If not Cancun …. try Cabo for you next incentive

Today I am exploring Garza Blanca Resort in Cabo for 24 hours…. there is a big wow factor on arrival!  You are drawn to the windows and view.   Garza Blanca  is a sensational all-inclusive Family friendly  destination, seamlessly blending luxury and leisure. From its exquisite beachfront location to the opulent accommodations, with huge waterfront balconies, and oversized  hammocks,  every aspect of the resort is designed to provide an unparalleled experience. 
 
The all-inclusive package for families or groups  ensures that guests can indulge in gourmet dining experiences, from sumptuous international cuisine to local delicacies. 
 
The resort's attention to detail extends to its world-class amenities, including 7  lavish pools,  ( one for adults only) a rejuvenating spa, and personalized service that anticipates and exceeds guests' desires. Whether lounging on the pristine beach or participating in curated activities, the all-inclusive experience at Garza Blanca Resort in Cabo elevates relaxation to a new level of luxury, making it a truly unforgettable escape.
 
I would recommend this hotel for a Destination Wedding, family retreat, or next incentive group to Cabo San Lucas Mexico. #joeknows #smsincentives  #incentivetrsvel #Destinationwedding  

What is the difference between the Dutch and French Sides of St Martin

The island of St. Martin (or spelled St. Maarten) is unique in that it is divided into two territories, with the northern part governed by France (Saint Martin) and the southern part governed by the Netherlands (of spelled Sint Maarten). Here are some key differences between the two sides:

1. Governance: The French side is part of the French Republic and is an overseas collectivity, while the Dutch side is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

2. Language: The official language on the French side is French, while English is also widely spoken. On the Dutch side, the official languages are Dutch and English, but you'll also find a mix of other languages, including Spanish.

3. Currency: On the French side, the Euro (EUR) is the official currency, while on the Dutch side, the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) is used, although the United States Dollar (USD) is widely accepted on both sides. TIP:  If your purchase is marked Euros 20 usually you can pay with $20 US.  A big savings. 

4. Culture: The French side has a more European and French-influenced culture, with a focus on culinary arts and a slower pace of life. The Dutch side is known for its nightlife, casinos, and a more American-influenced atmosphere. The Two All Inclusive have different influences and features also. The Sonesta is on the Dutch side, and is SECRETS is on the French side.  

5. Driving: In St. Martin, you switch from driving on the right side of the road (French) to the left side (Dutch) when crossing the border.

6. Taxes and Duties: Tip, The French side generally has higher taxes and duties, while the Dutch side is known for its duty-free shopping.

7. Beaches: Both sides of the island boast beautiful beaches, but some of the more famous ones, like Roxy on the water (with cub atmosphere open to the public during the day with chairs and beach chaises lounges to rent and beach night club at night) and Maho Beach with its close proximity to the airport runway; Both on the Dutch side.  A favorite on The French side would be along Grand Case rainbow, (beach club and dining or) Dawn Beach when it reopens in mid-June 2024 with the new Hyatt. 

8. Immigration: There are different entry and immigration requirements when traveling between the French and Dutch sides due to the distinct governance and regulations. Check be for you travel. Arrival by boat or by plane. 

While there are these differences, the island as a whole offers a diverse and vibrant Caribbean experience with a mix of European and Caribbean influences. Many visitors enjoy exploring both sides to experience the unique characteristics each has to offer.

No passport is need to pass from side to side on St. Martin.  A passport is required to take a ferry or private boat to 

Saint Barts 

Rock and Roll- St. Barts offers a mix of relaxation, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences- It is home to the wealth stars and elite movers and shakers.  Mic Jager sometimes Jams at a bar I have been to. Taking a tour for hour and half can set you back 172 Euros.    Ferry about $72 US RT per person.   (as of 11/1/2023) St. Barts, officially known as Saint-Barthélemy, is a beautiful island - When visiting for the day consider. 

