The Timeshare Blog is a micro-site of our main news site at www.theperspectivemagazine.com

SPI Orange Software Chosen By Costa Rica-Based Timeshare Resort

Costa Rica-based OSA Club, is the latest company to join with as a valued . OSA Club has licensed the SPI Orange Enterprise Suite including integrated modules for , , mortgage and maintenance fee servicing, central reservations, property management and operations.

, Vice-President of for SPI states, “We are very proud to have been selected by OSA Club as their technology platform. Developers are making SPI their overwhelming choice as the benefits of SPI’s easy user interface, quick implementation and rich functionality is a distinct strategic and competitive advantage.”

Paula Mead, General Manager for OSA Club adds” I chose SPI Orange after carefully evaluating available software. SPI has everything we needed for both now and the future, ‘out of the box,’ without additional customization.”

SPI Orange can be deployed on a modular basis for an individual department or as an integrated enterprise suite that is available as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) or as a traditional client-based package.  For companies wanting additional information, please visit SPI at Booth 343 during the national convention March 15-18th or email @spisoftware.com.

About OSA Club
OSA is a new and exciting concept that combines aspects of a private club with a membership . The club is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica near Puerto Jimenez and will feature many exciting amenities. For further information visit http://www.osaresortclub.com/osaresortclub.html.

About
provides developers and operators of (, , and others using either traditional or points-based usage strategies) with Microsoft .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle , , property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in , FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, @spiinc.com or www.spisoftware.com.


For information on and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the and industries visit www.perspectiverates.com


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SPI Orange Software Selected By Steele Hill Resorts

December 2, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment 

The industry’s technology leader, (www.spiinc.com), recently announced that of Sanbornton, NH has selected enterprise software to augment and replace the ’s existing applications.

SPI Orange , , property management, reservations, rentals, maintenance fee and mortgage loan servicing and web-user interface software applications will be put to use to provide the highest level of service possible to Steele Hill’s owners and guests, while increasing productivity and reducing operating costs. The SPI Orange software will be deployed in a company-wide network to replace the existing system the company has had for several years.

According to , vice-president of Steel Hill Resorts, was the only available technology that would truly meet their needs. “We did a thorough study of available software packages and, frankly speaking, the decision was an easy one to go with SPI Orange. When we explored the efficiencies SPI would bring and realized the cost-savings we were going to be able to achieve, we got pretty excited. The fact that the system can interface together all of our departments - from the of our , through the process and on to management - was another highly desirable motivator.”

, vice president of for SPI adds, “Steele Hill is a quality property with one of the best operators around. We are very pleased to be assisting them with their mission to provide great service and hospitality to their guests and owners. Both of our companies share a passion for the business and we look forward to providing with the most advanced software system in 2010 and for years to come.”

or club operators wishing to see a demonstration may contact SPI at 305-858-9505 or by email to @spiiinc.com.

About
, Inc.’s property, situated in the heart of ’s Lakes Region, sits atop the hill from which it derives its name and enjoys stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, framed by the White Mountains. Set amongst 500 acres of unspoiled fields and hardwood forests, guests enjoy an executive golf course, snowmobile trails, snowshoeing, hiking trails and fishing in our private pond. Magnificent year-round swimming pools and hot tubs in a plant-filled conservatory are the centerpiece of The Amenities Center. Other guest privileges include additional indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and racquetball courts, exercise rooms, a roman spa, whirlpools, a sauna and an enclosed observation tower.  Contact at 1-800-284-6985 or visit www.steelehillresorts.com.

About
SPI provides developers and operators of (, , and others using either traditional or points-based usage strategies) with its .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle , , property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in , FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, @spiinc.com or www.spiinc.com.


For information on and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the and industries visit www.perspectiverates.com


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Jim Walsh Named As Spirit Incentives Sales Vice President

October 20, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment 

A senior professional with experience at the world’s largest development company will now direct efforts for , one of the nation’s most respected incentive organizations.
, a veteran of over two decades in the industry, has been named Vice President of by president Gary Barron. Walsh joined Spirit after nine years with Wyndham Resorts, where he most recently served as Senior VP of , helping to lead that company to its status as the nation’s largest company. His formerly held positions at Wyndham include: Vice President of and Director of .

In his new position, Walsh will develop, manage and guide all activities, including its primary (Direct and Value Added Retailers) and its secondary (Brokers and Resellers) distribution channels. In coordination with product development, production, finance, , and servicing, Walsh will also interface with internal support areas to maintain high service standards and client relationships.  As the new VP of , he will also review and implement initiatives, in coordination with all aspects of the organization, providing recommendations to support improvement and growth.

