MEET THE TEAM
Jose Manuel is a self-made man, working his way up from his humble beginnings in 1971 as a dry cleaning valet and later a bellman at the Acapulco Hilton Hotel. Four years later, he became the groups and conventions manager at the Canadian Pacific Hotel. At age 25 he was appointed Mexico's youngest ever director of sales with Continental Hotels. Garcia later served as the regional sales and marketing director for Fiesta Americana, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn hotels. In 1984 he was named to head up the sales and marketing team for the Hyatt Regency Cancun, and held that position until leaving to start his own company.
On November 1, 1986, together with his friends Dolores Lopez-Lira and Jose Luis Martinez of Lomas Travel Group, Mr. Garcia founded IVI. Mr. Garcia has guided IVI to become the leading destination management company in the Americas.
Jose Manuel was president of the Acapulco chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), president of the Cancun Travel Agencies Association, and is a member of the board of directors for the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADMEI). Mr. Garcia is also the founder and current president of the Mexican Association of Destination Management Companies.
Garcia has a graduate degree in tourism administration from the Guerrero State University. He has also earned diplomas and certifications from Cornell University, Holiday Inn University, SITE, ADMEI, ISMP, MPI, and HSMAI. Over the years he has received numerous awards.
Jose-Manuel was born in Mexico City in 1951, raised in Acapulco, has lived in the Catskills in upstate New York, and now lives in Cancun. He and his wife, Araceli, have two children and two grandchildren. In his personal time he enjoys meeting people, reading, golfing, bowling, and playing tennis. In both his personal and professional life Garcia credits his success to following his philosophy that "attitude is everything.”
Personal Favorites
Local Attractions: Chichen Itza, recently recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is one of my all-time favorites. I also enjoy outdoor and water activities at places such as Xel-Ha, which is considered the largest natural aquarium in the world. I also love spending a full day at Xcaret, finishing with the spectacular Xcaret night show.
Recreational Activity: Playing golf always appeals to me. l also enjoy reading a good business book. Two books that I highly recommend are: "Good to GREAT" by Jim Collins, and “The 1% Solution for work and life" by Tom Connellan.
Favorite Restaurant: La Habichuela downtown and the La Habichuela Sunset are definitely my two favorite restaurants in Cancun. I also enjoy having dinner at the Café des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by a relaxed “gourmet bistro” ambiance. I highly recommend these places and more!.
Local Tour: Mayan Encounter conducted by Alltournative (Chimuch o Pac Chen) is a very exciting tour. I also enjoy the full day tour at Xplor, which offers thrilling adventures like driving amphibious vehicles through the jungle and soaring on exciting zip lines across the highest canopy towers in Latin America.
Local Event: The Xcaret night show is a magnificent show on a giant stage where more than 300 costumed performers use music and folkloric dances to represent Mexico's history and culture from the Mayas to the country's independence from Spain. It is definitely the best show in Mexico!.
Leticia was born in Acapulco Guerrero and since 1985 she has lived in Quintana Roo. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Travel Agency at ULSA in Cancun. Recently, Leticia completed a Law Degree at the Latin American University in CDMX.
Leticia has been familiar with IVI DMC from its beginnings in 1986, she worked in the administrative area for eight years, later she left the company to continue with her family plans, settling in the Island of Cozumel for ten years. In November 2018, she rejoined the company and currently serves as CEO of IVI DMC Enterprises.
Personal Favorites
Attraction: The spectacular Xcaret Nights is my favorite attraction. It takes the audience through a journey through Mexico's history, from ancient games to present day typical dances. This show makes me proud of my heritage.
Recreational Activities: Enjoy outdoor activities on the beaches, as well as traveling and getting to know different magical towns in Mexico and doing family activities.
Raquel Mijares arrived to Cancun with her family when she was only a year old. Hence, she has witnessed Cancun's development firsthand and she has been in contact with the tourism industry all her life. Raquel studied Hotel Management at Anahuac University in Cancun. She has worked at renowned Hotel chains like Sol Melia and Grupo Posadas. Over the years Raquel strengthened her planning, organization and sales skills.
She joined IVI DMC team in November 2007 as a Program Executive in the Planning and Events Department. Her continued growth since then is notable. Raquel is known for giving her all to offer great quality service to all of our clients and she is a very detail-oriented person.
Raquel enjoys hanging out at the beach, having dinner with friends and spending time with her two dogs. She is committed to the company, her co-workers, clients, family, and friends. You certainly can rely on her to make YOU look GREAT!.
Personal Favorites
Local Attraction: I love the Catamaya Catamaran cruise. Their big catamaran sails to the best snorkeling spots and offers excellent food and beverages on board!.
Recreational Activity: I enjoy watching a good film, listening to rock and alternative music and going to concerts.
Restaurant: Cenacolo has outstanding Italian food. They make their own pasta, they have an exceptional wine cellar, and it’s located in one of the best shopping malls in the Cancun hotel zone.
Local Tour: Xel-Ha is a water wonderland. The surroundings are beautiful and if you enjoy being on and in the water, this is the place.
Local Event: The annual Day of the Dead festival at Xcaret is a fantastic celebration of this unique Mexican tradition.
Mariana was born in San Luis Potosi. She has a graduate degree in Hotel Trade and Tourism and is a Certified Meeting Specialist (CMS). Excellent customer service and attention to detail define her. She began her professional career in 2005 working for Princess Cruises. Her experience in incentive travel comes from working for the Fiesta Americana Condesa Hotel in Cancun, in the sales department, where she performed as wedding, group, and convention planner; during eight successful years, she planned more than 70 weddings, 360 business meetings, 100 groups and conventions, and fam trips, among others. The curriculum she built up in this hotel includes numerous positive reviews by clients testifying to her commitment and professionalism.
