Hutchinson Announces New Group Appointment
July 30, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Hutchinson & Co Trust Company and Citadel Trustees are pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Allen to its senior management team in the newly created role of Associate Director - Client Services and Business Development.
Peter Hutchinson, Group Chairman, commented “We are delighted to have Chris on board. His experience and drive will contribute significantly to Hutchinson’s long held aims of providing our Clients with a service that is second to none. We are also committed to extending our consultancy services to those new to the industry and to our existing clients in none timeshare related activities. We see Chris as the ideal person to help ensure that we meet these objectives.
Chris, who takes up the post at the end of August, previously worked for Petchey Leisure, Interval International and RCI. He will be responsible for the Group’s Sales and Marketing activities and for increasing “brand awareness”. Since the launch of Citadel Trustees a year ago, the Group has experienced an encouraging number of new enquiries from developers looking to enter the fractional ownership, buy-to-let and other none mainstream markets. The aim going forward is to expand this side of the business, combining Chris’s wealth of experience with that of our existing team.”
With a highly experienced team of multilingual staff based in offices in the UK, Spain, India and China, the Group has been providing Trustee and Stakeholder services to the leisure and real estate industries for over 25 years, handling in excess of $130 million/£65 million client funds annually.
For further information on the Group and its business services please visit www.hutchtrust.co.uk and www.citadeltrustees.com, or contact by email enquires@hutchtrust.co.uk and enquiries@citadeltrustees.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Email this postDiamond Resorts International Hires Experienced Industry Executive As National Director Customer Care Center
July 30, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Diamond Resorts International®(DRI), a global leader in the vacation ownership industry, has appointed Sean Connolly as National Director Customer Care Center for DRI. Connolly will initially be responsible for developing and implementing DRI’s new state-of-the-art call center, including strategy, development and business procurement of DRI’s telephone originated marketing programs.
Diamond Resorts International®(DRI), a global leader in the vacation ownership industry, has appointed Sean Connolly as National Director Customer Care Center for DRI. Connolly will initially be responsible for developing and implementing DRI’s new state-of-the-art call center, including strategy, development and business procurement of DRI’s telephone originated marketing programs. Connolly will report to James R. Danz (”Jim”), DRI’s Chief Marketing Officer.
“With our National Customer Care Center primed for launch later this year having Sean onboard will be a key component in our success,.” says Jim Danz., “His prior call center experience coupled with the strongest marketing team in the industry and innovative lead generation programs will promote the DRI hospitality brand while driving qualified tours to our U.S. sales centers.”
Connolly has over 13 years experience in all facets of vacation ownership marketing and sales with a successful track record of developing cost effective specialty marketing programs such as owner referral, trial ownership, target specific mini-vacations, in-house marketing, day drive tours, owner upgrade telesales, and lead generation programs. Previously, Sean served as Vice President of Marketing for DRI’s Polo Towers; one of the largest and most successful resort developments in the timeshare industry. Sean has also served as Project Director for Marriot Vacation Club International’s Las Vegas Call Center.
“Over the next few months our marketing efforts will be augmented by the opening of our state-of-the-art National Customer Care Center in DRI’s new global headquarters,” says Simon Crawford-Welch, DRI’s President & Chief Operating Officer. “Sean’s extensive management experience and proven ability to strategize and implement profitable call center operations will be key in developing world- class outbound programs that drive tours to our current and future sales centers.”
Diamond Resorts International®, based in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest vacation ownership companies in the world with more than 110 branded and affiliated resorts and nearly 23,000 guest beds in 14 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. Offering simplicity, choice and comfort to its more than 360,000 owners and members through the branded service of more than 5,500 team members worldwide, Diamond Resorts International® is dedicated to providing its guests with effortless and relaxing vacation experiences every time, for a lifetime.
For more information, visit www.DiamondResorts.com
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Vacation Ownership Investment Conference - Register Now & Save 10%
July 30, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Perspective International Ltd is proud to be a Media Sponsor of the 10th Annual Vacation Ownership Investment Conference.
In addition, Perspective International Ltd is pleased to provide you with a special opportunity to attend this year’s conference and receive a 10 percent discount off the registration fee.
To receive this discount visit www.vacationownershipinvestment.com and when registering enter the promotional code “PERSPECTIVE“.
Vacation Ownership Investment Conference
October 6-9, 2008
The Peabody Orlando, Orlando, Florida, USA
The Vacation Ownership Investment Conference is the foremost event focusing on the successful resort financing, development, branding, marketing, selling and management of vacation ownership properties. Whether you are a new entrant into the industry or a seasoned veteran, take this opportunity to expand your knowledge, explore new ideas and make valuable contacts.
Register Now At www.vacationownershipinvestment.com
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Robb & Stucky Resorts Selects President
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
With the expansion of its clientele from residential homeowners to an increasing number of hotels and resorts, Robb & Stucky, one of North America’s largest home furnishings and interior design companies, has recently tapped Dan Lubner for the position of president of its newly formed Resorts Division.
In his new role, Lubner will continue to direct interior design and purchasing-related services to hospitality, timeshare and fractional ownership properties as well as other commercial clients in North America and international locations.
Previously serving as vice president of marketing and business development, Lubner has been an influential component in developing the model-merchandising program at Robb & Stucky and instrumental in the growth of it commercial customers.
With nearly a decade of experience in the marketing and home furnishings industry, he began his career with the interior design and premier home furnishings retailer in 2000, holding managerial positions in several of the company’s locations throughout Florida. He also served as regional general manager in Southwest Florida and was promoted to vice president of marketing in 2006. In his corporate marketing role, Lubner expanded relationships with leading builders and developers, overseeing all marketing and business development efforts at the company’s 15 locations nationwide. Heholds a bachelor of arts degree in communications from the University of South Florida.
Under his guidance, the furniture and design powerhouse has completed furnishing packages for dozens of condominiums in Costa Rica, where Robb & Stucky has also opened its first international design studio and showroom, and has recently signed a multi-million dollar contract with a major publicly-held U. S. timeshare developer for the renovation of units.
Robb & Stucky provides complete turn-key furnishings for commercial clients and often creates custom-designed furnishings. They also coordinate every facet of the design, manufacturing, shipping, import documentation and installation process, with all items arriving within development deadlines, including housewares and electronics.
Founded in 1915 in Fort Myers, Florida, Robb & Stucky is a nationally respected interior design and premier furnishings retailer with showrooms in Florida, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. For more information, visit www.RobbStucky.com
For additional information, contact Dan Lubner at 239-561-6070 or Marge Lennon at 239-482-3891
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Group RCI Announces New Chief Technology Officer
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Group RCI, a global leader in leisure real estate and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced the promotion of Brad Dettmer to the position of chief technology officer. In his new role, Dettmer will oversee the leadership and direction for Group RCI’s IT function globally, with matrix accountability for its regional IT Teams worldwide. He will report directly to Tom Edwards, chief financial officer, Group RCI.
Dettmer joined RCI in 1988, serving most recently as the vice president of Information Technology and prior to that as senior director of the Global Technology Group and project director of the Global Points Network. During his nearly 20 years with the company, he has proven his leadership skills by directing organizations, implementing successful business changes and administering multi-million dollar global projects and budgets. In addition, he worked for Sallie Mae Servicing for three years as senior manager of the Internet Application Group.
“We are extremely pleased that Brad will now be leading the IT function for our company worldwide,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Group RCI. ‘His in-depth knowledge of Group RCI’s global business and technology portfolios will serve as an asset to our entire organization going forward.”
Dettmer earned his BS degree from Indiana University’s School of Business. He was part of the ARDA Technology Committee for three years, and has been a CIO Executive Counsel Member since 2007. Brad will be working out of the Indianapolis, Indiana offices of Group RCI.
About Group RCI
Group RCI, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, (NYSE: WYN) is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 67,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. The company is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI®, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry CollectionÒ, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation RentalsSM , Landal Greenparks®, Novasol®, and more than 30 other vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse®, Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, and asset management services. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit www.grouprci.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Quintess, The Leading Residences Of The World Expands Vacation Offerings Into Asia
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Luxury destination club, Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World (LRW), announced three Q Leading Experiences that will allow members to experience Southeast Asia in sumptuous style. Through a new partnership with Karma Resorts, Quintess, LRW members can enjoy vacations in spacious three- and four-bedroom private, free standing villas at the Karma Jimbaran and Karma Kandara resorts in Bali, and the Karma Samui resort in Thailand, which are also members of The Leading Small Hotels of the World.
The Karma Resorts villas feature all the luxury amenities found in Quintess, LRW residences in North America and Europe, including pools, state-of-the-art kitchens and home theater systems. In addition, guests can take advantage of the resorts’ gourmet dining and extensive spa and sports facilities.
“Partnering with this boutique Southeast Asian resort group makes it possible for Quintess to expand the scope of vacation possibilities for our members to the Far East,” said Ben Addoms, Quintess, LRW Founder. “Karma Resorts not only offer luxurious accommodations in exotic settings, but also a holistic approach to health and wellness.”
Karma Jimbaran, Bali: Set on a hillside overlooking Jimbaran Bay, Karma Jimbaran features a Balinese-influenced design that extends to the gardens, handcrafted teak furniture and the open-pavilion-style of the private villas. Dining options include the modern Mediterranean and Indonesian cuisine served at di Mare restaurant or meals prepared by a private in-villa chef.
Karma Kandara, Bali: Designed in an elegant style that combines ultra-modern with traditional Balinese touches, Karma Kandara is perched atop a precipice that offers views of Bali’s pristine southern beaches. Each private villa is decorated with local artwork and Balinese antiques. Guests can enjoy cocktails in the resort’s open-air bar, and dine in its cliff-top restaurant or beach club.
