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Year 8 Vol. 1, Issue 95 Visionary, Founder, and Master Coach
Jose-Manuel GARCIA
President
Jose-Manuel (Manolo)
Contents: How to Prepare Coconut Rum Limeade
GARCIA manolo@ividmc.com Marketing Vice President
Alicia ASTUDILLO, DMCP
Trinidad SANCHEZ
tsanchez@ividmc.com Corporate Business Director
Francisco BAEZA
fbaeza@ividmc.com Corporate Quality Director
Julia ORTIZ
jortiz@ividmc.com Electronic Publishing
Alejandro PECH
apech@ividmc.com Content and Editing
Omar GALLEGOS
ivicorp@ividmc.com Managing Director —MyDay Travel Corporate Headquarters:
Jorge OROZCO
jorozco@myday.travel Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15
Cancun, Q. Roo, 77500 Mex. Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.travel
Destination Offices: Mexico
The Caribbean
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Cover Subject:
aastudillo@ividmc.com
General Comptroller
Page
jmgarcia@ividmc.travel
Latin America’s Horizon Keeps Expanding & Look Who Has Connections New International Flights to Cancun Mexico City International Airport Puerto Vallarta International Airport Punta Cana International Airport Connections to Costa Rica Panama, Hub of the Americas Extensive Air Connectivity to Colombia Fly to Brazil’s Capital on Air France
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Aimia’s 2015 Passion for Excellence Award
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New Flight Denver-Puerto Vallarta
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US Dollar’s Strength Means Greater Value in Meetings Abroad
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Travel Tip: Know Who’s Late & Who’s Not
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Central America
South America
IVIDMC² Cancun & Riviera Maya Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA President manolo@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE Regional Managing Director galmonte@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, & Honduras
IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit, Mexico City, & Central Mexico
IVIDMC² Cuba Alejandro DEBASA Regional Managing Director adebasa@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Brazil Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director amajela@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Panama Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.com
IVIDMC² Argentina & Chile Leila GOROSITO Regional Managing Director lgorosito@ividmc.com
Jaime NELO Regional Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.com IVIDMC² Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
Alexandra GONZALEZ Destination Manager pv.planning1@ividmc.com IVIDMC² Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Regional Managing Director mfoster@ividmc.travel
Jorge LAZO Regional Managing Director jlazo@ividmc.travel
IVIDMC² Colombia Carolina CALDERON Regional Managing Director ccalderon@ividmc.com
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May 2015
How to Prepare Coconut Rum Limeade Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Before we know it we will be having BBQ swim gatherings to cool off. Keep this drink in mind to refresh your guests with a tropical flair! You can opt for on the rocks or frozen by just throwing the ingredients in the blender. It is super easy to prepare and the best part is if kids are invited they can enjoy the refreshing limeade without the coconut rum, so make sure to make plenty of limeade in advance.
Ingredients: (1 serving size)
Preparation:
2 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice
4 ounces of water
1 tablespoon sugar
2 ounces Malibu coconut rum
1/2 cup ice
In a 10 or 12 ounce cup add the lime juice, room temperature water, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the coconut rum and then the ice. Stir lightly and serve. You could add a slice of lime to the cup as decor if you so desire, and enjoy!
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 only work with suppliers that meet our criteria in order to render an out-of-the-ordinary service.
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.
After 29 eventful years in the business, IVIDMC2 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’
Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA President
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Cover Topic:
Latin America’s Horizon Keeps Expanding & Look Who Has Connections...
New International Flights to Cancun
Four new direct flights which connect Cancun with the cities of New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, and London are a reality now. Major airlines such as Delta Spirit, Southwest and Thomas Cook Airlines reaffirm their presence in this destination.
Indianapolis International Airport will offer its second direct flight to Cancun, Mexico, starting Sunday, March 15,2015.
The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) will add a nonstop seasonal flight to Cancun. Flights to Cancun International Airport (CUN) will begin May 20 and will continue until August 2 of this year.
Delta offers nonstop Saturday flights to Cancun between December and August.
Cancun and Riviera Maya 4
Mexico City and Central Mexico
May 2015
Mexico City International Airport You would definitely want your business and leisure programs to take place in Mexico City and in the stunning colonial cities that surround it. Why? Mexico City’s international airport is one that stands out due to its importance and superb connectivity. Mexico City international airport is positioned as the number 26 in the world in reference to the number of aerial operations – it receives approximately 30 million passengers in its two terminals yearly! Offering convenient connections to the rest of the world, this important airport operates flights to and from the majority of the international airports in the U.S. as well as in Central, South America, and Europe. In addition to this first class airport, Mexico City receives the support of more airports from nearby cities such as the ones in Toluca, Puebla, Queretaro, and the Bajio. One new airport in the vicinity is being built as you read these lines.
