Vacational Ownership Opening Many Dubai Doors
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Resort Condominiums International (RCI) Middle East’s managing director Nick Turner believes the time is right for timeshare.
So too does David Clifton, Interval International’s managing director for EMEA and Asia, the driver of the Vacation Ownership Investment Conference (VOIC) held last month in Dubai.
Dubailand Vacations have introduce timeshare developments within Dubailand, Al Futtaim Group and Marriott International have said that they will establish Marriott Vacation Club at the Dubai Festival City - the first Marriott Vacation Club resort in the Middle East - and the largest outside North America - and Starwood vacation club, Hyatt vacation club and Westgate resorts are among major players who have shown growing interest.
As chairman and CEO of Arabian Falcon Holidays, a Dubai based vacation ownership service provider says, “Vacation ownership will open the doors to a whole new class of buyers who want to holiday in Dubai and want a piece of the property market, but don’t want to stay here all year. Furthermore the introduction of regulations will enable this to come to life which is been approved and soon to be released by Dubai government.”
Jason Tremblay, president, CEO and co-founder of Sell My Timeshare NOW, a global leader in connecting timeshare buyers, sellers, and renters says, “Dubai has aggressively committed to becoming a global destination for luxury vacations and tourism, yet has embraced timeshare real estate in a cautious and deliberate manner.
“Dubai is in the enviable position of being able to observe the smart moves and the errors made by other countries in regulating timeshare sales and timeshare re-sales and avoid mistakes others have made in the past,” he continued.
“People who want to buy timeshare or who are already timeshare owners should keep their eye on timeshare sales in Dubai…it could easily become one of the world’s top timeshare vacation destinations in the near future.”
Turner explains what it can offer property developers and investors. Research conducted by RCI has indicated that residents within the Middle East will spend an estimated $1.2 billion each year on shared ownership properties by 2020, with top markets including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Egypt and the UAE. One in three Middle East households said Dubai would be their first choice to purchase timeshare.
“The benefit of the timeshare model is clear; it will enhance the high occupancy rates in Dubai and increase the average length of stay from the current three days to seven night duration,” he said.
RCI were working with developers across most of the UAE. Their research also shows that Gulf Arabs are keen to buy into larger units of ownership, called “fractionals”. Typically these focus on upscale villas and luxury apartments bought in multiples of months rather than weeks.
Conventional timeshare is the tip of the iceberg with many derivatives available to help keep the leisure real estate market buoyant, with equally attractive business being generated for short term vacation rentals, condo hotels and rental and exchange programmes.
Both shared ownership and rental programmes offer a great incentive to developers. The worldwide timeshare and fractional market is estimated to be worth $13 billion per year in sales and continues to enjoy healthy growth in a backdrop of global economic slowdown.
Dubai based Ivory Grand, the property enterprise owned by Mohammed Ali Abdullah Al Shafar and Humaid Al Suwaidi Real Estate, has recently agreed terms with Group RCI to affiliate their new timeshare project in Al Barsha.
With the sharp increase in construction costs and corresponding rise in the price of land, developers had been looking for innovative ways to encourage investors and stimulate new sales. Construction prices are predicted to go up by 15 to 20 per cent this year, time share provides a highly profitable option to a developer’s project. In some cases developers can expect up to 300 per cent premium on the sale prices per foot versus traditional real estate.
“As new regulations for the industry are implemented the timing couldn’t be better for developers to capitalise on the opportunities. The new law requires developers or real estate companies looking to enter the market to apply for a time share license directly from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). At that stage they will need to supply detailed plans of the project, company profile, background and also pay a bond prior to marketing their developments,” Turner said.
Dubai RERA department will distribute licensing and it is expected that a self regulating working group including Group RCI will provide guidance and statistical data and consultation.
“As long as there is careful monitoring of sales and marketing practices in the emirates and tight controls of licenses issued by RERA then we feel the timeshare model will have a huge positive economic impact and support Dubai’s strategic plan to accommodate 15 million tourists by 2015.
Source: Travel & Tourism News Middle East
Timeshare Exchange Program Offers Asian Cruises
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The vacation exchange and timeshare exchange group, RCI®, has launched RCI Cruise, the first cruise vacation exchange in Asia. RCI entered into an agreement with ICE Gallery Asia Pacific (ICE) to offer RCI subscribing members in Asia a choice of 10,000 cruise itineraries from among the world’s leading cruise liners.
“We are very excited about RCI Cruise as it allows us to offer a new dimension in vacation exchange to our members. In addition to offering holiday exchanges at over 4,000 RCI affiliated resorts globally, the launch of RCI Cruise will enable our members to enjoy the experience of a cruise holiday from among 10,000 itineraries available across the globe. The debut of RCI Cruise in Asia underlines our vision to identify innovative vacation exchange options and we will continue to explore opportunities that will enhance the vacation experiences of our members and their families,” said Kendall Oei, president and managing director of Group RCI, Asia Pacific.
Group RCI’s foray into offering cruise exchange in Asia is timely as cruise holidays are gaining popularity around the world. According to the UN-World Travel Organization (WTO), 1.4 percent of international arrivals are cruise passengers, generating rising revenues from all locations, and mainstream liners are extending their itineraries into Asia. The World Cruise Shipping Industry report for 2020 predicts that globally, world cruise passenger aggregate is expected to reach 18 million by 2010, 22.6 million by 2015 and 27 million by 2020.
“We are delighted to have ICE steer our first cruise exchange in Asia. In view of the growing demand for cruise holidays, working together with an international and experienced cruise organization like ICE is key to the success of RCI Cruise. We are confident that ICE’s expertise in cruise programs and their array of cruise offerings will be most appreciated by RCI members,” added Mr. Oei.
“The cruise market is growing rapidly in this region with the influx of new ships providing seasonal itineraries. ICE is committed to delivering the very best value in cruising across the world and working with the right companies. As RCI’s chosen cruise provider for Asia, we are very excited to be able to help convert the dream of cruise vacations into a reality for RCI members, with the ease of RCI Cruise,” said Stuart Ockenden, Chief Operating Officer for ICE.
ICE is one of the foremost worldwide cruise and leisure organizations specializing in value-added cruise programs, internet marketing solutions and unique technology solutions for a global portfolio of innovative travel alliances among top corporations, resorts, cruise lines and vacation suppliers.
