ATHOC FOUNDATION GOLF DAY
This year’s Industry Foundation Golf Day will be held at the Palmer Colonial Golf Club on the Gold Coast.
This is your chance to be a part of an incredible fund raising and networking event. For more information and an opportunity to book your team or contribute prizes, go to www.athoc.com.au
The ATHOC Foundation was formed 10 years ago by the Industry Association to support families and help give back to the community. Since this time over $500,000 has been raised.
The ATHOC Foundation has been set up to enable the industry to give back to the community. The Foundation will help fund those that are in need to have a break away from the distressing situations that they are facing.
This year’s golf day will support TLC for Kids
- TLC for Kids Gold Coast Affiliate will help TLC for Kids continue to offer urgent practical & emotional support to sick children on the Gold Coast.
- TLC for Kids focuses especially on those children excluded from existing services.
- TLC for Kids has no criteria, and no waiting lists
- TLC for Kids Gold Coast Affiliate raises money locally with 100% of funds, supporting local sick children in Gold Coast hospitals.
- Monies raised on the Gold Coast will go towards funding the TLC RAPID Program , providing ‘rapid’ assistance to referred sick children & their families in urgent situations, within 24-48 hours.
- tlcforkids.org.au/goldcoast
- Facebook: TLC for Kids Gold Coast Affiliate Twitter: TLCforkidsGC
2015 ATHOC Industry Conference- Engaged
The Gold Coast shone for the 2015 conference, particularly from the 78th floor of the amazing Q1 building Sky Point. With lunches served in the sky everyone had a wonderful opportunity to wander the deck and see for miles out over the beautiful Gold Coast. A special thanks to our lunch sponsor RCI and Interval International.
We heard from a terrific range of speakers from both within and external to the industry. Some of the key speakers included Bob East the CEO Mantra group who gave his take on what was happening in the accommodation industry and tourism sector in general. China was certainly at the top of the list when it came to topics across the two days. China was noticeably mentioned a large number of times more than Customer Service – may be time for us to reconsider what our priorities are? Andrew Travis CEO of the Gold Coast Suns AFL team led us through managing teams and membership; we learnt all about millennials and the upcoming alphas; as well as Jonathan Mills experience of entering the timeshare industry. Many of us can now converse in Chinese, well, maybe some of us can now say hello although we now have a better understanding of what our Chinese visitors expect for their holiday experience. We also found out how to save money implementing green initiatives; the what, why and where of social media; and where the Australian timeshare leaders see our industry going.
It wouldn’t be a conference without a few good parties! ICE took us across from the beautiful Surfers Paradise beach to start the conference looking out over the sea. A great night of networking and catching up after a year apart.; DAE took to the other side of Surfers Paradise along the River at Cocoon which offered a beautiful outlook as well as raising a substantial amount of money for the Charity Young Care. The final dinner was held at the Howl at the Moon. What a ball was had by all. The pionist played, and everybody ate a lot, drank a lot and had a lot of fun! Can’t get much better than that! All in all, another successful conference.
Powerpoint presentations are on the conference website under the speakers.
Announcing ATHOC Annual National Conference 2016
September 5 to 7, 2016
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Queenstown, New Zealand
Make sure to put the dates in your diary
ATHOC BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 2015-2016
Whilst no election for the Board was held this year as all terms are for 2 years, the office bearers positions become vacant following the AGM and the committee determines who will hold what role. There was a difference this year in that the Board proposed that Barry Robinson as President was able to extend his time in that position. Under the constitution a person can only be President for a period of 4 years unless there is a vote where 75% of those present agree for this to be extended for a year. This was approved by the AGM
President: Barry Robinson – Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific
Vice President: Ramy Filo – Classic Holiday Club
Secretary: Ivan Hill – Silver Sands Resort
Treasurer: Carole Smith – Beachcomber Resort
Director: Craig Wood – Accor Vacation Club
Director: Joe Hickman – Interval International
Director: Jonathon Mills – RCI
Director: Kevin Sharp – ICE
Director: Stephen Goy – NZHOC
Alternate Directors
Kate Roth for Craig Wood
Gary Fog for Ramy Filo
ATHOC 2015 HALL OF FAME AWARD
The most prestigious award given by The Australian Timeshare & Holiday Ownership Council. The Nominee must be an individual who has contributed significantly to the improvement of his/her Organisation, the Timeshare Industry and the Council. The Nominee must be a person who holds or who has held a Senior Management Role within the Timeshare Industry.
