Exploring Corporate Incentive Destinations in 2025: Trends & Top Picks
Exploring Corporate Incentive Destinations in 2025: Trends & Top Picks. Corporate incentive have always been a strategic tool for boosting employee motivation and rewarding top performers. As we look towards 2025, the landscape of corporate incentive destinations is evolving to meet new expectations and preferences, blending business with unique experiences. Here’s a glimpse of the emerging trends and top destinations that are capturing the attention of business leaders and employees alike. 1. Blending Business with Wellness In recent years, there’s been a significant shift towards wellness-focused trips, and this trend is expected to dominate in 2025. Companies are increasingly seeking destinations that offer relaxation and rejuvenation, along with team-building activities and seminars. Popular spots include: – Bali, Indonesia: Known for its serene landscapes, endless beaches, and wellness retreats, Bali offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. – Costa Rica: Known for its lush rainforests and eco-resorts, Costa Rica is ideal for those seeking a connection with nature and opportunities for adventure sports. 2. Adventure and Sustainability Eco-consciousness and sustainability are becoming central to corporate planning. Companies are choosing locations that not only offer unique experiences but also align with global sustainability goals. – New Zealand: With its stunning natural landscapes, New Zealand provides eco-friendly adventure activities, such as hiking, bungee jumping, and skydiving, making it an exciting destination for thrill-seekers. – Iceland: Known for its breathtaking scenery, Iceland offers an array of outdoor activities, like glacier hiking and hot spring tours, ensuring an unforgettable experience while focusing on eco-friendly tourism. 3. Cultural Immersion Experiencing diverse cultures is another motivation for corporate travels. Organizations are opting to immerse their employees in rich cultural environments that foster creativity and open-mindedness. – Kyoto, Japan: A hub of traditional and modern culture, Kyoto provides historical tours and authentic culinary experiences that allow participants to appreciate the intricate tapestry of Japanese society. – Marrakech, Morocco: With its vibrant souks and stunning architecture, Marrakech offers cultural tours that engage and inspire employees, creating a unique narrative to their incentive journey. 4. Tech and Innovation Hubs For tech-savvy companies, visiting tech hubs and centers of innovation is a great way to inspire employees and spark creativity. – Silicon Valley, USA: A visit to this iconic tech hub provides an opportunity to learn from industry leaders, explore tech innovations, and network with startups. – Seoul, South Korea: As a rising global tech center, Seoul offers the chance to experience cutting-edge technology and gain insights from leading tech companies. In Conclusion The key to a successful corporate incentive trip in 2025 lies in crafting a unique, engaging, and meaningful experience. Whether it’s soaking in the cultural richness of historic cities or embracing the serenity of nature, the destinations selected reflect the goals of the company and the desires of its employees. As we move forward, the appreciation for personal growth, cultural understanding, and sustainable practice continues to shape these exciting and impactful travels.
Why Miami is the Perfect Destination for Your Next Corporate Event?
