Timeshare News | Fractional News | Hospitality Headlines | The Timeshare Blog

Wyndham Worldwide Corp. said it has completed a term securitization transaction involving the issuance of $225 million of investment grade asset-backed notes by Sierra Timeshare 2009-1 Receivables Funding LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Wyndham’s Vacation Ownership subsidiary.

The notes are backed by vacation ownership receivables originated by subsidiaries of Wyndham Vacation Ownership.

Parsippany, New Jersey-based Wyndham Worldwide is a hospitality firm with around 7,000 franchised hotels and around 588,500 hotel rooms worldwide. The company’s Group RCI unit offers its 3.8 million members access to more than 73,000 vacation properties located in around 100 countries.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its network of over 150 vacation ownership resorts in North America, the Caribbean and the South Pacific.

Strategic Marketing Specialists Bring User Friendly Website to Tourist Hot Spot
  
Vantage Strategy, a business strategy firm based in Maryland, announced today at the Connecticut Conference on Tourism the launch of a new website for Mystic Country, a tourist destination along the eastern shore of Connecticut.  The new MysticCountry.com website will brand and market the destination to consumers and business travelers with cutting edge technology that makes travel planning more user friendly and cost effective for the destination and its constituents. The website has over 2000 pages of consumer focused content and was designed and created after Vantage Strategy performed an in-depth analysis and developed a strategic marketing plan for the destination. 

“Vantage spent a significant amount of time getting to know our destination and our organization from the inside out, so they were clearly poised to provide the most insightful and strategic implementation of our new website. The site features an itinerary builder to allow travelers to combine the diverse activities and attractions offered by our unique destination,” said Donna Simpson, Executive Director of the Eastern Regional Tourism District. “We are very excited about the vision they brought to this project.”

The main focus of the enhanced site is to introduce visitors to a new image of Mystic Country with comprehensive user friendly itinerary planning tools. “Our goal is to use the website to reposition Mystic Country as the gateway to the New England coastline and countryside and the many treasures the region offers,” said Vantage CEO, Mike Pusateri. “Since the site is the first glimpse many travelers will have of Mystic Country, it’s critical that we give them a positive experience from the minute they enter the site. Our company marries strategic branding with the latest trends in internet technology to give our clients the most intelligent and intuitive site possible.”

The new site will allow all Mystic Country tourism businesses the ability to add information, pictures and special offers to be easily searched and accessed by the traveler. The Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration and Mystic Seaport – the Museum of America and the Sea will be featured as well as offerings of the area’s casinos – Foxwoods, MGM Grand and Mohegan Sun – for entertainment and dining. The site will also highlight the region’s countryside; rich with agricultural, historical and cultural treasures.

Vantage Strategy is a business strategy consulting firm providing customized top-tier sales, marketing, and growth strategies for business of all sizes. Current clients include Orlando, Boston, and Annapolis, to name a few. 

The Mystic Country website was built as a joint project between The Eastern Regional Tourism District, a public sector destination marketing organization representing 42 towns in the region and the Mystic Coast & County Travel Industry Association, a private sector membership destination marketing association dedicated to promoting South Eastern Connecticut and Southwestern Rhode Island as a travel destination. For more information about Vantage Strategy call (202) 449-9708 or visit www.VantageStrategy.com. For more information about Mystic Country, and to view the new website, visit www.MysticCountry.com.

There are over 1.5 million timeshare owners in Europe and the vast majority *(87%) are happy with their holidays, with almost three quarters thinking that their timeshare accommodation is better than other self-catering holidays they have taken, with quality of accommodation the most important consideration for owners.

This is according to a comprehensive study into timeshare carried out by The Christel DeHaan Tourism and Travel Research Institute at the Nottingham University Business School on behalf of RDO (Resort Development Organisation), formerly known as OTE. The study looked into the industry in detail, analysing what its economic impact is, what owners think of their timeshare and what the industry’s reach is, over 40 years since it was first conceived of in the French Alps.

The results paint a picture of a thriving industry which makes a positive impact on local economies all over Europe. The Timeshare industry generates €3.2 billion of expenditure each year and employs nearly 70,000 people. Occupancy rates are high throughout the year (72%) in Europe’s 1,312 resorts – that’s 67 million bed nights – with owners spending an average of €1,588 per trip on goods and services in the local area: from restaurants, car rental and groceries to souvenirs and clothes.

It is also a form of holiday property ownership for the masses with the average owner’s household income (pre-tax) standing at €60,475; and for people in their mid-life, with the average owner coming in at 55.  The British and the Irish are the biggest timeshare fans, followed by the Germans, Italians, Spanish and French. Spain is the most popular destination with 26% of resorts, followed by Italy (15%) and the UK and Ireland (11%). It’s not all about jetting off though, one third of owners purchase a timeshare in their own country – which shows many want to be able to get to their resort easily.

“Timeshare is a concept that has truly come of age with many thousands of happy owners across Europe”, said RDO Chairman Richard McIntosh. “The quality of timeshare resorts is high which is why many owners see it as superior to other self catering holidays. With exchange options available, owners also enjoy the flexibility of being able to try out resorts across Europe and the rest of the world.”

“This report also highlights the positive impact that timeshare has on local economies. Timeshare is a year round industry with owners as likely to visit in the winter months as the summer, spending money in the local community and providing jobs where they otherwise might not exist”, concluded McIntosh.

Professor Chris Cooper, Director, Christel DeHaan Tourism and Travel Research Institute commented: “This report is essential reading for all involved in the timeshare business, not only does it provide a detailed profile of timeshare owners, but it also examines their future intentions and preferences in the timeshare market place”.

More about RDO
RDO (Resort Development Organisation) is the trade body dedicated to excellence and fair trading in the European vacation ownership industry, whilst promoting and fostering industry growth. As such, it serves its members through public relations, legislative lobbying, research and member and consumer relations management.

Resort Development Organisation AISBL, formerly Organisation for Timeshare in Europe AISBL is an international non profit making association registered in Brussels with company number 0457.984.213.  Its registered office is at Oak House, Cours St Michel 100/3, 1040 Brussels, Belgium

The Christel DeHaan Tourism and Travel Research Institute (TTRI)
TTRI is located in the Business School in the University of Nottingham. The University of Nottingham is one of the UK’s leading universities, a member of the Russell Group of universities and one of the top four universities earning research funding from private industry and commerce. The Business School has been rated as one of the leading research schools in the 2008 UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise

Previous results
*When asked in 2006 whether they were pleased with their decision to buy timeshare 75% of UK owners agreed.

Case Studies – the following ‘excerpts’ represent major developers in some of the key timeshare markets – UK, Portugal and Spain (including the Canaries).

Anfi Group
Anfi Group resorts are located in two main areas of Gran Canaria: Anfi Arguineguín with 4 resorts (Anfi Beach, Puerto Anfi, Monte Anfi and Gran Anfi) and Anfi Tauro (Anfi Emerald).

With occupancy levels in excess of 85% across its luxurious 988 apartments, with the highest rates in October, November, February and March, Anfi’s 1,000 staff service in excess of 30,000 members.

The resorts located in Arguineguín attract many additional visitors through their beach and marina, boosting sales in local shops and restaurants. Tauro Valley which has several golf courses, also brings in many extra visitors to the region, supporting the local economy.

Clowance Estate & Country Club – part of Seasons Holidays Group.
Clowance Estate and Country Club in Cornwall employs over 150 staff in part and full time positions for its 108 unit resort. Clowance has an occupancy rate of 93% – 95% with half its owners on fixed weeks with the rest of the occupants made up of Seasons’ multi destination network. Clowance creates year-round jobs in the resort and indirectly creates jobs in the tourism industry in the local area.  Local shops and restaurants are supported by the resort’s customers all year round, as well as nearby tourist attractions such as the Eden Project.

Club La Costa
Club la Costa employs approximately 1,100 people on the Costa del Sol with an average occupancy rate of 85.2% across its 800 units and has 50,000 owners.

Club la Costa is one of the largest employers on the Spanish coast and the majority of staff come from the local community. It also has a policy of trading with local business people wherever possible.

Gran Anfi Club – part of the Anfi Group
TBC

Hilton Craigendarroch
The Hilton Craigendarroch resort in Royal Deeside is part of the Hilton hotels group. It is a resort of 99 timeshare units and a 45 bedroom hotel. The timeshare units run at 96% occupancy year round and have over 3,800 owners. The resort employs 35 full time and 80 part time staff in addition to 90 people in the hotel. The resort has a big impact on the local community with local restaurants now open all year round. Prior to the opening of the resort there were only two restaurants in the town and now, in part thanks to the resort, there are nine. Guests at the resort support many local traders, including visitor focussed businesses such as galleries and bike hire shops.

Petchey Leisure
Petchey Leisure, one of Europe’s leading leisure groups, has 3 resorts in the Algarve, Portugal, and a total of 850 apartments.  With around 10,000 timeshare owners and excellent year-round occupancy levels, the resorts provide direct employment opportunities to the local community, hiring around 300 staff.  Local businesses, including shops, restaurants, bars and attractions benefit from the money spent by the resorts’ customers. 

Resort Properties
Resort Properties built, sold out and operate 4 prestigious resorts in Europe. The combined Sales, Marketing and Management Team consist of approximately 950 personnel. There are over 1,000 units with an occupancy level of 88%, and a worldwide ownerbase of over 40,000 families.

The resorts are maintained by its Management Company, XL Hotels & Resorts, who employ approximately 600 personnel across their sites.

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services, announced the promotion of Marcos Agostini to vice president, resort sales and service, Latin America. In this role, he oversees Interval’s presence in Central/South America and Mexico and plays a lead role in building the company’s developer client base in the region. He also serves in the same capacity for Preferred ResidencesTM, a branded membership and exchange program for luxury fractional resorts and private residences clubs.

