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PH Towers Westgate will hold its official grand opening at 5:00 pm, Friday, January 29, 2010 marking the beginning of a new era in the timeshare industry.

PH Towers Westgate is the largest single timeshare building ever built in the world and stands among the most luxurious properties of any kind in the Las Vegas market.  Directly connected to the Miracle Mile shops and adjacent to the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino complex, PH Towers Westgate is the first vacation ownership resort to be fully integrated with a major resort and casino.

This 52-story blue glass marvel boasts over 1200 upscale villas ranging in size from 450 to 2200 square feet, each complete with full kitchens; oversized jetted tubs; state-of-the-art room management and entertainment systems; and uncompromised, dazzling views of the Las Vegas Strip.   A majority of the villas also include a 10 foot wide high-definition movie theater.  Another unique feature of PH Towers Westgate is the sleek and upscale lobby directly overlooking an exotic tropical pool, complete with a sandy beach and forty private cabanas that are conveniently located only a few feet from the resort elevators.

With the unveiling of the PH Towers Westgate signage on top of the building, the brand name “Westgate” took its place above the Las Vegas Strip illuminated with a newly patented LED lighting system boasting the largest letters of any hotel sign on The Strip.  The Westgate brand is now the brightest light in Las Vegas.

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE:WYN), today announced the renewal of its affiliation with Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited, Inc. and Bluegreen Corporation, who are amongst the largest vacation ownership companies in the industry. This new agreement grants Bluegreen Club Members continued access to a broad array of exciting vacation experiences utilizing the RCI exchange networks.

Bluegreen Wilderness Club at Long Creek

“We are extremely pleased to renew our partnership with the Bluegreen family and their fantastic owners,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “By building on our great relationship with Bluegreen, we can continue to offer RCI members around the world the opportunity to experience the wonderful collection of resorts that Bluegreen has to offer.”

As part of the multi-year agreement, RCI’s more than 3.7 million members will enjoy the opportunity to exchange into Bluegreen resorts across the globe. Similarly, Bluegreen Club Members will have access to vacations at a variety of destinations at RCI’s more than 4,000 affiliated properties worldwide in over 100 countries.

“By extending our existing relationship, we are continuing to give our owners the chance to enjoy all the opportunities that RCI offers,” said David L. Pontius, president of Bluegreen Management Services, Bluegreen Corporation. “RCI offers our Bluegreen Club Members access to terrific vacation resorts around the world and we’re glad to continue providing this service to our valued owners.”

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, 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. Wyndham Exchange and Rentals 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 Rentals, 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.

For additional information on the services offered to developers by RCI and how they can add potential value to leisure real estate projects, visit www.grouprci.com.

About Bluegreen Corporation
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE:BXG) is the leader in providing Colorful Places to Live and Play through its vacation ownership resort and residential real estate business segments. Our more than 3,100 employees are passionate about delivering extraordinary experiences for our owners, travelers and business partners. Since 1996, Bluegreen has managed, marketed and sold a flexible, real estate-based vacation ownership plan with more than 208,000 owners, over 45 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide. Since 1985, Bluegreen Communities has developed master-planned residential and golf communities primarily in the southern and southeastern U.S., and has sold over 55,000 home sites. We also offer a portfolio of comprehensive, turnkey, fee-for-service resort management, financial services, customer generation and sales solutions to third-party developers and lenders. For more information, visit http://www.bluegreencorp.com.

Research and Markets has announced the addition of ICAP Group’s new report “The Hotel Industry in Greece 2009″ to their offering.

Key Points:

•    Urban hotels and vacation resorts the two categories of hotels
•    Total amount of room nights exceeded 64 million in 2008.

This study explores the hotel industry and more specifically the companies that own Luxury, A, and B category hotels. The hotel sector is without a doubt the pillar of the Greek tourist industry, which is extremely crucial to the development of the national economy.

Today, there are more than 715,000 hotel beds in all types of accommodation across Greece, with the total amount of room nights exceeding 64 million in 2008. With respect to their geographical distribution, we observe a concentration of hotel beds in parts of – the country that are developed in terms of tourism. There are various categories of hotels according to the level of services they offer, the type of ownership (Greek or foreign, part of a chain, or a group, etc.) as well as the region in which they operate. With respect to the region in which they are located and their activity, hotels are distinguished into urban hotels (which operate in city centres all year-round) and vacation resorts, which are to be found all over the country and mostly operate near the seaside (mainly in islands) during a specific season. Whatever the case may be, the hotel industry must be examined as part of an entire network that makes tourism a rather intricate business.

Products mentioned: Luxury, A, B, C, D and E. C-class hotels, urban hotels and resorts

Key Topics Covered:
•    1. Summary
•    2. Hotel Companies and Financial Analysis
•    2.1 Sales of Hotel Companies – Rooms Revenue – Revenue per Bed- Revenue per Night
•    2.2 Financial Analysis of Hotel Companies
•    Profitability
•    Performance
•    Liquidity
•    Financial Structure
•    Activity
•    Consolidated Balance Sheets
•    3. Conclusions – Trends and Prospects
•    General Overview
•    Analysis of the Competitive Environment
•    Threat of New Entrants
•    Dangers from Substitute Products & Services
•    Bargaining Power of Suppliers
•    Bargaining Power of Customers
•    Competitive Rivalry within the Industry
•    SWOT Analysis
•    Strengths
•    Weaknesses
•    Opportunities
•    Threats
•    Financial Results
•    Market Prospects
•    Sector Companies’ Balance Sheets
•    Tables
•    Graphs
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5b4ab2/the_hotel_industry

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), announced that Anna Grand Hotel Vacation Club in Hungary has joined its vacation exchange network. The 200-year-old hotel is set in the centre of Balatonfüred, a historic town on the northern shore of Lake Balaton — so large that it is often referred to as the “Hungarian Sea.”

The classicist-style property has been renovated to provide members and guests both old-world elegance and contemporary amenities that include a gourmet restaurant, a winery, and 13,000 square foot (1,200 square metre) wellness area with steam baths, hot tubs, and saunas. Guests can also enjoy two indoor swimming pools, an outdoor pool, and a glass-domed spa.

“The Anna Grand Hotel has played an important role in the history of this area and we are very pleased to welcome such a venerable property to our quality resort network,” said Joachim Mezger, Interval International’s regional director, Central and Eastern Europe.

“Providing a high standard of quality in product and service is extremely important to us,” said Aaron Lengyel, managing director of the Anna Grand Hotel Vacation Club. “We are convinced that vacation ownership at Anna Grand will grow in combination with Interval’s array of member benefits, flexibility of options, and level of service, which align very well with our business concept.”

The area of Balatonfüred offers visitors beautiful scenery, including the volcanic mountains of Badacsony, restaurants and boutiques, and local wine made of Olaszrizling grapes that border the surrounding area. With the close proximity of Lake Balaton, there are a number of water sports available. Day trips to some 24 local wineries and further afield to Budapest, Vienna, and the lower mountains of Austria also can be made.

About Interval International
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 an exchange network of more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 countries and offers its resort clients and approximately 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through offices in 26 cities 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.

“Merlin Software simply has exactly what we need to run our entire business and provide the best service for our clients” said Andrew Horton, managing director of Resort Fiduciary Services. “No other software provider comes close”.

Resort Fiduciary Services (RFS) provides outsourced services and facilities to help resorts and businesses run more efficiently. These services include processing multi currency credit card payments over the web, club administration including resort inventory control and membership records and stakeholder services.

“Our aim is to help businesses make savings in staffing and administration costs so we have a lot in common with Merlin. Their technology makes it easier to streamline business processes and we can pass this saving on to our clients”.

Merlin is integrated business application software for all sectors of the vacation ownership industry from developers to home owners associations. All the functionality required to run a business in this industry, from marketing and sales to front and back office, is included. Merlin is served across the internet and provides a single integrated business solution for today’s timeshare and hotel industry. Users simply access the software securely via a web browser from anywhere at any time without the need of expensive link lines and hardware installations.

Chief software developer Mike Pnematicatos said: “RFS’s clients sell a range of different products and Merlin can easily handle all of this for them while our fully integrated accounting package means that RFS doesn’t need to run any other software which is a great cost saving”.

“It is clear that Merlin has been developed by people who understand the timeshare business in general but also what RFS as a company wants to offer its clients. Their on-going support is superb and I am certain Merlin will enhance the services we provide – and may even add to them” Mr Horton explained.

Merlin is the leading industry software provider using the new technology of Cloud Computing to deliver software direct to an internet browser.  Merlin is resource light, incredibly intuitive and allows unlimited users and multiple locations to access the software securely in real time from anywhere in the world. It enables resorts and hotels to benefit from time and cost savings – yet still be at the cutting edge of internet technology.

About Resort Fiduciary Services
Resort Fiduciary Services was established in 2004 by Andrew and Mike Horton. They recognised that timeshare businesses in Europe needed specialist support services and that it was more cost effective for resorts to outsource these rather than employ additional administrative staff. Today RFS provides administration to support to a number of organisations in Europe.

For more information on Resort Fiduciary Services please contact Andrew Horton by email at enquiries@resortfs.co.uk.

About Merlin Software
Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership has been developed by Mike Pnematicatos who has over 20 years experience in the timeshare industry in sales, marketing and resort management.

Using the latest web technology, Merlin is the complete software package for today’s hospitality industry and can handle all types of timeshare and holiday product.

Merlin Software incorporates modules for sales, marketing and front and back office. Its inherent flexibility means it can operate all types of sales activity and holiday product.  As Merlin is served over the Internet there is no requirement for any expensive communication links or set up fees and can be accessed from wherever there is an Internet connection.

For more information on Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership contact Mike Ashton on +44 7753 910 788 (UK), email mikea@quickmerlin.com  or visit www.quickmerlin.com.

Accor North America (ANA), a division of Accor Hospitality, has announced that it will pilot the Green Key Eco-Rating Program (Green Key) within its portfolio in the United States in 2010.  Green Key is the first program of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts based on their commitment to sustainable “green” practices; the Accor North America pilot will involve 20 properties.

The ANA pilot will include representatives from the Motel 6, Sofitel and Studio 6 brands; those properties selected for the pilot will participate in the entire Green Key certification process, which includes:

•    The comprehensive 150-question online self-audit covering a broad range of operational areas and sustainable practices;
•    Being ranked from 1 to 5 Keys based on responses to audit questions;
•    Receipt of a performance report with recommendations, best practices and potential areas for improvement and savings;
•    Listing on the www.greenkeyglobal.com website, a valuable resource for environmentally-conscious travelers;
•    Access to online member resources and tools;
•    On-site verification of self-audit responses by Green Key auditors.

