ACICO’s Nassima Tower Hotel And Resort Paves The Way With Merlin Software

ACICO, the Kuwait-based Cement, Construction and Real Estate Company has chosen Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership as its software provider for managing the timeshare in their latest development, the Nassima Tower.

Maintaining the company’s ethic of “Building on Solid Foundations”, ACICO chose Merlin Software for its stable operating platform coupled with the company’s ability to anticipate and accommodate future industry trends and developments.
 
Said Allan Thomsen head of ACICO Timeshare Division, “Not only is Merlin Software geared towards all aspects of timeshare operations, it is also developed and operated by a company that is headed up by one of the pioneers in Timeshare – giving me as a client complete peace of mind and trust in Merlin Software”.

ACICO is involved in a number of ambitious hotel and resort development projects in the Middle East including the luxury 240 room Fujairah Hotel and Resort, as well as the soon to be completed 486 room Al Gal Hotel, both of which are situated in Dubai.  Nassima Tower is their latest venture.

“ACICO is an established company with the potential to develop world class hotels and resorts throughout the Gulf and Middle East region,” said Merlin’s Mike Pnematicatos.  “We are excited to be involved in their growth and venture into timeshare and are positive that we can provide a top class service to a top class client.  We are proud to partner ACICO and look forward to a profitable future together.”

About ACICO:
ACICO is located in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.  Allan Thomsen heads up their timeshare division and comes with a wealth of experience from years of operating in the European Industry.  ACICO can be contacted on +9714 331 8108 (Dubai) or +9715 0298 6778 and emailed on athomsen@acico.com.kw

About Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership:
Merlin Software is the leading web based integrated business software solution for the Vacation Ownership Industry allowing clients to access and control their business from anywhere in the world. The software consists of Sales, Marketing, Front Office and Back Office modules plus a totally integrated accounting package.  Mike Pnematicatos has been directly involved in the Timeshare industry for over 25 years. For more information call +44870 803 4418, go to www.quickmerlin.com or email info@quickmerlin.com

SCS Interactive’s Attraction Debuts at the Largest Indoor Waterpark in Montana

The Reef Opens it Doors to the Public on August 22, 2008

SCS Interactive collaborated with the newly opened The Reef Indoor Waterpark at Wingate™ by Wyndham to create a dynamic waterplay structure. The newly opened waterpark, which features the SCS attraction, is sure to help the hotel attract guests and increase the length of their stay. The park opened on August 22 to rave reviews.

Wingate™ by Wyndham in Billings, MT, is the first hotel in the area to add an indoor waterpark and SCS was delighted to be part of The Reef Indoor Waterpark’s development.
SCS installed Ripp’s Play House as the central interactive attraction at The Reef Indoor Waterpark. This attraction is a Model 255 and is featured in the SCS StormSeries™. The StormSeries™ is unique in that it uses integrated triangular decks and HexDek™ shapes, this allows for angled connections. It also features modular interactives on the handrails which makes installation easier and giving the park the ability to refresh the structure with new interactives anytime.

“We were so happy to work with SCS Interactive to create a memorable waterplay structure for The Reef, the install was so easy. Ripp’s Play House is sure to draw in the crowds. Best of all it appeals to all ages so the entire family can enjoy themselves as they climb in and around the structure.” stated Sean Nichols, general manager of The Reef Indoor Waterpark.

Guests are able to explore the more than eight climbable decks and soak other guests with the 33 different interactives; such as hydro-blasters, sprayers and buckets, as they make their way around the play structure or down one of the two slides. This attraction features approximately 3800 square feet of soaking fun, interaction and adventure.

“It is exciting for SCS Interactive to have one of its unique StormSeries™ structures in the largest indoor waterpark in Montana. This is the first mid-size StormSeries™ structure that SCS has installed and it is a crowd pleaser,” stated Steve Wagner, vice president of sales and marketing for SCS Interactive. “The waterplay structure will truly be a focal attraction within the park and will bring guests back to the Wingate™ by Wyndham hotel time and time again.”

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 treehouse concept, the creator of the giant tipping bucket seen at amusement and waterparks around the world, and the developer of the world’s first wet and dry water coaster known as SplashTrack™. Some of the biggest resorts, theme 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 The Reef Indoor Waterpark
The Reef is Montana’s largest indoor waterpark. This waterpark is located in the Wingate™ by Wyndham hotel in Billings, MT just off of interstate 90. This hotel is designed in a timeless, attractive, classic, and distinctive prototypical design. The hotel is proud to offer, aside from its new waterpark, a host of valuable amenities at no extra cost to the guest. For more information visit the website at http://www.wingatebillings.com.

St. Regis Hotels And Resorts Honors The Regal History Of Polo With The First St. Regis International Cup

First St. Regis Test Match at Historic Cowdray Park Polo Club in England Inaugurates the Newest Addition to the Global Polo Match Circuit

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has officially adopted the “Sport of Kings” with the inaugural St. Regis International Cup, one of the most highly anticipated additions to the international polo circuit. The first ever St. Regis International Test Match, one of the most prestigious high goal polo matches in the world, will take place on Sunday, August 31, 2008, with England vs. Italy at Cowdray Park Polo Club surrounded by the historic ruins of Cowdray Castle in the beautiful rural West Sussex English countryside. As the third and final match in the International Test Match series, in the English polo season, the St. Regis International Cup at Cowdray signals the kick-off of the St. Regis brand’s three-year commitment to the spectacular sport of international polo, as some of England’s best players and horses compete against an international team for the coveted St. Regis Cup.

Founded in 1904 by John Jacob Astor, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has long been associated with the world of polo. At the turn of the century, polo matches on Governor’s Island in Manhattan were highlights of the New York social scene. This year saw a revival of that tradition when St. Regis sponsored the first polo match to be played on Governor’s Island in 67 years in May. In addition to Governor’s Island and the St. Regis International Cup at Cowdray, St. Regis is participating in polo in Palm Beach, Florida, Greenwich, Connecticut and Bridgehampton, New York throughout 2008.

St. Regis has partnered with longstanding polo-supporter and luxury brand Asprey to further enhance the experience for each polo spectator at the highly anticipated match. Renowned as England’s quintessential brand of luxury goods, Asprey has created an exclusive St. Regis International Cup trophy to be presented to the winning team following the August 31 match. At the St. Regis International Cup, polo’s most discerning spectators will enjoy a VIP hospitality tent at the Cowdray Park Polo Club, hosted by The Lanesborough, a St. Regis Hotel, bringing a taste of the brand’s signature style to Polo aficionados. Renowned for delivering an unrivaled dimension of luxury and bespoke service, the legendary butlers will be on hand to serve guests The Lanesborough’s award-winning afternoon tea. Specially selected by the hotel’s Tea Sommelier, Karl Kessab, the custom tailored afternoon tea will feature exotic teas including the Lanesborough Afternoon blend, Jasmine Pearls and Silver Needle White. The Lanesborough hotel is located in London’s Hyde Park.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining timeless sophistication with modern luxury, the St. Regis brand is uncompromising in its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor with the landmark St. Regis Hotel, New York over a century ago, St. Regis is known for delivering an unrivaled dimension of luxury, bespoke service and refined elegance at the best addresses in the world. The brand plans to further its legacy globally and will unveil highly anticipated St. Regis properties in Atlanta-Buckhead, Baha Mar, The Bahamas, Bahía Beach, Puerto Rico, Bal Harbour and Deer Crest in North America, and in Buenos Aires, Costa Rica, Mexico City and Punta Mita in Latin America. In Asia, St. Regis has announced plans to open properties in Bali, Bangkok, Jakarta, Lhasa, Macao, Osaka and Tianjin. In the Middle East, St. Regis will expand in Cairo, Dubai, Doha and Bahrain. Personalized service and amenities, enviable locations and luxuriously localized design are recognized worldwide as hallmarks of the St. Regis experience. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.stregis.com.