“It gives me great pleasure to promote Marcos, who is a valued member of the resort sales and service team and has made many significant contributions to our organization,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president, resort sales and marketing, Americas. “He has been extremely successful in expanding our resort network in key markets and I am confident that he will continue to be an important asset to the company in his new role.”

Agostini joined Interval in 1993 in the company’s Venezuela office and since then he has held various management positions of increasing scope. As international member services manager, Agostini oversaw the member services departments of Interval’s offices throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.  Most recently, he was assistant vice president for Latin America.

He is a member of the board of the Mexican Resort Development Association (Asociación Mexicana de Desarrolladores Turísticos, AMDETUR) and an active participant in the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of over 2,400 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and approximately 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through 25 offices in 16 countries. Interval is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

Drake & Scull International PJSC has been awarded the Dhs226m Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing contract for the Kingdom of Sheba development on Palm Jumeirah, bringing the total value of its contracts on the Palm Jumeirah to over Dhs1.4bn.

With this contract, DSI is now working on six separate projects, covering a total built up area of 1.2m square metres, on the Palm Jumeirah, making it the largest MEP contractor on the island.

Kingdom of Sheba is a mixed-use residential and leisure luxury resort located on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The resort is the largest resort IFA Hotels & Resorts is developing. DSI have been awarded the contract for the first phase of the development which consist of the residential component (Balqis Residence) and the Private Residence Club (Fairmont Heritage Place, Kingdom of Sheba).

This is the fourth Project IFA Hotels & Resorts has awarded DSI.

DSI Vice Chairman and CEO Khaldoun Tabari added that his company is in a unique position at the moment.
‘There are still a lot of opportunities in the construction industry in the UAE, and DSI is well equipped and has the capabilities and resources to take on mega projects, and deliver as per the client’s requirements of time, cost and quality. The expertise we gained in the UAE in over 40 years as a specialist MEP contracting company, combined with our cash rich position ensures we will continue to meet all our projects’ requirements,’he said.

In the second quarter of 2008, DSI became the largest MEP contractor on the Palm Jumeirah after winning contracts for Fairmont Palm Hotel and Resort, an IFA Hotel and Resort project, and Royal Amwaj Resort and Spa.

DSI’s contract with Kingdom of Sheba incorporates the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of complete MEP works including: Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Plumbing and Drainage, Building Management System, Fire Fighting, Power, Telephone and Data, Fire Alarm System, Intercom System, Central Emergency Lighting, CCTV, Access Control Security Systems, PA/BGM System & Lighting Control System.

DSI is a leading UAE-based end-to-end service provider of MEP contracting, infrastructure, water and power (IWP) and civil contracting services. On March 16 2009, DSI became the first specialist contracting company to list on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and is currently working on projects across the MENA region with a total value reaching approximately Dhs6bn.

Trading Places International was recently awarded the management contract for Barefoot Resort in Lead, South Dakota, an old mining town in the Black Hills region. Trading Places will service all reservations, rentals, exchanges, sales and association financial services of the resort. Trading Places is pleased to welcome Barefoot Resort – the only timeshare property in South Dakota – into their expanding family of resorts.

“We’re very excited about the acquisition of a resort in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota,” said Douglas L. Wilcox, Vice President of Resort Management. “This new vacation destination will be a wonderful addition to Trading Places’ growing mid-west family of resorts.”

Barefoot Resort sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet and is located directly across from South Dakota’s major ski area, Terry Peak, and just 37 miles from Mount Rushmore. The resort is a 44-unit timeshare property offering studios, one, two, and three-bedroom units. Amenities include an indoor pool and hot tub, exercise equipment, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, and spectacular views of the northern Black Hills.

Trading Places International is a 36-year veteran of the travel and vacation ownership industries.  It is the only vertically-integrated, independent timeshare company providing full service resort management, exchange and rental services, and travel agency. It currently oversees more than 55,000 timeshare owners at over 30 resort locations in Hawaii, Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and mainland United States.

Brand Tango, a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.-based marketing and advertising firm, has been awarded four ADDY Awards in the District Four Competition of the American Advertising Federation. “This is one of the most gratifying competitions to win,” says Joe Russoniello, the firm’s president and co-founder. “We’re competing against the largest and most creative agencies in the nation, so the recognition is a real affirmation for us. Of course, the true test is the way our work performs in the marketplace, and that’s where our efforts really pay off.”

The District Addy Awards are for the following projects:
• Club Hacienda Tres Rios Print Advertisement for Tres Rios – Gold ADDY
• Royal Palm Vacations Member Kit for Royal Palm Vacations – Gold ADDY
• Great Escapes Member Kit for Advantage Travel – Silver ADDY
• GlobeQuest Brochure for GBS International – Silver ADDY

The 1,500 National ADDY entries have been winnowed from more than 60,000 entries from the American Advertising Federation’s 200 member advertising clubs and 15 districts. The awards ceremony will be held June 6 in Arlington, Va. Other recent honors for the Brand Tango include 10 Silver and five Gold ARDY awards from the American Resort Development Association.

Brand Tango is a comprehensive marketing, design, and technology company with clients in timeshare/real estate/hospitality, consumer products and services, and financial services. Relying on their decades of combined expertise, its principals and staff help clients define and achieve sales goals and return-on-investment objectives by addressing integrated marketing needs in an efficient, unbiased, and knowledgeable manner with a solid, multi-faceted, results-oriented strategy.

Brand Tango specializes in new-customer kits, loyalty programs, member-retention materials, and annual reports for vacation ownership, hospitality and leisure clients, and for other consumer-products companies. Selected clients include Pacific Monarch Resorts, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, FBGroup, InfinityTravel, GBS International, OPTX 20/20, Premier Estate Properties, Royal Palm Vacations, Tres Ríos Resort, Sunset Resorts, Premier Cancún Vacations, Grand Incentives, and Advantage Travel.

To view examples of Brand Tango’s recent work, visit www.brand-tango.com. For an online demonstration of Brand Tango’s Web 2.0 customer relationship management system, Tango, go to www.gettango.com.

For more information, contact Joe Russoniello at (954) 295-7879 or joe@brand-tango.com .

Timeshare software company Systems Products International (SPI) Orange Systems’ reservations system was recently selected for Oyster Bay Beach Resort by its developers, Pearl Development, Inc. and sister company Ansley Associates, Inc.

“We turned to SPI because we wanted the best timeshare reservations system,” says Michael Dolente Esq., partner at Pearl Development. “Until this point, we had outsourced reservations, but when we decided to bring it in-house, we looked for software that would be flexible and timeshare-oriented. SPI’s system will enable us to easily track our members’ use of their resort privileges, record and retain their contact information and ensure they’ve paid their monthly mortgage and annual maintenance fees prior to leaving the property.”

“Oyster Bay Beach Resort is situated on a very picturesque and secluded promontory in St. Maarten and is a very popular destination, requiring a robust reservations system,” says SPI Director of Sales Matt Brosious. “We are very pleased to have been selected as their software provider.”

About Oyster Bay Beach Resort & Pearl Development, Inc.
Pearl Development, Inc. – developers of Oyster Bay Beach Resort (www.oysterbaybeachresort.com – was founded in 2003 by Partners Michael Dolente and Josh Gold, who are also principals of Ansley Associates, Inc., a lender specializing in niche financing, including real estate and timeshare development. Oyster Bay Beach Resort, located in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles,Caribbean, is a timeshare resort of 138 units.

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.

Industry Veterans Assume Key Leadership Positions At Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, Winter Park Resort and Copper MountainIntrawest, a leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts, today announced new marketing and sales leadership appointments at three of the premier mountain resorts in Colorado – Steamboat, Winter Park and Copper Mountain. The appointments involve existing senior management team members and all will be effective on June 1, 2009.

Andy Wirth has accepted the newly created position of Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Steamboat and he will have direct responsibilities for all aspects of marketing and sales at the resort. Previously, Wirth served as Intrawest’s Chief Marketing Officer based in Vancouver, and prior to this he spent 23 years in various senior marketing leadership positions at Steamboat. In addition to his new responsibilities at Steamboat, Wirth will maintain direct oversight and management of Intrawest’s enterprise-wide strategic partnerships and coordination of the Intrawest Hospitality Management marketing platform. In addition, Wirth will continue to work in close coordination with Intrawest’s real estate sales and marketing division, Playground. Wirth commented: “I am genuinely thrilled to be returning to Steamboat Ski Town USA(R) while still maintaining my overarching responsibilities on behalf of Intrawest.”

“We are extremely pleased to see Andy return to the senior leadership team at Steamboat,” said Chris Diamond, president and chief operating officer at Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation. “Andy is an industry veteran with a strong track record of building the brand value and customer programs that have defined Steamboat’s reputation as the leading family resort in the West. He is an enthusiastic leader and accomplished community representative and we welcome him back to Steamboat.”

With this, Rob Perlman will transition from his role as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Steamboat to his new position as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Winter Park Resort. Prior to joining Steamboat in June 2008, Perlman served as the Chief Executive Officer for Colorado Ski Country USA, a role in which he represented the ski industry as the Chairman of the Board of the Colorado Tourism Office. Perlman’s extensive industry experience also includes roles at Winter Park, Vail Resorts and Mammoth Mountain in California.

“Rob has done an outstanding job at Steamboat and he has made very positive contributions to the company, the resort brand and the local community over the course of the past year. We wish him all the best in the future as he begins this wonderful new opportunity at Winter Park,” added Diamond.

“Rob began his career in Winter Park and his vast experience with the City of Denver and the Colorado Legislature through his leadership of the Colorado Tourism Office will greatly benefit Winter Park,” said Gary DeFrange, president and chief operating officer at Winter Park Resort. “His exceptional work at Steamboat coupled with his background at Colorado Ski Country USA will greatly enhance our efforts to evolve Winter Park’s position as a true destination resort.”

“A significant opportunity presents itself to leverage two talented executives within our company to drive business opportunities in Colorado,” said Bill Jensen, chief executive officer at Intrawest. “Steamboat and Winter Park are two of our core resort properties and they remain a central focus for Intrawest’s long-term success. I am confident that under the sales and marketing leadership of Andy and Rob we will continue to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests, homeowners and employees at these two great resorts.”