Mexican airlines:
International airlines:
Aeromar Aeromexico Interjet Magnicharters Vivaerobus Volaris
Aero República Air Canada Air France Air Tran Alaska Airlines American Airlines Avianca British Airways Copa Airlines Cubana de Aviación
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Delta Airlines Iberia KLM Lacsa LAN Airlines Lufthansa TACA United Airlines US Airways
Puerto Vallarta International Airport This modern airport features excellent air options, both domestic and international. It offers services to and from the most important hubs both in the USA and Canada. Flights operate regularly from Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton. During the high season more flights are added to and from New York, Portland, Seattle, London, and Manchester.
As for domestic flights, there is good connectivity from Mexico City and Guadalajara, which makes it ideal for either leisure or business trips both to local or foreign visitors. International flight frequency to Puerto Vallarta airport keeps increasing due to the appealing charm of this sunny and warm destination. Come and see it for yourself!
Airlines Domestic: Aerocalafia Aerolitoral Aeromexico Interjet Magnicharters Viva Aerobus Volaris
International: American Delta Frontier Alaska Continental United West Jet Air Transat Virgin America TUI Thomson
...plus many charter flights coming from Europe and Canada!
Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit 6
Dominican Republic
May 2015
Punta Cana International Airport The International Airport of Punta Cana is Dominican Republic’s main airport. It moves approximately 50% of the tourists visiting the island. Of all the airports in DR, the Punta Cana airport (PUJ) has the largest number of direct flights per week between America and Europe. PUJ is considered the airport with the highest traffic growth in Latin America.
Some of the main airports with more connections to PUJ are: Atlanta Miami Charlotte Panama Some of the main airlines with frequent flight connections to and from PUJ: Delta Jet Blue US Airways GOL Copa United American
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Connections to Costa Rica As one of the most visited international destinations, more and more major airlines are adding Costa Rica to their portfolio of regular flight schedules. That makes it a breeze to get to this paradise no matter where you live! LIR, as it is also known, is only a few miles from the closest beach. This makes it an ideal gateway to some of the most spectacular and exclusive destinations in Costa Rica. So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket now and come, enjoy fun in the sun in Costa Rica!
Some of the major airlines flying to LIR are: From Canada: Air Canada
From the U.S.: American, Delta, Frontier, Jet Blue, United, US Airways, West Jet
Europe: Air Berlin
Latam: Copa, Avianca
If you are flying into San Jose or the central pacific, then your arrival most likely will be at the SJO airport and these are your carriers’ choices: Canada: Air Canada, Air Transat
U.S.: American, Delta, Frontier, Jet Blue, United, US Airways, Spirit
Europe: Condor, Iberia
Latam: Copa, Avianca, Interjet, Aeromexico
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Panama
May 2015
Panama - The Hub of the Americas Panama has become one of the most visited countries in Latin America. The reason? The vast array of flights of Copa and other important airlines that have daily flights to 92 cities in America and Europe make this destination an easy access. And it is expected that in 2016, once an expansion project is finished, Tocumen airport will be able to accommodate flights from Asia and Dubai. The Tocumen international airport has indeed become the hub of the Americas. In what sense? The ideal weather conditions prevailing all year round and its well-thought-out connectivity makes it possible to operate smoothly 24/7/365.
Within the most recognized airlines that service Panama are: Air France Air Canada Aeromexico United Luftansa American Copa Iberia KLM Delta
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Extensive Air Connectivity to Colombia
Its idyllic beaches, mountains, colonial cities, jungles, rivers, the warmth of its people, strategic location, and its extensive air connectivity, make Colombia a privileged destination with an easy access to enjoy this unique country. 28 major airlines fly to Colombia and offer 900 flights that connect to 28 countries. These carriers are: Avianca, KLM, Aerogal, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, DAE, Delta Airlines, Iberia, Insel Air, Jet Blue, Lan Airlines, Lufthansa, Spirit Arlines, Tame, United Airlines, Interjet, Continental, Conviasa, Cubana, Lacsa, Sky Airlines, TAM, and Tap Portugal.
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Brazil
May 2015
Fly to Brazil’s Capital on Air France
Last March 31st, 2014, Air France began operations to Brasilia, its third destination in Brazil. Flights leave from Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and are available 3 times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). Brasilia has been Brazil’s capital since 1960. It was designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its modernist architecture and historic importance.
Panama 11
Aimia’s 2015 Passion for Excellence Award Outstanding service is at the core of exceptional events, which is why for 23 years Aimia has recognized outstanding hospitality partners in meetings, events, incentives, destination management companies, and airlines.
to make business personal, and in turn deliver this service back to our clients and their guests.” As a global leader in end-to-end development and delivery of meetings, conferences, incentives and events for some of the world’s most visible brands, Aimia relies on outstanding partners. Passion for Excellence defines Aimia’s expectations for service excellence from its partners. In recognizing the best of the best, the Passion for Excellence program not only develops strong business relationships, it also provides a method to continually enhance those relationships through solid feedback against specific criteria. Aimia’s best partners embrace
This year, 15 organizations were awarded as “Premier Partners” in its Passion for Excellence awards program. In order to be considered for this accolade, companies are evaluated to earn a coveted spot on Aimia’s Premier Partner Wall of Fame. Event criteria assessed includes: Purchasing, planning, program delivery, and creativity. “We strive to deliver innovative and personalized experiences for all of our clients and their guests,” said Kurt Paben, President, US Channel and Employee Loyalty. “With that in mind, we understand the importance in recognizing top partners who excel at all facets of event experiences – it is truly an accomplishment. Aimia’s 2015 Premier Partners support our goal,
the challenge to demonstrate their effectiveness and use Passion for Excellence as a platform for continuous improvement.
Congratulations to IVIDMC2 for being one of this year’s winners!
A New Flight Denver-Puerto Vallarta Is in the Works Starting November 2015 Southwest Airlines will provide a daily, nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Vallarta-Nayarit International Airport. "Our new daily flight from the Rockies to the Mexican Pacific coastline will give our Colorado Customers as well as connecting passengers quick access to another international destination," said Steven Swan, Southwest Airlines Director of International Planning. "We expect strong demand from both leisure and business customers for this route to the growing region that straddles both Jalisco and Nayarit." On June 7, 2015, Southwest will also initiate service to the Mexican Pacific coastline with a daily flight both to and from John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA). They will also start nonstop flights from Houston on October 15th to this region. Currently, Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit receive dozens of flights from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, which offer easy connection with the rest of the world.
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US Dollar’s Strength Means Greater Value in Meetings Abroad By Michelle DeClerck, President of Conference Event Management (CEM) Visiting countries where the dollar has a strong exchange rate means you get more value for your money. In many popular destinations abroad, restaurants and shopping are 15-50% cheaper right now for Americans than they were this time last year. Some hotel rates overseas are seven percent less than last year, and an even bigger drop of nine percent in Europe. Consequently, our strengthening economy is bolstering international travel from the US which is up almost 10% from 2014. Groups can take advantage of exchange rates in favor of the dollar in several ways including contracting hotel rates now for future international meetings and events. One of the many benefits of using a third-party planner like Conference Event Management (CEM) versus a tour company is that CEM receives current market rates rather than tour companies that contract rates a year or more in advance which can be a disadvantage when the dollar changes. CEM can also help by providing recommendations
on forward contracts, or buying foreign currency at a set rate without having to pay immediately. Forward contracts offer a protection against uncertainty in currency market fluctuations. While the dollar is strong today, the reasonable expectation is that it will not remain this way forever. If your international program is occurring a year or more from today, you may want to consider arranging a forward contract to buy the foreign currency at a set exchange rate with an added benefit of not having to pay for the total price until the contract is exercised at the specified future date. The purchaser pays a transaction fee based on the amount of the transaction. The currency you contract for the term of your program is then available to pay event expenses. Or you may choose to wait and see if the dollar gains even more value relative to foreign currency the closer it gets to your event. Many economists are speculating that the Euro will be equal to the US Dollar by 2016 which will offer Americans even greater purchasing power.
Destinations where the dollar is strong:
Europe The Euro and the British Pound have both fallen against the dollar in the past year. Earlier this year, the Euro fell 20% - its lowest level against the dollar in 12 years, and the Pound fell 15%. Travel in the off-season of late winter to early spring to compound your savings.
Canada The Canadian dollar is now 20% cheaper than last year and with an increase in popularity of destinations like Banff and Whistler, you can create a unique, highvalue event for your attendees that may not have been possible in prior years.
Mexico and Central America The dollar is currently enjoying its strongest exchange rate against the peso since 1993. With easy airlift from the US, meetings and events south of the board are a great value for groups.
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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Guatemala - (GUA) La Aurora International Airport Destination
Airport
Airline
Montreal
Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Air Transat (Charter)
Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Delta Air Lines
Dallas
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
American Airlines
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Spirit Airlines
Houston
George Bush International Airport
Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport
United Airlines Delta Air Lines/Avianca
Miami
Miami International Airport
American Airlines/Avianca
Newark
Newark International Airport
United Airlines
Nueva York
John F. Kennedy International Airport
Delta Air Lines
Washington D.C.
Dulles International Airport
Ciudad de México
Mexico City International Airport
United Airlines Aeromexico / Interjet
Belize City
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Maya Island Air/Avianca
Salvador
El Salvador International Airport
Avianca/Iberia L.A.E
San Jose
Juan Santamaria International Airport
Avianca/Copa Airlines
Tegucigalpa
Toncontin International Airport
Avianca/Aerolineas Sosa
San Pedro Sula
Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport
Avianca/Aerolineas Sosa
Managua
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport
Copa Airlines/Avianca
Panama
Tocumen International Airport
Copa Airlines/ Copa Airlines Colombia
Bogota
El Dorado International Airport
Avianca/Copa Airlines Colombia
Madrid
Madrid-Barajas International Airport
Iberia L.A.E.
Honduras - (SAP) Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport Destination
Airport
La Ceiba
Goloson International Airport
Airline Aerolineas Sosa /Isleña Airlines
San Pedro Sula
Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport
Aerolineas Sosa /Isleña Airlines
Roatan
Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport
Aerolineas Sosa
Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
Delta Air Lines
Houston
George Bush International Airport
United Airlines
Miami
Miami International Airport
San Jose
Juan Santamaria International Airport
American Airlines Avianca Costa Rica/Copa Airlines
Guatemala City
La Aurora International Airport
Avianca Salvador/Aerolineas Sosa
San Salvador
El Salvador International Airport
Avianca Salvador
Tocumen International Airport
Copa Airlines
Panama
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May 2015
El Salvador - (SAL) Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport Destination Toronto Atlanta Chicago Dallas-Fort Worth Fort Lauderdale Houston Los Angeles Miami Newark Nueva York San Francisco Washington D. C. Cancun Mexico City Belize City San Jose Liberia La Habana Guatemala City Tegucigalpa Roatan San Pedro Sula Managua Panama
Airport Toronto Pearson International Airport Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Chicago-O'Hare International Airport Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport George Bush International Airport Los Angeles International Airport Miami International Airport Libertad de Newark International Airport John F. Kennedy International Airport San Francisco Washington-Dulles Cancun Mexico City International Airport Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport Juan Santamaria International Airport Daniel Oduber International Airport Jose Marti International Airport La Aurora International Airport Toncontin International Airport Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport Managua International Airport Tocumen International Airport
Airline Avianca El Salvador Delta Air Lines Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador /American Airlines Spirit Airlines Avianca El Salvador/United Airlines Avianca El Salvador/Delta Air Lines Avianca El Salvador/American Airlines Avianca El Salvador/United Airlines Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador/United Airlines Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador/Aeromexico Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador/Avianca Costa Rica Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador/Iberia L.A.E/Veca Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador Avianca El Salvador/Copa Airlines
Belize - (LCE) Goloson International Airport Destination Montreal Toronto Tegucigalpa San Pedro Sula Roatan Utila Guanaja Puerto Lempira Trujillo Gran Caiman
Airport Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Toronto Pearson International Airport Toncontin International Airport Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport Pista Municipal de Utila International Airport Guanaja International Airport Puerto Lempira International Airport Trujillo International Airport Owen Roberts International Airport
Airline Sunwing Airlines(Temporal) Sunwing Airlines (Temporal) Aerolineas Sosa/Cm Airlines/Isleña Airlines Aerolineas Sosa Aerolineas Sosa/Lanhsa/Aerocaribe de Honduras Aerolineas Sosa Aerolineas Sosa/Lanhsa Aerolineas Sosa/Lanhsa/Aerocaribe de Honduras Lanhsa Cayman Airways
Panama
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Destinations • Mexico • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Guatemala • 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 3600 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.
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May 2015
Travel Tip: Know Who’s Late and Who’s Not Each month, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) ranks the major airlines on their on-time records. The results are published in many newspapers. To increase your chances of being on time, consider booking your flight with the winner. USA Today publishes this information each month. In addition, the Internet now provides online information through DOT’s home page, FAA, and each airline’s Web site. When a further delay was announced, I walked up to the ticket agent and said: “I don't see why you people bother publishing a flight schedule.” The Ticket agent replied in his usual calm, professional tone: “Well, Sir, we have to have something to base our delays on!” - Joey Adams (Taken from page 54) 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.
The Customer is Always Right
The entire IVI team did a wonderful job! -Ray Nealon, CMP
Jose-Manuel GARCIA Visionary, Founder, & Master Coach IVIDMC²
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