Construction Underway At Wyndham Vacation Ownership’s Newest Colorado Resort

WorldMark Grand Elk Expected to Welcome Guests in 2009

Wyndham Vacation Ownership has commenced construction on the company’s fifth Colorado resort, WorldMark Grand Elk. The resort, scheduled to operate within the company’s WorldMark by Wyndham resort portfolio, is located at the beautiful Grand Elk Ranch and Club community in Granby, Colo. just north of the popular ski destination of Winter Park.  The 44-unit property will feature a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom condominium-style units and is anticipated to welcome guests in summer 2009.

“In a study of our WorldMark owners, nearly 60 percent expressed a desire to visit mountain destinations while 50 percent wanted a lake vacation destination. With WorldMark Grand Elk, our owners can have both at the same location,” said Rob Hale, senior vice president, Product Development, Wyndham Vacation Ownership. “WorldMark Grand Elk reflects our company’s commitment to providing more resorts in compelling destinations to meet our WorldMark owner families’ diverse vacation preferences.”

With the resort’s Rocky Mountain location and close proximity to multiple lakes including Lake Granby, owners and their guests can thoroughly enjoy the outdoors through activities such as golf, skiing, fly fishing, hiking and whitewater rafting.

After hitting the slopes in nearby Winter Park or enjoying a round of golf at the neighboring Grand Elk Golf Course, part of the 440-acre Grand Elk Ranch and Club master-planned community, visitors can take in the scenic views and natural wildlife of the region’s many national wilderness areas and parks as well as the Continental Divide.

The 44-unit WorldMark Grand Elk will feature a number of studio, one- and two-bedroom condominium-style units. Each unit provides owners with a full kitchen; living room; dining room; flat-panel televisions in the living room and master bedroom; entertainment systems, including a stereo and DVD/VCR; and a barbecue grill on the deck. Additionally, the resort’s beautifully decorated, upscale three-bedroom Presidential units will include stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite countertops, whirlpool tubs, upgraded fixtures, fireplaces and hardwood flooring in the common areas.

Beyond the many comforts found in the resort’s units, owners and guests at WorldMark Grand Elk will be able to enjoy such amenities as an outdoor pool, children’s pool, spa/hot tub, barbecue areas, business center, exercise room and children’s play area. 

WorldMark Grand Elk will be a wonderful addition to the company’s current Colorado resorts: WorldMark Steamboat Springs and WorldMark Estes Park, which are affiliated with the company’s WorldMark by Wyndham resort portfolio, and Wyndham Pagosa and Wyndham Durango, which operate within the company’s FairShare Plus by Wyndham product portfolio. Wyndham Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs will be the newest addition to the company’s Colorado resort portfolio with its anticipated August 2008 opening.

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.

Matt Brosious To Participate In OTE Forum Technology Panel

Systems Products International (SPI) Director of Sales Matt Brosious will participate in a specially-featured technology panel during the October 13-15 Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE) Forum being held in Madrid, it was announced recently. Brosious will be joined by Petchey Leisure’s Group Operations Director Andrew Walton and Generator Systems’ Sales & Marketing Director Pete Jones. In a session entitled, “Making Technology Pay,” the group will discuss ways in which technology can help timeshare professionals improve efficiency, reduce costs and comply with increased legislation.

In his capacity as spokesperson for SPI, the timeshare industry’s premier software developer, Brosious is well-suited to discuss how an investment in the right technology can provide ample payoff in the long-run. His background before joining SPI in 2006 includes serving as vice-president, e-commerce sales at Primedia (NYSE: PRM) and in a senior national accounts position with American Software (NASDAQ:AMSWA). He founded a successful software company in the ’80s and a dot com in the ’90s. Both of these businesses were later sold, one in a major transaction with a public entity controlled by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company, or KKR, one of the world’s largest private equity firms.

This year’s Forum, entitled “Strong Foundations,” will be the fourth annual gathering of OTE members, who are timeshare developers, operators and suppliers operating in Europe. The Organisation for Timeshare in Europe, was established to improve representation for reputable companies in the timeshare sector and promote fair trading, quality within and growth of the timeshare industry. Its members lead the industry in their commitment to strong ethical standards with the aim of raising the standards of the industry a whole, ensure fair trading and satisfaction of timeshare owners.
 
About SPI Orange Systems
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.

Sol Meliá Vacation Club Reports Strong First Half 2008 Results, Continued Growth And Development Despite Weak Economy

Now in its fourth year of operation, Sol Meliá Vacation Club (SMVC) is reporting a strong first half of 2008 with a growth in total revenues of 17 percent over the same period last year. The overall improvement in revenues has also resulted in a continued net profit margin of 40 percent for the first half of 2008.

The Orlando-based company, part of Spain-based Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts, continues to gain sales momentum. Successful new projects in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain and the Dominican Republic have been the key to SMVC’s growth and development plans.

“Sol Meliá Vacation Club continues to grow in sales, membership and new member resorts. We are moving forward favorably, and we are pleased, “said Alain Grangé, Chief Executive of Sol Meliá Vacation Club. “This has been a year of focusing on what we do well and implementing ways to tighten efficiencies, especially in automation and computerization. Our IT team is implementing and rolling out a new information system to be used by all SMVC resorts for marketing, sales administration, accounting, loan servicing, reservations, property management, member services, etc, as well as launching a more interactive member’s website.”

This summer, SMVC announced the opening of its third location in the Dominican Republic, at The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana, and at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, Canary Islands, Spain, its first member resort in Tenerife and fourth in the Canary Islands.

The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana features 190 luxury oversized one-bedroom suites, one-bedroom master suites and two-bedroom lock-offs with lavish amenities such as plasma TVs in the living room and bathroom, hydro massage showers, private balconies, hot tub for two, full-equipped kitchenettes, lagoon style swimming pools, children’s pool and kids’ club, and the world-class Yhi Spa. SMVC Members have access to all services and amenities of the 550-suite Paradisus Punta Cana resort complex, including its 10 restaurants, seven bars, casino, golf course and 24-hour room service.

SMVC at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora features 200 one-and-two bedroom oceanfront suites with plasma TV, fully-equipped kitchenettes, upscale wood and granite accents. The resort includes five specialty restaurants, six bars, room service, a wine cellar, world-class Yhi Spa, two tennis courts, a golf simulator, four adult swimming pools, two children’s pools, and one of the largest swimming pools in Europe.