She joined IVI DMC in 2014 as a business executive, a position that she describes as a new undertaking in her career. In 2015, due to her dedication and being goal oriented, she was promoted to business manager. After that she has received a couple of promotions from Corporate Business Director to what now she displays her knowledge as Corporate Vice President, Marketing. She proudly executes her top priorities in her actual role: excellent customer service and attention to detail, qualities that enable her to establish, develop, and strengthen successful relationships with clients.
Personal Favorites
Local Attraction: Rio Secreto as it is difficult to find a natural setting that compares to it. The spectacular formations found here are truly amazing. Xibalbá´s ("Xibalbá" - Mayan Underworld) is one of a kind).
Recreational Activity: Riding the ATVs through the Jungle is one of the best experiences I have ever had. Not only do I enjoy the adventure, but also the gorgeous natural surroundings.
Restaurant: Puerto Madero has the absolute best soufflé8 - potatoes ever!!! A classy restaurant and local favorite by many for its beautiful scenery and great service.
International Event: Formula 1 for the adrenaline, speed, excitement, and people... everything that’s needed for the best event. It is an incredible experience no matter the sponsoring county.
I'm proud to say that I was born in Mexico City. I have a degree in Tourism Administration. Due to a job opportunity I moved to Cabo San Lucas for 2 years. Afterwards, I moved from one extremity of Mexico to the other and arrived in Cancun. I have lived in Cancun since 1999. I enjoy sunsets, walking by the majestic beaches, and being in touch with the sea.
One of my favorite hobbies is going to the movies. I am also very passionate about reading, since one’s imagination can go for a whirl depending on the writers selection of words. I consider myself to be a fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and my favorite book is “El amor en los tiempos del Cólera”. Not to be overlooked is my enjoyment of soccer. I always root for the great Mexican soccer team America.
The motto I live by is: “Don't dream your life away, live it!”.
I worked many years for an insurance company, but my actual first encounter working in the tourism industry began with IVI DMC². Back in 2005 I began as a Logistics Coordinator in the Operations Department. Later I was promoted to the Quality Control and Human Resources Department. I am currently the Corporate Director of Quality Control. This position allows me to daily expand my skills and knowledge. I consider myself to be a very organized person, and one open to new ideas and challenges.
Attraction: The spectacular Xcaret Nights is my favorite attraction. It takes the audience through a journey through Mexico's history, from ancient games to present day typical dances. This show makes me proud of my heritage.
Restaurant: I enjoy La Habichuela for their excellent quality of service and the fine Mexican cuisine that they offer. Dining in their garden is truly a unique romantic experience.
Attraction: Whale watching in Cabo. It is a spectacular experience that allows you to enjoy nature at its best.
Trinidad Sanchez Guerra is IVI's General Comptroller. He was born in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche. He has a Tax Accounting degree. He expanded his schooling by taking courses from Mexico's IRS and the board of accountants. He also earned a diploma in graphic design.
His secular experience includes working as a supervisor for the consumers' bureau, working in behalf of various publicity and marketing agencies; in the hotel industry he worked as a bellboy and salesman; for some time he worked at the Hospiten Hospital in Cancun, and since 2000 he has been working for IVI DMC.
Personal Favorites
Local Attraction: I love going to Xel-ha and Xcaret because these places get me in touch with nature, while at the same time allowing me to spend time with my family and friends.
Recreational Activity: I like water sports, and exploring places that are surrounded my nature. In my spare time I practice various sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I also like reading books, listening to music, and going to the movies especially to see action-packed films.
Restaurant: I love eating typical Mexican food.
Rafael CASTILLO is a true, proud native of Merida, capital city of the state of Yucatan. Since the early years of his childhood, he was the travel companion of his father and his grandfather when visiting this wonderful region; thus, he was exposed to a vast knowledge of the Mayan world. For the enthusiastic Rafael, becoming a tour guide was a natural step after all what he had seen; he wanted to share with the visitors all the peninsula has to offer to visitors: diverse ecology, rich history and culture, natural wonders, and the great number of archaeological sites.
His many years of secular experience are an asset to all in IVI DMC. He plays a very important role as Purchasing Manager since he is always looking for products and services of great quality to satisfy our valuable clients.
Personal Favorites
Local Attraction: The archaeological site of “El Rey" in Cancun hotel zone.
Recreational Activity: Not just one, but three: reading, biking, and hiking.
Restaurant: "La Destileria", the perfect showcase of great dining combined with excellent service, hearty Mexican food, and the tequila tradition.
Local Event: All the archeoastronomy happenings such as equinoxes and solstices that take place in the archaeological sites, and the International Music Festival of Cancun.
Alma SANCHEZ was born in Mexico City but raised in Cancun, fortunate to see the amazing growth of this beautiful city since the early 80's. She started working in the hotel industry in 1988. Then in 1992, she graduated from Tecnológico de Cancún as a Bachelor Hotel Management. Later on she got married and moved to New England, where her husband is from. Almost a decade later, they decided to move back to enjoy Cancún´s warm weather again.
In 2014 she started working for IVI DMC as a Receptionist, a year later an opportunity opened up as an Assistant to Presidency, a position that holds at present. Alma is grateful to belong to this dynamic company.
Personal Favorites
Local Attraction: She enjoys visiting Isla Mujeres and Puerto Morelos, since these are two quiet towns with awesome food.
Recreational Activity: Early morning walks on the beach, spending time with family and friends, watching classic movies and taking scenic pictures.
Restaurant: For a special event La Habichuela in downtown Cancun or La Palapa Belga in the Hotel Zone on the Nichupte Laggon side, and for typical delicious Yucatecan food “Las Comadres”.
Local Event: Since her husband is a professional jazz musician, almost every year they attend the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, a spectacular event on the beach in Playa del Carmen.