ICE will manage and operate the RCI Cruise program and provide cruise products and benefits to RCI members. Through RCI Cruise, RCI members will have access to a vast network of renowned international cruise liners including Royal Caribbean International, Cunard, Holland-America Line, Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity, Disney Cruises and Carnival.
RCI members will be able to exchange their vacation week or RCI Points® towards the purchase of up to four cabins at cruise exchange pricing plus only one transaction fee on selected cruises, depending on the type of cruise, cabin, date and destination. Alternatively, RCI Members and their family and friends can avail themselves of member-only special rates should they opt to purchase a cruise holiday outright through RCI, instead of exchanging their week or RCI Points.
Industry Leading Air Ambulance Company, AirMed International, Partners With Mayo Clinic And Exclusive Resorts
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Award-winning air ambulance company, AirMed International (airmed.com), has announced its alliance with Exclusive Resorts as part of the luxury destination club’s enhanced member benefits. Colorado-based Exclusive Resorts, the world’s leading luxury destination club, has added five new premium offerings for its members, including a combined package of Mayo Clinic Preferred Response and AirMed air ambulance memberships.
Resort Club members who wish to add this new benefit will enjoy the security of knowing that AirMed International, the world’s premier air ambulance service, will provide global medical evacuation coverage for Exclusive Resorts members and their families. In addition, Exclusive Resorts members who wish to supplement their benefits will enjoy round-the-clock connection to the Mayo Clinic Preferred Response staff, whether they are traveling as part of their club membership or not.
“Through these alliances, our members may enjoy the security of knowing that the logistics of their travels will be as convenient, effortless and seamless as their Exclusive Resorts vacations always are,” said David Kallery, Exclusive Resorts senior vice president of business development.
About the AirMed Air Ambulance Membership Program (http://www.airmed.com?campaign=Apr08B):
If you’re ever hospitalized at home or abroad, an AirMed Traveler membership means you will be airlifted to the hospital of your choice - as long as it’s 150 miles away. Meanwhile, the most experienced and respected medical team in the air will treat you on one of our state-of-the-art jets. AirMed provides world-class transportation and the most experienced medical teams in the air–bedside-to bedside.
AirMed Traveler pre-paid memberships are available to anyone in the U.S. or Canada and plans start as low as $95. AirMed offers plans for individuals, families, students studying abroad and can even customize pricing for corporations who wish to cover their employees. For more information, see our website at airmed.com or call Sarah Hanley at 205-443-4840.
Melco China Resorts Announces The Launch Of China’s First World-Class Ski And Leisure Resorts
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Melco China Resorts owns the largest ski portfolio in China, creating exceptional destination resorts and luxurious homes
Melco China Resorts (“MCR”), an associate of Melco International Development Limited (“Melco”) (HKSE: 0200) today announced the completion of structure, with fit-out remaining, of two hotels at the Yabuli Sun Mountain resort and broke ground for its first luxurious mountain home project which will be available for sale later this year in Heilongjiang Province. The luxurious mountain homes are designed by internationally acclaimed architects and were introduced to a limited number of potential buyers today.
“We are delighted to announce the strategic expansion of our business with MCR to develop, operate and manage world class mountain resorts in China,” said Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco, who officiated at the event and was accompanied by senior Heilongjiang Province government officials. “Our move into the burgeoning mountain resort business in China enables our expansion in the mainland and provides an exceptional range of new experiences to address the growing need for up-market recreational activities among the country’s fast growing middle and upper classes. This is consistent with our desire to attract and retain a discerning customer base that is actively seeking and willing to pay for a great leisure experience”.
According to the China Ski Association, the total number of ski visits in China increased at a CAGR of 109% to over 4 million between 1999 and 2004. The number is expected to increase to 10 million by 2010. Capturing this tremendous opportunity, MCR, the largest ski operator in China, is transforming five existing ski areas in the north eastern provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin into unique, year-round luxury mountain resorts. The company has plans to secure additional areas and develop further resorts in the coming years.
Boasting the highest international standards, including an abundance of international standard on-mountain and resort activities for both accomplished skiers and beginners, and unique “four seasons” facilities and attractions, the result will be China’s premier network of year-round village centered, destination mountain resorts.
“Our commitment is to introduce standards that did not previously exist in China’s ski industry,” commented Graham Kwan, CEO of MCR. “Our portfolio of integrated resorts and luxurious resort homes represents a status and lifestyle pinnacle that was not available in Northern China until now.”
“Buyers of our homes will have access to a lifestyle that allows them to escape the crowded, hectic urban city centers where they live and work. They can relax and indulge themselves amidst pristine, natural mountain scenery. We are feeding a growing demand for superior lodging and service excellence that snow sports and other outdoor sports enthusiasts seek”, said Kwan.
Sun Mountain Yabuli resort is the core focus of MCR’s immediate development plan with three premium hotels, including a luxurious 24 all-suite boutique mountain top hotel. Located approximately two hours south east of the city of Harbin, Yabuli is China’s most recognized destination ski resort and will host the World Winter University Games in early 2009.
MCR will also upgrade the Sky Mountain Beidahu and Star Mountain Beijing resorts, with minor works starting immediately and much larger development planned for the coming years. Meanwhile, work on MCR’s Adventure Mountain Changchun resort and development of the members-only Lotus Mountain Club will be well underway by 2009.
MCR’s World Class Mountain Resorts in China
State-of-the-art equipment
Significant investment has been made in the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment which adheres to international safety standards and introduces services and amenities that have never been seen before in China, including sophisticated snowmaking and grooming technology which will guarantee snow throughout the winter season, eight-passenger heated gondolas imported from Europe, and six-passenger high-speed chair lifts.
Luxurious resort homes
In addition to full service hotels and other facilities, MCR is developing for sale an unprecedented selection of luxurious resort homes and suites designed by internationally acclaimed architects.
Situated on prime, ski-in and ski-out slope-side sites, the homes take full advantage of the stunning natural surroundings and offer easy access to ski trails and other outdoor activities. They have been designed to capture the best views, take advantage of maximum natural light, and are fully furnished using premium materials and elegant finishes.
