“I am truly excited about the award winning performance of our employees and member resorts,” said Denis Ebrill, Executive Vice President, Club Meliá. “They are all our ‘all stars’ who deliver our exclusive Club Meliá experience to our members each and every day.”

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“We are extremely pleased that Gonzalo has joined our resort sales and service team. His more than 20 years of experience in shared ownership and hospitality will be very valuable to our company and resort clients as we work together to grow our business in the Mexican market,” Agostini noted.

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By Matt McDaniel

Raquel Garcia Dennis, whom everyone simply calls Dennis, is a natural farmer. He comes from a farming background and has a love for all things agricultural. Unfortunately, about eight years ago he developed stomach cancer.

At the time, Dennis was a driver for Orlando Arroyo Marroquín, president of Grupo Sunset World Group. The doctors said Dennis needed to be in a quiet environment without the stresses of rushing around and chauffeuring people all over the place. Dennis knew that his boss had a piece of land languishing with a neglected, off-and-on-and-offagain foray into papaya farming, so he went to him with a simple request: “Why don’t you send me out there?” Dennis told Orlando how much he’d enjoy being back in contact with nature, and promised to give the company some produce in return for the favor.

At first, Dennis brought back a small basket of tomatoes once a week. But before long, it became two baskets. And then one day he asked for a truck.

Farming in the Yucatan

The region around Cancun does not have a strong agricultural industry; most of the consumables are imported from other parts of Mexico or from international locations. This part of the Yucatan Peninsula doesn’t have much in the way of agriculture because the ground is so poor in topsoil. It’s a rocky jungle landscape, so farming is challenging and takes some ingenuity.

Most of the area’s hotels and resorts — because they require large quantities at guaranteed times and of a specific quality — are unable to purchase produce from the region’s small farmers, who tend to be the type operating little roadside stands. So while Sunset World has always used Mexican produce, it previously had to come from further-reaching parts of Mexico.

Yet today, Sunset World Resorts & Vacation Experiences operates a farming development called Ethos, which produces several tons of fruits, vegetables and ornamental flowers every year for Sunset World’s properties. This past year’s numbers were 26 tons of tomatoes, 35 tons of papayas, 15 tons of limes, and 16,000 bird of paradise flowers. Not surprisingly, Sunset World decided last year to expand the farm and make it even more important to their overall operation. Now, the farm also is growing cucumbers, watermelons, peppers, zucchini squash and fine herbs. What’s more, Ethos now has 16 additional varieties of exotic tropical flowers, including valeriana, iris and antorcha.

“We actually just had our first cucumber harvest a few weeks ago,” says Annie Arroyo, brand director. “Right now we have seven hectares of plants, and we’re going to expand even more into coconuts, onions and potatoes.”

And what about the papayas, which were the farm’s original residents? “For the past eight years we’ve been using all the papayas that come from the farm. Last year we finally got up to speed where almost all of the papayas that were consumed in the hotel came from the farm,” Annie boasts.

“All of this is for our own consumption in the hotel. If we end up having more than we need, we’re selling it to other hotels in the area,” she continues. “It’s been a great addition to our food supply because it’s a really high quality product, and we’re giving jobs to local farmers.”

Environmentally Friendly

Because Ethos is Sunset World’s farm, you would rightly expect the operation to be environmentally conscious, given all they’ve done in the past. “It’s a really neat closed circle,” Annie relates. “We’re really lowering our carbon footprint because we’re not bringing in produce from far-off places.”

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Guests were welcomed in style with a pre-event cocktail party at the Martini Terrace as the group was serenaded by a mariachi band for their final get-together of the conference prior to the start of the awards banquet. Everyone then proceeded to the specially- adorned ballroom for the presentations of the Perspective Magazine Awards, sponsored by Holiday Systems International.

The hosts really provided an authentic, themed environment as the ballroom was decorated with floor to ceiling artistic wall hangings, creating the feel of being in the Mayan jungle complete with vines dangling from the ceiling. A Mayan pyramid stood sentry on the stage to complete the look as Orlando Arroyo, Chairman, and Annie Arroyo, Brand Director of Sunset World Resorts welcomed the audience to their marvelous resort.

An annual feature of the awards event is an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the projects underway by Christel House International, the Charity of Choice for GNEX 2012. Ron Haylock, Vice-Chairman – Europe for Christel House provided an update for the audience and gave them an opportunity to support the group. The elite of the industry were then announced by Master of Ceremonies Jim Madrid as 42 winners received beautiful crystal trophies which were presented during a lavish, six-course gala dinner.

Following the award presentations, a magnificent Mayan cultural production show saw Mayan warriors dance their way through the audience and really capture the festive mood of the celebration. Award winners were decided through a combination of online voting and decisions from a panel of four industry experts, with each of the five components accounting for 20 percent of the overall tally. Online voting took place during the month of January, with nearly 6,000 votes cast online from industry professionals across
the world as nearly 150 nominees competed for the coveted awards and accompanying global recognition provided through the industry’s most-read trade publication. Each winner also receives a specially designed award certificate and customized Perspective Magazine Awards logo for use in their marketing
materials, websites and brochures.

Special thanks go to judges Tom Goetschius, President & CEO, Tom Goetschius Associates, Jamie Klein, President, The Lore Institute, Craig Morganson, CEO, Holiday Systems International and Sherman Potvin, CEO, Fractional Homes International for their assistance in selecting the winners.

For those who didn’t enter the 2012 awards, nominations are already open for the 2013 Perspective Magazine Awards, sponsored by Holiday Systems International. Industry professionals are asked to visit http:// perspectivemagazine.com/gnex/awards/ for more information.

Best Exterior Design – Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa, Cabo San Lucas

Ricardo Orozco, Managing Director, Solmar Hotels & Resorts: “It is with great pride that we accept this award on behalf of Solmar Hotels & Resorts, and sincerely thank everyone who voted for Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort in the Best Exterior Design category. As the crown jewel of our hotel collection, it was of the utmost importance to our developer Francisco Bulnes that the finished product be a true testament to the natural beauty of Los Cabos and as memorable in design as it is in accommodations, service and overall experience. Mr. Bulnes worked closely with the design team on every element of the property in order to make sure our valued members and guests would enjoy an elegant resort of the finest quality.”

Best Interior Design – Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta
“Thank you to all that voted for the Grand Luxxe. We are honored to receive this award and the recognition of our peers.” The Grand
Luxxe team.

Best Management Company – Best Classic Holidays
Ramy Filo: “The ultimate reward for our organization and staff is to be recognized by our peers as the best of the best.”

Best Marketing Program – Corporate Alliance Marketing, Wyndham Vacation Ownership
“We are excited to be recognized by our colleagues and Perspective Magazine for our Alliance Marketing initiatives,” said Jeff Zorovich,
SVP Strategic Alliances for Wyndham Vacation Ownership. “We value strong partnerships and believe this marketing channel will continue to deliver new owner opportunities, provide benefits for our current owners and drive revenues for our partners.”

Best Sales Professional – Suraj Naik, Royal Resorts
Suraj Naik: “winning this award for the 2nd time in a row is very special to me as there are some fantastic salespeople in our industry, and to walk away with it again in 2012 is the ultimate buzz, made easier by working in the Karma Royal Group of Companies with the fantastic product we have to offer our clients!!!”

Best Project Team – Dial An Exchange, North America Office

Fermin Cruz: “The entire team here in the North American office for DAE is especially proud of winning in the Best Project Team Award category. We work very hard as a team and to receive an award that was voted on by our peers makes it a special honor. While we don’t always get a chance to sit back and enjoy our “wins” as our industry continues to evolve and challenge all of us, it is good to know that we can make enough of a positive impression that our fellow industry folks are willing to cast a vote in our direction!

Best Place To Work – Hilton Grand Vacations
According to Hilton Grand Vacations President Mark Wang, “In 2012 we’re celebrating our brand’s 20th birthday – taking stock of a remarkable two decades of history and building on strong momentum for the future. Our sustained growth and success is a reflection of the tremendous talent of our team.” He adds, “We remain dedicated to our employees through our vigilant growth of a workforce culture built upon hospitality, integrity, leadership, teamwork, diversity and inclusion. These enduring attributes echo the values of Hilton Worldwide and fortify HGV’s reputation as a top employer. We are inspired to provide each of our team members with the career of a lifetime – and are honored to receive this recognition of our corporate culture by our colleagues throughout the industry.”

Best Green Initiative Award – Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa and Nature Park
“We are highly honored to receive the Perspective Magazine Award for Best Green Initiative for the second year in a row. I want to thank all of the voters and the industry for this incredible recognition, as well as extend my appreciation to the collaborators of the Sunset World Family that work hard every day to provide our guests with the best vacation experience ever. We look forward to seeing you all at GNEX in 2013 and the opportunity to continue the exchange of thoughts and ideas”. Orlando Arroyo, CEO Sunset World Resorts &
Vacation Experiences

Best Newcomer Award – Tesoro Resorts
Luis H Garcia, Managing Director, International Properties, Steadfast Companies: “We are very honored to receive such a prestigious
award. We see timeshare as a key part of our long term mixed use strategy and are excited to be recognized by our peers in the industry.”

Best Individual Marketing Professional – Erika Garcia, CEO, Blue Strawberry Resorts
“What I felt is a unique honor of being recognized by my peers … I did not know I was nominated at all…… The love I have for the industry And for my country is very big..we are in a bubble industry everchanging, always evolving and we must evolve as marketers too the day we stop learning form each other and we stops being creative we can no longer contribute to it.. I am motivated to keep working towards
bringing more tourists to México .. Thank you GNEX , thank you voters!!!! Let’s have the best year ever in the industry!!” Erika García, CEO Marketing 4 Sunset Group

Best Innovation Award – MAS International Company
Yehia El Noweim, MAS International Co.: “We are delighted to receive this award from Perspective.”

Best Timeshare Resort, North America – Dawn Beach Club
Alejandra Padin, Director of Sales – “Our team is both flattered and excited about the recognition. We look forward to living up to our reputation, and are eager to sweep guests off their feet in this idyllic Caribbean resort.”

Best Media Award – Interval International’s Online Community
David Gilbert: “It’s an honor to be recognized for our innovative approach to creating a unique member platform. Interval Community
is a natural extension of our ongoing commitment to members and we’re delighted that they’re finding such value in connecting with each other about their vacation ownership.”

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Ricardo Verdayes, Meliá Puerto Vallarta General Manager; Javier Zepeda, Club Meliá Area Director; Angelica Hernandez and Lucio Vargas, RCI Representatives

“We take great pride in the continual high service levels demonstrated by our staff at Meliá Puerto Vallarta.  It’s their ongoing commitment to excellence that has enabled them to earn this prestigious award year after year,” said Denis Ebrill, Club Meliá Executive Vice President.

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The event was initially planned for 400 attendees, but ACLUVAQ was able to reach more than 600 people due to the level of success.

