DRECHSLER COMMUNICATIONS AND FORMULA ANNOUNCE RESORT INDUSTRY PR/MARKETING STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Drechsler Communications and Formula unveiled a strategic alliance to offer a full range of communications services to the timeshare/vacation ownership and shared-ownership resort industry. Drechsler Communications was formed by timeshare industry veteran Sharon B. Drechsler, RRP* located in Scottsdale and Los Angeles. Formula is an award-winning, national public relations agency with offices in New York, San Diego and Los Angeles.
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WYNDHAM VACATION OWNERSHIP CELEBRATES ITS WORLDMARK BY WYNDHAM BRAND ECLIPSING THE 250,000 OWNER MARK
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN) today announced that its WorldMark by Wyndham consumer brand has surpassed the quarter-million owner mark. WorldMark by Wyndham markets and sells a credits-based vacation ownership program, WorldMark, The Club, which enables members to redeem their credits in the WorldMark network of resorts.
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aloft Brings the New Twist in Travel around the Globe
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Starwood Hotels’ New Lifestyle Brand Announces 50 Development Projects
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.(R) (NYSE:HOT) and its much-anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloft(sm) hotels, are proud to announce that aloft has reached a major milestone - its 50th development project.
After launching the aloft brand in 2005, Starwood began accepting the first aloft development applications in January 2006. Since its launch, response to the aloft concept has been overwhelmingly positive. As a result of a deal signed with an affiliate of LaPour, Inc. last week for the aloft Las Vegas property, the brand has now finalized over 50 projects with more than 30 developers to build aloft hotels around the world. With over twenty groundbreakings expected in 2007 alone, aloft is well on its way to a goal of opening 500 properties by 2012.
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Wyndham Vacation Ownership Expands Presence in Colorado Springs And Opens Third WorldMark By Wyndham Sales Center in Colorado
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of Wyndham Worldwide’s family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced it has opened a new 9,181 square foot sales center in Colorado Springs, Colo., that will showcase the company’s products and portfolio under its WorldMark by Wyndham brand.
As the third off-site sales center in Colorado, this location will promote the benefits of vacation ownership and WorldMark’s more than 60 resort properties throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico to area residents, visitors and consumers within a short driving distance of Colorado Springs. The center is located at 3255 Cinema Point, Colorado Springs, Colo.
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Vacation Club & RV Club Membership Financing
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Innovative vacation club and RV/campground receivable financing option for small to mid-size developers who hold as little as $250,000 in loans. A fresh look at the criteria behind receivable financing was created by Vacation Finance, America’s First Second-Home Lender, by introducing loan options that look at the whole picture. Many membership/club finance companies require a seller to warehouse millions of dollars worth of notes before a facility or note sale can be completed, Vacation Finance wants to be your partner much earlier in the process.
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INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL AND RESORTS AFFILIATED WITH ITS EXCHANGE NETWORK SUPPORT CTO EDUCATION FOUNDATION
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Interval International and resorts affiliated with its exchange network continued their financial support of education in the Caribbean with a $15,000 donation to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Education Foundation. The check was presented by David Callaghan, vice president of resort sales and service for Interval International, to the Hon. Allen Chastanet, CTO chairman, and Jacqueline Johnson, CTC, chairman of the CTO Foundation, during the recent Caribbean Week in New York City.
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aloft Brings the New Twist in Travel to Texas
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Seven aloft Locations to Break Ground in Texas
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and its much-anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloft hotels, announced today it has signed deals with four development companies to open seven aloft hotels in the state of Texas. Developers involved with the aloft projects include the following: HAC Partners, Summit Hotel Properties, Santa Fe IV Hotel and 5434 Westheimer.
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WAYPORT NAMES PETER FELDMAN AS VICE PRESIDENT, ENGINEERING
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Former Nomadix VP to Join Wayport’s Executive Team
Wayport, Inc., an international leader in the design and integration of applications and software over wired and wireless carrier grade networks, announced today that Peter Feldman has joined the executive management team of Wayport as vice president of engineering.