Karma Sui, Thailand: Koh Samui, the third largest island in Thailand, is the setting for this sumptuous resort that features private villas furnished with teak furniture, Thai silks and antiques. Guests can sample the modern Thai cuisine of Padma restaurant, or have dinner prepared by a private chef in their residences.
All three Karma Resorts properties feature Chakra Spa & Wellness Centers, which offer a range of Far Eastern beauty and massage treatments that focus on the natural healing forces of the mind, body and spirit.
The three new Q Leading Experiences at the Karma Resorts complement the other eight experiences that Quintess, LRW offers its members for a total of eleven. Q Leading Experiences is a Quintess, LRW program designed to provide its discriminating members with additional unique and unforgettable vacations and memories, with the highest standard of hospitality in the most spectacular destinations worldwide. Other Q Leading Experiences are available in destinations including Australia, Bora Bora, Boston and Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Greece, Italy and Washington, DC.
About Karma Resorts
Karma Resorts is a new wave of luxury resorts that offer lifestyle, elegance, value and creativity at the industry’s highest benchmark. Karma Resorts offer private, luxurious and spacious villa accommodations and seamless service. The villas sit within resort infrastructures and the guest experience is both extensive and intimate. The Karma Resorts concept is to provide a luxurious lifestyle-based environment with all the trimmings of a world-class resort, where facilities, service and guest experiences merge to create lifelong memories. www.karmaresorts.com
About Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World
Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World is a luxury destination club that creates highly personalized vacation experiences for its members. Quintess, LRW provides its members with access to 80+ multimillion-dollar residences in 40+ international resort and city destinations, including Aspen, Los Cabos, Florence, Hawaii, Jackson Hole, London, Napa Valley, New York City, Paris and Tuscany, among countless others. As part of Quintess, LRW’s strategic partnership with The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., the club now offers Q Leading Experiences at select member hotels of The Leading Hotels of the World around the globe. With 450+ members, the club’s member-to-home ratio is below six-to-one—one of the lowest in the industry. The company remains committed to financial transparency and full disclosure to its members and continues the practice of providing its members with third party audited financial statements. www.quintess.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Veras Group Launches As First Independent Consulting And Brokerage Firm Serving The Destination Club Industry
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
In an industry where acquiring new members is among the largest expense a company faces, the
destination club space has been in need of a change to its sales process. Now, it is getting the facelift it has needed — an unbiased and independent service that will streamline the buying experience and have a positive impact on the industry as a whole. Announcing the launch of The Veras Group, the first-to-market consulting and brokerage firm serving the destination club
industry.
Announcing the launch of The Veras Group, the first-to-market consulting and brokerage firm serving the destination club industry.
As the only unbiased source in the industry, The Veras Group will represent new member prospects to all destination clubs. This concept removes the time and frustration associated with researching clubs by offering independent, high touch point services that will help customers determine the membership that best serves their needs. The Veras Group will assist clients
in executing due diligence, clarify critical differences between clubs and determine optimal membership terms. There is no cost to become a client of The Veras Group.
“Acquiring new members is a substantial and recurring expense incurred by all Clubs. The Veras Group is a business development firm, employing its own client/member generating resources. There is no risk to the Club — just return,” said Jim Pippin, Founder and Managing Director of The Veras Group. “By aligning our clients with the proper destination club, we will create satisfied customers, and strengthen the industry.”
The Veras Group is the brain child of several experienced destination club professionals, Jim Pippin, David Gustafson and Levi Moe, and entrepreneur Rick Rolph. Because the team has been responsible for brokering almost five percent of all industry’s memberships to date, they realized customers needed more personalized attention and a more streamlined approach to choosing a club.
The Veras Group has identified over 30 factors vital to choosing the right club. By weighing each with their customer’s unique travel needs, The Veras Group can supply an objective analysis of each club by providing access to a proprietary portfolio of tools, resources and analysis to assist the decision making process. Once a client decides which club to join, The Veras Group determines the best membership terms available and secures them for the client.
For more information visit http://www.theverasgroup.com or call (888) 837-2707.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Learn About The Latest In The Travel Industry At World Travel Market
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
WTM 2008 Seminar, Conference and Events programme
The World Travel Market (WTM) 2008 and Conference and Seminar programme commences on Tuesday 11 November with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Ministers’ Summit and will run across three days culminating on Thursday 13 November with the WTM Global Economic Forum.
A full range of educational programmes focusing on key industry sectors within the travel and tourism industry including technology, airlines, responsible tourism, global trends forecast, gay travel, spa, health and wellness, cruise, PR and communications and ancillary markets have been developed to offer participants excellent insights and learning.
Commenting on this year’s programme, WTM Chairman, Fiona Jeffrey’s said, “This year’s conference and seminar programme is very comprehensive and explores a number of targeted influential sub industries within the marketplace. World Travel Market continues to push boundaries examining a wide range of subjects including global economics within the travel and tourism industry, technology, and responsible tourism.”
WTM Global Economic Forum
New for WTM 2008, The WTM Global Economic Forum will take an in-depth look at the economic outlook for the travel and tourism industry moving forward into 2009-2010. Chaired by retired broadcaster and economics journalist Peter Hobday, a longstanding presenter on the BBC4 radio programme Today and Newsnight, the panel of key economic experts will provide valuable insight for the tourism industry into the state of the world economy.
Given the recent slow downs and credit crunch taking place around the world, the forum will provide participants with valuable insight into the effects of the world economy on travel and tourism.
WTM World Responsible Tourism Day
Now in its second year WTM World Responsible Tourism Day (WTM WRTD), in association with the UNWTO and supported by leading international industry associations such as PATA and the World Travel & Tourism Council, will once again provide the travel industry with a full day of hard-hitting truths to increase awareness about responsible tourism.
The day will once again be chaired by world renowned BBC journalist Stephen Sackur and will include a special WTM WRTD live session of ‘Hard Talk’ with a senior internationally known figure, examining in detail just how companies can change and play a more responsible role within the industry. Other sessions throughout the day will focus on the role that operators and hoteliers can and should be playing in developing the sustainable tourism agenda and the issues they can impact and influence.
The Business Case for Responsible Tourism
Thursday 13 November will see an extension of the WTM WRTD programme with a conference investigating the financial profitability of practicing responsible tourism within an organisation. The conference will follow two main tracks focusing on hoteliers and tour operators including joint and segmented panel debate sessions and a networking lunch.
Aimed at corporate social responsibility directors and managers, marketeers, public corporate relations directors, managing directors, business owners, and responsibility policy makers the programme will take an in-depth look at the business case of making an organisation more socially responsible while still maintaining, and in most cases, increasing profits. Expert speakers from the travel and tourism industry will share their experiences and discuss both their successes and learning experiences.
UNWTO Ministers’ Summit
The prestigious UNWTO Minister’s Summit will again take place at WTM on Tuesday 11 November. This year’s topic, Responding to the economic downturn and staying with the climate and poverty reduction agendas, will delve into the global issue of poverty and the environment. Ministers from around the world will gather at this invitation only event to debate and discuss these important subjects, exploring how the travel and tourism industry can continue to combat poverty and climate change in the current economic market.
Airline Programme
A comprehensive airline programme will run across two days beginning with the Airline Head to Head on Tuesday 12 November. The session will cover a range of issues affecting the industry in the current turbulent market through an exclusive one-to-one interview with a top airline industry leader.
Taking a comprehensive look at the industry and the environment, Wednesday’s seminar will examine topics such as short haul flights vs. trains, taxation impacts on airlines and the subsequent impact on tourism, improved industry performance including better air traffic control, more efficient aircraft, bio fuels, and passenger offsetting and emissions trading schemes.
Eye for Travel - WTM Technology and Online Travel
WTM has partnered with Eye for Travel, who will be hosting three one day technology conferences at the exhibition. The first conference, Mobile in Travel takes place on Tuesday 11 November and investigates this groundbreaking new medium for communicating strategically to customers to engage, foster loyalty and increase revenue.
Technology participants interested in learning more about the evolution of online travel and its rapidly changing face, can attend the Online Travel Leadership Forum: Evolution of Online Travel on Wednesday 12 November.
Those interested in finding out about web content and the strategies behind effectively planning your web materials to engage customers are invited to attend Online Content and Conversion Strategies on Thursday 13 November.
Gay and Lesbian Masterclass
For the third consecutive year, WTM has invited leading gay travel marketing experts, Out Now, to present their research and findings on the gay travel market at WTM. This year Out Now will examine the essential knowledge the industry needs to capitalise on the much homogenised, but financially lucrative segment of the international travel industry. Gays and lesbians account for around 6% of the global population and around 10% of total travel expenditure.
WTM’s Out Now Gay Marketing Masterclass will be moderated by Out Now founder and CEO, Ian Johnson. This year’s Masterclass titled Homosexual, not Homogenous - The importance of market segments when selling travel to the lesbian and gay markets, will take an in-depth look at the various different sub markets within gay travel groups exploring how to best target each individual sub category.
China Now - WTM China-Contact Forum
Now in its third year the WTM China-Contact conference will follow on experiences learned from the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing offering an interactive forum for discussion about how to develop business with China as a destination, service provider and tour operator. With the strong support of VisitBritain, China National Tourism Administration, Visit London, Kunming Municipal Tourism Board and the Pacific Asia Travel Association, top experts from tourism bodies and travel companies intimately involved in China are meeting at WTM on Wednesday 12 November to share their case studies with international tourism delegates.
For more information about these specific events and a full listing of the conferences and seminars taking place at WTM visit www.wtmlondon.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Celebrity Makes Major Purchase Of SPI Software
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
To accommodate recent growth and plans for expansion, Celebrity Resorts recently purchased Systems Products International (SPI)’s Orange Systems vacation ownership enterprise software suite. The SPI software will replace the legacy software from Resort Computer Corporation (RCC).
