be the cradle of the best premium handmade tobacco in the world, due to the unique conditions of soil, climate, and experience of the producers. This meeting attracts merchants from around the world to the island, as well as producers, artists and journalists specialized in the tobacco industry. At the festival each year, the participants are shown the novelties in the matter of special cigars, many of them particularly attractive for collectors.

Latin American Film Festival of Havana 2018 (December 4-14, 2018)

The 40th International Festival of New Latin American Cinema convenes as every year. Fiction, documentary and animation contests, premium works, unpublished screenplays and posters are shown. Its program includes a broad and representative sample of contemporary cinema from Latin America and the rest of the world, as well as meetings and seminars on various topics of cultural interest, especially films.

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COSTA RICA Throughout the year round there is a great many things to do and festivities to attend in Costa Rica. Among things to do, of course there are all those magnificent beaches, forests, mountains and rivers to be visited. But at this time of the year there is an extrabonus: the weather is almost perfect all the season through because this is the dry season and the days are sunny with blue skies most of the times, and actually the temperature is cooler and more refreshing than the rest of the year because of less humidity in the air. It really is the ideal time to be vacationing in Costa Rica. And some of the most spectacular sunsets take place at this time. They are indeed UNFORGETTABLE!!

But let’s put it in a simple short sentence, touring in Costa Rica is one of the best in the world, and during this time touring is the BEST in Costa Rica. So, you can’t beat that. Now, due to this versatility that is typical of Costa Rica, that you can tour wonderful places all year around, it does not make much sense to distinguish minutely. It does have a dry season and a rainy season. And within both some special activities are seasonal, like the nesting of the turtles or whale watching during its mating season, or bird-watching for quetzals in a specific area. Also rodeos Costa Rican style in the Guanacaste region take place during the dry season.

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PANAMA

Panama has a tropical maritime climate with a hot, humid, rainy season (May through to December) and a short dry season (January through to May). Geographically Panama is a narrow country from North to South. This results in pleasant weather patterns coming onshore from both the Caribbean ocean and the Pacific. Panama is completely outside the hurricane alley and experiences few if any natural disasters Even with two distinct seasons, temperatures in Panama rarely change more than 20 degrees no matter what elevation you are at.

Summer lasts roughly from December to April. In May, the rains start gradually with frequent showers (most lasting no more than an hour or two) in the afternoon. The average temperature in the Chiriquí Highlands, for example, is 60°F (16°C), and is the only area in Panama where you will likely feel cold.

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Carnival. Every year, during the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday, Panama’s Carnival takes place. Though not an official holiday, it is the most celebrated Panamanian festival, and if you have the chance to experience it, you'll take away a lifetime of memories. The carnival has been celebrated since the early part of the 1900s, and though it officially runs the course of four days, festivities are known to start before that. While Panama City is one of the best places to experience this fun-filled holiday, there are many towns in the interior of the country to enjoy this festival Pollera Festival. The National Festival of the Pollera was created in the 1960s with the aim of highlighting and promoting knowledge about the correct use of the Pollera, the Panamanian national costume, and to give recognition to the skill and work of the artisans involved in its manufacture. It takes place in the city of Las Tablas, the capital of the province of Los Santos, during the festivities honoring its patron saint, Santa Librada, in the month of July.

Fair of the Sea. Bocas Del Toro’s Feria del Mar, or Fair of the Sea, began as a festival to celebrate the fishermen, boatmen and the sea. Over the last 50 years, the Feria has evolved into a four-day event that draws thousands of people to the archipelago each September. With the perfect mix of sun, sand, thrill rides, sports, and local arts and crafts, people from all around Panama join thousands of tourists from neighboring countries to enjoy this incredible event. A vacation to Bocas during the fair will never be forgotten!

Bird Watching. Panama is a tropical rain forest with a huge flora and fauna including a surprisingly long bird list of nearly 950 species; birding abounds both in the national parks and in many other localities. A few of the best places are: Parque Metropolitano, Parque Soberanía, Parque Chagres, Pipe Line Rd, Piña Rd, Water Tank Rd, Achiote Rd, Escobal , Sierra Llorona etc. Most birders come in December, January , February, March.

Whale Watching. Between June and November, many families of humpback whales - on their journey between the North and South poles - can be spotted in the Panamanian Pacific waters. For this reason, the coasts and archipelagos of Panama become a popular tourist destination for visitors who want to witness this extraordinary spectacle of nature.

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ARGENTINA This South American destination is popular with incentive travelers all over the world for both festivals and seasonal activities. You might ask yourself, what is there to do in Argentina? Well, herein we have provided you with our top list of things to do.

125th Argentine Open Polo Championship Like every year, the Argentine Open Polo Championship brings together the best of this sport. Also known as Palermo Open, it is one of the most exciting sports experiences to vibrate as a spectator. You can live it from November 4 to December 2 in the "Cathedral of the pole", in the city of Buenos Aires. The skill of the players, the blows with the ball and the galloping of the horses is a postcard that nobody wants to miss. Hurlingham and Tortugas open roundup the Triple Crown, the three most important polo tournaments in the world. These three factors combine to transform Argentine polo into a solid attraction.

In August, Live the Tango in A Unique Way Tango is a discipline that is breathed every day of the year; but, precisely in August, the city introduces its most varied tango offer. In addition to the World Tango Festival and Championship, join some of the innumerable activities related to the 2x4 genre. From tango classes, shows and dinner shows to filleting Buenos Aires, enjoy it all!

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Museum Nights Like every year, in the month of November, museums and cultural spaces open their doors at night to enjoy art under the moon.

Argentina Open The tennis Argentinean Open returns from February 10 to 18, 2018.

Marathon 42k Buenos Aires As every year, Buenos Aires will be the scene of the 42k marathon.

September 23, 2018.

International Buenos Aires Jazz Festival The International Buenos Aires Jazz Festival (BAJ) allows you to live and explore the genre through local novelties and prestigious artists from the world scene who crowd the venues for the first time. Numerous concerts, acoustic ensembles and pedagogical encounters invite you to enjoy a live genre such as jazz. Since 2008, it takes place in the month of November in different venues that show the wealth of the city.

Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 (October 6-18 )

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For further information on the fine hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this travel digest, please contact: Raquel MIJARES rmijares@ividmc.travel

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Doctor Travel’s: A Letter from the United Pilot 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) James Feldman, (a.k.a. Doctor Travel) is a Certified Facilitator and internationally recognized professional motivator, author, television host, and radio personality. His company Incentive Travelers Cheque Int’l provides individual and group incentive travel awards for many Fortune 500 companies. His book “Doctor’s Travel Cure For The Common Trip” is an entertaining and invaluable travel guide whose purpose is not to tell you where to go, but rather to help you get ready for the adventure. CommuniQuest is pleased to share some of Mr. Feldman’s travel wisdom with our readers, who from time to time must deal with lines, cancellations, lost luggage, and a person in the adjacent seat making extensive use of the air sickness bag.

Reprinted by permission from the Author: jfeldman@itcheque.com

THANK YOU FOR READING Like life in general, the M&E Industry seems to move at the speed of light. As a committed B2B partner, we aim to help you keep up with the latest industry news and opportunities. CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest is a valuable tool that brings you the timely information and analysis that you need, with a lair for what's hot, relevant, & interesting.

I wish you the best of success in your quest, whatever it may be.

Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach

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