Year-round attractions
In addition to world-class skiing facilities and China’s first ski academy, which is being developed in close collaboration with the China Ski Association, MCR will introduce a complete suite of events, activities and attractions throughout the year. They range from tennis, zip lining, boating and water sports, equestrian, biking, luxury camping, performance driving schools, culinary arts to wine programs and live entertainment.
About Melco International Development Limited
Melco International Development Limited (“Melco”) is one of the companies with the longest history in Hong Kong. Founded in 1910, Melco was among the first one hundred companies established in the city and was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1927. Today, under the leadership of its Chairman & CEO, Lawrence Ho, Melco is now a dynamic New Generation Asian Conglomerate that leads in the leisure and entertainment industry in Asia. Its promising performance and distinctive leadership in the industry are also well recognized worldwide. Melco International Development Limited is a constituent of the MSCI Hong Kong Index, part of the MSCI Standard Index Series. It was granted the Asia’s Best Managed Companies 2007 Award issued by FinanceAsia. For more information, please visit www.melco-group.com.
About Melco China Resorts
Melco China Resorts (MCR) is China’s single largest ski resort developer and operator with five premier destination resort properties. The portfolio includes Sun Mountain Yabuli, host for the 2009 World University Games; Sky Mountain Beidahu, host of the 2007 Asian Winter Games; The Lotus Mountain Club, to be developed as an ultra-exclusive and private mountain resort club; Adventure Mountain Changchun, an experiential mountain adventure centre retreat; and Star Mountain Beijing, MCR’s first ski area in the major Beijing market and home to MCR’s ski school headquarters, The Perfect Turn. MCR is committed to developing the five properties and transforming them into world-class, four seasons luxury mountain resorts with excellent real estate investment opportunities for discerning buyers.
MCR’s leadership team boasts a proven record of resort development success both internationally and in China. Several of its directors held key positions at the world’s leading resort and hospitality company, Intrawest - the developer behind Whistler Blackcomb and Mont Tremblant in Canada.
The Villa Group Wins Hospitality Awards
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Travel Age West and Orbitz Honor One of Mexico’s Leading Resort Companies
The Villa Group, a leading privately owned real estate hospitality development company, has been awarded a group of prestigious awards this month.
Two of The Villa Group’s Cabo San Lucas properties have been nominated for the 2008 Travel Age West “WAVE Awards” (Western Agent’s Vote of Excellence). Villa del Arco Beach Resort and Spa (Cabo San Lucas) has been nominated as the best new property in Mexico and Villa del Palmar Resort and Spa (Cabo San Lucas) has been recognized in the category of Best Family Resort.
Recognizing the outstanding qualities and services of travel suppliers, the two-pronged awards program begins with the selection of the “Editor’s Pick” winners. These recipients are selected by careful review by the Editor-in-Chief (Ken Shapiro) and his team at Travel Age West. The review methods included product analysis, on-site visits, agent surveys and on-line research. Part two of the process consists of the formal WAVE balloting during the month of April inviting professionals throughout the 14 Western states and readers of TAW to vote for the best-of-the-best from the list of Editor’s Pick award recipients in all award categories. The final awards will be announced the first week in June at The Four Seasons, Beverly Hills.
In addition, Orbitz named Villa del Palmar Beach and Spa Resort Puerto Vallarta as the Top Hotel in Mexico for Year over Year growth; The Villa Group was named the top chain in Mexico for growth on Orbitz as well.
“These awards are a great source of pride for us,” said Alejandro De La Garza, Director of Corporate Sales for The Villa Group. “They are from the industry, but reflect on our growing popularity among consumers. Our guests enjoy breathtaking beach front locations, world-class service and excellent amenities. These awards demonstrate that we are one of Mexico’s finest hospitality entities!”
Founded in 1984, The Villa Group is one of Mexico’s leading privately owned real estate development companies. Its portfolio features beachfront timeshare resorts located in Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, and Los Cabos, as well as well as fractional and full-ownership luxury real estate developments. Additionally, new timeshare and fractional properties are slated to open in Loreto and Cancun respectively in 2010.
Byers Appointed Senior Vice President Of Global Human Resources For Carnival Corporation & plc
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Wayne Byers, a longtime veteran of the cruise industry, has been named senior vice president of global human resources for Miami-based Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK).
In this newly created position, Byers will be responsible for developing and implementing a corporate human resource management strategy across Carnival Corporation & plc’s worldwide organization, which includes offices in North America, Europe and Australia. He will report to Carnival Corporation & plc’s Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Howard Frank.
“Wayne is the ideal candidate for this position, possessing a wealth of experience in all aspects of human resources and will serve as an excellent resource as we develop our new corporate human resources management strategy,” said Frank.
Prior to joining Carnival, Byers worked at the company’s Holland America Line unit, serving as vice president - human resources on two separate occasions, from 1983 to 1991 and from 2004 to present He also held the position of vice president - quality within Holland America for three years, as well as president of Greenwich Group, Inc., a travel agency management group, for seven years.
Byers holds an MBA from Babson College in Babson Park, Mass., and a bachelor’s of science from Bryant University in Smithfield, R.I.
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.
Timeshare Advertising Leader Releases Strong First Quarter Synopsis
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Sell My Timeshare NOW, a timeshare internet advertising and marketing company, has released their first quarter 2008 business synopsis. Despite the current US economy, this internet-based company shows growth in all areas, quarter-over-quarter from 2007 to 2008, with a noteworthy 141 percent increase in the number of offers to rent timeshare.
Sell My Timeshare NOW, a recognized leader in the advertising and marketing of timeshare resales and rentals, has released its 2008 first quarter business synopsis. The company shows growth and noteworthy increases in all areas of business compared to the same quarter in 2007.
Founded less than five years ago, Sell My Timeshare NOW has established itself as a pacesetter in the vacation ownership industry, building its business on cutting-edge internet marketing strategies and a strong commitment to customer service. The company recorded a quarter-over-quarter overall revenue increase of 25 percent and a website traffic gain of 13 percent.
CEO Jason Tremblay says, “Sell My Timeshare NOW saw a 22 percent increase in offers to buy or rent timeshare in the first quarter of 2008. More timeshare owners are learning how easy it is to use their property as a timeshare rental while more vacationers are recognizing the excellent values in renting timeshare.”