Matt Brosious, SPI director of sales, adds, “Celebrity Resorts is making a substantial investment in SPI Orange Systems Enterprise Software Suite. Many other major companies use SPI as a departmental solution for Sales, Reservations, Marketing, Dues/Loans accounting and so forth. Celebrity Resorts will be implementing all SPI modules on an integrated enterprise-wide basis and therefore represents one of the most important deals yet for SPI.”
Chief Operating Officer of Celebrity Resorts C. Craig Lewis says, “We were extremely impressed with SPI’s Orange Systems enterprise suite. The software is complete and easy to use, and its functionality will assist us in streamlining operations in our growing company. We were also pleased that our financial investment in the software affords us the convenience of being able to adapt the technology to truly fit our changing needs.”
For Scott D. Zane, Sr. Director of Support Services/IMS at Celebrity Resorts, it was all about the technology and flexibility. “With SPI’s Orange Systems software, we can meet many of our needs out of the box with a superior technology platform,” says Zane. “More importantly, SPI is an open system and having the ability to modify forms and reports, even develop new functions within SPI as our business evolves, was a primary consideration for our decision.”
About Celebrity Resorts
Founded in 1979, Celebrity Resorts has developed and managed numerous successful timeshare projects throughout the nation and in the Caribbean. The company is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and currently has 16 resorts in six states, conducts business in more than 30 states, provides vacation services for more than 80,000 families on an annual basis, and has an extensive growth plan that includes adding resorts and project management properties to its portfolio in the near future. For more information about Celebrity Resorts, please visit www.celebrityresorts.com.
About SPI
SPI provides major developers of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others) with its .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle marketing, sales, property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, sales@spiinc.com or www.spiinc.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort Appoints Darrell Sheaffer As General Manager
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Philip M. Barnes, Regional Vice President, Middle East for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Darrell Sheaffer as General Manager, Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort.
‘We are delighted to have Darrell at the helm of this new iconic property on the Palm Jumeriah at a time when our brand is enjoying growing momentum in the region,’ said Barnes.
Barnes added.
In this new role, Sheaffer’s responsibilities will include overseeing the scheduled 2009 opening of the Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort, located on the main truck of the Palm Jumeirah. The complex will encompass a 377-room luxury hotel with 588 vacation ownership residences. The resort will offer extensive meeting space, outdoor leisure facilities including a beach club and restaurant, a pool complex and children’s activity center, as well as a variety of internationally themed dining facilities featuring sea, garden or pool views and a Willow Stream Spa.
A seasoned hotelier, Sheaffer brings a wealth of international experience to his position with a career spanning over 30 years in four continents where he has held executive positions in several leading hotel companies including Ritz-Carlton and Mandarin Oriental. It is at the former where he devoted over 15 years in a variety of locations in North America and in the Middle East, including the Ritz Carlton in Doha, Qatar.
Sheaffer first joined Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in 2006 as General Manager for the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club. It was here he was responsible for overseeing a $100m plus renovation and relaunch of the renowned south Florida resort, effectively repositioning the property as one of the top resorts in the southeast United States.
Sheaffer holds an Associate Degree in Business with a specialization in Hospitality management from Lansing College in Michigan, United States. He is married to Elaine, with two children, and shares a passion for golf, cycling and travel.
A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels, which includes iconic landmarks like the Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland and New York’s The Plaza.
Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travellers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont’s portfolio includes 56 distinctive hotels, with plans to develop over 20 new properties in the coming years in destinations as diverse as Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and Anguilla.
Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 90 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Monocle Yachts Expands Fractional Fleet To Meet Client Wait List Demands
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Monocle Yachts officially launches its “Sell My Yacht” promotion through the Monocle Fractional Program. The firm is seeking new vessels to become part of its fractional fleet management program to meet the requests of current wait listed clients who are in line to purchase yacht shares. Monocle’s clientele consists of pre-qualified buyers who are looking to partner in luxurious, well-kept yachts ranging in size from 100’ to 200’.
The concept of selling a vessel into a fractional ownership Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) is targeted to current owners looking to sell their yacht who don’t want to compete with the other 985,000 yachts on the brokerage market today. When selling through Monocle, owners have the option to sell a limited number of shares of their yacht, thereby retaining equity along with rights to usage.
The benefits of the Fractional Program are structured to surpass those of sole ownership, chartering or club memberships. The firm looks to maintain the yacht’s value and equity for its owners by managing the yacht’s expenses, maintenance and crew year round. The net cost of the yacht and all expenses are fractionally divided into shares that entitle each owner a percentage of use per year indefinitely.
Each 10% share receives four weeks of annual use based on a rotating calendar schedule: two weeks in a summer location and two weeks in a winter location offering multiple yachting experiences.
Recent research has shown that the standard yacht owner uses their vessel no more than four weeks out of the year. Yachts put into charter typically book 6-12 weeks out of the year and endure abuse from wear and tear. In both instances, owners are required to pay insurance, maintenance, fuel, dockage and crew salary expenses year round.
President, Dr. Loren Simkowitz of Monocle Fractional Yachts comments, “Sole Yacht ownership as we have known it is a thing of the past. Fractional Ownership is the wave of the future. In this economy, Fractional is the optimum solution for yacht owners today because the brokerage market is so saturated.”
The company’s president went on to explain that today’s generation is seeking instant gratification, “Owners are looking to get on their yacht and just enjoy it, without the burden of maintenance and negotiating crew salaries. We are the only management team who does not mark up any yacht expenses, allowing our owners to only pay 10¢ on the dollar!”
Once a yacht is introduced into the Monocle Fractional fleet, they take over the obligation of global marketing and locating qualified buyers. The program currently has a database of pre-qualified buyers seeking ownership in a yacht managed by Monocle. These buyers typically own multiple residences, shares in fractional jets, vacation resort homes and are well acquainted with the fractional lifestyle.
Fractional owners are also allowed to exit the program if they choose. Each yacht participating in the Monocle Fractional Yacht program is individually owned by an LLC, and therefore the shareholder may sell their share independently or through Monocle Fractional Yachts at anytime.
As a result of the Monocle Fractional Yacht and Management program’s success they have sold out over 90% of their current inventory. This is the first time in the company’s history where it will not solely rely on the purchase of new yachts. Monocle is providing yacht owners a unique opportunity to participate in the program by bringing their vessel forward for consideration.
If you are a yacht owner of a well maintained vessel and would like to learn more about selling your yacht through the Monocle Fractional Yacht Program then please visit http://www.monocleyachts.com or call +1 954-563-5808 for more information.
About Monocle Fractional Yachts
Monocle Fractional Yachts has over 75 years of asset management experience. The firm was one of the first to introduce the fractional ownership concept to the luxury yacht market in 2000. The Monocle business model specializes in the acquisition, fractional share sales, crew and vessel management and overall operation of a “Yacht-o-Minium” ranging from 100’ to 200’. Monocle’s yacht management services are tailored to relieve owners of the strains of yacht ownership while maintaining the value of their asset and best interests of its clientele.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Orange Lake Orlando Resort Breaks Ground On New Presidential Suites Slated For Late 2008 Completion
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
The Family of Orange Lake Resorts has announced the groundbreaking of a new presidential suite building located in the River Island village of its more than 1,450-acre flagship Orlando timeshare resort located next door to Walt Disney World® Resort. Orange Lake Orlando will introduce this second River Island building with 156 villas and all presidential suites on the top three floors in late 2008.
The presidential suite product will include 4-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 2-bedroom villas with upgraded furnishings such as full internet services, a sophisticated home electronics package, flat screen TV, leather furniture, granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms, stainless steel appliances and oversized kitchen and dining space to accommodate the needs of any size family. Design Poole Inc. of Melbourne, Fla. will design the Spanish Mediterranean-style presidential suite product for Orange Lake Orlando, scheduled for pre-construction sales in December this year.
“We asked our owners what they wanted and we have created this new product based on their excellent feedback,” said Don Harrill, President and CEO for The Family of Orange Lake Resorts. “We are confident that our new product will take our owners’ vacation experience to the next level, rivaling that of our competitors around the globe.”
The 12-acre River Island village, a themed tropical island paradise, is one of four resort villages at Orange Lake Orlando, and features a lazy-river-style pool and beach-style swimming pools, spas and interactive fountain, 36-hole miniature golf, the River Island Grilling Company and Tradewinds Bar, Windward and Leeward pool bars, a multi-terraced deck with indoor and outdoor dining, Connections Business Center & Internet Café, Currents Café, Tickets & Transportation Desk, Mussels Fitness Center, Treasure Cove Arcade and Family Fun Center and the Cabana Key private cabana oasis.
The other Orange Lake Orlando villages include the West Village, a center of family fun with zero-entry, stage and kids’ pools, an 80-acre spring-fed lake with watersports and a beach. This resort village recently unveiled a new clubhouse with an upgraded check-in area, arcade, kids’ club and fitness center. The new Water’s Edge Beach Club offers a new retail outlet, zero-entry pool, cabanas and Putt-Putt® golf area. This village will be further enhanced with the completion of a new family-style restaurant featuring takeout options, scheduled to open early 2009. Orange Lake Orlando also offers the North Village, a relaxing oasis with Splash Lagoon, an interactive fountain and kids’ pool, Terrace Café, a video arcade, basketball and tennis courts; and the East Village, a golfer’s paradise with The Legends at Orange Lake® championship, signature Arnold Palmer-designed golf course. The resort also features the par 71 Reserve at Orange Lake, the 9-hole, par 30 Crane’s Bend and the 9-hole par 27 Legends Walk, also designed by Arnold Palmer.
The Family of Orange Lake Resorts has evolved from a “best-kept secret” as the world’s largest single-site timeshare resort to a multi-site resort with a growing network. New resort additions in Wisconsin, Vermont and Florida were carefully selected and tailored for their owners and facilitated by a brand new member exchange program, GlobalAccess®. Orange Lake’s flagship location in Orlando was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn® Founder, Kemmons Wilson. The company plans to continue the expansion of their resort network and is actively seeking more growth opportunities to continue being the “home-away-from-home” to more than 110,000 owners from all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries.