Additionally, in late 2008, SMVC will open The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real in the Dominican Republic, including Presidential Club Suites, as well as the second phase of the highly successful Sol Meliá Vacation Club at Gran Meliá Puerto Rico at Coco Beach, Rio Grande.

The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real will feature 190 one and two-bedroom lock-off units with modern upscale design, exotic Balinese bed, private hot tubs on the balcony units and direct access from the lower level patio units into a spectacular lazy river swimming pool. Presidential Club Suites will feature two, three and four bedrooms, with the four bedroom suites accommodating up to 10 people, sold as a multi-week product. SMVC members will enjoy the resort’s fitness program, golf course, first class spa treatments, enormous white sand beach and crystal clear water, variety of gourmet restaurants, bars, casino, supervised children’s programs, daily schedule of adult activities, concierge service and 24-hour room service. Earlier this year, SMVC rolled out an exclusive, customized training program for its concierge employees using the Paradisus Palma Real as its beta site. The training program focuses on optimizing services and anticipating guest needs to provide an exceptional experience through a high level of service and make each stay a memorable one.

SMVC at Gran Meliá Puerto Rico is located close to the El Yunque National Rainforest and 30 minutes to historic Old San Juan. The first phase opened in summer 2007 with luxurious oceanfront one, two and three-bedroom lock-off villas with private check-in and members VIP Lounge, featuring satellite TV, stereo system, DVD player, and some units with hot tubs on the balcony. Phase 2 will feature 63 units, 42 One Bedroom Suites and 21 One Bedroom Master Suites, with an additional 45 units on-line in the spring of 2009. SMVC

Members have access to fine dining restaurants with international cuisine, bars, tennis courts, basketball court, evening entertainment, daily organized activities, non-motorized water sports and the largest lagoon-style swimming pool in Puerto Rico, as well as a kid’s club, children’s pool, full-service spa, casino and championship golf at nearby Coco Beach Golf and Country Club.

In 2009 SMVC will add a new member resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico as part of a new development by Sol Meliá that will feature both a Paradisus and a Gran MELIÃ hotel. The Paradisus resort will feature a total of 413 units with 157 Club units, while the Gran MELIÃ hotel will feature 533 units with 213 Club units for a total of 370 SMVC one and two- bedroom units between the two luxury hotels.

Sol Meliá Vacation Club is an internationally-branded membership club with over 25,000 members that focuses on providing leisure lifestyle experiences with exotic destinations, designer-appointed luxury accommodations, exclusive services and unforgettable amenities. The leisure lifestyle concept is designed to provide members with an entire lifetime of leisure experiences to meet their ever changing needs. All members have access through SMVC to stay at all Sol Meliá’s hotels and resorts worldwide, including those in destinations such as Paris, London, Madrid, Rome and more.

Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts is a 50-year-old international hospitality company with 350 hotels in 30 countries on five continents. Sol Meliá Vacation Club members enjoy the best of both worlds: all the conveniences and amenities of a world-class resort, plus value, flexibility and choice that vacation membership offers throughout the Sol Meliá Vacation Network. Members have more vacation lifestyle options through global luxury accommodations in a variety of unique resort and urban destinations around the world as well as flexibility to choose length of stay, season and size of unit. In addition, Members can save vacation time from one year to the next if needed, borrow from future vacation years to create a special experience that could include airfare or a spectacular cruise, divide their vacation time into shorter getaway or nightly stays or stay at any Sol Meliá hotel or affiliated resort worldwide.

For Sol Meliá Vacation Club details, call (407) 370-3671 or visit www.smvc.com.

SPI’s Software to Interface with CSA Travel Protection

Vacation Ownership industry specialists SPI and CSA Travel Protection announced an interface that will give SPI software clients the ability to seamlessly offer, sell and service highly specialized travel insurance, whenever they sell a timeshare. CSA Travel Protection is an affordable insurance that covers annual maintenance fees, exchange fees and taxes, should owners be unable to use their vacation privileges. Resorts offering the insurance recognize a percentage of every sale.
“We selected SPI as our exclusive technology partner because their software is so widely used within the industry and because their Microsoft .NET platform can readily accommodate the additional application,” says CSA Travel Protection Global Sales Director Cathy Backus. “Resorts will be able to offer, sell and fulfill consumers’ purchases of the insurance in an intuitive, one-step process within their existing system and without the need for the resorts’ customer service representatives to memorize a tremendous amount of information. It’s all automated.”

“We are continuously seeking ways to offer enhanced applications to SPI clients and help make them more successful,” says Brosious. “By including this user-friendly functionality in our Orange System’s Sales and Maintenance Fee modules, resorts can be assured that their staff is offering this revenue-bearing product widely and consistently.”

“We are seeing resorts earn, literally, millions of dollars from CSA Travel Protection,” adds Backus. “It’s a great tool for salespeople as it gives new buyers and existing members confidence that if unforeseen circumstances arise affecting an owner’s vacation, we have them covered!”

About CSA Travel Protection
Headquartered in San Diego, California, CSA Travel Protection provides an extensive array of comprehensive and competitively priced guest cancellation, travel insurance and travel assistance services designed to meet every vacation traveler’s needs. CSA continuously reinforces its innovative leadership position with the introduction of innovative product enhancements that set the industry standard. Founded in 1991, CSA’s retail and custom products and services are offered nationwide by more than 200 resort and property managers, and 7,000 travel-related outlets. For more information, visit www.csatravelprotection.com or call toll-free, 800-348-9505.

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.

Disney Finalizes Deal with Four Seasons to Anchor New Luxury Resort

Walt Disney World Co. has finalized the sale of 298 acres of land to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts for a hotel and golf course that will anchor the new luxury resort announced last year as part of an expansion of Walt Disney World Resort.

“This is an important milestone for a project that will enable our company and our community to further tap into the luxury travel market,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Working together for the first time, Walt Disney World Resort and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will create a world-class family resort destination that offers the exceptional service and amenities and one-of-a-kind guest experiences that are the hallmark of both our brands.”

Located along the northeast border of Walt Disney World, the resort will include a 445-room Four Seasons hotel, Residence Club (fractional ownership vacation homes) and 18-hole championship golf course, as well as custom single- and multi-family vacation homes.

WATG (Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo) is the design architect for the hotel, which is depicted in a rendering released today. The Addison Mizner-inspired design, sometimes referred to as Palm Beach style, is reminiscent of turn-of-the century resorts found on Florida’s east coast. With a style that evokes the romance of Florida hospitality, the architecture draws upon Spanish-Moorish influences characterized by barrel-tiled roofs, columned archways, keystone walls and carved stonework. Thoughtfully planned to integrate with the entire resort, the hotel will be surrounded by beautiful landscaping in a lush environment.

“This project is one with which we are proud to be associated,” said Scott Woroch, executive vice president, development, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Having memorable family vacation experiences are more important than ever to our guests, and we are excited about working with Disney to create a unique product in Central Florida.”

