Mjejane Game Reserve In South Africa Joins Interval International
March 17, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), announced the addition of Mjejane Game Reserve to its global exchange network. The property is a breathtaking 10,000 acre (4,000 hectare) reserve within the world famous Kruger National Park.
Mjejane Game Reserve enjoys a privileged location overlooking the Crocodile River, and on completion later this year, will offer unparalleled “big five” game and bird viewing. It will feature a combination of two-, three- and four-bed apartments and is adjacent to the exclusive Mjejane Safari Lodge. Among the planned amenities at the Lodge are an elegant restaurant, pub, spa, gym, and elevated viewing hide, which owners and guests at the Mjejane Game Reserve also can enjoy.
Central to all activities is the proximity of all types of living creatures – from hippopotamuses and giraffes to tortoises to more than 500 species of birds. Guests can see herds of buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards, and numerous other game virtually on their doorstep.
“Mjejane is another significant southern African addition to our network of worldwide resorts,” said Darren Ettridge, vice president resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa for Interval International. “This unique property respects the beauty of the existing natural habitat and allows visitors to experience the unspoiled surroundings and reconnect with nature.”
“It is our intention to make this development an international benchmark for the best practice in effective partnerships in the tourism sector,” said Michael Whiting, director of Winchester Marketing, the company handling the sales and promotion of Mjejane. “Timesharing is going to continue to be a holidaying method of choice in South Africa. We knew of the reputation of Interval International and we wanted Mjejane affiliated with them.”
About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers 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 nations. Through offices in 16 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. 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.
About Winchester Marketing
Winchester Marketing has a sound track record spanning nearly two decades and enjoys an impeccable reputation reflecting a commitment to integrity and service delivery. Winchester’s wealth of experience in all forms of leisure property ownership enables it to offer the full spectrum of investment options from conventional timeshare to fractional interests and outright ownerships. In order to ensure the highest level of investor confidence and satisfaction Winchester places a strong emphasis on legal compliance, financial security, geographical appeal, uniqueness of setting and the delivery of an exceptional holiday experience. Timeshare and fractional product options offer both regional and global use benefits through affiliations to exchange international organisations such as Interval International
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 postPacifico Diamante Private Residence Club In Acapulco Welcomed By Interval International To Its Global Resort Network
March 16, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced that Pacifico Diamante Private Residence Club in Acapulco has joined its exchange network.
The property will feature 200 three- and four-bedroom fractional units being built in five phases during the next several years. They have been designed with a sophisticated contemporary décor and feature spacious dining and living rooms, marble floors, fully equipped gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, state-of-the-art electronics, Wi Fi Internet access, and private outdoor terraces.
“Pacifico Diamante will provide our members with the opportunity to experience Acapulco — one of Mexico’s oldest and most iconic vacation destinations — from a new vantage point,” noted Marcos Agostini, Interval International’s vice president for Latin America, resort sales and service. “The resort is located in the upscale area of Acapulco Diamante and members will have easy access to some of the city’s finest restaurants and cafés, fashionable boutiques, and nightlife.”
“Our company’s experience in building multiple high-quality residential projects throughout Mexico has served us well in developing our first fractional property,” said Armando Hubard, president of Olazar S.A. de C.V., the owner of Pacifico Diamante Private Residence Club. “The objective is to position Pacifico Diamante as a luxury family resort and offer owners and guests a home away from home with excellent service.”
The complex’s modern buildings are set in manicured gardens around a central courtyard with a swimming pool and children’s splash pool. Plans call for a private beach club, restaurant, tennis courts, paddle tennis, gym, sauna, spa, concierge service, and other amenities to be available upon completion of the first phase.
Acapulco’s roots go back to the time of the Aztecs and Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Renowned for its legendary cliff divers and dramatic setting on Acapulco Bay, today the city is a very popular vacation spot with picture-perfect beaches, endless water sports, gourmet restaurants, and dusk-till-dawn nightlife.
About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers 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 nations. Through offices in 16 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. 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.
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 Bali Property Added To Global Exchange Network
March 16, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Peninsula Bay Resort Chooses Interval International
Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc (Nasdaq: IILG), has added the Peninsula Bay Resort, situated on the Indonesian island of Bali, to its resort network. It is the latest vacation ownership property developed by British entrepreneurs, Roger and Alan Thomas, and is located on the waterfront of Nusa Dua overlooking the golden sand beaches of Benoa Bay.
“We have had an excellent partnership with the Thomases since they affiliated Peninsula Beach Resort with Interval more than 10 years ago,” said Joe Hickman, Interval International’s executive director for Asia Pacific. “We look forward to working with them on the new Peninsula Bay Resort, which is certain to prove as remarkable.”
Upon completion, the purpose-built project will feature 65 one- and two-bedroom units, all with sea-facing views. The resort is being built using contemporary Balinese architecture and is set within lush tropical gardens to create an eco- friendly atmosphere. The new property is just a five-minute drive from Peninsula Beach Resort, with shuttle service between the two, so that owners are free to enjoy the amenities at both.
“Our second resort in Bali, Peninsula Bay Resort, offers unrivalled spaciousness and luxurious comfort in an idyllic tropical setting,” Roger Thomas offered. “From our years of experience, we know that only one exchange company is capable of providing the highest standard and quality of services, along with exchange accommodations commensurate with our members’ expectations and requirements. Not surprisingly, we chose to affiliate with Interval International so that our members could enjoy the benefits and the efficient and caring service that the company unfailingly provides.”
Planned amenities at the new property are an on-site spa, swimming pool, gym, two restaurants, and three bars. In nearby Nusa Dua, there are a number of golf courses, water sport offerings that include surfing and scuba diving, and day trips to Serangan Island, a local turtle conservation area. Visitors can also shop at the Bali Collection, with its selection of upscale shops and restaurants.
Further reinforcing the value of ownership, new purchasersat Peninsula Bay Resortwill be enrolled as individual members of Interval International, as well as Interval Gold®, its upgraded membership programme. This gives them the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval’s worldwide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and spa vacations. They also will enjoy an extensive menu of benefits, including discounts on resort Getaways, ShortStay Exchangesm, access to a personal concierge service available 24 hours a day via phone and e-mail, complimentary Hertz #1 Gold® membership, worldwide hotel and dining discounts, and the complimentary services of Traveller’s Assistance, providing peace of mind when travelling.
About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers 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 nations. Through offices in 16 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. 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.