For more information about The Family of Orange Lake Resorts, go to www.orangelake.com
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Launches A Portal To The World’s Most Exceptional Destinations Through The New www.luxurycollection.com
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Expert Travel Content, Exceptional Photography From National Geographic Image Collection, Global Cultural Calendar, Unique Pursuits and Exclusive Privileges Offer Affluent International Travelers the Keys to Unlock Distinct Locales, Exotic Getaways and Magnificent Destinations.
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 65 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries, today launched the new www.luxurycollection.com, unveiling a world of exploration featuring unique, authentic and enriching experiences at the world’s most desirable destinations. Far more than a hotel website, www.luxurycollection.com is an international travel destination site with exclusive travel information, original editorial content, insider travel tips, and recommendations from local destination experts. The new brand site also features exceptional photography from National Geographic Image Collection, giving The Luxury Collection’s affluent global explorers access to the magnificent settings surrounding each Luxury Collection property.
Inspired by the world of art museums and galleries, the site is designed to showcase the rich diversity of The Luxury Collection portfolio, which features some of the world’s most iconic, award-winning properties, including Hotel Danieli, Venice; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Grande Bretagne, Athens; Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa, French Polynesia; The U.S. Grant, San Diego; Palace Hotel, San Francisco and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.
“Today we proudly unveil the new luxurycollection.com, offering our global guests a rich online experience that will mirror the unique and authentic experiences found at The Luxury Collection’s Hotels and Resorts,” said Phil McAveety, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “For today’s affluent global explorer, The Luxury Collection is the curator of extraordinary destination experiences where nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do.”
Destinations
The Luxury Collection invites sophisticated global explorers to uncover the indigenous offerings, heritage and treasures at each distinctive Luxury Collection locale through the innovative design and rich content of www.luxurycollection.com. Visitors to the Destination pages will find exclusive editorial content featuring international travel tips and recommendations from local destination experts, a property overview and highlights page featuring each property’s signature crest and color, and links to additional Luxury Collection properties located within the region. From Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa in Argentina to Hotel Pitrizza in Italy, The Luxury Collection’s affluent global travelers are invited to unlock the rich history indigenous cuisine, and surrounding natural beauty in over 65 destinations.
Pursuits
Travelers can discover ancient heritage at the world’s most celebrated locations, be pampered at award-winning indigenous spas, or unwind in peace and tranquility at exclusive hideaways, all by accessing The Luxury Collection’s Pursuits. Guests seeking once-in-lifetime authentic experiences will be able to search the Pursuits page for extraordinary opportunities and events at each Luxury Collection destination relating to interests ranging from Architecture & Design, Award-Winning Cuisine, Secret Hideaways, Yachting, Adventure, Romance and Wildlife.
Global Cultural Calendar
Distinctive locales, unforgettable events and limitless possibilities are easily accessible with The Luxury Collection’s exclusive Cultural Calendar. Offering an international view of upcoming events curated by each region, the site allows guests to search the Cultural Calendar and choose a destination based on the experience that awaits them, from Chinese New Year in Mauritius to the Bali Arts Festival in Indonesia to the International Aegean Sailing Rally in Greece.
Exclusives
Guests can explore and discover exceptional experiences with the Exclusives page including Featured Offers, Destination and Limited Edition packages. For families, visitors will find Love Your Family packages at Luxury Collection destinations all over the world featuring group activities and special kids programs. A page with Featured Exclusives caters to every mood and desire with offers from the best golf courses at some of the world’s most exotic destinations to the ultimate weekend of pampering and relaxation at The Luxury Collection’s finest spas. Visitors can also link to The Luxury Collection’s exceptional Epicurean Packages, including a three-day adventure of gastronomic delight at Hotel Marques de Riscal in Elciego, Spain for an unforgettable 150th Anniversary Celebration featuring the sale of Marques de Riscal private reserve cellars dating back as far as 1860.
Privileges
The Privileges page allows guests to contact a personal Luxury Collection Concierge(C), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and learn about The Luxury Collection’s latest signature services and recently launched partnerships with industry leaders Luggage Forward and NewspaperDirect. The joint venture with Luggage Forward, the leading provider of door-to-door luggage and sports equipment delivery, will now allow guests the luxury of traveling luggage free with The Luxury Collection’s Luggage Liaison travel service. The partnership with NewspaperDirect, the world leader in multi-channel newspaper and magazine content distribution, will now allow guests to have access to a world of newspapers and publications at their fingertips.
To explore the new Luxury Collection website, please visit: www.luxurycollection.com
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
SellMyTimeshareNOW.com Reports Offers To Buy Or Rent Timeshare Up 92 Percent
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, a timeshare internet advertising and marketing company, has released its second quarter 2008 business synopsis, showing strong growth in both timeshare resales and timeshare rentals, with second quarter offers to buy or rent timeshare up 92 percent over the same quarter last year.
While the weak US economy has some industries struggling, SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, an online timeshare advertising and marketing service, is thriving according to results released earlier today by the privately held company.
CEO Jason Tremblay explains, “At SellMyTimeshareNOW.com offers to buy or rent timeshares during the second quarter of 2008 totaled $116,518,155. This represents a 92 percent increase over the same quarter last year.” The company noted that the 2008 second quarter results mark the first time that its total amount of offers received in a single quarter ($116 million in offers) reached nine digits.
The Dover, NH based company has built its business by helping timeshare owners sell or rent timeshare they no longer need. At the same time, new owners are finding that timeshare resales are a way to enjoy vacation ownership opportunities at affordable resale prices. Rosanne Luba, Director of Sales for the company says, “The number of offers submitted to SellMyTimeshareNOW.com year-to-date, through the end of the second quarter, totaled 59,559, or 56 percent above offers during the same period in 2007. The total value of these offers was $207,130,110.”
SellMyTimeshareNOW.com includes timeshare rental offers in its overall statistical analysis, and also reviews rental offers as an individual category of business. The number of offers year-to-date made through Rental Assist, the company’s timeshare rental program, is 23,086, and show a 170 percent increase over timeshare rental offers in 2007. The amount of the timeshare rental offers, year-to-date, is $29,922,343, up 175 percent and already surpassing 2007 year-end totals.
Since the company was started in 2003, SellMyTimeshareNOW.com has grown to dominate the timeshare resales and rental advertising industry by basing its corporate strategies on fair and transparent business practices and advanced internet marketing tactics. Download SellMyTimeshareNOW.com’s full statistical business synopsis by clicking on: http://www.sellmytimesharenow.com/media/pdf/2nd-Q-2008-financial-report.pdf
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. In less than five years, the company has become the recognized global leader in the advertising and marketing of timeshare resales and timeshare rentals via the Internet. In 2007, SellMyTimeshareNOW.com presented its customers over $274 million in offers to buy or rent timeshares. CEO Jason Tremblay is available for interviews at (603) 516-0649 or by emailing steveluba(at)sellmytimesharenow.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Wyndham Vacation Ownership Donates Land And Money To Fairfield Glade Community Organizations
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Wyndham Vacation Ownership continued its long history of charitable contributions with its recent donations to two community-based organizations in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee. The Fairfield Glade Community Club received more than five acres of land and approximately $869,000 earmarked for its Fairfield Glade Community & Conference Center. In addition, Wyndham Vacation Ownership donated approximately 23 acres of land to The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society for its first senior living and healthcare community in Tennessee, which is scheduled for a construction start in early 2009.
“At Wyndham, we strive to be valued members of the communities where we operate. We are thrilled that our contributions will benefit area residents and also increase the social services and wellness options available to this community,” said Franz Hanning, president and CEO of Wyndham Vacation Ownership. “Our company has been a part of Fairfield Glade for over 35 years and we have a steadfast commitment to remain an integral part of the community for many years to come.”
The Fairfield Glade Community & Conference Center, which opened in spring 2008, offers a full-size gymnasium, junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, Jacuzzi, game room and computer center for residents of Fairfield Glade to enjoy. In addition, the facility’s conference center and banquet facilities have a multitude of meeting spaces complete with audio and video equipment, catering kitchen and seating for several hundred guests.
“Wyndham Vacation Ownership has been a part of the Fairfield Glade community since its inception and through this charitable gift, they have helped to create a facility dedicated to the enjoyment of our residents,” said Dr. David Prigg, president, Fairfield Glade Community Club. “They continue to show their enthusiasm towards making Fairfield Glade an outstanding place to live and visit.”
The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society is a South Dakota-based, non-profit social ministry organization that provides services and shelter to older persons and others in need. Its new facility will provide a continuum of care including senior housing, home care, assisted living and skilled nursing, pending state approval. The initial phase is estimated for completion in 2010.
“We are grateful to Wyndham Vacation Ownership for their generous land donation as it will enable our organization to deliver on our mission of service and care to area residents,” said David J. Horazdovsky, president and CEO of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society.
Since arriving at Fairfield Glade, Wyndham Vacation Ownership has contributed acreage and money to various organizations throughout the community. Area churches, fire stations, golf courses and the Cumberland Medical Center Wellness Complex have all received land donations from the company.
The company first acquired land for the development of Fairfield Glade in 1969. Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Glade, the company’s vacation ownership property, has grown into a sprawling 252-unit resort. While visiting the resort, owners and their guests can enjoy the area’s quiet surroundings as well as numerous outdoor activities, restaurants and shopping excursions. In addition to the resort, it is anticipated that the company will open a new sales center in the fall of 2009.
About Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a member of Wyndham Worldwide’s (NYSE: WYN) family of companies, is the world’s largest vacation ownership business, as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, individual vacation ownership units and owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its three primary consumer brands, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, WorldMark by Wyndham and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific. As of December 31, 2007, Wyndham Vacation Ownership had developed or acquired approximately 145 vacation ownership resorts throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific that represent more than 17,500 individual vacation ownership units and more than 800,000 owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and is supported by more than 17,700 employees globally.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Accor Vacation Club Expands Footprint In New South Wales
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Club opens brand new apartments in historic region close to Sydney
Accor Vacation Club today announced the opening of its newest development, the Grand Mercure Apartments Heritage Park, Bowral, which is available for bookings for Club Members and general public.
The Grand Mercure Apartments are part of the Bowral Heritage Park residential community development in Moss Vale and Kangaloon Road, in the southern highlands district of New South Wales; a mere 126 kilometres from Sydney.
The newly constructed 26 luxury apartments are housed in a two-story building and consist of studio apartments, one and two bedroom apartments, with three bedroom apartments available by keying a one and two bedroom together. Two of the studio apartments are wheelchair friendly.
Opening rates are available by calling 02 4861 4348, with rates starting from $160 per night for a studio apartment, from $190 for a one bedroom apartment, and $220 for a two bedroom apartment.
Guests are well catered for with full kitchen facilities and laundries in the one and two bedroom apartments. All apartments feature wireless internet, a private balcony and a gas fireplace. Guests at the property also have access to a barbecue area, swimming pool, gymnasium, guest laundry and on-site parking. Heaven-Sent mobile spa service is available on call for guests in their rooms.
An easy 5 minute walk to the centre of town, the Grand Mercure Apartments Heritage Park provides perfect access to enjoy the townships many shops and cafés. Golfers are also well treated, with the Bowral Golf Club located next to the resort. This 18 hole, par 69 course encapsulates the Southern Highlands special beauty and is open 7 days.
Bowral is a wonderful haven all year round, with events and floral blooms scattered throughout the calendar. The region is renowned for its heritage villages and old world charm and is set amidst rolling hills, forests and valleys at the foot of Mount Gibraltar. Rich with English gardens and annual massed displays of spectacular flowers, the cool climate and rich soil have also produced many excellent wines and fresh produce, which can be tasted at various local country inns, restaurants and farmers markets.
A visit is incomplete without taking the Southern Highlands Food and Wine Trail where you can experience a range of cellar doors, cafés, markets and beautiful scenery. Get closer to nature with bushwalking trails and lookouts on Mount Gibraltar, Gibberguntah Forest and Morton National Park (where a visit to the Fitzroy Falls is a must).
For lovers of antiques and historic architecture, discover the well preserved town Georgian colonial town of Berrima (circa 1831). And the fan-attics won’t want to miss standing on the sacred grounds of the Sir Donald Bradman Oval, and viewing the memorabilia at the Bradman Museum.
About Accor Vacation Club
Accor Vacation Club is an exciting, innovative and flexible holiday ownership Club providing Members with the opportunity for a lifetime of great holidays worldwide. The Club’s operator is part of the Accor Hospitality Group, the largest and fastest growing hotel management group in the Pacific Region, Accor Vacation Club is Australia’s first hotel branded holiday ownership club commencing operations in 2000.
About Accor
Accor, the European leader and a major global group in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses:
- Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, Ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre.
- Services, with 30 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in human resources, marketing services and expense management.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
The Villa Group Benefits Eagle’s Wings Foundation
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
The Villa Group, a leading privately owned real estate hospitality development company, has recently donated $50,000 to Eagle’s Wings Foundation, an independent foundation dedicated to helping the children and families of Mexico.
In addition to major financial contributions to support Eagle’s Wing’s efforts, The Villa Group also created a thrift store where much of its recycled fixtures, furnishings and equipment are made available at deeply discounted rates to members of the community in Puerto Vallarta. The contributions and thrift store profits have gone to such endeavors as a scholarship for a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism, funding for an orphanage in Cabo San Lucas, coordinating a food drive to feed thousands of adults and children and providing a bus and much needed shoes to isolated villages outside of major resort destinations.
Universal Vacation Club Members at Villa Group Resorts also contribute individually and as a group financially and to drives such as school supplies, socks, and clothes.
“Eagle’s Wings is an integral part of what being a UVC Member is all about,” said Jim McCarthy, Founder of the Organization. “Many of us have been members of the club for nearly two decades and it is important for us to give back to this warm culture which has enriched our lives. Each year, The Villa Group shows its commitment to the Foundation with both financial and moral support. We are proud to be part of the same family.”
According to Robert Kistner, Vice President of The Villa Group and President of the Universal Vacation Club, “our members and guests enjoy breathtaking beach front locations, world-class service and excellent amenities. It is a blessing we can enjoy Mexico and all it has to offer; Eagle’s Wings’ Foundation is one way we can give back to our community. We are passionate about supporting this fine organization.”
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. Universal Vacation Club has more than 60,000 members.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
TimeShareWare Expands Presence In Orlando, Florida
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Orlando, Florida – In order to expand service to the thriving Florida timeshare market, TimeShareWare announced its move to a new office located on Futures Drive in the heart of the Timeshare District in Orlando.
Michelle Decker, Florida Division Director of TimeShareWare, explains the move. “Because many of our clients are based in central Florida and throughout the Eastern United States and the Caribbean, this expanded office will give TimeShareWare the opportunity to better service them. This new Florida office will continue to complement our Headquarters located in Salt Lake City, Utah.”
With 30% of all vacation ownership resorts in the United States located in Florida, the new office will continue to give TimeShareWare a strong presence in the region.
Timo Jones, President and CEO of TimeShareWare commented, “This move to expanded facilities reinforces our commitment to our clients, potential clients, and the industry in general. As we continue to grow, particularly internationally, we recognize the need to have a regionalized presence. We are absolutely committed to maintaining our position as the market leader.”
TimeShareWare and CondotelWare service many clients in Florida and the new office will provide better business solutions and improve the training and implementation of its software systems on the East Coast, Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.
About TimeShareWare & CondotelWare:
TimeShareWare is the industry standard software platform for shared-ownership, mixed use resorts. Since 1993, TimeShareWare serves all sizes and types of vacation ownership associations, fractional ownership properties, and timeshare resorts including multi-site, single-site, and points-based clubs. The TimeShareWare software platform includes solutions for lead management, contract processing, sales and marketing, owner accounting, loan servicing, property management, reservations, and web-based owner servicing.
CondotelWare is the first full-service software solution designed specifically for condominium hotels. The software helps owners and operators master all aspects of condo-hotel management and administration, including owner accounting, billing, rental rotation, inventory management, reservations, owner relations, reporting, and more.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Bluegreen Corporation Signs Non-Binding Letter Of Intent To Sell Company To Diamond Resorts, LLC
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE: BXG) (Bluegreen® or the Company), a leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play®, announced that today it has signed a non-binding letter of intent relating to the acquisition of the Company at a price of $15.00 per share by Diamond Resorts International (Diamond Resorts), which would value this transaction at approximately $500 million, exclusive of Bluegreen’s outstanding debt. The acquisition is subject to the completion of due diligence and the execution of definitive agreements.
Under the terms of the letter of intent, Bluegreen has granted Diamond Resorts an exclusive right of negotiation through September 15, 2008, during which time Diamond Resorts will conduct more extensive due diligence.
Diamond Resorts, based in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest vacation ownership companies in the world with 110 branded and affiliated resorts in 14 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, more than 360,000 owners and members and more than 5,500 associates worldwide. In April 2007, Diamond Resorts acquired Sunterra Corporation for approximately $750 million.
It is envisioned that the definitive agreement whereby Diamond Resorts would acquire Bluegreen would include a customary “go shop” provision permitting Bluegreen to actively seek transactions that would provide greater value to its shareholders.
Alan B. Levan, Chairman of Bluegreen’s Board of Directors commented, “Bluegreen had previously announced that we were positioning the Company with a view towards pursuing strategic alternatives at some point in the next three to five years. When Diamond presented our Board with this unsolicited, attractive offer, we believed that it was in the best interest of our shareholders to pursue this transaction at this time.”
Mr. Levan is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Woodbridge Holdings Corporation (“Woodbridge”), which owns 9.5 million shares of Bluegreen’s outstanding common stock, and has indicated that Woodbridge would be supportive of a transaction with Diamond at the terms stated in their letter of intent.
Any proposed transaction is subject to numerous terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, satisfactory completion of due diligence by Diamond Resorts, the signing of a definitive agreement, and approvals by Bluegreen’s Board of Directors and the Company’s shareholders. There can be no assurances that negotiations will lead to the signing of a definitive agreement, that financing for the transaction will be available, that any proposed transaction will be accepted or approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and shareholders, or that the sale will be completed based on the signing of the non-binding letter of intent or the execution of a definitive agreement, or that Bluegreen will identify any alternative transaction that would provide greater value to its shareholders.
Additional information regarding the terms and conditions of the non-binding letter of intent will be filed today by Bluegreen on Form 8-K, and will be available at www.sec.gov.
For additional information about Diamond Resorts International®, please visit www.diamondresorts.com
About Bluegreen Corporation
Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE:BXG) is a leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play(R) through two principal operating divisions. With more than 186,500 owners, Bluegreen Resorts markets a flexible, real estate-based vacation ownership plan that provides access to over 40 resorts and an exchange network of over 3,700 resorts and other vacation experiences such as cruises and hotel stays. Bluegreen Communities has sold over 56,300 planned residential and golf community homesites in 32 states since 1985. Founded in 1966, Bluegreen is headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., and currently employs over 6,000 associates. More information about Bluegreen is available at www.bluegreencorp.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
SCS Interactive Provides Central Family Attraction To Wilderness At The Smokies
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
SCS Interactive is excited to have one of its dynamic interactive waterplay attractions featured at the newly opened Salamander Springs, a state-of-the-art waterpark at the new Wilderness at the Smokies Resort. This resort is the region’s first full-service waterpark resort hotel and is connected to the Sevierville Events Center.
