December 2025 Newsletter

     

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Cabo & Mazatlan FAM Updates

(DETM December 2025 Newsletter)

Dear Dave,

It is always the highlight of my working time to take a dozen great agents to see some of the properties that I represent.  

Last month I had the pleasure of showing agents the Krystal Grand Los Cabos in San Jose del Cabo.  

I then took another group of agents to the El Cid properties in Mazatlan for a week-long FAM.

See what your colleagues are saying about these experiences, as I included some comments from our FAM agents on the properties as well as the destinations.

 

I hope you enjoy your holiday season with family and friends!

 

Sincerely,

 

Dave Emery

It was great to able to show a wonderful group of agents the Krystal Grand Los Cabos.  

I was able to work with my friend, Emily Spadafora (Sandos Finisterra) to let our FAM agents enjoy 2 properties and 2 brands on this FAM.

Here are some comments from some of our FAM agents on the Krystal Grand Los Cabos:

 

“From the moment you arrive at the lobby, you are filled with the sensation of luxury and class and then you are treated to the spectacular view of the beautifully designed gardens, walkways & pool area that extends to the stunning azure blue ocean.” Shane Owen, Square 1 Travel, Courtenay, BC

 

“I encourage you to budget for the Altitude club so you can have access to exclusive areas, better views, and top shelf alcohol to name a few.” Shera Scott, Go Travel Company, Calgary, AB

 

“I would also say that if they have clients that want a family friendly resort, the Krystal Grand caters to families.” Sheila Fantini, Fareconnect, Edmonton, AB

“(The) Krystal Grand Los Cabos is situated on a great stretch of beach and has good value for the package prices.” Sharlow Leonardo, Travel Best Bets, Vancouver, BC

 

“(The KGLC) Was a pleasant surprise with a exceptional beach for miles and crashing waves....”

Lesley Anne Houlder, Direct Travel, Edmonton, AB

 

“This hotel is definitely worth its 4* rating.” Aliie Saidaliieva, Maxima Travel, Vancouver, BC

 

“I love that you can spend the day enjoying the beach /resort then head into town to snoop around and get a feel of Mexico life in the town of San Jose.” Caroline Connelly, Marlin Travel, Grand Prairie, AB

“The views are unbeatable even from the pool! Clean and comfortable. Good value.” Jenne Brownlee, AMA Travel, Calgary, AB

 

“The ŕ la carte restaurants are a highlight, the food is very good, nicely presented, and the wait staff are consistently friendly.” Kelly Roberts, Flight Centre, Kelowna, BC

 

“My next impression was the pool areas, each offering a different design and atmosphere: the adult pool with the swim up bar and calmer music and the family pool with the infinity edge and great pool service.” Tara Hartmen, Hartman Vacations, Calgary, AB

 

“One is that if you want to have the best time, and have all of the available amenities, they should definitely book the Altitude pricing.” Kathy Robinson, Expedia Cruises, Coquitlam, BC

PROMOTION: Don’t forget that bookings at the KGLC (as well as the Krystal Puerto Vallarta, KGPV and Hacienda at Krystal Grand) are offering double KRYSTAL KASH for travel ending by 12/30/25). You can find full details HERE.

I’ve been reminding agents about the Thursday evening Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo for years.  

Last month, I was able to take our FAM agents and share that magical evening.

Find links to sign up for any of these online training sessions HERE. All online training will be only 30 minutes.  For "anytime watching", check out a links to our prerecorded sessions HERE.

 

EL CID RESORTS - MZT, CUN & COZ

Get a great overview of the 8 El Cid resorts on both coast of Mexico (Mazatlan, Riviera Maya & Cozumel), and learn which resorts would be perfect for your various clients. You will also be reminded of the El Cid Rewards program and any current agent promotions.

 

Dec 11, Thursday, 9 am PT, noon ET

 

Dec 11, Thursday, 10 am PT, 1 pm ET

 

PRIVATE WEBINARS:

To request a private online training session for you or your colleagues, please email Dave Emery dave@daemery.com.

* Upcoming Online Training (Webinars) - 12/11

* EL CID RESORTS - MAZATLAN ELITE Upgrade Promotion & FAM Update

* KRYSTAL GRAND LOS CABOS - FAM Update!

* DESTINATION UPDATE - San Jose del Cabo Art Walk

* DESTINATION UPDATE - Mazatlan

* PHOTO/TRIVIA CONTEST

* Quick Links

PROMOTION – We have extended the great promotion where agents booking the El Cid properties in Mazatlan, can get the upsell all-inclusive-Elite plan for the all-inclusive pricing. This is good for bookings through 1/4/26 (travel through 4/30/26) through both WestJet Vacations and Sunwing Vacations. Find the full details HERE.