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
Members-Only Online Social Network Launched By Interval International
March 16, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced the planned launch of Interval Community, an online network designed to provide the 1.8 million members of the Interval Network a platform to share their love of vacation ownership, travel, and social networking. Scheduled to go live on IntervalWorld.com this spring, this members-only forum is a natural extension of Interval’s commitment to its member community.
“Our members travel extensively and have told us they are highly engaged in social networking. This exclusive forum will connect members allowing them to share their expertise in travel, Interval membership, and everything related to vacation ownership. We think this is important because these kinds of connections foster loyalty, provide members with a valuable travel resource, and ultimately build equity in the Interval brand,” said Jeanette Marbert, Interval International’s chief operating officer.
Members will have lots of reasons to connect to the Interval Community. It will become the place for members to share travel tips, gather exchange advice, post vacation photos, and get information on resort amenities and services from other members.
“Once established, the Interval Community should give Interval families a rich planning tool full of great travel information that is provided to them by a trusted source — their fellow members,” added David Meier, Interval’s assistant vice president of new product development. “Based on what other hospitality companies have experienced when launching a social networking site, IntervalWorld.com should see increases in the average time spent on the site, more visitors, a greater number of page views per session, and a reduction of non-revenue producing calls to the Member-Services Center.”
About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers 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 nations. Through offices in 16 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. 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.
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
20-Year Relationship Celebrated With Long-Term Renewal Between Interval International And Marriott Vacation Club
March 11, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced the renewal of its master affiliation agreement with Marriott Vacation Club International, the timeshare division of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR). The multi-year agreement extends the relationship first established in 1990 between two leaders in the shared ownership industry, each highly regarded for their commitment to quality, exemplary customer service, and innovation.
Interval will continue to provide Marriott Vacation Club owners with both internal and external vacation exchange services, as well as an array of other leisure programs and benefits that reinforce the value proposition of their purchase. These include offering the option of trading their accommodations for a resort within the Marriott portfolio or from among the 2,500-plus resorts in Interval’s worldwide network. In turn, other Interval members have the opportunity to exchange into Marriott Vacation Club’s beach, ski, golf, spa, and themed-entertainment resorts in internationally recognized vacation destinations.
“We have worked collaboratively with Marriott for the past two decades on ground-breaking initiatives that have been instrumental in the growth of both businesses and of the vacation ownership industry,” said Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Interval Leisure Group, parent company of Interval International. “It has been very rewarding to share a common vision based on quality and integrity in everything we do.”
“Interval has played an integral part in helping fulfill Marriott’s brand promise. For 20 years, we have created memorable vacations together and exceeded owners’ expectations,” said Stephen P. Weisz, president of Marriott Vacation Club International. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Interval team and introducing exciting innovations that will further enhance our owners’ experiences.”
Marriott Vacation Club has more than 400,000 owner families and a portfolio of 52 resorts in 33 destinations throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. The company recently celebrated the opening of its latest resort, Marriott’s Oceana Palms – The Palm Beaches on Singer Island in Riviera Beach, Florida. From its beginning as the first hospitality firm to enter the timeshare industry, Marriott’s innovations and impact on vacation ownership have helped shape the dynamic industry it is today.
About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers 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 nations. Through offices in 16 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. 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.
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
2009 Was A Record Year Announces Welk Resorts
March 8, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Vacation ownership resort company, Welk Resorts, announces record-high numbers for 2009….expectations for 2010 and coming decade are high.
Welk Resorts reported having record sales in 2009 of the Welk Resorts Platinum Program – a multi-resort, points-based, vacation ownership program. Welk Resorts President Jonathan Fredricks says, “Despite a rough economic year for many in the timeshare resort industry, we found that adhering to our core competency in providing an excellent product at affordable prices helped us achieve over $72 million in net revenue with strong sales efficiencies, beating our budget by over 15 percent.”
“We believe our focus on remaining profitable in our sales and marketing departments, rather than developing a dependence on earnings from the finance side of the business, is a principle reason for our success,” added Don Dubin, who directs the company’s sales and marketing activities. “We’ve also concentrated on retaining a consistent, excellent and well-trained staff, many of whom have been with us for more than two decades. Welk Resorts has a well-deserved reputation for integrity and honesty; and this is the way we perform throughout the organization.”
Welk recently opened its seventh property, Sirena del Mar, in Los Cabos – a 222-unit, luxury project, situated on a seven-acre, seaside expanse overlooking the Sea of Cortez and anticipates adding to their inventory mix substantially in the coming year.
“The prospects for continued top sales results are excellent,” adds Dubin. “Thankfully, Welk Resorts has a lot of marketing momentum going right now and we plan to capitalize on that.”
About Welk Resorts
Welk Resorts offers high-quality accommodations and top-rated service at popular destinations, such as San Diego; Palm Desert, California; Maui and Branson, Missouri and serves over 40,000 families. Welk Resorts has a unique face-to-face marketing platform from which it generates guest tours and leads, with over 50 sports franchise, retail, fairs and events alliance locations in Southern California, including Staples Center, Knott’s Berry Farm, San Diego Padres, LA Dodgers, the San Diego Chargers, Live Nation and the San Diego County Fair. Welk Resorts has presold approximately 70 percent of the points in this phase at Sirena Del Mar, which is part of the Welk Resorts multi-site club system, Welk Resorts Platinum Program. Points backed by Sirena Del Mar resort intervals are available at Welk’s four preview center locations in Mexico, Missouri and California. Welk Resorts Platinum Program members and Interval International exchange guests will be able to use their points to enjoy Sirena del Mar or any of the company’s six other timeshare 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
Firstlight The K Club Chooses Interval International
February 18, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Luxury Fractional Property Joins The Quality Exchange Network
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq:IILG), welcomes Firstlight The K Club in Ireland to its exchange network. On the grounds of The K Club Golf and Spa Resort in the beautiful County Kildare countryside 22 miles (35 km) from Dublin, Firstlight The K Club owners will benefit from full family membership of the K Club, including its two championship golf courses, venue of the 2006 Ryder Cup and host to the European Open from 1995 to 2007. The resort’s 550 acres (223 hectares) of parkland are laced with walking and cycling paths and also include a luxury AA Five Red Star hotel, country club amenities, and full service spa.