The SCS structure that is featured in Salamander Springs is a customized attraction called, “Lunker’s Landing” This attraction is completely interactive and features twelve climbable platforms of fun.
“We were excited to be working with SCS Interactive again,” says Joe Eck, director of sales and marketing for Wilderness Resort. “Lunker’s Landing, with its impressive water bucket dump, is a true crowd pleaser and helps ensure that this resort is an entertainment destination in and of itself with non-stop fun for the entire family.”
Aside from the memorable and soaking tipping bucket the structure also includes nearly 50 interactives such as hydro-blasters and water curtains. It also includes three slides giving everyone in the family something to enjoy.
“SCS has installed multiple customized waterplay attractions at the Wilderness Resort in the Dells and we are happy to continue this on-going relationship by having another SCS structure centrally featured at Wilderness at the Smokies new waterpark. It is a pleasure working with Wilderness Resorts and we are looking forward to working with them on Phase II of this project,” stated Bryan Merritt, president of SCS Interactive.
Other attractions at the waterpark include a 207-foot tube slide; a 180-foot body slide, an activity pool with basketball hoops and balance courses, a zero-depth pool for smaller children and a large hot tub for mom and dad to kick back and relax in.
Look for Phase II of this development to open in December. This phase will include a 60,000-square-foot indoor waterpark which will feature another customized SCS Interactive waterplay structure.
About SCS Interactive
SCS Interactive is the source of great waterparks. SCS has revolutionized the waterplay industry as the originator of the multi-level interactive tree house concept, the creator of the giant tipping bucket seen at amusement parks around the world, and the developer of the world’s first wet and dry water coaster known as SplashTrack™. Some of the biggest resorts, amusement and waterparks all over the globe showcase SCS Interactive structures as signature attractions. Additional information about SCS Interactive can be found on the website at www.scsinteractive.com.
About Wilderness at the Smokies
The property was constructed by the owners of Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort, America’s largest waterpark resort located in Wisconsin Dells. The 234-room hotel also offers guests a fitness center, meeting facilities for up to 200, the “Hidden Trails” family restaurant, and retail shop. For more information visit the website at www.wildernessatthesmokies.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Palmer Property Development Transforms Sonoma Vineyard Into Dream Home
July 29, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
A Sustainably Redesigned Home and Organic Winery, the Ranch on Soda Rock Launched as California’s Most Unique Fractional Real Estate Opportunity
One of the latest real estate trends is fractional ownership, an increasingly popular way for people to have the best vacation or second home properties at a fraction of the cost. In the Northern California wine country, there is a new kind of fractional property for those who have always wanted to be a winemaker and own a vineyard of their very own. The Ranch on Soda Rock is a biodynamic-farmed vineyard and organic winery in the prized Alexander Valley region of Sonoma. This hobby winery single-home fractional located in Healdsburg, CA represents the future of investing in real estate.
Palmer Property Development has completely renovated the Ranch on Soda Rock with an environmentally sustainable focus, transforming the grounds into a biodynamic vineyard and garden, and remodeling the ranch style home with “green” décor in an understated modern luxury style. The home boasts views of the valley vineyards, surrounding mountains, and the grounds, which include an organic fruit, vegetable and flower garden, a 20×40 salt water pool with deck and outdoor kitchen, and mature Cabernet Sauvignon vines which will produce 60 cases of wine annually.
“The Ranch on Soda Rock offers an experience like no other — the opportunity to tend your vineyard and organic gardens side by side with nationally renown biodynamic farmer Kelly Mulville, and to work closely with award-winning master winemaker George Vierra to learn from stem to bottle how to make your own extraordinary estate wine,” said Cynthia Palmer of Palmer Property Development.
The 1/3 acre of mature Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard grapes grown on the property were historically sold to Silver Oak and De Lorimier winery. The “hobby winery” provides all the tools necessary on-site to produce wine from these top quality grapes. The vineyard and adjacent fruit, vegetable and cutting flower gardens are farmed organically and biodynamic, which places careful attention and focus on creating healthy soils and thus high-quality fruit.
Benefits to owners of the Ranch include a customized set of amenities and services that fit each owner’s lifestyle. Typical of fractionals, all the needs of maintaining the home — including upkeep, housekeeping, shopping, local reservations, event tickets, transportation, an on-site Certified Natural Chef, and even accounting services — are included in ownership of the Ranch so that property owners can maximize pleasure time rather than worry about maintenance.
Completed in June 2008, The Ranch on Soda Rock is a must-see example of the direction that fractional ownership is headed — luxury without the hassle, top quality at a fraction of the price, and custom-made experiences tailored to each owner’s preference. To learn more visit: http://www.theranchonsodarock.com/
About Palmer Property Development:
Cynthia Palmer has become recognized as an accomplished visionary and property developer. A 25-year veteran of business entrepreneurship and real estate development in the U.S. and Europe, Cynthia’s style and expertise are exemplified by her distinction as a wine/grape broker, a fifth generation agricultural developer in the Central California farming industry, and a pioneering member of a private business group focused on efforts to privatize farms in the former Soviet Union. Through her creative strengths and expertise in business performance, Cynthia has driven notable growth in the real estate investment and performance expansion sectors, creating exciting potential for forward thinking opportunists.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
RCI Confirms Support Of New Consumer Publication For Shared Ownership Industry
July 17, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Owners Perspective magazine, the independent global publication for existing owners and prospective buyers of all shared ownership products which launched last week with an initial subscription base of 5,300 can now confirm the support of the industry’s largest exchange company to help extend its reach in delivering valuable content to consumers.
Jonathan Back,
Managing Director, RCI commented:
“As my parents were timeshare owners, I came into the industry knowing what a great product timeshare is. Surprisingly, the majority of holidaymakers remain unaware of the excitement, the lifestyle and the travel opportunities that can be enjoyed through timeshare ownership.
Owners Perspective is the first independent consumer publication dedicated to timeshare and I’d like to congratulate Paul and Sharon Mattimoe for having the foresight to share their passion for this great holiday lifestyle with a wider public.
Paul and Sharon have succeeded in making a tremendous success of the business-facing publication, Perspective Magazine. It’s clear from the inaugural issue of Owners Perspective they are bringing the same energy, enthusiasm and understanding of timeshare to readers of the new title.
The value of having the independent voice of Owners Perspective is immeasurable. The magazine will provide a trusted, informative and lively channel of communication, while helping to generate a strong sense of community among owners to help them to get the most out of their holidays.
Resort development and exchange companies will also benefit from having another channel from which to learn yet more about what owners and members want in their holiday. And, as timeshare is constantly developing, Owners Perspective will have an important part to play in explaining the benefits to the customer of the exciting new shared-vacation ownership products coming on to the market.
We at RCI are on a mission to inspire our members to discover the world of adventure and wonderful experiences an investment in a lifetime of shared-vacation ownership holidays represents. We very much look forward to helping Paul and Sharon to make Owners Perspective the success it deserves to be.”
The first edition of Owners Perspective magazine has received fantastic reviews across the globe, and in interviews creator Paul Mattimoe, CEO of Perspective International Ltd explains “The first edition has allowed for a successful launch, but it is really just the shell of a magazine at the moment – it has good content, but it’s personality will be injected over the first few months as the readers get involved and tell us what they want to have in their magazine.”
On the recent announcement regarding RCI’s support he says, “We enjoy a great relationship with Group RCI via our business publication, Perspective Magazine, but to have their support in our new venture into the much wider field of the consumer is very exciting and will help us to accurately deliver essential information regarding the industry, as well increasing our reach globally.”
The high quality online version of Owners Perspective boasts free subscriptions to existing owners and prospective buyers of timeshare, fractional ownership, destination clubs, private residence clubs and investment real estate.
For more information visit www.ownersperspective.com
About RCI
RCI offers its members a world of choice. With more than 4,000 affiliated resorts in over 100 countries, RCI members can enjoy so many incredible destinations and memorable experiences. From soaking up the sun on a Spanish beach or relaxing in luxury at a Caribbean all-inclusive resort to marvelling at the breathtaking scenery of some of Europe’s most spectacular mountains or refreshing mind and body in Finland, home to some of the finest spa resorts – RCI has everything you are looking for in a holiday.
Though our most popular type of holiday is an exchange, we are continually looking to give our members greater flexibility to make their holiday planning easier. Our range of cash-only holidays – Extra Holidays and Late Deals – offer even more choice of high-quality value holidays that the RCI brand guarantees. Visit www.rci.com to be sure you’re making the most of your holidays.
About Perspective International Ltd
A PR & Media company for the timeshare, fractional and shared ownership industry, specializing in brand and business development, promotion of products and services and recruiting via its B2B publications and services; and now provides branding and marketing opportunities to consumers through two new B2C products.
For more information visit www.perspectiveinternational.com
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Orange Lake Orlando Resort Opens New 2.7 Million Dollar Water’s Edge Complex
July 17, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
New Complex Features Zero-Entry Pool With Cabanas
The Family of Orange Lake Resorts announces the opening of the new Water’s Edge recreation and entertainment complex in its premier resort village. The West Village was the first of four resort villages to open at Orange Lake Orlando in 1982. The 2.7-million-dollar Water’s Edge complex is the latest revitalization project of the more than 1,450-acre Orlando timeshare resort located next door to Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.