1. Beaches: none for its pristine beaches to  include St. Jean Beach, Shell Beach, Gouverneur Beach, and Flamands Beach.

2. Gustavia: The capital of St. Barts, Gustavia, is a charming town with a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical sites, including Fort Gustav and the Wall House Museum.

3. Water Sports: The island offers excellent opportunities for water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing.

4. Hiking: Explore the natural beauty of the island by hiking the scenic trails, such as the one leading to the summit of Colombier.

5. Dining: St. Barts is renowned for its culinary scene. You can enjoy a wide range of cuisine, from traditional French dishes to local Caribbean specialties.

6. Shopping: The island is a duty-free port, making it a great place for shopping, particularly for luxury goods and high-end fashion.

7. Art Galleries: St. Barts has a thriving art community with numerous galleries showcasing both local and international artists.

8. Bring your passport, just in case  

or visit 

Anguilla, British West Indies

This mostly flat sea level island is unhurried and uncomplicated. Transportation to the island is available by ferry, speed boat or sailing boat from St Martin  Ferry about $72 US RT  11/1/2023. Looking for Golf, This will set you back a bit.  The Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club is located on the tranquil island of Anguilla With transfers and a round with lunch, it will easily be $500. Per person. 

Visitors to Anguilla are met by caring, friendly and welcoming Anguillians, and that are quick to embrace new friends.

Bring your passport just in case.

St Maartin

Saint Martin, also known as Sint Maarten. This is a great island in the Caribbean that is divided between two nations: the northern part belongs to the French Republic, known as Saint Martin, and the southern part is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, referred to as Sint Maarten. It is one of the world's smallest landmasses to be shared by two different countries.  

I’m on a final planning session for a group incentive in February at the beautiful and all inclusive Secrets-  plus on return to airport I’ll be able to check out the other all inclusive on the island - the  Sonesta Resort is minutes from the airport and is boasting all new swimming pools and other renovations.  It is great to know there are other #AllInclusives in the Carribean. Those different from Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. (All inclusives include; room, Breakfast, lunch, dinner, all soft drinks and water including liquor, wine and beer) 

The island is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a diverse range of cultural influences. Culinary is also exceptional throughout the island.  

Visitors can experience a blend of French and Dutch cultures, evident in the cuisine, architecture, and language spoken in each respective region.

Tourism is a major industry on the island, with a variety of activities, from water sports and beach relaxation to exploring the vibrant capital of Philipsburg on the Dutch side and Marigot on the French side. It's a popular destination for cruise ships and vacationers seeking a tropical paradise in the Caribbean.

For Saint Martin. Consider your next #incentiveTravel #smsincentives #GiveSummitACall 
#JoeKnows

New Family Seating Policy

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/united-airlines-family-seating/index.html

This article is welcome news. 

My question is with his new boarding procedure will the people in an aisle seat still have access to a bin for their luggage? 

The process of boarding an commercial aircraft can sometimes be challenging or frustrating due to several common issues- #United Airlines is trying something else/new - enjoy this just off the press.  (View story) 

1. Delays: Boarding delays can occur for various reasons, such as late-arriving aircraft, maintenance issues, or weather-related problems. Delays can be particularly frustrating for passengers, as they disrupt travel plans.

2. Overhead Bin Space: A common issue is the limited space in overhead bins. Passengers often struggle to find room for their carry-on luggage, leading to delays and conflicts during boarding.

3. Crowding: The process of boarding often involves large groups of passengers gathering in the boarding area, which can lead to crowding and make it difficult to maintain social distancing, especially in crowded airports.  Loading the aircraft first with Window seats and from the rear of the craft really might help. 

4. Boarding Zones: Some airlines use a boarding zone system to streamline the process, but this can create confusion when passengers don't follow instructions or if the boarding zones aren't clearly communicated.  Loading the aircraft with Window seats first and from the rear of the craft really might help. 