Keynote speakers of 2011, Lyn Heward, Director of Creativity from Cirque du Soleil; Karla Wheelock, the first Mexican female to conquer the Everest Summit; Linda Clemons, CEO of Sisterprenour Inc, and a very well known trainer from this industry; Jim Madrid, CEO from Entelechy Training amongst others.

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Held over January 31st – February 2nd, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Cancun in Cancun, Mexico, attendees were very enthusiastic and brought a high level of energy to the gathering, impressive considering it is still a relatively new event. GNEX is shaking up the industry with its innovative approach to networking and blending informative presentations with topical audience-driven debates that, while sometimes controversial, have become a hallmark of the event.

“One of the things that I like about GNEX and I think is the core of GNEX … is that it is an independent convention where it’s OK to say what’s on your mind. This is where you dare to say some things and you don’t have to worry about offending certain people,” said Erika Garcia, president of Cancun-based Yucatan Holidays. Mel Grant, president and CEO, SFX Preferred Resorts added that “every industry in order to survive and grow must promote innovation and entrepreneurialism with fresh blood and creative thinking. I and many others feel that GNEX is the platform to lead the way for our present and our future.”

“I’m sure out of this conference I’m going to end up with something that’s going to make me millions of dollars in the future and for that reason that’s why I’m here,” stated David Siegel, president and CEO, Westgate Resorts. Cathy Backus, Director of National Sales, CSA Travel Protection said “what I love so much about the GNEX conference is that it’s just such a free forum for people to really express their feelings and their thoughts, their foresight in the industry and I think it’s just a fantastic platform for everybody from the very small developer to the very large developer, small travel company to large travel company, exchange company, whomever it is.”

While the expo brought an extensive cross-section of the vacation ownership industry together, the tangible outcomes were the number of key business contacts made and deals generated at the event.

“This year was tremendous. It’s good to speak to decision-makers more than once. I’ve never got a sale at a conference (before). I’ve done two at this conference. Fantastic, I love it,” stated an ecstatic Mike Ashton, Director of Business Development, Merlin Software. Added Westgate Chief Operating Officer Mark Waltrip, “it’s one of the few conferences where I’m actually walking away with more cards and action items and people to meet and things to do than at any conference that I’ve ever been to in the industry.”

The event began unofficially on January 30th as a few dozen attendees embarked on a fundraising yacht cruise, sponsored by YachtsE, where participants took the day to cruise to nearby Isla Mujeres for a day of sun, fun and swimming – with all proceeds benefitting Christel House International. During the day on January 31st, more early arrivals took part in an extensive Resort Tour of some of the area’s most successful shared ownership resorts spanning the Cancun and Riviera Maya region. Attendees spoke to the people on the ground who are responsible for the resort’s success to find out why these spectacular resorts are some of the most successful vacation ownership operations in Mexico and see what sets them apart, what unique amenities they offer and what the marketing teams are doing to attract guests and convert them into buyers. The resorts that were a part of the Resort Tour were The Royal Sands (Royal Resorts), Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort (El Cid Vacations Club), BlueBay Grand Esmeralda (Circle One by Blue Bay Resorts), Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Secrets Maroma by Unlimited Vacation Club and Mayakoba Residences.

“It seems wrong to travel to a conference and only see the inside of the venue hotel for three days. We wanted to show delegates how incredible Cancun / Riviera Maya is and what better way to do it that via private yacht and going behind the scenes at some of the most successful resort developments in the second most popular destination in the world for shared ownership,” said Paul Mattimoe, President & CEO, Perspective International.

Later during the evening of January 31st, the official Welcome Reception featured a fundraiser by members of the non-profit group Women In The Industry (WIN) to garner support for the group’s philanthropic endeavors. One of the priority projects that WIN is supporting is an initiative called Send Me On Vacation, where businesses sponsor a vacation for women with breast cancer who have completed their treatments and need a place to rejuvenate and heal their body, mind and spirit.

The sessions began the next day as Francisco Armand, Under Secretary of Innovation and Quality for the Secretary of Tourism, State of Quintana Roo, opened the conference. Craig Morganson, CEO, Holiday Systems International then provided an update on the U.S. Travel Warning for Mexico, including his efforts to persuade the U.S. State Department to reduce the level of the Warning and reword the Warning, and also announced that funding has been secured for the Rand Corporation to conduct research into the U.S. issued travel warning against Mexico.

“We have over one million legal border crossings per day between the U.S. and Mexico, with the Tijuana border crossing being the busiest border crossing in the world. So we’re talking about a friendly nation with a lot more good happening than bad,” said Morganson. The ensuing “Investment Potential For Latin America” panel involved Morganson joining Marcos Agostini, Vice President, Resort Sales & Service for Latin America, Interval International, Francisco Costa Neto, Executive Director, Rio Quente Resorts Brazil and Alain Grange, president and CEO, The Grange Group. Panelists agreed that the combination of the economic downturn with the Warning has had a negative impact on U.S. leisure travel to Mexico, but there has been a lift from other areas as travelers from countries such as the U.K., Canada, Russia and Brazil visit Mexico. The Caribbean has also benefitted from travelers looking to the region and the consensus was that, with low costs and a favorable regulatory environment, now is the time to invest in Latin America.

David Gilbert, Executive Vice President for Resort Sales and Marketing for the Americas, Interval International, provided an “Insight IntoThe U.S. Consumer” with statistics showing that the Caribbean continues to be the region of choice for its U.S. members interested  in traveling internationally, followed by Europe and Canada. Gilbert added that travelers are trending towards more all-inclusive products, as nearly 57 percent of members surveyed indicated a likelihood to purchase an allinclusive vacation within the next two years.

The “Tools To Grow And Improve Your Business” panel consisted of four very different business representatives who shared opportunities for strategic partnerships. Martyn Ravenhill, president & CEO, Lloydshare and Robert Kobek, president & CEO, Mobius Vendor Partners joined Mike Ashton, Director of Business Development, Merlin Software and Jamie Klein, president, The Lore Institute to explain their products and discuss a variety of ways that contrasting companies can join together to produce results.

Shari Levitin, president & CEO, The Levitin Group and ePercipio.com shared her views on the changing landscape of today’s consumer. Levitin spoke to the need for sales and marketing methods to be replaced with new methods and new approaches, such as how to build a rapport to a generation that feels they can simply buy a product without a sales person at all.

Keynote speaker John Spence, CEO, The Karma Royal Group gave an electric presentation discussing his move from booking agent for 1980s music bands such as Culture Club and Bananarama to resort entrepreneur, creating one of the most successful shared ownership resort companies in the world. Karma Royal Group operates 18 resorts with six more in development, has offices on four continents and has a turnover of $101 million US – all without the need for external funding. Spence, the 2010 Ernst & Young Australian Entrepreneur of the Year, talked about his “Columbus in Reverse” idea when he first set out for India in 1993 to establish his company and shared his philosophy on growth and developing world class leisure resorts.

Next up was the highly anticipated “800 Pound Gorilla In The Room” panel which featured Fermin Cruz (Vice President-Dial An Exchange), Mel Grant, Craig Morganson, Ross Perlmutter (president-CRDA), Harry Taylor (Chairman-TATOC), Jason Tremblay  (CEOSellMyTimeshareNow. com) and Rob Webb (Partner-Baker Hostetler). The effectiveness of regulation was debated in detail, with Taylor discussing the effects of the EU Timeshare Directive and Webb mentioning current legislation making its way through the Florida legislature. The Florida bills are in response to timeshare resale issues becoming the number one topic of consumer complaints  lodged with the Florida Attorney General’s office in 2011.

Most panelists agreed that regulation does little to curb the activity of fraudulent companies and that the industry must do more to work together to create solutions for owners. Some options mentioned were creating new trade-in and take-back procedures, especially in light of problems with transfer companies, embracing rather than ignoring online purchasers of the product and working with HOAs to improve the viability of older resorts.

Panelists also touched on topics such as exclusive agreements and their effect on competition for the exchange companies, the challenge to current vacation ownership products from “pay as you go” travel options and consumer demand for short term products.

Delegates then proceeded to the beach for the Palapa Speed Networking session, sponsored by Lloydshare, where participants loaded with business cards made their introductions during a timed format under the ever “watch”ful eye of event moderator Jim Madrid. Under the thatched-roof palapas, attendees were given the opportunity one-on-one to promote their companies before moving on to the next person in an energetic activity that was a major highlight of the expo. As the Palapa Speed Networking concluded, attendees then moved under the stars for a wonderful Beach Party that gave everyone a chance to continue their conversations in a fun, social setting.

“The thing that was really fun was the speed networking. That was high energy, everybody was into it and the result of that was getting connected up to some potential business,” said Chris Hermann, Senior Vice President of Business Development, Stewart Vacation Ownership. “What happened after the speed networking was even more fun because we had an opportunity to sit down with CEOs, one CEO in particular looking for some help on financing, and that conversation may never have taken place. It could have been something I tried to pursue knocking on doors, making phone calls but here we’re relaxed, building relationships. It was a very good conversation.”

“The evening networking event was phenomenal and we met several people there so that was a great experience. Overall we give it an ‘A’,” added Travel To Go president Jeanette Bunn.

Day two began with “Why Fractionals, Why Now?” and provided an overview of the fractional industry from panelists Gregg Anderson, Vice President & Global Managing Director, The Registry Collection, Alain Grange, Michael Greene, Partner, Berger Singerman and Dr. Richard Ragatz, president, Ragatz Associates. The trend appears to be toward a blend of mixed-use products, including whole ownership, timeshare and fractional with an emphasis on rental products as developers slowly migrate away from a differentiation of products.

In “Reinventing The Wheel”, participants emphasized the need to adjust products to the new demands of today’s consumer. Jeanette Bunn gathered with Mark Carney (Marketing Director-Royal Resorts), Ashraf El Zarqa (COO-Emirates Vacation Club), Ramy Filo (CEO-Classic Group), Erika Garcia, Magnus Lewin (CEO-Tradewinds Group) and Greg Sheperd (president-Meridian Financial Services) to discuss market trends. Ideas were floated such as moving more towards a “pay as you go” system, shifts toward drive-market outreach, increasing transparency in the sales and marketing process and developing more urban-based products in the U.S. to cater to international visitors. Increasing use of online communication platforms, creating unique loyalty programs and more emphasis on building relationships were also mentioned as keys to attracting and retaining owners.

Steve Tassler, Principle, Xeputu, provided insight on how to evaluate online and offline marketing efforts through web analytics, while Jim Madrid, The Pacific Institute, transitioned from his MC duties to discuss the needs of today’s workplace to adapt to the challenges of living and working in today’s Digital Age. Overall, panelists in the “Global Predictions For Shared Ownership” session portrayed an optimistic view for the industry in 2012. Mark Waltrip took the stage to share viewpoints along with Orlando Arroyo (Chairman – Sunset World Resorts), Roger Burk (Attorney-John Rogers Burk, A Law Corporation), Dave Clifton (Senior Executive, Business Development – Interval International), Francisco Costa Neto, Luis Namnum (president-Occidental Vacation Club) and Barry Robinson (CEO –Wyndham
Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific).

