yooPhuket Wins Fractional Life Readers Choice Award
February 23, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
yooPhuket, a spectacular collection of 256 apartments and penthouses on the Thai island of Phuket, has won the Fractional Life Readers Choice Award.
The award, which received an impressive 60 per cent of votes from thousands of readers of the global shared ownership web portal FractionalLife.com, was presented at the 2010 Fractional Summit in London on Friday.
Absolute’s International Director of PR & Marketing for yooPhuket Charlotte Rose Melsom who received the award, said: “The Fractional Life Reader’s Choice Award is the ultimate accolade within the Fractional Property Industry voted for by the independent consumer so a wonderful credit to the yooPhuket project.”
Piers Brown, founder of Fractional Life said: “Thousands of FractionalLife.com readers voted and I’m delighted for yooPhuket.”
- L - R: Nick Turner, VP, Registry Collection; Piers Brown, Founder, Fractional Life; Charlotte Rose Melsom, International Director of PR & Marketing, yooPhuket/Absolute Developments; Bryan Lunt, Chairman, the Absolute World Group
yooPhuket is a partnership between international branding, design and investment property company yoo and one of Asia’s leading development and lifestyle brands, Absolute Developments so the added security of buying into two internationally recognised brands is also a huge advantage.
Stand-out interiors are one of the things yoo do best and the contemporary design offers open plan living space with dramatic floor to ceiling windows, opening onto spectacular views across the lake, golf courses and lush Thai island landscapes. The impressive master bedroom suites have en suite bathrooms and walk in closet space. Stylish kitchens are fitted with integrated appliances. Bathrooms have fully tiled walk in shower enclosures and state of the art home technology includes comfort cooling systems and the latest audio visual equipment.
Each yooPhuket apartment comes fully furnished with a yoo designed furniture collection the apartment is ready to enjoy, even down to the last teaspoon. In addition clients can choose from a selection of the most sought after designer interior additions and upgrades to create an apartment that is perfectly unique.
Apartments within the development are available both whole ownership and quartershare fractional ownership offering a choice of purchase options to suit. Prices for three month quartershare fractions at yooPhuket start at £44,000 for a 38 square metre studio, £65,000 for a 70 square metre two-bedroom apartment and £97,300 for a 105 square metre penthouse. These prices include superior furnishings, use of a fully-captained 31foot powerboat and the latest Callaway golf clubs, plus the standard 5 star service management company Absolute Resorts & Hotels are renowned for.
Owners will also enjoy access to Absolute’s affiliation with the renowned Registry Collection, the world’s largest luxury exchange programme and winners of the Fractional Life Services to the Industry Award also at Friday’s event. The Registry Collection provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations far beyond their Thailand accommodations.
Nick Turner, VP and head of The Registry Collection, Europe, added: “I’d like to congratulate The Registry Collection affiliates yooPhuket who are honoured with the Fractional Life Readers’ Choice Award. This company’s superb developments in Thailand are the essence of the successful fractional with AAA location, style and the highest quality in both accommodations and service levels.
About Fractional Life
From a fractional jet to fractional real estate, Fractional Life (www.fractionallife.com) is the number one consumer lifestyle brand dedicated to growing the fractional ownership marketplace. The company has three divisions: interactive, fractional conferences (www.fractionalsummit.com) and exhibitions (www.fractionallifeexpo.com), and publishing.
About the Absolute World Group
Founded in 1998, the Absolute World Group of companies has positioned its 1200 staff tactically across China, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Russia and Thailand, offering a seamless range of services within the world of Resorts and Hotels inclusive of a worldwide network of International Estate Agencies and a highly successful Vacation Club, boasting thousands of members.
Absolute is committed to delivering heavenly resort destinations from conception to completion and beyond with the added value of its dedicated turnkey resort management service.
About yoo
yoo is an international branding, design and investment property company enhancing the qualityand adding value to development projects in major towns and cities across the world.
The brand is represented by five core design teams – yoo inspired by Starck, Jade Jagger for yoo, wanders&yoo, Kelly Hoppen for yoo and the yoo design studio; all of whom increase value and sales velocity through market leading design, branded marketing and by maximizing media exposure.
Over the past ten years yoo has been working across the world with international partners on a variety of landmark buildings and large residential projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. yoo is involved in the development of more than 10,000 apartments currently under construction valued at $7 billion.
About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection program is a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 175 properties are available through The Registry Collection® programme and are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, The Registry Collection programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day. From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection programme facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection programme is offered by Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media center at www.wyndhamer.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Email this postWestin Increases Global Footprint In 2010, Opening 14 New Hotels
February 15, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Starwood’s Wellness Brand Opens New-Build and Conversion Properties in Asia, Latin America and North America
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces plans to open 14 new Westin Hotels in 2010.
This year’s openings span China, Greece, Japan, India, Mexico, the United States, and Canada - including newly opened The Westin Wall Centre in Richmond, Vancouver. Other 2010 openings include The Westin Mumbai Garden City in India; The Westin Nanjing in Shanghai, China; The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino in Messinia, Greece; The Westin Austin at the Domain in Austin, Texas; and The Westin Sendai in Sendai, Japan.
In 2010, Starwood will debut the Westin brand in Peru with The Westin Libertador, Lima and expand the brand’s footprint in Latin and South America with its fifth hotel in Mexico and its first in Mexico City, The Westin Santa Fe. In the next three years, Westin will open two additional hotels in Mexico and its first in Panama.
“The Westin brand has significant new-build opportunities in numerous emerging and fast developing economies,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. “Within more mature markets like North America and Europe, however, we are seeing - and expect to continue to see - more, quality conversion opportunities realized as transaction activity increases. Westin is a high value-add conversion brand, and many owners and investors seek opportunities to enhance a property’s performance by upgrading to the Westin brand. Starwood is taking a pragmatic approach to conversions, but will of course be vigilant in preserving the brand integrity that has been a key driver of its success.”