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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Moves Forward to Eliminate Artificial Trans-Fats from More Than 400 Hotels in North America
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announced today its goal to eliminate all artificial trans-fats from the food and beverage operations at more than 400 hotels in the U. S., Canada and the Caribbean by the end of 2007. This includes food served at Starwood-operated restaurants, banquets, catering, room service, bars and lounges. Starwood’s efforts to eliminate artificial trans-fats in its food service is a result of a two-year process at its hotels in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, including Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Le Meridien, and W brands.
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WYNDHAM BRAND ENTERS U.K MARKET WITH REFLAGGING OF LONDON’S CONRAD HOTEL
June 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Wyndham Hotel Group today announced that the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand will be introduced to the United Kingdom with the conversion of The Conrad® London, the five-star, all-suite hotel of Hilton Hotels Corporation, to The Wyndham® London–Chelsea Harbour.
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5G Wireless Signs Wireless Services Agreement With Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc.
June 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Wi-Fi Hardware Manufacturer and Services Provider 5G Wireless Will Provide High-Speed Wireless Internet Access to Multi-Property Resort Company 5G Wireless
5G Wireless (OTCBB: FGWI) announced today the signing of an agreement encompassing several contracts to provide wireless Internet services to resorts that are managed and operated by Grand Pacific Resorts, Inc., the oldest and largest vacation ownership company in California.
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No Passport, No Problem - Starwood Hotels Celebrates Relaxed Passport Rules with Great Deals in Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico
June 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The new passport restrictions have relaxed, so you can too. To celebrate this summer’s suspension of passport requirements to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) is offering great deals at many of its hotels and resorts in these destinations. Under the new rules, U.S. citizens will be able to travel without passports to these destinations through September 30, 2007, providing they show a receipt verifying they have applied for a passport.
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INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL’S INFO-EXCHANGE SEMINAR BRINGS INDUSTRY LEADERS TOGETHER WITH RESORT PROFESSIONALS
June 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services and an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq:IACI), hosted several of the vacation ownership industry’s prominent leaders at its Info-Exchange Seminar held recently at La Quinta Resort & Club in Palm Springs, California. More than 125 resort professionals from the U.S., Canada and Mexico heard the latest about Interval and the industry from Craig M. Nash, chairman and chief executive officer of Interval International; Howard Nusbaum, president and chief executive officer of the American Resort Development Association; and Peter C. Yesawich, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell.
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WHEN “TIME SHARED” IS MONEY FOR CHILDREN Aussies join global children’s charity fundraising golf tournament to raise $60,000
June 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Swinging a golf club, having lots of fun, and winning great prizes seems an unlikely way to raise money for children’s charities. But the Australian timeshare community heavyweights swung into action again this year as a part of a worldwide effort by timeshare industries to support the Christel House Open global golf fundraising day.
This incredible fundraiser sees golfing tournaments being held on the same day across six continents, spanning more than two dozen golf courses, in nine countries, across 22 time zones, with the Gold Coast event was the Australian time share industry’s contribution to the global effort.
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South Carolina Timeshare Industry Contributed $2.2 Billion in 2005 to Statewide Economy, According to AIF Study by PricewaterhouseCoopers
June 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Study reveals 17% increase in economic impact over three-year period as 1.6 million timeshare visitors vacationed in South Carolina in 2005
The South Carolina timeshare industry supported an estimated $2.2 billion of statewide economic output in 2005, according to a study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and released today by the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), the research and educational arm of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). The study was conducted for AIF to analyze the impact of timeshare developers and owners and their value to South Carolina’s economy. Read more
BONAIRE ANNOUNCES ISLAND IMPROVEMENTS & UPGRADES
June 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
From hotel news to new airline service, there is always something exciting happening on the Dutch Caribbean Island of Bonaire. Here is some of the latest news from the Island:
STINAPA Launches New Website
On May 24th, 2007, STINAPA Bonaire launched its new web site www.stinapa.org. STINAPA is the entity responsible for the management of Bonaire’s national parks, which encompass the Bonaire National Marine Park and the Washington-Slagbaai National Park.
The new site offers information about the Foundation, its history, the Board of Directors, personnel and volunteer group. The site also offers information about the Nature Fee, which is collected from users of the parks and how the Foundation uses this income to manage the parks. Additionally on each park, ample information is given on the history, flora and fauna, monitoring and research, activities one can engage in and the rules and regulations. There are downloads, brochures and maps (including a dive map) available, as well as a virtual tour. Information about the Visitors Center at Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Lac and Klein Bonaire is also included.