In 2007, Sell My Timeshare NOW launched a timely new program called Rental Assist, designed to facilitate the timeshare rental process for both owners and vacationers. As evidence of the success of this program, the company showed a 141 percent quarter-over-quarter increase from 2007 to first quarter 2008 in the number of offers to rent timeshare. Likewise, the dollar amount of the offers to rent timeshare increase by 102 percent during the same period.
Rosanne Luba, Sell My Timeshare NOW’s Director of Sales, says, “Our timeshare rental program is just one of several directions in which Sell My Timeshare NOW is expanding. 2008 will be a year of new services, new employees, and new avenues of growth.”
The full statistical business synopsis is available for download by clicking on http://www.sellmytimesharenow.com/media/pdf/2008-quarter-1-financial-report.pdf
Sell My Timeshare NOW is the recognized global leader in the advertising and marketing of timeshare resales and timeshare rentals via the internet. Jason Tremblay is available for media interviews at (603) 516-0649 or by emailing steveluba@sellmytimesharenow.com.
About Sell My Timeshare NOW, LLC:
Sell My Timeshare NOW provides advertising and marketing for timeshare owners who want to sell timeshare or rent timeshare. For 2007, presented its customers over $274 million in offers to buy or rent timeshares.
Fractional Ownership Announced By Absolute
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
David Lloyd and Absolute Group announce the new innovative ‘Fractional Ownership’ program in the Thai property market - offering holiday home buyers an option to own property at their favourite destination; Phuket and Samui.
This Fractional Ownership program offered by Absolute Group and David Lloyd will be the first fractional program executed for the property market in Phuket. The program´s aim is to offer holiday home buyers from around the world an option to own a holiday home in famous destination like Phuket or Samui.
The program will also be available for the very popular centrally located - Bangla Suites Jacuzzi Condominiums, a luxury apartment complex located right in the heart of Patong, developed by Bangla Suites Co., Ltd, an associates company of the Absolute Group, and the two new joint venture projects between Absolute Group and David Lloyd; Absolute David Lloyd Beach Club at Nakalay on Phuket, and a new upcoming project in Thongkrut, Samui.
Bryan Lunt, Chairman of Absolute Group said that “Fractional Ownership program is designed to be an alternative ideal for buyers who are holiday maker or even Thai people to own property on the desired period of time for their holiday rather than buy the unit and use only a few times in a year.”
“It´s not a new program but it is new to the Thai market and we think it will generate more benefit to buyers and it will become an ideal for holiday home buyers in very near future. It´s an ideal opportunity to own top quality place, have someone look after for you 24 hours a day, and also pay you good money if you let them rent it out too. How many people would bother to buy a quality speed boat, learn to drive it as well as look after it - not many for sure. With our new fractional ownership the boat and caption is included”
Absolute David Lloyd Beach at Nakalay, Phuket, is a new boutique condominium project in Nakalay, one of the most beautiful beaches near Patong Bay, facing Andaman Sea and over looking Patong. It’s a joint venture between Absolute Group, David Lloyd, and A Plan company who is the land owner and developer. The project comprises 33 units and almost 80% have already been sold within 3 months since the soft launch - now only 7 units are remaining. These 7 units in the project will be available on a fractional ownership basis. Price for fractional ownership starts from 775,000 Baht for a 4 week or 28 night ownership period each year for LIFE*
The new project at Thongkrut, Koh Samui is a luxury resort with 17 exclusive units located at the one of the best locations on Samui, facing Five Islands nearby. The plan is to build a marina in front of the resort for exclusive use by the owners as well as, and the project is surrounded with leading international hotels. The project concept and design details will be finalized very soon and will be branded under the Absolute David Lloyd concept, targeting high-end holiday home makers and investors.
The Absolute David Lloyd concept is based on modern contemporary designer units in high demand locations. The target market is a discerning clientele looking for a combination of high quality units and excellent service. The concept also brings financial benefits in terms of the ability to lease unused nights via the resort management company, as well as benefit in future capital appreciation when or if the units are resold in the future” Lunt commented.
The Fractional Ownership program is also available for the Bangla Suites project – a luxury apartment which is located right in Soi Bangla, the most famous tourist area in the heart of Patong, surrounded by a variety of entertainment options. The project comprises 53 units and is already 85% sold since the soft launch 6 months ago. The Fractional Ownership program is offered for all 7 Penthouse units. Prices for fractional ownership start in the Penthouse at Banla Suites starts at 1.75 million baht for a 4 week or 28 night ownership period each year also for Life*. Owner can use these nights any time they want subject to owning in that seasons.
Owners in all projects will receive first class concierge services including complementary use of one of the speed boats three days a week, complimentary luxury airport transfer, as well as privilege membership for other special benefits such as dining, spa, and other holiday activities. The owner will have real ownership certificates issued in conjunction with a reputable law firm and be able to re-sell in the future.
David Lloyd comments that “Asia is getting more and more popular. We chose Phuket as the very first of our branding resorts because it’s a popular destination for tourists from around the world, as well as remaining in high demand with strong growth in holiday home purchases. Absolute are well established in Phuket and this is an excellent market to promote worldwide. There are many more plans coming soon in Thailand and Asia and we are very excited about this region.”
* Actually, life in this case is a series of renewable 30-year leases
Holiday Travel Of America (HTOA, Inc.) Announces Promotion Of Randy Fish To Vice President Of Operations
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Holiday Travel of America promotes Mr.Randy Fish from Marketing Manager to Vice President of Operations.
Randy joined HTOA in 2001 as Marketing Manager to implement the timeshare marketing arm of the company, primarily focusing on Mini Vacation packages. In his new capacity, his responsibilities will be increased to include, product development, exit program management, contract negotiation and management, account management, risk management, customer service management and assisting in client and consumer relations.
“From the day Randy first joined Holiday Travel, he has been a valuable contributor to the growth and success of the company. In his expanded role, Randy will provide leadership, direction and management of the company’s critical operating functions and serve as a member of the executive management team where his vision and industry experience will be a driving force in the company’s continuing growth and success” said Kelly Romanello, Executive Vice President for HTOA, Inc.