Panelists indicated that Asia, the Middle East and Latin America are the leading growth regions for 2012, followed by cautious optimism in North America and Australia as Europe continues to struggle. Mexico is expecting a strong year along with a projected 15 percent growth rate for the industry in South America.

Financing issues are still prevalent in the U.S., but the problems appear to be as much about the perception and reputation of the vacation ownership industry among the financial community than actual balance sheets, according to speakers. This led to calls for more educational outreach efforts by the industry to convince lenders to enter the market. The panel also appealed for education efforts towards regulators, the media and consumers in a comprehensive effort to change the perception of the industry.

Legislative wrangling is also underway in Australia as regulators seek to curb the use of commissions as a sales incentive, while panelists stated that the lack of regulation in areas such as South America, the Middle East and Asia could leave the industry exposed to rogue operators and be detrimental to the overall industry.

Following two days of impactful sessions, attention turned to the presentation of the Perspective Magazine Awards, sponsored by Holiday Systems International. Attendees traveled to the Hacienda Tres Rios Resort in Riviera Maya for an elaborate gala dinner as 42 award winners were announced from nearly 150 nominations in a wide variety of categories. Winners were selected through a combination of a judging panel of four industry veterans and nearly 6,000 online votes. You can review the list of winners in a separate article on the following pages of the magazine.

The overall response to GNEX 2012 was overwhelmingly positive as attendees enjoyed the unique interactive nature of this event. “Very impressed. I thought the feel of this conference is definitely different than anything else we’ve been to. I’ve gone to other trade shows and I see there’s a different climate here. People are really connecting, really doing business; really want to be here and generally inclined to getting things done,” said Francisco Costa Neto. Ashraf El Zarqa added that “in two days, meeting all these people, that’s phenomenal. You see, I do that all the time but that would have taken me a year’s work which was done in two days. That’s how impressive it is and how phenomenal it is, so I love it in all aspects.”

“I think one of the beauties of coming to a show like this is that it’s intimate and so you have an opportunity to talk to everybody and I’ve pretty much had a chance to talk to everybody that was here,” stated Gregg Anderson. “A lot of side conversations that allow you to dig deeper into what people are thinking and the mood of the place and that’s very valuable.”

The global makeup of the participants and the need to look at the industry in a different light were not lost on the delegates. “When you look at the attendee list here, it’s a pretty intense list. There’s some really good decision-makers here from all over and a lot of people doing things differently. People from Australia, from Canada, from different places so I like the mix. I like it a lot,” said Ross Perlmutter.

“Overall it’s been very good and lively discussions that have happened. It’s initiated a lot of things that people will take away… and apply to their own business. It might take them awhile and some aren’t as nimble and flexible but it’s also opened up listening to people from all over the world,” added Ramy Filo. Other attendees simply had a great time doing business in such a festive atmosphere. “The industry is rejuvenating, it’s becoming alive, everyone has new ideas and I’m thrilled to be here. I’m excited, I’m energized. It’s wonderful,” said Martyn Ravenhill.

“I think it was a great experience. We had a wonderful time and it’s incredibly refreshing to talk about the different options that the industry has. It’s incredibly refreshing to be able to speak your mind about the industry and it’s a wonderful venue for innovation,” stated Fermin Cruz.

For those industry professionals who missed out this year, GNEX 2013 will be held at the world renowned Beverly Wilshire – a Four Seasons Hotel – in Beverly Hills, California over February 4th – 6th , 2013. More information is available on the conference website at http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex.

Sponsors and supporters of GNEX 2012 included:
Blue Strawberry Resorts
Holiday Systems International
Sunset World Resorts
Dial an Exchange
Resort Television
Travel To Go
Interval International
Lloydshare
RCI
BuyaTimeshare.com
Customer Count
Emirates Vacation Club
First American Title Insurance Company
Hop-On
Merlin Software
Sell My Timeshare NOW
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific
Track Results Software
Travel Guard
YachtsE
Circle One BlueBay Resort
El Cid Vacation Club
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Mayakoba Residences
Royal Resorts
Unlimited Vacation Club
Alternative Ownership Conference Asia Pacific (AOCAP)
Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC)
Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE)
Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA)
The Pacific Institute
Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference,
Resort Development Organisation (RDO)
The Association for Timeshare Owners Committees (TATOC)
Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa (VOASA)
Women in the Industry (WIN)
Christel House International as Charity of Choice. [/member]

According to Nicole Compton, Sales Director for the Denver office of GTN (http://www.myGTN.com) John and Jacqueline Stirling of Colorado Springs, Colorado, were named the winners of a week’s vacation accommodations in Cancun, Mexico plus round-trip airfare. The couple was selected randomly from sales prospects that registered during the past year at various venues, including home shows, sportsmen shows, garden shows, and booths at state and county fairs.

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Jorge Castro

Located on its own private beach, Celeste offers the ultimate in serenity and privacy.  The entire locale of Huatulco has been named as a Green Zone for the World Ecological Society.  In accord with the World Ecological Society’s nomenclature, the setting for Celeste provides a small and exclusive natural sanctuary where an expansive stretch of smooth white sand beach meets a tropical jungle landscape and ecological reserve. Harmoniously combining the beauty of its location with the comforts and amenities of a world-class destination, the focal gathering point of Celeste Residences, is truly unparalleled.   The Residence’s key words are “privacy, serenity and seclusion.”  These concepts are furthered with the addition of a world class spa, fitness and yoga center, Poolside Bar and Grill, and the 1,800 bottle wine-cellared restaurant,  Pur, the most elegant dining and wine experience in the entire region.

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“We’re excited about this new direct flight from LAX to the Islands of Loreto, because it will give our guests an additional air service option in a larger plane that offers meal service,” said Owen Perry, one of the partners of The Villa Group. “Adding the Saturday flight will help meet the increasing travel demand to the Islands of Loreto, Mexico, a New York Times Top-10 travel destination.”

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This recognition is based on a five-part framework of employee satisfaction: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and companionship. Results are obtained through surveys given to a representative group of the company’s employees.

For the past six years, RCI^® has ranked on the list of the Best Places to Work in Mexico. This award recognizes RCI’s efforts to foster participation, motivation and a feeling of belonging among its associates. RCI has also been recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work For in the Gender Equality category.

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“You hear a lot about this kind of contest but never hear about the winners,” said Marcel Olivares, Vice President of Marketing for the all-inclusive timeshare resort headquartered in the Dominican Republic.  “The final drawing in our three-part contest was held in January.  Our members participated by referring friends and family members.  For each referral an electronic ticket was generated as an entry.  We had three lucky winners in all!”

The grand prize winner was Nector Tejada from the Dominican Republic.  Nector, a First Club member from the Allegro Puerto Plata, and his wife will experience the Olympics 2012 with a trip to London this summer.

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RCI’s Contact Center Solutions division will perform these services for more than 90,000 Palace Premier members out of its Mexico City offices. Customer service support will also be provided to members of Palace Resorts’ newest vacation clubs.

“RCI has been an important strategic ally to Palace Resorts since the beginning of our business relationship more than 25 years ago,” said Robert Chapur Zahoul, president of RCD Resorts. “RCI has been our partner in all stages of the group’s growth, and has a perfect understanding of our vacation products as well as our all-inclusive services. RCI will provide world-class service to our customers and will play a key role in the growth of our vacation clubs.”

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For the second straight year Grupo Vidanta was awarded eighth place overall for all companies over 5,000 employees in Mexico. With no other resort company winning better rankings, the following Grupo Vidanta property locations were ranked among the best companies to work for in the 501 to 5,000 employee category:

-Grupo Vidanta properties in Riviera Maya placed 11th

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“Despite the current market challenges, we have continued to invest in Estrella del Mar and while many communities have slowed down, we introduced more than $50 million in overall property enhancements during the past 18 months,” said Pat Butler, CEO of Club Acquisition Company, developer of Estrella del Mar. “We are more confident than ever that Estrella del Mar presents strong value for buyers and we are very excited about 2012.”

Located less than 10 minutes from the Mazatlán International Airport and 45 minutes from downtown Mazatlán, Estrella del Mar offers a wide variety of incredible amenities and facilities, including the new 68-room Wyndham Las Villas Resort, Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course, full-service spa, spectacular pool complexes and two full-service on-property restaurants. Estrella del Mar is also home to one of Mexico’s largest sea turtle sanctuaries, which gives visitors the opportunity to interact and help preserve one of the world’s endangered species.

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“Elite Alliance is dramatically different than the other exchange options,” said CostaBaja CEO Alejandro Yberri. “It is focused on quality, not quantity, and accepts only the best residence clubs, as well as wholly-owned luxury vacation homes within professionally managed resort communities.”

Elite Alliance’s newest destination, The Residence Club at CostaBaja, is located on the Sea of Cortez within the gated, 530-acre CostaBaja. The resort community features a luxury hotel and spa, a spectacular Gary Player Signature golf course, a 250-slip, double-basin marina with an adjacent retail and commercial complex, an elegant beach club with waterfront restaurant, infinity edge swimming pool and water sports, tennis courts and a variety of vacation home options.

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Selected from a field of international entries, DAE (www.daelive.com) has been named a finalist in three categories in the American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) annual Awards Program. In the Advertising, Promotion & Communications Division, the company was named a finalist in the Magazine Advertisement category for their Dial An Exchange Old School Service advertisement as well as selected as a top winner in the Sales Center Materials division for Dial An Exchange – North America. In the Sales and Marketing Division competition, DAE was named a finalist for their Call Center with less than 200 persons. The top award winner will be announced at a Black Tie Gala held in conjunction with ARDA’s annual conference in Las Vegas on April 4, 2012.

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Situated within an ecological and historical preserve less than an hour from Cancun International Airport and 10 minutes from the renowned Playa del Carmen,  the all-inclusive Occidental Grand Xcaret boasts  spectacular grounds, a pristine coastline and unparalleled service and amenities. The resort incorporates winding river channels, free-form pools and a private beach with powder-soft white sand on a quiet cove. The Occidental Grand Xcaret features 11 international restaurants and 10 bars.

Many of Occidental Vacation Properties offer the concept of The First Club which provides upgraded services to Club Members. Visitors to Occidental properties where there is a First Club on property may take advantage of some First Club upgrades at check-in, although some restrictions apply and are limited to First Club Members only.   Special privileges include preferred accommodations, private members’ lounge, gourmet breakfast as well as a Members-only barbecue, private pool, beach and Jacuzzi®.  The First Club also has its own dedicated concierge, exceptional room amenities and the right to upgrade a unit at any non-First Club property in the Allegro Vacation Club. 

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“We’re excited to add The Residence Club to our already extensive real estate offerings,” said Alejandro Yberri, CEO of CostaBaja. “This new option opens up ownership at CostaBaja to a wider range of prospective residents and provides an alternative for those who have a limited amount of time each year to enjoy their vacation home.”