5. Pre-boarding: Pre-boarding for passengers with disabilities or young children is essential for accessibility but can sometimes cause delays if not executed efficiently.

6. Security Checks: Additional security checks or random screenings at the gate can slow down the boarding process.  Usually done in Europe and sometimes in Asia. 

7. Large Aircraft: On large planes, boarding can take a considerable amount of time due to the number of passengers. This often leads to congestion in the aisle and may cause passengers to be seated for an extended period before takeoff.

To address these issues, airlines are continuously working on improving their boarding processes. Some have implemented technology such as mobile boarding passes and self-boarding gates to expedite the process. I think that Loading the aircraft first with Window seats and from the rear of the craft really might help. 

Efforts to improve the boarding experience typically focus on efficiency, clear communication, and minimizing delays to enhance overall passenger satisfaction.

#joeKnows www.smsincentives.Com #45Years

European "VISA" System delayed until at least 2025

You may have heard that US Citizens were supposed to be required to obtain a “VISA” starting in 2024 before traveling to one of the 27 countries in the Schengen Zone, but it appears that delays in implementing the ETAIS system will now push that requirement to mid-2025. 

Technically, it wasn’t going to be a visa, but rather an electronic authorization required before entering the Eurozone.  

The European Travel Authorization and Authorization System was supposed to launch early next year, and would require all non-Schengen passport holders to register on a website before travel to Europe.  The cost is currently pegged at 7 Euros, and the authorization would last three years or until the expiration of the holder’s current passport. 

For more complete details, you may wish to view the Business Travel New story:  Click here for the link:     

https://www.businesstravelnewseurope.com/management/eu-s-etias-travel-system-set-for-further-delay?utm_source=northstar&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=northstar_travel_today&oly_enc_id=6122E4695190J6K

For those traveling to the UK, a similar plan is still scheduled to begin next year, although it will not immediately apply to US Citizens.   Check back here for further developments.

DINNER IN “THE DANGER ZONE!”

DINNER IN “THE DANGER ZONE!”

How do you top off a spectacular incentive at the Garden of the Gods Resort overlooking the majestic Garden of the Gods and Rocky Mountains?  

On our site inspection last year, a squadron of jets flew over our magical venue, the Gardon of the Gods Resort in beautiful Colorado Springs.   The property is strategically located near more than 20 awe-inspiring attractions including the US Air Force Academy.

As we toured the property, the idea started to develop – what if we could recreate the excitement of the “Top Gun” movies during the incentive?  “Negative on the fly-by, Maverick” reverberated from every direction, but we were determined to make it happen!   Our client, a financial services company, gave us the green light and our team was full throttle to explore this last night farewell theme party.

Fast forward to August 2023, our farewell dinner featured our own “Maverick” and piano playing “Goose” lookalikes – both decked out in full aviator garb and the requisite Ray Ban reflective sunglasses.  We took delivery of a very hard to find upright spinet piano and tuned it up for the sing-along with Goose.  

With majestic Pikes Peak as the backdrop, we complimented the final set up with Top Gun posters, runway lights, and 4 large LED screens set strategically around the room that played a continuous homemade 1,5 hour loop from both movies and, as well as the candid’s of the guests for the week.    Each table had its own 20-inch remote controlled F-16 Fighter Jet, (which was given away)  lit with unique LED disk-shaped lights, aviator glasses, dog tags, and patches reading “I feel the Need for Speed” and “I was Inverted.”  Fighter jet replicas were placed on the bars and at other points around the room.  You know you have a great event when the staff of the venue is taking photos and getting shots with the lookalikes.

Runway lights welcomed our guests as they arrived into the Danger Zone for an unusual surf and turf dinner created by the resort Chef Kelley McCann – The menu;  local braised beef and trout, capped off with an elaborate chocolate dessert that was truly over the top. 