Randy began his career in Sports Marketing after graduating from the University of Arizona with a B.S.B.A in Marketing in 1996. In 1997, while working at a sporting event, Randy was approached by one of the sponsors and offered a position with the Shell Vacations Club at the Starr Pass Golf Suites in Tucson, AZ as OPC Supervisor. He continued with Shell Vacations and was promoted to Marketing Manager in 1998. In 1999, he accepted a position as Marketing Director with a Shell Vacations’ broker, Tait, Ltd. to oversee marketing operations at the Peacock Suites Resort in Anaheim, CA.
Randy earned his ARP (Associate Resort Professional) designation in 2005 at the annual American Resort Development Association (ARDA) conference in Orlando, FL (www.HTOAARDA.com). He has served as an ARDA Awards Judge in the Sales and Marketing category from 2003 – 2008.
Holiday Travel of America (HTOA, Inc.), established in 1988, has continually developed high perceived value travel incentives and is a recognized leader and standard-setter in the incentive travel industry. Featured travel incentives available from HTOA include: “A Suite Week” (www.aSuiteWeek.com); “A Holiday Adventure” (www.aHolidayAdventure.com); “A Holiday Adventure, Land, Sea and Air” (www.HolidayAdventuresLSA.com); “Holiday Passports” (www.HolidayPassports.com) and; “A FASTTRACK Promotion” (www.aFASTTRACKpromotion.com). Also check out VIP Travel 4 Less (www.VIPTravel4Less.com) where you can visit luxurious Orlanda, Florida for 3 days and 2 nights at an amazing cost of only $49. Additional travel incentives and “specials” can be reviewed online at www.htoa.com.
Aviation Charter — Next Big Idea In the Air
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
‘Indian business leaders are realising that a business aircraft is not a luxury but contributes directly to the bottomline by enabling them to use their time more productively and respond to opportunities with agility, whether within the country or across the world.’ - Shubhra Tandon
Aviation in India is an evolving story. When low-cost carriers made an entry into the sector, it touched a new high with the changing profile of the passengers, and the sheer volume of people for whom air became the preferred mode of travel.
Off course, the boom in the economy had a significant role to play as well. As businesses moved beyond the confines of Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, etc., to tier-two and tier-three cities, aviation expanded further. Now with 35 non-metro airports in the pipeline, the Indian aviation story is only going to get more interesting.
However, as increasing numbers of people take to air travel and the number of aircraft grows in the country, travel through scheduled carriers is becoming time-consuming for business and first-class travellers. And that’s where another era in Indian aviation begins — that of general aviation.
India forms 12 per cent of the worldwide business jets market, says an Ernst & Young report “Indian Aviation Sector Competition — Consolidation — Efficiency,” quoting Embraer, the Brazil-based executive jet manufacturer. According to the report, the demand for private or business jets in India is expected to grow at 50 per cent on an annual basis over the next few years.
The main reason for this sudden spurt is that “Indian business leaders have begun to realise that a business aircraft is not a luxury but a productivity tool that contributes directly to the bottomline by allowing them to use their time more productively and respond to opportunities with agility, whether they are across the country or across the world,” Mr Edward T. Smith, Senior Vice-President, International Affairs of the US-based General Aviation Manufacturers Association, told Business Line.
Growing Opportunities
North America has been the key market for charter aviation traditionally; but recent slowdown in the US economy and growing business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region has led to a transition of the market towards the latter.
As part of the regional boom, India will also see quite a lot of activity in the area. “This growth in general aviation will be backed by the increasing number of global business jet players entering India. Consolidation and some tie-ups will be witnessed soon,” said Mr Kapil Arora, Partner, Ernst & Young.
Tata Group recently picked up a significant stake in Bjets — a business jet operator that plans to start aircraft charter and fractional ownership programmes in the country.
Last year, 30 business jets were delivered in the country and another 45 are likely to be delivered in 2008, he said.
In March, Aerion Corporation, the US-based company developing supersonic business jets, said that it expects $640 million worth of orders from India by mid-2008. The company has already received letters of intent from five Indian customers worth $400 million.
Fractional Ownership
The fractional aircraft market has also witnessed a strong demand in recent years, as customers (owners) have the option of buying a fractional ownership of the aircraft, which ensures cost-effectiveness as well as convenience of a private jet. As per the Ernst & Young report, owners have a guaranteed access to 50-400 aircraft hours annually, depending on their share size.
Charges are levied only when the owner or guest is on board, and not when the aircraft is flying to a pick-up point, or returning to base after completing a trip.
In the Indian context, Mr Arora said that fractional aircraft ownership a very novel concept and will take sometime to catch up. Club One Air, a Delhi-based private jet company is the only Indian player operating in the market.
Although NetJets, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, the investment arm of Warren Buffet also announced its foray in the Indian market as it appointed a local partner last month.
Another interesting aspect that the experts in general aviation highlight is that this upswing in the sector will not be limited to large Indian business houses alone.
“As we have seen elsewhere in the world, business aviation is booming because dynamic businesses of all types and sizes and in all sectors have come to appreciate the efficiencies, flexibilities and other benefits it brings in terms of productivity to any company.
Hence, business aviation growth in India will be fuelled not only by likes of Mittals, Tata, Reliance, and so on, but by the hundreds of other dynamic, globally-oriented new businesses coming up in India in many fields,” said Mr Smith of GAMA.
Fragmented Market
However, despite favourable prospects for growth, the charter aviation market in India is fragmented. There are around 32 aircraft charter companies operating in the country, most of them having less than two aircraft each, says the E&Y study.
Infrastructure snarls in the form of access to the airports, congested air space and crunch for parking bays in big hubs of Mumbai, Delhi and other places would be impediments in the long run. Also, the shortage of technical staff and pilots would add to the problem, just like in the overall aviation sector.
Experts say a lot would depend on how the tier-two and secondary airports come up in the country.
On the regulatory side, there are some obstacles that are constraining growth, said Mr Smith. A countervailing duty of 16 per cent on the importation of general aviation aircraft for personal use, on top of other import duties, is a big dampener, he said.
“Some may respond that those who can afford to purchase a business jet can most likely afford the higher tax. However, this argument ignores the fact that this excessive taxation, in particular, makes the importation of the less expensive general aviation aircraft for pleasure prohibitive for the enthusiast or beginning aviator that has always formed the core of a strong aviation community.”