Ivan commenced as a Director on the Board of Silver Sands Resort in Mandurah in 1991 after being an owner in the same Resort for several years. He continues as a Director to this day having served for 24 years. During this time he held the position of Vice Chairman from 1992-1996 (5 Years) and then Chairman from 1997-2003 (7 Years) when he stood down from being an office bearer to take the position as Manager of Silver Sands.
During his time on the Board he was instrumental in instituting the organisation of titles for the betterment of the future of all shareholders in the Club. He has worked tirelessly to this end and now the Club finds itself in the enviable position of having collected for safekeeping over 90% of the Resort titles in one location.
Since his time in Management of Silver Sands Ivan has increased the occupancy of the Resort in excess of 90% year round, improved the holiday experience of owners and exchangers alike through the constant improvement of the amenities and driven a ·constant refurbishment which has been achieved within the constraints of a budget that boasts some of the lowest levies in Australia.
Not content to concentrate on his home Resort alone he has been a member on the ATHOC Board since 2001 and contributed his intellectual property to be shared on a National level for the duration of this period.
Over the 24 years that Ivan has been involved at the highest level in the Timeshare Industry he has unwaveringly dedicated his time and effort to improving the industry and servicing the holiday maker. He and his opinion is respected amongst his peers and he is a deserved Nominee for the Hall of Fame award
AUSTRALIA’S NEW TOURISM MINISTER
Senator Richard Colbeck has been sworn into the Turnbull ministry (21/9/2015), being named Minister for Tourism and International Education and Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment.
This is a great mix of portfolios as it covers all aspects of tourism including International Education as well as Trade.
Congratulations to the Government for putting this Ministerial role in place.
Find out more about Mr Colbeck http://www.richardcolbeck.com.au/biography
ICE Vacations were awarded once again this year at the Insight Vacations Awards night. Having already received Elite Agency Status for Australia, Scott Fisher, Executive Director of Cruise/Travel Relationships and Programs was pleased to accept a further award on behalf of ICE Vacations, achieving Insight’s Top Agency In Queensland Award. Escorted and Independent Touring that Insight Vacations has on offer, continues to grow in Australia, with Baby Boomers loving the value that ICE can present.
“Our trophy case is getting rather full at the moment – it’s a challenge we certainly like having and of course, we welcome future expansion,” said Scott, “I’m also pleased to report that two of our experienced agents were recognised for their hard work at the ceremony, gaining Top Agent Awards for Queensland – very well done!”
ICE Vacations, however, will not be resting on their laurels, as they continue to strive for excellence and are keenly focussed on building strong customer relationships as the key to greater success
The Registry Collection® Adds Pacific Region Vacation Options, Welcomes Four WorldMark South Pacific Club by Wyndham Resorts
Luxury accommodations at four select resorts join approximately 200 affiliated properties on six continents as part of global exchange program
The Registry Collection® program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program, recently welcomed four Wyndham Vacation Ownership resorts in the Pacific locations of Sydney, New Zealand’s South Island, Tasmania and Fiji, bringing exciting new destination options to its nearly 32,000 global exchange members.
“Members of The Registry Collection have told us that they want holiday options in the Pacific region, and we are very happy to be able to offer them these spectacular four WorldMark South Pacific Club resorts,” said Jonathan Mills, managing director, RCI Asia Pacific, which operates The Registry Collection. “Our affiliation with Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific will give our members the opportunity to explore the vibrant cities, national parks, and tranquil beaches of the area while enjoying the award-winning service Wyndham is known for.”