First announced in March 2007, the project’s initial site preparation work began earlier this year, with building construction expected to begin next year. The hotel is anticipated to open by 2012. The project will be built in phases over the next 8 to 10 years.

Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom); two water adventure parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon); 32 resort hotels (22 owned and operated by Walt Disney World, including six Disney Vacation Club properties); Disney’s Fort Wilderness campground; two full-service spas; Disney’s Wedding Pavilion; Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex; and Downtown Disney, an entertainment-shopping-dining complex encompassing the Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side. Walt Disney World Resort is also included in vacation packages of Disney Cruise Line. Located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continuous innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 78 hotels in 32 countries, and more than 31 properties under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees – people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Four Seasons currently operates two properties in Florida, Four Seasons Hotel Miami and the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.

BLC Enterprises Installs TimeShareWare Professional 2008 To Manage Fractional Playa Royale Residence Club

Lake Forest, California – BLC Enterprises recently installed TimeShareWare Professional 2008 for their client Paradise Village Group, specifically to manage the Playa Royale Residence Club located in Nuevo Vallarta, a deeded fractional product. In addition, BLC Enterprises also contracted with TimeShareWare to provide a credit card interface, Internet hosting services, and TimeShareWare NET, which allows owners to check availability, make reservations, and pay their assessments on-line.

Cindy Hale, Vice President of BLC Enterprises, says the new software has helped in streamlining its business practices. “The software is great. It has met all our unique needs and we are now able to service our owners in a fraction of the time…no pun intended. We were most interested in the software’s reservation management, owner accounting, reports, and web access. The Playa Royale Residence Club is spectacular and our affluent owners expect nothing less than a high level of customer service. Being able to easily and securely view their reserved weeks, check availability, submit reservations, and pay their assessments on-line twenty-four hours a day from anywhere in the world was a necessity for our clients.”

Allen Rice, Chief Marketing Officer of TimeShareWare, commented, “TimeShareWare’s software has always been known for its ease of use and superior functionality. We have enjoyed our relationship with such a professional organization as BLC Enterprises and we’re pleased to meet the software needs of its sophisticated owner base.”

About BLC Enterprises Inc:
BLC Enterprises has been providing membership, financial services, and loan servicing for the Paradise Village Group and Paradise Vacation Club since 1993. Barry Cohen, President of BLC Enterprises has been involved in the timeshare industry for over 28 years. Cindy Hale, Vice President, Operations, has been with BLC Enterprises for over 11 years. BLC Enterprises currently services over 21,000 Paradise Vacation Club members, Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa, and provides various services for the Paradise Village Group real estate projects: Grand Marina Villas & Condominiums, Playa Royale Condominiums & Residence Club, and Paradise Village Golf & Country Club.

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.

IFA Travel & Tourism In Joint Venture With Wings Corporate Travel

IFA Travel & Tourism (IFA TT), a subsidiary of IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR), a leading travel and tourism company, announced its joint venture partnership with Wings Corporate Travel (Wings) for the Middle East and North Africa.

The JV partnership will fully-integrate and standardize the corporate travel market with particular emphasis on the Oil & Gas sector, a specialized division for Wings, a South African-based travel management company.

“We are delighted with our new travel management partner and their introduction to the region. Wings has made a well respected name for itself over the last decade in Africa, the US and UK, particularly in Oil & Gas related corporate travel, an area which the company has dominated and excelled in,” said Werner Burger, President and COO, IFA HR.

“The strategic decision for Wings to enter the region at this time comes as no surprise, particularly as Dubai offers an unparalleled opportunity for Wings to capitalize on the region’s Oil & Gas industry,” added Burger.

Wings was founded in 1992 as a corporate travel management company and has since become recognised for providing a high level of personalised and professional service for the corporate sector, whilst aggressively leveraging technology to advance innovative and customised solutions. 

“This is a significant step forward for Wings as our corporate brand will be enhanced through our association with the IFA Hotels & Resorts group.  You need only look at the IFA Hotels & Resorts’ positioning and you will quickly see the tremendous value of being partnered with a company with such a premier portfolio of assets, and who have rapidly established themselves as a major international player in the premier tourism segment,” said Tony Sofianos, CEO, Wings.

“Our clients are global multinational companies, and in order to service these clients effectively, we realized we needed to expand our position, aligned with our strategy of providing clients with a seamless 24/7 service, 365 days a year. 

“Dubai represents a logical entry point into the region given its growth over the years, and the establishment of frameworks that encourage companies to set up their businesses.  Furthermore, almost all of our existing Oil & Gas clients have significant operations based out of Dubai.

In addition, our joint venture partnership provides us with a further opportunity to a deliver standardized and fully integrated travel solutions to our clients in the Middle East.  One of the unique value propositions for the joint venture partnership is that we operate as ‘one company’, with seamless integration across all its operations,” explained Sofianos.

IFA TT specialises in corporate  and leisure travel management; providing a wide range of business and leisure service solutions ranging from personal travel consultancy to air chartering services, events, meetings and corporate incentive arrangements and exclusive corporate offers.

“Our clients and partners are also seeking out more effective corporate travel solutions. This newly formed partnership will certainly enhance our high-end travel and leisure offerings and expand our business in Africa and the Indian Ocean region,” said Emad Jabr, General Manager, IFA TT.

IFA TT also provides its clients with unique concierge tourism services, catering to the group’s partners and customers by providing a range of world-class services including:  Access to private jets, luxury yachts, or tailor-creating a travel experience based on a client’s particular interest from a hunting and safari excursion, to theme park and adventure holidays.

The JV further compliments IFA HR’s already well-established luxury services in the tourism sector building on the company’s portfolio of luxury branded residences, hotels, resorts and lifestyle membership clubs.

Destination Cellars and Exclusive Resorts Partner to Offer Members Flexibility and Choice

Destination Cellars and Exclusive Resorts Partner to Offer Members Flexibility and Choice Leading Luxury Wine Club and Destination Club Drive Industry Innovation

Destination Cellars, the first and only luxury destination wine club, today announced a new partnership with Exclusive Resorts, the world’s leading luxury destination club. As the most recent partner to join the Destination Cellars Strategic Alliance, Exclusive Resorts can now extend to its members preferred access to unique, personally tailored national and international experiences within the private world of wine.

Destination Cellars will offer Exclusive Resorts’ members the opportunity to explore exclusive wine experiences with flexibility and choice. Exclusive Resorts members will be able to enjoy Destination Cellars’ memberships at a preferred price with the unique option to take advantage of experiences on an ad hoc basis. Exclusive Resorts members will also have the opportunity to network with Destination Cellars members while gaining a glimpse into the private world of wine during upcoming private events in local markets across the U.S. For Exclusive Resorts members looking to embrace new wine-related experiences in a group setting, Destination Cellars will offer private group excursions catered to and limited to members and their invited guests.

“Our members vacation at luxurious properties all over the world, and we are always looking for new ways to further customize their experiences and extend the value we provide,” said David Kallery, senior vice president of business development, Exclusive Resorts. “As the leader in the luxury wine experience market, Destination Cellars is in an excellent position to provide our members with access to exclusive wineries while maintaining a high-level of exclusivity and service.”

