1
Year 9 Vol. 1, Issue 111 Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach
Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
President
Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS manolo@ividmc.travel
General Comptroller
Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel
Corporate Marketing and Business Director
Francisco BAEZA fbaeza@ividmc.travel
Contents: Handmade Embroidery
What’s Trending for 2016 in:
Corporate Quality Director
Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel
Electronic Publishing
Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel
Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel
Managing Director —MyDay Travel
Jorge OROZCO, DMCP jorozco@myday.travel
Corporate Headquarters:
Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
3
Cover Subject
Content and Editing
Page
4-11
Guatemala Belize El Salvador Honduras Costa Rica Panama Brazil
Quick Hits: Friends of the Maya
12
DQuest Travel
14
Dr. Travel’s Travel Tip: Looking Good
15
Destination Offices: Mexico
Caribbean
Central America
South America
IVI DMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Raquel MIJARES, CIS Marketing, Business & Planning Director rmijares@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE, CIS Regional Managing Director galmonte@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras Jorge LAZO Regional Managing Director jlazo@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Colombia Carolina CALDERON Regional Managing Director ccalderon@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Mexico City, Central Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, & Riviera Nayarit Jaime NELO Destination Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA Regional Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Brazil & Argentina Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director amajela@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Chile Kenneth WELCH Regional Managing Director kwelch@ividmc.travel
IVI DMC² Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Destination Managing Director mfoster@ividmc.travel
Follow us on...
© Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved. 2
January 2016
Handmade Embroidery Traditional Designs Still Popular Embroidery is truly a practical craft. Whereas woven cloth has to be cut, shaped and styled, all of this can be done with the yarn when knitting it. Actually, the art of converting yarn into a fabric and shaped garments is truly an ancient craft. In our destinations, textiles have been around for quite a while now, at least since 1400 BCE. Until the 1880’s, fabric was produced solely in homes or in workshops. At that time mechanical weaving was introduced to the society. Today textiles are made by hand and in factories. Most handicrafts are produced by indigenous people. There is an abundance of colors and designs teeming with life in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Panama, and Chile. We invite you to make it your aim to come and visit us and delight your senses with these magnificent handcrafts.
only work with suppliers that meet our criteria in order to render an out-of-the-ordinary service.
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.
After 30 eventful years in the business, IVI DMC2 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!
Our company is recognized in the M&I industry as being down to earth and having an outstanding 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 satisfied client is our ultimate goal. With these lofty standards in mind, we strive to choose and
Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS President
3
Cover Topic
What’s Trending for 2016
People travel for many different reasons: to conduct business, for instance, to visit family, or to relax. An increasingly popular travel motivation, however, is adventure and business - partaking in new and unusual experiences designed to thrill and inspire your attendees. Ready to embark on this type of travel? Then, consider what’s trending for 2016.
Copa Airlines Announces New Flights for Belize Copa Airlines has launched a new route from Panama to Belize that started on December 8th. This new route will be held twice a week. This new route is available on Tuesdays and Fridays from Panama to Belize and vice versa, linking the two countries in less than two hours. Departures and arrivals to Panama will become the Hub of the Americas at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, which will facilitate the connection of Belize with other regions of central and southern America.
4
Belize
Guatemala
January 2016
Luxury Hotel Opens in Guatemala With Social Approach Good Hotel Antigua opens its doors next year with 35 luxury boutique rooms. The best news about this resort is that its partners will not receive dividends as the main reason, rather, a large part of the proceedings will be used with the aim to invest in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) supporting Guatemalan children in dire circumstances. This social approach by Good Hospitality Group started 9 years ago when CEO Marten Dresden went backpacking around the country and became aware of the pressing need of children living in vulnerable conditions. This triggered a lofty idea. He decided that something had to be done and so he undertook very commendable projects. He developed the concept of corporate business with a social approach. Now, some companies such as travel agencies, language schools, and coffee producers have adopted this philosophy.