“Firstlight The K Club is a tremendous addition to Interval’s worldwide resort network,” said Darren Ettridge, vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa for Interval International. “The K Club Golf and Spa Resort is world renowned for its spectacular setting and luxury amenities, including a pair of golf courses designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer that rank among Ireland’s finest. It sets a high standard as the first European fractional project launched under the Firstlight brand.”
The resort is set on a one mile (1.6 km) stretch of the River Liffey with an elegantly restored 19th century Georgian mansion, originally modelled after a French chateau, as its centrepiece. In 1991, the historic property was converted into a 36-room hotel and country club surrounded by the original Palmer golf course. Since then, a second course – the Palmer Smurfit course, was developed, along with an additional 33 rooms and suites, a second clubhouse, and full-service spa and leisure centre. Plans call for the acquisition of approximately 30 ready-to-occupy luxury apartments and detached homes in a residential development called Ladycastle.
“As we believe we are destined to become one of the most exclusive and successful private residence clubs of its kind in Europe, it was important for Firstlight The K Club to be able to offer an unparalleled exchange programme for our owners,” said Matthew Spence, managing director of Firstlight International (Europe). “We chose Interval International, as its platform provides immediate access to a unique portfolio of quality resorts worldwide, within a completely managed and user-friendly programme. At Firstlight, we are committed to providing only the best for our owners and we have found that Interval very much reflects this standard.”
Members purchasing six-week shares of spacious and stylishly appointed two- and three-bedroom apartments (from 1,215 to 1,980 square feet or 113 to 184 square metres) and three- and four-bedroom houses (from 2,200 to 3,800 square feet or 204 to 353 square metres) will have full access to the amenities offered by The K Club Golf and Spa Resort. In addition to world-class golf, there is a spa with eight treatment rooms, a 54 foot (16.5 metre) pool, Pilates studio, gym with personal trainers, poolside Jacuzzi, and outdoor hot tub.
There are three restaurants on site in the hotel and the Palmer clubhouse. The clubhouse for the second (Smurfit) golf course is to form the central hub of Firstlight The K Club’s private residence club with food, beverage, and guest services. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, clay pigeon shooting, and horseback riding on resort grounds.
Interval International operates membership programmes 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 programmes 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.
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
Interval International Welcomes Solaz De Los Andes Hotel And Spa
February 15, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), announced that Solaz de los Andes Hotel & Spa has joined its vacation exchange network. Located in downtown Mendoza City in the heart of Argentina’s premier wine region, this boutique property features 40 units designed with a contemporary urban décor.
Guests can sample more than 150 local wines at the on-site La Cava wine cellar and adjacent gourmet restaurant. Other amenities include the 5,300-square-foot Spa Solaz with a gym and an array of spa services; an outdoor pool; and a sundeck.
“We’re very pleased to offer Interval members the opportunity to enjoy a vacation experience at this distinctive property in one of the world’s most exciting wine regions,” noted Marcos Agostini, vice president, Latin America, resort sales and service, Interval International. “In addition to the area’s more than 1,200 wineries, visitors also can select from a variety of outdoor adventures and be treated to signature services at the spa.”
The 2009 edition of the National Geographic Traveler ranked “Mendoza Wine Estancias” tenth among 109 destinations in its annual “destination scorecard” of historic places around the world. Some of the wineries in Mendoza date back to the 16th century to the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Gracious estates stand out because of their classic architecture, with colonial-style archways, courtyards and patios, as do countless historic monuments and museums.
“Solaz de los Andes Hotel & Spa combines the traditional charm of the surrounding wine-making region with all the modern comforts and personal service that sophisticated travelers, including Interval International members, expect,” said Oscar Alberto Romero, president of Solaz de los Andes S.A. and of the Mendoza chapter of Argentina’s hotel and restaurant association.
While the larger wineries are centered around Mendoza City, day trips are also available to other smaller, family operations in the Mendoza province in Lujan de Cuyo, Valle de Uco and Chacras de Coria. The city’s location on Ruta Nacional 7, the main highway connecting Buenos Aires and Santiago, Chile, makes it a convenient stopover for climbers on their way to Aconcagua (the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere) and for adventure travelers interested in mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, river rafting, and other sports nearby. In the winter, skiers love the city for its easy access to the Andes Mountains.
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.
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
Interval International Selected By Porto Vacation Club With Three Resorts In Egypt
February 3, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), is proud to welcome Porto Vacation Club to its exchange network. The vacation club initially will consist of units at Porto Marina, an exclusive, multi-use resort on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, with two additional resorts, Golf Porto Marina and Porto Sokhna, to follow.
Porto Vacation Club is the latest venture of the Amer Group, a leader in Egypt’s tourism, entertainment, and real estate industries for more than 20 years. One of its signature achievements is the creation of the “Porto World” concept that has evolved into a brand synonymous with gracious family lifestyle experiences and is evident in all aspects of its newly launched vacation club.
“The Amer Group is committed to showcasing Egypt’s global appeal, while pursuing excellence in all its endeavours,” noted Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Interval Leisure Group, parent company of Interval International. “We look forward to working with the well-respected Amer family as they enter the shared ownership industry with these outstanding resorts.”
“We are very pleased with the opportunities offered by our move into vacation ownership,” said Mansour Amer, chairman of the Amer Group. “Our emphasis on quality, which mirrors that of Interval International, is one of the primary reasons we selected their company to be our strategic partner.”
The Porto Marina complex is built on a truly grand scale featuring a broad, palm-lined promenade with 180 designer shops, 11 restaurants and al fresco cafes, and ending with a stunning white-sand beach. The mixed-use property has a total of 1,200 one- and two-bedroom apartments, and includes a 378-room luxury hotel with stunning views of the Mediterranean. Located in El Alamein, it is easily accessed by road from Cairo and Alexandria.
Porto Marina’s state-of-the-art 1,200-berth marina can accommodate crafts up to 100 metres in length and was the site of the 2007 World Powerboat Championship. Its spa is one of the largest and best-equipped wellness centres in the country, offering a range of therapies and treatments. Other resort amenities include five pools (four outdoor and one indoor) with water jets, slides and waterfalls, and activities ranging from tennis to parasailing. The Grand Canal (with gondolas) and Piazza de Espana, where plays and concerts are staged in a setting reminiscent of Rome’s Spanish Steps, give Porto Marina an international ambience.
