Barclays Partner Finance to be the new name for Clydesdale Financial Services
December 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
With effect from 3rd December 2007, Glasgow based Clydesdale Financial Services will become known as Barclays Partner Finance. The rebrand to Barclays Partner Finance means that the point-of-sale finance provider will enjoy much greater recognition with corporate and individual customers.
The newly named Barclays Partner Finance is based in Glasgow and employs over 300 people in the city. Clydesdale Financial Services Ltd (CFS) was originally founded over 60 years ago and has grown to a point where it supports 5,000 corporate clients in offering their customers finance options when they make a purchase from them. CFS was acquired by Barclays in 2003 and the rebrand to Barclays Partner Finance will provide a more consistent experience for existing and potential clients and customers.
Craig Murray, Retail Managing Director at Barclays Partner Finance said, “This is a major move for our business. We’re confident that the change of name will help support our continued growth and offer greater recognition of the business.” He continued, “We’ll continue to be active in our traditional market of Retail POS on the high street, whilst continuing to grow in other areas such as timeshare, home improvements and healthcare and we’ll keep delivering so our customers can offer their customers the very best finance options available.”
Clients that Barclays Partner Finance provides services for include HMC Funding, Next Home, Dreams, SCS Furniture, Multiyork, Everest and Bang & Olufsen.
HMC Funding provides Barclays Partner Finance Timeshare Finance Programmes on an exclusive basis to the timeshare industry. Contact HMC Funding on 0044 (0)1934 876111
First Westin Vacation Ownership Resort in Kaua’i to open in April 2008
December 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Continues Starwood’s 60-year Tradition in Hawaiian Islands
Starwood Vacation Ownership (SVO), a division of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), will open its third vacation ownership resort in Hawai’i, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, on the island of Kaua’i. The resort is currently taking reservations for its highly anticipated opening in April 2008.
Located on Kaua’i’s North Shore, the oceanfront property comprises 18.5 acres dramatically perched 200 feet above Hawai’i’s famous Anini Beach. The resort will feature 179 two-bedroom villas, four pools, three whirlpools, a two-story clubhouse, a restaurant, and general store. Villas will also be offered as nightly rentals for visitors seeking larger accommodations for family travel or longer stays. Read more
Costa Cruises Doubles Presence in Asia
December 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
In 2009, Costa Classica to Join Costa Allegra in Asia for a Combined Total of 60 Cruises and 85,000 Berths GENOA, ITALY - December 11, 2007 - Encouraged by the positive trend of its cruises in Asia, Costa Cruises will increase its presence by positioning a second cruise ship in the region, beginning in March 2009.
Costa Cruises, the leading cruise line in Italy and Europe, was the first international company to schedule regular cruises in China and Asia. Its operations began on July 2, 2006 with the Costa Allegra, which flies the Italian flag. A year and a half later, following the success of the product marketed both in China and internationally, Costa has decided to strengthen its presence in Asia from March 2009 onward with the deployment of a second ship - the 53,000 gross tonnage Costa Classica. With accommodations for 1,680 guests and 590 crewmembers, this refined and elegant vessel epitomizes Costa’s signature Italian style and ambience for which it is known worldwide. With this second cruise ship in the Asian market, Costa will offer nearly 55,000 additional berths with a total of over 60 cruises, thus bringing its overall capacity in the region to 85,000 berths. Since Costa began operations in the Far East, more than 50,000 guests have sailed on the Costa Allegra on a total of approximately 100 cruises. Read more
Aloha! The New Twist in Travel Arrives in India
December 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The New Lifestyle Brand will Open Hotels in two of India’s High-Tech hubs - Chennai and Bangalore
aloha! Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.(R) (NYSE:HOT) today announces that its much-anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloft(SM) hotels, will partner with Urbanedge Hotels Private Limited, a joint venture between Citigroup Property Investors and Auromatrix Hotels Private Limited, to develop aloft hotels across India. The brand’s first two hotels to open in India will be aloft Bangalore, Whitefield and aloft Chennai, OMR - Sholinganallur.