The Water’s Edge Beach Club features a beach-style zero-entry pool, lap lane and swim outlets overlooking the 80-acre spring-fed lake and 10 state-of-the-art cabanas to be reserved in advance. Each one accommodates seven people and comes complete with a TV, refrigerator, refreshments, telephone and complimentary newspaper. The new complex includes a 4,400 square-foot arcade with a two-lane “Highway 66” bowling alley, pool tables and over 60 video games; Swampy’s Club with arts & crafts, workshops and weekly programs; and the Surf Shack retail area offering resort attire and souvenirs. Water’s Edge also features a fitness center with cardiovascular equipment and Putt-Putt® Golf with 36 holes on two courses. The beachfront area gives guests the opportunity to sunbathe, picnic, play volleyball and enjoy watersports. The new Breezes restaurant and Breezes Express will open in February 2009.
“This newest addition to our resort was created with our owners and guests in mind,” said Don Harrill, President and CEO for The Family of Orange Lake Resorts. “Water’s Edge will be a unique Orange Lake experience for the whole family.”
The other three Orange Lake Orlando villages include the 12-acre River Island village, a themed tropical island paradise with a lazy-river-style pool and beach-style swimming pools, waterslides and an interactive fountain, 36 holes of miniature golf, bars and restaurants; the North Village, a relaxing oasis with Splash Lagoon, the Founder’s Club owner center, an interactive fountain and kids’ pool, a café, video arcade, basketball and tennis courts; and the East Village, a golfer’s paradise with The Legends at Orange Lake® signature Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course. The resort also features award-winning golf instruction at The McCord Golf Academy; two driving ranges lighted for nighttime play; the championship par 71 Reserve at Orange Lake; the 9-hole, par 30 Crane’s Bend; and the 9-hole par 27 Legends Walk, which is also designed by Arnold Palmer and lighted for nighttime play.
The Family of Orange Lake Resorts has evolved from a “best-kept secret” as the world’s largest single-site timeshare resort to a multi-site resort with a growing network. New resort additions in Wisconsin, Vermont and Florida were carefully selected and tailored for their owners and facilitated by a brand new Member Exchange Program, GlobalAccess®. Orange Lake’s flagship location in Orlando was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn® Founder, Kemmons Wilson. The company plans to continue the expansion of their resort network and is actively seeking more growth opportunities to continue being the “home-away-from-home” to more than 110,000 owners from all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries.
For more information about The Family of Orange Lake Resorts, go to www.orangelake.com or contact Stacey Sutherland at 407.905.1914.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Tour GCX And The Markers Partner To Increase Member Options
July 17, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
TOUR GCX Partners – golfers’ passport to access private clubs worldwide, including hosts of two PGA Championships, a Ryder Cup and other prestigious tournaments – has partnered with The Markers to offer new stay-and-play opportunities for its members.
The first of its kind in the world, The Markers is a golfer’s residence club offering access to luxury properties in golf destination hotbeds. Each four bedroom / four bathroom home is appointed with the finest amenities, including chef-level kitchens, full-service gas grills, double pillow top mattresses, feather beds, surround-sound HDTVs, Wi-Fi and more.
Residences in Scotland, Kiawah Island and Cabo San Lucas highlight The Markers’ worldwide collection. Villas are strategically located to provide members with easy access to a choice selection of the world’s most storied private and resort courses, such as St. Andrews, Troon North and Archerfield Links.
TOUR GCX members will have the opportunity to reserve these opulent homes on a trial basis as special guests of Markers’ members, getting a taste of what The Markers can offer to the discerning and affluent golfer. The Markers will be a sponsor of TOUR GCX’s Special Events Series, and Club representatives will be present to offer participants further details about the Club.
“Partnering with a company the caliber of The Markers is a no lose proposition,” says Gary Rosenberg, Chief Marketing Officer, TOUR GCX. “Their package of residences and golf experiences is unique. We strive every day to provide our membership with other first-rate golf opportunities and our alliance with The Markers is no exception.”
“We’re impressed by the caliber of TOUR GCX’s membership and eagerly anticipate exposing it to The Markers’ distinctive and memorable privileges,” says Mitch Brinton, co-founder of The Markers. “Both parties look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship.”
About The Markers
Founded in April 2005 by business and marketing entrepreneurs Mitch Brinton and Ron Wade and PGA Champions Tour Professional Bruce Summerhays, The Markers is the first club to combine the benefits of private golf club membership with the amenities of a destination club.
Created exclusively for the golf purist, The Markers provides access to a portfolio of luxury homes situated among the world’s most renowned golf destinations as well as once-in-a-lifetime golf experiences including annual club championship and international golf excursions. Markers members currently enjoy twelve residences and the portfolio will ultimately include 36 national and international locations. For more information visit The Markers’ website at www.TheMarkersClub.com or call 800.745.0065.
About TOUR GCX
Founded in 2004 and based in New York City, TOUR GCX was developed by long-time business associates David Kaufman, Jonathan Halpern, Gary Rosenberg and Kenny Dichter. TOUR GCX affords its membership access to an exclusive collection of private golf clubs from New York, Florida, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Las Vegas to London, Scotland and Spain.
When a TOUR GCX golfer arrives at the club, “member-for-a-day” treatment begins with unfettered access to the golf course and other golf amenities, including practice facilities, locker rooms and restaurants. Each TOUR GCX member enjoys signing privileges for food and beverage, merchandise and golf instruction.
TOUR GCX also offers members a Special Events Series, single-day member / guest outings which include lunch, golf and a light dinner with open bar. Net proceeds support the First Tee and junior golf charities. TOUR GCX’s new Tournament Series features six two-man team events culminating in a final championship.
For more information about TOUR GCX: www.tourgcx.com, 877.TOUR.GLF (877.868.7453).
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Travel Advantage Network Sponsors BBB Charity Golf Classic
July 17, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Travel Advantage Network (TAN), one of the nation’s fastest growing wholesale travel companies, was a major sponsor of Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Greater Maryland’s recent Charity Golf Classic. Over 100 golfers participated in the much-anticipated golf tournament, held June 9 at the Greystone Golf Course in White Hall, MD. The event raised over $15,000 for BBB’s Educational Foundation, whose mission is to enhance consumer confidence through education and information.
TAN not only sponsored the event, they also participated in the festivities. The TAN golf foursome consisted of managers Dave Vernier, Property Management; Fred Windholz, Resort Sales; Alex Golder, Information Technology and George Joosten, Resort Operations. In addition, TAN donated prizes for the raffle and silent auction, including a week at Tuscany Manor Resort in Palm Springs and Lifestyle Tropicale Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic.
“We are proud to help make such a fun and worthwhile event like the BBB Charity Golf Classic possible,” said Brad Callahan, TAN President. “BBB is an asset to our community and TAN is thrilled to not only provide sponsorship of the event, but also to participate in the tournament and donate stays at two of our finest resorts. We can’t wait until next year.”
TAN has been a BBB accredited business since 2000. “The golf tournament is a continuation of our ongoing partnership with BBB,” Callahan says. TAN is a 2003 recipient of BBB of Greater Maryland’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics and has participated in a number of BBB events and programs, including Auction for Action and Scam Jam, an event aimed at protecting seniors from fraudulent scams. Callahan presently serves as a BBB board member, a position he has held for the last three years.
“TAN has been a champion for BBB,” says Angie Barnett, president and CEO, BBB of Greater Maryland. “We are pleased that despite the extreme heat and economic downturn, the golf tournament was able to raise money in support of the Foundation’s mission to deliver critical consumer programs and services. Generous sponsors like TAN helped make this possible.”
TAN’s vacation program is founded on a unique style of travel: wholesale priced condominium vacations. This concept of customized, prepaid vacation blocks has remained the company’s focus since its inception in 1992. The program includes properties in 25 states, from Maine to Hawaii, as well as Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Over 75,000 families are currently committed to vacationing with TAN.
For information, contact Lorena Andon at 410.729.1133 ext. 145 or landon@planwithtan.com. To find out more about TAN’s exciting vacation program, visit www.planwithtan.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
LRA Worldwide To Conduct Brand Assurance Program For aloft Hotels
July 15, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
aloft Hotels, the new lifestyle brand offering from Starwood Hotels & Resorts, has selected LRA Worldwide, Inc. to design and deploy its brand assurance evaluation program.
This selection represents an extension of the partnership between LRA and Starwood; LRA currently conducts the global brand assurance programs for all of the Starwood brands – Westin Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Le Méridien, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis and Four Points by Sheraton. Beginning this summer, LRA will launch a new program customized to measure the unique elements of the aloft brand experience in order to support each individual opening.
The aloft Montreal Airport was the first of the brand to open in early June; the first U.S.-based property followed suit two weeks later in Southern California with the opening of the aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga. Eighteen more openings are scheduled for 2008, including several slotted for this summer in locales ranging from Chicago (aloft Chicago O’Hare) to China (aloft Beijing, Haidian). LRA consultants will visit each location to ensure the proper delivery of aloft’s unique promise of sophistication, function, atmosphere and style, as well as the product and service standards that support them.
“Starwood has a long-standing and valued partnership with LRA,” explained Marlon Whyte, Director – Operations, aloft Hotels. “LRA has proven its ability to effectively measure the elements of the guest experience that define each of our brands, from the Four Points by Sheraton in Detroit to a Le Méridien in Damascus. We have every confidence that they will be able to support aloft Hotels in a manner that will allow us to grow the brand with confidence and deliver on our very specific brand promise.”
Including Starwood, LRA provides performance measurement services to eight of the top ten hotel companies in the world. In all, LRA’s Quality Assurance practice conducts nearly 13,000 site visits and evaluations each year, either as a stand-alone offering or as an integrated part of an overall Customer Experience Management project. In addition to its work with other lodging clients such as Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group and Wyndham Worldwide, LRA provides QA services to industry leaders in sports (PGA TOUR, Delaware North Companies), Conference Centers (ARAMARK), Timeshare (Interval International, Shell Vacations Club), Gaming (Churchill Downs, Stratosphere Las Vegas), Homebuilding (Toll Brothers) and Travel (The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey).