Later this year, Golf Porto Marina will be added to the vacation club. Only five minutes from Porto Marina and also located on the Mediterranean, the resort will bring the first 18-hole championship golf course to the coast, along with Olympic City, a training facility for sports professionals. The mixed-use property covers 370 acres (150 hectares) and includes 5,100 apartments offering concierge and housekeeping services, as well as around-the-clock room service. In addition, the resort will ultimately have a luxury hotel, mega-mall with 200 shops, 12 restaurants, and a water park with Las Vegas-style dancing fountain.
Porto Sokhna, which overlooks the Red Sea, will add another range of two-bedroom apartments at the Group’s third mixed-use resort next year. Following Amer’s successful blueprint, this complex is being designed to blend 1,600 apartments housed in a pyramid-style building into a resort setting. Facilities are planned to include a 42-unit suite hotel, 18-hole championship golf course, spa, and mall with 150 shops. One of the 12 on-site restaurants — accessible only by cable car — will feature stunning views from an 886-foot (270 metre) mountaintop.
Ultimately, plans call for at least 200 units at each of the three resorts to participate in the vacation club programme, the majority of which will be two-bedroom units. Interval will provide exchange and membership services to members of the vacation club, as well as to full-time member residents owning whole units at the three Porto Vacation Club resorts who participate in the rental programme. This will include Interval Gold®, Interval’s upgraded membership tier with enhanced benefits.
“To have Porto Vacation Club affiliated with us is the first step in what we know will be a long-term relationship,” added David Clifton, managing director of Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia for Interval International. “We are excited about the Amer Group’s vision for ‘Creating Lifestyle Landmarks’ with world-class facilities for holidaymakers of all ages. Its flagship resort, Porto Marina, is already a favourite international gathering spot.”
About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programmes 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 programmes 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.
About The Amer Group
For over 20 years, the Amer Group has been leading the way in developing innovative entertainment and vacation gateways. Their vision is to create landmark destinations that put Egyptian resorts on the global tourist map, and create new job opportunities in the process. Among Amer’s many achievements is the creation of the successful “Porto World” concept that has evolved into a brand that they plan to grow both locally and regionally. In the entertainment sector, Amer launched the first full-service casual dining establishment in the Middle East in 1993 with the opening of the Chili’s chain. This has since been developed with successful franchises throughout the region.
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
Anna Grand Hotel Vacation Club Joins Interval International
January 27, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
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.
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
Signature Sponsors Bet On ARDA For 2010 Annual Convention In Las Vegas
January 26, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
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).
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
Perspective Magazine North America Boosts Circulation In Readiness For Launch As Largest Industry Publication Next Month
January 13, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Perspective Magazine North America, a new region specific version of the award winning global publication is busy converting its extensive online readership to print subscribers ahead of its first edition in February 2010.
The new edition will specifically focus on business issues within the USA, Canada, Mexico & Caribbean regions, including comments and articles from the most knowledgeable industry professionals in each field and edited by Orlando based Matthew McDaniel who has more than 20 years in publishing, including 8 years as Vacation Industry Review editor-in-chief for Interval International, and has produced work for other publications such as American Resort Development Association, Disney Press, and Toronto’s National Post as well as regularly for Perspective Magazine before taking up the editor role in 2009.
With an estimated February launch circulation of more than 7,000 print subscribers, plus thousands more online readers, Perspective Magazine North America will be the largest monthly publication for the timeshare and fractional ownership industry in the USA, and combined with its international version will significantly increase its lead as the most read independent shared ownership publication in the world.
“Despite being the widest reaching publication globally for the past few years, the US market has always looked at us as a European magazine – so by popular demand – we’ve given them what they want, a dedicated version that provides superior distribution, editorial and advertising support, online services and exposure and enhanced networking / marketing platforms…” Says Paul Mattimoe, CEO, Perspective International Ltd. “…Our suite of services is aimed more at providing Business Development campaigns that provide quantifiable results for our clients, rather than just selling advertising”.
Perspective Magazine North America is available free of charge to qualifying shared ownership industry professionals.
For more information visit www.theperspectivemagazine.com
For details on advertising, marketing and editorial opportunities visit www.perspectiverates.com or call +1 407 792 2343
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
Dawn Beach Club in the Netherlands Antilles Joins Interval International’s Network of Resorts
January 13, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced that Dawn Beach Club in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, has joined its vacation exchange network. The project was developed by Babitbay Beach Development Corporation B.V., a related company of Columbia Sussex Corporation, one of North America’s leading independent owners and operators of resorts and hotels.
“We are very pleased that a hotelier of Columbia Sussex’s stature recognizes the opportunities that shared ownership offers, and has entered the industry with such a luxurious product in St. Maarten,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International.
Ideally situated on the island’s southeastern shore, the property includes three-bedroom, two-bath oceanfront condominiums with spacious floor plans. The 1,800-square foot units feature elegant contemporary furnishings and warm teak finishes. Each has a fully appointed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, satellite television and Wi-Fi, and an oversized patio or balcony.
“We are thrilled to be offering consumers an opportunity to purchase a vacation interest at our beautiful resort in one of the Caribbean’s most popular vacation destinations,” stated Joe Yung, director of development of Columbia Sussex. “When you combine ownership at Dawn Beach with Interval International’s high-quality programs and products, you have a very attractive value proposition.”
St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, the Netherlands and France, creating a European vibe with a Caribbean flair. With more than 300 restaurants, the island offers a diverse cuisine that appeals to everyone. For water enthusiasts, scuba diving and snorkeling facilities are located throughout the island, which boasts an extensive marine biodiversity and unique underwater dive sites such as the H.M.S. Proselyte, a notable British frigate which sank in St. Maarten’s waters in 1801.
Further reinforcing the value of ownership, new purchasers will be enrolled as individual members of Interval International, as well as Interval Gold®, its upgraded membership program. This gives them the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval’s worldwide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and spa vacations. They also will enjoy an extensive menu of benefits, including discounts on resort Getaways, ShortStay ExchangeSM, access to a personal concierge service available 24 hours a day via phone and e-mail, complimentary Hertz #1 Gold® membership, and worldwide hotel and dining discounts.
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 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.
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
Interval International Highlights Key Metrics Pointing To Ongoing Appeal Of Caribbean Market
January 13, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
A number of positive trends that reinforce the appeal of the Caribbean market to both existing and potential vacation owners are being shared with delegates at the annual Caribbean Marketplace conference by Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services.
First and foremost, members are visiting the region in increasing numbers and U.S. resident leisure travelers who have indicated an interest in purchasing some form of shared ownership in the next two years also chose this market as a top destination of interest.