In addition to the new appointments at Steamboat and Winter Park, Jesse True will continue his role as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Copper Mountain. True will focus exclusively on brand management and enhancing the guest experience at Copper Mountain. Previously, True oversaw the marketing and sales disciplines at both Copper Mountain and Winter Park.

About Intrawest
Intrawest is a leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts. The company has interests in ten resorts at North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest – a private resort club with locations throughout North America. In addition, Intrawest develops, markets and sells real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and is a portfolio company owned primarily by private equity funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC.

Continuing to build upon SCS Interactive’s long standing relationship with Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.®, SCS Interactive has provided a dramatic iconic attraction for Great Wolf Resort’s newest resort waterpark in Concord, NC.
 
Great Wolf Lodge® Concord, NC officially opened its doors on April 23rd, 2009. This is the eleventh Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark to feature SCS Interactive’s multi-level treehouse structure as its cornerstone attraction.
 
The treehouse waterfort attraction called Fort Mackenzie™ stands four stories tall, houses a magnificent nearly 1,000 gallon tipping bucket and a suspension bridge. It also features a northwoods-inspired theme, two body slides, and variety of exciting interactive spray pool elements. Visitors to the waterpark will enjoy more than 60 guest activated water features that squirt, spray, and blast.
 
“The treehouse concept has given Great Wolf Resorts an enormous amount of flexibility to customize the attraction, giving each resort its own unique identity, while creating a distinct and recognizable feature that links each property together,” said Steve Wagner, vice president of marketing and sales, SCS Interactive.
 
The Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark in Concord, NC also features 11 waterslides including an exciting Howlin’ Tornado™ ride, a family raft ride and four-lane mat racer waterslides, and four pools including a wave pool.
 
SCS Interactive’s hallmark waterplay structures are featured at Great Wolf Lodge resorts in Wisconsin Dells, WI; Sandusky, OH; Traverse City, MI; Kansas City, KS; Williamsburg, VA; the Pocono Mountains, PA; Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; Mason, OH; Grapevine TX; and Grand Mound, WA; and Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center™ in Sheboygan, WI. 

SCS partnered with aquatic design build firm, Neuman Group, and slide manufacturer, ProSlide, to complete this project and worked with The Weber Group, the brand architect for Great Wolf Resorts, to integrate SCS’s custom-themed attraction with the resort’s overall theme. 

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 and water 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 Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.®, Madison, Wis., is North America’s largest family of indoor waterpark resorts, and, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, owns and operates its family resorts under the Great Wolf Lodge® and Blue Harbor Resort™ brands. Great Wolf Resorts is a fully integrated resort company with Great Wolf Lodge locations in: Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; the Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash.; and Concord, N.C.; and Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center in Sheboygan, Wis. Through Great Wolf Resorts’ environmental sustainability program, Project Green Wolf™, the company is the first and only national hotel chain to have all US properties Green Seal™ Certified – Silver.
 
The company’s resorts are family-oriented destination facilities that generally feature 300 – 600 rooms and a large indoor entertainment area measuring 40,000 – 100,000 square feet. The all-suite properties offer a variety of room styles, arcade/game rooms, fitness rooms, themed restaurants, spas, supervised children’s activities and other amenities. Additional information may be found on the company’s website at www.greatwolf.com.

Tournament to be Held at Orange Lake Resort for 7th Consecutive Year

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort is celebrating its seventh year as the Central Florida host of the Group RCI Christel House Open on Monday, June 8. This is the first year that the tournament will be hosted under Orange Lake Resort’s new timeshare brand, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and will take place at the resort’s 18-hole, Arnold Palmer-designed Legends golf course. Sponsorship and player opportunities are still available for participating in this event for a great cause.  

Considered the largest single-day, charity golf tournament in the world, the Group RCI Christel House Open is spread out across 19 tournament sites spanning five continents. Approximately 2,000 golfers will tee off on this day for the charity—and 100% of the worldwide proceeds will go to programs and services that directly benefit the more than 3,000 children of Christel House.

Don Harrill, President and CEO of Orange Lake Resorts, said, “We’re very pleased that so many of our timeshare industry friends are joining us once again in this year’s tournament to benefit Christel House—as well as several of our local attraction partners and vendors. Last year was a great success and we hope to continue this important tradition year after year here at Orange Lake Resort.”

Orange Lake Resorts has partnered with the non-profit organization for the Group RCI Christel House Open since its inception in 2002 as the charity’s major site host. Last year, the company’s dedicated efforts helped to raise over $125,000 for the Christel House mission. This year’s tournament will be graced with the presence of two very special guests: Christel DeHaan, founder of the Christel House International foundation, and Gordon Gurnik, President of Group RCI North America.

For sponsorship opportunities and more information on how you can play in this tournament, contact Cathy Duncan, Manager of Corporate Events for Orange Lake Resorts, at 407-239-0000, ext. 1979.

About Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Holiday Inn Club Vacations was created in September 2008 as a strategic alliance between IHG, the world’s largest hotel company, and Orange Lake Resorts, a leader within the timeshare industry with more than 25 years of proven success.  Holiday Inn Club Vacation’s flagship property in Orlando, located next to Walt Disney World® Resort, was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson.  A 1,450-acre golf, water park and sports resort, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort includes 2,412 villas and plans for expansion to 4,500 villas.  Other member resort locations include Lake Geneva, Wis., Panama City, Fla. Brownsville, Vt., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Gatlinburg, Tenn.  Holiday Inn Club members enjoy access to Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts and IHG’s network of more than 4,200 hotels worldwide.  Holiday Inn Club Vacations will continue to expand their Member Resorts to top North American destination locations.  For more information on Holiday Inn Club Vacations, visit www.hiclubvacations.com.

Paris Residence Club announces “I Love Paris — Trial Ownership Program”, to encourage prospective buyers to book an Inspection Trip for up to four people at a 50% discount. The Program is for anyone interested in acquiring a property in Paris, allowing them to evaluate the quality of the Club’s services and amenities, and to get better acquainted with its fractional ownership offer.

Paris-based fractional ownership company, Paris Residence Club, and Paris Pied-à-Terre, a Paris and Provence vacation rental company, have joined efforts to introduce I Love Paris — Trial Ownership Program. The Program offers prospective buyers a unique opportunity to book an Inspection trip for four at a 50% discount. It is aimed at anyone interested in either acquiring a Parisian property or in Paris Residence Club’s fractional ownership apartments for sale. “We want our prospective buyers to experience our team’s hospitality and efficiency, and to explore and get better acquainted with the Club’s fractional offer prior to progressing to full Fractional Ownership,” says President and CEO Walid Halabi.

3-Bedroom Fractional Ownership in Paris
At the reduced, all-inclusive Inspection Trip price of $150/night, I Love Paris — Trial Ownership Program allows up to four guests to experience first-hand one of the Club’s Paris apartments for sale. “Owners of Paris Residence Club shares are VIPs in our eyes. Inspection Trip guests will be treated in the same manner and will have access to the entire range of Club services, including 7-days-a-week English-speaking concierge, pre-arrival grocery shopping, fresh flowers at arrival, car service, daily English newspaper delivery, and much more,” declares Walid Halabi.

“Many people dream of owning a second home in Paris, but most are put off by the high cost and complexity of owning property abroad, especially in France. And they’re right,” adds Walid Halabi. “But with Paris Residence Club’s fractional ownership program, owning your own Parisian pad is now a very realistic option. Even people who could easily afford an entire property are now seriously considering fractional ownership because of the significant advantages.”

“Hassle-free maintenance, efficient luxury services, and lower costs than the price of similar apartments for sale in Paris are just a few of the advantages that Paris Residence Club offers,” says Walid Halabi. “Best of all, you are not only investing in one of the world’s healthiest real estate markets, but you also get to enjoy every minute of it. This is like having your cake and eating it too. Frankly, I don’t know anyone else out there who can say the same thing today.”

Ownership in one of Paris Residence Club’s apartments starts at $145,000 for a 1/13th interest. Buyers who participate in this offer and proceed with purchasing an ownership interest in one of the apartments for sale in Paris will have their Inspection Trip investment deducted from the total acquisition price.

Paris Residence Club (www.parisresidenceclub.com) is the only fractional ownership company in Paris to offer a full residence club program with an extensive range of premium services and amenities. The fractional apartments for sale in Paris consist of one, two, and three bedrooms, located in the most sought after districts of Paris. Each 1/13th ownership interest allows owners four weeks of usage every year, plus a bonus week in either the Club’s Provence property or its yacht, based in the South of France.

Paris Pied-à-Terre (www.parispiedaterre.com) was founded in 2000 and has been successfully involved in upscale Parisian vacation rentals. The company boasts a long list of positive testimonials concerning the quality of its services and applied hospitality. Its Paris apartments for rent are tastefully appointed and are located in the best districts of the city.

TimeShareWare (TSW), the leading technology provider for the shared-ownership resort industry, announces the successful installation of Resorts4Rent (R4R) at Monarch Grand Vacations.

Monarch Grand Vacations, an industry leader since 1980 and offering more than 1,550 luxury villas across nine Pacific Monarch Resort locations in Mexico and the United States, recognized the need to increase inventory utilization while lowering inventory expiration. TSW’s Resorts4Rent technology provides real-time rental bookings from third-party aggregators and consumer travel sites all over the world. Third-party partners bring agents, global distribution systems (GDS), and other networks together to form a massive electronic resort exchange and rental community to individual resorts.

Teri Boyle, Vice-President, Reservations/Guest Services of Monarch Owner Services, Inc., commented on the recent Resorts4Rent launch using the Direct Connect interface with LeisureLink. “With our rental reservations coming directly into TimeShareWare, we eliminate virtually all manual intervention. Using LeisureLink’s live connection into our real-time inventory, we eliminate managing inventory on the extranets of each reseller. We also reduce potential for user errors, lost e-mails, and save on personnel hours.”