EL CID MAZATLAN FAM - It was a pleasure to have our group of select agents enjoy the hospitality of the El Cid Resorts in Mazatlan. 

 

In a week-long FAM, we were able to enjoy all 4 properties as well as the El Cid Country Club spa & golf course.

 

In addition, El Cid included a round of golf for our agents who are golfers. Even though I’m not a golfer, I decided to join them, trying not to slow them down too much.

Here are some comments from our FAM agents on the El Cid properties in Mazatlan:

 

“It has been one of the best trips I have ever taken. My favorite location was the Marina Resort because of its marina views and beautiful style.” SHARI ROJAS, TRAVEL BEST BETS, BURNABY, BC

 

“I am going to start off with reminding all agents to register all their bookings with El Cid Agent Rewards!!!!! The (El Cid El Moro Beach) rooms are large!! Great for families.” SARAH REED, COUNTRY JUNCTION TRAVEL, WHITECOURT, AG

 

“(The El Cid Marina Beach) My favorite property for a couple who want more luxury. It will be my number one choice to sell in Mazatlan.” MAITTEN LARPIN-CHAUVY, WALNUT GROVE TRAVEL, LANGLEY, BC

“This property (The El Cid Granada) doesn't offer beachfront nor ocean view; however, it offer values for guests looking for quite, low-traffic, and lower price property with direct access to the Country Club including golf course, tennis courts, and spa.” CLAIRE MALIPHUNTE, AMA TRAVEL, CALGARY, AB

 

“Most rooms (at the El Cid El Moro Beach) offer spectacular views of sunrises and sunsets. (The El Cid) Golf packages are easy to sell.”  BANU GEORGE, EXPEIDA CRUISES, RICHMOND, BC

 

“El Cid properties completely won me over. The people are warm, and there’s so much to do. Every El Cid property offers something different, depending on what kind of trip you’re after — relaxation, fun, family time, or a quieter adults-only vibe.” SHARI MOLCHAN, IMAGINE CRUISE & TRAVEL, NANAIMO, BC

“El Cid Resorts are great places to vacation for all people. Golfers, families, pickle ball groups, weddings etc. (El Cid) Castilla Beach - rooms are spacious also with room categories to choose from.”   SUSANNE MIELKE, EXPEDIA CRUISES, REGINA, SK

 

“(El Cid Castilla Beach) Location of the restaurants and food was excellent at all of them.”

CELIA NISHIMURA, MARITIME TRAVEL, WHITE ROCK, BC

 

“(El Cid El Moro Beach) This property is one I’d recommend for families. I especially liked the beautiful Murphy bed option for parents — the kids can go to sleep in the bedroom while the parents stay up and enjoy their evening. La Concha Restaurant is a fantastic place to start the day. (El Cid Granada) The rooms look modern and clean. I would position this to clients as a quiet, calming place to stay.”  MATTHEW LINKLATER, FARECONNECT, WINNIPEG, MB

“Always upsell to (All Inclusive) Elite, good value for $. Affordable golf destination with decent courses and packages available.”  CHARLENE BARAN, TRAVEL ONLY, CHRISTOPHER LAKE, SK

 

“(El Cid Castilla Beach) Large bright rooms with pool view rooms where you are also able to see the ocean. Lounge that is open later with live music and karaoke… All of the ala carte restaurants are delicious, and the service is second to none. The properties are all unique in their own ways and have much to offer to clients and can accommodate their wants and needs.”  DARLENE DROBOTH, AMA TRAVEL, CALGARY, AB

 

“4 properties to choose from, each offering a different vacation or stay… Great food options. My #1 choice for any golfing clients from now on. (El Cid) El Moro Beach is for the people who want more space, more choices in their rooms. 1 bedroom apartments - Highly recommend for small groups – family, golf, girls trips etc. AMAZING VIEWS !!! Incredible range of food options from the buffet restaurant to the upscale a la cartes.” TARA HARTMAN, HARTMAN VACATIONS, CALGARY, AB

A big part of selling the 4 El Cid properties in Mazatlan, is knowing and selling the destination to clients. Some of the excursions that we participated in (thanks to El Cid and PronaTours) included:  turtle release at a turtle sanctuary, city tour, blue agave (tequilla) tour, zip lining, sunset at Observatory 1873, enjoying Machado Square after dark, Deer Island water excursion, golfing, the new Aquarium with the penguin experience and a baseball game (Go Venados!).

Here are some comments from our FAM agents about Mazatlan:

 

“I have fallen in love with Mazatlan all over again.” SHARI ROJAS, TRAVEL BEST BETS, BURNABY, BC

 

“Mazatlan is a beautiful place in Mexico! Pronatours has a wide variety of tours and there is something for everyone!”  SARAH REED, COUNTRY JUNCTION TRAVEL, WHITECOURT, AG

 

“If you have client looking for affordable vacation in Mexico, Mazatlan is one of the options that offers value and diverse activities to clients. Mazatlan is the city that you can feel authentic Mexican experience.”   CLAIRE MALIPHUNTE, AMA TRAVEL, CALGARY, AB

“Turtle sanctuary - you feel doing something good for the planet. Aquarium for the families is a great experience.”  MAITTEN LARPIN-CHAUVY, WALNUT GROVE TRAVEL, LANGLEY, BC

 

“Mazatlán is a seriously easy sell once you’ve seen what it offers…city tours, ziplining, golf, and the new aquarium is honestly world-class. Mazatlán is one of those destinations that sneaks up on you and then completely charms you.” SHARI MOLCHAN, IMAGINE CRUISE & TRAVEL, NANAIMO, BC

 

“Pronatours is excellent tour company and tell them the tours I have experienced.”  SUSANNE MIELKE, EXPEDIA CRUISES, REGINA, SK

“This destination has far more to offer than I expected. I’m big on environmental sustainability, and I’ll definitely recommend the turtle sanctuary, the aquarium, Deer Island, and the zipline experience.”  MATTHEW LINKLATER, FARECONNECT, WINNIPEG, MB

 

“Lots of things to do and see. There are “pulmonias” (that are) exclusive to Mazatlan.”  CHARLENE BARAN, TRAVEL ONLY, CHRISTOPHER LAKE, SK

 

“Our tour company Pronatours was incredible. I have already let all my co-workers know everything we did and what a fantastic Fam trip this was!! (I think they are tired of listening to me already!!).”  DARLENE DROBOTH, AMA TRAVEL, CALGARY, AB

 

“(Mazatlan) HIDDEN GEM. The people were very friendly, I felt safe on and off the property. The beaches were beautiful. Best body surfing I’ve enjoyed for years.” TARA HARTMAN, HARTMAN VACATIONS, CALGARY, AB

Sonia Machado

If something good happens, travel to celebrate. If something bad happens, travel to forget. If nothing happens, travel to make something happen."

 

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El Cid Resorts website

El Cid wedding website

El Cid honeymoon website

El Cid rewards website

El Cid Agent website

 

Krystal Resorts website

KRYSTAL KASH website

 

KRYSTAL KASH form

Earn a minimum of $25 in gift cards for each Krystal Grand or Krystal Resort booking with KRYSTAL KASH. Click HERE for the full details.

 

Remember that Double KRYSTAL KASH is being offered to Fall bookings at the Krystal Puerto Vallarta, KGPV, the Hacienda and the KGLC. Find the full details HERE.

The El Cid Rewards Program has been around for years and provides a generous amount of points that agents can redeem for gift cards or online shopping (Tim Horton's, movie, Apple products and MANY more.) Note that this program works for all 8 El Cid Resorts.
Note that bookings must be made through any Tour Operator such: Sunwing, WestJet, etc. Bookings made it through online companies such: Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com will not be applicable to El Cid Rewards points.
DETM is an acronym for David Emery Travel Marketing. We are a Vancouver-area based company providing quality travel industry representation in Canada since 2009.

What is your favourite thing to do on a FAM to Mexico?



CLICK HERE to enter your answer or send an email to dave@daemery.com.


WINNER FROM LAST MONTH - Congratulations to Jonelle Kreiser, GoTravel in Edmonton, AB, for winning last month's Photo/Trivia Contest and $25 CAD gift card.

If you are looking for the latest brochure, promotion, news article or training resource from most of our clients, we have created a webpage where you can easily find the latest information. CLICK HERE

PHOTOS ABOVE: Krystal Grand Los Cabos beach, Church in San Jose del Cabo, Thursday Art Walk



PHOTOS BELOW: Mazatlan sign, Observatory 1873 sunset, Mazatlan Venados baseball, Mazatlan view from the Lighthouse, Sunset from the El Moro

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This site was last updated 12/01/25