Why Miami is the Perfect Destination for Your Next Corporate Event? Organizing a corporate event in Miami, Florida, offers a unique opportunity to blend business with pleasure. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and picturesque settings, Miami is an ideal location for any corporate gathering. Here are some positive aspects that make Miami a standout choice: 1. Stunning Venues Miami offers an array of breathtaking venues that cater to any corporate event need, whether it’s a conference, seminar, or an elegant gala. From luxurious beachfront resorts to contemporary downtown hotels and unique art deco spaces, the city’s venues provide flexibility and style, ensuring your event’s ambiance is both impressive and memorable. 2. Excellent Weather Miami’s tropical climate is a huge advantage, offering sunshine and warmth year-round. Hosting an event in such pleasant weather allows for outdoor activities, cocktail receptions by the beach, or networking sessions by the pool, adding a refreshing twist to your event and ensuring attendees enjoy both the indoor and outdoor experience. 3. Cultural Diversity Known as a cultural melting pot, Miami’s rich blend of cultures enhances the event experience. The city’s diverse culinary scene provides an array of catering options, ranging from authentic Latin cuisine to international delicacies, ensuring your guests have a gastronomic experience to remember. This diversity also provides a backdrop for unique team-building activities and cultural explorations. 4. Accessibility Miami is easily accessible with one of the busiest and well-connected airports in the world, Miami International Airport (MIA). The city is equipped with comprehensive transportation options including public transit, rideshares, and shuttles, making it convenient for attendees from different parts of the world to travel and navigate during the event. 5. Networking Opportunities As a major hub for international business and commerce, Miami offers robust networking opportunities with professionals across various industries. Planning your corporate event in such a dynamic city provides a platform to connect with renowned business leaders, fostering relationships that could lead to beneficial partnerships. 6. Entertainment Options The entertainment options in Miami are endless. Attendees can enjoy the vibrant nightlife of South Beach, explore the artistic neighborhood of Wynwood, or unwind with oceanfront activities. These entertainment options offer a well-rounded experience, allowing attendees to relax and engage outside formal event hours, enhancing their overall experience. 7. Rich Cultural Experiences Hosting an event in Miami provides a chance to incorporate cultural experiences such as a visit to the Art Deco Historic District, Cuban cultural tours in Little Havana, or exploring the flourishing art scene. These experiences can enhance the attendees’ appreciation of Miami’s unique character and leave a lasting impression. Overall, Miami’s exciting blend of stunning venues, excellent weather, cultural richness, and diverse entertainment make it a prime choice for hosting your next corporate event. The city not only meets logistical needs but also offers an enriching experience that engages and delights every attendee. Whether it’s the views of Biscayne Bay or the buzz of Ocean Drive, Miami promises to turn your corporate event into an exceptional experience.
Yachting in Cuba with TOCA Trips
YACHTING IN CUBA ATTENTION YACHTING ENTHUSIASTS! Yachting in Cuba for leisure is a relatively new concept that is attracting the yachting community to the waters of the largest of the Caribbean islands. TOCA Trips has over 25 years experience creating cultural and humanitarian programs for clients interested in exploring Cuba’s unique gifts, and yachting in Cuba with TOCA Trips is one of the most enjoyable and exciting ways to get insights into the island’s ecological initiatives, culture, and history through yachting and sailing tours, private yacht services and more. Over the years, we have developed deep and loyal bonds with local contacts, not only in the marine industry for yachting in Cuba but also in the cultural, business, and opinion-making sectors. This allows us to offer you a perfectly tailored OFAC-compliant travel experience that unfolds an enriching view of this fascinating archipelago while you are yachting in Cuban waters. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean; with 2,000 nm of coastline; over 4000 islands; an intact ecosystem; and warm, steady winds. These ideal natural conditions plus the emerging luxury infrastructure make yachting in Cuba an ideal way to visit Cuba legally and get to know and embrace the Cuban people. In Havana, you will find the Hemingway International Yacht Club, the local organization that is spearheading non-governmental efforts to provide and create the ideal conditions for yachting in Cuba. Check out: Bossa Nova Sinfonico & TOCA: A Resounding Success in Havana! The Hemingway International Yacht Club links to over 40 other nautical clubs worldwide and holds fishing and diving tournaments as well as regularly scheduled meetings and year-round activities for its members. Only 90 miles from Florida’s Key West, Cuba is easy to reach by water or air, and well worth the trip to discover it’s vast and natural beauty. With TOCA Trips Your yachting in Cuba experience doesn’t just begin and end in the water. Our deep knowledge of Cuba’s culture and history, along with our long-established relationship with the island’s cultural and business professionals and institutional support, gives us a very special perspective when it comes to introducing our clients to Cuban life, past and present. In this regard, we will tailor a customized on and offshore itinerary that suits your individual wishes. Whether it is to explore the many diverse facets of Cuba’s history and overall culture, to organize a diving expedition to explore the health of the coral reefs and marine life, or to take you to a secluded beach to watch the turtles lay their eggs and protect the pristine ecosystem. TOCA Trips offers you a yachting in Cuba experience that will remain with you for a lifetime as you strengthen your family and professional bonds while yachting on Cuba’s waters. On land, our people-to-people itineraries invite you to come ashore to enjoy an even more personal and holistic relationship to island culture. A Corporate Incentive Program in Havana by TOCA: A PanAmerican Cultural Encounter! At TOCA Trips, we offer full-service travel expertise, including: Pre-trip consultation, Visas, Navigation permits, Navigation planning, Marina reservations, Dockage, Offshore anchorage. Additionally, we can easily arrange private flights, luxury yacht charters, hotel and restaurant reservations, bilingual guides and staff, contact with environmentalists or researchers, and our exclusive destination programing and concierge services, depending on your needs and desires. Our mission is to make yachting in Cuba as easy, interesting, exciting, and informative as possible. So come aboard and set your sights on being a part of the TOCA Trips yachting in Cuba experience as you learn about the joy and beauty of this one-of-a-kind island. Check us out at www.tocatrips.com
The Wonder of Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season
The Wonder of Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season If you have ever had the pleasure of being in Japan between late March and early May, you have undoubtedly experienced the wonder of cherry blossom season. Known as “sakura,” cherry blossoms bridge the gap between old and young, ancient and modern as the country finds itself blanketed in ephemeral beauty that ignites every spirit year after year. At this time, when the trees are festooned in delicate pink and white petals, it is easy to understand the awe and wonder that has inspired the best of Japanese poetry and paintings from as early as the eighth century on. Cherry blossom season is officially declared when at least five flowers bloom. With a blow by blow countdown, the subsequent cherry blossom forecast then chases each petal as trees advance in volume. From southern to northern Japan, this yearly event inspires “hanami,” the national pastime of looking at flowers. As they appear, each blooming tree becomes top news all over the country. Imagine newscasters announcing in tremulous tones the incipient appearance of a single cherry blossom heralding the season, which in itself is heartbreakingly short lived. And with each announcement, local populations inevitably scurry forth to witness the blooms as they emerge on streets around their neighborhoods. Imagine cities where people camp out on the streets, where picnics and timeless festivals are revived each season in celebration, and people have a chance to share their excitement during the one week when the cherry trees are in full bloom! As a symbol of the transient nature of life, as well as new beginnings, this blanket of pink is as much the inspiration for goodwill and artistic endeavor as it is for the onslaught of advertising. Watch how for a short yet powerful time, pink predominates as the product color of choice! Once the cherry trees reach full bloom, the next treat is what is known as “sakura snow.” As the blossoms mature, falling petals festoon the streets, softening the hard edges of metropolitan cities and crowning the nooks and crannies of smaller towns and villages. Imagine Tokyo’s Ueno park, filled with museums, shrines, and ponds, blanketed in a soft, romantic pink. It is truly breathtaking and so worth the trip to witness the drama and celebration of this magical season. At TOCA, we were privileged to witness sakura season, taking with us yet another indelible picture of a country that truly worships the exquisite. For us it is one of the inspirations that keep our hearts and souls attuned to aesthetic creation and the desire to bring beauty into all that we do. www.tocaevents.com www.tocatrips.com