5
Avianca Signs Agreement to Expand Airport in El Salvador
The Colombian airline Avianca Holdings signed an agreement to expand the Oscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport to attract new investments to this Latin American country. This meeting was attended by the CEO of Avianca Holdings, Fabio Villegas , as well as the president and vice president of Grupo Taca El Salvador, Roberto Kriete, and Fidel Chavez Mena. This important project will increase the flow of arrivals and it will satisfy a pressing need to expand and modernize the airport. This has motivated the Comisi贸n Ejecutiva Portuaria Aut贸noma (CEPA) to speed up the work being carried out.
6
El Salvador
Honduras
January 2016
Panacam, Paradise in the Heart of Honduras An adventure to discover awaits tourists visiting the park Cerro Azul Meåmbar (PANACAM), located between the municipalities of Cortes and Comayagua, about 90 minutes from San Pedro Sula. This is a natural and scenic protected area, that combined with the lodge’s spacious facilities, will captivate your senses since the moment you arrive.
The park encompasses about 12 km of trails with spectacular sceneries all around, mainly with soothing waterfalls. Water activities can easily be arranged in PANACAM Lodge. Folks will also be able to photograph all the natural areas since the site has splendid landscapes, a beautiful set of flora, and an astonishing wildlife waiting to be captured by your lenses.
7
Costa Rica Trends 2016 When you visit Costa Rica you are already going as trendy as can be, since our destination has become a favorite one amongst tourists, especially for the client who cares about and enjoys nature. Being a trendy destination, it has encouraged us to expand our creative borders. And since we have many repeating companies that seek to visit this piece of paradise again and again, they come back expecting to see new ideas each time. Here are some of the ideas and trends that our customers will for sure enjoy!
Photo Booths & Photo Props People want to remember their events in a creative way, and these booths are always a magnet for our guests. You can decide between many themes but one of our favorites is the typical cartwheel backdrop with Costa Rican costumes and speech bubbles. Another photo booth that delivers a major WOW factor is our butterfly farm; here you can pose beside a giant Blue Morpho. And if you really want to surprise your guests, you can even do underwater photography with mermaids in a pool or in the ocean!
Theme Parties Based on Gastronomic Experiences It’s not a secret that Costa Rica produces some of the best artisanal beers, coffee, and cacao in the world and this in itself presents an opportunity to plan a party around it! Our clients have enjoyed Beer Masters and Barista demonstrations and classes with some of our best quality coffee and beers; also “Cacao Tasting Experience” where you can see and taste where the delicious chocolate process starts…even a cacao ceremony where you put yourself in sync with your inner self through a specially prepared cacao elixir and meditation. Also, we invite you to explore some our regional cuisine and culture through our Caribbean themed party where you not only get to taste the original fusion of tastes in our Atlantic region, but get to sample the complete experience with our music, dance, and costumes.
8
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
January 2016
Collaborative & Interactive Shows Guests do not want to just sit on a chair and watch anymore. They want to get a first hand experience when they have a chance to learn the typical dances, to taste the regional foods, to collaborate in something that will be shared with everybody. We are always looking for new ideas where we can share the magic that we create for our guests and so we have included collaborative art shows plus other add-ons where folks can participate in, such as balance boards, henna tattoos, hair braiding, food samplings, jewelry market, and lessons… There’s no limit to what we can create for your attendees!
Mega Productions Many festivals with large quantities of guests and a demand for big events are selecting Costa Rica as their destination and this requires that we are prepared for the most awesome events that awe the educated-well-traveled attendee. Thinking outside the box and understanding our final client is a must for all of our events. In the case of these large events this requirement is multiplied exponentially! We have created large-scale stages and installations, and worked alongside the best local bands, a/v, and production teams to deliver a seamless quality and flow. We make large events as simple as this: a wonderful location + the best production team = an unforgettable experience! Come to Costa Rica through IVI DMC2 and experience the newest trends with your group… and, who knows? We may event create a “new trend” for you!
9
Panama Trends 2016 Thanks to its very well known advantage of location, infrastructure, and quality of service, Panama has made tremendous progress as a trendy and spectacular destination among the M&E segment. And now, a further push is being given thanks to the multiple options that have appeared recently, such as small and selected hotels and exclusive and innovative restaurants within Casco Antiguo Old Quarters. The above makes it without a doubt the trendiest place to visit.