At Monarch Grand Vacations, the Resorts4Rent product has been configured to work with LeisureLink, Inc., the leading distribution and revenue management platform for specialty lodging suppliers, fully automating their rental program across a broad array of channels. The Resorts4Rent interface allows LeisureLink to instantly query real-time availability from TimeShareWare and then confirm the reservation. Confirmation details are then transmitted immediately and sent to the appropriate reservation distribution channel. The entire process occurs in real-time while giving Monarch Grand Vacations the flexibility to expose specific inventory segments.

“The real-time information from TimeShareWare allows us to maximize rental income and the flow of new prospective owners for Monarch Grand Vacations,” said Steve Reich, Senior Vice President of Sales for LeisureLink. “Monarch Grand Vacations has always had an aggressive rental program, but this degree of automation will give them a sustainable competitive advantage across all distribution channels,” Reich added.

For TimeShareWare’s Chief Information Officer, Dane Ashworth, this value-added product will greatly reduce the workload of employees managing the distribution of rental inventory. “TimeShareWare has been able to automate a process that has traditionally taken substantial manual labor. Inventory can be easily designated in TimeShareWare for distribution, which automatically exposes the inventory to the distribution partner. Since the interface works with real-time information, resorts are able to book down to the very last unit without dealing with ‘hard blocks.’”

About Monarch Grand Vacations:
Monarch Grand Vacations, an industry leader for 19 years, offers 1,550 luxury villas at nine different Pacific Monarch Resort locations to more than 100,000 guess each year. With their headquarters in Laguna Hills, California, they boast the Pacific Monarch Resorts’ new flagship property, Cabo Azul Resort and Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico, a 332 all villa resort development built on 12 acres with 600 feet of white-sand beach. Other locations include exciting resorts in Cancún, Mexico, South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, and multiple properties in California and Utah. For more information about Monarch Grand Vacations, visit their website at www.monarchgrandvacations.com.

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 and tour 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.

About LeisureLink:(TM)
LeisureLink powers global distribution and demand for the vacation rental and specialty lodging industry. Their distribution platform and proprietary Demand Management System™ enable property managers to increase bookings and optimize revenue across thousands of distribution channels. For more information visit www.LeisureLink.com and to view properties go to www.ABetterStay.com.

Point to Point Destinations is pleased to welcome Gull Lake Residence Club (Nisswa, Minnesota) to the wonderful world of RCI Points and to our RCI Points Home Group.

Point to Point Destinations (http://www.ptpdestinations.com) is pleased to welcome Gull Lake Residence Club to the wonderful world of RCI Points and to our RCI Points Home Group.

Gull Lake Residence Club (http://minnesota.ptpdestinations.com/gull-lake-residence-club) in Nisswa, Minnesota adjoins sister Home Group property Causeway on Gull on the stunning Gull Lake Chain. Only a brief drive from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Gull Lake Residence Club brings complete luxury to Point to Point Destinations with large well-appointed townhomes for your enjoyment. Gull Lake Residence Club is a fractional ownership development with all the amenities of a five star resort. From the beautiful marina that houses your own personal boat slip to the indoor and outdoor pools and beautiful walking trails this resort has it all.

Many thanks to Jason Tollette and Randy Johnson and the team at Gull Lake Residence Club, Neal Narveson at Narveson Management in Breezy Point, Minnesota and his team and RCI’s Ron Jacquart for their efforts on behalf of all members of these resorts and the members of all 39 Resorts in Point to Point Destinations Home Group.

About Point to Point Destinations:
Point to Point Destinations (1999), a California-registered non-profit mutual benefit corporation, is an Association of timeshare members. All purchasers of Point to Point Destinations timeshare offered by West Coast Timeshare Ltd. (Canada) and West Coast Vacations Ltd. (USA) automatically become voting members of Point to Point and ultimately the benefactors of all urban and resort property registered to it by both West Coast entities. Membership in Point to Point is perpetual, allowing families to create a legacy of fabulous vacations for many generations.

Aloft Arundel Mills Marks The Next Step On Starwood’s Journey To Open Its 1,000th Hotel in 2009

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. celebrates a key milestone today with the opening of the 25th Aloft® hotel worldwide – Aloft Arundel Mills in Hanover, Maryland. With the global growth of the Aloft brand, Starwood continues to progress on its journey to open its 1,000th hotel in 2009.

The Aloft brand debuted in Montreal in June 2008 and opened its first 17 hotels by year end. In 2009, Aloft will grow to more than 40 hotels, opening one new property every two weeks in markets like Phoenix, Denver, Austin, and Washington, D.C. Aloft currently operates hotels in three countries – Canada, China and the United States – and is poised to debut in the Middle East this fall with the Aloft Abu Dhabi. The steady and strategic expansion of Aloft has played a key role in driving Starwood’s growth. In 2009, Starwood expects to add 80-100 new hotels across its nine distinctive and compelling brands, while broadening its portfolio to include 100 countries.

“By focusing on opening the right properties in the right places with the right partners, we expect Aloft to continue to systematically grow in key domestic and international markets, even in the face of a weakened economy,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Aloft has attracted growing numbers of owners and developers, many of whom are developing multiple Aloft hotels, who appreciate the brand’s innovation and design, as well as the power of the Starwood network and its leading demand-driving programs like Starwood Preferred Guest®.”

With its loft-inspired rooms, atmospheric public spaces and electric social scene, Aloft hotels are already earning guest satisfaction scores that rival those of Starwood’s luxury hotel brands.

“The Aloft brand has successfully revolutionized the select service hotel category by meeting the needs of today’s travelers,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “With its emphasis on bringing boutique-style hotels to the traveling masses by offering a four star experience at a three star price, Aloft is rapidly gaining worldwide recognition as one of the industry’s most compelling lifestyle brands.”

Aloft Arundel Mills offers 142 rooms in an ideal location, just outside the Baltimore Beltway. A Vision of W Hotels, Aloft is a new destination sensation featuring loft-inspired design, accessible and intuitive technology and a stylish urban attitude. For more information on the Aloft brand, please visit www.alofthotels.com.

About Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com or www.starwoodpressclub.com

Aloft and Element Arundel Mills Are The Newest Hotspots for Savvy Travelers

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and LTD Management Company introduce two new hotel brands to Maryland today with the opening of Aloft Arundel Mills and Element Arundel Mills. Aloft is the stylish new select service lifestyle brand inspired by W Hotels, and Element, which is inspired by Westin Hotels & Resorts, offers a compelling new experience for longer-stay guests.

Aloft Arundel Mills is the 25th Aloft hotel to open worldwide and joins a robust portfolio that includes hotels in destinations like Chicago, Denver, Montreal, San Antonio and Beijing. Located just outside the Baltimore Beltway, Aloft Arundel Mills offers 142 spacious, loft-like rooms, intuitive technology and a hip, social atmosphere. The 147-room Element Arundel Mills, the brand’s fourth to open, is designed specifically for people who strive to maintain a sense of balance while away from home and their typical routine. Both hotels are minutes away from BWI Airport and Fort Meade and are easily accessible to Baltimore and Washington, DC.

“We are thrilled to work with Starwood Hotels & Resorts to open the 25th Aloft hotel, as well as the eco-chic Element,” said Neel Desai, Managing Partner for LTD Management Company. “Both hotels offer innovative travel options for the tech-savvy and environmentally aware. This will be our second Aloft opening and first Element opening.”

“Opening these two hotels side by side, and on the same day, underscores Starwood’s ability to grow with best-in-class partners to develop quality hotels in key markets, even during challenging times,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Aloft and Element Hotels. “These two new hotels are not only meaningful additions to the brands; they are also critical to Starwood’s overall growth as we progress on our journey to open our 1,000th hotel and resort this year. “

Aloft brings a stylish urban attitude to Arundel Mills
A Vision of W Hotels Aloft is a new destination sensation featuring loft-inspired design, accessible technology and a stylish urban attitude. Guest rooms feature the brand’s signature nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows and the ultra-comfortable bed, as well as roomy walk-in showers and amenities created by Bliss® Spa. Each Aloft room is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center equipped with complimentary wireless internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry all linked to a 42” flat-panel, HDTV-ready television.

Designed in conjunction with world-renowned David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, Aloft offers atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mix communal lobby area and w xyz bar. The re:charge fitness center and splash pool give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize, while Re:fuel by Aloft offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day.

Element Arundel Mills Awakens Guests to Eco-Chic Design
The Element brand’s unique design philosophy is evident the moment guests arrive. After passing through a signature portal that provides a literal bridge to the Element interior, guests will be greeted with streams of natural light from a multi-storied window wall. The vitality of the lobby will be matched by the energy of the hotel’s outdoor fire pit and barbecue, where weekly evening receptions allow guests to interact while enjoying a selection of savory food.

The smart design and clever use of space in the hotel’s guest rooms rejuvenates and energizes guests for work or play. Guests are able to customize their rooms to meet their needs with the multi-purpose, modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets. Rooms also offer a fully equipped kitchen that features modern, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and all the utensils necessary to prepare a gourmet meal. Guests will rest soundly in the signature Heavenly® Bed, and wake up and recharge each morning in a sleek, spa-inspired Heavenly shower.

A signature complimentary breakfast offering, free wireless Internet access, state-of-the-art fitness center, chlorine-free pool and uninterrupted indoor/outdoor public spaces will deliver everything guests need to work, relax or socialize on their schedule. Intuitive staff will provide guests the personalized attention they need and the space they desire to maintain balance while away from home.

Element Arundel Mills will also feature 500 square feet of meeting space, an integrated technology center and library, as well as café seating, a workspace and a flexible lobby space.