“Its exotic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and booming economy make India one of the world’s most vibrant markets and a perfect match for the energy and vitality of aloft hotels,” Brian McGuinness, Vice President of aloft and element hotels. “We’re thrilled to bring a bold new lodging alternative to the ‘land for all seasons’ with the arrival of our two new aloft hotels in Bangalore and Chennai.” Read more
The Feathers Fly as Sheraton Starts a Worldwide Pillow Fight
December 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Unique Online Technology Enables Visitors from Shanghai to San Francisco to Pick up a Pillow and Join the First Ever Virtual Pillow Fight at Sheratonplay.com and Multiple Other Sites Technology Enables Visitors to Book Reservations While They Play
The feathers are flying as Sheraton Hotels & Resorts starts a worldwide pillow fight through the use of unique online technology showcased at a new interactive website, Sheratonplay.com. The site invites visitors from across the globe to pick up a pillow and join a live virtual pillow fight, while simultaneously enabling them to book reservations or search travel options. Sheratonplay.com, developed to support the brand’s goals to bring people together and allow them to interact while traveling, uses online technology in an unprecedented way by enabling multiple web users to interact “live” simultaneously on the same or multiple web pages. Read more
Bonaire Voted #1 Dive Destination For Sixth Year In A Row In Scuba Diving Magazine’s Reader’ Coice Awards 2008
December 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
- Bonaire Also Rated Tops for Shore Diving, Beginner Diving, Advanced Diving, Marine Life and Underwater Photography in Caribbean/Atlantic -
Continuing its reign as one of the world’s top dive destinations, Bonaire was for the sixth year in a row rated the Top Dive Destination Overall (Caribbean/Atlantic) in Scuba Diving magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2008.
Bonaire also received the #1 rating in five other Caribbean/Atlantic categories: Top Shore Diving, Top Destination for Beginners, Top Destination for Advanced Divers, Top Destination for Underwater Photography, Top Marine Life, and took second place in the category of Top Value. Read more
Starwood Vacation Ownership Anticipates Opening Of The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort In Cancun
December 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc. (SVO), a division of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) expects the first phase of the only hotel-branded vacation ownership resort in Cancun to be ready for occupancy in summer of 2008. The Company currently has three vacation ownership and fractional resorts under development in Mexico.
The first phase of the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas consists of four eight-story buildings, a reception building, sales gallery and various amenities including a lavish swimming pool and Westin WORKOUT fitness facility. This phase will include 78 two-bedroom lockoff villas. Upon completion, the resort will have a total of 296 two- bedroom lockoff villas. Read more
Orlando High School Students Get a First-Hand Look at Legal Careers Through Partnership with Wyndham
December 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
-Local Students Explore Careers in Law with In-Classroom Discussions
and Interactive Workshops-
Teacher Camille Wright strives to instill in her students a sense of excitement about potential post-graduation career options. In her classroom at Freedom High School, which looks more like a professional office than a traditional classroom, she instructs her students in subjects like Legal Aspects of Business and Entrepreneurial Business. One of her biggest challenges is how to get students to see the world of possibilities that lie beyond the pages of their textbooks. Read more
Club La Costa Announces Successful Launch Of New Timeshareware Software Platform
December 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Leading resort developer Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels, one of the largest holiday ownership companies in Europe, has just completed its inaugural Phase One implementation of TimeShareWare, a state-of-the-art software platform to streamline its member servicing, central reservations, and member accounting departments and manage all of its resort operations. Read more
New Hampshire Company Lending a Hand in Efforts To Bring Natalee Holloway Home
December 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment
With Aruban authorities possibly closing the investigation into the disappearance of missing Alabama teen, Natalee Holloway, efforts are being quietly ramped up by Texas EquuSearch to “bring Natalee home”. New Hampshire-based timeshare resale and timeshare rental advertising company, Sell My Timeshare NOW, has found a small way to assist with the search.
The CEO of Sell My Timeshare NOW, Jason Tremblay, is the first to say that no one should ever have to use timeshare resort property for a reason as sad as this one. Tremblay’s company is providing a two-bedroom timeshare to the members of the Texas-based search team, EquuSearch, who are in Aruba this week, continuing the search for Natalee Holloway. Read more
Diamond Resorts International® Completes $325 Million Conduit Financing Deals
December 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Diamond Resorts International® (DRI) announces the completion of $325 million of variable funding notes by Sunterra Issuer 2007, LLC. The notes are backed by vacation ownership receivables originated by subsidiaries of Diamond Resorts International® and represent the financial community’s belief in the credibility and security of the company’s long-term business plans.