As business and leisure travel to and from emerging markets increases, Westin is establishing a leading presence in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Starwood’s wellness-inspired brand, Westin will introduce its healthy-living initiatives to travelers in new cities, and when travelers from Asia and other developing destinations increase their travel internationally, they are likely to stay with familiar brands they know from home.
“The Westin brand is at a pivotal point in its life cycle, with an unprecedented opportunity for international growth,” said Nancy London, Vice President of Westin Hotels. “Today, the Westin brand is primarily in North America, with 70 percent of our portfolio in Canada and the United States. But looking ahead in 2010, Westin is poised to share its positive lifestyle messaging with travelers across the globe with new properties in China, India and Latin America.”
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 992 properties in nearly 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(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 ElementSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Interim AOCAP Sales & Marketing Forum To Be Absorbed Into October AOCAP 2010 Conference
February 4, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
The Absolute World Group, organisers of Asia’s annual AOCAP Conference, have today announced that due to a prolonged period of exciting growth and development, they’ll be focussing all efforts to ensure the AOCAP Conference later in 2010 is an even bigger success than than the 2009 event.
With this in mind, the proposed interim AOCAP Sales & Marketing Forum scheduled for March 2010 will now be absorbed into the AOCAP 2010 conference in October.
Looking forward, the AOCAP Conference promises to provide the perfect platform for those involved in resort or property development, fractional ownership, vacation clubs and exchange registries to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences with like-minded people within the industry.
At Asia Pacific’s second Alternative Ownership Conference, you’ll find out exactly what the best options are for your business to help you achieve your goals. It offers a unique and unmissable opportunity to attend seminars and workshops from leading industry figures and to discuss future plans and initiatives to help generate additional revenue and increase cash flow.
Further details of the AOCAP 2010 business networking event will be released in due course.
For all enquiries regarding AOCAP 2010, please contact charlotte@aocap.org.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Trident Business Management Names Additional Advisory Partners
February 1, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Jim Danz RRP and Bill Tsao, Managing Partners of Trident Business Management, have recently selected two additional Advisory Partners for their organization, joining other respected executives within the lodging and timeshare sectors of the leisure industry.
Newly selected Advisory Partners Gregory B. Sheperd RRP and Richard E. Hulbert RRP have been chosen to provide strategic guidance and support to the Trident Business Management organization. They join previously selected Advisory Partners Steve Hicks, Sunil Aluvila, Frank Morrisroe and Gordon Bloeser. In working side-by-side with the firm’s Managing Partners, all of the Advisory Partners provide assistance to Trident’s clients requiring corporate, financial, or operational improvement as well as short-term crisis management and longer-term stabilization.
Trident’s latest Advisory Partner is Gregory Sheperd, President of Meridian Financial Services, Inc., a third-party collection agency servicing vacation ownership resort developers, property management companies, and homeowner’s associations. Purchased by Interval International in 1999, Meridian is headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, with offices in Las Vegas, Nevada and Mobile, Alabama.
Added Jim Danz, “During his two decades in the vacation ownership industry, Greg has garnered high respect for his creative skills within the collection arena. In his role as President of Meridian Financial Services, he has utilized advanced industry-specific technology to help develop custom collection programs with international and domestic capabilities.”
Greg is a Chairman’s League member of the American Resort Development Association and has participated on various association committees. He earned his Registered Resort Professional (RRP) designation and has been a speaker at numerous ARDA regional meetings and national conventions. He is also Vice President and Board member for the Virginia Resort Development Association and serves as secretary/treasurer for the North Carolina Collectors Association.
Another veteran of more than two decades work in the vacation ownership industry, Richard Hulbert is the chairman of The Hulbert Group International, Inc., an international architecture and planning practice headquartered in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As a planner and designer to some of the most innovative purpose-built timeshare resorts in the world, Richard and his company have provided guidance for resort projects throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Timeshare product designs have been completed for Marriott Ownership Resorts Inc., International Resort Group Inc., Shell Vacations LLC, and Welk Resorts.
In describing Trident’s pride in Hulbert’s selection as an Advisory Partner, Managing Partner Bill Tsao added: “Rick’s contributions have been consistently recognized by the architectural profession, the public sector and development industry. He has won design awards or had his works and writings published each and every year for the past 35 years. The Australian Tourism Industry recognized one of his designs as Australia’s Best Resort and another was named the Pacific Rim’s finest new community development by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Francisco. Rick’s expertise is a valuable compliment to our menu of key client services in the areas of refurbishment, new project design, general planning, and hotel and condominium conversions to timeshare.”
“We are honored and proud to have assembled a best-in-class group of professionals to serve as our Advisory Partners,” concluded Danz.
About Trident Business Management
Trident Business Management is a leading business solutions firm focused on serving the lodging and timeshare sectors of the leisure industry. The firm’s expertise is in its industry-specific and operationally-centric knowledge and experience. The Scottsdale, Arizona-based company is led by Managing Partners Jim Danz and Bill Tsao, who bring more than 40 combined years of senior management experience to the aid of their clients. The firm specializes in delivering results in: restructuring and turnarounds, asset management, merger & acquisition advisory, financial advisory, and performance improvement. Unlike other consultant and advisory firms, Trident is unique due to its implementation and performance-based orientation. For more information, visit www.TridentBusinessManagement.com
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Alliance Formed Between The Hideaways Club And Banyan Tree Private Collection
January 20, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
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.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
TATOC Proudly Announce Their Keynote Speaker For Conference 2010
January 18, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
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 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
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Triton Timeshare Software And Customer Count® Announce Distribution Agreement
January 4, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Industry Leaders Combine Expertise to Offer Online Feedback System to Industry
Triton Timeshare Software, the world’s leading innovator of Timeshare Technology and Condotel Software, has announced that it will offer CustomerCount® survey technology to its customers. Triton, which develops award-winning software, customer development and training solutions will now include the online feedback systems component with its extensive menu of software products including Triton Property Management, Triton Sales & Marketing and Triton Condotel Software.