The Element brand’s green features are cleverly designed to be as aesthetically appealing as they are eco-friendly, so guests never compromise on style and comfort. Element hotels are equipped with energy-efficient, stainless steel appliances and energy efficient lighting, amenity dispensers in the showers to reduce waste and water-efficient faucets and fixtures. Guests can continue daily routines such as recycling papers and plastics, as well as using green materials, while those driving hybrid cars are rewarded with priority parking. Even the ubiquitous “Do Not Disturb” sign has been replaced with an environmentally-friendly magnet.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

About LTD Management Company
LTD Management Company, L.L.C., is an award-winning hotel development and management group headquartered in Chesapeake, VA. Since its inception in 1983, LTD has developed a reputation for creating an atmosphere “where distinction reigns.” The company currently operates 28 hotels throughout Virginia and Maryland. LTD has been ranked a Top 100 Management Company in Hotel Business in 2008 and 2009. With the highest possible standards in mind, LTD prides itself with developing quality hotels under the franchise brands of Starwood, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and InterContinental. For more information, please visit www.ltdmanagement.com.

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services, presented Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia with the Interval International Premier ResortSM award for 2009 at a ceremony held recently at the property. The annual award recognizes resorts that provide outstanding vacation experiences with state-of-the-art conveniences, and modern features and appointments.

 “Windjammer Landing is the first resort in St. Lucia to earn the Interval International Premier Resort award, the highest level designation in our resort recognition program, owing to its extraordinary setting, caliber of accommodations, and the impeccable service it offers,” said David Callaghan, vice president, resort sales and service, Interval International. “This distinction identifies the property as exceeding Interval’s already high affiliation standards. We are delighted to present it to the Windjammer team.”

“We are very pleased to receive this award because it acknowledges the outstanding quality of our resort and the high level of service our staff provides,” said Anthony Bowen, vice president and managing director, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort & Spa. “We offer all the amenities discriminating travelers would expect to ensure that they enjoy memorable vacations and experience all the wonders of St. Lucia.”

Set amongst 55 acres on the northwest coast of the island, Windjammer Landing is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and overlooks picturesque Labrelotte Bay. The luxury resort is designed in a Mediterranean style with tiled walkways, sloping roofs, and white buildings, and features 67 elegant villas with scenic views of gold-sand beaches and blue waters.

St. Lucia is a popular destination with a rich culture that has been influenced by African, French, and English heritage. A tropical paradise with a temperate climate, the island offers travelers the opportunity to explore multiple attractions, including rainforest preserves, secluded beaches, underwater reefs, small coastal fishing villages, and open-air markets.

As a strategic partner of CHTA and a board member of CTO’s Education Foundation, Interval is committed to understanding the unique needs of the Caribbean region and providing products and programs tailored to this market.  For its roster of Caribbean resort developer clients and new entrants into the vacation ownership industry, Interval offers a range of services including program design, sales and marketing support, reservations, travel, and financial services.

Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of over 2,400 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and approximately 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through 25 offices in 16 countries. Interval is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

Essential Protection for Potentially Unused Fees and Travel Costs

Vacation property owners can now protect their investment like never before. CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing value-driven travel insurance and emergency assistance services, introduces vacation ownership insurance that offers strong protection from the unexpected, including job loss that can result in unused fees and travel costs.

The new CSA ProtectME vacation ownership insurance policies protect vacation property owners from unused maintenance and exchange fees, as well as costs associated with additional travel arrangements, rental car damage, roadside assistance and more.

“Vacation ownership insurance is now more important than ever. Travel delays and cancellations due to unforeseen economic and weather situations make planning trips today risky,” said Frank Shellabear, president, sales division at CSA. “ Our goal is to remove that risk by protecting vacation owners’ maintenance and exchange fees, as well costs associated with additional arrangements.”

Given today’s economic conditions, coverage that includes involuntary termination of employment or layoff is essential. With CSA’s ProtectME plans, owners working continuously by the same employer for at least two years are covered from job loss that is not under their control.

Many travel costs are protected under the plans’ Additional Arrangements benefit, including pre-paid, non-refundable airfare to and from the property location or pre-paid, non-refundable activities, such as theater tickets, tee times or hot air balloon rides.

The ProtectME plans also include Rental Car Damage and Roadside Assistance coverage, as well as post-departure benefits like Identity Theft Resolution Services. If a policy is cancelled within 10 days of purchase, CSA will refund the policy price if the traveler hasn’t left on their trip or filed a claim.

Property owners and resort managers can find out more about the additional benefits of CSA vacation ownership ProtectME plans by visiting www.protectmyvacations.com or calling (800) 834-8438.

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers’ valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Since its inception in 1991, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and evolving products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way whenever and wherever they are needed.

The Region’s Fastest Growing Hotel and Leisure Company Is On Track to Open Nearly 20 Best-in-Class Hotels by 2012

From the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC) in Dubai, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced today the signing of a hotel within The Luxury Collection brand in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. The new-build, 207-room property is expected to open in 2012, and is illustrative of Starwood’s market leading growth in the region and around the world.

With a focus on working with the right partners on the right properties in the right places, Starwood remains on track to increase its global portfolio by 40 percent over the next five years and is set to open its 1000th hotel worldwide this year. The Middle East plays a key role in the global expansion, with plans to open nearly 20 new hotels in the region by 2012. Of these hotels, 75 percent are in the Gulf, which is a priority market for the future growth of Starwood.

“Our presence in the region dates back to our first Sheraton in Kuwait in 1966,” said Roeland Vos, President, Europe, Africa & Middle East, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Today, we have an established footprint of 49 properties across 11 countries, and we look forward to continuing to build our presence with best-in-class hotels like The Luxury Collection Hotel in Ajman.”

“By working closely with our proven development partners, Starwood is able to sign and open high caliber hotels like The Luxury Collection Hotel in Ajman, even during challenging economic times,” said Simon Turner, President, Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We are building, opening, converting, renovating and innovating for the recovery and beyond.”

Along with The Luxury Collection, each of Starwood’s compelling and distinctive brands continues to grow in the region. W Hotels, the lifestyle hotel innovator, marked its entry into the Middle East with the recent opening of the W Doha Hotel & Residences. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will double its footprint to 60 hotels by 2011, adding new properties in vibrant destinations around the world including Amman, Barcelona, Paris and Shanghai.

St. Regis, recognized globally as the preeminent luxury hotel brand, is developing world-class hotels in Doha, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. And the Le Méridien brand, which Starwood acquired in 2005, continues to grow its established presence of 21 hotels in the Middle East with a new hotel scheduled to open in Doha in 2011.

Within the upper-upscale segment, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is growing in both established and emerging markets with new hotels and important renovations such as the Sheraton Oman. This hotel is undergoing a $57 million renovation and is set to reopen December. Westin is expected to open new properties in Abu Dhabi and Aqaba, Jordan by 2012. These new hotels build on the momentum of the 2008 opening of the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi.

Starwood’s new and established select serve brands are seeing growth in the region as well. Four Points by Sheraton is slated to open hotels in Doha, Tripoli, Tartous (Syria), Jeddah and Dhahran in the next three years. This year, the Aloft brand will open its first hotel in the region with the Aloft Abu Dhabi. And Starwood’s green trailblazer, Element, which also launched in 2008, will soon expand with the recent signing of a new hotel also in Abu Dhabi. Upon the opening of this hotel, the Middle East will become the second region in the world to have Starwood’s complete portfolio of nine brands represented – each of which is backed by the power of Starwood Preferred Guest®.

About Starwood Hotels & Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 960 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Barceló Hotels and Resorts has appointed Marcus Priestly as Head of Association Sales.

Marcus joins Barceló from De Vere Venues where he worked as National Account Manager, successfully developing the association and education markets and also coaching on-property teams regarding communication and new business processes and initiatives.

Prior to working at De Vere, Marcus was National Account Manager for the corporate market at Marriott International where he managed 16 national accounts.  Before that he was National Account Manager for Sodexho Prestige, and UK Government Development Manager at Intercontinental Hotels Group where he developed and implemented a new UK market specific rate programme within the market and agency community.

“I am delighted to join Barceló Hotels as it has a dynamic and diverse portfolio of hotels in the UK and a strong global brand image.  With many superbly equipped country house properties and hotels located close to major business hubs, we have a strong proposition to offer associations and I am looking forward immensely to further developing Barceló’s presence in this sector as a significant player,“ says Marcus.

Barceló’s 21 UK hotel properties range from established country house hotels to contemporary venues in vibrant city centres and spectacular coastal resorts. Barceló Premium Hotels include some of Britain’s most historic houses such as the 17th Century Barceló The Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds, Cheshire’s Barceló Shrigley Hall Hotel Golf and Country Club, the Elizabethan Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Barceló Troon Marine Hotel.

With over 2800 bedrooms and over 220 conference and meeting rooms, plus Health & Leisure Clubs and spacious grounds for team building and outdoor events in many locations, the hotels offer extensive facilities to both corporate and leisure guests.

The Barceló Group, a privately-owned Spanish hospitality and travel company, operates over 185 quality hotels & resorts, including nine convention centres in 15 countries across 3 continents.
Barceló UK’s dedicated web portal, www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk  offers global access to its hotels and events services.

Timeshare Owners Share Vacation Experiences in Video, Photo and Story Contest

As part of the travel industry’s efforts to promote the power of travel during National Travel and Tourism Week, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is encouraging timeshare owners to share the secret of better vacationing through its annual contest. Timeshare owners will have a chance to win $1,000 by entering a vacation photo, story or short video depicting a memory of a timeshare vacation that impacted their health, family or overall enjoyment of life.

ARDA points to studies that show there are undisputed, long-term benefits associated with taking regular vacations that contribute to better health, relationships and job performance. However, while vacations are fast becoming recognized as a critical component of wellness and healthy living, Americans are trying to grapple with how to afford a vacation during these tough economic times.

“Vacation ownership products continue to offer a tremendous value for the consumer, both economically and emotionally,” said ARDA president and CEO Howard Nusbaum who said that the timeshare industry has long promoted the need to take time to vacation at least once a year. According to ARDA, timeshare owners continue to travel to their timeshare destinations despite smaller travel budgets and less discretionary income. In fact, vacation ownership properties are experiencing more than 80% occupancy rates as of March 31, 2009.

The real value of timeshare ownership comes from the discipline of better vacation planning and consistent quality accommodations. Creating lasting memories year after year should be viewed as a necessity, not a luxury.

Purchasing and essentially pre-paying for your future vacations at today’s prices take the stress out of planning for one while guaranteeing that you get away at least once a year. Today, there are 76 million baby-boomers that are extremely compelled by the value proposition of better vacationing with timeshare.
“Timeshare owners are our industry’s biggest advocates and we hope the stories, pictures and videos submitted throughout this contest will help give other travelers a glimpse into a better vacation experience,” said Nusbaum.

Winners in each of the three categories – story, photo and video – will receive $1,000 and the runners-up will each receive $250. Additionally, the winning story, photo and video will be featured on www.VacationBetter.org, www.arda.org, and in ARDA’s Developments magazine. Timeshare owners can visit www.VacationBetter.org for further submission details and prize information.

About VacationBetter.org
The American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) on-line resource informs consumers on the importance of taking a vacation and the overall benefits of enjoying one – regularly – through shared vacation ownership. VacationBetter.org is a comprehensive, educational tool for consumers to learn about this travel option and to demonstrate a way for travelers to vacation better.

New luxury resort set to open May 1, 2009

The Lake House at Chelan, a luxury family-friendly resort located three hours east of Seattle, just steps from Lake Chelan and across the street from the city park, is pleased to announce it will officially open to owners and resort guests on Friday, May 1, 2009.
With unobstructed views of Lake Chelan, The Lake House features 40 fully-furnished, luxury one- and three-bedroom residences as well as a 4,000 square foot Pool House with amenities including a fitness center, recreation room with pool table, poker table, flat-screen TV’s, indoor/outdoor kitchen and living room.  Additionally, The Lake House has a year-round heated outdoor swimming pool, large hot tub, kid’s splash zone water feature and a gas fire pit.

The Lake House at Chelan offers full-share ownership, quarter-share fractional ownerships and luxury vacation rentals.  Owners and resort guests have access to all amenities and first-rate services including pre-arrival grocery shopping and pre-arranged dining reservations, golf tee times at any of the area’s award-winning courses and wine tours at one of the 13 neighboring wineries.

“We’re excited to introduce The Lake House as the premier luxury destination resort in Lake Chelan to the community and its visitors,” said Brian Merrill, general manager of The Lake House at Chelan.  “Our upscale amenities and high-end services will enable The Lake House to customize each owner and guest’s experience; we call this experience The Lake House Lifestyle.”

The Lake House is offering the first 40 Charter Owners one year of waived homeowner’s dues.  In addition, North Cascades National Bank is offering financing for buyers with interest rates starting as low as 3.75%.  Prices for a quarter-share residence at The Lake House range from $119,900 to $349,900.

Conveniently located in downtown Chelan, The Lake House is surrounded by award-winning golf courses including Bear Mountain Ranch and Desert Canyon.  The region also boasts award-winning wineries including Tsillan Cellars and Lake Chelan Winery.  As an all-season destination, there are a variety of activity options including swimming, boating, beach volleyball, bicycle tours, basketball, tennis, walking paths, a skateboard park, water park, skiing, snowmobiling, tubing and more.

The Lake House was developed by Jon Jones; architecture was designed by Olympic Associates; interior design was completed by JM Design; and the general contractor was Lydig Construction.  For more information about The Lake House at Chelan, please visit http://www.TheLakeHouseChelan.com.

About The Lake House at Chelan
Located in the heart of downtown Chelan with stunning lake views, The Lake House at Chelan offers fully furnished, richly appointed residences and vacation rentals.  The Lake House is just steps away from Lake Chelan at 402 West Manson Highway, close to award-winning wineries, golf courses, and outdoor activities including beach volleyball, basketball courts, tennis courts, skateboard parks, walking trails and a water park.  The Lake House features a unique combination of services and amenities with team members handling everything from housekeeping and grocery shopping to renting recreation equipment, arranging wine tours and making golf tee times or dinner reservations.  The adjoining Pool House is a 4,000 square foot activity center for owners and guests, offering a year-round pool and hot tub, Splash Zone, fitness room, game room, indoor/outdoor kitchen and more.  Experience The Lake House Lifestyle, as an owner or a resort guest.  For more information, please call (509) 293-5982 or visit http://www.thelakehousechelan.com.

New Web Functionality Offers Even More Vacation Rental Options and Flexibility

Endless Vacation Rentals (EVR), one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced adding the availability of nightly rentals to their inventory, giving customers the opportunity to search and book a variety of short stay vacations through advanced search capabilities on EVRentals.com.

“We realize that travelers want the flexibility to get away for a long weekend or a few days at a time, in addition to the traditional weeklong vacation,” said Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Group RCI. “The new search functionality on EVRentals.com will allow customers to tailor their vacations based on specific needs — including budget as well as length of stay — further enhancing our ability to provide access to the quality vacations and services that Endless Vacation Rentals already provides to thousands of vacationing families every year.”

The advanced search filter functionality will allow users to search all available vacation rentals on EVRentals.com and refine their search based on preferred check-in date, length of stay, unit size, rating, price, amenities and activities. In addition to the more than 200,000 weeks available, customers can now search and book more than 35,000 nights available for shorter stays. Short stays are backed by a Best Price Guarantee and, customers who book a short stay will also receive the 24-hour check-in assistance and complimentary concierge service that are offered by Endless Vacation Rentals.

Endless Vacation Rentals® by Wyndham Worldwide, available online at www.EVRentals.com, offers one of the largest global selections of more than 200,000 vacation rental accommodations including homes, villas and resort condos in desirable destinations in over 100 countries. EVRentals.com is not a rental listing company — it is a true hospitality provider allowing consumers to search and book a wide variety of vacation rentals around the world as easily as reserving a hotel room online. Unlike rental listing companies, EVRentals.com allows customers to search in real time and pay by credit card in U.S. currency. With few exceptions, reservations are backed by a Best Price Guarantee and are 100 percent refundable if cancelled at least three days before check-in date.

Endless Vacation Rentals recently launched the YourFatChance.com contest and has already received more than 600 entries since it began on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. Geared toward generating laughter and optimism, while emphasizing the lighter side of potentially embarrassing moments, YourFatChance.com invites participants to enter their funniest bad luck story in 100 words or less. In May, EVR will feature the top 25 funniest stories on their website where people can then cast their votes to determine the three top prize winners and possibly win some prizes themselves. The grand prize includes a one week vacation rental for a value of up to $2,500 USD, plus a $2,000 USD Visa® gift card.

About Endless Vacation Rentals
Endless Vacation Rentals, one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), provides access to one of the largest collection of global vacation rentals in the industry, allowing travelers to browse from more than 200,000 accommodations. At www.EVRentals.com it’s as easy and convenient to search for, view availability, and book vacation rentals as booking typical hotel accommodations online. For more information on Endless Vacation Rentals or to book a vacation rental, visit www.EVRentals.com or call 1-877-STAY-EVR (1-877-782-9387).

San Diego PR and Marketing Firm to Relocate

GBG & Associates, a marketing and public relations firm specializing in the resort, hospitality, retail services and travel industry is relocating from its downtown San Diego location to the San Diego’s Point Loma, Liberty Station area.

“GBG & Associates continues to provide innovative and focused public relations and marketing strategies for our local, national and international clients,” said Georgi Bohrod-Gordon, GBG President. “With our extraordinary group of writers, designers and creative marketing experts, we are able to bring fresh ideas and incorporate the ever changing social networking landscape into our methodology. We understand which market base supports our client’s core targets.  We are proud of a documented ROI on PR that few firms can rival.”

With niches in industries that include vacation ownership, resorts, professional services, retail services and tourism, GBG & Associates offers more than a quarter century of expertise in public relations and marketing. The firms’ clients include San Diego-based companies It’s All About the Girl, A Fair Way Mediation Center, ResortCom International, Architectural Concepts Inc. (ACI), and Resort ProSource.  In addition GBG works with Star Resort Group (Scottsdale, AR), Customer Count (Indianapolis, IN), Mobius Vendor Partners (Indianapolis, IN), See Your Game (Las Vegas, NV) and Stewart Vacation Ownership (Palm Desert, CA) to name a few.

About GBG & Associates
GBG & Associates specializes in the seamless integration of multiple marketing and public relations strategies for the effective fulfillment of client business goals.  Founded in San Diego in 1978 by Georgi Bohrod, the company has created and implemented a wealth of strategic marketing, advertising and public relations programs for hotels, timeshare resorts, resort developers, small businesses, service providers and travel industry corporations. Under the leadership of Georgi Bohrod-Gordon, the company has won countless awards for collateral material design, interactive media design and public relations. For more information on GBG & Associates, visit http://www.gbgandassociates.com  www.twitter.com/GeorgiBG

GBG & Associates. 2726 Laning Road. Suite 201. San Diego, CA 92106
619-255-1661

Trading Places International, celebrating 35 years, recently installed TimeShareWare Professional at its three newest resort locations. Barefoot Resort, Seaside Resort, and Park Regency Resort are all up and running on TimeShareWare Professional. The software manages all mortgage, reservation, and accounting processes at the new sites.

Mike Kizerian, Chief Financial Officer for Trading Places International, said the resort developers have been pleased with the functionality and feature set of TimeShareWare Professional. “TimeShareWare has been our software of choice for many years.  When we began management at these three new locations, installing TSW was a priority. The installations went smoothly and both sides worked hard to make the implementations successful. TimeShareWare was able to meet our expectations and even exceed them in many cases. The end result was a seamless transition at all three locations.”
 
Stephani Snyder, Manager of Resort Services and Inventory Control at Trading Places International, said TPI chose TimeShareWare because it provided TPI with critical information and features. “Owner demographics, reporting capabilities, owner records, A/R, and reservations are all handled within one single software solution,” Snyder said.   

Allen Rice, Chief Marketing Officer of TimeShareWare, says the two companies have a great history together. “Trading Places International has been an important partner in helping us develop and improve our software over the years. TPI is an innovative voice within the industry and has been instrumental in helping us to make the software into what it is today – the industry leading technology platform.”

The Barefoot Resort, located in the old “Little Barefoot” mining claim in South Dakota, sits at an elevation of 6,500 feet and is located directly across from South Dakota’s major ski area– Terry Peak. High in the Northern Black Hills, guests can take in spectacular views of the forest while enjoying mild weather patterns.

The Park Regency Resort, an 84-unit resort located amidst Park City, Utah’s legendary ski slopes, allows guests to enjoy first-rate cross-country and downhill skiing as well as popular summer activities.

The Seaside Resort, a 70-unit condominium project located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is part of the Seaside condominium Horizontal Property Regime. The resort boasts indoor and outdoor pools, a landscaped deck, two spa hot tubs, a lazy river, a fitness room, private parking, and private beach access.

For more information about Trading Places International, please visit their website at www.tradingplaces.com. You can also visit Barefoot Resort’s website at www.barefootresort.com or Park Regency’s website at www.parkregencyparkcity.com.
 

About Trading Places International:
Trading Places is a 35-year veteran of the travel and vacation ownership industries. It is the only vertically integrated, independent timeshare company that provides exchange and rental services, full-service resort management, as well as a full-service travel agency.

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 and tour 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.

Contact:
Candace Vigil
Business Development Manager
TimeShareWare
(801) 444-3113 x104
sales@timeshareware.com
TimeShareWare Website – www.timeshareware.com

Premium Rental Inventory Will Be Distributed

LeisureLink, Inc., the leading distribution and revenue management platform for specialty lodging suppliers, today announced a new distribution agreement with Orlando, Fla.-based Sol Meliá Vacation Club.  The company chose LeisureLink’s Demand Management System to distribute premium rental inventory to consumers and travel agents.

“We look forward to bringing Sol Meliá Vacation Club resorts in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean  and Europe, to a new audience of consumers and travel agents”, said Erik Hovanec, President and CEO of LeisureLink, Inc.  “Consumers are rapidly adopting timeshare rentals for their spaciousness, intimacy, and value.  Sol Meliá’s strong global brand reassures the consumer that they will have a high quality experience”, Hovanec continued.

“Bringing rental guests to our Sol Meliá Vacation Club resorts is a great way to attract new club members.  After they have personally experienced the services and amenities offered to members at our resorts, they clearly see the benefits of club membership to meet their long-term vacation needs with endless choices world wide,” said Denis Ebrill, Executive Vice President of Sol Meliá Vacation Club.

“We also see great value in LeisureLink’s revenue management capabilities,” he added.  “LeisureLink’s revenue management tools will help us to price appropriately and increase revenue over time.”

LeisureLink will distribute Sol Meliá Vacation Club properties through web partners, travel agents, and its’ own consumer channel, ABetterStay.com.

About LeisureLink(TM)
LeisureLink powers global distribution and demand for the vacation rental and specialty lodging industry. Our distribution platform and proprietary Demand Management System™ enable property managers to increase bookings and optimize revenue across thousands of distribution channels. For more information visit www.LeisureLink.com and to view properties go to www.ABetterStay.com.

For more information please contact:
Steve Reich
Senior Vice President, Sales
LeisureLink Inc.
626-696-4530
Slreich@LeisureLink.com

About Sol Meliá Vacation Club
Sol Meliá Vacation Club, part of Spain-based Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts, is an internationally-branded membership club that focuses on providing leisure lifestyle experiences that include exotic destinations, designer-appointed luxury accommodations, exclusive services and unforgettable amenities.  The 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 Sol Meliá Vacation Club to stay at any of the Sol Meliá 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.

For more information on Sol Meliá Vacation Club, go to: www.smvc.com.

Contest will recognize significant contributions of RCI affiliates’ sales teams

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced the launch of the “RCI’s Envision Your Success Sweepstakes!” resort salesperson incentive with a grand prize of a home theater system or $10,000 USD in cash. The goal of the program, which will run though September 6, 2009, is to reward resort sales staff for their efforts and to recognize the important contribution they make to the vacation ownership industry.

Building on the great success of the 2008 “RCI® Road to Success,” this is the second year that RCI is recognizing the contributions of its affiliates’ sales teams in celebration of the mutual success of the resort and RCI.
 
“We are excited to once again showcase our appreciation to the very talented and very successful sales associates of our 2,000+ North American affiliates through this year’s incentive program,” said Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Group RCI. “Their commitment and hard work are crucial to the success of their resort. We’re glad to have the opportunity to recognize the importance of their efforts and say ‘Thank You!’ for everything they do.”

Each week for 20 consecutive weeks, qualifying RCI-affiliated resorts will submit the name of their top salesperson for that week. Each Monday, RCI will hold a random drawing where one lucky salesperson will be selected to win a state-of-the-art 42” high-definition flat panel TV. At the end of the 20 weeks, the 20 weekly winners, along with his or her sales manager, will be invited to an event as guests of RCI. During the event, one of the weekly winners will be selected randomly as the grand-prize winner and receive a fabulous new home theater system or an alternate cash prize of $10,000 USD. 

The “RCI’s Envision Your Success Sweepstakes!” is open to qualifying affiliates in the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec) and Mexico. Affiliated resorts can ask their RCI account executive for more information. No purchase is necessary; to view complete rules log in to www.rciaffiliates.com. Only affiliated resorts, which submitted 50 or more enrollments to RCI in a defined 12-month period, may participate.

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 73,000 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 Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation RentalsSM , Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned 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.

Designed by London-based United Designers, W Doha Hotel & Residences Provides a Unique, Contemporary Luxury Lifestyle Experience

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, marks its entry into the Middle East with the opening of the highly-anticipated W Doha Hotel & Residences. Designed by London-based United Designers, W Doha merges traditional Arabian imagery with the contemporary cool design of the W brand and modern creativity of United Designers.

Immediately upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a world of “Wow.” The W living room (W’s re-imagination of the hotel lobby) combines water features, ceiling-suspended seating and modern hand-blown hanging lanterns, energizing the entry and providing a dynamic social atmosphere. Symmetrical designs, clean lines and innovative lighting create private, tranquil areas within the sweeping, dramatic public spaces. Topping off W Doha, the 15th floor Extreme Wow suite (W’s take on the traditional Presidential Suite) is nothing but spectacular, boasting breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, private massage and meeting rooms, full-size pool table and wet bar, stunning saltwater aquarium stocked with exotic sea life, and luxurious oversized bathroom.

“We are excited to bring the W brand to the Middle East in the modern city of Doha, which is another milestone in W’s global expansion into the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “W Doha offers cool contemporary design with an Arabic inspiration, providing escape and extravaganza in the heart of one the city’s most vibrant districts, redefining contemporary luxury and bringing a completely new and distinctive product to the hotel market in Doha.”

W Doha is a leading-edge, contemporary lifestyle experience with a complete service offering, including 291 guest rooms, 31 suites, and 154 W branded Residences where dreams become reality. To experience W’s approach to B&F (Beverage and Food), W Doha features three stylish bars for guests to mix and mingle including the signature W Living Room experience, Wahm, a modern poolside shisha lounge, and Crystal Lounge, a sleek, fashionable spot where guests can sip cool cocktails and groove to the latest world beats.

In addition, W Doha boasts three signature restaurants, including modern cuisine at Spice Market and Market by Jean-Georges, both concepts created by three star Michelin Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, complemented by the sophisticated fare of La Maison du Caviar. Spice Market, which overlooks the Persian Gulf, features a family-style menu of delectable Southeast Asian dishes while Market by Jean-Georges blends international cuisine with local Arabian flavors. The prestigious La Maison du Caviar takes guests on an exotic tour of the world’s most exquisite and decadent caviars, pairing the delicacy simply with blinis, toast, or potatoes.

To unwind, W Doha offers the signature Bliss® Spa, New York’s hottest spa, which can now be enjoyed in the Middle East for the first time. For those who wish to take the W lifestyle back home, the property also features the Middle East’s first outpost of W Hotels the Store, the brand’s stylish twist on the hotel gift shop, providing a hip selection of accessories and fashion items. These offerings are complemented by nearly 1,000 square metres of ultra-modern meeting and event space, making W Doha an ideal hotel for special events, meetings and celebrations. W Doha is conveniently located in the West Bay of Doha on the Qatar peninsula, providing easy access to Doha’s world-class shopping destinations, pristine beaches and water sports facilities, first-class greens of Doha Golf Club, and scenic Corniche waterfront district.

“We are excited to bring the W brand to the Middle East after its magnificent success now celebrating 10 years of innovation in the hospitality industry,” said Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “We are confident that our guests will be thrilled with the unique signature services, offering them best in class products, entertainment and lifestyle.”

Founded in 1998 in New York City, W Hotels continues to transform into a global powerhouse. W Doha is the brand’s second hotel in the Europe, Africa and Middle East region following the opening of W Istanbul last year. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011 in vibrant primary destinations around the world, from Paris to Milan, Barcelona to London, Santiago to Vieques Island, Hollywood to South Beach and Shanghai to Bali.

Examples of exclusive experiences that are only offered at W Doha include, the region’s first Bliss Spa; SWEAT®, a state-of-the-art fitness facility; and WET®, a glamorous temperature-contolled pool with underwater music, multi-color fiber-optic lighting and dramatic black mosaic tile. All of these experiences are supported by the brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® concierge service, providing guests whatever they want – from a private hot air balloon trip over the desert to a flower bouquet delivered at 2 a.m. – whenever they want it (as long as it’s legal!). With nearly 1,000 square metres of ultra-modern meeting and event space, W Doha is able to host business and social gatherings of up to 500 people. High speed WiFi internet access, plasma screen TVs and state-of-the-art AV equipment are available for use at the click of a button. The Sensory Set Up™ of the meeting rooms, a unique W concept, stimulates all five senses with mood music and aromatherapy scents, thought-provoking place cards, creative catering, retro candies and inspiring games. Guest rooms and suites at W Doha, including three WOW suites and an Extreme WOW suite, are more than just a place to rest your head.