Upcoming Destination Cellars and Exclusive Resorts wine-tasting and club-networking events open to members include:

–  September 5, 2008 in CT: Emanuele Baldi, Prunotto Winery, Piemonte,
    Italy
–  September 8, 2008 in Atlanta, GA: Janet Viader, Viader Winery, Napa
    Valley, CA
–  October 20, 2008 in Miami, FL: Giovanni Folonari, Firenze, Italy
   
“When it comes to innovation and member satisfaction, Exclusive Resorts is recognized in the destination club industry as the best of the best,” said David Keuhner, founder and CEO of Destination Cellars. “We share their commitment to be on the cutting edge of member offerings; no one does what we do in the world of wine. By partnering with the best in the industry, we can provide all our members with enhanced luxury experiences.”

About Exclusive Resorts
Founded in 2002, Exclusive Resorts is the world’s leading luxury destination club with more than 3,300 members and a real estate portfolio valued at more than $1 billion, consisting of more than 350 luxury residences in dozens of vacation destinations and another 150 in development. The club has maintained a satisfaction rating of over 90 percent among its members after providing more than 60,000 vacations. Recognized by Robb Report as an “Icon and Innovator” that is “redefining luxury” and named “Best of the Best” three times by the same publication, Exclusive Resorts combines the spaciousness and elegance of a private residence with the services and amenities of a five-star resort. Exclusive Resorts is the destination club partner of choice for leading companies including American Express, Neiman Marcus and Marquis Jet. For more information, please visit www.exclusiveresorts.com.

About Destination Cellars
Founded in 2006, Destination Cellars is the first and only luxury destination club that offers affluent wine, food and travel enthusiasts personalized access to prestigious winery properties around the world. Individual and corporate club members enjoy exclusive, tailored experiences at more than 100 of the world’s finest wineries spanning seven countries. From an intimate wine tasting and fine dining experience, to cave exploration and bio-dynamic seminars, Destination Cellars creates private “once in a lifetime” experiences, to ensure it opens the world of wine to those who desire an extraordinary and memorable journey. Destination Cellars has built an esteemed alliance network to guarantee its members receive the best services available, including YPO, TIGER 21, Exclusive Resorts, Merrill Lynch, MacArthur Beverage, Cellar Advisors and American Express Travel, which provides all travel services for Destination Cellar experiences. For more information on Destination Cellars membership, visit http://www.destinationcellars.com or contact us at 703-327-3109.

SCS Interactive Focuses in on Customer Service

SCS continually strives to work hand and hand with its clients and partners to achieve mutual success. With this goal in mind, SCS Interactive decided to focus on enhancing its Customer Service department, making the clients’ interaction with SCS even more worry-free and convenient.
John Gabel was hired as the new Customer Service Manager. Prior to moving into customer service, John served as an SCS Project Manager. He will bring his in-depth knowledge of the SCS products to his new role.

“When a customer needs support, it is our goal to make somebody’s day. I am truly happy to be in this new position. I know my previous experience will serve me in good stead as I take on the challenge bringing the SCS customer experience to the next level,” stated John Gabel.

John will focus on making the customer service offering second to none by delivering on a 48 hour turn-around for parts, improving response times for warranty issues, closing out punch lists within 30 days and enhancing on-going communication with the clients. Also look for a user-friendly customer service section on the new SCS website set to launch in September.

“Good customer service is a differentiating factor for SCS Interactive,” said Steve Wagner, vice president of sales and marketing for SCS Interactive, “Through our customer service we strive to have open and responsive communication, as well as deliver prompt results, which we believe leaves our customer satisfied and brings them back to SCS. Our motto is, You will be judged by what you do, not what you say.”

How to Contact John Gabel:
801-737-3114 x118 office
801-710-5537 cellular
john.gabel@scsinteractive.com

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 treehouse concept, the creator of the giant tipping bucket seen at amusement and waterparks around the world, and the developer of the world’s first wet and dry water coaster known as SplashTrack™. Some of the biggest resorts, theme 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.

Lower Timeshare Processing Costs With UniBul

UniBul Merchant Services announced today the planned launch on August, 28 of a new credit card processing program for merchants involved in timeshare advertising.

A steady stream of emails and telephone calls from timeshare advertising companies has clearly indicated the fact that their payment processing needs were severely underserved. Communications have been dominated by two main issues:

Processing Limits.
Processing Rates
Downtime during the Switch from Current Processor

The processing statements of fifteen timeshare advertisers revealed an average credit card processing rate of 2.55%, while nine of them had a processing limit that allowed them, on average, to process about a third of their orders. Eleven timeshare advertising companies had a portion of their monthly processing volumes placed in escrow accounts as a reserve, for various periods of time.

Businesses that advertise timeshares are engaged in a high-risk activity, as defined by Visa and MasterCard, and payment processing companies are expected to be cautious when evaluating such applicants for merchant accounts. Their main concern is the levels of chargebacks that timeshare advertisers have historically generated. This is a legitimate concern. If unable to keep the share of their charged-back transactions less than one percent of the overall number of transactions, the merchant will probably lose its processing account and the processor may be fined by the Credit Card Associations. Our study has shown that, as a result, payment processing companies are being excessively demanding of applicants in their efforts to minimize potential losses.

UniBul Merchant Services has found another way to resolve the issue. The emphasis is placed on providing timeshare advertising organizations with the knowledge, tools and support to enable them to process card transactions in a way that is compliant with Visa and MasterCard regulations. UniBul Merchant Services’ new timeshare advertizing program includes a best practices guide for processing transactions online and instructions on what to include in and how to communicate their policies on cancellations, refunds, handling sensitive payment information, etc. Implementing these procedures will minimize chargebacks. Maintaining low chargeback levels guarantees that no processing limits are imposed.

UniBul Merchant Services is using the pass-through pricing model to ensure lowest processing cost for the merchants. With this payment model the processor’s transaction cost is added to the interchange rate at which each card is processed. UniBul Merchant Services’ transaction cost is the same for all types of cards, thus guaranteeing that no transaction is overcharged. The pass-through pricing structure also ensures that debit cards are processed at much lower costs, as their interchange rates are typically much more advantageous than those of credit cards. At present interchange rates, merchants processing with UniBul Merchant Services are charged 2.15% for consumer credit card transactions and 1.94% for consumer debit card transactions.

The switch of payment processing services from current providers to UniBul Merchant Services is a seamless process and merchants do not experience any downtime. The old account is not cancelled until the new one is fully set up and functional.

By launching this program, UniBul Merchant Services is seeking to bring processing costs for timeshare advertising companies down to acceptable levels and to contribute to a sharper focus on the processes and practices that are necessary to ensure that merchants get the best out of their merchant accounts and avoid having processing limits imposed on them.

Contact:
UniBul Merchant Services LLC
617-861-6101 – phone
617-684-1709 - fax
timeshare@unibulmerchantservices.com - email
http://www.unibulmerchantservices.com - web

Vermont’s Iconic Resort Proudly Becomes The Equinox, a Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa

Nestled in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, the Newly Renovated Equinox, a Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester Village, Features a 13,000 Square Foot Luxury Spa, Championship Golf Course, Interiors by Geoffrey Bradfield and World-Class Dining at Chop House and Falcon Bar

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the introduction of The Equinox, a Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester Village to The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 69 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. Owned by HEI Hotels & Resorts, the iconic 195-room resort, which has served as one of the country’s most historically significant destinations since 1769, recently underwent a $20 million restoration that includes new luxury amenities, accommodations, restaurants and cocktail lounges. The sophisticated transformation is a blend of indigenous New England charm and contemporary luxury that will uphold the resort’s legacy as a classic American destination.
“The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world’s most enriching and desirable destinations, where nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do,” said Phil McAveety, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Celebrated for its distinct American heritage, pristine natural surrounding and indigenous New England offerings, The Equinox adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection’s glittering ensemble.”

Historically a meeting place for the fathers of the American Revolution, The Equinox has hosted American presidents including Taft, Grant, Harrison and Teddy Roosevelt among other innumerable noted historical figures. Renowned designer Geoffrey Bradfield, hailed by Architectural Digest as the “Dean of American Design,” paid homage to the centuries-old history and natural beauty of the resort’s pristine surroundings when approaching the redesign of this legendary resort. Bradfield created a daring, graceful and opulent new look for The Equinox, inspired by the whimsical designs of 20th century Swiss sculptor, Diego Giacometti, who is most recognized for his furnishings and fixtures work featured in the legendary Picasso Museum in Paris, France.

The restored accommodations at The Equinox feature classic high ceilings, a muted color palette of slate blue, chocolate brown and beige and are accented with custom-made, hand-carved wardrobes. One wall of each guest room features a large black and white photograph of The Equinox in the early 1900’s. Custom-made beds, marble vanities, dramatic floor length drapery and plush leather armchairs add the finishing touches in the resort’s new deluxe accommodations. Additional accommodations include the Orvis Inn, the elegantly restored former home of Orvis founder Charles Orvis, the recently acquired 1811 House, the former summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s granddaughter and the Townhouses, perfect for extended stay accommodations.

Designed to reflect a refined hunter’s lodge, Chop House further establishes the resort as a preeminent dining destination in Vermont. Chop House joins the resort’s current trio of restaurants including The Dormy Grill, The Marsh Tavern and the Colonnade. The new lobby, with roundabout-sofa seating and adjacent outdoor deck with fire pits, is the new social hub of the resort. The lobby’s Falcon Bar offers an extensive collection of single malt scotches and a comprehensive wine list, as well as a menu of locally-sourced chocolate from New England’s Knipschildt chocolatier and a selection of the finest Vermont cheeses. The Equinox also boasts over 18,000 square feet of flexible, state-of-the-art meeting and special event space. The landmark resort’s lush outdoor gardens are the ideal romantic setting for a New England destination wedding.

The Equinox offers guests a variety of distinguished adventure sport options in a picturesque setting, including programs sponsored by the British School of Falconry, Orvis Fly Fishing and The Land Rover Driving Experience School. The Golf Club at The Equinox, managed by Troon Golf, is widely recognized as one of America’s best golf courses. Originally built in 1927 by Walter Travis and restored in 1992 by Rees Jones, the 18-hole championship-quality course delivers a challenging game of golf in the shadows of the Green and Taconic Mountains.

Continuing to deliver unique and authentic experiences that capture the natural energy and healing atmosphere of the area, The Spa at The Equinox offers guests the chance to awaken the senses and reconnect with nature. The Spa offers a variety of treatments that incorporate indigenous products to the surrounding Vermont region, including maple sugar, wildflowers and mineral clay. The 13,000 square foot full-service resort spa reflects the pristine beauty of Vermont in both its choice of treatments and in its nature-inspired interiors.

The Equinox, a Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa Resort, Manchester Village is located at 3567 Main Street Route 7A in Manchester Village, VT, a four-hour drive of New York and Boston. For more information on The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.luxurycollection.com

About The Equinox, A Luxury Collection Golf Resort & Spa, Manchester Village
Located in Manchester Village, Vermont, The Equinox has served as one of the country’s most historically significant and luxurious destinations since 1769. The 195-room resort, including the Orvis Inn and the 1811 House, is a luxurious year-round destination nestled on 1,300 acres of pristine countryside within a four-hour drive of New York and Boston. The British School of Falconry, Orvis Fly Fishing, off-road driving at The Land Rover Driving Experience School and Archery are among some of the unique activities available at the resort. The Golf Club at Equinox, an 18-hole championship-quality course designed by Walter Travis and Rees Jones, is widely recognized as one of America’s best golf courses. There are five elegant restaurants on property including the new Chop House and Falcon Bar. The Spa at The Equinox, a 13,000 square-foot full-service resort spa, encourages guests to awaken their spirit and reconnect with nature. In 2008, The Equinox underwent a $20 million renovation overseen by renowned designer Geoffrey Bradfield. For more information please visit www.equinoxresort.com or call 1-800-362-4747.

About The Luxury Collection(R) Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent decor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Today, The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 69 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning hotels that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class in some of the most desired destinations in the world. Most recently, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort, was honored with the 2008 Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Small Resort in the world. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

British Holidaymakers Spend Nearly £40,000 Each

RCI Unveils World First as the True ‘Lifetime Value of a British Traveller’ Is Identified

RCI, the world’s largest timeshare exchange company, and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today released information on the true lifetime value of the British traveller. According to new research commissioned by RCI in conjunction with Mintel, on average Britons spend 840 days holidaying abroad and pay £39,900 on accommodations alone over the course of their lifetime.*

The study, to find the ‘Lifetime Value of a British Traveller’, showed that in 2007 the average Brit went on two holidays a year, each lasting one week, generating a total spend of £665 on accommodation - this equates to a huge £39,900 across a lifetime*.

And yet the fact that over half of people in the UK now plan to forgo an overseas holiday** suggests worrying times ahead for the travel industry.

The ongoing global credit crunch, a cooling property market and inflation have resulted in the majority of people viewing holidays as a luxury purchase, with only 17% of the population seeing them as a ‘necessary’ spend, according to the study.

However, holidaymakers need not miss out. RCI, the world’s largest timeshare exchange company, can deliver the same holiday time to its members at a massive saving of more than £23,000 on average per person.

An RCI member, who owns a timeshare, will spend an average of just £15,175*** on holidays of the same duration in their lifetime. The RCI exchange network may allow members to exchange their RCI Points or Weeks for holidays at over 4,000 affiliated resorts worldwide.

RCI has reported a dramatic increase in enquiries for its ‘Weeks’ and ‘Points’ products, which is not surprising when you compare what its members spend compared to the ‘Lifetime Value of a British Traveller’ figures revealed in the research.

Brett Archibald, senior vice president, business development at Group RCI in the UK, comments: “During the credit crunch, timeshare represents increasingly good holiday value and although many Brits may be forced to cut back, Group RCI members can rest assured that they have budgeted in advance for a well-earned holiday. In addition, our members can choose breaks from a wide portfolio of holiday properties, such as lakeside retreats in Finland, a spa hotel in the UK, or perhaps a beach resort in Florida.”

Simon Calder, Senior Travel Editor of the Independent, TV & radio broadcaster said: “We all want a holiday to look forward to. This survey from Group RCI suggests that British travellers are cutting back on the number of short breaks they take - let’s face it, cheap flights have made us positively promiscuous when it comes to going abroad. It looks as though we may be re-focussing on a solid week or two away which means that more people will be considering timeshare and shared-ownership products”.

For more information about Group RCI visit www.grouprci.com or call 01536 314561)

* Based on a cost of two week accommodations of £665 excluding inflation, travel and spending money, multiplied by 60 years of vacations in the average lifetime of 76 years. Over 2,000 people were interviewed by Mintel as part of the study in October 2007. Mintel is a global supplier of consumer, media and market research. It has been providing market intelligence for hundreds of consumer and industrial products and services for more than 35 years.

** According to Mintel, in 2007 just 45% of Britons took one or more holidays abroad

***£15,175 equals the cost of timeshare purchase for two weeks (£13,000), annual maintenance fees (£500), annual exchange fees (£238), and annual RCI membership fees(£57), divided by 4 to obtain the per person cost for a family of four. Figures taken from Group RCI membership database, May 2008

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 centre of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

Legacy Productions Moves To New Town

After five years as one of the region’s top video production companies, Legacy Productions has relocated its corporate HQ to New Town in Williamsburg. Legacy Productions, formerly located on Prince George Street, is now located at 4365 New Town Blvd in the Williamsburg Financial Group building.  Legacy president and co-owner Scott Johnston said “it’s a great location and it’s a very energized work environment. At this time, we still maintain our full services production capabilities in our Chesapeake office, but we are looking to add high-end post production services in the new office.”

Legacy Productions is a full service script to screen HD video and film production company with offices in Chesapeake and Williamsburg. Co-owners Rob Stephens and Scott Johnston are production veterans with over 30 years of production experience. Legacy produces corporate sales and marketing, training, orientation, and recruitment programs. Legacy also has a strong resort client base working nationally for Marriott Vacation Club, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Cendant, Carnival Cruise Vacation Club, and Consolidated Resorts.

www.contactlegacy.com

IAC Completes Spin-Offs Of HSN, Inc., Interval Leisure Group, Inc., Ticketmaster And Tree.com, Inc.

IAC (Nasdaq: IACI) announced today that it has completed the spin-offs of HSN, Inc. (”HSNi”), Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (”ILG”), Ticketmaster and Tree.com, Inc. (”Tree.com”) to IAC shareholders. For every one share of IAC common stock held on August 11, 2008, the record date for the spin-off, or bought in the due bill period, holders received one-fifth of a share of common stock of each of HSNi, ILG and Ticketmaster, and one-thirtieth of a share of common stock of Tree.com. Immediately following the spin-off on August 20, 2008, IAC also effected a one-for-two reverse stock split.

Today, HSNi, ILG, Ticketmaster and Tree.com will begin trading regular way as independent publicly traded companies on the Nasdaq National Market under the following symbols: “HSNI,” “IILG,” “TKTM” and “TREE,”
respectively. Until September 19, 2008, shares of IAC common stock will trade under the symbol “IACID” in accordance with Nasdaq rules, after which trading under its current symbol, “IACI,” will resume.

“Armed with outstanding management teams, appropriate capital structures and their own currencies, HSNi, Ticketmaster, Interval and Tree.com are now ready for independent futures … while the Internet businesses that make up new IAC can operate with a collective purpose and common goals,” said Barry Diller, Chairman and CEO of IAC. “The work is done and our focus now is moving forward.”

As a result of the spins and reverse stock split, IAC’s publicly traded warrants were adjusted in accordance with the respective warrant agreements. Following the adjustments, each warrant trading on the Nasdaq
National Market under the ticker symbol “IACIW” will entitle its holder to purchase 0.568454 shares of IAC common stock at an exercise price of $19.49 per warrant and each warrant that trades on the Nasdaq National Market under the ticker symbol “IACIZ” will entitle its holder to purchase 1.102090 shares of IAC common stock at an exercise price of $14.44 per warrant. With respect to warrants that are not publicly traded, IAC will provide to holders of those securities written notice of applicable adjustments.

About IAC
IAC operates more than 35 leading and diversified Internet businesses across 37 countries… our mission is to harness the power of interactivity to make daily life easier and more productive for people all over the
world. To view a full list of the companies of IAC please visit our website at http://iac.com.

About HSN, Inc.
HSNi owns and operates, through its subsidiaries, HSN, a retailer and interactive lifestyle network offering a broad assortment of products through television home shopping programming on the HSN television network and HSN.com. HSN strives to transform the shopping experience by incorporating experts, entertainment, inspiration, solutions, tips and ideas in connection with the sale of products through the HSN television network and HSN.com. HSNi also owns and operates, through its subsidiaries, the Cornerstone Brands portfolio of catalogs and related websites, including Frontgate, Ballard Designs, Garnet Hill, Smith+Noble, The Territory Ahead, TravelSmith and Improvements, as well as a limited number of retail stores.

About Interval Leisure Group, Inc.
ILG is a leading provider of membership services to the vacation ownership industry. ILG’s principal business segment, Interval, makes available vacation ownership membership services to the individual members
of its exchange networks, as well as related services to developers of the resorts participating in its exchange networks worldwide. As of December 31, 2007, more than 2,400 resorts located in more than 75 countries participated in Interval’s primary exchange network, the Interval Network, and nearly two million owners of vacation interests were enrolled as members of the Interval Network. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007, Interval represented approximately 88% of ILG’s consolidated revenues. ILG’s other business segment, RQH, was acquired in May 2007 and is a provider of vacation rental and property management services to vacationers and vacation property owners across Hawaii. As of December 31, 2007, RQH provided property management services to 26 resorts and hotels, as well as other more limited management services to an additional 23 properties.

About Ticketmaster
As the world’s leading live entertainment ticketing and marketing company, Ticketmaster connects the world to live entertainment. Ticketmaster currently operates in 20 countries worldwide, providing ticket
sales, ticket resale services, marketing and distribution through http://www.ticketmaster.com, one of the largest e-commerce sites on the Internet, and related proprietary Internet and mobile channels, approximately 6,700 independent sales outlets and 19 call centers worldwide. Established in 1976, Ticketmaster served more than 10,000 clients worldwide in 2007 across multiple live event categories, providing exclusive ticketing services for leading arenas, stadiums, amphitheaters, music clubs, concert promoters, professional sports franchises and leagues, college sports teams, performing arts venues, museums and theaters. Ticketmaster’s distribution channels and client base provide it with significant scale-for example, in 2007, Ticketmaster brands and businesses sold approximately 141 million
tickets valued at over $8.3 billion.