Delaina M. Probus-Staley, President of the Florida-based company said “We are thrilled to offer CustomerCount® along with our powerful range of services for our customers. We are seamlessly integrating its customized surveys which measure the quality of the entire customer experience from reservations and sales through to the vacation stay itself. The concept and execution of CustomerCount fits hand in glove with what Triton already offers, including our learning tools & training, 24/7 tech support, and a professional staff.
“CustomerCount offers our customers a very important element of property management and is the only survey product designed specifically for the timeshare industry.” she continues.
Robert A. Kobek, Managing Partner of Mobius Vendor Partners, (MVP) an Indianapolis-based company that provides business process management and market research services to companies, associations and non-profit organizations, says the company’s CustomerCount,© an On-Line Feedback System was more than four years in the making. “Now that the technology is operationally robust, we are ready to build the business. Triton becomes our newest distributor and we are grateful that Triton will offer our product to their customers. Triton is a mature company with a substantial product, and deals with absolute integrity. Knowing that CustomerCount will be a part of their product mix is particularly exciting as we deepen our penetration into the timeshare industry.”
The CustomerCount® program, developed initially by MVP for its client RCI, collects and measures customer feedback. CustomerCount tracks three primary components: the reservation experience, the sales experience and the vacation experience. 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.
Probus-Staley continues “our Property Management Solution integrated suite of tools will be greatly enhanced by the addition of Customer Count’s timely and consistent process that supports management in its identification of problem trends and needs. It will also be of great support to our clients who utilize Triton Sales and Marketing software as it pinpoints challenges most significant to prospects, customers and/or guests.”
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.
Sarasota Software Solutions, the parent company of Triton Timeshare Software, was founded in 1997. Triton’s software runs in more than 100 resorts in the United States, Mexico, The Caribbean and Asia. They are Trustee Members of ARDA.
For more information visit www.timesharesoftware.com or call 941-924-9656.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
“Gladiators Ready” – The FORUM Commences In London, 9-10 December
November 24, 2009 by Timeshare News · Leave a Comment
December will see the highly anticipated FORUM Conference take place in London hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine.
Taking on the responsibility to ensure that the vacation ownership industry in Europe had an opportunity to meet, network and discuss the ups and downs of the past year, the two well know suppliers to the industry globally have taken a far from typical approach which has sparked intrigue amongst industry professionals.
Announced as a not for profit event with any excess proceeds going to charity, the FORUM Conference team set about to arrange almost no promotion of the event for all but the last six weeks prior to the event itself, furthermore, delegate registration was not opened until just five weeks before which in itself created an amount of hype and interest.
Now with less than a month to go, the conference schedule and its array of speakers and panellists have been announced and industry professionals have spent the last couple of weeks rushing to confirm one or more of just 200 tickets.
Unlike most conferences, The FORUM has no keynote speakers delivering in-depth presentations on their specialist subjects. Instead, with the exception of some brief 15 minute inspirational stories, all other sessions based around panels of experts with the emphasis of getting straight down to business and involving the 200 strong audience to freely enter into a debate about each topic at hand.
This format aims to cover more topics in the time allotted and as well as the chosen topics it will give the chance for the attendees to raise and discuss topics specifically important to them adding value to both the conference and their experience at the event – in fact there’s even one session planned for near the end of the second day called “Gloves Off” where there are no panellists and no set topics, just another change for delegates to revisit the main topics of the past couple of days and ask further questions of previous panellists or cover newer topics that may have arisen as a spin off to other sessions.
With unofficial references to likening this conference to the Coliseums of Rome and a Gladiatorial affair, The FORUM has attracted more than 25 industry experts who will give up their time to contribute to the event, sharing experiences, successes, failures and ideas with all who attend. Spanning all aspects of the shared ownership industry this innovative event will draw from veterans and exciting newcomers alike from around the world with Europe, USA, Asia, South Africa, Mexico and Canada all represented during panel sessions.
The difficulties of the past year will be addressed initially, but then the conference will look forward to new opportunities and the best ways to prepare for 2010 covering legal and financial hurdles, the need to adapt and the desire for change, new sales and marketing techniques and most importantly try to answer and suggest solutions to questions from the interactive audience of industry professionals which would undoubtedly touch upon consumer confidence, credibility, resales, is fractional ownership the new timeshare, unlawful practises of discount membership clubs (not timeshare) and much more.
Has the credit crunch made the industry realise its vulnerability? Has it inspired entrepreneurial individuals to help reinvent the wheel and take notice of consumer needs and desires when adapting their product ranges? Will we see a new reinvigorated, more accepted industry in 2010? Or will new legislation cripple us all?
For Answers - Attend The FORUM
For more information and to book one of the limited remaining tickets visit www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Strategic Alliance With ICE Expanded By RCI
November 10, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced the extension and expansion of its strategic alliance with International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (ICE), the worldwide industry leader for integrated cruise and leisure packages to the vacation ownership and travel industries.
“For more than eight years ICE has been a fantastic partner offering quality cruises and services to our members in the United States and Canada,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “This extension now provides the framework to expand our relationship globally and allows us to continue to offer great cruise and related vacation programs to our members in the United States, Canada, Asia and Australia.”
As part of the agreement, ICE will provide cruise fulfillment including operations and technology for RCI global exchange programs. ICE will also provide technology platforms and related fulfillment for member loyalty, lead generation and purchase incentives which are designed to provide value-added benefits to RCI’s affiliated developers.