However, these obstacles do not seem a deterrent. Numerous private sector players are entering the air-charter business to leverage the opportunities offered.
The E&Y report says that Raymond, Mesco, Sahara, and Jindal Steel and Power have applied for charter service licence from the Director General of Civil Aviation.
Aircraft Profile
Aircraft in the general aviation include business jets, turbo-props and pistons. There are over 3,20,000 general aviation aircraft worldwide, ranging from two-seat training airplanes to intercontinental business jets, are flying today; 2,21,000 of those planes are based in the US.
General Aviation contributes more than $150 billion to the US economy annually and employs more than 12,65,000 people.
General Aviation billings reached an all-time high of $21.9 billion in 2007, a 16.5 per cent increase from 2006 worldwide.
Worldwide shipments of general aviation aeroplanes totalled 4,272 units in 2007.
This is a 5.4 per cent increase over the previous year’s total of 4,053 units and the strongest since 1981.
Source: General Aviation Manufacturers’ Association
Interval International Affiliates Barceló Club Puerto Castillo
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
 Major International Hotel Chain Enters Vacation Ownership Industry Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services, has announced the affiliation of Barceló Club Puerto Castillo, a resort on Fuerteventura (Canary Islands). Barceló Hotels & Resorts is one of the major European hotel groups and this represents the company’s entry into vacation ownership sector. Barceló Club Puerto Castillo is located on Caleta de Fuste beach and is a self contained resort on a large mixed-used development consisting of three hotels and a spa. The vacation ownership resort consists of 31 units comprised of 29 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments. In addition to the affiliation, Interval has been retained to design and operate the club’s points-based structure. “We selected Interval as our exchange services provider because of their developer support capabilities in the region, their commitment to quality and their understanding of points-based vacation clubs,” said Antonio Cursach, General Director Barceló Viajes. “As a branded hospitality operator, it was important that we designed a state of the art product that worked from both a consumer and management perspective and Interval has been instrumental in achieving this.” “We are very pleased to continue our tradition of assisting the world’s leading hospitality companies expand into the vacation ownership industry,” said David Clifton, managing director, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia for Interval International. “Barceló’s entry into the industry in Europe will reinforce the confidence in the industry as well as further enhancing Interval’s exchange network.” ABOUT INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL Interval International is a leading provider of exchange, travel, and leisure services to resort developers and vacationers worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 30 years. Today, Interval has a network of more than 2,300 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its clients and nearly 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through its 28 offices in 17 countries. Interval is part of IAC, which owns and operates more than 60 diversified brands in sectors being transformed by the Internet, online and offline. Other IAC companies include Ask.com, HSN, LendingTree, and Ticketmaster. |
Four Points By Sheraton Opens Hotel In Tempe, Arizona
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Four Points by Sheraton Tempe Provides Travelers with Comfortable Rooms, Great Extras and Convenient Access to Shops, Dining and Entertainment
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces the opening of a new Four Points(R) by Sheraton in Tempe, Arizona in the heart of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The Four Points by Sheraton Tempe, which is owned and operated by Twenty4Seven Hotels Corporation, underwent an extensive eight month renovation. The newly upgraded 187-room hotel will offer guests just what they’re looking for - great beds, a social atmosphere and a resort pool experience,
Walking distance from Arizona State University’s main campus, Four Points by Sheraton Tempe is minutes from the more than 100 shops, galleries and restaurants in Tempe’s popular Mill Avenue district and not far from Arizona Mills, the state’s largest mall. Additionally, the Four Points by Sheraton Tempe is within walking distance of two light rail stations, providing transportation to Mill Avenue, the Airport, downtown Phoenix and many other locations within the greater Phoenix Metro Area. Guests can catch a college football game at the nearby Sun Devil Stadium or enjoy a round of golf at one of several nearby courses. Other popular area attractions include the ASU Arboretum, the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo. Just one mile from Tempe St. Luke’s hospital, the hotel is also close the offices of Google, US Airways, Wells Fargo and Federal Express.
“The opening of Four Points by Sheraton Tempe extends the brand’s presence in the dynamic Phoenix metropolitan area and provides comfortable lodging at a great value for both business travelers and leisure customers,” said Sandy Swider, Vice President, Four Points by Sheraton. “Four Points by Sheraton gives travelers just what they want and need - comfortable accommodations, free Internet access and the space they need to work or relax.”
The hotel’s 187 guest-rooms and suites offer private balconies overlooking the pool and patio area. Rooms come equipped with wireless Internet access, 32-inch LCD flat screen televisions, free bottled water, and signature amenities including the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed, a multi-layered, cozy ensemble designed for comfort. In addition to a duvet in a rich palette of colors, the bed features a plush mattress and a welcoming array of pillows, including two feather/down sleeping pillows and two oversized lounging pillows.
Through the brand’s Simple Pleasures(SM) program, such as hot coffee and freshly baked pie are served in the lobby throughout the day. Guests can also choose from a wide selection of North American and imported beers at the lobby lounge, thanks to the Four Points by Sheraton Best Brews(R) program. Four Points by Sheraton Tempe offers all-day dining including a breakfast and lunch buffet at the lobby restaurant as well as tasty snacks at the grab-n-go coffee bar.
The hotel provides nearly 5,000 square feet of state-of-the-art flexible meeting space, which can accommodate groups of up to 200 people. Professional planning and catering services are also available to ensure the success of each event. Additional facilities include a 24-hour hour gym and business center.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), Sheraton(R), Westin(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, W(R), Le Meridien(R) and the recently announced Aloft(SM) and Element(SM) Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
Three, Two, One: Pump!
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
aloft (SM) HOTELS and PUMPONE Forge Exclusive Partnership Launching Portable Personal Trainers for Road Warriors
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 28, 2008–aloha! Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and its much anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloft hotels, today announced an industry-exclusive partnership with PumpOne. The partnership–designed for the tech-savvy aloft hotel guest–is the new tWist (SM) in on-the-road fitness programs.
aloft hotels, Starwood’s eighth hotel lifestyle brand, opens its doors to guests this summer. All aloft hotels feature re:charge (SM) –a purpose-built fitness facility with state-of-the-art equipment from Life Fitness (R). The 650 square foot space is designed to combine fitness and fun.