The Residence Club at CostaBaja is located in CostaBaja’s hillside Las Colinas community and features sweeping 360-degree views of the Bay of La Paz, Gary Player Signature Golf Course and Sea of Cortez. Each of the residences comes fully-furnished and are maintained by CostaBaja Resort and Spa management, ensuring worry-free ownership and hassle-free vacations. Owners also enjoy comprehensive CostaBaja Club membership privileges, which provide access to the Beach Club, Gary Player Signature golf course and Espiritu Spa. Owners also have access to a private electric passenger cart, resort shuttle service, clothing and equipment storage, housekeeping, pre-arrival grocery shopping service, bell service, and a Club Concierge.

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“We’re pleased to enter this partnership with Delta Private Jets and to be associated with Delta Air Lines — a leader in the industry,” said Hatfield. “This partnership speaks to the prestige of the residential resort communities we’ve created here in Los Cabos and the strength of the Del Mar Development brand worldwide.”

The new alliance will provide Del Mar Development homeowners and resort guests with preferred charter services, and in turn, Delta Private Jets customers will receive preferred rates on luxury villa rentals at Del Mar. Additionally, customers will enjoy complimentary service experiences as a gift for choosing to book travel to Los Cabos with Delta Private Jets or a vacation stay at Del Mar’s resort villas. Delta Private Jets and Del Mar will work together to provide a seamless reservation process.

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Warm sun year-round, crystal-clear turquoise waters and miles of powder-white sand that is cool to the touch whatever the weather would seem powerful attractions enough to lure visitors, yet the Mexican Caribbean offers so much more. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, the world’s second longest coral reef, ancient Mayan temples, nature parks and lively resort towns offering a sophisticated blend of shopping, dining and nightlife. All this has made the area and its twin destinations of Cancun and Riviera Maya a top holiday spot.

Visitors to the Mexican Caribbean soon discover that one trip is not long enough to experience everything in this tropical playground. There is so much to see and do that you can spend a lifetime of vacations here and many people do just that, choosing to return to Royal Resorts®, their Mexican home away from home, year after year. Founded in Cancun in 1975, Royal Resorts is a pioneer vacation ownership company, which has grown over the years with Mexico’s premier master-planned resort. It now has six beachfront resorts in Cancún and the Riviera Maya, over 85,000 member families from all over the world and some of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the industry.

What makes Royal Resorts so irresistible and has its members anxiously preparing for their next trip? Its resorts offer a winning combination of luxury villa accommodation, five-star services and hospitality. The fully furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom villas sleep six and have ocean-view terraces. Mark Carney O.B.E., Royal Resorts Marketing & Sales Director says, “We thought about what families need on vacation and we have taken care of every detail. Our villas are spacious, comfortable and impeccably maintained; they are equipped with everything you could possibly want during your holiday and there’s maid service every day except Sunday.” This philosophy also extends to resort amenities and activities, there is something for all ages. As the popularity of the Riviera Maya skyrocketed, the Royal Resorts developers decided to expand into the area, selecting the Grand Coral beach and golf community, ten minutes to the north of district capital Playa del Carmen and 30 minutes from Cancún International Airport, to be the site of The Royal Haciendas.

“There is enormous demand for the Riviera Maya and more than ever, Royal Resorts member families are deciding to extend their vacations south of Cancún. People love the area, its natural beauty, attractions and its laid-back ambiance,” says Mark Carney. “Since its launch in 2005, The Royal Haciendas has had a tremendous reception and villa sales have exceeded our expectations.”

Nestled on the shores of two sheltered bays with miles of soft white sand on the doorstep, The Royal Haciendas takes its inspiration from the grand haciendas of the Yucatán. The low-rise buildings are set in extensive gardens and feature arches, columns, fountains and terraces. Showcasing the best features of the Royal Resorts in Cancún, the villas at The Royal Haciendas represent the culmination of over 30 years of vacation villa design experience. All 252 units sleep six and have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a spacious living and dining area with two Murphy beds, a fully equipped kitchen and an ocean-view terrace that is perfect for relaxing, al fresco dining and stargazing. Additional touches of luxury include flat screen TVs, DVD players, wireless Internet access, granite counter tops and a
whirlpool tub for two on the terrace.

The villas are available in two floor plans: the Ocean-view villa (153m2/1,648sq. ft) and the Penthouse and Beachfront Villa (160m2/1,722sq.ft), which in addition to the aforementioned features, also has a small lounge area in the master bedroom and a larger master bathroom with closets. The Royal Resorts Flexivilla concept allows the second bedroom to become a lock-off room with a kitchenette and its own separate entrance, giving families the option to use the entire villa or to convert the unit into a suite sleeping four and a separate Jr. suite for two. The Royal Haciendas offers members and guests an impressive array of amenities. There are two infinity pools and two semi-Olympic lap pools. Large whirlpool tubs, sun decks, swim up bars, children’s pools and shaded hammock areas are added attractions in the pool areas. There are floodlit tennis courts, a sports desk, a gym and a dive center offering trips to reefs in the Riviera Maya and Cozumel and PADI resort courses. Families can enjoy the resort’s daily activity program for children and adults, featuring sports, beach games and crafts. The Royal Haciendas has a Spa and a beauty salon to complete the pampering experience.

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By Matt McDaniel

Explaining the state of the shared-ownership industry in Latin America is much like describing a rainbow: You have a spectrum of vastly different colors all adjacent to each other; some shine brightly, some seem to be fading, and some are barely making themselves known. This report, as such, will focus on highlighting the most notable aspects of the market there.

Of course, the biggest newsmakers in Latin America are Mexico, the largest and most-mature market, and Brazil, with its explosive growth and potential. But each country contributes to Latin America’s role in the industry.

And while many other areas of the world are dealing with slowed development and sales, the Latin America region is doing quite well overall. “Generally, more is going on in shared ownership in Latin America,” says Puerto Vallarta-based Martyn Ravenhill. “There’s actually a lot of exciting growth and developers continue to invest in new properties in almost all areas. It’s astounding. And it’s very exciting to see.” Ravenhill is the CEO of Lloydshare, a company that provides a type of insurance on shared ownership through a deferred annuity tied to vacation properties around the world.

Much of this strong economic growth can be attributed to a burgeoning middle class with a newfound wanderlust. Francisco Neto, executive director of Brazil-based Rio Quente Resorts, one of the leading shared-ownership companies in South America, likens it to the postwar growth seen in the United States in the 1950s: “An aspirational middle class wants to travel and have experiences because they were never in that position before,” he states. “And you’ve got some things that are great for that now, especially the lowering cost of air travel that made it affordable for people to be mobile.” Neto says that the alignment of growth, consumers who want to travel and reasonable travel prices (especially internationally) will give shared ownership a phenomenal future. “I expect this industry to be as big as the Caribbean at least, and very soon,” he affirms. “And the numbers are coming around to that.”

Mexico
Mexico is the grande dame of the Latin America’s shared-ownership banquet, having been the first to arrive and then subsequently flourish. “It was a natural flow of developers and salespeople from the U.S. looking for other opportunities and markets,” explains Ricardo Montaudon – group managing director of Latin America & Caribbean, RCI, a global vacation exchange company. “Especially a market like Mexico, where you could succeed without having to speak the language of the country because of the American tourists.”

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This was the second edition of the business meeting which convened in the Mexican Caribbean. 160 of the top executives from 91 different vacation club and fractional ownership companies attended.

Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park received the most votes for their contribution to environmental preservation and being a sustainable tourism development. The winner was decided from two criteria, the first being an online poll conducted during the month of January that accounted for 20% of the results. During this phase the resort earned a total of 9,000 votes. The remaining 80% was based on the decision of a panel of four experts in the industry.

Erika Garcia, CEO of Blue Strawberry Resorts, another division of the Sunset World group, also won the Best Individual Professional in the area of Marketing.

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Figures supplied by the Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) indicate that Canadians purchased over 25% of all of the real estate sold to foreigners in the United States in 2010. When you consider that Canada is home to only 34.5 million people – approximately one-tenth of the population of the United States – these sales figures are truly impressive.

And according to AMDETUR, Mexico’s resort development association, Canadian market relevance specifically to Mexico can be better understood just by knowing that in only five years the number of Canadian tourists visiting Mexico grew a whopping 220% – from almost 670,000 in 2005 to nearly 1.5 million in 2010. It has become the second tourism market in importance – right after the U.S., representing 14% of the total foreign visitors; and the accumulated figures of the first seven months in 2011 already show a 7% increase.

Dynamic Economic Drivers
“Economic and safety concerns have affected visits to Mexico by Americans, but the Canadian market is less sensitive to these issues in general,” says James R. Wehrle, ebusiness director for Sunset World, a Mexican lodging and travel company with shared-ownership resorts in Cancún and the Riviera Maya. “In spite of the ongoing, precarious global economic situation and its dependence on the U.S. and global economies, the Canadian economy is strong and seemingly more stable than the U.S. economy due mainly to the fact that it did not participate in the credit crisis and downturn of 2008 thanks to their more cautious banking procedures and policies.”

By far, one of the biggest game changers in terms of the Canadian consumer has been the recent strength of the Canadian Dollar, especially in relation to the US Dollar. As Canada’s dollar hovers above (or close to) par with the US, a combination of pent-up consumer demand and increased purchasing power has resulted in a veritable flood of currency that is now flowing southward; money used to acquire everything from household items to vacations to luxury goods, including several billion dollars worth of recreational and investment real estate.

How to Sell to Canadians
“We receive information every day from the Canadian travelers that reflect that they trust in their strong economy and for that reason we are having a few more sales from this market than in the past,” explains Carlos Trujillo Balmaseda, director of marketing for CircleOne. CircleOne markets BlueBay Hotels and Resorts, which has properties in Mexico as well as Costa del Sol, the Canaries, Mallorca, and the Dominican. “I think there is still a challenge in educating the Canadian traveler in the kind of investment that our industry requires in order to be part of it,” he continues.

According to AMDETUR Executive President José Alfonso Bayón, Canadian buyers have always been more discreet through the sales process than their U.S. counterparts. “Though that does not represent any difficulty at all, it just leads the process to a different pace,” he posits. Canadian buyers simply “need more information and some space to come to a decision, and that is commonly understood by Mexican developers and their sales teams.”

“Probably one of the biggest mistakes made in sales and marketing and also service of Canadians is that the process in most companies is virtually the same as for Americans—a mistake that is readily noticed by the Canadian prospect and proves a negative,” notes Sunset World’s Wehrle. “Programs like some that we have [at Sunset World] that are geared specifically towards the Canadian market tend to have more success but even more focus needs to be given to the sales and service operations to provide a continuing personalized approach to follow up, ancillary services and even referral programs.”

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Craig Morganson, who is an active proponent of clearing up the misinformation about the situation in Mexico, stated that he has presented a brief to U.S. Government leaders regarding the inappropriateness of the Travel Warning against Mexico and the status is being reviewed.

When asked about why he is involved in this and what his goals were, Craig Morganson said, “The U.S. is currently struggling to recover from the worst economy in my lifetime. Travel and tourism is a big part of our global economy. The long-term economic damage caused by the U.S. Travel Warning against Mexico is greater than the benefits derived from the Warning.” Mexico is the number one vacation destination for U.S. citizens and the warnings have caused U.S. businesses to experience significant reductions in revenue. It also continues to deprive Mexico of income and tax revenue.