Added Walsh, “Having used as a valuable vendor for the last 18 years, I am confident that our past relationship will serve as a springboard to help provide further growth successes for the company.”
Prior to his affiliation with Wyndham Resorts, Walsh was president of a company that  provided support functions for Marriott Club and Fairfield Resorts, now Wyndham .   He also served as Project Director for three properties in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

is a full service, privately owned incentive firm specializing in programs delivered as acquisition, retention and reward incentives. Founded in 1990 and located in , , Spirit has become respected as the premier incentive solution provider for small to medium sized businesses as well as private and Fortune 500 companies. Spirit’s client list and travel vendor partners are among the most successful and prestigious in the country.
Visit: www.Spirit-Incentives.com


For information on and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the and industries visit www.perspectiverates.com


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Bryan Ten Broek Named As Senior Vice President Of Resort Sales And Business Development Of Interval International

October 20, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment 

, a leading global provider of services, announced the promotion of to senior vice president of and business development. He reports to David Gilbert, executive vice president of and .

In his new position, Ten Broek oversees the and service team who manages Interval’s relationships in the U.S., , and and plays the lead role in building the company’s developer client base in these regions.

In addition, he is responsible for the affiliation, service, and of Preferred ResidencesTM, a branded membership and exchange program for resorts and private residences clubs, in the same territory.

Ten Broek also directs initiatives that enhance the scope of services Interval provides to its existing clients, develops third-party business relationships, manages participation in hospitality-related conferences, and pursues new business opportunities.

“Bryan has done an outstanding job growing our business in the regions he has managed and launching new programs that significantly enhance the value we add to our clients’ products,” Gilbert said. “His extensive knowledge of the , , and operations aspects of our business will serve him well in this new role and I am confident that he will continue to excel.”

Ten Broek joined Interval in 1995 and has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he was vice president of and service for the western region.

He has been an active participant in the (), the industry’s trade association, for more than 14 years and is currently a member of the research committee. He earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in political science from Northwestern University.

operates membership programs for owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in , , the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its 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 industry.


For information on and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the and industries visit www.perspectiverates.com


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Timeshare Industry Proves Resilient

Occupancy, Satisfaction Rates Remain Strong

Despite tighter credit markets and high unemployment rates, the U.S. industry continues to demonstrate its resilience.

Although overall continue to reflect the national trend of lower , owners continue to enjoy their pre-paid vacations, with an 80 percent occupancy rate and an 86 percent product approval rate. This compares with a 60.4 percent hotel occupancy rate, according to Smith Travel Research.

“The downturn in our economy has hit the tourism industry particularly hard; the segment, however, due in part to its pre-paid nature, is better equipped than most to weather a downturn,” said , president and CEO of the (). “The good news is that owners are still vacationing, and occupancy remains strong. Coupled with our industry’s emphasis on new efficiencies and improvements to our business model, we will come through the current downturn and be ready to meet the expectations of customers.”

Preliminary 2009 second quarter research indicates that nine out of 10 owners were current on monthly payments, a .2 percent increase over the preceding quarter. efficiencies have improved, as measured by Volume Per Guest (VPG) of $2,043 that was up by two percent from the previous quarter level.
In addition, use of exchange options that offer owners the ability to trade destinations other than those of their “home ” location are also strong, demonstrating that owners continue to enjoy their timeshares.

Several leading developers agree with Nusbaum’s outlook.
“We’ve had the best summer on record, and continue to be robust. Just because the economy has slowed doesn’t mean we have stopped doing what we do—we’ve taken a closer look at how we can refine our processes and products to deliver memorable vacations that families want to come back to year after year,” said , president and CEO of .

“At Disney, we have confidence in . In fact, we’re enlarging our footprint outside of the area by the opening of our newest in California and developing one in Hawaii,” added James M. Lewis, president of Disney Club.

Sergio Rivera, CEO for Starwood said, “Closing rates have held up better than expected given the discretionary nature of the product. This supports our belief that dynamics will be strong over the long run.”

This comes as no surprise to David Palmer, CFO of International. “Our closing rates this year are identical to those last year, and our collections remain strong. Additionally, our diversified cash flow business model has allowed to substantially decrease our reliance on the capital markets.”
Most developers report that decreased , in part, are a result of purposely slowed to maintain a healthy cash flow during the tightened credit market environment. In addition, the industry expects to limit new construction until inventory levels are reduced.