“In an asset-intensive industry, our debt financing strategy is a critical factor in our expansion and acquisition goals,” says Stephen J. Cloobeck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DRI. “Having the commitment and confidence of global finance partners in our brand potential and leadership experience gives us the solid foundation we need to develop and acquire the destination choices our owners have requested and so much more.” Read more
New Vice President To Lead Tamarack Resort’s Real Estate Sales Efforts
December 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Tamarack Resort Realty, the exclusive on-site brokerage for Tamarack’s luxury residential property, has hired John Griffith of MLC Sotheby’s International Realty as the resort’s Vice President of Real Estate Sales and Marketing.
The fourth generation Idahoan is uniquely qualified to lead real estate efforts at the nation’s newest all-season destination in Idaho’s Payette River Mountains.
After a successful management career in the telecommunications industry which took him across the United States and the globe, Griffith returned to Idaho. In 2005, he obtained his real estate license and quickly became one of the mountain destination’s top producing agents. Griffith then co-founded MLC Sotheby’s International Realty in McCall in 2007, bringing the international prestige of the Sotheby’s reputation and reach to the Payette River Mountains of Idaho. Read more
TATOC Hopes For A Record Attendance At Their 2008 Annual Conference
December 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The next annual The Association Of Timeshare Committees (TATOC) conference takes place in March 2008 with organisers hoping for a record attendance. The results of the OTE Owner Satisfaction Survey in 2006 appears to have brought an increased focus on the importance of timeshare owners… with some industry observers labelling owners as the timeshare industry’s strongest asset. Read more
Interval International Presents Aquarius Vacation Club® With Chairman’s Club Award
December 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services and an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), recently presented Aquarius Vacation Club® with its prestigious Chairman’s Club Award. The annual award recognizes the top 25 membership-producing developer companies worldwide, based on new memberships received by Interval during the previous calendar year.
Founded in 2001, Aquarius Vacation Club currently operates two resorts in highly desirable beachfront locations in Puerto Rico: Aquarius Vacation Club at Boquerón Beach in Cabo Rojo on the west coast and Aquarius Vacation Club at Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort on the north coast. Read more
Endless Vacation RentalsSM Offers $50 Simon Giftcard With Bookings made at EVRentals.com
December 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Just in time for the holidays, Endless Vacation Rentals is celebrating the season with a special promotion that presents travelers with a $50USD Simon Giftcard,*. The $50USD Simon Giftcard* is awarded with each booking of $500USD or greater made at www.EVRentals.com for travel through September 7, 2008**.
Endless Vacation Rentals is a one-stop shop that provides access to one of the largest collections of global vacation rental accommodations in the industry today. From studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom resort condos in destinations such as Arizona, Florida, Las Vegas, Mexico, and the Caribbean – to villas, cottages and homes in Italy, France, Great Britain and beyond, the range of options abounds. At www.EVRentals.com it’s as easy and convenient to search for, view availability, and book vacation rentals as booking typical hotel accommodations online. Read more
Sol Melia Vacation Club Nears Three-Year-Anniversary With Record Year Results, New Project Success In Europe, Mexico And Caribbean
December 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Sol Meliá Vacation Club (SMVC), in its third year of operations, is already celebrating a banner 2007 with its nine-month profitability 61% above an already 2006 record year. This success is owed, in part, to the widespread success of new projects in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, the Dominican Republic and Central America.
The Orlando-based company, which is part of Spain-based Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts, is reporting a total revenue increase of 44% percent for the first nine months of 2007, over the same nine-month period of 2006. SMVC total revenue is expected to be around $130 million this year. The overall improvement in revenues, coupled with improved costs and operating expense efficiencies, has resulted in an improved EBITDA margin of 38% in the first nine months of 2007, compared to 31% the same period 2006. Read more
Timeshare Suppliers Guide Reports In Excess Of 100,000 B2B Searches Made in 2007
December 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Timeshare Suppliers Guide, (http://www.timesharesuppliers.com) previously known as the Timeshare Products & Services Directory prior to it’s re-branding by Perspective Magazine a few months ago has released figures on its successful first full year.
These results have come shortly after the decision was made by Perspective International Ltd to re-brand the directory ahead of major expansion plans for 2008, including the publishing of a print edition with expected distribution of approximately 20,000 copies globally throughout the industry in April 2008 (Advertising options currently still available, visit the site for more details).