In the course of the pilot, ANA corporate leadership will evaluate the program and decide whether to move forward with a larger rollout throughout the United States.

“Accor is widely recognized within the global hospitality industry as being a leader in sustainability initiatives,” said Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key Global. “We are confident that Green Key will become an important part of Accor North America’s efforts to protect and preserve the environment.”

The cornerstone of the Green Key program is its focus on sound sustainable practices specifically for the lodging industry.   The audit was developed by two leading environmental engineering firms with support from the Canadian Government to withstand the scrutiny of a wide-range of environmental experts; the program had been operating exclusively in Canada since 1997 prior to its launch in the United States this September.  There are currently more than 1,200 Green Key members, including 21 Accor properties in Canada.

“Our Green Key properties in Canada have touted the environmental, financial and marketing benefits of the program for several years,” explained Renée Swoger, Manager of Energy & Environment Services for Accor North America.  “We have been waiting for Green Key to migrate to the United States for some time; needless to say, we are eager to launch the pilot.”

For more information on Green Key or to register your property now, visit www.greenkeyglobal.com, call +1.888.752.7061 or email info@greenkeyglobal.com.

About Accor North America:
Headquartered in Dallas (Carrollton), Texas, Accor North America operates more than 1,000 upscale and economy properties including nationwide economy leaders Motel 6, Studio 6, Ibis, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and upscale Novotel locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit accor-na.com.

About Green Key:  The Green Key Eco-Rating Program is the first of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts in North America based on their commitment to sustainable “green” operations. The program was originally developed for the Hotel Association of Canada by a leading environmental engineering firm with funding from the Canadian Government.  Designed specifically for hotel operations, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a comprehensive environmental audit that will allow each participating property to benefit on several fronts – cost savings, increased bookings from environmentally conscious consumers and meeting planners and responsible corporate citizenry.   In the United States Green Key is a joint partnership between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Inc.; for more information, visit www.GreenKeyGlobal.com.

Special priority sales on one-acre Grace Bay Beach estate to begin January 25

The Élan Collection, a distinctive network of ultra luxury shared interest vacation home ownership properties, is commencing priority sales reservations for its deeded, shared interest ownership opportunities in a private beachfront estate on the Turks and Caicos Islands in British West Indies. Priority sales reservation pricing starts at $1.25 million per deeded interest, but only on a limited basis.

Situated on one acre in Grace Bay Beach (voted among the top 10 beaches in the world by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine), The Coral House estate spans approximately 12,000 square feet and includes five bedrooms, a library, office, two living rooms, breakfast room, family room with a large flat screen TV, and formal dining room. Exceptional details, materials and furnishings can be found throughout the home, including coral render flooring with glass tile inlay; beautiful Brazilian hardwood doors; antique wrought-iron gates imported from France, Egypt and Saudi Arabia; and a unique blend of antique furniture and one-of-a-kind designer pieces. Created for true island entertaining, the residence features an outdoor covered breakfast nook, outdoor beachfront dining pergola and an expansive outdoor beach area for a table setting of 30.

The property also boasts a one-bedroom guest cottage with its own private pool and garden; separate staff quarters with two bedrooms and a living area; and a stunning central courtyard filled with mature giant frangipani trees, bougainvillea, ferns and other lush landscaping. Constructed from coral stone blocks imported from Barbados, the residence celebrates the Barbadian Oliver Messell style of architecture with cedar-shingled roofs and copper gutters.

“The Coral House is a one-of-a-kind island property, situated on one of the world’s best beaches,” said Stan Tonkin, vice president of international marketing and sales for The Élan Collection. “An estate of this caliber and stature simply cannot be replicated today on Grace Bay Beach. The Coral House will afford our Owner-Members with an unparalleled level of privacy and serenity.”

Ownership interests in the Coral House will provide Élan Owner-Members with four weeks of exclusive use per year. As with all Élan properties, The Coral House includes a variety of A-list appointments and personal touches, such as a personally dedicated 24-hour concierge staff, travel accommodations, daily housekeeping, limousine services, luxury vehicle to use when in residence, personal watercraft, personal item placement inside the home and much more.

The Turks and Caicos, a territory of the United Kingdom, consists of two groups of more than 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. The island chain is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters and legendary diving, snorkeling and fishing activities, as well as its upscale resorts that offer pampering with a splash of indulgence. Grace Bay Beach itself, with its 12 miles of curving beach, is home to the most exclusive resorts and hotels, spas and fine restaurants, yet still offers a sense of seclusion with stretches of uncrowded beaches.

About The Élan Collection
The Élan Collection combines the benefits of shared fee-simple vacation home ownership with the advantages of a network of luxury destination resort properties across the United States as well as abroad. Owner-Members at The Élan Collection can select their “home resort” based upon lifestyle interests and preferences, but can also enjoy other Élan destinations within the collection through an exclusive Club Exchange Network. Owner-Members will experience unparalleled amenities and personal touches at each Élan property, such as 24/7 concierge services, travel accommodations, included private jet service, onsite luxury SUV and placement of personal items upon each visit.

For more information, please visit www.elanPRC.com.

Two of the largest property investment funds join forces to provide members access to more than 30 holiday homes

The Hideaways Club, a leading international property investment fund that offers its members the opportunity to invest in and exclusively enjoy an entire portfolio of luxury villas and chalets, announced this week that it has formed a strategic alliance with US based Equity Estates, the largest residence fund in North America. This alliance will offer members of both clubs the opportunity to access more than 30 magnificent properties in 24 of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

Commenting on the alliance Mike Balfour, Chairman and co-founder of The Hideaways Club, said, ”We are thrilled with this latest development in the exciting growth of The Hideaways Club. Both our companies have a common model and a common goal – to provide unparalleled holidays coupled with a sound investment, so it was a logical step to create this alliance for the benefit of our individual companies and our respective owner members. This relationship further endorses our commitment to offering the widest range of holiday options available to members of the Club.”

Under the terms of the alliance, The Hideaways Club and Equity Estates have agreed to make a specified number of non-peak nights available for reciprocal use. Exchange reservations can be made for travel beginning in 2010. Both companies have experienced impressive recent growth, a testament to their common unique model of shared ownership of a portfolio of holiday homes.

The Hideaways Club has 18 magnificent properties in 12 locations throughout Europe, Africa, and Mauritius that will be part of the exchange available to Equity Estates members. In return Hideaways Club members will have access to 11 properties in 11 beautiful destinations currently offered in the Equity Estates portfolio which include spectacular homes in the Turks & Caicos Islands; Telluride, Colorado; Los Cabos, Mexico and Naples, Florida.

“This alliance between Equity Estates and The Hideaways Club is ideal as it facilitates international growth for both companies and enhances the already excellent value proposition for owner members of both funds,“ said Adam Capes, co-founder of Equity Estates. “We cannot imagine a better way to begin 2010 than by doubling our portfolio of accessible properties.”

The properties of both Clubs are serviced by their own concierge operation who will handle all reservations and requests thereby removing all the hassles, unforeseen financial pitfalls and headaches associated with sole ownership and ensuring a relaxed and memorable holiday experience.

The Hideaways Club
The Hideaways Club is Europe’s leading property investment fund, offering its members exclusive usage and ownership of an entire portfolio of luxurious properties for a fraction of the cost of buying a single home overseas. Launched in 2007 the Club has a wide selection of beautiful properties throughout Europe, Africa, Mauritius and South East Asia that not only offer its members a luxurious and prestigious holiday experience but the strong possibility of considerable growth of their investment in the medium to long term.
www.thehideawaysclub.com

Equity Estates
Equity Estates is a luxury residence fund designed to offer spectacular holidays in addition to a real estate investment opportunity. Membership is structured as an equity interest in the real estate owned by the fund and offers the use of the fund’s residences, in addition to any appreciation when the properties are sold. The company was founded in 2006 by managing members wanting to offer all the benefits of second home ownership with none of the hassles.
www.equityestatesfund.com

TimeShareWare, the leading technology solution provider to the shared-ownership and mixed-use vacation ownership industry, is pleased to announce that Ryan Williams, RRP, has rejoined the company as Business Development Manager.

After working in various sales and consulting capacities over the past four years, Williams cited TimeShareWare’s superior technology and advanced platform as one of the key reasons he wanted to return to the company. “I am continually impressed with the flexibility and best practices inherent in TimeShareWare’s software. It has been and continues to be on the cutting edge of technology and is just a great company to work for. After spending time in the industry working with other companies, I have found that TimeShareWare’s software solutions, core capabilities, and easy-to-use interfaces are without peer in the industry. Since rejoining the company, I’ve been impressed with the technology advances that have been built into the software over the past few years.”

Allen Rice, Chief Marketing Officer of TimeShareWare, says, “We are thrilled to have Ryan working on our team again. Ryan is a proven and esteemed industry veteran and a terrific asset to the company. He has a well-deserved reputation of professionalism and integrity and brings 15 years of hospitality industry experience to TimeShareWare. We know that our current and future customers will benefit greatly from Ryan’s contributions.”

Added Williams, “I am really looking forward to the ARDA Convention this March 15th through the 18th in Las Vegas. I invite my friends from around the industry to drop by our booth to say hello and experience the latest from TimeShareWare.”

About TimeShareWare & CondotelWare:
TimeShareWare provides the most advanced resort technology in the industry and has created a state-of-the-art software platform to provide best-of-breed, superior software solutions to shared-ownership, mixed use resorts around the world. 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 advanced technology provides critical functionality to the Vacation Ownership, Vacation Club, and Vacation Rentals industries. 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 residences and hotels. The software helps owners and operators master all aspects of condo-hotel/residence management and administration, including owner accounting, billing, rental rotation, inventory management, reservations, owner relations, reporting, and more.

Leading timeshare companies and service providers have thrown their chips in to be Signature Sponsors of the 2010 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention and Exposition at Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. The annual convention, from March 14–18, will feature an impressive line-up of speakers and entertainers, including keynote speaker Andy Sernovitz. Sernovitz is considered the guru of the word-of-mouth marketing movement, helping countless companies understand the radical changes brought by blogs, MySpace, and consumer-generated media.

The 2010 Signature Sponsors include American Express, Equiant Financial Services, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Systems International (HSI), International Cruise and Excursions, Inc. (ICE), Interval International, iTravel Companion, RCI, Redweek.com, ResortCom International, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., and VacationGuard, Inc.