“An increase in volume aided by improving sentiment and recovering capital markets will accelerate absorption,” said Nusbaum. “Most of all, demographics are on our side, with baby boomers and succeeding generations eager to purchase a piece of flexible real estate, allowing them the better vacationing and the undeniable value proposition that offers. Our industry is primed to fulfill the increased demand for quality experiences.”

The is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the and development industries. Established in 1969, today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes owner associations (HOAs), management companies, and owners through the Owners Coalition (-ROC). For more information, visit www..org or ’s website at www.VacationBetter.org.


For information on and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the and industries visit www.perspectiverates.com


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Sales Training For New Economy Developed By Tom Goetschius

It’s not business as usual anymore. Over the last 18 months, the economy has witnessed wrenching changes, re-adjustments and dramatic upheaval. Many of our long-held beliefs turned out to be deceptive and downright fraudulent. Gone is the “borrow and spend” philosophy. The bubble has burst on the prosperity we enjoyed over the last decade. This is common knowledge to the average . But if you make your living as a professional, how do you adjust to these cultural changes?

According to , a 25-year , -based consultant and trainer in the development industry, “We have undergone a transformational shift in attitude and behavior. As consumers shake off the effects of this economic readjustment and return to the marketplace, they will be more savvy and aware, thriftier, more cautious and less trusting. What that means to professionals is the need for a serious paradigm shift in how the is engaged and new practices are applied.”

Goetschius acknowledges that there are serious challenges facing professionals, forcing them to review traditional practices and re-examine them in light of a new economy and a newer conservative . His new training program, “ Training For the New Economy,” re-establishes not only the validity of relationship selling but goes beyond to apply the principles of focusing on the , earning the right to continue with the process through empathic listening, involving the in the process and influencing them rather than trying to sell them something through persuasion.

Trust has always been the foundation of effective , but how can a person be successful when the failure of long-trusted institutions and too-good-to-be-true claims have made consumers more skeptical than ever? Goetschius does this by teaching skills that enable people to communicate a non-manipulative, non self-serving and life-enhancing approach.

“As we emerge from the recession, it is clear that the buying habits of consumers have changed,” explained Goetschius. “Rising from the ashes is a major restructuring of buying culture. Almost overnight, we have been transformed from a ‘spend society’ to a ‘save society’. A new kind of thriftiness will rule the day.  How people approach a salesperson will be entirely different from the past. It will take a new breed of professional, selling any product or service, to be successful in the New Economy.”

For further information: Contact TomGoetschius@aol.com
Or go to www.tomgassociates.com


For information on and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the and industries visit www.perspectiverates.com


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Kristie Irvin, RRP Joins Perspective International As The North American Account Manager

September 2, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment 

& publishers increase presence in with experienced manager.

has seen rapid growth over the past few years. , has become the most read independent trade publication globally for the industry and become media sponsor of 18 major industry events around the world, and this past year saw the launch of the only publication available to the general public, which in less than a year has developed a circulation of nearly 50,000 readers comprising of print and online subscriptions and distribution via first class and business class airport lounges worldwide with , , and Airlines in addition to leading UK supermarkets, and selected hotels and resorts across Europe.

“During the economic turmoil of 2009 we have concentrated on building more creative and channels to provide larger and more quantifiable results for our clients and are now ready to increase our presence further in all main regions of the world, so we are very pleased to welcome to our team as we continue to rapidly grow within , , & regions.” said , CEO of .

’s adventures in the industry started twelve years ago with Fairfield Resorts (now Wyndham ) out of Nashville, Tennessee where she worked for five years starting as a telemarketer and rising through supervisor to Assistant Director and Recruiter / Trainer of a team of 30 telemarketers. Her career continued at Fairfield Glade as the In House Manager before taking a different direction to work for The Trades Publishing Company where she has handled two publications, The Trades and Management & Operations for the past six years forming many long lasting and heartfelt relationships with her clients.

“My time at The Trades has opened many avenues for me to investigate and I have made a very comfortable and well thought out decision to join Perspective International.  I am so excited and ready to undertake this journey to an even broader level in my next step within the industry.”  said .

Kristie is available now to deal with all prospective clients within the , , , and neighboring regions and is also currently booking appointments with clients who are attending the Investment Conference (VOIC) in 14-17 September.

Kristie can be reached at kristieirvin@perspectiveinternational.com or by calling 931-200-3229

For more details on and editorial opportunities visit http://www.perspectiverates.com


For information on and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the and industries visit www.perspectiverates.com


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