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Located on an exquisite stretch of beach on the famed Bay of Banderas and surrounded by tranquil deep blue water and the tropical vegetation of the Mexican Pacific, the 20 year old property has been made new again with a total refurbishment of its 270 rooms and suites, spectacular lobby, three bars and most of its five restaurants.  Some other notable changes to the resort include four all-new restaurants and a fashionable new Lobby bar.

The renovations are part of an ongoing commitment by the growing Vacation Club to invest in upgrading its existing properties, while adding on to its existing collection of 11 properties.

“This is not just a ‘remodel’ says Luis Namnum, President of the Club. “This is for all practical purposes a brand new resort. We completely gutted out and remodeled all the Club units; the Lobby; all four restaurants, added a new lobby lounge and beach bar. Our members will still find our signature warm, wonderful blend of fun, relaxation, romance and attentive service that we are known for –but in a new setting. It is not unlike a good plastic surgery…the same at the core but with a fresh new look! Members who return here will be amazed at the changes that have occurred.  We have upgraded the property from a 3.5 star previously branded as ‘Allegro’ to a 4.5 Star ‘Grand.’  On the top floor we developed a luxurious Grand Level floor. All of our Grand Level units have spectacular ocean views, a private lounge and full service restaurant.”

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“We are overjoyed that Mexico has broken our longstanding record with regard to international visitation,” said Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, Chief Operating Officer of the Mexico Tourism Board, “these figures clearly demonstrate that the bold diversification strategy we have implemented, promoting a broad tourism offering and targeting an expanded breed of global consumer, is succeeding.”

Following efforts to attract a more diverse cohort of tourists from a range of international markets, Mexico saw in a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to 2010 from Brazil (66 percent), Russia (55 percent), China (30 percent), Colombia (23.2 percent), Italy (13 percent), Australia (13 percent) United Kingdom (11.6 percent), France (10 percent), Japan (9.3 percent) and Canada (7 percent).

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“Fairmont Mayakoba represents the upper echelon of the hospitality industry and continues to prove that there is a consistent culture of excellence,” stated Tony Perrone, Manager of AAA national headquarters for Mexico.

The AAA Five Diamond Award^® is the most coveted symbol of excellence for lodging in North America. Out of the 37,000 hotels rated by AAA in 2012, the Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya resort is among an exclusive group of 0.25% of hotels to achieve the Five Diamond Award.

“This prestigious accolade is a tribute to the passion for service of our colleagues. It is a remarkable achievement that inspires us to continue providing our guests with unique personalized experiences,” said Ian Robinson, vice president and general manager of the hotel.

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]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/15/fairmont-mayakoba-riviera-maya-hotel-awarded-with-aaa-five-diamond-rating/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/10/positive-reaction-continues-for-gnex-2012/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/10/positive-reaction-continues-for-gnex-2012/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:00:51 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=13507 Very positive responses continue to flow in from delegates who attended Perspective Magazine’s Second Annual Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2012 – The Global Meeting Of Minds, last week at the Ritz Carlton Cancun in Cancun, Mexico.

The event attracted 177 timeshare and fractional industry professionals representing 91 companies who came together to share best practices, discuss new development projects and provide an open debate on topics such as the potential for Latin America, the need to adapt products to meet changing consumer behavior and the effect of regulation, resales and transfer companies on the vacation ownership industry.

“Every industry in order to survive and grow must promote innovation and entrepreneurialism with fresh blood and creative thinking. I and many others feel that GNEX is the platform to lead the way for our present and our future,” said Mel Grant, President and CEO, SFX Preferred Resorts.

“It was a trend setting gathering of some of the best minds in Timeshare. I was privileged to be one of the panelists,” added industry legal veteran Roger Burk of John Rogers Burk, A Law Corporation who was instrumental in the creation of the Private Residence Club concept in the 1990s in the United States.

The sessions began as Craig Morganson, CEO, Holiday Systems International provided an update on the U.S. Travel Warning for Mexico, announcing that funding has been secured for the Rand Corporation to conduct research into the U.S. issued travel warning against Mexico.

“We have over one million legal border crossings per day between the U.S. and Mexico, with the Tijuana border crossing being the busiest border crossing in the world. So we’re talking about a friendly nation with a lot more good happening than bad,” said Morganson.

Panelists on the Investment Potential For Latin America panel agreed that the combination of the economic downturn with the Warning has had a negative impact on U.S. leisure travel to Mexico, but there has been a lift from other areas as travelers from countries such as the U.K., Canada, Russia and Brazil visit Mexico. The Caribbean has also benefitted from travelers looking to the region and the consensus is that, with low costs and a favorable regulatory environment, now is the time to invest in Latin America.

David Gilbert, Executive Vice President for Interval International, provided an “Insight Into The U.S. Consumer” with statistics showing that the Caribbean continues to be the region of choice for its members traveling internationally. Keynote speaker John Spence, CEO, The Karma Royal Group gave an electric presentation discussing his move from booking agent for 1980s music bands such as Culture Club and Bananarama to resort entrepreneur, creating one of the most successful shared ownership resort companies in the world.

Additional panels touched on topics such as the effect of the European Union Timeshare Directive, the need for resorts to create viable take-back programs, competition for the exchange companies and the challenge from “pay as you go” travel options to current vacation ownership products.

An update on the state of the fractional industry, the need to adjust products to the new demands of today’s consumer, changing sales tactics and the importance of analyzing online marketing data were also key aspects of the expo.

Overall, panelists in the Global Predictions For Shared Ownership session portrayed an optimistic view for the industry in 2012 with Asia, the Middle East and Latin America leading the way, followed by cautious optimism in North America and Australia while Europe continues to struggle.

Speed Networking shifted into high gear as delegates engaged under the thatched Palapas for high energy, one-on-one business introductions followed by a Beach Club Party where attendees continued their conversations under the stars.

GNEX 2012 also included the Perspective Magazine Awards Gala dinner, where 42 winners were announced from nearly 150 nominations in a wide variety of categories such as Best Timeshare Resort, Best Fractional Unit and Entrepreneur of the Year. A full list of award winners can be viewed at http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex/category/2012/#awards.

For those industry professionals who missed out this year, GNEX 2013 will be held at the world renowned Beverly Wilshire – a Four Seasons Hotel – in Beverly Hills, California over February 4^th – 6^th , 2013. More information will become available on the conference website at http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex.

Sponsors and supporters of GNEX 2012 include:

Blue Strawberry Resorts,  Holiday Systems International, Sunset World Resorts, Dial an Exchange, Resort Television, Travel To Go, Interval International, Lloydshare, RCI, BuyaTimeshare.com, Customer Count, Emirates Vacation Club, First American Title Insurance Company, Hop-On, Merlin Software, Sell My Timeshare NOW, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, Track Results Software, Travel Guard, YachtsE, Circle One BlueBay Resort, El Cid Vacation Club, Grand Velas, Mayakoba Residences, Royal Resorts, Unlimited Vacation Club, Alternative Ownership Conference Asia Pacific (AOCAP), Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC), Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE), Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA), The Pacific Institute, Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference, Resort Development Organisation (RDO), The Association for Timeshare Owners Committees (TATOC), Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa (VOASA), Women in the Industry (WIN) and Christel House International as Charity of Choice.

About Perspective Magazine

Perspective Magazine is the leading independent, multi-media information provider for the shared ownership industry. The company publishes five regional brands covering North America, Latin America, Europe & Middle East, South Africa, and Asia Pacific which are, combined, the most read independent trade publications globally for the vacation ownership industry.

The company’s consumer magazine, Owners Perspective Magazine, is the only independent consumer publication that specializes in promoting the benefits of buying shared ownership products to the general public and is also available as a specially customized developer edition for lead generation, in-room marketing and third party sales collateral. Owners Perspective Magazine’s online version, http://ownersperspective.com, also features a new guaranteed lead generation program specifically designed for resorts and developers. The site will host the company’s latest endeavor, Vacation TV, a streaming 24/7 online video channel full of information about vacation ownership products and services.

Perspective Magazine also operates a recruitment advertising service through TimeshareStaff.com (http://timesharestaff.com ),  fractional property listing services and a customized in-room Resort Television product that encourages on-site spending and vacation ownership sales.

GNEX is the company’s annual global networking expo which gathers the top industry professionals from around the world to network, create new strategic alliances and develop joint ventures that can benefit their businesses.

Perspective Magazine also publishes online through http://perspectivemagazine.com, hosts an online community of industry professionals through Perspective Forums, engages a social media audience of over 44,000 followers through its corporate social media accounts and is a media sponsor of 30 major industry events around the world.

For more information, please visit http://perspectivemagazine.com or email Steve Luba at steveluba(at)perspectivemagazine.com. For information on advertising and editorial opportunities visit  http://perspectivemagazine.com/advertise.

World-Wide Recognition Puts Thompson Among Elite In Timeshare Industry

Bruce Thompson, CEO of Gold Key/ PHR Hotels and Resorts, was recognized as the “Best Industry Leader” by Perspective Magazine, the leading trade publication for the timeshare and fractional ownership industry.

The award was announced last week at the annual GNEX awards ceremony in Cancun, Mexico. The awards recognize excellence in various categories including management, sales, operations, architecture and marketing.  The “Best Industry Leader” is the final and most anticipated award each year and is reserved for the one person who has done the most to advance the industry and his or her own business.  The event is attended by top executives from around the world.

“I was truly humbled by this recognition,” Thompson said.  “The nominees for this award are some highly regarded people who operate massive timeshare empires around the world.  It is really an honor for me to bring this award home to Virginia Beach and share it with the Gold Key/PHR team and our strategic partners at Interval International who helped make it possible.”

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Between Denver and Cancun:

• Daily roundtrip service starting April 16, 2012, through July 7, 2012
• Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday service starting July 8, 2012, through Aug. 12, 2012
• Saturday and Sunday service starting Aug. 13, 2012, through the end of the schedule (currently Sept. 28, 2012)
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/08/southwest-airlines-announces-new-flights-from-denver-and-austin-to-cancun-operated-by-airtran-airways/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/06/villa-del-palmar-at-the-islands-of-loreto-in-baja-mexico-introduces-layaway-vacation-plan/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/06/villa-del-palmar-at-the-islands-of-loreto-in-baja-mexico-introduces-layaway-vacation-plan/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:14:03 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=13379 Villa del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto, the newest luxury resort in Baja California from hotelier The Villa Group, has created a Layaway Vacation Plan for families. Travelers can now reserve a villa at the resort, make payments interest-free over six to 12 months, and, when the vacation is fully paid for, enjoy their getaway experience knowing that when they return, they will not face a hefty bill for the experience.

  “Families everywhere are feeling the pinch of our challenging economic times,” said Owen Perry, one of the partners of The Villa Group. “We want them to enjoy the fabulous experience we’ve created at Villa de Palmar at The Islands of Loreto in a way that makes it affordable and worry-free for them to do so.”