Growth of the Industry of Tourism and New Trends The new tendency in these trendy and selected restaurants is to focus on an exquisite and surprising tasting menu and accompaniment of the best suited wines for each dish, in a perfect marriage between food and wine. Another shot in the arm has been the new SoHo Mall in the very heart of the financial district at Calle 50, which has allowed the most exclusive stores worldwide and best trendsetters regarding fashion to establish their stores there. Location, accessibility, elegance, and exclusivity make it a delight for visitors, as well as for locals, to do their shopping and stroll at leisure. The Panama hat continues to be one of the trendiest items to buy since it is loved by men and women alike. And of course, something that never goes out of fashion is taking a cruise through the Panama Canal, whether it is on a boat with a capacity up to 400 passengers or on a luxury yacht for 30 people. It is and it always will be a MUST to visitors.
10
Panama
Brazil
January 2016
First Trump Hotel in South America
Located in the elegant Jardim Oceanico sub-district of the famous Barra da Tijuca borough and facing one of Rio's most magnificent beaches, the 13-story, 171-guestroom Trump Rio will be Trump Hotel Collection's first property in South America and the only luxury hotel in the neighborhood when it opens in 2016 in advance of the Summer Olympic games.
11
Community Cleaning Program CSR Day Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Comunidad Tres Reyes, Q. Roo
Advertise in CommuniQuest Magazine Advertising and promotional opportunities are now available in CommuniQuest magazine. Sponsorship placement opportunities are limited and are reserved on a “first come, first served” basis. We invite you to advertise in our vastly distributed magazine which is already available to over ten thousand avid readers. These readers are dedicated members, stakeholders, and fine suppliers. The magazine is an inviting 'cover to cover' read, ensuring an eye-catching and successful advertising. Click here to receive more information.
About Us... Our Vision: To run a world-class destination management company that sets fresh trends and establishes new standards for best practices in the M&I industry by exceeding customer expectations. Our Mission: To bear exceptional product knowledge, therefore, enabling us to provide creative solutions, cost-value and effectiveness in every measurable way. To earn and maintain our clients’ trust at each one of our IVI DMC2 destinations by assuring them that their goals are our goals too, and by delivering services that exceed industry standards and customer expectations. To maintain a smooth-operating and efficient business organization that utilizes streamlining management systems with ISO quality standards, and pride and belief in the remarkable abilities of our people. Our People: IVI DMC2 has more than 150 year-round full-time employees throughout our branch network in Latin American. Extraordinary personalities, willingness, knowledge, commitment, service-oriented attitude, and experience in groups and conventions are what characterize them. “Yes, since 1986, we are those neatly attired people in the turquoise blue and white uniforms. Many people call us "Smurfs" since we are knowledgeable, witty, fun to have around, and beautiful or handsome (not necessarily in that order).”
12
January 2016
IVI DMC² World Headquarters: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mx Phone: +52 (998) 287-1700 Email: ivicorp@ividmc.travel 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: fbaeza@ividmc.travel
13
Destinations • Mexico • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Belize • Guatemala • El Salvador • Honduras • 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.
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.
14
January 2016
Most major airports have shoeshine stands and both beauty and barbershops. If you have a few hours to spare, you can spruce up. Some of the latter (Great Cuts barbershop at San Francisco International and Hairlines salon at Seattle-Tacoma International) even have showers. You can also find shower facilities at Honolulu International (mini-hotel, central lobby) and Miami International (airport hotel health club). For fifty cents, use the public showers in the rest rooms at Kansas City International and Phoenix Sky Harbor. (Taken from page 123) 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
The Customer is Always Right
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.
From start to finish, the staff provided outstanding service, being on sight every day to assist my group in making their stay at Moon Palace Resort exceptional. Everyone was very professional and friendly in the coordination of transportation, preplanning, and activities. My guests had the most amazing time and loved all the excursions, including the Dolphin experience, beachside romantic dinners, and professional photography.
Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach IVI DMC²
15
Heidi Leist Lemongrass Spa
16