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Message From Headquarters Dear reader, This month’s issue is about Cuba. This island country is unlike anywhere else you’ve visited. It’s a place that provokes strong emotions due to its rich, vast culture. Cuba is unique and we invite you to discover why. Here, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time with the classic cars from the 50’s, colonial buildings, and long lasting traditions. Havana is colorful, vibrant, and gorgeous; a very inviting place to retreat and leave behind the hustle and bustle of the big cities. In Cuba you really do hear music everywhere, with the sounds of live bands emerging from many bars and restaurants. The landscape is lush and green; the beaches are simply gorgeous and inviting to relax and smell the roses, so to speak. Please read on and fall in love with our new destination. Our times are changing and Cuba too is changing for good. Be an eye witness of this momentous transition before it changes forever. We are here to serve you. Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS President
About Us Our Vision: Associates: Preserve our company as the best place to work, so that our multicultural staff can thrive professionally and thus always perform their best. Customers: To offer an innovative high-quality service that exceeds all expectations. Partners: To continually consolidate our network of honest and successful partners. Revenue: To maximize the investment of our shareholders & help them gain good dividends. Planet: By means of our hard work instill in others the responsible management of resources.
Our Mission: To serve our customers supported on international certifications ISO 9001 and ADMC, thus ensuring 100% satisfaction to groups, conventions, incentives and special events customers. We create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on attendees visiting each and every one of the destinations in which we operate.
Our Objective: Always aim for 100 % overall customer satisfaction.
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Year 9 Vol. 1, Issue 112 Visionary, Founder, Jose-Manuel GARCIA, CDS & Master Coach jmgarcia@ividmc.travel President Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS manolo@ividmc.travel
Contents:
Page
Cover Subject
Cuba FAM Trip Experience
General Comptroller Trinidad SANCHEZ tsanchez@ividmc.travel
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Brazil Olympics June 2016
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MyDay Travel—Moscow, Russia
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Electronic Publishing Alejandro PECH apech@ividmc.travel
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Special Group Rates 2016
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Content and Editing Omar GALLEGOS ivicorp@ividmc.travel
Advertise with CommuniQuest
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The Customer’s Always Right
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Let’s Cook—Mojito Time
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Dr. Travel’s Travel Tip: Hey, Look Me Over!
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Corporate Marketing and Francisco BAEZA Business Director fbaeza@ividmc.travel Corporate Quality Director Julia ORTIZ jortiz@ividmc.travel
Managing Director Jorge OROZCO, DMCP —MyDay Travel jorozco@myday.travel Corporate Headquarters: Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
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
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© Copyright 2016. All Rights Reserved. 3
Cover Topic:
January 2016
CUBA FAM Trip Experience In recent days, top IVI DMC² executives and distinguished customers went on a Fam Trip to Cuba in order to asses how this emerging destination is evolving in the M&E industry. CQ asked them a few questions regarding their impressions on this transcendental visit and how Cuba is becoming a great contender in the DMC arena. Here is their input.
A Supplier’s Perspective Interview with Corporate Marketing and Business Director, Francisco Baeza and Regional Managing Director, Dominican Republic, Genaro Almonte, CIS. After a visit with a full schedule, do you find Cuba different since its resuming relations with the U.S.? If so, in what sense? FB: It was my first time to Cuba, and I found the cultural part of La Havana really interesting. It is a city full of history. I sensed too, that for Cubans, safety is a main concern and they surely make you feel safe. GA: I can not compare Cuba today as it was since this is my first visit to the Island but I can say the this is a very interesting destination. It seems they got on the train to make improvements. The Colonial part it is amazing and the improvements they are making in that area will definitely make it the perfect cultural and beach destination In your opinion, how important is it for IVI DMC² to have opened operations in this Caribbean country? FB: A lot, it is our baby jewel now. GA: As the leading DMC in Latin America and the Caribbean, we keep growing and adding new values for our customers. Being Cuba the second destination in a Caribbean Island for our company, it comes to complement the array of options we already have.
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Cuba FAM Trip
Cuba FAM Trip
January 2016
Is Cuba ready for incentive groups? What can they expect? FB: Cuba has always been ready. It is a unique experience for travelers looking for something outside the box. Do not expect U.S. standards though, they should come with time. GA: I would say yes, at this very moment for small and medium size groups, but definitely yes.
Where do you see Cuba positioned in a few years from now? FB: It will be a boom for U.S. tourists to be able to visit the island without restrictions and having U.S. hotel chains. It will be a top Caribbean destination in 5 to 10 years from now. Cubans will have to enhance services and infrastructure as in all the Caribbean islands. GA: It is hard to predict the future specially in an industry like ours, but if the island keeps on the same track and the opening with the USA is made official for all travelers, I see Cuba within 5 to 10 years from now competing very strongly with destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya and the Dominican Republic.
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Cover Topic (Continued‌)
A Customer’s Perspective: (Larry DiNorscio, AIMIA Vice President & Daryl Goodwin, Owner of Goodwin Incentive Consultants, Inc.) How would you describe your experience in Cuba in three words? LD: Amazing, interesting , fun. DG: Unique, historical, and transitional. How did your perspective change after your last FAM Trip to Cuba? LD: Completely amazing experience, wonderful destination. DG: My perspective did not change. My concerns were confirmed that the infrastructure, society, and lack of technical services may not be ready for large groups. I do believe Cuba has great potential. What made you think about Cuba? LD: A new incentive destination, paired with Mexico. DG: Clients who have and interest and the idea to package Cuba with other Caribbean or Mexican destinations for group travel programs. In your opinion, how does Cuba compare vs. other international destinations? LD: It would be very interesting for American incentive groups who have traveled extensively. DG: Cuba is far less technically advanced, impoverished and lacking in upscale properties. However, Cuba does present a potential opportunity for groups who are interested in the history and changes taking place.