About Tree.com, Inc.
Through its various subsidiaries, Tree.com currently operates a lending business (the ”Lending Business”) and a real estate business (the ”Real Estate Business”). The Lending Business consists of online networks,
principally LendingTree.com and GetSmart.com, as well as call centers, which match consumers with lenders and loan brokers. In addition, the Lending Business originates, processes, approves and funds various types of residential real estate loans under two brand names, LendingTree Loans(R) and HomeLoanCenter.com(R), and offers residential mortgage loan settlement services under the name LendingTree Settlement Services. The Real Estate Business consists primarily of an internetenabled national residential real estate brokerage that currently operates offices in 14 markets under the brand name “RealEstate.com, REALTORS.” The Real Estate Business also consists of a brokerage that matches residential home buyers interested in newly constructed homes with builders and currently operates under the brand name “iNest(R).”

September Launch Date For Lord Norman Foster’s YachtPlus

The fractional ownership based super-yacht designed by British architect Lord Norman Foster for YachtPlus is due for completion and launch next month. The first in YachtPlus’s fleet since opening in 2005 and anticipation for the launching of the 132 foot vessel is growing.

Built at the state-of-the-art Rodriquez Cantieri Navali (RCN) shipyard in Italy, the Foster designed craft will have eight owners each paying a share of approximately $2 million dollars and boasts more deck and interior space than any other similarly sized super-yacht.

The yacht has six permanent crew which run the four tiered floating accommodation and cater to the needs of up to 10 guests. Designed with luxurious comfort at the forefront with two balconies in the master suite, it also caters well for families with children which is a growing sector in the private charter market.

For more information contact YachtPlus at www.yachtplus.co.uk

RCI Introduce Exciting New Property Investment Scheme

RCI were the pioneers of the time-share holiday, now they have introduced an entirely new concept which allows you to own your own holiday property, rent it out and earn credits which can be used for holidays in other destinations. An investor can have all the benefits of owning their own property and utilizing it when not in use, rather than simply renting a holiday space.

RCI, the world’s largest holiday property management service have introduced a revolutionary new opportunity for oversees property investors.

RCI were the pioneers of the time-share holiday, now they have introduced an entirely new concept which allows you to own your own holiday property, rent it out and earn credits which can be used for holidays in other destinations. An investor can have all the benefits of owning their own property and utilizing it when not in use, rather than simply renting a holiday space.

In 1974, RCI instigated the concept of exchange holidays. Timeshare developers sell holiday ownership interests typically in either one-week intervals or as packages of points that can be used to reserve resort accommodations. Members share in the occupancy rights of a development and therefore pay an annual maintenance fee after the initial purchase. The conditions of a timeshare can vary vastly, obviously different prices result in different standards of property, the time of year they can be visited and for how long etc.

RCI’s new service allows for a property buyer to purchase their own holiday accommodation – which they can use whenever they want for as long as they want. When the property is not being used, RCI arrange tenants for it, the owner will receive 70% of the rental income and also through renting it out they will receive credits from RCI which can then be traded for holidays in other destinations. This is a great new twist on the classic timeshare service, allowing for an investor to earn money but also have their very own holiday home for whenever they desire it.

RCI have pioneered this project with the Whiterocks resort of luxury apartments in Bafra, northern Cyprus. Northern Cyprus is swiftly growing economically and as a popular holiday spot. The house prices are also set to rise a great deal in the next few years. Bafra is a tranquil yet prospering village nearby beautiful white beaches and clear seas, the area is set to include a Marina, shopping centre, beachside tropical gardens, parks and a golf course. The unspoiled coastline provides coves, seaside bars and restaurants, water sports and fishing.

An investor can now purchase one of the top-to-toe five-star apartments designed by Whiterocks and Blue C development. They can holiday in the beautiful location whenever they wish and during the rest of the year rent the apartment out hassle free, whilst earning bonus holidays. It is a simple solution for oversees investors who wish to earn money and holiday hassle free.

www.whiterocksbafra.com/

The Residence Club At Tullymore In Michigan Added To The Registry Collection

The Registry Collection®, the world’s largest luxury exchange program and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced a new affiliation with The Villages at Tullymore. The resort will become part of The Registry Collection’s network of more than 100 luxury accommodations.

The Registry Collection®, the world’s largest luxury exchange program and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced a new affiliation with The Villages at Tullymore. The resort will become part of The Registry Collection’s network of more than 100 luxury accommodations.

Currently under construction in quaint Stanwood, Michigan, the resort will offer access to the award-winning Tullymore golf course. The 22 units will have high-end appliances, granite countertops, luxury bedding, high-definition flat-screen televisions, and surround sound equipment throughout the unit. The resort opening is scheduled for the fall of 2008.

The resort will feature a pro shop staffed by PGA golf professionals and a clubhouse with a dining room and gathering spaces, as well as a health club with exercise equipment, a steam room, a masseuse and a trainer.

“We’re delighted that The Registry Collection has been chosen by The Villages at Tullymore,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Group RCI, parent company of The Registry Collection. “When the time comes to exchange, we’re confident that owners of The Villages at Tullymore will enjoy choosing from the nearly 100 luxury properties in The Registry Collection network, as well as the outstanding services and amenities that membership in The Registry Collection provides.”

The Tullymore golf course was named the number one New Upscale Public Course in America in 2002 by Golf Digest. The 18-hole course has also received honors from GOLF magazine, Golf for Women and Golfweek.
To learn more about affiliating with The Registry Collection, the world’s largest luxury exchange program, visit http://www.theregistrycollection.com

About The Registry Collection:
The Registry Collection is the world’s largest luxury exchange program, providing members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24 hours a day at certain locations. From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection program facilitates exchanges among more than 100 luxury leisure accommodations around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection program is offered by Group RCI, a global leader in leisure real estate and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies. (NYSE: WYN) For additional information, visit the media center at www.grouprci.com.

New Hampshire Online Advertising Company Makes The Prestigious Inc. 5000 List

SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, the global leader in timeshare resales and rentals, makes the prestigious Inc. 5000 list, placing as the fastest-growing company on the Seacoast and number 2 for New Hampshire.

Red-hot growth has earned SellMyTimeshareNOW.com inclusion to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for 2008. An online advertising company for timeshare resales and rentals, SellMyTimeshareNOW.com made the list for the first time, ranking number 1 for privately held companies on the Seacoast and number 2 in the state of New Hampshire. Nationally, the company placed in the top 50 for Advertising and Marketing companies, coming in at number 44. On a regional level, SellMyTimeshareNow.com ranked number 21 in the Top 100 Businesses in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH metro area.

Jason Tremblay, the company’s co-founder and CEO says, “SellMyTimeshareNOW.com is proud to be recognized as an Inc. 5000 company and proud that our growth shows that the public recognizes us as the leader in timeshare resales and timeshare rentals.”

Inc.com describes the companies making the Inc. 5000 list as the elite, representing, ‘…a mere sliver of the seven million or so companies in the US that have employees.’ With a growth rate of 520.9 percent from 2004 to 2007, SellMyTimeshareNOW.com is number 637 overall out of the 5000 companies ranked on the Inc. 5000 list for