Bossa Nova Sinfónico & TOCA Culture: Resounding Success in Havana
The sun had not risen on the morning of May 11th when Robson Coccaro, President of TOCA Culture, was already being interviewed by Univision Television Network at Miami International Airport about the upcoming performance of Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana. The interview session culminated with an impromptu rendition of Girl from Ipanema by vocalist Rose Max to the delight of the airport staff, the press and dozens of travelers who broke into applause. Bossa Nova Sinfónico is an ode to Brazilian music, an homage to the legendary Antonio Carlos Jobim, one of the 20th-century’s most admired composers. It features the classic Brazilian jazz quintet format in tandem with a symphonic orchestra. The glorious sounds of Jobim’s compositions come to life through the voice of Rose Max, accompanied by Ramatis Moraes (guitar), Mike Orta (piano), Carlomagno Araya (drums) and Jamie Ousley (bass), all under the direction of conductor Jeremy Fox. The project has been presented in Costa Rica and Mexico, was nominated for a Latin Grammy, and received the Brazilian Press Award for Album of the Year. Jeremy Fox conducts Cuba’s National Symphony Orchestra for Bossa Nova Sinfónico The cultural immersion of TOCA Culture’s entourage of artists and VIP sponsor guests began as soon as we arrived in Havana. The group seemed overwhelmed by the colors, textures, sounds, and architecture of the city, a grand old dame that has been given a second chance to shine. Our first stop was the classic Café del Oriente in San Francisco Square. It was a time to take in the city’s vibe and get ready for an unforgettable four-day musical journey. Havana, cradle of Cuban music and culture Bossa Nova Sinfónico was selected to perform at the Inaugural Gala of Cuba Disco 2016, Cuba’s premier music industry event, which was celebrating its 20th anniversary. As we approached the theater for our first rehearsal, TOCA’s staff had been prepped by our Cuban counterparts for a simple session without much expectation. But as the first chord made its way through the theater halls, everyone sensed that the concert would be a success. One of the most emotional moments came during the first rehearsal when both the orchestra and the quintet realized they were a perfect fit. Everything was fluid. Maestro Enrique Pérez Mesa, Director of Cuba’s National Symphony Orchestra—and the most gracious host—said, “the music of Cuba and Brazil—and their cultures in general—share the same roots: Yoruba African slaves and colonizers from the Iberian Peninsula.” These historical ties manifest themselves through parallel cultural landscapes that understand each other without speaking the same language. Rose Max and Bobby Carcasses, who was instrumental in presenting Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Cuba. It was most gratifying to observe as new relationships and friendships were born between the musicians, producers, event organizers, and staff in general. And our project lives on through the national broadcast on Cuban television of the concert, and will spread beyond the Island as TOCA Culture identifies global broadcast partners for the project. There could not be a better example of real People-to-People exchange. The concert was broadcast on Cuban National television on June 4th. Bossa Nova Sinfónico was presented to a full crowd at Teatro Nacional de Cuba in Havana. Between rehearsals, the group explored Havana’s neighborhoods, from the baroque palaces and squares of Old Havana to the dive bars in Centro Habana as well as the theaters and restaurants in posh Miramar. The Bossa Nova Sinfonicogroup met more musicians in the streets and were invited to play in some descargas with local bands. As a prelude to the main concert, part of the quintet (Rose, Ramatis, and Jamie) had the opportunity to present a concert at the Centro Hispanoamericano de la Cultura—a gorgeous neoclassical building along the Malecón— sharing the stage with the renowned vocal ensemble, Schola Cantorum Coralina. Under the direction of Dra. Alina Orraca, the ensemble performed a program of Cuban traditional classics with perfect pitch. Meanwhile, Rose Maxdelighted the audience with Brazilian standards preceded by a lovely children’s choir. A few tears were shed by some members of the public as children and adult choral members joined Rose on stage for a resounding finale. Rose Max and Ramatis share the stage with the renowned vocal ensemble, Schola Cantorum Coralina at Centro Hispanoamericano de Cultura. Front row from left to right: Mike Orta, Jamie Ousley, Jeremy Fox, Carlomagno Araya, Rose Max, and Ramatis Moraes. Rose Max, Carlomagno Araya (project founder), and Robson Coccaroparticipated in a press conference that drew almost 60 national and international media outlets. The trio charmed the press with their genuine words of gratitude and