As the exclusive exchange provider for ICE, RCI will become an extension of business development efforts for ICE products and services.
“Our strategic partnership with RCI has been a mutually rewarding relationship and we look forward to working side by side with RCI to provide innovative products and services to the international marketplace,” said John Rowley, chairman and CEO, ICE. “We are dedicated to providing RCI members world class cruise and vacation benefits coupled with quality customer service as part of their RCI membership.”
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 ICE
International Cruise & Excursions, Inc. (ICE) is a worldwide travel and leisure organization with a global network of innovative travel alliances including top corporations, resorts, cruise lines, vacation suppliers and travel providers. ICE provides innovative cruise, vacation and travel programs, unique member reward and loyalty programs, as well as cruise and vacation fulfillment services to more than 150 major corporate brands serving more than 55 million consumers worldwide. Enjoying more than 12 years of tremendous growth and a legacy of successful industry innovation, ICE continues to raise the bar in creative marketing solutions, service and passion within the travel industry. Visit www.iceenterprise.com for more information.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
First-Ever Portfolio Of Six Resorts In Thailand With The Absolute Group Unveiled By The Registry Collection
October 2, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
The Registry Collection®, the world’s largest luxury exchange programme and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced the affiliation of Absolute Developments to its programme, adding six new resorts to its global network of luxury properties.
“We are delighted to welcome Absolute Developments to The Registry Collection,” said Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Group RCI, parent company of The Registry Collection. “This relationship not only provides us with an opportunity to work with one of the leading developers of mixed-used resort operations in Asia, but also marks a significant achievement in securing the first properties for The Registry Collection in Asia. Thailand in particular is home to a wealth of five-star resort developments and idyllic beach locations which have succeeded in attracting international jetsetters for some years, and these six properties will help to give our members the luxury travel experience they expect from The Registry Collection.”
Analysts report that investment in Asian real estate has increased by more than 40 per cent this year with wealthy buyers returning to Asia raising levels of cross-border activity. Buyers are following global trends of looking for increased value in their spend which is a strength of the product.
“The fractional concept is relatively new to Asia and Absolute is bringing its expertise of shared-ownership, great brand strength and sales and marketing expertise to Thailand. We believe Absolute will be very successful in this fast-growing market and are thrilled to be partnered with them,” Ballotti added.
Bryan Lunt, Chairman of the Absolute World Group said: “Fractional ownership is the perfect antidote to the current financial climate and makes so much sense. Buying fractional allows you to actually purchase your dream holiday home, hassle-free, for only the time you would use it. We offer a stunning collection of properties, all exquisitely furnished with exclusive benefits such as the use of speedboats, spas, golf equipment, luxury airport transfer and the privilege of membership. Our target market is a discerning purchaser seeking high quality accommodation and excellent service.
The Registry Collection Programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day. More than 160 properties available through the programme are either accessible for exchange or under development.
“The Registry Collection complements our offering perfectly. Should our owners want a change from Thailand, through our affiliation they can choose to exchange stay periods in their owned property for stays in properties worldwide which are associated with the programme, confident that their experience and accommodation will be of the same high quality as their owned resort. Other benefits include the use of the programme’s 24/7 concierge services, and access to its Collection Partners luxury leisure and travel services. We are delighted to be working with them.”
The newly affiliated properties are located in Thailand and include two resorts from Absolute’s partnership with the world leading yoo brand, yooPhuket and yooSamui, as well as Absolute Platinum Suites, Absolute Beach Resort at Nakalay Bay, Absolute Bangla Suites and Absolute Villas at Palm Grove, Jomtien. Of these properties Absolute Bangla Suites and Absolute Beach Resort at Nakalay Bay are opening this year and yooPhuket is now in launch phase.
“We are very proud to add this calibre of development to The Registry Collection,” said Jonathan Back, Managing Director, Group RCI, EMEAI. “Our goal is to offer our members the finest vacation destinations in the world. Working with affiliates like Absolute Developments ensures that our members receive exactly the world-class luxury travel experience they desire. The style, feel, design and location of these properties are in essence what The Registry Collection is all about. We are very pleased to be able to announce Absolute as our first affiliate in Asia and look forward to working with them to achieve strong growth throughout the region over the next few years.”
About the properties
yooPhuket – an Absolute development in partnership with YOO. yooPhuket is a spectacular collection of stylish mixed use apartments and penthouses situated between three of Thailand’s leading Golf courses and a mere 10 minute drive to the island’s best beaches. It will offer all the services and facilities visitors would expect from a world-class development. Launching Q4 2009.
yooSamui - an Absolute development in partnership with YOO. yooSamui is an exclusive boutique beachfront mixed use development located at the southern tip of Koh Samui, Thailand’s third biggest island. yooSamui sits on the water’s edge and commands some of the most relaxing views in the world. Launching Q3 2010.
Absolute Beach Resort at Nakalay - located at a private cove of Nakalay beach on the Western coast of Phuket Island. The resort offers beachfront luxury studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses with stunning panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and jungle-clad mountains. Opening Q4 2009.
Absolute Bangla Suites - the stylishly contemporary designed boutique resort hotel is situated in the heart of Phuket’s nightlife, dining, entertainment and shopping hub in Patong. It will offer a selection of 27 studios, nine junior suites, seven executive suites, and two grand suites, many with private terrace jacuzzis. Opening Q3 2009.
Absolute Signature Villas at Palm Grove, Jomtien - a boutique hotel in Na-Jomtien, only 15 minutes’ drive from Pattaya. Its Private Pool Villa Suites nestle among lush tropical gardens and furnished in the Thai contemporary style and offering a first class service. Now open.
Absolute Platinum Suites - comprised of exclusive studios, one and two-bedroom suites, Absolute Platinum Suites is located in the popular tourist resort of Jomtien, Pattaya. This stylish resort boasts a 60m swimming pool and also offers guests a first class concierge service and premium facilities. Opening Q3 2010.
About Absolute Developments
Absolute World Group of Companies is Asia’s market leader in mixed-use resort development, as well as an international company offering a range of integrated services including a worldwide network of international estate agencies and a vacation club used by thousands of members. It has offices in Thailand, China, Russia, Europe and Hong Kong, and employs more than 850 staff.
Absolute Developments deals with high-end luxury resort destinations including private pool villas, boutique resorts and multi-storey condominiums. The Absolute World Group has
wide-ranging experience in property development, hotel management, fractional vacation ownership and rentals.
Absolute Developments is committed to delivering heavenly resort destinations, from conception to completion and beyond, with the added value of its dedicated turnkey resort management service.
About yoo
yoo is an international branding, design and investment property company enhancing the quality and adding value to development projects in major towns and cities across the world.
The brand is represented by five core design teams – yoo inspired by Starck, Jade Jagger for yoo, wanders&yoo, Kelly Hoppen for yoo and the yoo Design Studio; all of whom increase value and sales velocity through market leading design, branded marketing and by maximizing media exposure.
Over the past 10 years yoo has been working across the world with international partners on a variety of landmark buildings and large residential projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. yoo is involved in the development of 10,000 apartments currently under construction valued at $7 billion.
About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection Programme is a global network comprising over 35,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 160 properties available through the programme are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, The Registry Collection Programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day. From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection Programme facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection Programme is offered by Group RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media centre at www.grouprci.com.
For additional information on the services offered to developers and members by The Registry Collection Programme and to learn how it can add value and distinction to leisure real estate projects, visit www.theregistrycollection.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
New “Meetings Within Reach” Package Offering Special Value Through The End Of 2009 Introduced By The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
August 19, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is reaching out to corporate executives, meeting planners, and conference attendees in an effort to encourage the scheduling of meetings from educational seminars, incentive trips, customer appreciation events to annual retreats. With a message that “It’s Not Extravagant, If It Produces Results”, the award-winning hotel company is highlighting the added value proposition of selecting a Ritz-Carlton hotel or resort, even during the current challenging economic environment.
“Meetings Within Reach” includes the following value-added components for groups booking ten or more nights at Ritz-Carlton hotels all over the world:
• Daily continental breakfast
• General session meeting room
• High speed internet access in one meeting room
• 20 per cent savings on audio visual needs
• Select suite upgrades
• Meetings must be booked by September 30 and held by December 31, 2009
Offering an attractive range of rates (starting from $159 to $229 subject to availability and certain restrictions), as well as outstanding service and surroundings, which make choosing The Ritz-Carlton a sound business decision, the company is targeting the third and fourth quarters of 2009 to encourage new meetings, as well as the rebooking of events cancelled in the wake of the recession.
“As companies look ahead, we are encouraging organizations to realize the value of a truly results-oriented meeting,” said Bruce Himelstein, corporate senior vice president, sales and marketing. “The Ritz-Carlton uniquely creates environments that maximize productivity and efficiency of meetings, and pride in your employees; our efficiency and excellence in planning and execution are second to none,” Himelstein explained.
To book your meeting, please visit The Ritz-Carlton website at: www.ritzcarlton.com/meetings.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 72 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates; Dove Mountain, Tucson, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Lake Tahoe, California. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
LaTour Signature Group Launch Hospitality Management Joint Venture With IndoChine Group
August 19, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Industry Veterans Collaborate on First Project in Thailand
Bustling with affluent leisure and business travelers, Asia has become an exemplary model for the hospitality industry, with many successful luxury hotels and lifestyle brands. Realizing the potential of this market and other areas around the globe, LaTour Signature Group, a joint-venture enterprise with ResortCom Elite that provides management services to small, luxury fractional ownership properties, and IndoChine Group, an international lifestyle brand, have teamed up to create the LaTour IndoChine Hotel Group. The newly formed hotel management company is also announcing its first project, the IndoChine Resort and Villas, in Phuket, Thailand.
Based in Singapore, the LaTour IndoChine Hotel Group will provide comprehensive specialized services to developers entering the realm of boutique hotels and six-star hotels, as well as whole and fractional ownership villas. The group plans to expand further into Asia, in addition to the Middle East, New Zealand and Australia.
“By combining the strengths of the LaTour Signature Group and the IndoChine Group, we are able to further assist developers and manage properties with global influence,” said Tom LaTour, founder of LaTour Signature Group. “For example, the IndoChine Resort and Villas represent an ideal opportunity to create a premier hybrid luxury resort for the region and Middle East overall.”
The first property in the LaTour IndoChine Hotel Group’s portfolio, the IndoChine Resort and Villas in Phuket, Thailand promises to be a haven of contemporary Asian living for refreshing and rejuvenating the body and mind. Overlooking Kalim Beach and the Andaman Sea, the resort consists of one- to six-bedroom villas, ocean view studios and a large entertainment complex featuring restaurants, deli, bakery, rooftop beach bar and nightclub. The property will include elevated terraces, a stunning waterfall, two natural pools and five spacious spa treatment rooms, along with full-time butler service and high speed wireless Internet throughout all accommodations.
“The IndoChine Resort and Villas is the first of many LaTour IndoChine properties to come,” said Michael Ma, chief executive of the IndoChine Group. “And by providing all the necessary services and expert advice luxury resorts and hotels need, the LaTour IndoChine Hotel Group will help them successfully launch into the Asian market.”
About LaTour Signature Group
Launched by Tom LaTour in 2007, LaTour Signature Group delivers an exceptional five-star vacation resort “lifestyle” experience to select developers and owners of new and existing properties by managing all of the operational aspects of fractional interest resorts, boutique hotels and condominium resorts.