The convention offers companies prime exposure to top vacation ownership industry professionals who gather to network, learn the latest industry trends, and visit hundreds of industry suppliers on the exhibit floor. Thanks to the generosity of the Signature Sponsors, the ARDA Convention has become the number-one annual resource, providing networking for industry leaders, timely educational programming, and exposure for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.

“We are grateful for the support we receive from our Signature Sponsors,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “These companies enable us to offer the high-quality events our members need, while getting great visibility among the attendees.”

RCI is once again sponsoring the RCI/AIF Open Golf Tournament at Bear’s Best Las Vegas golf club. Interval International is hosting its annual “Party with a Cause” with ticket proceeds benefiting industry research and education. Equiant Financial Services is providing the “smart car fortwo” for the AIF Auto Driveaway contest. The ARDA Awards Gala, sponsored by Holiday Systems International (HSI), will include a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, presentation of the annual ARDA Awards and live entertainment by the Rhythmics.

Companies interested in participating as sponsors or exhibitors at the timeshare industry’s premier annual event may contact Bob Craycraft at 202-371-6700, or bcraycraft@arda.org. Visit www.ARDA.org for more information about the 2010 convention.

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).

Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbor Expands Company’s Metropolitan Portfolio

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced it has welcomed its first CLUB WYNDHAM® Plus owners to its highly anticipated urban property – Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbor.  In development for more than three years, this 250-unit resort is the company’s second resort in the popular Washington D.C. market, joining Wyndham Old Town Alexandria.

“Our nation’s capital has always been a popular vacation destination.  Wyndham Old Town Alexandria was wildly successful when it opened in 1999 and it remains one of our most popular resorts so it was a natural decision to double our presence in this market,” said Franz Hanning, president and chief executive officer, Wyndham Vacation Ownership. ”The fact that our National Harbor property is more than 75% sold out is a testament to the popularity of our urban properties and the Washington D.C. area.”

Situated within National Harbor – a 300-acre waterfront community in Prince George’s County, Md. on the banks of the Potomac River – this purpose-built resort property features 250 condominium-style, fully furnished units, including 42 opulent, presidential suites.  Built in an 11-story tower, the resort also boasts an expansive health and fitness club, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, an outdoor terrace with a spa and wading pool as well as a recreation room.  Owners and guests will also enjoy the ever-growing popular urban vacation experience by having immediate access to the wide variety of shopping and dining options within the National Harbor complex, such as McCormick & Schmick’s, Dolce Enoteca, Ketchup, Grace’s Mandarin and Rosa Mexicano.

Located just minutes from the countless landmarks and attractions of Washington D.C., Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbor, which will operate within the company’s CLUB WYNDHAM Plus exchange program, caters to a growing travel trend among timeshare owners to take vacations to major metropolitan centers.  In an owner survey, Wyndham owners indicated that nine of the top ten destinations they’d like to visit next are urban.

National Harbor was still being built when we bought,” said Eva and Al James of Oxford, NC, CLUB WYNDHAM Plus owners. “The location of the capital was a draw and the resort is right in the heart of the action.”

This resort property is the latest addition to the company’s portfolio of urban resorts, which are designed to offer owners convenient access to the exciting shopping, dining and nightlife located in or near the epicenters of major metropolitan destinations throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.  The company also boasts properties in other popular urban markets, including San Francisco, Calif., Seattle, Wash., Las Vegas, Nev., San Antonio, Texas, Vancouver, BC and Sydney, Australia.

About Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a member of the Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) family of companies, is the world’s largest vacation ownership business, as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, individual vacation ownership units and owners of vacation ownership interests.  Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its three primary consumer brands, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, WorldMark by Wyndham, and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific.   As of January 1, 2009, Wyndham Vacation Ownership had developed or acquired approximately 150 vacation ownership resorts throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific that represent approximately 20,000 individual vacation ownership units and more than 830,000 owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership is headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and is supported by approximately 13,800 employees globally. 

About National Harbor
National Harbor is a community unlike any other in the D.C. region, designed to take full advantage of the most historic river in the nation.  Rising from the banks of the Potomac River just south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Prince George’s County, Md., National Harbor is a 300-acre, mixed-used development designed to include five hotels (including the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center), thousands of residential and office units, tree-lined promenades with scores of shops and restaurants, a marina and
much more.

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort (Carlsbad, CA)  will be the site of North County’s Pink Elephants Nannies’ “Hope for Children of Haiti” charity event on January 30th.  This family-friendly event will raise funds, clothes, shoes and baby products to send to the earthquake victims in Haiti. The fundraiser will be held from 2-5pm, and will include a silent auction, fashion show, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine and entertainment for all ages.  DJ Aesthetix has volunteered to entertain during the fundraiser.

David Brown, Co-President of Grand Pacific Resorts said, “We are glad to be part of this important effort.  Unfortunately sometimes it is tragedies such as the earthquake in Haiti that brings a community together. We hope to see great turnout to support the Red Cross and their ongoing humanitarian work.”

All the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund.  All clothing and supplies donated will be sent directly to Haiti. “We are fortunate enough to be in a position to help make a difference in Haiti,” said Katelyn Chamberlin, of Pink Elephants Nannies, organizer of the event.

A major sponsor is Mobile Photo Booth has donated its photo booth services for the entire event. The attendees will be able to take unlimited photo strips, which will print in duplicate. Mobile Photo Booth will also upload all of the images onto their website where photos maybe viewed, downloaded, or removed.

Other local sponsors who have donated auction items include Moxie Theater, Vanity Hair Studio, PAHR, Integrative Healing Arts, Wasserman Media Group, Pixel Perfect Images, Fortunately Feng Shui, Red Cup Yogurt, Karl Strauss Breweries and many more.

To attend this charity event, or to donate supplies or money, RSVP to Katelyn Chamberlin directly at Katelyn@PinkElephantsNannies.com.  Donations are $5 at the door or clothes, shoes and/or baby products.  The material donations will be sold to raise funds to send to support the efforts in Haiti.

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort  is managed by Grand Pacific Resort Management, one of the oldest and largest vacation ownership companies based in California. Servicing over 45,000 owner-families every year, Grand Pacific Resorts has developed and manages 14 properties. For more information, visit www.grandpacificresortservices.com.

Pink Elephants Nanny Agency opened its doors in September of 2009 in Carlsbad. The company specializes in On-Call Nanny Memberships and Nanny Placement.  For more information www.pinkElephantsnannies.com

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Turkey Tourism Industry by 2013″ report to their offering.

Despite the ongoing downturn faced by the tourism industry around the world, tourism industry in Turkey has reported significant growth rate in recent time. International tourists arrivals has increased by 2.7% in 2009 over 2008 as compare to negative growth faced by world tourism industry.

With strong government efforts and increasing popularity of Turkey as a tourism destination, the international tourist arrivals in Turkey is expected to increase at a health rate of over 10% in coming four years, with outbound and domestic tourism is also expected see the high growth rates.

Medical tourism is expected to see a maximum growth in coming years. Medical tourists are expected to increase by over 20% in coming years. Increasing healthcare costs in European countries and developing healthcare infrastructure in Turkey will drive the growth of medical tourism in Turkey. A part from that marine tourism and golf tourism is also expected to see a huge growth in coming years.

Turkey tourism industry by 2013 report provides an insight into the Turkish tourism market. It evaluates the past, present and future scenario of the Turkish tourism market and discusses the key factors which are making Turkey a potential tourism destination. Report deeply analysed the different parameters of tourism industry, including inbound tourism, domestic tourism, outbound tourism, medical tourism, hotel industry etc.

Report provides the future forecast till 2013 for the major tourism indicators. Report also covers the major players in the tourism industry including major hotel chains and airlines.

As per recently released report “Turkey Tourism Industry by 2013″, despite the ongoing downturn faced by the tourism industry around the world, tourism industry in Turkey has reported significant growth rate in recent time. International tourists arrivals has increased by 2.7% in 2009 over 2008 as compare to negative growth faced by world tourism industry.

With strong government efforts and increasing popularity of Turkey as a tourism destination, the international tourist arrivals in Turkey is expected to increase at a health rate of over 10% in coming four years, with outbound and domestic tourism is also expected see the high growth rates.

Medical tourism is expected to see a maximum growth in coming years. Medical tourists are expected to increase by over 20% in coming years. Increasing healthcare costs in European countries and developing healthcare infrastructure in Turkey will drive the growth of medical tourism in Turkey. A part from that marine tourism and golf tourism is also expected to see a huge growth in coming years.

Turkey tourism industry by 2013 report provides an insight into the Turkish tourism market. It evaluates the past, present and future scenario of the Turkish tourism market and discusses the key factors which are making Turkey a potential tourism destination. Report deeply analysed the different parameters of tourism industry, including inbound tourism, domestic tourism, outbound tourism, medical tourism, hotel industry etc.

Report provides the future forecast till 2013 for the major tourism indicators. Report also covers the major players in the tourism industry including major hotel chains and airlines.”

Key Topics Covered:

* Our View About The Tourism Industry in Turkey
* Middle East Tourism – Current Scenario & Future outlook by 2013
* Why Tourism Industry in Turkey Performing Well Despite the Recession?
* Turkey Tourism Industry Performance
* Emerging Trends in Turkish Tourism Industry
* Competitive Analysis
* List of Figures
* List of Tables

Companies Mentioned:

Hotel Chains

* Best Western International
* Hilton Hotels
* Accor Hotel Group
* Marriott International
* Dedeman Hotels & Resort

Major Airlines

* Turkish Airlines
* Air France-KLM
* EgyptAir Holding Company
* Emirates

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/0fd5ea/turkey_tourism_ind

2009 Growth and Development Sets Pace For Successful 2010

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club (LHVC), located in Puerto Plata on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, is ramping up for 2010 to be another successful year where affordable luxury is still in vogue. The company experienced steady growth in membership numbers, occupancies and kept on track with new construction, new services and amenities in 2009. LHVC will continue growth and development in 2010 with the opening of another gourmet restaurant, a unique new suite product and a growing partnership agreement with Spain-based Globalia Corporation, a leading travel and leisure conglomerate.

“We are excited about another year ahead with new services and amenities, and several new accommodations products for our members.”

“We had a very healthy and exciting 2009 and accomplished a lot on behalf of our members,” said Hans Larcher, Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club Managing Director. “We are excited about another year ahead with new services and amenities, and several new accommodations products for our members.”