The four resorts are flagship Presidential resorts of the WorldMark South Pacific Club offering luxuriously appointed Presidential Suites in premium locations.
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Wanaka is located in a spectacular region on New Zealand’s South Island that boasts awe-inspiring natural wonders including Mount Aspiring National Park, Rob Roy Glacier and The Clutha River. Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street, the resort is only a short stroll from Lake Wanaka and within two kilometres from the heart of the village.
Set in a prime beachfront location in southern Tasmania, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Seven Mile Beach offers a relaxing beach holiday with the convenience of being only a 20-minute drive from Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart. Every aspect of this eco-friendly resort is inspired by its natural surroundings and designed with these elements in mind. From the surrounding region’s rich history to its striking natural wonders, Tasmania is an intriguing island that blends heritage and lifestyle with scenery and culture.
Fiji is an exotic destination filled with culture, beautiful beaches and clear turquoise waters. Located on the beachfront is Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Denarau Island, an oasis that can be ideal for sipping cocktails, enjoying authentic Fijian culture and letting life’s pressures float away. It is easy to relax and enjoy Fiji’s laid-back pace with the resort’s spacious apartments. The resort offers outstanding facilities including a large lagoon-style swimming pool, an outdoor spa, a swim-up pool bar with wet and dry seating, a kids’ club, direct beach access and a Mexican themed restaurant.
Located in Australia’s largest city, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Sydney offers spacious accommodations in the heart of it all. This stylish, modern property is within easy walking distance to all major attractions and just a short walk from Hyde Park, Oxford Street and the popular restaurant precincts of Darling Harbour and Chinatown. As one of Australia’s best-loved holiday destinations, Sydney has a plethora of activities and attractions for families and couples, including the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
DAE adds New Top End Options to Resort Portfolio
DAE is opening up the gateway to the Northern Territory for its members, with two daeOptions properties now part of the worldwide exchange provider’s Australian inventory, and a third to follow in the new year.
Darwin’s newest resort, Zen Quarter, joins existing daeOptions resort, Mantra on the Esplanade. Both are located in Darwin, perfectly positioned for DAE members to explore the booming Northern Territory tourism landscape, and expanding the company’s Australian resort portfolio.
“Incredible natural attractions, stunning landscape, plus a unique history and culture make the Northern Territory one of the most sought after destinations around Australia and the world,” said Regional Manager DAE – Australia & New Zealand, Gary Fog.
“We’re thrilled to be opening up this inspiring destination to our DAE members to explore, with the choice of new daeOptions properties in Darwin, the gateway to the NT.
“There are so many must-see attractions on the doorstep of Darwin, including indigenous art galleries, sunsets at Mindil Beach, waterfalls, hot springs and the world-famous Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park.
“It’s such an enticing destination that we are looking forward to partnering with a third daeOptions resort in Darwin in early 2016 to meet members’ demand.”
daeOptions Resorts are non-timeshare properties located in high-demand destinations including capital cities and emerging markets, and are available to DAE Members for exchange or rental weeks.
Mantra on the Esplanade offers guests an unrivalled location near Darwin Harbour and in close proximity to Darwin’s CBD. With rooms featuring a full kitchen, laundry and large private balcony, Mantra on the Esplanade offers the convenience of a self-contained apartment with all the services of a 5-Star Hotel, including 24 hour room service, concierge, outdoor pool and spa and a beauty salon.
Zen Quarter is one of Darwin’s newest resort properties, located just a stone’s throw from the Darwin CBD making it easily accessible to the CBD and nightlife, as well as Darwin’s trendy waterfront, shops and restaurants. Featuring a stunning 28m outdoor infinity pool, spacious apartments and an onsite café, HoriZen Café, it is the ultimate accommodation option for the lifestyle traveller.
For more information on these properties and other daeOptions properties, visit daelive.com