admiration for the Cuban musicians, people, and culture. When the day of the concert arrived, all the musicians were relaxed, as when one knows things will go well. Bossa Nova Sinfónico was the first half of the gala and Max’s renditions of Jobim‘s songs grabbed the audience from the first note. The Cuban audience is extremely knowledgeable of Brazilian music and at times sang along, even danced in the aisles to the melodies and rhythms emanating from the stage during the final selection. The performance was received by two standing ovations, interrupted only by an interpretation of Mas Que Nada which brought the house down in a palpable celebration of the best in popular music. The second half of the program was entrusted to the singer/songwriter Raúl Torres, author of classic pieces such as Candíl de Nieve, and Se Fue. The great Vania Borges, a sultry chanteuse with a velvety voice was his guest. And so Cuba Disco 2016 was inaugurated. Granma International said in its art column, “The excellence, beauty and quality of the work of Tom Jobim, performed by the Bossa Nova Sinfónico quintet together with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra, provided a high degree of distinction to the Inaugural Gala of the 20th CUBADISCO International Festival”. ACN (Agencia Cubana de Noticias) echoed Rose Max’s feelings about her stay in Cuba. “Being in Cuba is a great dream”, said the vocalist, “as a child I always heard about the quality of Cuban musicians, and as soon as we started rehearsing we were captivated by the warmth and talent of
TOCA Culture Presents Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana, Cuba
TOCA Culture presents Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana Cuba MIAMI, USA (March 24, 2016) — The Miami-based cultural institution, TOCA Culture, will present Bossa Nova Sinfónico in Havana, Cuba on May 15th, as the opening concert for the 2016 Cuba Disco Festival. In a historic move, Cuba’s National Symphonic Orchestra will share the stage with U.S. artists based in Miami. This momentous occasion coincides with the Festival’s 20th anniversary. The orchestra, guest musicians, and the Cuban fans of Brazilian music are looking forward to this award-winning program that celebrates ever increasing cultural dialogue between Cuba, Brazil and the U.S. The collaborative performance will be led by the Symphonic Orchestra’s Maestro Enrique Perez Mesa. Bossa Nova Sinfónico is a project founded with the purpose of sustaining Antonio Carlos Jobim’s body of work and legacy among music lovers everywhere. Jobim was the most pivotal figure in Brazilian popular music over the last century. His music has permeated cultures around the world. Jobim’s compositions coupled with the symphony orchestra format and the traditional Brazilian Jazz quintet gives this project its unique appeal. The quintet is formed by singer Rose Max, guitar player Ramatis Moraes, bassist Jamie Ousley, pianist Michael Orta and drummer Carlomagno Araya. Conductor Jeremy Fox, from the original concert in Costa Rica, will be part of the encounter, working together with maestro Perez Mesa. In its first year, this project was performed in Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Its premier in Costa Rica along with the National Symphony Orchestra (March 2013) resulted in the release of a live recording. The CD “Bossa Nova Sinfónico Recordando a Antonio Carlos Jobim” garnered a Latin Grammy nomination, as well as winning “Best CD of the Year” at the 2014 Brazilian Press Awards. “The music of Jobim is universal, and provides the ideal framework to present our PanAmerican musical encounter,” states TOCA Culture director Robson Coccaro. “We are at such a transformative moment in U.S.-Cuban relations, and we are thrilled to be collaborating creatively with Maestro Pérez and Cuba’s National Symphony Orchestra. Much like Jobim’s subtle use of rich harmonies in his music, our hope is that this performance will encourage harmony and further stimulate the cultural dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba”. ABOUT TOCA CULTURE TOCA Culture is a not-for-profit cultural organization that promotes the visual and performing arts through cultural exchange and performative encounters throughout the Americas, with particular focus on Brazil-USA-Cuba interface. We support established as well as emerging artists, and produce live and virtual events to showcase their works and introduce their offerings to a global audience. Bossa Nova Sinfónico is scheduled to be presented at the Cuba Disco Music Festival in Havana, Cuba under the direction of Maestro Enrique Pérez Mesa with the National Symphony Orchestra. This showcase of Brazilian Bossa Nova, performed by Brazilian artists based in the US and Cuban musicians from the national orchestra, embodies the cross-cultural focus of TOCA Culture. www.tocaculture.org
Cienfuegos: Cuba’s Hidden Gem