“Member demand for vacation exchange and resort rentals in the Caribbean is strong and we continue to affiliate new projects throughout the region,” said David C. Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International. “In today’s environment, shared ownership offers resort developers a compelling business model with multiple profit centers and higher occupancy levels than hotels. In the case of mixed-use projects, it also provides the potential for cost-saving operating synergies and reduced marketing costs.”
Interval reported that bookings into the Caribbean increased approximately nine percent from January through November 2009, as compared to the same period in 2008. This is particularly encouraging in light of the global economic downturn that adversely affected overall arrivals to the Caribbean over the past year.
Additionally, interest in the region among U.S. resident leisure travelers considering a shared ownership purchase is significant. According to the Future Timeshare Buyers: 2009 Market Profile, the Caribbean is one of the preferred international destinations of choice among U.S. resident leisure travelers interested in purchasing vacation time in the next two years, as approximately eight in 10 (78 percent) indicate they want to vacation in the region.
In 2009, Interval expanded its resort network in the region through numerous affiliations, including Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia, Gold Coast Aruba, Dawn Beach Club in St. Maarten, and Grand Laguna Beach and Los Altos in the Dominican Republic.
Los Altos, a residential resort located within Casa de Campo —a 7,000 acre mixed-use development considered one of the finest resort communities in the Caribbean — has affiliated with Preferred Residences™, Interval’s hospitality branded membership and exchange program for luxury shared ownership resorts.
Dawn Beach Club marked the entrance of Columbia Sussex Corporation, one of North America’s leading independent owners and operators of resorts and hotels, into the shared ownership industry.
Interval International is a longstanding supporter of the region through its strategic alliances with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association and the Caribbean Tourism Organization, as well as through its conference sponsorships, including the Caribbean Marketplace in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 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.
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
Luxury Project In Baja Sur, Mexico Unveiled By Welk Resorts
January 12, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Los Cabos resort offers new upscale property with ‘old world Mexico’ design and hospitality.
Welk Resorts opened its seventh vacation ownership resort last month – Sirena del Mar, located in Los Cabos, Mexico. Members of the Welk Resorts Platinum Program will now have access to the 222-unit, luxury project, which is situated on a seven-acre, seaside expanse overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Sirena del Mar or, “mermaid of the sea,” lies almost 15 miles east of the laid-back, colonial town of San Jose del Cabo and only four miles east of Mexico’s trendiest hotspot, Cabo San Lucas. The resort enjoys the best of both these communities, which together constitute the world-famous tourist destination of Los Cabos.
Sirena del Mar is designed to invoke ‘old world Mexico’ with a contemporary flavor and crests a cliff 60 feet above the Sea of Cortez. From their villas, guests can enjoy a magnificent view of waves hitting rocky outcroppings below and the famous Cabo Arch. Complementing the resort’s stunning appearance is the extraordinarily high level of friendly, personal service for which both Mexico and Welk Resorts are famous.
There’s always plenty to do. Families and loved ones reconnect by swimming, snorkeling or enjoying a lazy day at the resort’s secluded, semi-private cove beach. A short ride away are hundreds of shops and tiendas offering bargain prices for elegantly handcrafted goods from jewelry and clothing to home décor items. More adventuresome travelers can ramp up the pace with parasailing, jet skiing or an eco-tour into the heart of nearby Baja. Plus, the area’s dining and nightlife enjoy well-deserved reputations for being first-rate and extremely affordable.
Vacationers staying at Sirena del Mar can ‘people-watch’ as cruise ships and other vessels come and go into the town’s busy port. Owners can enjoy a swim-up bar in the vanishing edge pool, as well as breakfast and lunch at the main bar, in one of the palapas, or on the pool deck. In addition, there is a fitness room, game room and an owner’s lounge. After a busy day of play, guests can unwind on their private balcony, watching an occasional whale spout during the winter migration and admire a romantic sunset over the ocean’s horizon.
Designed so that all suites enjoy an ocean view, the resort will eventually have five buildings. Ranging from 1,375-square-foot penthouses, two-bedroom/two-bath villas and 1,370-square-foot two-bedroom units to 950-square-foot one-bedroom suites, each accommodation has a kitchen, living room, dining area, Jacuzzi, balcony or patio and a washer/dryer. The resort’s decks feature a soothing wet-wall sculpture, thatched palapas and a fire-pit.
About Welk Resorts
Welk Resorts offers high-quality accommodations and top-rated service at high-quality projects located in San Diego and the Palm Desert area, California, Maui, Hawaii and Branson, Missouri and serves over 40,000 families. Welk Resorts has presold approximately 50 percent of the points in this phase at Sirena Del Mar, which is part of the Welk Resorts multi-site club system, Welk Resorts Platinum Program. Points backed by Sirena Del Mar resort intervals are available at Welk’s four preview center locations in Mexico, Missouri and California. Welk Resorts Platinum Program members and Interval International exchange guests will be able to use their points to enjoy Sirena del Mar or any of the company’s six other timeshare 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
Welk Resorts Cabo - Sirena Del Mar Joins Interval International
December 23, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq:IILG), yesterday announced that Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar has joined its vacation exchange network. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, this is the first international location in the Welk Resorts portfolio launched by legendary entertainer Lawrence Welk.
“Those familiar with the Welk history know that we strive to ensure whatever we do at our resorts is done with the highest quality standards,” said Jon Fredricks, president of Welk Resorts. “Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar, the newest addition to our family of resorts, clearly exemplifies this commitment to excellence.”
Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Interval Leisure Group, parent company of Interval International, added, “We are very proud to welcome Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar, Welk’s sixth property, to Interval’s worldwide network. The resort’s stunning location and full range of amenities carry on the tradition of quality that has made Welk Resorts one of the most respected independent brands in the vacation ownership industry.”
Set on a 65-foot bluff near the popular resort town of Cabo San Lucas on the tip of the Baja California peninsula, Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar is being built in tiers to maximize its panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez and El Arco, the landmark stone arch. There are two pools on the seven-acre property and cascading decks have wet wall water features, a vanishing edge waterfall and spa, thatched palapas, and a fire pit. At the rim of the seaside cliff, a spiral staircase leads to a swimmable cove beach.