The statistical report for the suppliers guide showed that from January 1st 2007 until 12th December 2007 an impressive 104,823 Business to Business searches were performed by 48,006 unique visitors, confirming the demand and importance of such a resource for the industry.
The Timeshare Suppliers Guide, now housed at its new location, http://www.timesharesuppliers.com currently holds more than 600 listings across 31 categories and is driven by a powerful searchable database, with more features coming online early in the New Year. The industry guide offers any industry related supplier the opportunity to list their company free of charge including address and telephone number, with other premium options available for those who want command the lion’s share of the potential clients searching the database and develop their company’s brand on a global level.
W Hotels Enters the Captivating Capital of Jordan with W Amman
December 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
W Amman Marks the Fastest Growing Luxury Hotel Brand’s Fourth Hotel in the Middle East
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), today announced plans to debut a W Hotel in Amman, Jordan. Scheduled to open in 2011, this highly anticipated development is expected to become a vibrant destination in the heart of the captivating historic city of Amman while furthering the reach of the brand’s growing international footprint. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) entered into an agreement with Saraya, a real estate development and asset management company investing worldwide in the travel and tourism industry, to develop the first W hotel in Amman as part of Saraya’s new Headquarters. When it opens, the 280-room W Amman also plans to service additional luxury residences in the modern New Abdali Downtown. W Amman marks the brand’s fourth hotel in the Middle East following the announcements of W Doha, W Dubai-Festival City, and W Dubai-The Palm. Read more
RCI Adds The Pacific Aurora As One Of The First Cruise Ship Affiliates In Canada
December 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and Marine Growth Ventures, Inc., a diversified high growth marine holding company, today announced they have signed an agreement to add the M\V Pacific Aurora as one of the first Canadian cruise ship affiliates in the RCI network.
The M\V Pacific Aurora will cruise Canadian waters offering both summer and winter itineraries. Timeshare owners may enjoy seven day cruises for time periods of their choosing in some of the most exotic and beautiful marine areas in the world. The M\V Pacific Aurora has been awarded RCI Gold Crown Resort® status by RCI. Sales of vacation ownership in the M\V Pacific Aurora will begin in the coming months by Marine Growth Canada. Read more
Mystic Dunes Golf Club “ Most Difficult Greens In Golf”
December 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment
When asked by Mystic Dunes Golf Club owners to build a golf course unlike any other in the area, designer Gary Koch decided to focus on the greens complexes. He wanted to create putting surfaces that would demand as much imagination and creativity from players of all skill levels.
Mission accomplished.
The 2008 PGA Professional’s Guide to Travel recently named the greens at Mystic Dunes Golf Club as being among the most difficult in all of golf. This consumer publication is a collaboration between The PGA of America and the publisher of PGA Magazine. Read more
St. Regis Makes Landmark Entry into Africa with St. Regis, Cairo
December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
St. Regis, Cairo will Offer Superior Design and Unparalleled Service in the Heart of Africa’s Largest City
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the introduction of its renowned St. Regis brand to Africa, with plans to debut a new property in 2011 in the heart of downtown Cairo. The St. Regis, Cairo will include 299 lavishly furnished rooms and 103 serviced apartments as part of a luxurious, mixed-use development overlooking the Nile River. Owned by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, the St. Regis, Cairo will represent the ultimate expression of contemporary luxury in Egypt’s thriving capital city. Read more
Interval International Presents Recognition Award To St. Maarten’s Commissioner Of Tourism
December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services and an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), presented the Honorable Roy R. Marlin, Commissioner of Tourism, St. Maarten, with a plaque to recognize the government’s support of the tourism and vacation ownership industries during a special ceremony held last week at the Oyster Bay Beach Resort.
“We are pleased to acknowledge the tremendous efforts that the government and the people of St. Maarten have made to encourage the growth of tourism and the popularity of vacation ownership,” said David Callaghan, vice president of resort sales and service for Internal International. “With its rich blend of French, Dutch, and Caribbean traditions, the island is a leading vacation destination that offers visitors a diverse culture, superior accommodations, beautiful beaches, and gourmet cuisine.” Read more
Wyndham Hotels And Resorts® Opens First Hotel In Panama
December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand will fly its first flag in Panama with the conversion of the five-star, 301-room Veneto Hotel & Casino in Panama City to the Veneto, A Wyndham® Grand Hotel.
Peter Strebel, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president, said the introduction of the Wyndham brand in Panama is part of the brand’s strategy to pursue flagship Wyndham hotel properties in key international and gateway cities. Read more
Wyndham Vacation Ownership Expands New Mexico Presence With Acquisition Of Santa Fe’s Casa Pueblo Inn
December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Property to Become Company’s Third Resort in the State
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced the acquisition of Casa Pueblo Inn located in Santa Fe, New Mexico from 138 Park Avenue Partnership and 513 W. San Francisco Partnership. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Read more
Intrawest names Kirby Brown as President and Chief Operating Officer at Panorama Mountain Village
December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Intrawest ULC (”Intrawest”), a world leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts, today announced the appointment of Kirby Brown to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer for Panorama Mountain Village in British Columbia. Brown will be responsible for all aspects of Panorama’s resort operations, including real estate development and sales and he will report directly to Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. Read more
Diamond Resorts International Appoints Industry Veteran As Vice President, Resort Operations, North America
December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Diamond Resorts International® (DRI), a global leader in vacation ownership, has appointed Steve Hicks to vice president of Resort Operations, North America. Hicks joins a strong executive team committed to delivering the highest standards of guest satisfaction and hospitality.
Prior to joining DRI, Hicks held the position of vice president of Resort Operations at ResortCom and was president of the Hospitality Division at Shell Vacations, LLC, where he directed all aspects of the Hospitality Management Division including its 22 vacation ownership resorts, 1500 employees and more than 30 homeowner associations.
“Steve is a tremendous asset and his proven track record in developing exceptional hospitality teams across multiple resorts is second-to-none,” says Simon Crawford-Welch, Ph.D., RRP, President and COO of DRI. “At Diamond Resorts International® our goal is to build a world-class, customer-focused organization—the strongest in the industry. Steve’s appointment is one more step toward that reality.” Read more
The MVP Service Marks Progress and Acceptance in First Year
December 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment
B2B Vendor Partner and Service Community Popular with Providers and Resorts
TheMVPService, a unique preferred member community announced that its first year was a marked success. The company, based in Indianapolis, provides an internet-based service enabling resorts to access information about participating Vendor Partners. Many resorts have already registered for the service since its initial offering in July 2007.
“Through TheMVPService, HOAs are in contact with specific select approved vendors,” said Joe Takacs, Jr., RRP who recently formed the company. “Our independently managed buying community of resorts and vendors comes together for mutual benefit, enabling resorts to purchase goods and services, providing convenience in delivery, accessibility or servicing and offering national account pricing to take advantage of consistent discounts and/or special offers. The re-sale facet of the service is gaining traction as well.” Read more
Innseasons Resorts Announces Assistant Management Appointments
December 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment
InnSeason Resorts®, creators of the Northeast Experience ® and leading providers of resort vacation and ownership opportunities, recently announced several appointments to the position of assistant manager. Angie Carignan of Pollard Brook Resort in Lincoln, NH and Tim Sieurin at HarborWalk, were each promoted from within the company, while a new employee, Pamela Farrell, was hired at Surfside Resort and Captain’s Quarters in Falmouth, MA. Read more
Textron Financial Names Adele Suddes Chief Marketing Officer
December 10, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Textron Financial Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), today announced that Adele Suddes has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. She will continue to lead the company’s marketing function while also assuming responsibility for its Customer Care Center. Suddes reports to Textron Financial President Jay Carter and serves as a member of the company’s Executive Committee.
“Adele has improved Textron Financial’s overall marketing capability with her relentless focus on driving customer acquisition and retention,” said Carter. “Under her leadership, the marketing function has developed and implemented world-class processes and tools, bringing value to both our customers and our employees.” Read more
Wyndham Vacation Ownership Opens First Ski-In, Ski-Out Resort In Worldmark Portfolio
December 10, 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), has opened its first ski-in, ski-out resort, WorldMark Red River, in New Mexico. Operating within the company’s WorldMark, The Club portfolio, WorldMark Red River features 21 condominium-style units in New Mexico’s beautiful Sangre de Christo Mountains. It is the first WorldMark resort property to open in New Mexico and complements the company’s Taos resort currently in development and sales center in Albuquerque. Read more