Goose provided over 30 great sing-along songs which were printed on the back of the menu.  From the welcoming number of “Great Balls of Fire” to the “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” finale, our guests were thrilled to participate by singing these unforgettable hit songs.   A DJ filled in during the dining portion of the program, and our incentive “Top Guns” were called to the front for a finale that included individual recognition and sets of His and Her Ray-Ban aviators.    Photos with the famed stars and company President were an added plus.

We couldn’t have accomplished our mission without the assistance of the Garden of the Gods sales and logistics teams, Drew Warwick and Kornelia Karwat, who worked with us to tweak the event from setup to create an incredible evening.  Kudos to everyone at the hotel who helped pull off this truly unique event. Check out the photos of the event, staff servers and tear down crew. It was a great night.

We had a delightful stay at the Yacht club at Boca Raton Resort and Club this week….

I took note of all of the changes and whimsical upgrades since my last visit to this iconic destination.  I would like to commend a wonderful and professional staff and the management.  From the moment you arrive you are greeted with grace and excellence. This resort is perfect for the special getaway or high level professional corporate retreat.   I was celebrating my 40th anniversary and stayed at the Yacht club.  There are many options to include the Cloisters, Pink tower and Beach club rooms offering different settings, styles, views and pricing.  I was on the 6th floor and had a view of the yachts ( owner of the Arizona Ice Tea Company, and Copay, owned by a doctor) as well as the intercoastal waterway.  Breakfast dining on the  8th floor was fantastic and I can say that the front desk personal, pool attendants, shuttle drives, concierge,  and maître d and waiters were all extremely attentive and focused on each and every guest.   When was the last time your resort reminded you of your dinner reservation on text.  Please consider your next “special” trip to the Boca Resort.  Please feel free to reach out to me joe@summitmgt.com for assistance in the future or with your travel needs.

MEMORABLE MEETINGS ARE BACK - AND AFFORDABLE!

We all feel the effects of INFLATION, but with careful management, Summit can make your meetings both memorable AND affordable.

Excellent hotels can still be found for under $250.00/night in many popular domestic cities as well as around the world.    Athens, Orlando, Vienna, Phoenix, Tampa…these and many more can be yours at room rates comparable to our clients paid 15 years ago!

Imagine hosting your cocktail party and dinner overlooking the Acropolis in the center of Athens.

It’s even more incredible considering the cost can be under $100 per person including drinks!  

With the Euro at parity with the US dollar, international meetings can be more economical than they’ve been in years.   While we keep our eyes on the rebounding travel markets in major cities, we also know where to look for bargains.   Given enough time to source, we’re still finding four-star plus accommodations for our meeting clients at unbelievably favorable rates.

Of course, a meeting can’t be successful unless people actually attend.  Sometimes, guests need some prompting and encouragement to register.  It can be challenging to know if your guests are even aware they’ve been invited.

We’ve recently integrated DocuSign electronic delivery of meeting materials into our invitation package, which means we know with certainty whether an invited guest has opened and reviewed the email.  No more guesswork, and it just takes seconds to send reminder messages to your delegates.   For pharma meetings, we’ll also work with your CRO to enhance attendance – it’s all part of Summit’s turnkey “Go the extra mile” service. 

Try this fantastic new approach for your next meeting – you’ll be amazed at the results!

Summit Christmas 2021

Good news for Vaccinated US Travelers

U.S. travel restrictions taking effect next week will affect Americans returning home, too.   Fully vaccinated US Travelers returning from abroad will no longer require a PCR test for flights arriving back in the US after November 8, 2021. 

For unvaccinated US Citizens, a negative PCR Test will still be required before boarding a US-bound flight. 

The new rules, starting Nov. 8, are the biggest change to a regime that basically barred most international travelers from the U.S. from the beginning of the pandemic.

Masks are required in the airport and in-flight for all passengers. 

Foreigners arriving from abroad will generally need proof of full vaccination, a negative test in the prior 72 hours and contact tracing information.