While the setting may be a world away from other resorts in the Welk Resorts portfolio — including the Welk Resort north of the San Diego suburb of Escondido, the 400-acre flagship property, and the Ozark Mountain-themed Timber Ridge Lodge in the heart of family-friendly Branson, Missouri — the quality and flexible, points-based product is very familiar to more than 43,000 owners at Welk Resorts. Sixteen of the 20 two-bedroom villas in phase one of Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar are lock-off units, adding another layer of flexibility. (The remaining four units are two-bedroom penthouses.) The build out is scheduled to progress in five phases for a total of 222 units with a range of configurations, including one-bedroom junior suites.
All units will include luxury amenities such as whirlpool tubs, stainless appliances, multiple flat screen TVs, complimentary Internet access, and pillow-top king-sized beds.
Phase one owners and guests will be able to enjoy a range of on-site amenities including two outdoor pools (one with a swim-up bar), a fitness center, game room, an owner’s lounge and shop selling beverages and sundries. Just five minutes from the property, Cabo San Lucas offers the full spectrum of shopping, dining, golf and water sports.
Further reinforcing the value of ownership, new purchasers will be enrolled as individual members of Interval International, as well as Interval Gold®, its upgraded membership program. This gives them the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval’s worldwide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and spa vacations. They also will enjoy an extensive menu of benefits, including discounts on resort Getaways, ShortStay ExchangeSM, access to a personal concierge service available 24 hours a day via phone and e-mail, complimentary Hertz #1 Gold® membership, and worldwide hotel and dining discounts.
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 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.
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
Women In The Industry (WIN) Online Philanthropy Auction Doubles Its Goals
December 18, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Women in the Industry (WIN), an organization professionally supporting and cultivating women leaders of tomorrow in the vacation industry, has announced the results from its first online auction to support its philanthropic initiatives.
Co-President Cathy Backus says “the auction garnered over $10,000 to fund our 2010 philanthropy projects. The funds will be used in part to support Girls Inc. ‘Collegeship’ fund and will send four girls and two counselors to visit out-of-state colleges this spring. Our second major philanthropic efforts are directed toward Gal to Gal Foundation which supports those battling Fourth Stage Breast Cancer. Because of the generous contributions of our sponsors and those who bid on vacation weeks, three women and their families will have the opportunity to enjoy quality time by going on vacation!”
Organizations which donated to the online philanthropic endeavor included Bluegreen Vacations, Dial-an-Exchange, Festiva Resorts, Great Eastern Resorts, Hotel Playa Mar, ILX Resorts, ICE, Interval International, Island One Resorts, Leisure Link Universe, ResorTime.com, RCI, SFX Preferred Resorts, Shell Vacations, Tartan Management, Travel Advantage Network, Quarter House Resort, and Vacation Exchanges.
Bidding on top vacation locales was not limited to WIN Members alone. Members of WIN come from all backgrounds. They include individuals, resorts, recreational real estate developers, vacation clubs and funding/lending institutions. WIN also has members among the legal community as well as architects and other suppliers to the vacation industry.
While membership is not solely for women, the non profit organization is committed to fostering the growth of women in the shared ownership industry by connecting and mentoring them through charity, business, educational and networking events. Additionally the new group facilitates research in the vacation industry, organizes and implements community and philanthropic activities and promotes and recognizes women’s achievements in the vacation industry.
WIN’s cause is supported in part by individual memberships, corporate benefactors and friends among which are Bluegreen Corporation, C.A.R.E., Chicago Title, CSA Travel Protection, Group RCI, I.C.E., Marriott Vacation Club International, ResorTime.com, Resort Trades, Shell Vacations, Spirit Incentives, Ticor Title, Vacation Grand Getaways, and Wyndham Vacation Ownership.
The organization is holding its first regional meeting in Orlando, Florida from January 29-30, 2010. A national networking event will be held at the ARDA Spring Convention on March 16, 2010. Additional information is available on the web site http://www.womenintheindustry.org. More membership information is available by calling 760-755-0356.
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
Santa Claus, Sebastian the Ibis, and University of Miami Football & Baseball Players Make Holidays Special for South Miami Kids
December 17, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services headquartered in South Miami, and the City of South Miami co-sponsored the Holiday Toy Fest yesterday benefitting more than 400 deserving children in the community. Each child had the chance to visit with Santa and select a holiday gift. Other highlights included “Frosty’s Face Painting” and some tasty treats.
- Santa Claus, Sebastian the Ibis, South Miami Mayor Horace Feliu, and Interval employees enjoy sharing the spirit of giving with happy children at the annual Holiday Toy Fest held at the Bethel-Gibson Community Center
Along with Santa and his special elf, members of the University of Miami Hurricanes football and baseball teams and Sebastian the Ibis – UM’s mascot – volunteered their time to make this holiday a very special one for the children. Interval employees supported the annual event by donating both gifts and their time to the Holiday Toy Fest, one of the many community service initiatives that the company hosts throughout the year.
- Several members of the University of Miami baseball team show their support for the hometown community by volunteering their time to distribute toys at the annual Interval International/City of South Miami Holiday Toy Fest
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 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.
- Jacory Harris, University of Miami quarterback, shares gifts with his two “leading receivers” at the annual Interval International/City of South Miami Holiday Toy Fest.
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
Interval International Affiliates With Grand Lodges Mount Hood For Its Fractional Ski-In, Ski-Out Resort
December 17, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced the addition of Grand Lodges to its vacation exchange network. Tucked into Oregon’s majestic Cascade Mountain Range a few miles from Mt. Hood, this new fractional resort offers four seasons of recreation, including year-round downhill and cross-country skiing.
“The central location of Grand Lodges adjacent to three ski areas is ideal for our upscale members, who will have the opportunity to visit this high-quality ski-in/ski-out resort,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International. “This destination offers a wonderful variety of recreational options, including an extensive night skiing area at Mt. Hood Skibowl and summer skiing at Timberline Palmer Snow Field.”
Today, owners of 1/16 shares at Grand Lodges can catch the Porch-to-Powder shuttle to Mt. Hood Skibowl, Timberline Lodge, and Collins Lake Resort and ski back from Timberline via the glade trail to within steps of their front doors. A proposed aerial tramway connecting the three ski areas promises to further expand ski-in options.
With panoramic views of Multorpor Mountain, Mt. Hood Skibowl, and Collins Lake, 16 open-plan units are designed for a cosmopolitan market coming from the Pacific Northwest’s large metropolitan hubs (Portland International Airport is 53 miles away). Three floor plans ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 square feet offer owners and guests three bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, and a private balcony off the living room and master bedroom. In most units, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and Cascadian stone fireplaces lend to an ambiance of rustic elegance.