PumpOne provides convenient, customizable workout programs for use with image and video-ready handheld devices such as the iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, Treo and others. Created in 2005 by Craig Schlossberg, a pioneering software engineer, and Declan Condron, an exercise physiologist and exclusive New York personal trainer, PumpOne designs personal training programs which make it easy for guests to take their routines with them when they travel on the road.
“Our guests tell us that fitness is a priority and that while traveling, it can be challenging to stay on track” said Robin Korman, Vice President of Marketing for aloft hotels. “PumpOne is the ideal fitness partner, with technology at the foundation of their workouts. We are working closely with them to design workouts specifically for aloft guest rooms and re:charge, as well as workouts that utilize everyday travel items such as suitcases and water bottles.”
The aloft hotels / PumpOne partnership features “a-workout”–PumpOne’s downloadable fitness programs–complimentary to guests; menu items endorsed to promote healthy living from aloft hotel’s grab-and-gourmet pantry –re:fuel by aloft (SM); and exclusive entertainment content for SPG TV, the aloft in-room TV channel. In addition to content already available from PumpOne, the fitness company will develop 21 customized workouts, three workouts for each of seven fitness programs from cross training to yoga.
aloft hotel guests can download aloft-customized, introductory workouts from each of seven fitness categories to their computers, PDAs, iPods and iPhones. These devices can then be linked to the aloft plug and play device which links to the 42″ LCD television screen in each guest room. Guests will also be able to purchase full-length customized aloft / PumpOne workouts through the aloft broadband channel while visiting and through www.alofthotels.com.
“Starwood’s aloft brand is the perfect partner for on-the-go workouts,” says Craig Schlossberg, President of PumpOne. “We know it is difficult to maintain a fitness regimen on the road. aloft hotel’s unique sensibility of offering affordable high design and tech-savvy experiences while traveling matches PumpOne’s mission of providing clear concise personal training guidance in the most portable and affordable format.”
About aloft hotels
In the same way that W hotels broke through the clutter of conformity in the upscale hotel arena, aloft - A Vision of W Hotels will raise the bar in the select-service category, delivering urban-inspired, loft-like guestrooms, enhanced technology services, landscaped outdoor spaces for socializing day and night and an energetic lounge scene. Guests can book directly through www.alofthotels.com which features the best rate guarantee or through local travel agents. Guests can also book via local travel agents. In addition to taking part in Starwood’s new tWist(SM) in travel hotel experience, all aloft guests have the option to participate in and earn points in Starwood’s award-winning, industry leading Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program. Members at the Preferred level earn two points for every eligible US dollar spent at over 860 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. Rates for aloft hotels are market-driven, and on average, prices are $150/night.
An instant hit in the development community, the first aloft hotels are scheduled to open in summer 2008. The aloft brand has already announced more than 60 development projects, in more than 10 countries.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), Sheraton(R), Westin(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, W(R), Le Meridien(R) and the recently announced Aloft(SM) and Element (SM) Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com
About PumpOne
Headquartered in New York, PumpOne, LLC was created by Craig Schlossberg, a pioneering software engineer, and Declan Condron, an exercise physiologist, to provide convenient, customizable workout programs called PumpOne Trainers to image and video-ready handheld devices. PumpOne is like having an elite personal trainer that fits in your pocket and goes where you go. From TotallyPumped to Pumped(6)Pack, each PumpOne Trainer is a collection of videos, images and audio coaching that make up a progressive 4-6 week exercise program. The Simple instructions show you how to perform exercises properly and effectively for better results. For more information, visit www.PumpOne.com.
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Green With Envy
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
High-end vacation club buys energy-efficient duplex
Steamboat Springs — Some of the most affluent travelers in the world have begun staying in one of the most energy-efficient vacation homes in the Rockies during visits to Steamboat Springs.
A multimillion-dollar duplex completed by Mike Roberts of Habitat Construction this year just blew the doors off the blower door test.
“It’s one of the tightest stick-built homes we’ve ever seen, if not the tightest,” Megan Gilman said.
Gilman is president of Active Energies, a consulting firm in Avon that works with builders, architects and homeowners on green building. She conducted a blower door test on the Habitat Construction-built home on Ski Trail Lane on Feb. 22 to determine if it was leaking precious energy. She found it didn’t leak much at all.
Homes that leak to an extent that they turn over their air volume less than 0.35 times an hour are considered to be very tight, Gilman said. The Habitat duplex scored a 0.16.
“I was really impressed,” Gilman said. “Mike used closed-cell foam insulation throughout the house. It makes it tight.”
Both halves of the duplex sold last winter for $4 million each. The buyer was Quintess, Leading Residences of the World. It is an ultra-high-end vacation ownership club that maintains a network of 70 homes around the globe on behalf of its members. For a one-time, refundable deposit that starts at $210,000 plus annual dues, members gain access to vacation homes with an average value of $4 million.
Former longtime Steamboat resident Ben Hambleton is a partner in Quintessa, Roberts said. He worked with Pam Vanatta of Prudential Steamboat Realty. The ski-in, ski-out duplex, located almost directly beneath the Steamboat gondola, was listed by Arlene Zopf of Steamboat Village Brokers.
Roberts credited architects Tim Stone and Keith Kelly of Kelly & Stone Architects in Steamboat with becoming full partners in the green systems of the luxury duplex.
The driveway for the duplex alone cost $300,000 to build. However, a mechanized ventilation system that pulls heat out of the air and returns it to the home added just about $6,000 to the cost of each half of the duplex.
Habitat has been an advocate for green building here for decades — since before the term became a buzzword. Roberts has become a strong advocate of third-party testing to verify the green qualities of a home.
“You never know what you’ve got in a house until you test,” Roberts said. “Even the most well-intentioned builder is going to overlook something. And with 20 different subcontractors, there will be leaks you can’t see when you walk through the house.”
Roberts said he set out to make the Ski Trail Lane duplex virtually airtight. A mechanical ventilation system with a heat exchanger was a critical part of the plan. It allows the home to breathe without sacrificing energy.
Gilman said even a tight house needs to be properly ventilated for soil gases, humidity and carbon monoxide.