  With the Layaway Vacation Plan, travelers go online to book their vacations, working with the resort’s Activities Concierge to customize their package to fit their budgets. The resort offers a wide range of land and water activities for adults and children of all ages.
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/06/villa-del-palmar-at-the-islands-of-loreto-in-baja-mexico-introduces-layaway-vacation-plan/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/04/gnex-2012-is-a-roaring-success/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/04/gnex-2012-is-a-roaring-success/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:06:16 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=13361 Perspective Magazine’s Second Annual Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2012 – The Global Meeting Of Minds, took center stage at the Ritz Carlton Cancun in Cancun, Mexico as 177 delegates representing 91 companies gathered to seal business deals over January 31^st – February 2^nd, 2012.

  Attendees from as far away as Australia, United Arab Emirates, Malta and Brazil converged for three days of outstanding panel discussions, informative presentations and clever social events to produce the most unique, globally-focused industry networking event on the 2012 calendar.

  Participants such as Francisco Neto, Executive Director of Rio Quente Resorts in Brazil, Ashraf El Zarqa, COO of Emirates Vacation Club and Ramy Filo, CEO of Classic Holiday Group gave resounding reviews of the event, as the combination of audience-driven panel debate, business meetings, speed networking and nightly parties created an environment for delegates to build new and lasting relationships.

  Numerous business deals were finalized throughout the event as the specially-designed networking lounge and extended networking time built into the conference agenda gave attendees the time and atmosphere to create strategic partnerships.

  More information about GNEX 2012 will be available during the next few weeks on the conference website at http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex.

  Our thanks go out to our GNEX 2012 event sponsors and supporters:

  Blue Strawberry Resorts,  Holiday Systems International, Sunset World Resorts, Dial an Exchange, Resort Television, Travel To Go, Interval International, Lloydshare, RCI, BuyaTimeshare.com, Customer Count, Emirates Vacation Club, First American Title Insurance Company, Hop-On, Merlin Software, Sell My Timeshare NOW, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, Track Results Software, Travel Guard, YachtsE, Circle One BlueBay Resort, El Cid Vacation Club, Grand Velas, Mayakoba Residences, Royal Resorts, Unlimited Vacation Club, Alternative Ownership Conference Asia Pacific (AOCAP), Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC), Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE), Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA), The Pacific Institute, Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference, Resort Development Organisation (RDO), The Association for Timeshare Owners Committees (TATOC), Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa (VOASA), Women in the Industry (WIN) and Christel House International as Charity of Choice.

  Next year’s event is already on the 2013 calendar as GNEX 2013 – The Global Meeting Of Minds makes its first foray into the United States at the world famous Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California during February 4-6, 2013. More information will be available in the coming weeks on the conference website at http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex.

  About Perspective Magazine

  Perspective Magazine is the leading independent, multi-media information provider for the shared ownership industry. The company publishes five regional brands covering North America, Latin America, Europe & Middle East, South Africa, and Asia Pacific which are, combined, the most read independent trade publications globally for the vacation ownership industry.

  The company’s consumer magazine, Owners Perspective Magazine, is the only independent consumer publication that specializes in promoting the benefits of buying shared ownership products to the general public and is also available as a specially customized developer edition for lead generation, in-room marketing and third party sales collateral. Owners Perspective Magazine’s online version, http://ownersperspective.com, also features a new guaranteed lead generation program specifically designed for resorts and developers. The site will host the company’s latest endeavor, Vacation TV, a streaming 24/7 online video channel full of information about vacation ownership products and services.

  Perspective Magazine also operates a recruitment advertising service through TimeshareStaff.com (http://timesharestaff.com ),  fractional property listing services and a customized in-room Resort Television product that encourages on-site spending and vacation ownership sales.

  GNEX is the company’s annual global networking expo which gathers the top industry professionals from around the world to network, create new strategic alliances and develop joint ventures that can benefit their businesses.

  Perspective Magazine also publishes online through http://perspectivemagazine.com, hosts an online community of industry professionals through Perspective Forums, engages a social media audience of over 44,000 followers through its corporate social media accounts and is a media sponsor of 30 major industry events around the world.

  For more information, please visit http://perspectivemagazine.com or email Steve Luba at steveluba(at)perspectivemagazine.com. For information on advertising and editorial opportunities visit  http://perspectivemagazine.com/advertise.

  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/02/04/gnex-2012-is-a-roaring-success/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/28/mexico-poised-to-break-tourism-records-in-2012/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/28/mexico-poised-to-break-tourism-records-in-2012/#comments Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:02:22 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=13351 Building on solid tourism numbers in 2011, the Mexico Tourism Board predicts 52 million tourists will visit Mexico in 2012. This follows a strong winter break season with hotels in many of the top tourist destinations – from Cancun to Los Cabos — seeing a significant increase in occupancy compared to last year’s winter break.

  SECTUR, The Mexican Ministry of Tourism reported that the number of air arrivals in December 2011 was up 13 percent compared to the same period in 2010. More than 1.07 million international travelers visited Mexico in the last month of 2011, a record for December.

  In addition to an increase of visitors from the US (10.6 percent) and Canada (9.1 percent), Mexico received significant year on year increases from Spain (6 percent), Italy (10.5 percent), Argentina (21.4 percent), and France (12.4 percent).
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/28/mexico-poised-to-break-tourism-records-in-2012/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/26/mexico%e2%80%99s-luxury-spas-website-debuts-with-online-savings-new-personalized-spa-experiences/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/26/mexico%e2%80%99s-luxury-spas-website-debuts-with-online-savings-new-personalized-spa-experiences/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:49:31 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=13340 Velas Resorts, with world-class destination spas in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, debuts a dedicated spa website that features a spa concierge, virtual tours and photo galleries, destination information and reservations. New, themed 4, 5 and 7 day spa experiences are detailed and prices given. Special online-only savings are also offered on select treatments. In addition, spa products used at the luxury Mexico all-inclusive resorts are available for purchase.

  The $15 million architecturally striking spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya, a recipient of Virtuoso’s “Best Spa” award, is inspired by the jungle and natural water pools of the Yucatan Peninsula. Almost 40,000-square feet are given to separate men’s and women’s sides of the spa’s Water Journey, each with custom-designed amenities including a Clay Room, a circular glass-tile-lined steam room with a fiber-optic “star light” ceiling, an Ice Room with floor-to-ceiling window, hot-and-cold Experience Showers, and a central infinity pool with powerful massaging faucets throughout and carved-stone chaises with jets set just underneath the surface of the water on which guests recline.
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/26/mexico%e2%80%99s-luxury-spas-website-debuts-with-online-savings-new-personalized-spa-experiences/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/18/grand-luxxe-resorts-raises-the-bar-on-luxury-travel-through-expansions-at-nuevo-vallarta-and-riviera-maya/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/18/grand-luxxe-resorts-raises-the-bar-on-luxury-travel-through-expansions-at-nuevo-vallarta-and-riviera-maya/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:35:03 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=13209 Grand Luxxe Resorts today announced the grand openings of new towers and buildings for its high-end luxury brand in both Mexican resorts of Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya, further solidifying Grand Luxxe as the premier choice for discriminating travelers.

  Ending the year with a flurry of expansion activities, Grupo Vidanta continues its aggressive plans on growing the number of offerings in the luxury segment. The two new locations now provide a total of 315 new suites ranging from master rooms, single bedroom suites, two bedroom suites, villas and Presidential suites.
  
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  Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya

  Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya debuted two triangular shaped buildings with Grand Luxxe Riviera Maya I and II, opening December 19, 2011 and November 11, 2011 respectively.

  Located 23 miles from Cancun’s International Airport and buried deep in the exotic jungle, visitors can escape the mundane and enjoy the wonders of the mangrove, its flora and fauna, the breathtaking coral reef and the majesty of the towering Ceibas trees.

  Wide, refined spaces exude relaxation and opulence while surrounded by the natural, exotic beauty of the Riviera Maya. Spacious fine wood terraces blend in harmoniously with modern, comfortable furniture to create an experience second to none. Delight in the tropical sophistication from your heated pool as the Caribbean sun dips over the horizon.

  “Grand Luxxe has put a stake in the ground by redefining what luxury travel truly means,” says Eric DuBaele, Director of Hotel Operations at Grupo Vidanta. “The new villas and suites at Riviera Maya are a welcome addition to an extremely popular international destination. Our clientele can enter a world where their every need is met during a vacation experience unlike any other.”

  Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta

  The Grand Luxxe Tower III opened on November 11, 2011 with a breathtaking view over the Nuevo Vallarta resort grounds, the glimmering ocean and a vantage towards the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

  The Grand Luxxe Tower Punta also opened on November 11, 2011 and is located on the edge of the beautiful Ameca river just steps from the beach. Surrounding the tower is a private lake that leads to the majestic infinity pool, the lower beach deck with a choice of four Jacuzzis and a unique view of the Banderas Bay as the backdrop. The Grand Luxxe Tower Punta also debuts a new suite format that can be reconfigured to create a three bedroom Presidential suite with capacity for ten guests.

  “Nuevo Vallarta has seen tremendous demand as travelers flock to its appealing combination of sun, sand and proximity to the small town charm of Puerto Vallarta,” continue DuBaele. “The two new Grand Luxxe towers expand capacity and ensure greater choice and flexibility for our clients.”

  Both expansions also feature “The Burger Custom Made,” a restaurant concept blending the familiarity of the burger with the gourmet offerings of Kobe beef, fois gras, crab, seared tuna and duck; burgers are accompanied by delicious side dishes such as red wine confit onions, wild mushrooms, blue cheese and more.

  Setting the Bar for Luxury

  Since its debut in early 2010, Grand Luxxe has set the bar for personalized luxury travel in the affluent vacation segment. Sumptuous suites and villas provide between 2,300 and 3,000 square feet of room, among the largest in the resort industry. Accommodations at the Grand Luxxe spare no details and include custom marble flooring, fine accents, rich wood furnishings and luxurious upholstery. Bathrooms exude an air of luxury befitting a spa and offer guests a place to unwind in the free standing tubs.

  Modern amenities abound, including private plunge pools on the balcony, private butler service for each floor, 50-inch flat panel televisions, Wi-Fi Internet access, Blu-ray players, in-room Jacuzzi and 24-hour room service, personalized transportation and medical service. Grand Luxxe pampers its visitors with full health spas and fitness centers, a unique Kid’s Club camp experience and a world-class Nicklaus-design 18-hole golf course that is a delight for pros and casual players alike.

  Grand Luxxe fans are some of the most passionate in the industry and frequently interact through social media outlets including Grand Luxxe’s Facebook Page, providing a feeling of camaraderie among its clientele. Join in on the conversation at http://facebook.com/grandluxxe .