“Our vision was to create the ultimate balance between a getaway retreat and a comfortable home,” says Kirk Hanna, managing member of Mt. Hood LLC II, the developer of Grand Lodges. Hanna also owns Mt. Hood Skibowl. “Units are acoustically engineered to give owners a quiet appreciation of the stunning panoramas. The on-site recreation center and full-service concierge and spa will provide first-class pampering. And, our affiliation with Interval International completes the picture by expanding our owners’ vacation options to other quality locations worldwide.”
Planned on-site amenities include a fully equipped fitness center, heated outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna, wireless Internet access, and shuttle service for skiers. Situated in the slope side village of Government Camp, the resort also offers visitors easy access to the surrounding Mt. Hood National Forest, with more than 1,200 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as world-class rafting, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Further reinforcing the value of ownership, new purchasers will be enrolled as individual members of Interval International, as well as Interval Gold®, its upgraded membership program. This gives them the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval’s worldwide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and spa vacations. They also will enjoy an extensive menu of benefits, including discounts on resort Getaways, ShortStay Exchangesm, access to a personal concierge service available 24 hours a day via phone and e-mail, complimentary Hertz #1 Gold® membership, and worldwide hotel and dining discounts.
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 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.
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 Whole Ownership Resort Community In Aruba Welcomed By Interval International
December 16, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq:IILG), today announced the addition of Gold Coast Aruba, to its vacation exchange network. The master-planned resort community will feature 270 whole ownership villas and townhouses in the island’s Malmok area. It is the only development of its kind in Aruba that offers purchasers Interval’s upgraded membership program, Interval Gold®.
“Gold Coast Aruba will be selling its whole ownership product to an upscale clientele and we’re glad to be able to support them with our enhanced membership benefit product, which is specifically tailored to an affluent consumer,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International.
The resort community is located on 26 acres just a few minutes away from the scenic northwest coastline, and its architecture and interior design reflect a Mediterranean style with a contemporary Caribbean touch. It includes two- and three-bedroom townhomes and three-bedroom villas with well-appointed, spacious living and dining areas, state-of-the-art kitchens and bathrooms, large balconies, and secluded patios. The two-story townhomes range in size from approximately 900 to 1,600 square feet, while the villas have around 1,800 to 3,200 square feet of space.
“Gold Coast Aruba is situated in a very desirable area and features quality accommodations as well as a wide array of amenities that one would expect to find at a luxury resort,” said Fito Croes, director of sales and marketing for the property. “All owners will gain access to Interval’s valuable membership benefits, and those who participate in the rental program also will have the ability to trade their time for a comparable vacation experience at one of hundreds of quality resorts worldwide.”
Scheduled for completion in 2010 and 2011 is an amenity complex anchored by a multi-million-dollar clubhouse with a full-service spa, water feature, and infinity pool; a state-of-the-art fitness center; and two lighted tennis courts. The Tierra del Sol championship golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, is conveniently located across from the property.
Membership in Interval Gold® further reinforces the value of ownership by giving new purchasers the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval’s worldwide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and spa vacations. They also enjoy an extensive menu of benefits, including discounts on resort Getaways, ShortStay ExchangeSM, access to a personal concierge service available 24 hours a day via phone and e-mail, complimentary Hertz #1 Gold® membership, and worldwide hotel and dining discounts.
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 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.
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
Interval International Thirteenth Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive And Decorating Contest
November 20, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Earlier today, Interval International hosted its Thirteenth Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and Decorating Contest benefiting residents of the City of South Miami. More than 50 boxes filled with complete holiday meals were donated by employees of the Miami-based global vacation exchange company and distributed immediately following the contest. The Interval Resort and Financial Services department won first place for its rendition of this year’s theme – The Musical Turkey – with its “Rock Band Turkey Edition” entry.
Judges Katie Meyer, University of Miami Women’s Basketball Coach; Michael Miller, Executive Editor, Community Newspapers; Mayor Horace G. Feliu, City of South Miami; and Major Michael S. Mills, City of South Miami Police Department, pictured with the Interval Resort and Financial Services team who created the winning "Rock Band Turkey Edition" entry.
Winning "Rock Band Turkey Edition" entry.
In line with the company’s commitment to a greener workplace, participating teams were asked to use recyclable products to decorate the entries. Part of the judging criteria was based on how creatively teams incorporated those materials to support the Eco-Musical Turkey theme.
Guest judges included Katie Meyer, University of Miami Women’s Basketball Coach; Michael Miller, Executive Editor, Community Newspapers; Mayor Horace G. Feliu, City of South Miami; and Major Michael S. Mills, City of South Miami Police Department.
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
Dubai’s Royal Club At Bonnington Tower Added To Interval International’s Quality Exchange Network
November 12, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Joins Sold-out Royal Club at Palm-Jumeirah and Royal Club at Downtown Dubai
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced the affiliation of Royal Club at Bonnington Tower in Dubai. The 40-story, five-star Bonnington Tower is located in the heart of Jumeirah Lakes Towers, one of Dubai’s most prestigious residential and commercial communities.
Royal Club at Bonnington consists of 30 spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments furnished to the highest standards, boasting large balconies overlooking the stunning “New Dubai” skyline and the Jumeirah Lakes. Owners and guests also can enjoy a wide range of on-site amenities, including six restaurants and bars, a Leisure Deck, state-of- the-art gym, hairdressing salons, and 24-hour concierge service. The unique double-height Leisure Deck on the 11th floor has an infinity pool open to the elements on three sides.
“Interval International has worked with Royal Club in Dubai and its marketing partner for many years, and we’ve developed a relationship based on shared respect for quality product and service excellence,” said David Clifton, Interval’s managing director for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia. “We have no doubt that the Royal Club at Bonnington Tower will be as valuable an addition to our network as the two other Royal Club resorts — Royal Club at Downtown Dubai and Royal Club at Palm, Jumeirah — have been.”
“Royal Club at Bonnington is our third affiliation with Interval International,” noted Sherif Khalil, chief executive officer of Dermarr Real Estate, owner of the Royal Clubs. “We are focused on quality, so our exchange provider must have the same vision. Interval is not just our exchange provider, but also a trusted business partner.”