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Cuba FAM Trip
Cuba FAM Trip
January 2016
Is Cuba ready for U.S. incentive programs? LD: Yes, however we would need to be flexible in a lot of areas, hotel, price transparency, itinerary etc. DG: Not sure. I am reluctant to offer to groups who are not prepared for minimal services. I do believe Cuba will be a great future destination. The questions is where and when does Cuba start with mass transition and how patient will U.S. groups be to wait to visit? The issues in Cuba are not overnight fixes. But, they are fixable. How soon are you considering to bring a program to Cuba? LD: I will be recommending it to selected clients as their programs renew‌One issue is group size, it seems no more than 50 people would work. DG: In 2017, for a small group of 40. What was your overall experience at the hosting hotels? LD: I thought our hotel was fine, clean, comfortable, internet was an issue. DG: Good, not great. Location was great, services were good and the room product is satisfactory. What do you think about not having U.S. hotel chains? LD: No problem. DG: No problem. However, I suspect that will change. How do you rate the service? LD: Very good. DG: Satisfactory. If Cuba will be competitive with other Caribbean destinations, the service must improve. How do you rate the food? LD: Excellent! DG: Satisfactory to good.
General suggestions: DG: I am very interested and I believe, given the right political environment, Cuba is in a position to attract large groups. Improve Wi-Fi, clean up housing issues, train service staff to be competitive with other Caribbean and European destinations, and be honest with expectations for changes and timing for improvements. Contact information: Larry DiNorscio Larry.DiNorscio@aimia.com Daryl Goodwin daryl@gicgood.com
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The summer Olympics will be held in Brazil in
PLAN YOUR GROUP IN ADVANCE!
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January 2016
Moscow, Russia Moscow is the capital and the most crowded city in Russia. The city is a very important politic, economic, cultural and scientific center of the country and the continent. In Moscow, different architectonic styles, from renaissance to baroque and modern buildings blend together. In downtown Moscow, there are many prerevolutionary buildings that were built by the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, before the revolution in 1917. Standing out as well, are the buildings from the Stalinist period, which style was created between 1930 and 1950. These constructions are commonly found in the main streets and avenues in the city, like Tverskaya street, and Kutúzovski, Léninski, and Leningradski avenues. The Red Square (this name is not from the color of the material it is surrounded by, nor in reference to the red color of communism) comes from the Russian word Красная1 (Krásnaya), that means “red”, but in the old Russian meant “pretty”, meaning pretty square.
Did you know?
Canada is almost 30% bigger than Australia
Canada owns the biggest coast line in the world: 202,080 km
Adding salt and pepper to the food may be considered rude in Switzerland
A third of all airports around the world are located in the U.S.A.
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For further info fine hotels, de and group packa in this mag contact Francisc fbaeza@ivi
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January 2016
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.
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:
ormation on the eals, activities, ages mentioned gazine, please co BAEZA: dmc.travel
Mexico Cuba Dominican Republic Belize Guatemala El Salvador Honduras Costa Rica Panama Colombia Brazil Argentina Chile Coming soon...Peru!
The Customer is Always Right I am writing to express my deepest thanks for IVI DMC2‘s help in organizing and managing NTS Sales Incentive 2016 in Cancun. Mariana, from our initial introductions in the planning stages, you were so thorough and informative in providing all of the suggestions to me for the program and your proposal had all of the information I required. I have never organized an event in Mexico before so I found this incredibly useful and prevented me from having to come back and ask you for further information - meaning I could plan the trip a lot quicker and smoother and was not worried at all.
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Nicole Unsworth Event Manager Capita Travel and Events
LET’S COOK! Mojito Time Ingredients:
1 shot glass of white rum Lime wedges (cut into quarters)
3 tsp sugar
10 peppermint leaves
1 cup of ice cubes
3 drops of Angostura rum
1/2 cup club soda
Preparation: In a large glass add the mint leaves, sugar, and 3 lime wedges. Gently crush with a muddler to release the lime juice and mint oils. Pour in the ice cubes. Add the white rum and the 3 drops of Angostura. Top off each glass with the club soda. Lightly stir, garnish with the last lime wedge, and enjoy!
Fun Fact Ernest Hemingway’s two favorite drinks were daiquiris & mojitos. Come see his signed quote: “My mojito in the Bodeguita del Medio and my daiquiri in the Floridita.”
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January 2016
Travel Tip: Hey, Look Me Over! Airports are confusing places, especially if you have never been in a particular one before. In addition to the overwhelming size of some airports, which make gate connections mammoth treks, changing in flight numbers, departure times, and gates also add to the confusion. The best insurance against airport foull-ups is to check and double check all aspects of your flight. All the airlines’ in-flight magazines have diagrams of the major airports they use frequently. Keep a copy in your briefcase for future trips. Check an recheck the departure board before heading for your flight Examine your ticket immediately after checking in for each leg of your journey. Sometimes agents accidentally take two flight coupons instead of one. Check your ticket for your mileage number. It should be on your ticket stub. If your mileage number is there, getting mileage credit for your flight will be easier. If it isn’t there, make sure it’s recorded when you check in. (Taken from page 126) 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&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 IVI DMC²
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