“It is always quite gratifying when an existing client expands its relationship with LRA, as it speaks to the value that we are providing on a daily basis,” said John Roberto, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of LRA’s Quality Assurance practice. “Starwood has always been very proactive about putting the guest experience first, designing and implementing the proper quality assurance programs to ensure their brand experience is delivered consistently and exceptionally. We will nurture and grow the aloft Hotels brand assurance program right alongside the aloft brand.”
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (starwoodhotels.com) 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®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently launched AloftSM 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.
About LRA Worldwide, Inc.
LRA Worldwide, Inc. is a leading research and consulting company that specializes in Customer Experience Management (CEM). LRA helps companies and brands design and deliver the optimal customer experience across all key touch points using an integrated suite of services that measure and improve service quality, customer satisfaction, employee performance, loyalty, customer advocacy and profitability. LRA specializes in “operationalizing the brand” – turning brand promise and customer strategy into operational reality. LRA’s CEM practice areas include CEM Strategy Consulting, Standards Development & Content Management, Organizational Development & Training, Research and Quality Assurance & Mystery Shopping; these are either deployed together in a strategic manner to continually monitor and improve the customer experience or deployed individually to address a specific tactical client need.
LRA’s clients include some of the world’s leading companies and brands, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, the PGA TOUR, Albertsons Supermarkets, the National Basketball Association and First Niagara Financial Group.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
TATOC Captures The Attention Of The Timeshare Industry!
July 15, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Consumer Association TATOC today announced major support of their new strategy from key names within the European timeshare sector.
In March this year, TATOC presented a definitive new plan to delegates at their annual conference. This plan included an opportunity for businesses to provide support to the association in the shape of website sponsorship.
Amongst the big name players to announce their support of TATOC through the Platinum Sponsorship package are Club La Costa, Dial An Exchange, Diamond Resorts International®, Grand Holidays Club, Macdonald Resorts, Perspective Magazine, Group RCI and Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket.
TATOC’ Chief Executive Harry Taylor was particularly pleased with this progress “I am really pleased with the pledges of support from such a selection of big name timeshare players. In the last few months, we have experienced a marked improvement in our profile. It seems that the industry has awoken to the power of owners who have positive things to say about the industry. This support will ensure we can progress against our plan. Every entity, be it for profit or not for profit, needs resources to effectively conduct business and TATOC is no different. Having said that is important that the industry understands that this support does not mean we will sacrifice our independence. The companies who have taken Platinum Sponsorship have done so under strict conditions”
Another long time supporter of TATOC is Dial An Exchange’s European Managing Director, David Lilley. Commenting on the apparent growing support of TATOC David said “This is fantastic news. I have been a strong supporter of their cause for many years now and it is refreshing that the hard work done by them this year is starting to pay dividends. The most pleasing aspect of this development is that the sponsors are so diverse. This shows that TATOC are determined to retain their independence. I think this is critical consideration for a credible consumer association. Dial An Exchange remains as committed to an independent TATOC as we have been for the last several years. TATOC and timeshare owners are our industry’s strongest asset”
Macdonald Resorts have also pledged their support of TATOC by taking the Platinum Sponsorship package and enrolling all nine of their resorts into TATOC membership.
Simon Jackson, Managing Director of the resort chain said “Our industry has a lot of work to do to grow and prosper. To accomplish this we need a strong consumer association and TATOC certainly appear to be that. They also share my personal vision for the future. Macdonald Resorts is pleased and proud to support them and our recent commitments are evidence of that”
Dimitris Manikis, VP Business Development Group RCI said “Group RCI sees in TATOC a great partner and ally in building a better name and generating increased positive exposure for the European timeshare industry. We consider TATOC a great forum for delivering the right communication and for building relationships with all timeshare owners. Along with TATOC, Group RCI will continue to work to secure the protection of both existing and future owners, and perhaps most importantly ensuring that the many timeshare-owning families across Europe today enjoy better and better holiday experiences.”
Shelley Clark from Grand Holidays Club, Developers and Marketers in the Canary Islands expressed the company’s gratitude to TATOC for having extended the opportunity to them of becoming members of TATOC.
“With over 4.500 members in our Resorts, our aim is to reflect legality and transparency within the Industry and the presence of TATOC with their professionalism and desire to keep elevating the standards is something we are keen to get behind.”
The final supporting comment came from Phil Watson, Managing Director of Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket “Without customers we have no industry and so it’s important we do all we can to support an entity that exists to protect consumers’ interests. WWTH have supported TATOC for many years and this support will continue and increase. Resales is one of the most pertinent subjects for some owners at this present time and it’s important that companies like ours are transparent and accessible to owners. An association with TATOC, therefore, delivers a win win situation”
Despite the positive progress against strategy Chief Executive Taylor added a word of mild caution “This is a strong start for us but there is so much more work for our team to do. The support we have coming in will help to recruit staff to assist the wonderful volunteers we have on board already. We are always looking for skilled volunteers to support our initiatives and the small executive team are now actively looking for supporters in key administrative areas. Any company that wants to be part of this initiative should contact me”
For more information about TATOC visit their website at www.timeshareassociation.org
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Shell Vacations Club Agrees To Use SPI Vacation Ownership / Timeshare Software
July 15, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Systems Products International (SPI) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Shell Vacations LLC of Northbrook, IL to provide marketing and sales software to support Shell Vacation’s sales and marketing operations.
Shell Vacations will implement the Orange Systems marketing and sales software suite for tour booking and registration, mini-vacation fulfillment, sales center management, gifting/premiums, contracts and sales administration.
“After a thorough evaluation of SPI’s technology and functionality, we determined that SPI Software was consistent with our best-of-breed approach to software and system selection. SPI was the best available in the marketplace in meeting our business and technical requirements,” says Shell Vacations President Tracy Sherles. Gary Gorson, Chief Information Officer of Shell Vacations adds, “We decided to license SPI’s Orange Systems software to augment and expand the proprietary systems we now have in place to manage our marketing and sales operations. We feel SPI will integrate well as the next logical component of our critical applications suite, and are very excited at the prospect of adding the new functionality and features that SPI offers.”
SPI director of Sales, Matt Brosious, adds, “We are delighted to be working with Shell Vacations. The company is extremely innovative and has a very strong management team. We are glad to have been selected as their software vendor of choice.
Shell Vacations is considered one of the most respected independent vacation ownership developers in the United States, operating 23 resorts in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The company currently serves more than 120,000 members and owners. For more information please visit http://www.shellvacationsclub.com
SPI provides major developers of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others) with its .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle marketing, sales, property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, sales@spiinc.com or www.spiinc.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Anfi Group Scoops Highly Prestigious Property Award
July 15, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
The results of the European Property Awards in association with CNBC Television and SIMA for 2008 have just been revealed and Anfi Group is delighted to announce that it has won an award in the category of European and African Property Awards. The award will be presented at a glittering gala dinner to be held at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in London on 27th September.
The fact that Anfi Group earned one of these coveted awards is sure proof that Gran Canaria can not only compete but also triumph within the highly competitive arena. Having been given this high recommendation by its peers, the company is now entitled to display the Property Awards’ logo with pride.
Entries were judged by a panel of professionals whose collective knowledge of the property industry is second to none and unsurpassed by any other property awards. Chaired by Eric Pickles, British Shadow Secretary of State, this year’s judges included Helen Shield, editor-in-chief of International Homes magazine; Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents; Phil Spencer, property expert and presenter of Channel 4’s Location and Relocation TV shows; Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the National House Building Council; Christopher Hall, past president National Association of Estate Agents; Thijis Stoffer, International Consortium of Real Estate Agents Association (ICREA); Alejandro Escurdero, SIMA; Kirkor Ajderhanyan, French Real Estate Federation (FNAIM); Graham Norwood of the Daily Mail; David Hoppit, property writer; Jill Keene, editor of International Homes magazine; Diana Yakely, chairman British Interior Design Association; and Tad Zurlinden, Association of Relocation Professionals.
John MacDonald, Sales & Marketing Director said of the award, “To receive the award for best development is a fantastic achievement for the Anfi Group and, we hope, well deserved. Our goal has always been to provide a 5-star resort with a service to match, and to receive recognition of what we have achieved from such a prestigious source as CNBC is a great accomplishment of which we are very proud.”
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
TAN Employees Shave The Way For The Fight Against Alopecia
July 15, 2008 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Travel Advantage Network manager shaves head in fundraising challenge
Travel Advantage Network (TAN), a nationwide leader in wholesale vacation accommodations, found a unique way to raise awareness and funds for juvenile alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of hair loss on parts of the body, usually the scalp.
TAN’s Total Vacation Services Department Assistant Manager Steve Ogden promised to shave his head if TAN employees reached their fundraising goal of $1,000 for the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Spurred on by the challenge, TAN employees exceeded their fundraising goal, and Ogden willingly held up his end of the bargain.
“I was happy to do it,” Ogden says. “I thought what better way to raise more money than to use the hair on my head as an incentive.” Ogden says the charity is near to his heart since one of TAN’s employee’s family members suffers from the condition. Ogden even let his hair grow for six months in anticipation of the event. “I knew TAN employees would come through,” he recalls.
TAN President Brad Callahan fully supported the charity challenge. “I’m very proud of Steve and all of our TAN employees for their continuous efforts to reach out to our community and support worthy causes like this,” Callahan says. “It’s especially rewarding when we can rally around a family member of one of our own.”
Callahan adds that each month TAN employees enthusiastically join together to raise funds for various charities. “This community commitment is a big part of what makes our TAN family unique.”
In addition to juvenile alopecia areata, since January 2008 TAN employees have raised and donated thousands of dollars to help in the fight against muscular dystrophy, congenital heart defects, autism, arthritis and child hunger.
For information, contact Lorena Andon, TAN Marketing Manager, at 410.729.1133 ext. 145 or email landon@planwithtan.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
