RCI Ventures Magazine Now Available Online
June 29, 2009 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Group RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced that Group RCI Ventures magazine, its business publication serving the EMEAI region, will now be accessible online at www.rciventures.com
The new website is designed to support the printed magazine and provide RCI-affiliated resort developers and industry associates with even greater access to the latest news within Group RCI and across the shared-holiday ownership industry as a whole. As the printed edition is published three times a year, and the world of shared-holiday ownership is fast-changing, Group RCI launched the complementary Ventures website to ensure timely and consistent communication to its affiliated partners and industry associates.
The majority of the material on the website will be internet exclusive, including breaking industry and Group RCI news, great tips and ideas from hospitality and travel experts, as well as the core magazine features and articles. The site also features an archive of the printed editions of Group RCI Ventures magazine and provides those who have not yet registered, the opportunity to subscribe to the print edition as well.
Additionally, www.rciventures.com will provide individuals looking to enter the industry access to core information and help populate the internet with industry positives which serve to boost both investor and consumer confidence in the market and product.
Not only does www.rciventures.com provide the latest news, it also features an alerts service so subscribers can receive an update e-message each time new content is uploaded. If you want to subscribe to this service or to the magazine, please visit www.rciventures.com
Group RCI-affiliated developers can access operational information and updates by visiting www.rciaffiliates.com/europe
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Email this postPerspective Magazine Confirms Media Sponsorship of 18th Industry Event for 2009
June 24, 2009 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Over the past twelve months Perspective Magazine (http://www.theperspectivemagazine.com) has continued to expand its reach throughout the shared ownership arena, and is now pleased to announce media sponsorship of a new industry event to be held in Phuket, Thailand.
“It’s fantastic to have Perspective International Media Group to support the inaugural Absolute Shared Ownership Resort & Hotel Event in beautiful Phuket and appreciate their support to help us attract those overseas companies currently looking at Asia for new sales opportunities, new resort opportunities and new fantastic four and five star inventory acquisitions.” Said Bryan Lunt, Chairman of Absolute Group.
Paul Mattimoe, CEO of Perspective International commented, “We have always had a close affinity to the Asian marketplace, from where our group of companies originated some six years ago, so we are particularly pleased to add a conference in this region to our schedule of events”
The event provides informative seminars, excellent networking opportunities with leading property developers, resort and hotel owners and operators, direct marketing organisations and management specialists, as well as a first hand opportunity to see three real working fractional ownership resorts and sales centres in Phuket, including Thailand’s designer development yooPhuket.
“We look at the event as being the first of its kind in Asia, bringing together companies such as Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Interval International, Citadel / Hutchinson Trustee’s, Ragatz Associates and many more with excellent facilities at Patong beach’s Millennium hotel, an ultra modern conference venue.” Concludes Mr. Lunt.
The event is to be held on 12-13th October at Millennium Patong Hotel, Phuket, Thailand, and Perspective Magazine will be providing more detailed information for delegates in due course.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Dear Mr. President, Americans Need A FAMILY Stimulus Plan
June 23, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Nearly Half of Recent Survey Respondents Feel Time with Their Families Lacking
While Americans patiently wait for the country’s economic stimulus plan to take effect, it’s clear that a separate plan is needed to spur recovery in another area – the amount of time enjoyed with family. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recently surveyed visitors to its VacationBetter.org website to determine if they have enough quality time with their immediate and extended families. Nearly half of the respondents felt quality time spent with the family was lacking and a stimulus plan was the solution.
“Unfortunately vacation is one of the first things people give up when times get tough economically, and with that goes some of the best quality time you can get with your family,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “Tough times are when people need connect to their families even more, and it can be done very economically.”
In hopes of counteracting the failing tradition of quality family time, ARDA has created the Family Stimulus Plan. As part of this package, ARDA is providing tips and suggestions on how to take time away to renew and rejuvenate with the family on its VacationBetter.org consumer information website. “The Family Stimulus Plan”, provides travelers with helpful hints on planning a successful family vacation with either your immediate family or an extended family reunion. It contains event-planning tips, including managing invitations, selecting a location, ice-breaker games, decorations and ways to stay in touch all year long.
Another way to stimulate your interest in a family vacation is to hear from the health and wellness experts. It’s a proven fact that people who spend time away reap health benefits far beyond that week or two of vacation. Vacations are not a luxury, but a necessity for good health and well-being.
Owning your vacation with timeshare has shown to be a sure-fire way of guaranteeing that you won’t find excuses not to vacation and in fact, will reap all of the benefits of having pre-paid your vacation – quality resorts, family-friendly accommodations and regular getaways. In fact, according to an ARDA study, timeshare properties are experiencing an 82 percent occupancy rate despite tough economic times.
As we all focus on the economic stimulus, ARDA encourages us to remember an even more important plan we can enact on our own — The Family Stimulus Plan. To download a customizable package, visit www.VacationBetter.org/Family-Stimulus-Plan.
About VacationBetter.org
The American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) new 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.
About ARDA
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Dates For The Generator & Perspective Magazine Industry Event Have Been Confirmed
June 16, 2009 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
The not for profit industry networking event and party to be hosted by Generator Systems & Perspective Magazine has now been confirmed for 9-10 December at the luxurious 5 Star Sofitel London Heathrow.
More details on the event including its official name, how to register and sponsorship opportunities will be released in the next few days.
Delegate places are limited for this event and will be released and sold on a first come first served basis. However, REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN ATTENDING HERE and you will get a 24 hour advanced priority booking window ahead of the general release of all remaining places.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Hutchinson & Citadel Strengthen Their Team
June 15, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Hutchinson & Co Trust Company and Citadel Trustees are pleased to announce that Veranne Wilkinson is to take over as Managing Director of both Hutchinson and Citadel together with all other European Group companies. Veranne was born and educated in France where she graduated from the Université de Franche-Comté with a Masters Degree in Modern Languages and Business in 1995 and earlier in her career, spent some time with Clifford Chance in Paris.
Meanwhile, Paul Smythe will be reducing his activities as he moves towards semi retirement, but he will remain involved in the expansion of the Group in the Far East, in his role as Managing Director, Asia. The Board will be further strengthened by the addition of Anna Rickard, as Legal Services Director, Raquel Gonzalez, as Operations Director and Chris Allen, as Sales & Marketing Director.
The changes associated with these new positions will take account of the Group’s recent expansion and diversification and will take place progressively over the next few weeks, with the handover being completed by 1st July, 2009.
In another pleasing reinforcement of the management team, Lisa Best, has recently joined the Group as an Associate Director, having spent many years contributing impressively to the growth of the RMI Consortium and, after its take over, to Petchey Leisure, in Gibraltar, Spain and Ireland.
Peter Hutchinson, Chairman said “Veranne has been with Hutchinson for more than 10 years, having joined the Group in 1996. Her vast experience in providing our ever extending services to the timeshare industry and beyond will stand her in good stead to move the Group forward with greater emphasis on financial products, including Unregulated Collective Investment Schemes, which Citadel has recently been authorised to operate by the Financial Services Authority.
Similarly, Anna, Raquel, Chris and Lisa all bring different, but equally indispensible talents to the Board and together with Veranne, will provide for the long term prosperity of the Group’s operations.
So often, a company can stagnate as its original board matures. This new blood will ensure the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed in the past is built upon and perpetuated for many years to come.
Meanwhile, the Far East has played an increasing part in the Group’s activities over the last few years, a great deal of which has been as a result of Paul’s input and hard work. To call this step a move towards semi retirement is, happily, somewhat of an exaggeration, as Paul, at least initially, will still be devoting 4 days a week to the Group’s activities. As in the past, he will have valuable local assistance from Daniel Chou, Prakash Balachandran and Yang Chen and, with our expansion into China and in the region in general, the involvement of all of them will prove most beneficial in our continued success in this part of the world.”
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Seasons Holidays Engage Membership With New Web Site
June 8, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Members can provide other members with greater knowledge about Seasons resorts and all the facilities and attractions that lie close by to each resort.
Seasons Holidays has launched a new website – www.myseasonsholidays.com – it has been designed for Seasons members searching for ideas and inspiration at every Seasons resort.
A unique feature of the site is the large number of ‘Resort Knowledge Base’ articles all about events, days out, activities, attractions, shopping, beaches and kids’ stuff close to each Seasons resort, providing members with an infinite resource of information to help plan and get the most from their holidays.
Members are able to login to add reviews, upload pictures and comment on their holiday experiences and the local area, giving other members greater knowledge about Seasons resorts and all the facilities and attractions that lie close by to each resort.
Leslie McCann, Marketing Director for Seasons Holidays commented:
“I am very excited about this valuable new tool. Seasons resort guests will be able to plan and enjoy even better timeshare holidays in the future. Members are actively encouraged to submit comment, reviews and feedback to the site at the end of each holiday; over time myseasonsholidays.com will become a mine of useful hints, tips and suggestions.
“This website also demonstrates the vital contribution that timeshare resorts make to local communities, and attractions and local business are delighted at this new support we are providing to our Members and the community at large.’
The site was developed in partnership with Seasons Holidays by Seolrr.com, an RDO Member specialising in web development and SEO for the Shared Vacation Ownership business.
Tim Kirby at Seolrr.com commented “The site is built on the powerful Drupal Content Management System, a robust Open Source solution for what Seasons really wanted to do with the site – to showcase all the possibilities at resort level for their Members, to engage and inspire their Membership with new ideas and possibilities, and to open up a two way conversation. The site has features that are unique for a timeshare business, designed to increase uptake and enjoyment of resort facilities and beyond throughout the year.”
The site is regularly updated by Seasons resort managers and staff, adding news, help, advice and forthcoming events to the extensive database of information.
An additional section called Seasons TV shows videos of each resort and members’ videos of their holiday experiences.
The new MySeasonsHolidays Web Site is available at www.myseasonsholidays.com
Seasons Holidays is a UK company that began in the late 1990’s and has progressed into one of Europe’s leading holiday ownership developers, with 6 British resorts and 3 European destinations.
Over 23,000 British families are now members with Seasons holidays, representing more than 70,000 people for whom the company books holidays each year.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
The BW Group Brings The Registry Collection® Exchange Programme Into Luxury Resort City In Tunisia
June 8, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
The BW Group announced that its new fractional development, The International Riviera resort development in Tunisia, has affiliated with The Registry Collection® exchange programme, the world’s largest luxury exchange programme.
The five-star residential resort development will comprise 60,000 wholly-owned and shared-ownership properties when it is completed. BW Group chairman, Bobby Wahi, says that despite the global financial crisis, the multi-billion dollar project has attracted a high level of interest from international banks, investor funds and other developers.
The first build phase is set to be completed in 2011 and will include 50 luxury water villas to be sold as high-end fractional ownership properties and enroll in The Registry Collection exchange programme. The water villas are the first of a significant number of fractional properties planned for this development and will be sold on the basis of a one-eighth or six-week share of the freehold.
The concept for The International Riviera was created by Wahi himself who wants the resort city to be a fusion of European elegance and the 21st century pioneering spirit of Dubai. Featuring a series of integrated villages styled on the hotspots of the world, such as Cannes, St. Tropez, Marbella, Portofino, Miami and Monaco, the resort will have at its heart a Las Vegas-style casino complex and a range of other upscale amenities, including golf, spa, marinas, retail and several international hotel brands. Purchasers will also have the ability to participate in the growing property portfolio of The Registry Collection exchange programme, also giving access to exclusive member benefits, including a 24-hour concierge service.
“We are very proud to add a property of the caliber of The International Riviera to The Registry Collection programme,” said Gregg Anderson, Global Managing Director, The Registry Collection programme. “Our goal is to offer our members the finest vacation destinations in the world. Working with affiliates such as the BW Group ensures that our members receive exactly the world-class luxury travel experience they desire.
“The Registry Collection offers a unique exchange programme for our fractional owners,” said Wahi. “The level of service and exclusivity that The Registry Collection programme provides is precisely what our owners are looking for. We are very pleased to be working with them.”
Anderson added: “We are delighted to welcome the BW Group and The International Riviera to our luxury exchange programme. In terms of its concept and the variety it offers, this development will certainly be one of the most unique and exciting fractional property developments in the world when it is completed.”
The BW Group is set to replicate the model in China, where it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government to develop a 26-kilometre square island in the South China Sea.
About the BW Group
The BW Group is in the business of creating international luxury resort developments. The International Riviera in Tunisia is one of a series of projects being undertaken on a global basis by the BW Group. The group takes on the role of ‘master developer’ for large scale developments, particularly in the emerging markets. Typically, the group’s projects will be of national significance, often under contract or in joint venture with a state or central government. The group offers fully-integrated resort developments, featuring a comprehensive mix of properties, including residential, commercial, gaming, hotel, spa, golf and marina. The group provides major new purpose built tourist destinations with innovative design, flair and choice. For more information on the BW Group and The International Riviera, please email internationalriviera@thebwgroup.eu or visit www.thebwgroup.eu.
About The Registry Collection Programme
The Registry Collection programme is a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 160 properties are available through the program and are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, The Registry Collection programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24 hours a day. From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection programme facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection programme is offered by Group RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies. (NYSE: WYN) For additional information, visit the media centre at www.grouprci.com
For additional information on the services offered to developers and members by The Registry Collection programme and how it can add potential value to leisure real estate projects, visit www.theregistrycollection.com.
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 programme, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacationCollection 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 centre of www.wyndhamworldwide.com
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas to Open in Fourth Quarter 2009
June 5, 2009 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
PHUKET, THAILAND — Outrigger Enterprises Group announced today that it has been selected to manage a new luxury collection of residences, villas, town homes and apartments being developed by Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited in Laguna Phuket, located on Bang Tao Bay on the northwestern coast of Phuket, Thailand. The new collection will be named “Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas”. When fully built out, it will consist of 309 two-, three- and four-bedroom units, many with their own private swimming pools. The first units will be ready for occupancy in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Laguna Phuket, widely recognized as Asia’s finest destination resort, is a 1,000 acre mixed-use tropical resort with five miles of pristine sandy beaches, six deluxe resort hotels (Banyan Tree Phuket, Sheraton Grande Laguna, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Laguna Beach Resort, Allamanda Laguna Phuket, Laguna Holiday Club Resort), the Laguna Phuket Golf Club, spas, restaurants and bars as well as a retail shopping center. Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited, a public company listed on the Thai stock exchange, developed the Laguna Phuket Resort starting in the mid 1980s from the remains of an abandoned tin mine once thought to be too polluted to develop. Laguna Phuket has since won numerous environmental awards as a result of that successful effort.
“We are excited to work with Laguna Resorts on this great new luxury product that they are building in the prestigious Laguna Phuket destination resort,” said David Carey, president and CEO of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “Laguna Phuket has such a well-deserved reputation as a quality resort and we are thrilled to be a part of it.”
“We welcome the Outrigger brand and their expertise in villa and condominium management,” said Michael Ayling, managing director of Laguna Resorts & Hotels Plc. “We’re delighted to announce the opening of Laguna Phuket’s seventh resort, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas. We’re positive that Laguna Phuket will greatly benefit from Outrigger’s quality management services of Laguna Village.”
Approximately one-half of the 309 units have been completed, with the remaining units scheduled for completion in 2011. Amenities at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas will include a beach club, private clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, an Angsana spa, as well as retail shops and restaurants.
Phuket is one of Asia’s most popular beach destinations, offering an unbeatable combination of soft, white sand beaches and superb hospitality. It was named the number one luxury destination by the New York Times in January 2009 (http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/travel/11phuket.html) and is consistently voted among the world’s favorite island destinations in the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual survey. Phuket is serviced by the Phuket International Airport, which is the second busiest passenger airport in Thailand, behind only Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Since the early 1980s, tourism has been Phuket’s main economic driver. Whether it is world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at world-standard championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forests, Phuket is a favorite visitor destination.
“Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas will be our third property in Phuket, in addition to the Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Chalong Bay along the quiet southeastern coast of Phuket and the Outrigger West Sands Resort on Mai Khao Beach in northwestern Phuket,” said Mr. Carey. “Phuket and Bali are the top leisure resort destinations in Asia and we now have five resorts open or under development in those two locations.”
In three short years, Outrigger has grown its presence in Southeast Asia to include the five resorts in Phuket and Bali, as well as properties in Hainan Island, China and Vietnam. “The Outrigger brand is synonymous with warm weather, beachfront, leisure resort destinations,” said Darren Edmonstone, senior vice president - Asia of Outrigger Enterprises Group. “We are searching out the best resort destinations in Southeast Asia for our brand.”
About Outrigger Enterprises Group
Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest-growing hospitality services companies in the Asia-Pacific region. Outrigger is a family-owned company with over 60 years of hospitality experience and runs a highly-successful, multi-branded line of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger Hotels & Resorts, OHANA Hotels & Resorts, Outrigger Condominium Collection, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Embassy Suites®-Waikiki Beach WalkT* and Courtyard by Marriott**. Outrigger Enterprises Group also operates and develops hotel properties and hospitality-related retail and real estate opportunities for partners in Hawaii, the Pacific, the mainland USA and Asia. For on-line information, log on at www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and www.outrigger.com.
*Embassy Suites is a registered trade mark of Hilton Hotels Corporation.
** Courtyard by Marriott is a registered trade mark of Marriott International, Inc.
About Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited
Laguna Resorts & Hotels Plc was founded in 1983 with the acquisition of a parcel of land on the site of an abandoned tin mine at Bangtao Bay in Phuket which was later developed into the Laguna Phuket integrated resort complex. Today, Laguna Phuket is Asia’s finest destination resort. A collection of deluxe hotels and villas, including - Banyan Tree Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Laguna Beach Resort, Sheraton Grande Laguna, Allamanda Laguna Phuket and Laguna Holiday Club Resort - all sharing 1000 acres of tropical parkland and three kilometres of beach frontage with the Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Canal Shopping Village, Banyan Tree Spa, four Angsana Spas, Laguna Wedding Chapel and Quest Laguna Phuket Adventure, a leading corporate training and outdoor recreation facility. For more information please visit www.lagunaphuket.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Endless Vacation Rentals® Opens Voting for the YourFatChance.com Vacation Contest — Let the Voting Begin!
June 5, 2009 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Voters can enter to win one of 12 one-week vacations with online scratch-off game
Endless Vacation Rentals (EVR), one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), is making a difference in this tough economy, one vacation at a time, with its YourFatChance.com vacation contest. Since the contest began on March 17, participants have submitted their funny bad luck stories in hopes of winning a vacation. After reviewing thousands of stories, the EVR judges have chosen the top 25 funniest entries.
From May 13-June 24, 2009, America can vote for their favorite finalist, helping one lucky individual win the Grand Prize: a one-week vacation rental from EVRentals.com (valued at up to $2,500 USD) plus $2,000 USD in VISA® gift cards. The runner-up will win First Prize: a one-week vacation rental (valued up to $1,500 USD). The Grand Prize and First Prize winners will be announced in July 2009. During the six-week voting period, people can also try their luck at an online scratch-off game to win a vacation: 12 one-week vacations will be awarded.
“As one of the world’s largest vacation rental providers, we want to send people on great vacations, particularly at a time when people are tightening their belts because of the economy,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Group RCI. “Everyone needs a vacation and we hope this contest will give people more to smile about while showcasing the terrific values inherent in our 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 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. Additionally, members of the free Wyndham Rewards® program earn 5,000 Wyndham Rewards® points per qualified stay.
For more information about Endless Vacation Rentals® or to book your next vacation, go to www.EVRentals.com.
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).
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Branson’s Nantucket Chooses SPI Orange Systems
June 5, 2009 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
Branson’s Nantucket a premier destination vacation ownership resort on scenic Table Rock Lake near Branson, Mo. has selected SPI Orange Systems as its software operating platform.
“SPI has a first-rate product that does everything we need. We are very excited to have the industry’s best software to run our operation,” says Project Director Randy Parker.
Matt Brosious, director of sales for SPI, adds, “We are pleased to welcome Branson’s Nantucket to the growing list of companies that choose SPI Orange Systems. SPI’s enormous on-going investment in developing the Orange Systems Vacation Ownership software platform has cemented our role as the industry’s technology leader and now we are quickly becoming the market leader as well.”
About SPI
SPI provides major developers of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others) with its .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle marketing, sales, property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, sales@spiinc.com or www.spiinc.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
A New Oasis Is Born In Mexico Caribbean: Introducing Grand Coral Riviera Maya
June 4, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
~ Residences, Exquisite Golf, Hotels, Entertainment and More ~
Grupo Grand Coral, the premier developer backed by prestigious Spanish financial houses including Bancaja and Banco de Valencia, announces the newest world-renowned destination in Mexico: Grand Coral Riviera Maya. Located only 30 minutes from the Cancun Airport and five minutes from the popular coastal town Playa del Carmen, this $2.5 billion investment spans across 561 lush oceanfront acres (227 hectareas), contributing to the great urban expansion of the region. Blending notable brands, hotels, expansive resorts, an 18-hole Nick Price golf course, entertainment and retail/restaurant outposts, Grand Coral Riviera Maya will be an unmatched grand oasis.
“Grand Coral Riviera Maya will truly be the first of its kind in the region,” states CEO Jordi Mercadé. “This master development presents a great opportunity to developers and investors to be in an impressive gated community with multiple real estate options.” The selection includes a variety of land lots, “there is really an opportunity for developers and investors at every level and we will work with each one individually to meet their needs.”
Grand Coral Riviera Maya neighbors downtown Playa del Carmen and its popular Fifth Avenue, a vibrant street lined with fantastic boutiques and restaurants, which actually continues into the grounds of the project. Construction phases are estimated to take place over the next ten years and $700 million has been invested to date. Already underway is Mareazul which includes 300 luxury beachfront condominiums. The development will offer a fine selection of amenities including a spa, Botanical Zen garden with Mayan sculptures, beach club with private cabanas.
The 18-hole golf course will be designed by Hall of Fame golfer Nick Price, who said, “I am very excited with the opportunity to design the golf course for Grand Coral Riviera Maya.” It was the uniqueness of the project that attracted Price to design the course located on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen. “The project will have the feel of an urban resort something that is very unique to the area. For several years I had vacationed here enjoying the fishing, good food and wonderful people and I am happy to be back here now to design a course in the vibrant city of Playa del Carmen,” said Price. The golf course will take approximately two years to complete. In what will be a first for Price, the project will feature the Nick Price Residences, consisting of 123 residences available for full or fractional ownership, located adjacent to the clubhouse with views of the course.
Investors and developers will also be pleased to know that Grand Coral Riviera Maya is incorporating numerous eco-friendly components to protect the surrounding environment as much as possible. More than 75% of the land will be kept in its natural state or turned into recreational parks and gardens in order to contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Furthermore, all greenery removed during construction will be housed in a greenhouse until ready for replanting. “It is very important for us to work in harmony with the land and we will encourage this lifestyle with all developers and future residents of Grand Coral,” adds Mercadé.
Riviera Maya is truly a paradise region in Mexico that welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
Abundant in pristine nature both on land and beyond the shore, this area is home to the world’s second largest barrier reef which lies in the ocean waters bordering Grand Coral. On land, residents and visitors have never-ending recreational activities to choose from including ancient Mayan ruins at nearby Tulum and the famous Chichen Itza (located only two hours away), swimming a magical underground river at Xcaret, adventuring the exotic park at Xel-ha, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon soaking in the sun on the white sandy beach. Playa del Carmen’s renowned Fifth Avenue presents numerous stores, eateries as well as a thriving nightlife.
Grand Coral Riviera Maya is the largest investment in Mexican Caribbean and will showcase more than 6,900 residences at its completion. Construction phases will take place over the next ten years. For sales information please email info@grandcoralrivieramaya.com.mx, call +52 998 176 8217 or visit www.grandcoralrivieramaya.com.mx.
About Grupo Grand Coral
Grupo Grand Coral is part of a group of developers from Spain and is backed by prestigious financial houses including Bancaja, Banco de Valencia and Bancaja Habitat. The company’s portfolio features developments in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Los Cabos including Emerald Residential Tower & Spa (Cancun), Mareazul (within Grand Coral in Playa del Carmen.)
Nick Price
Nick Price was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003, after competing at the highest level in golf for four decades. Since turning pro in 1977 and joining the PGA tour in 1983, Price’s professional achievements have included three Major championships and 18 PGA Tour wins. Price won 15 PGA Tour tournaments in the 90’s, a remarkable achievement matched only by Tiger Woods. He was ranked number one in the world in 1994, a position he held for 16 weeks. He was the recipient of the 2002 Payne Stewart Award given for upholding the traditions of the game and in the same year, Price was the first recipient of the ASAP Sports/Jim Murray Award, given to a professional player for his cooperation, quotability and accommodation to the media. In 2005, the USGA presented the 2005 Bob Jones Award to Price in recognition of his distinguished sportsmanship in golf. A global icon in golf, Price represents all that is good about the game. Price began designing golf courses in the early nineties and brings to all of his design projects a personal familiarity with the great golf courses of the world and a commitment to provide golfers with a challenge that is interesting and enjoyable for all golfers. He limits his work to two or three projects a year to be able to provide a personal, hands-on approach to designing golf courses with a focus on dedicating time, energy and knowledge to his projects to make each course unique. He has designed courses in the United States, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Europe, Ireland, Dominican Republic and Mexico.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
World Class Group Enters Into Partnership With MyPropertyCyprus
June 4, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
World Class Group, a leading shared ownership consultancy group, based in the UAE, has entered into a strategic partnership with MyPropertyCyprus, a leading real estate management group in Cyprus to introduce fractional ownership alternatives to developers in Cyprus through its joint venture initiatives in developing SmartHomeShare product offerings.
Fractional ownership is an alternative of buying a second home and only paying for the amount of time per year than one typically uses the home, while owning a real proportionate interest in the property.
Unlike its predecessor Vacation Ownership or Timeshare, Fractional Ownership is sharing the real equity of an asset, and today the principle is being used in selling Jets, Yachts, Luxury Cars, and Properties.
Fractional ownership properties is a growing trend in second home selling, and has achieved over 1.9 Billion usd in sales volume in the USA in 2008 alone.
The system allows multiple parties to join together to enjoy the usage and equity in a single asset, typically meaning each sub-investor subscribes for share of one month a year in the house or apartment.
The selling technique and legal structure of this type of property is new in the region, and therefore My Property Cyprus, leading luxury villa operators, have partnered with the expert firm, World Class Group, in order to guide developers through this new and profitable process.
Profits from selling a fractional ownership scheme are typically 20% higher than that of a normal property due to a well marketed and structured product amenity system.
Today Europe has 91 projects under this scheme and experts predict that another 200 will be on line within the next 24 months. In recent forum presented by Fractional Life Magazine in London, experts revealed that sharing assets will become a household trend within the next 5 years, and property purchases for second home use will see a surge in this segment of the market especially during recessionary times.
There are up to 15 developers that have already expressed interest in introducing some form of this concept in Cyprus, according to Yiannos Trisokkas, partner in the new alliance and Managing Director of My Property Cyprus.
Cyprus has become a market whereby the second home market has firmly established itself, although demand for a normal unit sale has dwindled.
Some elite forms of fractional ownership allow for 6 to 10 independent users to share equity in a single property, while enjoying many of the benefits of typical home ownership and hotel hospitality, as well as equity in a real property, albeit a proportionate share.
SmartHomeShare has developed solutions for the major hurdles of a developer with no experience in this type of a product including ongoing property management solutions, by-laws of usage contracts, reservation requirements, maintenance, and investor default.
Through their alliance they have also established a UK lender for new end user purchasers who will be able to obtain finance for their ‘one month a year’ second home without difficulty, even in the current economic climate.
The new business unit will offer advisory services, marketing and sales systems, strategic panning, property evaluation and packaging, training, legal set up for the sale of properties, and a membership based marketing alliance to generate leads for sales. The new business partnership will now offer start up solutions for developers and hospitality companies wishing to reap the benefits of this new attractive product in the region.
Currently World Class Group is providing services for developer and hospitality clients in Thailand, Dubai, Lebanon and Malta.
The Cyprus alliance will enable our team to service Cyprus and the region with more flexibility and strength, said Michael J. Tolan, CEO of the Dubai based group.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