In 2009, LHVC broke ground for Phase I of its Costa Esmeralda by Lifestyle product in the peninsula area of Confresi Beach to feature 130 penthouse suites; announced The Level by Lifestyle, a new one, two and three story stand alone villas development with 39 five, six and seven bedrooms on the East side of the resort; announced the new Contemporary Suites & Villas by Lifestyle to feature 55 two-bedroom suites and two and three-bedroom villas; and opened the new Presidential Suites by Lifestyle, which opened in December 2009, in partnership with Globalia Corporation, featuring 36 luxury one and two bedroom suites with their own restaurant, spa, swimming pool with waterfall, tennis courts and access to all resort amenities and services.

Also in 2009, LHVC launched its Real Estate Division for full ownership, and deeded homes and opened The Lifestyle Tower, four-story member services and sales building, encompassing offices for 185 employees, an exclusive V.I.P. services area, new gourmet restaurant and lounge, and a heliport used to shuttle high level members back and forth to the airport in comfort. In 2010, LHVC will be announcing a French Fusion concept restaurant for the Presidential Suites area of the resort, a new suites concept called Executive Spa Suites, another private V.I.P. beach area for members only and several new member resort sites in the Dominican Republic, in partnership with Globalia Corporation.

“These endeavors strengthen our mission to become the provider of the largest and most diverse array of products and experiences in the Dominican Republic. We truly have a member product to fit the needs of all travelers,” added Larcher.

“LHVC concentrates on creating a high-quality product with outstanding service, making it an affordable luxury for our members. Service is the cornerstone of the Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, and it is infused in every aspect of the resort from dining, accommodations and service to transportation and amenities.”

The Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort encompasses five distinct products: The Tropical, The Crown Suites, The Crown Villas, The Residence Suites and the new Presidential Suites. From hotel accommodations to stand alone villas, all guests have access to five swimming pools, nightly entertainment, spa, beach, tennis and more. Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club V.I.P. Members have access to “members only” facilities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, exclusive beach areas, as well as golf carts, limousine transfers and helicopter tours.

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club members, guests and their families have a wide variety of activities available to them in the Dominican Republic’s North Coast. Next door is the Ocean World Adventure Park with its daily animal and aquatic shows plus its signature night-time Las Vegas style show, Bravissimo. Other area activities include a cable car ride to the peak of Mount Isabella de Torres, white water rafting, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, boating, snorkeling, monster truck safaris and city tours of Puerto Plata, named as one of the 53 best destinations in the world by The New York Times. For more Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club information, go to www.lifestyleholidaysvc.com or call (809) 970-7777.

Company Also Announces Several Other Major Accomplishments from the 2009 Year EndHilton Worldwide announced today that, building on the record year the company had in terms of development in 2008, the next best year in the company’s 91-year history was 2009.

In 2009, despite major challenges for the hospitality industry overall, Hilton Worldwide added 302 new hotels and more than 45,000 rooms to a total count that is now more than 3,500 hotels and 585,000 rooms. In 2008, Hilton Worldwide opened 327 properties.

For the fourth consecutive year, Hilton Worldwide opened more newly-constructed guest rooms in the U.S. than any other company.* Additionally, Hilton Worldwide’s pipeline includes more than 900 hotels with more than 129,000 rooms scheduled to open.

Among many other highlights in 2009, Hilton Worldwide also:

* Signed or approved 281 hotel deals with more than 46,000 rooms.

* Moved into first place in terms of open and operating rooms in the U.S.*

* Maximized opportunities globally, with 37 percent of its pipeline of rooms now outside the U.S., compared to 15 percent only two years ago. Additionally, in 2009, 50 percent of room construction starts occurred outside the U.S. versus 17 percent two years ago.

* Increased both its market share and customer satisfaction ratings in each of its ten brands.

* Expanded its luxury portfolio by more than 100 percent within the U.S. and nearly 50 percent outside the U.S.

* Launched a new mid-tier extended-stay brand, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and approved 53 hotels for development as well as broke ground on the first property in the U.S.

* Was the only hotel company with multiple brand winners in “J.D. Power’s 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study.” Embassy Suites ranked highest in guest satisfaction among Upscale chains for the sixth time, and Hilton Garden Inn ranked highest in guest satisfaction among Mid-Scale Full-Service chains for the seventh time.

* Received the Readers Choice “Best in Business Travel” and “Best Hotel Web Site” (Hilton.com) by Business Traveler magazine for its Hilton brand. Hilton also received many other accolades including the “Best Hotel for Meetings” and “Best Hotel for Business Services” by Executive Travel Leading Edge Awards.

* Was honored by Entrepreneur magazine when its Hampton brand was selected as the fourth-best franchise business in the U.S. in its Franchise 500® list.

* Unveiled its new name and corporate logo that better reflect the global company it is today and will continue to be in the future.

“Despite the serious challenges resulting from the macroeconomic environment, last year was an outstanding year for our company in many significant ways,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hilton Worldwide. “As the global markets continue to improve, I believe Hilton Worldwide is better positioned than ever to achieve our mission to be the preeminent global hospitality company – the first choice of guests, team members and owners alike.”

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For more than 90 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,500 hotels in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors.

For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.

* Smith Travel Research, U.S. Pipeline Report, December 2009

Robb & Stucky Interiors, one of North America’s largest home furnishings and interior design companies, has recently completed the interior design, custom manufacture and installation of furnishings for a unique property with ownership opportunities being offered in both fractional and whole ownership.

With interiors designed by Robb & Stucky, (www.RobbStucky.com) construction of the 19-story The Resort at MarinaVillage at Tarpon Point Marina was recently completed and officially opened with a gala ribbon-cutting celebration in mid-November.  Developed by Grosse Pointe Development Company, Inc., the $150 million resort complex is the first waterfront resort in Cape Coral, Florida.

Located within the 147-acre planned use development of Tarpon Point Marina, The Resort at MarinaVillage rises majestically above the Caloosahatchee River. The Shops at MarinaVillage are located along the promenade overlooking the 175-slip deep-water marina and will be open to the public. Parking is available in the adjacent six-story parting structure.

Robb & Stucky directed the total interior design for 184 two- and three-bedroom units at the Resort at MarinaVillage, ranging from 1,235 to 2,195 square feet in size featuring master suites, grand rooms, guest suites and private dining terraces. Work included turnkey furnishings, bedding, window coverings, artwork, accessories and kitchenware. Additionally, the design team, led by Design Consultant Jan Wallace, assisted in the design of the common areas, ballroom, and lobby, with a unique two-story water feature.

According to Bob Hensley, CEO of Grosse Pointe Development, Inc., “Designing fully-furnished upscale interiors that accommodate the needs and desires of demanding homeowners of both fractional and whole ownership residences was a challenge we were confident Robb & Stucky was capable of handling. Not only did they create custom-designed furnishings, finishes and accessories specifically for our property, resulting in a ‘Florida chic’ design style, they also coordinated every aspect of the manufacturing, shipping and installation process, relieving us from potential headaches associated with such a complex project.”

Added Hensley, “Since both the fractional and whole ownership units are being sold completely furnished and to an upscale market, having the right company to handle the interior design work was an integral element to our success.  We selected Robb & Stucky because we have used them in the past and they always exceeded our expectations. We also chose them because of their impressive credentials and experience with fractionals, their understanding of the shared-use concept and the expectations of this special market.”

Commented Dan Lubner, President of the Resort Division of Robb & Stucky Interiors, “Because of our vertical integration, we were able to custom design and manufacture the perfect product for this property. We are honored to offer our unique services to Grosse Pointe Development and look forward to working with them again in the future.”

The Resort at MarinaVillage is being managed by Fort Myers-based SunStream Hotels & Resorts with both fractional and whole ownership guests enjoying full usage of the resort’s amenities including concierge and spa services, room service, and access to a resort-style pool, spa and deck.  Gary Locke is the General Manager for the property and the Director of Hospitality Operations for SunStream. He adds, “During the entire design and installation process, the Robb & Stucky design team was extremely well organized, methodical, and flexible in adjusting to our changing needs. The staff was most conscientious and easy to work with. Our initial guests tell us that they are truly amazed and delighted at the style and beauty of the furnishings in both the rooms and common areas.”

Tarpon Point Marina features a 175-slip deep-water marina, three luxury high-rise buildings, custom estate homes, as well as coach homes with residences priced from $400,000 to over $7 million. Fractional ownership of the resort residences is available starting at $74,000 for a 1/12 (four-week) share. Upon completion, Tarpon Point Marina will have 976 single-family homes, condominiums, park homes and lake-view residences.

About Robb & Stucky Interiors
Founded in 1915 in Fort Myers, Florida, Robb & Stucky Interiors is a nationally respected interior design and premier furnishings retailer with showrooms in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and Costa Rica as well as nine Robb & Stucky patio stores and one of the nation’s largest team of licensed interior designers. In 2009, the company was named an Alliance Partner for the internationally respected Preferred Hotel Group, providing interior design services for Preferred Hotel Group’s 700+ member hotels, resorts and fractional properties in more than 70 countries. The Interval International vacation exchange company recently named Robb & Stucky to its prestigious Interval Affiliate Advantage program, making its design services available to Interval International member resorts.  For more information, visit www.RobbStucky.com

Grand Pacific Resort Services (GPRS),  a privately owned vacation ownership management company located in Carlsbad, CA has announced it will now be known as Grand Pacific Resort Management (GPRM).

According to Co-President David Brown, the new name more clearly reflects the company’s core competencies and plans for the future.  “We want to let timeshare resorts and homeowners associations know we have the infrastructure to help them be successful.  Grand Pacific Resort Management has 20 years of experience and can provide all the necessary resources to deliver customized solutions in resort development and management services”.

At the resort level, GPRM offers on-site staffing, preventive maintenance and seamless reservations systems. In addition the company provides high quality preparation and timely distribution of all Monthly Accounting Statements (Profit & Loss statements, Balance Sheets and Cash Projections), Reserve account reports and projections, and the preparation of the annual Budget.  GPRM also prides itself in delivering best in class assessment billing and collection services.  Resorts may also turn to the company for its expertise in Interior Design and as well as FF&E Purchasing.

Grand Pacific Resort Management offers a full spectrum of Resort Management functions.   Its long successful tenure in the industry allows it to tailor services to a resort’s unique requirements and, at the same time, work in partnership with the property to keep expenses low and offset expenses with income.  The blueprint for this framework has been developed over two decades of successful resort development, operations and back office management as well as financial services.