The newest Royal Club is convenient to the Dubai International Airport, and to major malls, including the Mall of the Emirates with its indoor ski resort, and the Dubai Mall, one of the largest luxury malls in the world.
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 a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 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.
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
Global Exchange Leader Interval International Selected By Geovillage Sport And Wellness Resort
November 11, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Sports Village And Spa Resort Close To Costa Smeralda Joins Quality Exchange Network
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced the affiliation to its vacation exchange network of Geovillage Sport and Wellness Resort.
Designed around the principles of sport and wellness, the resort includes the Malo Clinic Spa and Fitness Centre, and counts champion tennis stars and top soccer teams from across Europe among its guests.
Geovillage, set on 14 hectares (35 acres) of lush Mediterranean gardens, is located near Olbia on the northeast coast of Sardinia, Italy, with the luxurious Costa Smeralda nearby. The resort includes timeshare units within the existing hotel that are spacious, filled with natural light, and designed in a modern style, featuring bleached wood furniture. Amenities include an outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool and two indoor pools, four synthetic and six clay tennis courts, wet and piano bars, and a restaurant, in addition to the world-class spa and fitness centre. It is only a few kilometres from the beach of Pittulongu.
“This innovative resort caters to our more discerning and active members with its great location and full range of amenities,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval International’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “Geovillage is Gavino Docche’s first venture into timesharing and we are very pleased to have had the opportunity to complement his creativity and entrepreneurship with our experience in shared ownership development.”
“We chose Interval International because the company greatly assisted us in understanding the many benefits of entering the vacation ownership industry and we were impressed with its expertise,” said Gavino Docche, the developer of Geovillage. “We also preferred the quality of its exchange network and marketing tools, which will greatly enhance our value proposition at the point of sale.”
The northeast coast of Sardinia attracts many tourists owing to its climate, natural beauty, and history. Activities near the resort range from boat rentals, diving, fishing, and surfing to golf, horseback riding, and shopping. Numerous prehistoric caves, castles, and temples dot the coast and countryside, including the Anghelu Ruju, an area of ancient man-made caves that were used from about 3000 to 1500 BC. Visitors also can view the remains of the Roman thermal baths at Oristano and other archaeological ruins, including tombs, inside the crypt of St. Lussorios church.
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 a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 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.
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
Future Timeshare Buyers: 2009 Market Profile Released By Interval International
November 5, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
More than nine out of ten active leisure travelers in the United States report they are familiar with the concept of timesharing, reinforcing the wide-spread belief that this form of vacationing has established itself as a recognized, understood, and increasingly popular alternative to more traditional lodging accommodations. And among those familiar with the concept, approximately 2.3 million households state they are interested in purchasing some form of vacation time during the next two years.
These findings are from Future Timeshare Buyers: 2009 Market Profile, which was developed from a nationally-representative sample of active leisure travelers who have expressed interest in acquiring some form of vacation time during the next two years, and supplemented through insights revealed in the Ypartnership/Yankelovich, Inc. 2009 National Leisure Travel MONITORsm. The study was authored exclusively for Interval International, which is releasing the results during the American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) 2009 Fall Conference, held in Washington, D.C.
“Given the economic environment during the past year and the effect it had on both the demography of those interested in purchasing vacation time and respondents’ interest in travel overall, the level of purchase interest revealed in this study is quite remarkable and underscores the high degree of interest consumers have in this form of vacationing,” said Peter C. Yesawich, chairman and chief executive officer of Ypartnership. “Particularly noteworthy is the fact there are an estimated 2.3 million households interested in purchasing vacation time during the next two years.”
Active leisure travelers who are interested in purchasing vacation time have taken an average of seven qualifying leisure trips during the past year and nearly four in ten (38%) state they are likely to take more leisure trips during the next 12 months (than they did during the last). Eight out of ten prospective purchasers took at least one leisure trip of five nights or more in duration, and a similar proportion find a naturalistic component (such as a beach or a lake) to be an important aspect of their leisure pursuits.
The study also revealed that active leisure travelers interested in purchasing vacation time have a solid understanding of the concept of timesharing and are receptive toward the vacation ownership product. An estimated 85 percent have a positive or neutral opinion of timesharing, and more than three-quarters (77%) state that they would be willing to take a two- to three-day mini vacation to attend a timeshare sales presentation. Furthermore, approximately six in ten (62%) report that they are likely to stay at a vacation ownership resort during the next two years.
“These findings provide valuable insights for resort developers to better understand the travel habits and preferences sought by leisure travelers,” said David C. Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services. “Possessing an appreciation for how these potential purchasers travel and view the vacation ownership product enables them to fine tune marketing and lead generation programs aimed at these consumers.”
The data for this analysis were collected from interviews conducted online with a panel of pre-qualified active leisure travelers. Respondents had taken at least one leisure trip of 75 miles or more from home requiring overnight accommodations during the previous year, were familiar with the concept of timesharing or vacation ownership, and expressed interest in acquiring some form of vacation time during the next two years.
Other Notable Findings:
• The majority of active leisure travelers interested in purchasing vacation time are married (61%) with an annual household income of $50,000 or more (88%).
• Nearly two-thirds are between 30 and 62 years of age, and nearly eight in ten have completed at least four years of college education (78%).
• Approximately four in ten (35%) reside in the Midwestern region of the United States, while an estimated three in ten live in the Northeast (29%) or West (27%).
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 a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through offices in 26 cities across 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.
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
Support Of Key Industry Conference In London Announced By Interval International
November 5, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced its role as a Major Supporter of The FORUM, a conference that will cover all aspects of shared ownership. Hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine, the event is anticipated to draw 200 industry leaders to the Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel next month.
“We are proud to play a leading role at The FORUM and look forward to the discussions and networking opportunities, which should be enlightening and productive,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval International’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
Two Interval executives will be among the industry experts participating in the panels scheduled for 9th and 10th December. David Clifton, managing director for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia, will join the opening session “So You Think You Had It Bad!?!” and Ettridge will speak on both the “Triumph Out of Adversity” and “Is Fractional the Future of the Shared Ownership Industry?” panels.
“We are delighted that Interval International is a Major Supporter of The FORUM, a not-for-profit networking and conference event for the European marketplace,” said Paul Mattimoe, chief executive officer of Perspective International Ltd. “The company’s significant support has helped us gather more than 25 key industry figures from around the world to share their insights in a new, innovative format that promises to address possible solutions to the most pertinent questions being asked today.”
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 a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 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.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine &