October CommuniQuest Magazine

October 2014

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Year 7 Volume 1, Issue 82

Visionary, Founder and  Jose-Manuel GARCIA jmgarcia@ividmc.travel Managing Commander-in-Chief President  Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA manolo@ividmc.com Marketing Vice President  Alicia ASTUDILLO, DMCP aastudillo@ividmc.com General Comptroller  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  Jorge OROZCO jorozco@myday.travel —MyDay Travel Corporate Headquarters:  Av. Acanceh 1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77500 Ph. +52 (998) 287-1700 www.ividmc.com

Contents:

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Southwest Launches New Flights

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Message From Headquarters

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Special Events Throughout Latin America

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Interview: President of IVI DMC2 Manolo GARCIA

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San Diego IN A BOX

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An Important Tradition: Day of the Dead

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Hotel: Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach

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Hotel: Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort

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Hotel: Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe

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Barcelo Bavaro Convention Center

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Quick Hits

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Doctor Travel’s Travel Tip: Keeping Comfort Up

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Destination Offices: Mexico

The Caribbean & Central America

South America

IVI DMC² - Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit Riviera & Central Mexico Jaime NELO Regional Managing Director jnelo@ividmc.com

IVI DMC² - Dominican Republic Genaro ALMONTE Regional Managing Director galmonte@ividmc.com

IVI DMC² - Colombia Carolina CALDERON Regional Managing Director ccalderon@ividmc.com

IVI DMC² - Costa Rica Sonia VARGAS Destination Manager svargas@ividmc.com

IVI DMC² - Brazil Andrea MAJELA Regional Managing Director amajela@ividmc.com

IVI DMC² - Panama Ligia VARGAS Regional Managing Director lvargas@ividmc.com

IVI DMC² - Argentina & Chile Leila GOROSITO Regional Managing Director lgorosito@ividmc.com

IVI DMC² - Los Cabos Mario FOSTER Destination Manager mfoster@ividmc.travel

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© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

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October 2014

Southwest Ready to Launch Its First Flights to Central America

This Dallas-based carrier said recently that it will continue with the expansions of more new routes to seven non-U.S. cities by the end of the year. In addition to its first foray to Mexico and the Caribbean, now, flights to Costa Rica from U.S. cities is the next logical move.

Mr. Kelly continues: “Our people and policies bring unique value to the travel experience and we have big plans to extend that value to international destinations where our customers want to go. Our substantial presence in Baltimore/ Washington is a natural place to

do that by bringing nonstop access to new, international markets.”

Southwest proposed that these new international and nonstop services originate from Baltimore (BWI). The 2,070-mile BaltimoreCosta Rica flight will be the longest in its international system. Can you imagine what this means for the M&I industry? It will be a breeze to travel to Costa Rica. IVI DMC2 has presence in this unique destination and our team of professionals can organize the event of your life-time!

Southwest chairman and CEO Gary Kelly recently announced: “We’re ready to add the adventure and beauty of Costa Rica to a growing horizon of international possibilities and make it accessible to the more than 100 million customers who fly with us each year.”

Message From Headquarters A historical baton pass is taking place within IVI DMC2.

As acting 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.

Our company is recognized in the M&I industry as being down to earth and having an outstanding serviceminded 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 only work with suppliers that meet our criteria in order to render an out-of-theordinary service.

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After 28 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!

Sincerely, Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA President

Special Events Throughout Latin America Fall always brings pleasant weather and cool activity ideas for events throughout Latin America.

Are you still debating which destination to choose? You don’t have to worry any longer. Allow our team of highly professional staff in Meetings and Events at IVI DMC² do all the hard work. Here is a glance of just a few of the special events that some of our destinations have to offer.

Brazil

Dare to Go Piranha Fishing?

Come and enjoy the sounds and beauty of the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon stretches over 6,000 kilometers (3, 278 miles) from the Peruvian Andes to the Atlantic. One-fifth of all fresh water on earth runs through this region. It is in these waters where we invite you to experience the thrill of fishing the so

feared Piranhas. The atmosphere in the Amazon is very relaxed and the chances to catch a fish are quite large, even if you are not a seasoned fisherman. Aside from fishing, you will also be able to see giant lily pads and spot local wildlife: capybaras, monkeys, caimans, giant otters, giant anteaters, jabiru storks, and much more!

Puerto Vallarta

International Fireworks Festival

The December holidays are always an exciting time to visit Puerto Vallarta, but this year it will be exceptionally entertaining as the city will play host to the 2014 International Fireworks Festival from December 20-31. Back In 2008, as part of Puerto Vallarta's 90th anniversary celebration, a national fireworks competition turned Puerto Vallarta into a dazzling fiesta full of bright lights and colors.

This year, firework manufacturers and other members of the pyrotechnic industry from 5 different countries such as Canada, Italy, the U.S., Mexico, and Spain are expected to participate in the festival. The fireworks will be set off from 3 emblematic locations: Los Muertos Pier, Malecon, and Peninsula. To top it all off, the closing day will deliver an array of art exhibitions, music, and dances. This magnificent event will surely make Puerto Vallarta a hot spot with worldwide exposure.

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October 2014

Costa Rica

Have a Memorable Event Many of our customers have mentioned that one of their main goals when celebrating a corporate event is that they want it to be a memorable one. We share the same objective and we certainly work hard in achieving it. Our team of skilled professionals specializes in delivering unforgettable welcoming or closing events. We are able to transform an auditorium into a luxuriant jungle full of music and color in which to submerge and involve your group participants. Or if you prefer, how about a sunset cocktail or a dinner featuring exotic dancers, salsa lessons, or aerial silk performers? Our destination offers all this and much more in order to help you create an event that your participants will treasure for years to come.

Panama

The Perfect Destination for Special Events

What are two impressive venues that could be used as a backdrop for your next event in Panama? 

The Panama Canal is truly a wonder of the contemporary world. Its two modern visitor’s centers -one on the Pacific and one on the Atlantic- feature modern facilities that are ideal for celebrating successful corporate events. Guided tours are also an excellent option to watch ships as they pass through the canal.

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The Old Panama is considered to be the first settlement founded by the Spaniards on the Pacific Ocean back in the 16th century, and it has been declared a world heritage site. Due to its interesting history and lofty architecture, it is a perfect outdoors venue for holding exclusive dinners and cocktails.

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CommuniQuest Magazine had the privilege to interview Jose-Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, acting President of IVI DMC2. He readily agreed to share some of his thoughts with us. In case you have not met him yet, he could be described as a dynamic person possessing a warm smile and a friendly manner.

CQ: Can you please tell us a little about your background?

Manolo: I was born in the beautiful city of Acapulco. I have on older sister. I’ve lived in Cancun for the past 30 years. My schooling was done at two universities, La Salle and Anahuac. My father started a career as a hotelier and our family followed and supported him in his endeavors. I’ve always liked sports, especially Taekwondo.

This sport is like second nature to me and it has taught me the importance of discipline and selfrespect. Due to my dedication I was able to obtain a gold medal in the Pan-American games some time ago. Taekwondo also taught me constancy in all areas of life, such as family and work.

One of the things I enjoy most is to spend time with my family. I am presently married to a lovely woman and I have a beautiful daughter. I also love golfing and physical exercise. Ever since my youth, I have been inclined to supporting the family’s business, which is the DMC sector. I have worked virtually in all the departments of the company which has given me a comprehensive picture of what is entailed to work here.

CQ: What makes IVI DMC2 different from other DMCs? Manolo: It’s true that we are notorious because of our uniform. And because of that, people tend to call us “smurfs”. For us that is a huge compliment because these famous

characters are well known for their strong commitment to teamwork, which is the hallmark of our staff.

Outstanding quality service also distinguishes us from the ordinary.

We have been successfully and regularly certified by ISO 9001:2008 which encourages us to keep on keeping on. We apply these same standards of quality and strong management in all of our more than 40 destinations.

As responsible managers, we are well aware that unforeseen things can happen. We therefore protect our clients and staff with an insurance policy of up to 2 million USD. Also our staff is fully trained to prevent and/or respond to emergencies because we constantly provide them with the latest first aid courses.

Our company is socially and responsibly committed with those around us and with the environment. We support rural communities by means of the “Friends of the Maya” Foundation.

The lofty objectives of this nonprofit organization are: Health, preservation of the environment, and education. Our staff is fully involved in these activities and we commend them for doing so.

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CQ: What are your goals for the company, that is, where do you see IVI DMC2 in the near future?

Manolo: I truly believe that IVI DMC2 is and has always been ready to play in the big leagues of the M&I sector. We continue setting the trend in the pursuit of outstanding quality and service.

As an example, we have revolutionized the concept of DMCs to a DMC2 which means that we are doubly certified by 2 prestigious instances: ADMEI (which establishes DMC standards and best practices, supports excellence and ethical business practices and promotes the value of destination management companies to the meetings industry) and the one afore mentioned ISO 9001: 2008. Today, no other DMC has obtained such recognition in the destinations where we operate.

That is why we proudly carry the name IVI DMC2.

Seeing as we have increasingly met and surpassed our clients expectations, I see IVI DMC2 opening many more offices not just in Mexico but throughout all Latin America. I want IVI DMC2 to continue setting its fine example in being a responsible company, one that cares about giving back to the community.

Seeing that growth is on the horizon it is crucial that we continue putting our best foot forward with the resilient enthusiasm that has distinguished IVI DMC2 since its beginning in 1986 and to continue making our clients look great!

October 2014

San Diego IN A BOX Continues to Prosper Our friend and IVI’s Destination Managements GSA in Southern California is Lex Lyon, a 40 year veteran of the meeting and incentive industry. Besides assisting IVI DMC2, Lex is owner of San Diego in a Box, a private convention bureau for “Americas Finest City”. Lex advocates the use of qualified DMC’s for your transportation and leisure activities such as our friends at Allied PRA but as we all know, sometimes the use of a DMC is just not feasible.

San Diego in a Box is a resource for the finding the finest, most professional, most reliable suppliers servicing the San Diego event industry… these are the companies that the local DMC’s utilize.

This resource is free and from the web site you can click directly onto the supplier’s web site. And, if you mention Lex’s name, you’ll be eligible for any special discounts available. www.sandiegoinabox.com

Understanding An Important Mexican Tradition The Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated throughout the Americas and combines ancient indigenous traditions and modern fanfare. It's a whimsical and yet serious holiday that primarily takes place between October 31st and November 2nd. Mexico may have the most spectacular festivals in the hemisphere. Well known are festivities in Oaxaca, Michoacan, and Mexico City.

Day of the Dead is literally a world away from Halloween. For many Mexicans - and particularly those from Oaxaca - Day of the Dead is the favorite holiday of the year, easily surpassing Christmas. The dead are not in oblivion rather they are considered to be present, therefore, this is a celebration with the dead, not of the dead.

Love rules the holiday as relatives get together holding dear the belief that the souls of the departed return to visit them. Family altars arranged with candles are vibrant and showcase the love for deceased. Orange is the most visible color on altars decorated with bright marigold flowers. Trails of the marigolds lead like runways to guide spirits home back to their loved ones. There is an abundance of food and drink, the favorites of the deceased.

The living shower the deceased with food and presents, decorate the graves, and recount personal stories of

their dear loved ones.

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Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach OVERVIEW: Located on Cancun’s most secluded stretch of white sandy beach, Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun Resort and Spa offers 602 all-suite ocean front accommodations, each with a private terrace facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and a lagoon-like pool. The resort’s top two floors are dedicated to the Grand Club, which provides lavish services and above-and-beyond amenities both in the pool and on the beachside, as well as a dedicated lounge and concierge services. The 40,000 square foot, sleekly-designed Coral Beach Gem Spa offers innovative treatments inspired by gemstone therapy and a dramatic 10-step Hydrotherapy Ritual. Guests can choose from a variety dining outlets, including the AAA Five-Diamond Le Basilic serving French Mediterranean cuisine and La Joya, an authentic Mexican experience replete with tequila lounge. A perfect blend of serenity and activity, the resort is steps away from Cancun’s vibrant nightlife, entertainment, and luxury shopping, as well as the high speed ferry to colorful and picturesque Isla Mujeres. This award-winning resort is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

SUITE CATEGORIES: Junior Suite, Master Suite, Grand Club, Presidential Suite DINING & DRINKING: Le Basilic, La Joya, Isla Contoy, Viña del Mar, Bikini Beach & Pool, Lobby Bar, Coral Café, In-Room Dining (Available 24-hours a day), Children’s menu RESORT OFFERINGS: Gem Spa, Beach & Pool, Business Center, and Concierge (A multi-lingual concierge team is available to assist guests during their visit. The team speaks Russian, Japanese, Spanish, and English.) Also available, Fiesta Kid’s Club and a Fitness Center CONFERENCE SERVICES: With more than 80,000 ft2 / 8,000 m2 of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the resorts award winning meetings and special events team can organize gatherings of any type for groups from 10 to 1,700. The unique design allows for maximum privacy that features the lavish 15,351 ft 2 Grand Coral Ballroom along with 20 Breakout Rooms

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October 2014

Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort Set in the center of the dazzling Cancun Hotel Zone, Sandos Cancun Luxury Experience Resort has been recently renovated to offer vacations filled with elegant contemporary style. This hotel is surrounded by the best shopping malls in the city, and is situated on a white sand beach with bright turquoise waters. The three tiered infinity pools descend toward the beach, making the pool area just perfect for enjoying the sunshine and stunning ocean views. A stay at Sandos Cancun always has its “Luxury Moments” when the hotel surprises its guests with luxurious details like poolside cooking classes, cooking demos, specialty cocktails and the “Champagne Parties”, where each guest can feel like a movie star. To fully indulge, Spa del Mar is the ideal spot for relaxation and beauty, offering 12 luxury treatment rooms, cold immersion pools, a fully-equipped gym and much more. Sandos Cancun is best known for its Total Gourmet Experience: an upscale version of the all inclusive plan with gourmet cuisine, 24-hour room service, and a wide variety of unforgettable activities.

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Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe

Located on the beach with 1,402 rooms built in the middle of an extraordinary coconut grove, this hotel offers various accommodation options. A fully renovated hotel that offers cuisine to delight everyone’s taste buds. A number of water sports, a modern spa, water park, and shopping center can all be found on premises to keep you busy yet relaxed.

Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe is just 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) from the Punta Cana International Airport.

The Dominican Republic received more than 4.689.770 tourists last year. 2.584.871 came through the International Airport of Punta Cana.

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October 2014

Barcelo Bavaro Convention Center and Banquet Halls In the tropical surroundings of Bávaro beach and within the Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort complex, you will find the Barceló Bávaro Convention Center, the largest and most modern convention center in the Dominican Republic with incomparable expertise in the organization of important events.

Conference rooms Maximum capacity 5,000 guests. Open air spaces available to hold events. Over 11,500 m 2 divided into 13 rooms with varying characteristics that can be further divided using panels to create a total of 24 rooms. State of the art audiovisual equipment. ICCA Member.

Services Internet (Wi-Fi), 14 restaurants, 16 bars, pools, gym & fitness, Spa, and nightclub.

About us...

Our Vision: To run a world-class company that sets fresh trends and establishs 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: IVI DMC2 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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Quick Hits

Panama Melia Panama Canal Renovation

Guatemala Hyatt Hotels Corp. entered into a master development agreement with LATAM Hotel Corp. to develop 10 Hyatt Place hotels in Central America and Mexico.

One of the first five hotels will be the Hyatt Place Guatemala City in Guatemala.

"We are delighted to be working with LATAM Hotel Corp. as we continue increasing the representation of the Hyatt Place brand throughout Latin America," said Pat McCudden, SVP, real estate and developFor further information on the ment - Latin America and Caribbean fine hotels, deals, actvities, and for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. "We group packages mentioned in believe Central America has strong economic growth potential".

this magazine please contact Alicia Astudillo: aastudillo@ividmc.com

Melia Hotels International one of the world’s largest hotel brands and Spain’s leading hotel group, announces today the continuation of a $4.5 million renovation plan for Melia Panama Canal, with completion expected by December 2014.