“This change has been years in the making,” says Brown.  “Over time we’ve produced an infrastructure that gives us the capability to work with a single resort, an HOA managing one or many resorts, an older resort going through a refurbishment or a financial institution that finds itself in the position of managing a shared ownership product due to the present economic climate.  Our new name is just a better description of what we’ve been doing all along, and it lets people know we are a premier timeshare and vacation ownership Management Company, as well as a developer.”

Among the resorts currently managed by GPRM are Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, Coronado Beach Resort, Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and Hotel, Indian Palms Vacation Club, Redwolf Lakeside Lodge, Redwolf at Squaw Valley, RiverPointe Napa Valley, San Clemente Cove Resort, Southern California Beach Club and Villa L’Auberge.

Grand Pacific Resort Management is one of the oldest and largest vacation ownership companies based in California. Servicing over 45,000 owner-families every year, it manages 14 properties. For more information visit www.grandpacificresorts.com  or call Sharrie McIntosh at 760-431-8500.

Perspective International, a PR & media company specializing in the timeshare and fractional ownership industry and publishers of Perspective Magazine and Owners Perspective Magazine, has announced that Perspective Chief Executive Officer Paul Mattimoe will speak at the 2010 Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference, which will take place March 29 through 31 at the Fairmont San Francisco.

“Ragatz Associates is fortunate to have Paul Mattimoe of Perspective International be one of the featured speakers at our forthcoming 10th Annual Fractional Interest Conference,” says Richard L. Ragatz, Ph.D., president of Ragatz Associates. “Paul is widely recognized as an expert on the topic on a global basis in regard to industry trends, supply and demand conditions, and most active companies. He is expected to be a major addition to this year’s conference.”

The 2010 Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference will mark its 10th anniversary. What started as a small seminar with 50 participants has grown to be one of the most widely recognized and respected conferences on the fractional interest and private residence club industries on a global basis. This year’s conference is especially important to anyone currently in the industry, or anticipating being so. Recent and probable future changes in the national and global economies are creating both challenges and opportunities. The conference agenda is designed to reflect these changes and how best to respond to them. Over 60 speakers will discuss critical implications for consumer decision making, marketing, sales, financing, etc. They will represent existing participants in the industry, as well as experts and advisors from related industries.

Additional conference details and registration instructions are available at Ragatz Associates.

About Ragatz Associates
Ragatz Associates has long been internationally recognized as the leading consulting and market research firm in the resort real estate industry. Since being formed in 1974 by Dr. Richard Ragatz, the firm has conducted more than 2,500 studies in over 70 countries.  It specializes in feasibility analysis and consumer research. Almost 500 assignments have been in the fractional and private residence club industry. Clients represent the private sector (from small, individually owned companies, to international corporations) and the public sector (from small municipalities to national governments).

To learn more about the services offered by Ragatz Associates, visit www.ragatzassociates.com.

About Perspective International Ltd
Perspective International Ltd is a PR & Media company specializing in the timeshare and fractional ownership industry. In addition to its media, marketing and advertising services, Perspective International Ltd produces two industry publications: Perspective Magazine – the most-read independent B2B publication for the shared ownership industry globally (www.perspectivemagazine.com); and Owners Perspective Magazine – the consumer version of the above which offers a unique platform for brand awareness and lead generation. (www.ownersperspective.com).

Perspective Magazine is the most read independent B2B publication for the shared ownership industry globally, offering exclusive interviews, news and reviews on all aspects of timeshare, fractional ownership, private residence clubs and resort real estate. Winner of two Innovative Marketing Awards and Media Sponsor of 18 major industry conventions around the globe with official distribution to all delegates at each event just adds to the highly targeted print and online subscription base of more than 20,600 industry professionals and the additional online exposure offered through its network of news and press release sites.

Perspective Magazine is officially distributed to all conference delegates, making it a prime advertising opportunity. For more information on advertising and editorial opportunities, call +1 407 792 2343 (USA) or +44 191 250 3501 (UK), or visit our online media center at www.perspectiverates.com.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i conveys the connection of the new resort to the islands

The highly anticipated Disney destination resort currently under construction on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu now has an official name and a dynamic new Web site offering an inside look at the project. The resort’s name – Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i – reflects the company’s deep commitment to celebrating the islands’ rich history and traditions. Plans call for the first phase of the resort to open in fall 2011.

Artists's Concept - Proposed

“We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling – and its roots are here in this land,” said Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re so grateful to the local Hawaiians who led us to the discovery of this name, and our goal is to live up to its meaning.”

Rohde noted that Aulani translated from the Hawaiian language to English, means “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.”

The Resort
Nearby to historical sites on the western side of O‘ahu, Aulani will be located on 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development.  The Resort is planned to have 360 hotel rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas.

Design plans call for amenities to engage every member of the family, a hallmark of a Disney vacation.  Among the recreational highlights planned for the resort are pools and sunset facing hot tubs, a snorkeling lagoon, a variety of kids’ club and other play programs for children, and a river, suitable for tube floating, running through a specially created volcanic outcropping.

The resort will also include an 18,000-square-foot spa designed with families in mind.  The resort, built adjacent to a crystal blue lagoon and a white-sand beach, is planned to also have two restaurants, a 14,545-square-foot conference center and 48,685 square feet of outdoor venues. Located nearby are the existing Ko Olina Marina and a Ted Robinson-designed, 18-hole Championship Golf course.

The Web Site
Disney has launched a new preview Web site, www.DisneyAulani.com, to provide updates and background information on the resort now under construction.  The site also details some of the adventures and amenities under development, and includes conceptual art, descriptions of resort highlights, regularly updated resort information and photos of Aulani as it nears completion.

“We are looking forward to welcoming guests to Aulani to share the fun, immersive family vacation experiences Disney is known for combined with the beauty and culture of Hawai‘i,” said Djuan Rivers, Vice President, Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawai‘i.  “We are turning to the Hawaiian culture for inspiration in everything we are doing at Aulani, and we hope our guests will not only enjoy the Disney experience, but will also embrace the unique culture of Hawai‘i and its diverse people.”

Escapia Releases National 2010 Vacation Rental Industry Report Providing Most Comprehensive Look at the Current State of the Vacation Rental Business

Escapia, Inc. (www.escapia.com) today announced the immediate release of the National 2010 Vacation Rental Industry Report. This complimentary report analyzes data from over $300 million of bookings at tens of thousands of vacation rental homes in 2009, providing unprecedented insights into national industry trends.

While 2009 was a tough year for vacation rental managers, Escapia’s latest report shows that the actual results were not as dismal as many perceived. Early year booking declines of over 25% largely reversed direction by mid-year, with fourth quarter bookings rebounding by 17% compared to a year earlier. The industry also saw notable improvement in key metrics including the average booking size, lead times and length of stay during the fourth quarter of 2009. Topics addressed in the report include:

–  How travelers responded to the ‘Great Recession’
–  Year-to-Year Booking Dollars by Quarter
–  Booking Dollars by Month
–  Booking Dollars by Region
–  Average Length of Stay and Lead Times
–  Average Booking Size by Quarter
–  Bookings by Day of the Week
–  Bookings by Month: When they happened and when they were made

The National 2010 Vacation Rental Industry report offers the most thorough analysis of 2009 vacation rental data to date. “We are thrilled to release our annual report for the industry,” said Bill Furlong, CEO of Escapia. “This report is by far the most comprehensive analysis on the state of the vacation rental business. We hope that giving vacation rental managers this type of information will help them learn from 2009 and make themselves stronger for 2010.” A summary of the report is provided on the Escapia Blog at www.escapiablog.com. The full report is available for free download at Escapia’s web site at www.escapia.com/market_trends.html. 2010 Vacation Rental Reports by Region for select regions are also available upon request by contacting research@escapia.com.

About Escapia
Escapia, Inc., founded in 2000, is leading the Internet revolution in the $24 billion vacation rental industry with a comprehensive Internet business platform and breakthrough online marketing and booking services. Escapia empowers professional vacation rental management companies to reach new customers, manage guest and owner relationships, and perform trust-based accounting, housekeeping, maintenance and other mission critical aspects of their businesses. Seattle-based Escapia can be reached at 1-800-ESCAPIA, info@escapia.com or via the web at www.escapia.com.

The Hideaways Club, a leading international property investment Fund that offers its members the opportunity to invest in and exclusively enjoy an entire portfolio of luxury villas and chalets, announced this week that it has formed an exciting alliance with Banyan Tree Private Collection, Asia’s first and most luxurious global destination club.

The alliance takes the form of an exchange partnership, offering members of both clubs a new and unique holiday experience allowing them the opportunity to enjoy reciprocal usage of each other’s properties.

Launched in 2007, The Hideaways Club is one of the largest clubs of its kind with over 25 multi-million dollar properties throughout Europe, Africa, Mauritius and South East Asia. Banyan Tree Private Collection owns premium villas within Banyan Tree resorts in Thailand, Bali, China and Seychelles as well as standalone private villas and luxury apartments in Italy, France, the United Kingdom and Japan. This alliance allows members of both clubs the opportunity to substantially broaden their holiday horizons at no extra cost to their initial membership or yearly fees. Members of each club will be able to use the spare capacity of the other club which will greatly increase property availability for all members.

Commenting on the alliance Mike Balfour, Chairman and co-founder of The Hideaways Club said,” We are thrilled to have formed this partnership with such a prestigious and internationally recognised company. This is a very exciting time in the growth of The Hideaways Club, and with nine additional properties from which to choose the alliance opens up a whole new area for our members to discover and enjoy. This relationship further endorses our commitment to offering the widest range of holiday options available to members of the Club.”

Marina Kleiman, Managing Director of Banyan Tree Private Collection commented, “The Hideaways Club is a perfect fit for us and totally reflects the luxury, quality and service that our members have come to expect. This will give them the opportunity to visit some of the most exotic and exciting locations around the world in the comfort and style for which the Banyan Tree Private Collection is renowned.”

The properties of both clubs are serviced by their own concierge operation who will handle all reservations and requests thereby removing all the hassles, unforeseen financial pitfalls and headaches associated with booking a holiday in order to ensure a relaxed and memorable experience.

Membership of The Hideaways Club is rapidly becoming recognised as the most financially astute way of investing in overseas property that combines a unique investment with a luxurious lifestyle, offering members a wide variety of holiday options while at the same time benefiting from medium to long term growth on their investment.