Perhaps many of our readers have never heard of the city of Cienfuegos in Central Cuba, but it is time to take notice of this beautiful enclave by the sea! The Pearl of the South—as locals affectionally call it—sits by a vast bay and harbor that are ideal for sailing and water sports. Cienfuegos is poised to become one of the main tourist destinations in Cuba forecasting the onslaught of cruise activity that will descend upon the island in the coming years, which could more than triple the number of travelers visiting this beautiful island nation. With that idea in mind, the local government has embarked in a comprehensive tourist expansion plan that should be completed by the year 2030. The ambitious project will revamp the city’s infrastructure to welcome more tourists. The city’s location in the center of the island–and the presence of an international airport–make Cienfuegos the ideal starting place for visiting some of the country’s most beautiful sites. These include the nearby town of Trinidad, founded on 1514 and preserved to retain its Spanish Colonial essence, as well as the Valle de los Ingenios, one of the most important sugar production hubs since the 18th century—both declared UNESCO Heritage Sites. From Cienfuegos, we can visit the Ciénaga de Zapata, the island’s largest swamp and an example of Cuba’s efforts to maintain one of the most pristine ecosystems in the Caribbean. The mountains of the Escambray emerge from the North side of the city and rise to 3,000 feet above sea level. There are multiple caves, rivers, waterfalls, grottos, canyons, natural pools with crystal clear water, and mountains teeming with mariposa—Cuba’s national flower—announcing their presence with a soft and unique fragrance from June to early September. For those looking for the Fountain of Youth, we recommend a visit to the thermal baths at Ciego Montero, Cuba’s most popular spa. The Escambray is home to more that 40 species of orchids and giant, seven-foot ferns endemic to the island. Bird watching, hiking and taking advantage of the lush forests and fresh air are perhaps the main amenities in the Central Cuban Mountains. TOCA Events prides itself in finding unknown destinations for our clients. We take you places where culture and history take priority over more mundane activities. More than exotic, Cienfuegos is a real place, where the locals welcome foreigners with a warm embrace that lasts during the entire trip. Proud of their heritage and magnificent architecture, Cienfuegueros are soulful, lively and musical. And they have plenty of reasons to be proud. The city of about 150,000 inhabitants was founded 1819 by French immigrants from Bordeaux and Louisiana led by Don Louis de Clouet who settled the land known as Fernandina de Jagua on behalf of the Spanish king Ferdinand VII. The name of the settlement was changed in 1880 in honor of the island’s Governor Don José Cienfuegos. The city is considered young by Cuban standards since the main villas on the island were founded in the 16th and 17th centuries. Cienfuegos is very different from other Cuban cities and has a distinct look and feel while retaining many impressive landmarks, including stunning palaces, quaint squares and beautiful theaters. The city has kept its Gaelic heritage with a modern layout and eclectic architecture. We start our periplus visiting some of the city’s most emblematic sites. The bay is lined with a scenic promenade (Malecón) where locals and visitors stroll peacefully at dusk taking in the Caribbean breeze and the glorious, melancholic sunsets. Cienfuegos also boasts the island’s longest tree-lined boulevard. Known as El Paseo del Prado, this strip is the city’s most popular artery and the meeting place for locals who come out everyday to enjoy the shade, socialize and keep their culture alive. Paseo del Prado covers the western part of the city and leads to Punta Gorda, home to some of the most beautiful houses in town, including the iconic Palacio del Valle. The 1913 building—a symbol of the city—displays a series of architectural elements reminiscent of Spanish Moorish art. The builders sought inspiration in myriad styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Mudejar, a cacophony of influences that resulted in a gorgeous and balanced palace. Although a small city, we encourage you to take a few days to discover and enjoy its parks, plazas, and monuments where you become immersed in a generous display of neoclassical, art nouveau and art deco imagery. The great weather year-round will help and inspire you to walk the lovely streets of the Historic Center, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the impressive José Martí Park, one of the most beautiful and well preserved in Cuba; the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with its asymmetric towers, and the dome of the Government Palace. Also nearby is the historic 19th-century Terry Theater, a revered institution within the Cuban art scene. Towering over te entrance to the bay is Jagua Castle, Cienfuegos’ oldest fortress, built in 1745 to protect the city from corsairs and pirates. One shouldn’t leave Cienfuegos without visiting the Marina and Nautical Club, a stately building by the bay offering sunset cruises, catamaran outings, and access to the best diving in this part of Cuba. Also worth visiting, the vast Botanical Gardens founded in 1901 under the name “Harvard Botanical Station for Tropical Research and Sugar Cane Investigation”. Today, the garden boasts a large collection of exotic plants including endemic orchids, palms, ficus, bamboo and species from other latitudes. Cienfuegos is a gift from the gods. It continues to draw inspiration from its French origins while staying modern and relevant, beautiful and promising. The sea frames the city with a warm embrace and the blue waters that surround it are a true privilege. Cienfuegos is a cultural cluster located between the sea and the mountains. TOCA Events, under its division TOCA Trips, offers curated, personalized trips to Cienfuegos and other Cuban destinations where we share our experiences and knowledge with sophisticated travels looking for exposure to something they may not have experienced before. You
Havana’s International Jazz Festival and TOCA Culture
Picture a crowded basement. The lights are dim, the air thick with smoke and anticipation. A late night set is well into its umpteenth hour as local and international jazz greats make their way to the stage, adding their particular stamp to the continued improvisation. It could be twenty years ago, or it could be the present, but there is no doubt that this is Havana, Cuba on a night not to be missed. In Cuba you have music for breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, and snacks. Its in the clubs, its on the curbs. And when it comes to jazz, it inhabits the late night into the morning, penetrating your very cells down to the marrow of your bones. This is the Cuba we at TOCA love and its the Havana that stands everyone on their heads during the annual Havana International Jazz Festival. In December 2015 from December 13 to the 21st, the Havana International Jazz Festival once again will be magnetizing jazz lovers from all over the world. For nine days and eight nights, attendees will be privy to some of the most astonishing musical talent at venues around the city including concerts at the Mella, Nacional, and Amadeo Roldan theatres and throughout the city’s many, many clubs. Hang out on any one of these nights at the Jazz Cafe or La Zorra y el Cuervo and you’re sure to see your favorite jazz luminaries adding their heat to the fire. The Havana International Jazz Festival was born in 1978 as the Jazz Plaza Festival when Cuban jazz showman Bobby Carcasses and a host of other exceptional Cuban musicians presented the first jazz concert in the Casa de la Cultura de Plaza. The following year featured keyboard great and five-time Grammy winner, Chucho Valdes, who became the director of the festival in 1996. As one of the most thrilling events for jazz lovers, the festival combines the allure of Cuba itself with some of the greatest icons of jazz music. In the past, the festival has featured artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tete Montoliu, Charlie Haden, Max Roach, Roy Hargrove, Steve Coleman, Carmen McRae, Leon Thomas, Airto Moreira, Tania Maria, Dave Velentin, Ivan Lins, and Michael Legrand. This year will be no different, with local and internationally acclaimed musicians coming in from everywhere to add their talent to the stunning and innovative scene that thrives in Havana. Never shirking our responsibility to share the fun, TOCA Culture will be there to provide people-to-people educational exchanges, combining encounters with Old Havana, Ciefuegos, and other UNESCO treasures with the excitement of the festival’s abundant musical offerings. With a mission to offer an intimate view of Cuban culture, we are looking forward to a total immersion into Havana’s musical pulse, from Afro-Cuban to Bossa Nova, improvisational, and free jazz… and everything in-between, above, and beyond! For more information on TOCA Culture and the Havana International Jazz Festival, contact us today at: www.tocaevents.com www.tocaculture.org www.tocatrips.com
Dining Out of Our Comfort Zone
Dining out of our comfort zone often occurs when we’re traveling to places where we are unfamiliar with the language. Trying out foods and flavors on a hunch or recommendation is one of the best ways to discover the nuances of a culture, as well as to test our sense of gustatory adventure. At TOCA Events, we relish these moments in travel where we can give unidentifiable ingredients the chance to expand our palate. In this spirit we would like to offer you a few examples of exotic foods that we’ve tried and loved. The following all began as mysteries and ended up on our list of favorite foods of the world We only had to hear our Japanese friends from Osaka say the word, “okonomiyaki” to have our curiosity aroused. A sizzling omelette was made with spring onions mixed into the batter and then filled with cabbage, eggs, mixed vegetables and a choice of meat or seafood. Cooked in a stock made with dried kelp and flaked bonito, this dish, which is often called ‘Osakan soul food,’ is served with several different sauces that create a tantalizing combination of sweet and salty. One of our favorite dishes in Greece is “melizanosalata,” which is a tangy dip made with roasted eggplant and red peppers, garlic, and fish eggs. Spread on bread or placed on a baked potato, add lemon and olive oil and this Mediterranean delicacy is a wonderful appetizer, especially coupled with a good red wine. If you are planning to travel to Istanbul, you will find an extremely diverse cuisine there, which makes it very exciting to eat out. We love to eat “künefe,” which is a traditional pastry made with unsalted cheese placed in between very thin layers of dough. Soaked in a sweet syrup, it is served warm so that the cheese melts, creating a soft interior inside a perfectly baked crust. Topped with pistachio nuts, the combination of cheese and sugar is euphoric . Poland is famous for its meat and poultry dishes, with the most well known being sausages and dumplings called “perogi.” One of our favorite Polish dishes is “golabki,” which is a white cabbage roll filled with minced pork, onion, mushrooms, and rice. You can have golabki stuffed with mutton or chicken or even vegetarian style. Ghana is a place where you can find some of the most unique street food. Try “red red, ” which is a dish made of red beans cooked in a curry sauce with fish or prawns. Spicy and savory, it is the perfect way to fill a hungry belly! One of South Africa’s staples is “chakalaka.” This dish is made with grated carrots, cabbage, baked beans, chillies, garlic, and a hot curry powder. Covered in a gravy that includes chopped onions and tomatoes., you will almost always find chakalaka at barbecues and at many other types of South African meals. There are many more exotic dishes on our list, and we heartily advise you to create your own. For sure you can find many delicious meals from foreign lands not far from home as our world becomes more diverse and international. www.tocaevents.com
A Few Thoughts on Travel
As most of our readers already know, we at TOCA are full-blown travelers. We are so aware of how the farther we get from home, the greater perspective we gain on who we are and how we handle life. Travel helps to shake us up… breaking up assumptions, and finding commonalities in cultures while embracing differences. Travel is a great barometer for discovering where we are challenged and where we feel comfortable. It pushes the envelope. Through travel you can learn a lot about yourself that you otherwise wouldn’t notice if you stayed at home. You might discover that you are confident where you thought you were shy, or the other way around. You might notice how open you really are (or how closed), how willing you are to take a leap of faith, how spontaneous you are in the face of the unexpected, or how reluctant you are to take a step towards the unknown. Travel is one of the best ways to expand and evolve yourself while taking the time to explore new cultures, attitudes, beliefs, and customs. Traveling to parts of the world where what we expect is not the norm is a way to expand our view as we learn not to take things for granted. Poorer countries that do not offer the amenities and comforts we may be accustomed to allow us to see how riches come in other forms, such as generosity and soul, and of course in nature’s beauty. Finding ways to appreciate what “is” rather than being dissapointed in not finding, for example, the local McDonalds or a luxury hotel, helps us gain perspective as it tests where we are rigid and where we are able to flow. We believe that one of the biggest commitments you can make to yourself is to not stay glued to your comfort zone. By taking yourself out of your daily routine every now and then you have the opportunity to re-charge your battery as you place yourself in settings that are out of the norm. At TOCA we recognize that breaking the routine is the best way to keep life sparkling and fresh. And then there is the return home where more often than not, we find more value in what we have. Somehow after travel, things that caused us to worry before we took off for points unknown seem less overwhelming. Travel truly puts life into a fresh context. When you don’t know what is around the next corner, when you push your comfort level by trying new things, when you realize you don’t have to speak the language to communicate, when you find that you have the skills to deal with the unknown, there is an enormous sense of achievement that takes root and stays with you always. It is this value that has helped each one of us become more self-realized, better at who we are and what we do, and always grateful when the time comes to pack our bags and ready the passport! www.tocaevents.com