With the completed and further planned development of new on-site areas and activities, Meliá Panama Canal looks to become a sought-after vacation option for travelers seeking both romantic and oneof-a-kind outdoor adventures and event venues in this unique and idyllic corner of the world.

Brazil Formula 1 World Championship Come and join us on the second to last race in the formula one world championship of 2014! We are thrilled to announce that on November 9, 2014 305.909 km will be traversed on the Autodrom Jose Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo for the Formula one world championship. Will you be there to watch?

Read CommuniQuest Magazine every month!

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Quick Hits (continued…)

October 2014

Mexico CANCUN WINS BIG AT THE WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

IVI DMC² World Headquarters: Ave. Acanceh #1-01, SM 15 Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

And the Nominees Are… The prestigious World Travel Awards has nomineed and distinguished Cancun and the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau for the fourth consecutive year. Cancun won the following recognitions: being a leading destination in Mexico & Central America, a leading Tourism Board, and featuring world-class beaches. Additionally, British Airways granted Cancun the “Attitude Award” due to Cancun being ranked as a preferred destination for British Airways fliers.

The winners were announced at the Central and South America Gala Ceremony in Quito, Ecuador recently.

The actual award ceremony will take place during the 2014 World Travel Market in London from November 3 – 6. Hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry,’ the World Travel Awards celebrated its 21st anniversary this year and is widely acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade. The organization aims to single out brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence.

Phone: +52 (998) 287-1700 Email: ivicorp@ividmc.com

Costa Rica JetBlue: Boston-Costa Rica U.S. airline JetBlue has interest in opening more routes to Costa Rica, thus they are creating a new flight between Boston and Daniel Oduber airport in the province of Guanacaste, said the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, ICT. The route will begin operations on November 1, 2014. At first flights will be available one-way from Boston, departing on Saturdays.

"One thing that excites me is knowing that this is the first route to be tested in Guanacaste without first being tested in San Jose, this is a demonstration of the confidence of the airline for this tourism region," added von Breymann, head of Tourist Misnistry, ICT. This new route will bring great benefits both to Boston and Costa Rica.

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Serving the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions Industry since 1986.

Find us in over 40 destinations throughout:         

Mexico Dominican Republic Guatemala Costa Rica Panama Colombia Brazil Argentina Chile

The Epitome of Our Spirit: We can run faster than Speedy Gonzalez, we can be in two or three different places at once, and we are willing to do anything legal for our clients. You can find us popping up at airports, historical and archaeological sites, deluxe resorts, charming hotels, golf courses, scenic beaches, and even at the best restaurants in town. We can do the impossible right away.

Miracles may take a little bit longer!

October 2014

Doctor Travel’s Travel Tip: Keeping Comfort Up When a friend of mine arrives at a hotel after a long trip, he flings open the door of his room and shouts, “Honey, I’m home!” He knows no one is in there to hear his greeting, but he also knows it makes him smile and, in some small way, helps him to adapt to his new home away from home.

The most important issue with a hotel is how you feel when you stay in a room for an extended period of time. At the same time, you must express how you want to feel to the various hotel staff members with whom you come in contact.

(Taken from page 201)

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Take care of your back. If the desk or bureau is higher than the bed, pack or unpack your suitcase on it instead of the bed to avoid back strain.

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Ask for what you want. Ask housekeeping for such items as an extra pillow or two, a brighter light bulb, fresh towels, an iron, a hairdryer, and so forth.

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Put away tent cards with advertising on them. Would you have ads all over your living room?

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Travel with sample sizes of your favorite bubble bath, mouthwash, or perfume.

Familiar fragrances feel like home.

(Taken from page 207)

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

DQuest.travel - Your one-stop-shop for travel planning in Latin America.

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, and Managing Commander-in-Chief

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DQuest.travel is an innovative and efficient marketing portal that positions Latin America as a premier all-season tourism destination for Meetings & Incentives. DQuest.travel is specifically created for incentive, corporate, and association meeting planners who are considering conducting meetings and/or incentive travel group programs in the Americas and/or the Caribbean. Because it’s not easy to find accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information, our top-notch website offers rich content including videos and alluring photography.