TimeShareWare, the industry leader in providing technology solutions, and Bluegreen Resorts, a leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play®, are pleased to announce that TimeShareWare Professional 2009 has been installed at 41 Bluegreen owned or managed resorts across North America. Bluegreen initially installed TimeShareWare for all of their resorts in 2003, and is pleased to upgrade to this latest solution from TimeShareWare.

In TimeShareWare Professional 2009 Bluegreen has selected an advanced technology solution designed to provide data privacy and efficient property management best practices to manage the guest experience of more than 350,000 reservations each year.

For Sheila B. Donahoe, SVP and Chief Information Officer of Bluegreen Corporation, the upgrade to TimeShareWare Professional 2009 marks a significant milestone. “Effectively protecting our owner and guest information is critically important to us. Pro 2009 provides the additional data security we require and is aligned with our PCI compliance objectives. Pro 2009 also arms our resort staff with tools needed to provide exceptional guest service.”

Jerry C. Sandorf, COO of TimeShareWare, followed up Ms. Donahoe’s observations by saying, “Bluegreen is one of the largest and most recognized vacation ownership companies in the world. As a public company, Bluegreen has an extensive responsibility to its owners, its associates, and its shareholders. TimeShareWare is happy to partner with Bluegreen to assist in delivering on these responsibilities.”

About Bluegreen:
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE:BXG) is the leader in providing Colorful Places to Live and Play® through its vacation ownership resort and residential real estate business segments. Our more than 3,800 employees are passionate about delivering extraordinary experiences for our owners, travelers, and business partners. Since 1996, Bluegreen has managed, marketed and sold a flexible, real estate-based vacation ownership plan with more than 215,000 owners, over 53 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 3,700 resorts worldwide. Since 1985, Bluegreen Communities has developed master-planned residential and golf communities primarily in the southern and southeastern U.S., and has sold over 55,000 home sites. Bluegreen also offers a portfolio of comprehensive, turnkey, fee-for-service resort management, financial services, customer generation, and sales solutions to third-party developers and lenders.

About TimeShareWare & CondotelWare:
TimeShareWare provides the most advanced resort technology in the industry and has created a state-of-the-art software platform to provide best-of-breed, superior software solutions to shared-ownership, mixed use resorts around the world. 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 advanced technology provides critical functionality to the Vacation Ownership, Vacation Club, and Vacation Rentals industries. 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 residences and hotels. The software helps owners and operators master all aspects of condo-hotel/residence management and administration, including owner accounting, billing, rental rotation, inventory management, reservations, owner relations, reporting, and more.

Helps Us to Provide “Great Customer Service” Says Sr. VP

Cory Phelps, Senior VP of The San Francisco Exchange Company (SFX) says the recent selection of CustomerCount© is influential in providing “Great customer service and helped in helping customers with their travel needs.”

The CustomerCount© program, developed initially by Mobius Vendor Partners for its client RCI, collects and measures customer feedback through branded, customized surveys formulated to measure the quality of the entire customer experience from reservations and sales through to the vacation stay itself. CustomerCount tracks three primary components:  the reservation experience, the contact sales experience and the vacation experience.

SFX has over 100,000 members and operates a worldwide exchange network of the industry’s highest rated resorts, aligning itself with the most strategic and respected brand name resorts in the timeshare industry. Regardless of any resorts exchange company affiliation, individual timeshare Owners own the rights to their time and may request the service of any exchange company willing to accept their weeks for exchange. SFX allows owners to exercise this right to its fullest.

In fact, it is SFX’s affiliation with numerous properties and networks that make the CustomerCount© survey extremely important as a real time monitoring system. Phelps says “the system helps us stay consistent and give our members all the information they need to enjoy their vacations. Several times, it has helped in finding out about things happening at a specific resort, such as closure of amenities due to construction or weather.  In one instance, it also alerted us to new fees that we needed to make our guests aware of. “

SFX Preferred Resorts Mayan Palace

CustomerCount© is fully transparent to members, owners and guests.  The process begins with Email invitations and reminders and continues through to on-line reporting and analysis 24/7. It may be customized for use by shared ownership resort developments, as well as other businesses.

Bill Morris, Managing Partner of Mobius Vendor Partners, says “it took four years for us to develop a core system with sound software. That allows us to customize the product according to the needs of the client.  In the case of SFX, they are primarily based on the vacation and reservation experience.  Other clients focus more on the sales experience. The web based, real time reporting helps management keep flexible, which is more than important in today’s business climate.”

Mobius Vendor Partners is a ten year old business process design and management company specializing in servicing the needs of the timeshare industry.  Mobius principals are active in ARDA through sponsorships and committee memberships.  Robert Kobek RRP is a member of the Board of Trustees of the ARDA International Foundation.
For more information visit www.mobiusvp.com or call 317-816-6000.

Starwood and Hersha Hospitality Management Bring Outdoor-Inspired Design and Eco-Friendly Features to Mercer County

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces the opening of its first ElementSM hotel in New Jersey and the seventh Element hotel globally, Element Ewing-Hopewell in Ewing, New Jersey, just 10 minutes outside Princeton. The hotel is owned through a joint venture between American Properties Realty, Inc. and Hersha Hospitality Management, L.P., which is also the manager of the hotel.

Element, Starwood’s green trailblazer, made history when it launched as the only major hotel brand to mandate that its properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings. With 127 guest rooms and more than 2,000 square feet of meeting space, Element Ewing delivers a no-compromise, eco-chic experience with inviting and inspiring public spaces, modern amenities and smart design. As an example of the hotel’s commitment to sustainable operations, Element Ewing will offer a curbside charging station for electric vehicles for local residents and guests alike.

Element Ewing provides a refreshing new choice for Mercer County business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel is strategically located between Princeton and Trenton, and Ewing and the surrounding area is home to corporations including Merrill Lynch, Bristol-Myers Squibb , Johnson & Johnson, Medeikon, Solar Energy Corporation, Redpoint Bio, Thermo-Temp Corporation, and Educational Testing Services, along with the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton at Ewing.

“In a region where business thrives on fresh ideas and bold thinking, we’re pleased to introduce Element’s inspiring, invigorating guest experience,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “Whether they’re staying for three nights or three weeks, guests will appreciate the energizing atmosphere they’ll find at Element Ewing.” The hotel’s opening will also bring more than 35 new – and green – jobs to Mercer County, McGuinness added.

“We are very excited to launch the first Element Hotel in New Jersey and to offer a newly built and smartly designed longer stay alternative for business and leisure travelers in the Ewing-Hopewell market,” said Naveen P. Kakarla, Executive Vice President of Hersha Hospitality Management. “We designed this hotel along with our partners at American Properties Realty with renewed focus on improving energy and environmental performance metrics, including energy savings, water efficiency, CO2-emissions reduction and improved indoor environmental quality. Our development objectives align closely with our ongoing operational initiative on the environment and sustainable hotel operations across approximately 70 hotels under management,” Kakarla added.

Smart from the Start
Element Hotels’ unique design philosophy is evident the moment a guest arrives at Element Ewing-Hopewell. After passing through the hotel’s signature portal, guests are greeted with an energizing environment of clean design and a large open space flooded with natural light from a multi-storied window wall. The vitality of the interior lobby is matched by the energy of the hotel’s outdoor fire pit, barbecue and soothing water feature.

In guest rooms, multi-purpose, modular furniture, swiveling flat-screen televisions, large desks with open shelving and custom-designed closets allow guests to customize their space. Guest rooms feature the signature Westin Heavenly(R) Bed, and each morning guests will be recharged in the spa-inspired shower. Perfectly suited for longer-stay guests, all rooms offer a fully equipped kitchen that features modern, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and all the utensils necessary to prepare a gourmet meal.

A signature complimentary Rise breakfast offering, free wired and wireless Internet access, 24-hour Restore gourmet pantry, state-of-the-art Motion fitness center, chlorine-free pool and uninterrupted indoor/outdoor public spaces delivers everything guests need to work, relax or socialize on their schedule.

Green from the Ground Up
At Element, green features are cleverly designed to be as aesthetically appealing as they are eco-friendly, so guests never compromise on style and comfort. Eco-friendly materials are used whenever possible and natural light is maximized throughout the hotels. To reduce waste, guest room bathrooms are equipped with amenity dispensers, kitchens are supplied with silverware and glassware instead of plastic utensils and paper cups, and filtered drinking water is available rather than plastic water bottles. Recycling bins are available in guest rooms and public areas. Element hotels conserve water and energy with low-flow faucets and fixtures, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and energy-efficient appliances. Even the ubiquitous “Do Not Disturb” sign has been replaced with an environmentally-friendly magnet. For more information, please visit www.elementhotels.com.

Element Hotels, like all brands within Starwood’s portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. To learn more, please visit www.spg.com.

About American Properties Realty, Inc.
American Properties is a fully integrated development, investment and management company operating in New Jersey for over 40 years. American Properties has constructed over 10,000 homes, apartments and condominiums. In addition, it has completed over 1,000 hotel rooms and 3 million square feet of office space. The company has active projects in Ewing, Chesterfield, Matawan, and Eatontown. The company is headquartered in Woodbridge, New Jersey. It is one of the first building companies in New Jersey to obtain LEED certification and has received awards from the NJ DEP for its development practices. Many of its communities have received the highest awards from the NJ Builders Association.

About Hersha Hospitality Management
Hersha Hospitality Management currently operates approximately 70 hotels in the nation’s leading markets, including six hotels in the Princeton-Trenton corridor in New Jersey. The company provides turnkey hotel management and asset management for properties with leading brand affiliations, including Starwood, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and InterContinental Hotel Group, and a newly launched “Independent Collection” (www.independentcollection.com). Including hotels under construction, HHM operates hotels under 20 brands. The company’s clients include publicly traded companies, joint ventures, institutional real estate owners and private investors. Additional information about HHM may be found at www.hershahotels.com.

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(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), 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.

Further details about the 2010 TATOC conference “Working Together” have been announced. The event is being held at the Nottingham Belfry from Friday 26th March to Sunday 28th March, 2010.

Stephen J. Cloobeck

Stephen J. Cloobeck is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts International®.  Mr. Cloobeck has over 25 years of experience in development, construction, management, operations, marketing and sales of real estate properties including vacation ownership resorts, hotels, retail shopping centres, office and apartment buildings.

Today, Diamond Resorts International®, with global headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, is one of the largest vacation ownership companies in the world with more than 160 branded and affiliated resorts and over 24,000 guest beds in 26 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Offering simplicity, choice and comfort to more than 400,000 owners and members through the branded hospitality service of more than 5,500 team members worldwide, Diamond Resorts International® is dedicated to providing its guests with effortless and relaxing vacation experiences every time, for a lifetime.

Mr. Cloobeck is widely recognized as one of the most innovative, successful and accomplished entrepreneurs in the global vacation ownership industry and under his leadership, annually, nearly 1.4 million owners, members and guests enjoy the simplicity, choice and comfort Diamond Resorts International® offers through its branded hospitality experience.

This year’s conference is expected to surpass previous records for attendance and sponsorship.  It is the ideal event for timeshare owners and industry professionals to network while enjoying superb speakers.

Details of other speakers will be announced soon.

Booking forms are now available to download at www.timeshareassociation.org
For more information please contact harry.taylor@timeshareassociation.org
Telephone 00 44 (0)161 237 3611   Fax 00 44 (0)161 237 3611

Starwood’s The Luxury Collection Brand Signs Seven New Deals and Opened Five Hotels in 2009

International Growth and Conversion Opportunities Extend Starwood’s Luxury Leadership

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces today that its world-renowned The Luxury Collection brand has signed two new deals to open the brand’s first hotels in China. The Astor Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is scheduled to open as a Luxury Collection Hotel in May 2010 after a $22 million renovation, and The Malus Sanya, a Luxury Collection Resort, a new-build resort set to open in late 2012. These new developments are illustrative of The Luxury Collection brand’s overall global growth that includes seven new deals and five hotel openings in 2009.

“By working with the right partners on the right properties in the right places, The Luxury Collection has enjoyed steady and strategic international growth in key markets like China even amidst challenging times”

As evidenced by its two new deals in China, the brand’s growth is fueled by strength in Asia Pacific and a notable increase in conversion properties. In fact, of the seven deals for new Luxury Collection hotels, the majority are in Asia Pacific markets like China, India and Malaysia. And nearly half of the recently signed hotels are conversions.

“By working with the right partners on the right properties in the right places, The Luxury Collection has enjoyed steady and strategic international growth in key markets like China even amidst challenging times,” said Simon Turner, President, Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “In addition to new-build properties, Starwood is attracting a growing number of owners and developers who seek to rebrand existing properties as Luxury Collection hotels. By doing so, they maintain their independence while tapping into the power and breadth of the Starwood network, including our Starwood Preferred Guest® program, which drives business for owners and provides guests unprecedented access to the world’s finest luxury hotels.”

The Luxury Collection marked an important milestone in October of 2009 with the opening of ITC Royal Gardenia, a Luxury Collection hotel in Bengaluru, India, which is Starwood’s 150th hotel in Asia Pacific. Building on that success in Asia, The Luxury collection continues to grow in the region including the December 2009 re-branding of the iconic The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia, and in addition to the two recently signed Chinese hotels, The Luxury Collection will debut the Vana Belle Samui, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa on a secluded cove on the tropical Island of Koh Samui, Thailand.

“The Luxury Collection stands out in its category for delivering authentic, indigenous experiences and an exceptional level of service to its guests – a compelling combination for discerning global travelers,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “We are proud to serve as a portal to even more of the world’s most enriching and desirable destinations as we continue our global expedition.”

Originated in 1906 as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 70 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries across the globe including Hotel Danieli, Venice; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Grand Bretagne, Athens; Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain; The Laguna Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali; Patios de Cafayate, Argentina; SLS at Beverly Hills; Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

The Astor Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tianjin
Scheduled to debut in May 2010, following a $22 million (RMB 150 million) renovation, The Astor Hotel Tianjin features 152 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, approximately 1,000 square metres of meeting space, five world class restaurants and bars, an indoor swimming pool, and state-of-the-art fitness and business centres.

With a heritage extending more than 140 years, The Astor Hotel first opened in 1863 and is one of China’s most iconic landmarks. Classified as a National Important Historical Relics Protection Unit by the Chinese Government, The Astor Hotel is renowned as the preferred destination for foreign expatriates and local dignitaries. Since its opening, the hotel has gone through several restorations and expansion programs including the building of its second tower which was completed in the late 20th century. The Astor Hotel has played host to VIPS, Heads-of-State and International Diplomats including Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Madam Song Qingling, former United States President Herbert Hoover, the last Emperor Puyi and Empress Wan Rong.

The Astor Hotel is located in the central business district (CBD) of Tianjin at Tai’erzhuang Road, Heping District, facing the Haihe River and Green River and at the back of Victoria Park. It is also a 35 minute drive from the Tianjin International Airport. For more information please visit, www.luxurycollection.com/astor.

The Malus, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya
Opening in the autumn of 2012, The Malus Sanya is part of the integrated Haitang Bay Beach Resort district spreading over a site area of 150 square kilometers with 40 kilometres of beachfront. Offering lush landscapes and breathtaking sea views, the resort will offer The Luxury Collection global explorers 160 luxury guest rooms and villas, approximately 300 square meters of meeting space; two signature restaurant and bars; a 24-hour business center; state-of-the-art health club and fitness center; signature spa; outdoor swimming pool; tennis courts; specialty shopping, and will share a recreational centre with the newly opened Sheraton Sanya Haitang Bay Resort.

With its tropical climate, crystalline water and endless azure skies, Hainan is celebrated as the “Hawaii of China,” offering guests the ideal destination for leisure and business retreats. The Malus, Sanya is situated on the southern part of Hainan and Haitang Bay, and is ideally located on the Island’s eastern coastal area. Due to the growing influx of leisure travelers to Hainan, the region is currently constructing its third International Airport only 127 km from Haitang Bay in Boao, Qionghai City. For more information please visit, www.luxurycollection.com/malus.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 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.

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection® is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel’s distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

Los Altos Situated Within Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana

Preferred Residences™, a hospitality branded membership and exchange program for luxury whole and shared ownership resorts offered by a subsidiary of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced that Los Altos Club in La Romana, Dominican Republic, has joined its exchange network. Through this affiliation, owners participating in the rental program at Los Altos resort become members of Los Altos Club and have access to the membership and exchange privileges of Preferred Residences.

Designed by renowned architect Francisco Feaugas to reflect a gracious, tropical Caribbean style, Los Altos resort comprises 116 luxury villas and lofts. The residences are beautifully appointed with upscale finishes, elegant contemporary furniture, and set in lush gardens. They feature 10-foot vaulted ceilings, custom solid oak doors, travertine marble flooring, spacious living and dining areas, European-style kitchens with granite surfaces and stainless steel appliances, and oversized terraces.

“We’re very proud that Los Altos has chosen to join Preferred Residences,” noted David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing, Preferred Residences. “It is a distinctive property with best-in-class amenities and services, representative of the caliber of resort we envisioned when we launched the program.”

“With its award-winning design and high-quality construction, Los Altos offers all the comforts of an upscale residence and the extensive facilities of Casa de Campo, one of the finest and most complete resort communities in the Caribbean,” said Willy A. Bermello, AIA, AICP, developer of Los Altos and principal of BAP Development. “The prestige of the Preferred Residences brand is the perfect complement to our exceptional product.”

Among the wide array of amenities and activities that owners and guests can enjoy are a private beach, multiple international restaurants and bars–including Beach Club by Le Cirque, championship-level golf courses (Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore, and The Links), Cygalle Healing Spa, fitness center, numerous tennis courts, an equestrian center, a polo field, a dude ranch, a shooting center for skeet and trap, a full-service marina, a day camp for children, and babysitting services.

Los Altos is adjacent to Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th century Italian village, with shops, restaurants, and numerous cultural attractions, including a 5,000 seat open-air theater.

In addition to the sales and marketing opportunities for developers, Preferred Residences offers owners “high-touch” exchange services and year-round leisure and lifestyle benefits tailored especially for discerning, affluent travelers. These include preferential pricing at participating Preferred Hotel Group affiliated properties worldwide, complimentary Prestige membership in Priority Pass™ airport VIP lounge program, personal concierge services accessible 24/7 online and via phone, discounts on the Delta AirElite private jet program, and complimentary annual membership in Hertz #1 Club Gold®.

About BAP Development
BAP Development was founded in 1999 by Bermello and engineer Luis Ajamil to address the demand for quality residential and mixed-use high-rise developments in South Florida. The company has been able to leverage the reputation and experience of its principals and the resources of its affiliated company, Bermello, Ajamil, and Partners, one of Florida’s largest architectural and engineering companies, to become one of the leading development firms in South Florida. BAP is continuing its expansion by identifying new locations with strong market potential throughout Florida, selected areas of the United States, and the Caribbean Basin.

About Preferred Residences™
Preferred Residences™ is a hospitality branded membership and exchange program for luxury fractional resorts, private residence clubs, and condominium-style hotels.  The program gives developers the opportunity to promote their upscale vacation residences within a network of exclusive accommodations and to deliver high-quality vacation experiences to owners of exceptional real estate. Members have access to a rich menu of benefits and services designed to enhance a sophisticated lifestyle. Preferred Residences is an alliance between Interval International, a leader in vacation ownership for more than 33 years and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, and the Preferred Hotel Group, representing more than 700 of the world’s finest independently owned hotels in over 75 countries.

Marriott’s Oceana Palms Welcomes Owners and Guests

Marriott Vacation Club, the premier timeshare brand of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR), is proud to announce the opening of its 50th resort Marriott’s Oceana Palms – The Palm Beaches. Located at 3200 North Ocean Drive, on Singer Island in Riviera Beach, Fla., the resort will officially welcome Owners and guests on Friday, January 15, 2010.

Perfectly situated in the heart of Palm Beach County and on the tip of Florida’s “Gold Coast,” the first phase brings on a magnificent 19-story tower offering spectacular ocean views from 75 two-bedroom villas (169 proposed villas upon build-out). Located just steps from turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Owners and guests will enjoy spending the day on the beach or relaxing by the refreshing pools while the kids play in the zero-entry pool featuring “The Splash Zone” and waterslide. For a refreshing drink or a meal, guests can stop by “Reflections” pool bar and grill serving lunch and dinner daily.

Each villa invites guests to relax in more than 1,100 square feet of living space and enjoy the blend of traditional furnishings and fresh, contemporary pieces. Villas feature a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and GE stainless steel appliances; generous living and dining areas; multiple LG flat-panel televisions with DVD players; an oversized shower with multiple shower heads in the master suite; and washer/dryer. Each villa accommodates up to 8 guests.

“We are thrilled to open our 50th resort and welcome Owners and guests to Marriott’s Oceana Palms,” said Stephen P. Weisz, president of Marriott Vacation Club International. “After 25 years of providing unforgettable vacations, we couldn’t be more pleased to open our second resort in this beautiful coastal setting.”

Other resort features include The MarketPlace convenience store, a resort activities center with children’s climbing wall, temporary fitness center featuring Life Fitness equipment and wireless high-speed Internet access throughout the resort and villas.

Additional proposed resort features and amenities upon build-out include:

–  A second 19-story tower with additional two-bedroom villas
–  Fully-equipped permanent fitness center with locker rooms, spa treatment room, sauna and steam rooms
–  Guest’s Retreat offering a large multi-functional space
–  The Green, an event lawn for games and gatherings
–  Teen Lounge, with flat-panel television and video games

Marriott Vacation Club is the recognized worldwide leader in vacation ownership with a program highly regarded for its quality and unique flexibility. Today, nearly 400,000 Owner families around the globe own their vacations “the Marriott way,” offering options to exchange weeks with priority within the Marriott Vacation Club portfolio or within Interval International’s global system, trade their week(s) for Marriott Rewards points, or rent their week(s). For more information, visit www.marriottvacationclub.com. For nightly rentals, visit www.marriott.com.

New Elite Property within the Lungarno Suites Features Views of the Ponte Vecchio, Further Expands Club’s Portfolio of Luxury Destinations

Ultimate Escapes, Inc. (NYSE Amex: UEI and UEIWT), one of the world’s largest destination clubs, today announced the addition of a new Elite Club residence within the Lungarno Suites in Florence, Italy. Featuring views of the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge arched over the Arno River, this acquisition further expands Ultimate Escapes’ current collection of luxury properties around the world, offering members the very best selection in destinations as well as memorable experiences with loved ones.

“This spectacular Elite Club property in the Lungarno Suites in Florence helps to further round-out our international destination collection,” said Jim Tousignant, CEO and president of Ultimate Escapes. “The art, culture and history of Florence make it a very special addition to our portfolio. Our members now have a place they can call home in this spectacular city.”

Located on Lungarno Acciaiuoli, next to Ponte Vecchio, one of Europe’s oldest bridges, the Lungarno Suites are unsurpassed in design, style, views and amenities. Lungarno Suites is dedicated to providing guests with the comforts of home without giving up the services, amenities and comforts of a luxury hotel. The Elite property features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and more, all within a well-designed layout. The suite’s expansive
windows showcase the splendors of the city creating a striking experience of incomparable light and beauty, providing magnificent views of Florence and Ponte Vecchio, as well as unforgettable sunsets.

Luxury Leisure Properties International LLC (LLPI), an international advisory and management company servicing developers and investors in luxury mixed-use hotels and resorts, helped to facilitate the relationship with Ultimate Escapes. “We are proud to offer Ultimate Escapes members access to this unique urban lifestyle resort in the heart of Florence,” said Luca Franco, president of LLPI, based in Chicago. “We are
always seeking ways to maximize value for our real estate assets through creative strategies and innovative partnerships with like-minded businesses. Ultimate Escapes represents the ideal synergy.”

“Lungarno Hotels and Lungarno Suites are committed to offering visitors an experience that conveys hospitality, elegance, sensitivity and culture – values that mirror the foundation of our family business,” said Leonardo Ferragamo, chairman of Lungarno Hotels. “Ultimate Escapes’ members are an ideal fit for Lungarno Suites given their commitment to quality time with loved ones. We are thrilled to offer them these quintessential values native to our Italian character.”

As with every Ultimate Escapes experience, all conceivable comforts will be available to members. Features and services include reception service 24 hours a day, housekeeping service twice a day, concierge, laundry service, free high speed Internet, satellite TV, CD player, DVD player, A/C and more. On request services include limousine, valet parking and video conference systems. Members of Ultimate Escapes will also enjoy access to other Lungarno Hotels facilities in the heart of Florence including free use of the gym in the Continentale, invitations to exhibitions in the Gallery Hotel Art, special facilities and services at Lungarno Details Store, and special services at Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant, the Fusion Bar & Restaurant, Bar & Sky
Lounge Continentale and Lounge Bar Lungarno.

About Lungarno Suites
Lungarno Suites was inaugurated in January 2002 in Florence as an exclusive project of Design residence by Lungarno Hotels, the hotel management company owned by the Ferragamo family. Lungarno Suites is part of the international network “Small Luxury Hotels of the World.” Lungarno Suites, directly facing the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio, offers guests the sensation of having a home in Florence without giving up the services and comforts of a hotel. Forty-four suites, consisting of studio suites, one bedroom and two bedroom suites, have a contemporary personality: a smart and functional design that is the natural evolution of Hotel Lungarno’s character, the progenitor of a new hotel generation within the company. Lungarno Suites represents a diversified form of personalized hospitality within the hotel company. Along with the other projects, Lungarno Hotels seals the quality of accommodating guests that are travelling for either business or pleasure with a unique and valuable way of being in Florence and in its surroundings. Additional information can be found at www.lungarnohotels.com.

About Ultimate Escapes®
Founded in 2004, Ultimate Escapes is the largest luxury destination club as measured by number of club destinations, and the second-largest destination club as measured by number of members. Ultimate Escapes offers members flexible access to a growing collection of hundreds of multi‐million dollar private residences and luxury hotels in more than 150 global club and affiliate destinations. Locations range from chic urban
apartments to charming beach cottages, spacious five-bedroom homes to an 80-foot private yacht. Each trip is coordinated by experienced, knowledgeable staff, trained to handle every vacation detail. Additional information about Ultimate Escapes and its club and membership offerings can be found at  www.ultimateescapes.com.

ResorTime.com, a favorite source for on-line vacation and timeshare condominium rentals polled its users to discover their most favorite resort properties.   Nominees were in four areas:   spa, family, beach, golf and ski.  Nominations were made based on noteworthy resort reviews/comments, outstanding amenities and ResorTime.Com staff nominations.

Nominees in the Spa Category were:  Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa (La Jolla, CA), Los Abrigados Resort & Spa (Sedona, AZ), and Palm Canyon Resort (Palm Springs. CA), Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa (Carlsbad, CA), The Westin Mission Hills Villas (Rancho Mirage, CA), The Westin Kierland Villas (Scottsdale, AZ).

The winner is:  Sheraton Carlsbad Resort for its Ocean Pearl Spa.  Locating in the charming coastal community of Carlsbad, this is the second year the world class spa treatments were honored as number one in this category.  In 2008 the resort received recognition in the Best of San Diego Reader’s Choice Awards in the categories of Best Luxury Hotel, Best Spa and Best Tapas (Twenty/20 Grill and Wine Bar).

Nominees in the Beach Category were:  Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort (Carlsbad, CA), Coronado Beach Resort (Coronado, CA), Ka’anapali Beach Club (Maui, HI), Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay (Mazatlan, MX), San Clemente Cove Resort (San Clemente, CA), and Wyndham Ocean Boulevard (North Myrtle Beach, SC).

The winner is: Ka’anapali Beach Club. A short five minute drive from shopping and golf, the resort is situated along Maui’s less crowded Ka’anapali Beach.  The spacious accommodations (every suite offers 820 square feet of living space) showcase a fresh tropical decor matching the surrounding seven acres of tropical gardens.

Nominees in the Family Category were: Carlsbad Seapointe Resort (Carlsbad, CA), Cypress Pointe Grand Villas (Orlando, FL), Dolphin’s Cove Resort (Anaheim, CA), Grand Pacific Palisades (Carlsbad, CA), Sheraton Vistana Village (Orlando, FL) and Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge (Tahoe Vista, CA).

The winner is Carlsbad Seapointe Resort which offers amenities for everyone including swimming pools, a spa, children’s spray pool, a pirate ship playground, and Dolphin Golf (mini golf area). For the sports lovers, this resort is well quipped with basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. Located in North San Diego County Carlsbad Seapointe Resort is within minutes of LEGOLAND® California, SeaWorld, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park and world famous San Diego Zoo are just a short drive away.

Nominees in the Golf Category were: Bent Creek Golf Village (Gatlinburg, TN), Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort (Carlsbad, CA), Orange Tree Golf Resort (Scottsdale, AZ), The Ridge at Sedona Golf Resort (Sedona, AZ), Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort (Port St. Lucie, FL), and Vino Bello Resort (Napa, CA).

The winner is The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort. The resort offers its own on-site championship golf course and a swimming pool while nearby recreational opportunities include tennis courts, jeep tours, hiking and fishing in the stunning natural rugged red rock wonders of Sedona.

Nominees in the Ski Category were: Cedar Breaks Lodge (Brian Head, UT), Grand Timber Lodge (Breckenridge, CO), Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort (South Lake Tahoe, CA), Lagonita Lodge Resort (Big Bear Lake, CA) and Red Wolf Lodge at Squaw Valley (Olympic Valley, CA).

The winner is Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort adjacent to the south shore of Lake Tahoe.  The resort offers a collection of timeshare rentals and vacation condos for a mountain getaway that is far from ordinary. Close to cross-country and downhill skiing at Heavenly Ski Resort and horseback riding, fishing, boating, or mountain biking Lake Tahoe Vacation Resort is also nearby casinos, restaurants and live entertainment.

The nominated resorts and the results of the poll can be found at http://www.ResorTime.com/Bestof2009.   According to ResorTime.Com’s General Manager, Sherry Weeks, “the popularity of ResorTime.Com can be seen in the number of positive comments posted on its web site.  One ‘raving fan’ said, ‘I love ResorTime.com!  Whenever I want I can get a great place and a reasonable price; whether it’s locally overnight or some great vacation place; short notice or down the way! The rooms are always impressive; like you’re staying at a very special suite.  You can’t get this type of room at this price anywhere else! Talk about having an exclusive suite with all the special bells and whistles.  We’ve used ResorTime over and over again with our friends and family and will continue to do so. If you want to go somewhere great and impress others this is the place.’  These are the kind of people voting in our poll and enjoying the best ResorTime.Com has to offer.”

ResorTime.Com, rapidly becoming the go-to source for spacious condominium rentals, has hundreds of luxury resorts for nightly and weekly rentals that accommodate leisure, business and group travel.  All ResorTime Hot Deals and Value Packages change on an ongoing basis. For more information go to http://www.ResorTime.com/Bestof2009  or call 877-477-7368.