By delivering management services that are unprecedented in the industry, LaTour Signature Group is committed to becoming the ultimate brand for private residence clubs and luxury fractional properties through superior service, distinctive amenities, chef-driven restaurants and culinary activities and superior attention to detail.
LaTour Signature Group will manage all resort operations – including the training and supervising of staff, reservation coordination and concierge services as well as sales and marketing of fractional rentals. When brought in on the ground floor, LaTour Signature Group can effectively lend its expertise and direction to the resort’s conceptual design and operational functionality and provide referrals and recommendations for other key partner alliances, such as real estate sales and marketing.
The LaTour Signature Group offers two product lines to the rapidly growing fractional market. The first is the private label brand of LaTour Signature for private residence club properties with a five Diamond or Star rating. The other is the ResortCom Elite line, which operates under the luxury division of San Diego-based ResortCom International, for properties that meet four Diamond or Star status.
For more information about LaTour Signature Group, visit http://www.latoursignaturegroup.com, or call 415-568-2210.
About ResortCom Elite
Based in San Diego, ResortCom Elite is the luxury division of its parent company, ResortCom International, and provides financial services, concierge and owner services and resort operations to private residence clubs, luxury fractional ownership properties and condo hotels. Under the direction of Chairman John Small and President Jeff Healy, ResortCom International’s 200 employees in offices in California and Florida and 800 employees worldwide at its resorts, provide exceptional services to over 50 clients worldwide and more than 200,000 satisfied owners at resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico and the U.S. (including Hawaii).
About the IndoChine Group Pte Ltd
The IndoChine Group of bars, restaurants, clubs, villas and resorts is a unique reflection of contemporary Asian lifestyle and is synonymous for its authentic ‘nutriceutical’ cuisine, award-winning designs, prominent events and internationally famed parties. Apart from the 15 venues in Singapore, the IndoChine Group also has venues in Kalim Beach, Phuket; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Hamburg, Germany; New Delhi, India, and most recently, at the fX X’nter in Jakarta, Indonesia, bringing it to a total of 26 internationally.
Extremely popular with the jet-set crowd, local and international guests are offered more than just a bevy of restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels and resorts; they are presented with an adventurous yet sophisticated and holistic entertainment experience not found anywhere else. The group is also fast growing into an international lifestyle group, with an expansion into the Asia-Pacific region as well as into the Middle East and Europe.
For more information, please visit http://www.IndoChine-Group.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
At Marriott Vacation Club, Green Is “Key”
August 18, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Global Timeshare Brand Continues Commitment to Green Operations
Marriott Vacation Club, the premiere timeshare brand of Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) and the recognized worldwide leader in vacation ownership, is not allowing a single key card to go to waste. Resorts have begun replacing the 1.2 million plastic key cards purchased annually with those made of 50 percent recycled material, saving approximately 4 tons of plastic from being dumped in landfills.
The new key card is just one of many advances the brand has made to help reduce its global environmental footprint. More than 800,000 guest arrival pieces, which are printed annually in the U.S. and distributed to Owners and guests upon check-in, are now printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper and purchased from an FSC certified paper merchant. The FSC is a non-profit organization devoted to encouraging the responsible management of the world’s forests, ensuring that the paper meets strict standards in each step of the paper production and printing of the collateral.
Furthermore, Marriott Vacation Club resorts have switched to pens made of 74 percent pre-consumer recycled material. More than 1.5 million pens are purchased annually, which equates to approximately 9 tons. Each eco-friendly pen has 1.2 miles of write-out, allowing the pen to be used longer before it is eventually discarded.
“Continuing to eliminate more waste from landfills and find innovative ways to ‘green’ our supply chain only strengthens our commitment to being an industry leader in environmental stewardship,” said Dirk Schavemaker, senior vice president of resort operations for Marriott Vacation Club. “We firmly believe that it is our responsibility to demonstrate how responsible resort management can be a positive force for the environment.”
The more than 50 Marriott Vacation Club resorts worldwide have installed energy efficient lighting, low-flow showerheads and toilets, and participate in a robust resort-wide recycling program. In addition to the corporate senior-level green committee established to lead division-wide environmental efforts at Marriott Vacation Club International’s corporate headquarters, each Marriott Vacation Club resort has formed its own “green team” which carries out and oversees environmental efforts at the site level. Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI) began the journey to reduce the division’s carbon footprint in February 2008 with the launch of its MVCI Green Initiative at its corporate headquarters with continued roll-out to its corporate offices and resorts worldwide.
About Marriott Vacation Club
Marriott Vacation Club is the recognized worldwide leader in vacation ownership with a program highly regarded for its quality and unique flexibility. Celebrating 25 years of providing unforgettable vacations, Marriott became the first branded hospitality company by nearly a decade to enter the timeshare industry in 1984. Marriott Vacation Club continues to expand with a diverse portfolio of more than 11,000 timeshare resort villas throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Today, more than 395,000 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 of more than 2,400 resorts in over 75 countries, trade their week(s) for Marriott Rewards points, or rent their week(s). For more information, please visit www.marriott-vacations.com. For nightly rentals, please visit www.marriott.com.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,200 lodging properties in 66 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 146,000 employees at 2008 year-end. It is recognized by BusinessWeek as one of the 100 best global brands, by FORTUNE(R) as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2008, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Over US$ 100 Million In Sales Achieved In 6 Months By IFA Hotels & Resorts
August 18, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) announced it has achieved over US$100 million in sales for the first six months of 2009 through its global network across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Werner Burger, President & COO of IFA HR said: “This is a unique achievement given the global downturn in the real estate sector and a great testament to the strength of the IFA Hotels & Resorts brand and the quality of our diverse products. These positive results are driven by successful businesses across all our markets, led by strategies that have promptly responded to fast changing market climates.”