  Learn more about Grand Luxxe by visiting us at http://www.grandluxxe.com .
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/18/grand-luxxe-resorts-raises-the-bar-on-luxury-travel-through-expansions-at-nuevo-vallarta-and-riviera-maya/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/16/hacienda-tres-rios-among-top-6-in-the-world-in-environmental-conservation/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/16/hacienda-tres-rios-among-top-6-in-the-world-in-environmental-conservation/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:41:40 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=13201 Sunset World Resorts & Vacation Experiences announced that Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park was awarded a Green Globe High Achievement Award for its environmental conservation commitments. This award was given to only six hotels in the world.

  During the traditional Three Kings breakfast held for the media in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, the tourism group announced the acquisition of this coveted award by the Riviera Maya ecotourism resort. In addition, a 2012 schedule of important cultural, environmental and sports events in order to boost tourism in the Mexican Caribbean was presented.

  The Brand Director of Sunset World Group Annie Arroyo reported that Green Globe presented the High Achievement to Hacienda Tres Rios for achieving the highest score in the 320 indicators in environmental, social and cultural sustainability in the region of Mexico and Latin America.

  The sustainability certification system developed exclusively for the travel and tourism industry also granted this recognition to; Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali (Asia / Pacific), Club Med Djerba La Douce, Tunisia (Africa), Hotel Concorde Berlin , Germany (Europe), Mövenpick Dead Sea, Jordan (Middle East) and Bucuti Beach Resort, Aruba (Caribbean).
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/16/hacienda-tres-rios-among-top-6-in-the-world-in-environmental-conservation/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/09/latour-hotels-and-resorts-opens-celeste-beach-residences-resort-and-spa/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/09/latour-hotels-and-resorts-opens-celeste-beach-residences-resort-and-spa/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:49:22 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=13158 LaTour Hotels and Resorts, which offers personalized luxury hospitality management services for four- and five-star properties worldwide, has announced the opening of Celeste Beach Residences, Resort & Spa, located in Huatulco, Oaxaca, the hidden jewel of Mexico.

  The resort carries the first LaTour Signature Group private label, reserved for five-star properties and highlighting the pillars of the LaTour Signature experience: culinary, wine, wellness, entertainment and concierge.

  “This oceanfront resort and private residence club was designed to carry the LaTour Signature brand and benefits immensely from the exclusive experience of veteran hotelier Tom LaTour,” said Sean Zimmerman, founding partner of SIA Living, the property’s sales and marketing partner. “Celeste will be the finest resort in the region.”
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2012/01/09/latour-hotels-and-resorts-opens-celeste-beach-residences-resort-and-spa/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/12/09/mayakoba-resort-honored-as-top-sustainable-development-by-united-nations-world-tourism-organization-and-rainforest-alliance/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/12/09/mayakoba-resort-honored-as-top-sustainable-development-by-united-nations-world-tourism-organization-and-rainforest-alliance/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:26:13 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=13000 Officials from United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Rainforest Alliance gathered last night to honor Mayakoba Resort and developer OHL Desarrollos as a world leader in sustainable tourism development. Both organizations re-presented awards bestowed on the development during 2011, the Ulysses Award from the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Sustainable Standard-Setter Award from the Rainforest Alliance. The award ceremony was held at the resort’s Banyan Tree Hotel and attended by representatives from both organizations, Audubon International, as well as several top government officials.

  In receiving the awards, Andrés Pan de Soraluce, President of OHL Desarrollos applauded the efforts of both organizations in raising awareness of the vital subject of sustainable development and added, “From the beginning of our development of Mayakoba, we wanted to achieve two things. First, a resort that touched the environment lightly, leaving an unspoiled landscape for the enjoyment of our guests and future generations. Secondly, we wanted the resort to be among the finest in the world, an enclave within an enclave of natural yet magnificent hotels. We are delighted and honored to receive these awards, which commend the exceptional work of our environmentally-conscious team.”

  Mayakoba was presented with the prestigious UNWTO Ulysses Award under the “Innovation in Enterprises” section and garnered the award for “Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Development.” The Ulysses Award celebrates tourism projects from around the world that are improving the positive social impact of the sector and taking a leading role in responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/12/09/mayakoba-resort-honored-as-top-sustainable-development-by-united-nations-world-tourism-organization-and-rainforest-alliance/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/12/09/blue-strawberry-resorts-becomes-a-platinum-sponsor-of-gnex-2012/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/12/09/blue-strawberry-resorts-becomes-a-platinum-sponsor-of-gnex-2012/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:42:28 +0000 Susan Knox http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12981 The Yucatan-based vacation experience company becomes the latest participant in the timeshare and fractional industry networking and awards event.

  Perspective Magazine ( http://perspectivemagazine.com ) announces that Blue Strawberry Resorts will be a Platinum Sponsor of the Second Annual Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2012, in Cancun, Mexico.

  “Blue Strawberry is very proud to be a sponsor and a destination host for this year’s 2012 GNEX conference in Cancun, Mexico. We look forward to reconnecting with industry colleagues and welcoming new partners to the GNEX family. Congratulations and welcome to Cancun,” said Erika Garcia, Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Strawberry Resorts.
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/12/09/blue-strawberry-resorts-becomes-a-platinum-sponsor-of-gnex-2012/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/30/perspective-magazine-awards-program-extends-nomination-window-until-december-21/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/30/perspective-magazine-awards-program-extends-nomination-window-until-december-21/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:21:48 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12868 A significant late surge of nominees, and the need to accommodate as many requests as possible, has led Perspective Magazine ( http://perspectivemagazine.com ) to extend the nomination deadline to December 21^st, 2011, for the Second Annual Perspective Magazine Awards Program, sponsored by Holiday Systems International.

  Timeshare or fractional industry professionals now have three additional weeks to nominate their favorite company or individual for outstanding global recognition of their products or services across the most popular information platform in the vacation ownership industry. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2012 � A Global Meeting of Minds, in Cancun, Mexico.

  This will be the final extension of the deadline, as online voting will begin during the first week of January, 2012 and provide a three-week window for the industry to vote for their favorites prior to the start of GNEX 2012, slated for January 31st � February 2nd, 2012, at the fabulous Ritz Carlton Cancun in Cancun, Mexico. This is the same amount of time as the 2011 awards program, where 150 nominees received more than 2,500 votes from industry professionals from around the world, and voting will take place as before via the unique online system to be available through the event website at http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex. Online votes will then be combined with the decisions of an exclusive panel of judges to determine the winners.

  Categories will include enviable awards such as �Best Timeshare Unit� and �Best Fractional Resort�, plus new categories such as an expansion of the �Best Developer Partner� category to include nominees from companies with more than 50 employees and also less than 50 employees. This will give every type of shared ownership company, whether it be a resort, vendor or supplier, an opportunity to nominate for an award.

  Additional award categories will feature marketing campaigns, new technology, innovation initiatives and green programs, while individual awards have been included for sales and marketing professionals, entrepreneurs and the �Best Industry Leader�.

  Hacienda Tres Rios Resort will host the Perspective Magazine Awards Gala dinner, where winners will be announced the evening of February 2^nd, 2012, as attendees enjoy a fabulous dinner, drinks and extensive entertainment program.

  �We have been stunned by the number of enquiries about nominations which have come in right before the deadline and we want to make sure they all have time to prepare and submit their nominations,� said Paul Mattimoe, president and CEO, Perspective International. �We are already close to surpassing last year�s number of 150 nominees because of our extensive online outreach and we encourage anyone else thinking of entering to quickly get their nominations in before the new deadline expires.�

  GNEX 2012 will discuss the industry through a global lens as resort professionals gather to create business opportunities and develop strategic partnerships. Networking events, interactive panel discussions and informative presentations will lay the foundation for the expo, with a networking lounge uniquely created to give attendees valuable opportunities to conduct business. Delegates will also have access to nightly social events included in their registration in addition to the Perspective Magazine Awards Gala dinner.

  For more information and to find out how your company can enter the 2012 Perspective Magazine Awards Program, please visit http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex.

  Sponsors and supporters of GNEX 2012 include:

  Blue Strawberry Resorts,� Holiday Systems International, Sunset World Resorts, Dial an Exchange, Resort Television, Travel To Go, Interval International, Lloydshare, RCI, BuyaTimeshare.com, First American Title Insurance Company, Merlin Software, Track Results Software, Travel Guard, Circle One BlueBay Resort, El Cid Vacation Club, Royal Resorts, Alternative Ownership Conference Asia Pacific (AOCAP), Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC), Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE), Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA), The Pacific Institute, Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference, Resort Development Organisation (RDO), The Association for Timeshare Owners Committees (TATOC), Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa (VOASA), Women in the Industry (WIN) and Christel House International as Charity of Choice.

  About Perspective Magazine�

  Perspective Magazine is the leading independent, multi-media information provider for the shared ownership industry. The company publishes regional brands covering North America, Europe & Middle East, South Africa, Asia Pacific and soon to be launched in Latin America. The magazines are, combined, the most read independent trade publications globally for the vacation ownership industry.

  The company�s consumer magazine, Owners Perspective Magazine, is the only independent consumer publication that specializes in promoting the benefits of buying shared ownership products to the general public and is also available as a specially customized developer edition for lead generation, in-room marketing and third party sales collateral. Owners Perspective Magazine�s online version, http://ownersperspective.com, also features a new guaranteed lead generation program specifically designed for resorts and developers. The site will host the company�s latest endeavor, Vacation TV, a streaming 24/7 online video channel full of information about vacation ownership products and services.

  Perspective Magazine also operates a recruitment advertising service through TimeshareStaff.com ( http://timesharestaff.com ),� fractional property listing services and a customized in-room Resort Television product that encourages on-site spending and vacation ownership sales.

  GNEX is the company�s annual global networking expo which gathers the top industry professionals from around the world to network, create new strategic alliances and develop joint ventures that can benefit their businesses.

  Perspective Magazine also publishes online through http://perspectivemagazine.com, hosts an online community of industry professionals through Perspective Forums, engages a social media audience of over 44,000 followers through its corporate social media accounts and is a media sponsor of 30 major industry events around the world.

  For more information, please visit http://perspectivemagazine.com or email Steve Luba at steveluba(at)perspectivemagazine.com. For information on advertising and editorial opportunities visit� http://perspectivemagazine.com/advertise.

  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/30/perspective-magazine-awards-program-extends-nomination-window-until-december-21/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/30/two-new-flagship-paradisus-resorts-open-today-in-playa-del-carmen-mexico/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/30/two-new-flagship-paradisus-resorts-open-today-in-playa-del-carmen-mexico/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:38:50 +0000 Steve Luba http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12861

  Melia Hotels International’s luxurious, all-inclusive Paradisus resort brand expands its portfolio with two new Mexican properties, Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda and Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla, opening today. Located in the prestigious Playa del Carmen enclave on Mexico’s eastern Caribbean shore, the magnificent resorts are poised to become the area’s finest all-inclusive properties. The impressive facilities and signature amenities at both Paradisus La Esmeralda and Paradisus La Perla include dramatic free-form pools, breathtaking artful landscapes, a YHI Spa, twelve restaurants and ten bars providing guests with pure freedom to escape and indulge in all the properties have to offer. Paradisus Resorts are sophisticated all-inclusive properties owned and operated by Melia Hotels International, one of the most successful hotel companies in the world.