New Recompression Chamber for Bonaire
In April, the Fundashon pa Desaroyo Ekonomiko (Foundation for Economic Development) along with Minister Burney el Hage (Minister of Economics and Labor) announced their approval of funding for a new recompression chamber for the island. A dedicated foundation focused on the installation of the new chamber has been initiated and brought to the attention of other stakeholders.
A recompression chamber is essential for a destination such as Bonaire, which is dependent to a large degree on tourism, and dive tourism specifically. Additionally, the recompression chamber can be used to treat other diseases, such as complications due to diabetes and wound treatment. Although the chamber that the island has used for many years is still functioning, it is time to replace it while it is still in good working order.
Together with the funding from Foundation for Economic Development, the foundation is also allocating financial resources to this cause. Support is still needed to complete this project. For more information, contact Mr. Henk Schrijver, the treasurer, at h.schrijver@bonairelive.com
Downtown Kralendijk Becomes a WiFi Hot Spot
TELBO, N.V., the telecommunication company of the island, launched Wi-Fi Internet service in downtown Kralendijk in May 2007. The service is especially convenient for tourists, as there are more than 15 hotspots from where Internet signals can be received on a laptop. This is just the beginning phase of launching Wi-Fi signals on-island; soon it will be possible to browse the net almost anywhere on the island. Prices to use the Wi-Fi service start at NAƒ5 for one hour of internet use and NAƒ50 for 15 hours of internet.
Bonaire to be Caribbean’s First Self-Supporting Island with Sustainable Energy
EcoPower Bonaire BV has signed a contract with the Water and Energy Company of Bonaire (WEB Bonaire NV) to build a new wind turbine park. This is the first step in a wind/bio-diesel project that will provide the whole island with electricity by the end of 2008. It will drive energy prices down while at the same time reducing Bonaire’s dependence on the fluctuating oil prices. The main objective of the first phase of the project is to gain experience with wind energy on Bonaire and to reduce short-term electricity costs. The final system design will rely on 40% of the total power requirement coming from wind. The remainder will be supplied with fuel oil, in the form of bio-diesel. By 2010, Bonaire will get all of its electrical energy from natural, renewable sources.
Bonaire WebCams Family Grows
A new Bonaire ReefCam™ has been installed in a protected area under the pier at Bonaire’s Eden Beach Resort in about 5 feet of water, while the original ReefCam has been remounted and upgraded to now show views across the hull of the Bakanal, a sunken yacht located at a depth of approximately 60 feet. Additionally, a new Bonaire WebCam has been installed at Dive Friends Bonaire and features a view of their dock and the anchorage ocean-side promenade fronting their Kralendijk facility. The three land-based Bonaire WebCams located at the Eden Beach Resort have also been upgraded and re-cabled to provide long term use and viewing pleasure, joining three other land-based WebCams on Bonaire: the DonkeyCam, the WindsurfCam, and the DowntownCam. The WebCams can be viewed any time at www.BonaireWebCams.com
Captain Don Celebrates 45th Anniversary on Bonaire
On Monday, May 21, 2007, Captain Don Stewart celebrated his 45th anniversary of his arrival to Bonaire. Captain Don Stewart, Bonaire’s pioneer of marine conservation, was presented with a Diamond Ambassador Award from Tourism Corporation Bonaire to recognize his arrival on Bonaire 45 years ago and in thanks for pioneering Bonaire’s tourism development, at the Monday Manager’s Party at Captain Don’s Habitat.
In 1962, Captain Don was sailing from Curacao with the intention of reaching Antigua. With only 63 cents and the papers for his boat in his pocket, Captain Don and First Mate Percy Sweetnam (from Aruba) arrived in Bonaire at 2:30 p.m. Shortly after his arrival, Captain Don played a pivotal role in developing Bonaire’s tourism industry and developing Bonaire’s marine parks in order to preserve the health and beauty of Bonaire’s reef. For more information, interviews and photos of Captain Don, please contact Sarah Biggerstaff at sarah@adams-pr.com
Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most thriving fish population in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers, explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activities including world renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, landsailing, mountain biking, sea and mangrove kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking, bird watching, sailing and deep sea and bone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns, Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.
The U.S. State Department and the Department Homeland Security now requires all U.S. citizens and foreign nationals to carry a passport or other accepted secure documents to enter or re-enter the U.S. from vacations or business travel (by air or sea) anywhere in the Caribbean, including Bonaire.
For more information on Bonaire, contact the Tourism Corporation Bonaire in the U.S. at 1-800-BONAIRE.
California Timeshare Industry Contributed $2.8 Billion in 2005 to Statewide Economy, According to AIF Study by PricewaterhouseCoopers
June 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Study reveals 25.4% increase in economic impact over three-year period as 1.5 million timeshare visitors vacationed in California in 2005
The California timeshare industry contributed $2.8 billion to the statewide economy in 2005, according to a study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and released today by the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), the research and educational arm of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). The study was conducted for AIF to analyze the impact of timeshare developers and owners and their value to California’s economy.
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GOLFPAC TO GIVE AWAY $1,000 GOLF TRAVEL GIFT CERTIFICATE
June 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
During the month of June, Golfpac Travel is holding a sweepstakes on its web site where one lucky winner will receive a $1,000 golf travel gift certificate to the destination of his choice.
The certificate can be redeemed on any new reservation to one of Golfpac’s great golf destinations including Arizona, California, Florida, Las Vegas, and South Carolina. The winner may even use the certificate on travel to one of our great Golfpac International destinations where golf is an experience unlike any other, complete with the greatest golf courses in the world, historic sites, vintage pubs, and charming hotels throughout Scotland, Ireland, England, Spain & Portugal.
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WYNDHAM BRINGS SPA EXPERIENCE TO GUEST ROOMS WITH BATH & BODY WORKS TRUE BLUE SPA COLLECTION
June 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Guests at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts now can pamper, lather, refresh, smooth and soothe their bodies—all without leaving their guest room.
All Wyndham Hotels and Resorts are upgrading their bath care products with the Bath & Body Works® True Blue® Spa line offering guests professional spa-quality products designed for a fun and easy “spa-on-the-go” experience.
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Shell Vacations’ Hawaii Region Names Top Sales Performers Winners Inducted Into Million-Dollar Club
June 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Robert Foster RRP, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Shell Vacations-Hawaii, recently announced the names of the top five sales producers for the Hawaii region at gala celebrations on Kauai, The Big Island and Waikiki.
The top five performers each sold between one million and one and a half million dollars in Shell Vacations Club (SVC) timeshare points during 2006. In addition to sales commissions received during the year, each million-dollar agent was awarded a substantial cash bonus, a week’s vacation at one of the company’s 23 resorts, airline and rental cars and a specially designed gold and diamond ring, symbolizing their sales achievement.
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Sheraton Broadway Plantation Donates Over $17,000 to Grand Strand Miracle League for Children with Special Needs
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Sheraton Broadway Plantation (SBP) raised over $17,000 Saturday during SBP Day, an annual event sponsored by the resort that is full of fun activities and designed to entertain and raise money in support of children with special needs. More than 100 resort employees, owners, guests, and business partners teamed up to organize the day-long series of sports, festivities and fundraising events, culminating in a check presentation to Grand Strand Miracle League.
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58, and passionately in love again…
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
For 58 years, I have been known as Charles, or Chuck Soberman. I am a retired business owner and former college professor. Mild mannered; basically your average Midwestern American male baby boomer. Recently, however, I started a passionate love affair. Everyone knows, even my wife of 27 years. And she doesn’t’ even mind! To disguise my identity, I no longer use my given name. I am now known as Carlos. A few years ago my wife and I started traveling to different parts of Mexico - the Yucatan, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Mexico City, Baja, Guadalajara, Ajijic, and San Miguel de Allende. We fell in love with the Mexican people, the lifestyle, the food, the cities and villages, and the beautiful countryside. Finally, we purchased a home in San Miguel de Allende. Our only regret is that we waited so long. The house we didn’t buy five years ago has quadrupled in value. The one we didn’t buy three years has tripled in price. Yet even at current prices, Mexico remains a relative bargain. Taxes are less than $200 a year; insurance is likewise a few hundred dollars annually. I tell people that we don’t live in Mexico because prices are low, but that is a nice bonus. Whether you are in Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, the Baja Peninsula, you will enjoy life in Mexico. The pace of living is slower than in the USA, but no less rich. Wonderful food is available everywhere - fresh fruits and vegetables that put our markets to shame. If you’re a golfer, the resort towns offer wonderful golfing. Beautiful handicrafts are everywhere. Water sports abound. Life is good. But until recently this lifestyle was only available to people who could pay cash for their homes. Financing was not generally available. Until now. Finally, conforming mortgages are available in most parts of Mexico. The process of obtaining a mortgage is similar to the USA, except that it takes somewhat longer.
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WAYPORT INSTALLS WI-FI WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS AT MASSANUTTEN RESORT
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Wayport, Inc., an international leader in the design and integration of applications and software over wired and wireless carrier-grade networks, announced today that it has expanded its hotel footprint to include Massanutten Resort, a premier family vacation destination in the Shenandoah Valley, featuring more than 2,000 guest rooms.
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World’s Largest Single-Day Charity Golf Tournament Slated For Monday, June 11
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The RCI Christel House Open International Charity Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, June 11 with tournament sites spanning the globe. Golfers at 14 tournament sites throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Venezuela will tee off on June 11 to raise funds and awareness for Christel House, the international children’s charity founded by Indianapolis businesswoman and philanthropist Christel DeHaan. Due to weather and other considerations, an additional nine tournaments will take place on alternate dates in Australia, South Africa, India and the United Kingdom.
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Bluegreen Raises Over $52,000 at its Eighth Annual “Play It Again, Sam” Charity Golf Tournament
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
All Proceeds Benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Christel House
Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE:BXG), a leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play,® today announced it raised over $52,000 at its Eighth Annual “Play It Again, Sam” Charity Golf Tournament to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Christel House.®
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New U.S. Timeshare Sales Top $10 Billion in 2006, According to Ernst & Young Study
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Sales climb 81% over five years; 4.4 million households own timeshare
Timeshare sales climbed 16 percent during 2006 to $10 billion over 2005 sales of $8.6 billion, according to a study of the U.S. vacation ownership industry conducted by Ernst & Young, LLP and released today by the ARDA International Foundation (AIF). The survey of 625 timeshare resorts throughout the country shows robust growth over a five-year period, with sales up 81 percent and average resort size growth of 32 percent.
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Shell Vacations Names Sales Manager at Kauai Resort
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Veteran Shell Vacations employee and vacation ownership specialist Albert Puig was recently promoted to the position of Sales Manager at the Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy.
Puig has been with Shell Vacations Club for nearly four years at the Kauai property, serving as a sales associate. He was previously director of sales for a different timeshare developer on Kauai and has a total of 15 years experience in the vacation ownership industry in the Hawaiian Islands.
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Starwood Hotels Leads the Hospitality Industry with Its Record-Setting Global Hotel Pipeline
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Starwood Hotels Leads the Hospitality Industry with Its Record-Setting Global Hotel Pipeline Ramping Up Its International Expansion, Starwood Announces Plans
to Open 420 Hotels Around the World
Hot on the heels of its record-breaking success in 2006, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announces that it anticipates executing 200 new deals and opening more than 80 new hotels in 2007, almost doubling the number of properties the company opened last year. Underscoring the company’s aggressive portfolio expansion across all nine of its brands, Starwood currently boasts a global pipeline of approximately 420 hotels and more than 100,000 rooms. Starwood has also taken the lead in the upper upscale and luxury segments, with 38 percent of the hotels and rooms in the industry pipeline, according to Smith Travel Report.
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ElleJet Launches Affordable Private Jet Travel
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
ElleJet Aviation Services began offering one-way pricing on private jets starting Monday, June 4, 2007.
“Due to our usage of empty leg flights we are able to provide incredibly reasonable pricing for private jet travel” – said Jason Wilson Assistant Vice President.
ElleJet began offering this service on limited routes and, due to very positive feedback from clients, plans to increase their routes over the next few weeks.
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WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE UNVEILS SIGNATURE SPA-FITNESS PROGRAM FOR HOTELS, TIMESHARES
June 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Promising an antidote for today’s “24-7″ lifestyle, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) today unveiled The Blue HarmonyTM Spa and Fitness Experience, a companywide program for its Wyndham® hotels and timeshare resorts featuring signature treatments and services designed specifically with travelers in mind.
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