IFA HR has a track record in developing and selling a wide range of investment and lifestyle products to a large international client base, including shared ownership products such as the Pine Cliffs Vacation Club (Portugal), Fairmont Heritage Place (in both South Africa and Dubai) and the IFA Yacht Ownership Club (based in the UAE, Thailand and France). This gives IFA HR the ability to market its products to a captive audience, instead of implementing traditional marketing strategies.
Piaras Moriarty, Vice President Client Management with IFA HR in the Middle East, said: “We have a diverse product offering which contributes positively to our sales targets. For example, sales in our first Private Residence Club in South Africa, Fairmont Heritage Place Zimbali, have been increasing due to a proactive targeted marketing strategy and a superior product. Our clients are discerning individuals who demand high quality products and service, which is exactly what we offer.”
“Our strength lies in the ability to create products that meet a wide range of clients; we strive to remain innovative and offer newer and more exciting products, which we believe is the key to our success. We have the ability to utilise a global sales team, taking advantage of the seasonality of our resort locations throughout the year. This gives us the ability to cross sell our portfolio between our international offices, resulting in significant cost savings,” added Moriarty.
Construction work on all IFA HR’s ongoing projects is making firm progress with increased man power; many projects will be handed over this year in Dubai, Lebanon, Thailand and South Africa. As the majority of the company’s resort properties are managed by international five star hospitality partners, home owners experience superior services during, and after, receiving the keys to their units.
Burger added: “We always stay heavily involved in the day to day operations of our projects since we sell, lease and manage our properties. We started handing over our Pine Cliffs project in Portugal fifteen years ago and are still helping our customers re-sell their units if they so choose. This gives great comfort to our clients as we will always assist them in managing, renting or selling their units years down the line. The general satisfaction of our customers is key.”
Prices of IFA HR’s properties have been gradually increasing during the last six months. In Dubai, and towards the end of June 2009, the price of a two bedroom apartment in the Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah increased by approximately 14% compared to the start of the year. Investor confidence has also increased recently with the company selling a five star penthouse in its Fairmont Palm Jumeirah resort for over US$ 7 million. Branded properties always command a premium, as can be seen when comparing an average unit in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (currently priced at US$ 178 per sq ft) and IFA HR’s Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Laguna Tower Dubai, selling at US$ 438 per sq ft, which is also located in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Going forward, IFA HR is gearing up to launch a new global shared ownership product, the IFA Vacation Club, which is destined to become an industry leader offering a true five star vacation ownership programme. All club properties are located in IFA HR’s developed mixed use resorts around the globe and are managed by internationally renowned five star hospitality operators. Member’s privileges include access to a unique portfolio of luxury properties and the amenities and services of the hotels located within the resorts.
Additionally, members will have access to over 4,000 RCI and 200 Registry Collection resorts in over 100 countries worldwide.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Palace Vacation Club, Malaysia, Joins The RCI Network Of Affiliated Resort
July 7, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, and Palace Vacation Club, one of Asia’s most innovative brands in the vacation ownership industry, today announced a new multi-year affiliation. The agreement makes RCI the exclusive third-party exchange provider for Palace Vacation Club and allows subscribing members access to a broad array of exciting vacation opportunities.
“We are delighted that one of Malaysia’s most famous and storied vacation clubs has selected RCI as its global exchange provider,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Group RCI, parent company of RCI. “We look forward to welcoming Palace Vacation Club members to RCI and to providing this new affiliate with the most innovative sales and marketing programs available in the industry today.”
This new affiliation adds two beautiful vacation destinations, Country Villas and Palace of the Golden Horses, to the global vacation destinations offered to RCI members worldwide. RCI’s relationship with this award-winning developer spurred from an earlier affiliation of Palace Vacation Club’s fractional product with The Registry Collection® exchange program.
“Choosing to work with RCI was an easy decision,” said Ricky Yip, CEO, Country Heights Lifestyle Berhad. “RCI is the world’s largest timeshare and vacation exchange company, and gaining access to their 3.8 million leisure-bound members will be exceptionally valuable for our resorts. RCI’s depth of management, technological resources and global marketing infrastructure aligns well with Palace Vacation Club’s strategic growth plan. This relationship will provide our member families with the best and most diverse vacation experiences possible beyond our signature Palace Vacation Club resorts.”
Country Heights has been making waves in the property development and investment industries through the introduction of new concepts and innovations since 1984. Its award-winning developments reflect its commitment to its corporate philosophy, “Ever Searching for Better Living.”
Country Villas is Malaysia’s first Mediterranean-style waterfront homes located 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. This resort offers a great vacation option for those who prefer an ultimate living experience in a country living home amidst lush greenery and natural landscape.
Palace of the Golden Horses, tagged as Asia’s Most Extraordinary Hotel, is located just 20 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur city center and 35 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. This 5-star luxury hotel offers 480 rooms and suites which yield a harmonious blend of Moorish architecture and Malaysian culture. Palace of the Golden Horses offers an ideal setting for those who want to experience the wonderfully rich and diverse heritage of Malaysia. Because of its luxury accommodations, this prestigious hotel has won several awards such as: Best New City Hotel in Asia Pacific’98’, 25th International Award for Tourist, Hotel & Catering Industry 2000 and Best MICE Facility and Service Hotel 2007 & 2008 by Travel Weekly China. This hotel has also played host to more than 100 world leaders and celebrities.
About RCI
Group RCI, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, (NYSE: WYN) is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 73,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. The company is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation RentalsSM , Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, and asset management services. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit www.grouprci.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.