All guest rooms feature the W Hotels signature bed with feather-top mattress, 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and goose down comforter, creating the ultimate urban escape. Guest rooms also offer W Hotels’ signature Munchie Box (W Hotels’ re-interpretation of the traditional hotel Mini Bar) for the guest’s midnight cravings as well as a flat-screen LCD TV, DVD player, MP3 docking station, Tivoli radio, WiFi Internet access and high-speed laptop connectivity to stay connected. Rounding out the in-room entertainment options, guests have access to an extensive choice of movies, music and video programs on demand as well.

More than a hotel brand, W Hotels has established itself as an iconic lifestyle brand, offering guests unprecedented insider access to a world of “Wow” through contemporary cool design, fashion, nightlife, celebrities, entertainment and other. W Hotels has forever changed the hospitality landscape with a series of industry firsts in the past 10 years, including: the transformation of the hotel lobby into the W living room experience; the introduction of the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service as a vehicle to fulfill every guest’s dreams; extension of the lifestyle experience into retail through W Hotels’ The Store; a sensorial multiplex experience with branded W CD compilations released each year; the reinterpretation of the hotel mini-bar into the W “Munchie Box” to present the brand’s lifestyle point of view; and the reinvention of the presidential suite into W’s “Extreme Wow” and “Wow” suites.

About W Hotels Worldwide®
W Hotels is an innovative luxury lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 29 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of “Wow.” Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and passions around fashion, music, entertainment, design, architecture, pop culture, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern living, reflected in the brand’s sensibility to a holistic lifestyle experience with cutting-edge design, contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous nightlife experiences, and signature spas. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan, Paris and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Marrakech, Amman, and Dubai. W has plans to open W Retreats in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

About Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com or www.starwoodpressclub.com

The Fractional and Shared Ownership Trade Association (FSOTA) has become a member of the trade body for vacation ownership, Resort Development Organisation (RDO). RDO promotes best practice and fair trading in the industry while protecting consumers through its code of conduct. While remaining a stand-alone association, FSOTA members are now bound by this code.

Formerly known as OTE (Organisation for Timeshare in Europe) RDO changed its name and opened up its membership to reflect changes in the vacation ownership industry, which has moved well beyond traditional forms of timeshare to include offerings such as ‘floating weeks’*, the points system*, fractional ownership*, private residence clubs*, destination clubs* and condo hotels*.

“We renamed ourselves as RDO so we could truly reflect the extensive range of holiday options now available in the vacation ownership market,” said Richard McIntosh, Chairman of RDO. “With FSOTA joining us we are able to significantly increase our representation of the fractional ownership market. It will allow FSOTA members to benefit from our eleven years of experience at promoting best practice, working with governments for fair legislation and working with the authorities to combat fraudulent activity. Very importantly, people who own fractional properties with FSOTA members will now be protected by our code of conduct.” 

Piers Brown, chairman of FSOTA commented: “We were set up to represent fractional property developers and to promote responsible growth of the industry. Joining RDO is a very positive step for us as our members can benefit from being part of a wider association which has a track record of representing the industry and enforcing high standards of conduct and professionalism. We expect fractional and shared ownership to continue to increase in popularity and membership of RDO will help the industry grow.”

More about RDO
RDO (Resort Development Organisation) is the trade body dedicated to excellence and fair trading in the European vacation ownership industry, whilst promoting and fostering industry growth. As such, it serves its members through public relations, legislative lobbying, research and member and consumer relations management.
Resort Development Organisation, formerly Organisation for Timeshare in Europe AISBL is an international non profit making association registered in Brussels with company number 0457.984.213.  Its registered office is at Oak House, Cours St Michel 100/3, 1040 Brussels, Belgium

*Glossary of terms
The vacation ownership industry is made up of:

Timeshare
Timeshare means buying the right to spend a set time period in a holiday property each year for three years or longer, usually paying an annual management fee.

Fixed week/apartment
Under this system you own rights to a specific week, usually in a specific apartment/villa.

Floating week/apartment
In the ‘floating system’ you own occupancy rights to a week in an apartment type, within a season. Each year you have to book the specific week that you want, subject to availability.

Points
Points are a form of holiday currency. Owners use their Points to pay for holidays, selecting accommodation that is in the scheme’s accommodation pool.

Fractional ownership
Fractional ownership gives buyers ownership of, or occupancy rights to, a property normally in perpetuity or in some cases for an agreed period of time, with a fixed or rotating term of residence, eg ⅛ or ¼  share each year. An annual management fee is usually payable.
Many fractional schemes are in fact timeshare but some are share based or a lease may be granted for a percentage of a property. In some fractional schemes, when the property is sold, any profits on sale are shared between the owners.

Private Residence Clubs
Private Residence Clubs are high-end fractionals, enabling the consumer to own a part of a luxury home, often in unique locations and with the added benefit of maid or concierge type services. 

Destination Clubs
Destination Clubs are based around consumers sharing a portfolio of fully-furnished, multi-bedroom residences around the world. Members usually pay an upfront deposit and an annual fee for exclusive access to a multitude of properties which can be a mixture of holiday beach, ski and city residences. This can be an equity or non-equity interest, depending on the scheme.

Condo Hotels
Condo hotels are typically luxury hotel properties in outstanding locations. Essentially, consumers buy a legal interest in an hotel room giving them personal use of a specific number of weeks. They normally participate in an organised rental programme and share in that rental income.

For RDO’s Public Relations Office in the UK, contact:

Jackie Murphy/Will Brewster
Flagship Consulting
020 7 886 8440

Jackie.murphy@flagshipconsulting.co.uk or will.brewster@flagshipconsulting.co.uk

Specialty Select Brands Reach Meaningful Milestones Along Starwood’s Journey to 1,000 Hotels & Resorts

From the AAHOA Lodging Conference in Washington D.C., Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announces it remains on-track on its journey to open its 1,000th hotel and resort this year. Contributing to the company’s growth is its best-in-class Specialty Select Group, which is comprised of three distinct select service brands – Aloft, Element and Four Points by Sheraton. In the next two months alone, Starwood will open the 25th Aloft worldwide, the fifth Element and the first Four Points by Sheraton based on the new design prototype, which is also the 137th property worldwide.

“With a focus on working with the right partners, on the right properties, in the right places, Starwood and our proven development partners are positioned for success during the recovery and beyond,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Starwood is an established leader in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, and the growth of our high-caliber, moderately priced lifestyle brands allows us to better meet the needs of both developers and guests in key markets around the world. As we open these hotels, our powerful programs like Starwood Preferred Guest are driving occupancy as its members provide a foundation in soft markets – staying more and spending more.”

Starwood’s Specialty Select portfolio has benefited from the reinvention of the Four Points by Sheraton brand, as well as from the development community’s enthusiasm for Starwood’s newest brands, Aloft and Element. Less than one year after their global debut, Starwood’s newest lifestyle brands, Aloft and Element, continue to experience steady growth, building on the more than 100 hotels signed at the brands’ launch.

“Our compelling Specialty Select brands complement rather than compete with each other and provide developers innovative solutions to meet the needs of consumers in each individual market,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Aloft, Element and Four Points by Sheraton. “The success we are experiencing with these brands, even during tough times, is a testament to the power of Starwood and our development partners.”

The Rejuvenated Four Points by Sheraton Drives Growth and Scores Well with Guests
Four Points by Sheraton is currently experiencing the strongest growth momentum in its history. In 2009, the brand expects to open more than 20 hotels in 11 countries, including its first in India this summer. Since January, it has opened hotels in Malaysia, Mexico and the United States. Next month, the brand opens its flagship vacation hotel in Punta Gorda, Florida. The brand’s new prototype design also makes its debut in May with the Four Points by Sheraton San Antonio Northwest. And this summer, Four Points by Sheraton will rise to new heights with a 30-story hotel in Times Square.

Starwood’s strategy to improve the quality and consistency of the Four Points by Sheraton brand has resulted in a 70 percent turnover in the portfolio over the last five years through an investment of more than $1 billion in major property renovations, conversions, and new build hotels. The brand’s emphasis on uncomplicated comfort continues to strike a chord with guests, as evidenced by steady gains in JD Power Guest Satisfaction scores and a 13 percent point gain in brand awareness since 2004.

Aloft Set to Double Presence in 2009
Aloft takes the DNA of W to the upscale select service category, and has proved to be a popular choice among developers and travelers. Representing one of the most successful launches in the industry, Aloft opened its first 17 hotels in 2008 in three countries – the United States, Canada and China – and expects to more than double its footprint this year. Aloft will open two hotels per month in 2009, and has kept pace with eight openings since January in markets including Washington, D.C.; Charlotte, N.C.; San Antonio; Tempe, Ariz. and Green Bay, Wis. In May, Aloft will mark a meaningful milestone with the opening of its 25th hotel worldwide, which will be located just outside Baltimore in Arundel Mills, Maryland. In September, the brand is slated to make its debut in the Middle East with the Aloft Abu Dhabi.

Element Adds Four Hotels in 2009
Starwood’s green trailblazer, Element, opened its first two hotels in 2008 and its first in 2009 with the Element Houston Vintage Park. The brand expects to open three more this year in Denver; Baltimore; and Irving, Texas. Beyond the United States, Element has long term plans to add hotels in targeted international markets, such as Canada and the United Arab Emirates. With Element, Starwood developed an economically responsible LEED-certified hotel concept that is accessible to developers and delivers an environmentally conscious hotel experience without compromising on comfort. Guest satisfaction scores for the green trailblazer are at levels traditionally reserved exclusively for luxury brands.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 960 properties in 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.