“Mike has just about better mechanical systems in that house than I’ve ever seen,” Gilman said. “He has timers on every ventilation fan so they don’t run too long.”
Her company worked on the 2008 Mountain Living Dream Home in the exclusive Cordillera neighborhood near Beaver Creek.
Ideally Active Energies likes to begin working with homeowners, architects and contractors at the planning stage so they can maximize the green building potential of the home. They run computer models to help clients understand, for example, how long it will take various types of insulation to reach the break-even point and achieve a return on investment.
Roberts thinks Steamboat has lagged behind some mountain communities in terms of setting green standards, but he is encouraged that the community’s Green Team is starting to catch up.
“Ultimately, the market is going to dictate” green practices, Roberts said. “I predict that within five years, a certified green home will appreciate at a greater rate.”
Third-party testing provides him with a verifiable certificate confirming the homes he builds have those advantages.
Roberts is forthright about the green-ness of the large luxury homes his company builds here. A large vacation home consumes more natural resources than more modest homes.
“I’ve not been true to a lot of those principles myself,” he said. “If you’re talking green, you have to talk about building small before you talk about anything else.”
Source: Tom Ross
Pan Pacific Hotels And Resorts Announces Appointment Of New Pan Pacific Seattle General Manager
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
David Sullivan has been appointed as the new General Manager for the Pan Pacific Seattle. Sullivan assumed his position on April 1, 2008.
“We are pleased to welcome David to the Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts family. He is an accomplished hotelier with vast knowledge of the Pacific Northwest hotel industry. With his extensive experience and skills, we are confident that he will create great success for the Pan Pacific Seattle,” said Mr Scott Swank, Senior Vice President Operations of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts.
With over 20 years of international and domestic hospitality experience, David has held executive management positions in operations and human resources with 16 years of rooms division experience with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in Canada. He also held executive and management positions at Four Seasons Hotel, Las Vegas; Four Seasons Resort & Club, Dallas; Four Seasons Resort, Nevis, Caribbean; Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver. David also spent nearly two years at the Regent Hotel, London as Assistant Executive Housekeeper.
Most recently, David was Vice President of Operations for Intrawest Resort Group and prior to Intrawest, David was the Vice President of Human Resources for Abercrombie & Kent Destinations, the pioneer in the Destination Club industry.
A native of Vancouver, B.C., David received his college degree in Commerce and Business Administration from University of British Columbia.
SurferQuest Provides Self Contained Internet Kiosk Software For Celebrity Resorts
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Global Software Applications/SurferQuest has installed secure, self maintained and privacy protected internet kiosk center software into Celebrity Resorts’ business centers. SurferQuest will allow the resort guests to have access to the desktop and applications such as Microsoft Office, Instant messangers and media players.
Global Software Applications, an innovator in the self service hospitality industry, is proud to announce Celebrity Resorts’ adoption of SurferQuest self contained kiosk software into their business centers. The software will enable them to offer a computer solution free of common public computer side affects such as left over content, viruses and objectionable content. SurferQuest protects the user privacy and maintains the computer to the extent that no IT staff needs to check, clean or update the systems.
“Celebrity Resorts is committed to providing guests using our business center kiosks a safe and reliable experience. SurferQuest software will help us to achieve this goal,” said C. Craig Lewis, Chief Operating Officer at Celebrity Resorts.
Scott D. Zane, Sr. Director of Support Services/IMS at Celebrity Resorts, stated, “After the initial deployment of our business center kiosk, we discovered the software we had originally chosen was not providing us with the full desktop experience that our end users were demanding. Upon finding SurferQuest and testing its capabilities, it was clear to me that this was going to be our product of choice. Support for deployment has been phenomenal and user feedback has been great.”
As a result of Celebrity Resorts’ implementation of SurferQuest software into their business centers, their guests will now be able to access the computers and internet at their resorts with the guarantee that everything they do will be erased from the computers at the sessions end. This ensures that no credit card, personal or business information may be viewed by other guests. SurferQuest will also provide 24/7 live technical support to the users of the Celebrity Resorts’ business center machines.
“We pride our selves in excellence of customer service and our flexibility toward our customers. Our goal is to offer easy to use dependable public computer solutions with the best interest of every guest in mind. We care about the protection of a guest’s personal information and their satisfaction,” said Ron Koning, VP of GSA/SurferQuest. “SurferQuest is dedicated to each and every hotel and is very excited about this new opportunity with Celebrity Resorts.”
About Celebrity Resorts
Founded in 1974, Celebrity Resorts has developed and managed numerous successful vacation ownership and property management projects throughout the nation and in the Caribbean. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida the Celebrity Resorts brand encompasses more than 60 companies, has ac¬tive interests in over 30 states and services more than 80,000 families on an annual basis. For more information about Celebrity Resorts, please visit www.celebrityresorts.com or call 1-800-423-8604.
About SurferQuest
Since 2001, SurferQuest has placed self contained business center software and privacy protected public computers in over 750 hotel/resort locations world wide. SurferQuest’s installed locations include many of America’s 4 and 5 star and 5 diamond luxury properties. SurferQuest is proud to offer easy to use, in demand guest amenities for the hotel industry and others. SurferQuest’s products range from self contained public computer software and pay-per-print solutions to way finding directional kiosks.
SurferQuest is determined to meet the demands of the self service industry with fresh, convenient, easy to use and dependable solutions. SurferQuest is pleased to offer the best customer service possible, with knowledgeable and friendly staff available 24/7.
“If there is a demand for a self service guest amenity, we will meet it; if there is already a solution out there, we will beat it.” Ron Koning VP SurferQuest/GSA
Marriott To Add 39 New Hotels In Middle East
April 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
The Chief Executive Officer at Marriott International said that the company is scheduled to add an additional 39 hotels to its portfolio of 26 in the Middle East, Gulf News reported.
The Marriott International has two new development deals in the UAE. The initial development is the Aldar Properties PJSC for a 411-room Renaissance hotel and 195-room Courtyard hotel in Abu Dhabi with both slated to open in 2011, he later added.
The Marriott International is represented by six brands including the Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels and Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments.
It is worth mentioning that Marriot International is in a joint venture with Al Futtaim Group. The company is hop