About Country Heights Lifestyle Berhad
Country Heights Lifestyle Berhad is a property conglomerate that primarily focuses on investment holdings with total assets stand at RM 1.5 billion. Our business activities include: Residential Development, Retail Investment, Hotel and Resort Management, Preventive Health Services, Golf Course Development and Management, Education, Time Share and Construction.
The groups’ largest development is the Mines Resort City, Malaysia, the world’s largest open-tin cast mining lake which was once a deserted wasteland. The development is founded on the philosophy to return some green-ness to our mother nature after years of heavy mining activities. Today, most of Country Height’s award-winning projects are developed around this majestic lake, adding value to the land and nation.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Absolute Group Of Companies Appoints Phil Tufnell As Brand Ambassador
July 3, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Absolute Group of companies, Asia’s market leader in mixed-use resort development, today announced the appointment of Phil Tufnell, the popular UK celebrity and former England cricket captain, as Absolute brand ambassador.
“We are really pleased to have Phil Tufnell on board as one of our brand ambassadors. He will be promoting Absolute resorts and hotels not only in Phuket but throughout Thailand as a first class holiday destination. He will also be promoting our lifestyle and exciting investment opportunities, plus helping promote Absolute’s fractional ownership programme,” said Bryan Lunt, Chairman of Absolute Group of companies.
Absolute Group is the pioneer of fractional ownership and a leading mixed-used resort developer in Thailand and throughout Asia. The company currently offers fractional ownership schemes on four properties in Thailand and there will be two new major developments this year.
Absolute’s current property investment offerings in Thailand include Absolute Bangla Suites (Phuket), Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort (Phuket), Absolute Signature Villas at Palm Grove (Jomtien - Pattaya) and Absolute Platinum Suites (Jomtien - Pattaya).
“Fractional ownership is such a great concept for investment. It’s not just applicable during an economic downturn like now. It has been implemented at many high-end developments worldwide and allows buyers a simpler way to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and sound investment” added Lunt.
All Absolute properties offer an optional rental programme with full resort-style five star management services which will ensure maximum returns for the individual property owners. Absolute are currently offering buyers choices in developments completed as well as off-plan developments. The off-plan buyers can expect to see at least a 30 to 40 % gain in the value of their property by the time the development is complete.*
*based on Absolute Group information.
“I have spent time exploring Phuket recently and have been impressed with the island, the Thai culture, and the Thai people are so friendly. I have visited several of Absolute’s projects and am really happy to say they are ‘Absolute-ly brilliant!’ They offer great quality building finishes, in great locations, and at fantastic prices. Ideal places for a holiday and ideal investment opportunities. I’m really looking forward to spending more time on Phuket in the future” added Phil Tufnell.
Absolute Group of companies organised ‘An evening with Phil Tufnell’ to announce the brand ambassador appointment and introduce its new projects among potential investors in Phuket and Hong Kong on June 24 and June 25 accordingly. At the event, Phil and Absolute helped raise a total of THB 235,000 which will be donated to the Child Watch Phuket Association (CW).
Absolute Group of companies
Founded in 1998, Absolute Group specialise in mixed-use resort development and are the pioneer of fractional ownership in Phuket. The group currently has 21 offices with 950 staff worldwide. Absolute’s current property investment offerings in Thailand are Absolute Bangla Suites (Phuket), Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort (Phuket), Signature Villas at Palm Grove (Jomtien - Pattaya) and Absolute Platinum Suites (Jomtien - Pattaya) plus two exciting developments launching soon - yooPhuket and yooSamui.
For more information visit AbsoluteWorld.net
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Hutchinson & Citadel Strengthen Their Team
June 15, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Hutchinson & Co Trust Company and Citadel Trustees are pleased to announce that Veranne Wilkinson is to take over as Managing Director of both Hutchinson and Citadel together with all other European Group companies. Veranne was born and educated in France where she graduated from the Université de Franche-Comté with a Masters Degree in Modern Languages and Business in 1995 and earlier in her career, spent some time with Clifford Chance in Paris.
Meanwhile, Paul Smythe will be reducing his activities as he moves towards semi retirement, but he will remain involved in the expansion of the Group in the Far East, in his role as Managing Director, Asia. The Board will be further strengthened by the addition of Anna Rickard, as Legal Services Director, Raquel Gonzalez, as Operations Director and Chris Allen, as Sales & Marketing Director.
The changes associated with these new positions will take account of the Group’s recent expansion and diversification and will take place progressively over the next few weeks, with the handover being completed by 1st July, 2009.
In another pleasing reinforcement of the management team, Lisa Best, has recently joined the Group as an Associate Director, having spent many years contributing impressively to the growth of the RMI Consortium and, after its take over, to Petchey Leisure, in Gibraltar, Spain and Ireland.
Peter Hutchinson, Chairman said “Veranne has been with Hutchinson for more than 10 years, having joined the Group in 1996. Her vast experience in providing our ever extending services to the timeshare industry and beyond will stand her in good stead to move the Group forward with greater emphasis on financial products, including Unregulated Collective Investment Schemes, which Citadel has recently been authorised to operate by the Financial Services Authority.
Similarly, Anna, Raquel, Chris and Lisa all bring different, but equally indispensible talents to the Board and together with Veranne, will provide for the long term prosperity of the Group’s operations.
So often, a company can stagnate as its original board matures. This new blood will ensure the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed in the past is built upon and perpetuated for many years to come.
Meanwhile, the Far East has played an increasing part in the Group’s activities over the last few years, a great deal of which has been as a result of Paul’s input and hard work. To call this step a move towards semi retirement is, happily, somewhat of an exaggeration, as Paul, at least initially, will still be devoting 4 days a week to the Group’s activities. As in the past, he will have valuable local assistance from Daniel Chou, Prakash Balachandran and Yang Chen and, with our expansion into China and in the region in general, the involvement of all of them will prove most beneficial in our continued success in this part of the world.”
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