  Paradisus debuts the brand’s first adults-only resort with Paradisus La Perla. The exclusive resort offers 394 elegantly appointed suites including 120 Royal Service Suites, two of which are Royal Service Presidential Suites. Guests of the Royal Service area will enjoy adult oriented amenities including a private pool, bar and exclusive restaurant surrounded by palapas and Bali Beds in addition to a private beach. Discreet but efficient butlers offer preferential reservations for specialty restaurants, spa treatments, activities and excursions. The resort’s 60 swim-up suites further privacy allowing guests to access the free-form pool directly from their terrace.

  Paradisus La Esmeralda offers 512 luxury suites, including 56 swim-up suites, 122 Family Concierge suites and two Presidential suites, allowing for two and three-bedroom suite configurations. From pre-arrival to the last day of vacation, the Family Concierge at Paradisus La Esmeralda exceeds all guests’ needs by providing a private family check-in/out, “tear-free” in-room bath products, milk and cookie turn down services and exclusive family activities and excursions. Family Concierge guests also have their own exclusive restaurant at La Esmeralda.
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/30/two-new-flagship-paradisus-resorts-open-today-in-playa-del-carmen-mexico/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/27/once-more-in-brazil-sasoic-hits-record-attendance/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/27/once-more-in-brazil-sasoic-hits-record-attendance/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:27:12 +0000 Susan Knox http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12806 On August 9 and 10, professionals of timeshare market in South America met in São Paulo, at the Intercontinental Hotel to discuss the main topics of this industry that grows every year in Brazil. Maria Carolina Pinheiro, Senior Manager of Business Development of RCI Brazil, and John Lancet, partner-director of HVS Shared Ownership, presented the basic concepts of this market. Afterwards, a series of presentations discussed specific issues through national and international experiences. Held for the second consecutive year in Brazil, the event received over 140 executives from countries like the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Venezuela and Brazil.

  Product offers flexibility
  The industry was born in the mid 60s in Europe. In the 70s was introduced in the U.S. as a solution to a depressed real estate market. In the early 1980s major hotel chains entered the business, bringing quality and credibility.

  
  The concept of timeshare is a daily sale of advance. Thus, the customer ensures his holiday in advance and has the possibility to exchange with thousands of enterprising worldwide. For the hotelier, the advantage is to anticipate his cash flow, improve hotel occupancy and customer loyalty, create a new distribution channel and ensure future occupation. Each enterprising determines and sets the selling price according to the rate values practiced. RCI does not interfere with the sale value, which is usually between $ 20,000 and $ 60,000, to use an average of one week a year for a period of 10 to 20 years.

  Currently in Brazil, timeshare is sold in the system of internal points, where the customer uses the week or daily rates via a score, which offers greater flexibility to the product. It is as if the customer had acquired an amount of points that can be changed in each use of daily rates. According to the use of points, daily rates are going to finish. The partner has an average of 7 days per year, depending on whether he chooses for low, medium or high season, each period has a number of points that can be accumulated and, if unused, they remain as credit. “The advantage for the resort is that when the traditional hospitality does not support the business we generate regular income throughout the year, thereby increasing the occupancy in low season. Another advantage is that in a complex as ours with 100 units, we have 5,200 weeks having the possibility of billing two to three times more,” said José Maria Carluccio, president of Club Inn Argentina.

  “The timeshare industry adapts itself to the crisis and takes advantage of them. Reaching new markets with different calendars we can balance the occupation,” explained Rafael Guerra, president of Camytcom, Venezuelan Time Share Trade Association.

  The fractional is a new concept released by RCI, where the same property can be sold at up to 12 fractions, i.e., each buyer has the property and use corresponding to his slice. With the system, the developer increases the speed of sales due to the lower fraction value, expands the universe of buyers, presents a strong selling point with the possibility of exchange and has a higher real estate gain. From the buyer customer point of view, he can purchase a product with less value, has maximizing of the use, maintenance costs only for a period and the possibility of exchanging weeks with other resorts. “We offer the middle class something she could not have in traditional hotels,” defined Raúl Mochón, president of Solanas Vacation Club.
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/27/once-more-in-brazil-sasoic-hits-record-attendance/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/24/despite-the-hype-mexico-is-indeed-safe-for-tourists/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/24/despite-the-hype-mexico-is-indeed-safe-for-tourists/#comments Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:59:35 +0000 Susan Knox http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12646 HSI’s Craig Morganson is working to dispel myths and repair damage to Mexican Tourism and its impact on travel companies

  After an increase of violence among drug cartels and between drug cartels and Mexico officials in 2010, the U.S. Department of State issued the first in a series of Travel Warnings against Mexico. According to the April 22, 2011 Warning, its purpose was to “inform U.S. Citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security situation in Mexico.” The Travel Warning goes on to claim that “While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.” Unfortunately, and at great expense to both the U.S. and Mexico, these statements are inflammatory.

  

  So, in October 2011, Perspective Magazine interviewed Craig Morganson, CEO of Holiday Systems International (HSI) – and an active proponent of clearing up the misinformation – about the situation in Mexico.

  What exactly is the current status?
  As of this interview, the Travel Warning is still in place; however, as a result of a brief I presented in August, the Travel Warning status is being reviewed. But that’s not enough, so everyone reading this should help.

  How would you assess the actual dangers to U.S. citizens, especially in comparison with travel to other nations or even within the United States?
  First, Mexico is the number one vacation destination for U.S. citizens with approximately 20 million visitors every year enjoying safe, affordable, luxurious, friendly vacations. That’s hard to argue with. Mexico is safe for US Citizens. This statement is also supported by an undeniable volume of data from reliable sources, not the least of which are crime statistics. For example, while the State Department cites 111 murders of U.S. citizens in Mexico in 2010, this number must be viewed in proper context (e.g. 111 deaths of U.S. citizens against approximately 20 million U.S. citizens visiting Mexico, and an additional 1 million living in Mexico). Furthermore, it is important to note that these U.S. citizen crimes did not occur in major tourist areas, and the majority of these U.S. citizens were involved in illicit activities.

  Additionally, when comparing Mexico crime to other countries, we see that Mexico is safer. For example, when considering crime per 100,000 inhabitants we see the following: Mexico is only 5th in kidnapping (1-Canada: 8.67, 5-Mexico: 1.2), only 7th in rape (1-South Africa: 120, 3-Canada: 73, 4-USA: 30, 7-Mexico: 14), only 6th in assault (1-South Africa: 1,200, 2-USA: 757, 3-Canada: 712, 6-Mexico: 170), and so on. Therefore, the facts demonstrate that Mexico is safer than many other countries where the State Department has NOT issued a Travel Warning.

  New Orleans, Detroit, St. Louis, Baltimore, Newark, Oakland, Washington D.C., Buffalo, Kansas City and Cleveland are just a few of the many U.S. cities with much higher murder rates than most Mexico cities and that are far more dangerous than the major tourist areas of Mexico.

  What are some of the specific inaccuracies within the Travel Warning?
  You wouldn’t have room to list them all, but I can name a few. One of the most viewed public-facing documents is the “Current Travel Warnings” section of the government website. Using language within that policy demonstrates the warning against Mexico is not justified:

  • The criteria of “long-term, protracted conditions” cannot be justified against Mexico’s sporadic increases in violence.

  • The statement “…that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country” does not apply to Mexico. The entire “country” of Mexico is NOT impacted. Violence is limited to specific areas, and not major tourist destinations.

  • The criteria of “…due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff” does not apply to Mexico. No embassy or consulate has closed in Mexico due to these reasons.

  • In reviewing EVERY area where the U.S. has issued a Travel Warning, there is a large disparity between our friendly neighbor (Mexico) and all others. In fact, this discrepancy is so extreme the blatancy of it needs no explanation. For example, Haiti, Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, etc.

  • When viewing the listing for Israel, the warning clarifies (within the listing) its limitation to “the West Bank and Gaza”; however, the listing for Mexico is not clarified, despite the fact that the violence is limited to specific areas. This leaves the reader to unfairly assume the entire country of Mexico is dangerous.

  • New Orleans is the most deadly city in the U.S. with 52-64 murders per 100,000 populations (depending on the source). When considering the overreaching nature of the Travel Warning, the impact is similar to not visiting Miami because of the violence in New Orleans.

  Why are the warnings so severe then?
  This is something my brief deals with in more detail. For now, let’s just say the Travel Warning against Mexico is a case of overreaction, leveraging of tourism to manipulate Mexico, and flawed economics.

  How do the warnings impact U.S. businesses?
  Mexico is the number one vacation destination for U.S. citizens, generating hundreds of millions in revenues for travel and tourism business throughout the U.S. The Travel Warnings against Mexico have caused U.S. businesses to experience significant reductions in revenues. This revenue is often the deciding factor in keeping the doors open for many U.S. businesses. In Nevada alone, consider that In July of 2011, of the 182 businesses identified as providing travel to Mexico, 111 had recently gone out of business and 7 companies no longer provided travel to Mexico. To quantify this nationwide, I am currently engaging a research company to conduct a more detailed impact analysis.

  How do they affect the Mexican economy?
  The Travel Warning continues to deprive Mexico of income and tax revenue from tourism. Law enforcement is expensive and with a diminished tax base Mexico is forced to fight the U.S. drug war with fewer resources.

  What have you been doing to change Mexico’s status?
  I’ve had numerous meetings with high-ranking U.S. Government officials regarding the Mexico Travel Warning. I’ve also prepared a 76-page brief that is currently gaining ground in Washington. The arguments presented in my brief include crime statistics, economic impact, policy conflict and specific actions that are reasonable to execute. The bottom line is that there is violence in Mexico, just as there is in Los Angeles, and I am not suggesting that we do not inform U.S. citizens of this fact. What I am saying, is that this information is more appropriately disseminated through a less severe Travel Advisory (e.g., Country Specific Information) and that the language within the information be changed to be less overreaching and ambiguous.

  

  Tell me about why you are involved in this. What are your goals?
  I own several travel/tourism companies. The U.S. is currently struggling to recover from the worst economy in my lifetime. Travel and tourism is a big part of our global economy. The long-term economic damage caused by the U.S. Travel Warning against Mexico is greater than the benefits derived from the Warning. The State Department can accomplish its objectives by issuing details within its Country Specific Information, thereby properly cautioning U.S. citizens regarding specific areas and risks, while not injuring important economic balances, which is the result of the more serious nature of a Travel Warning. In fact, while the U.S. Travel Warning has been detrimental to the U.S. economy, the Mexico economy, and countless U.S. businesses, there is no evidence it has saved one U.S. citizen’s life. While we teeter on the brink of a global recession, the State Department needs to be more responsible when issuing Travel Advisories that hinder our economic recovery, yet do not save lives.

  What can individual travel companies and organizations do to help?
  Anyone who would like to assist me with the cost of the research I’ve been funding can contact me at ceo@holidaysystems.com. Also, write letters to your Congressmen, Senators, etc. – but don’t just complain. Get their attention by demonstrating the economic impact within their constituency. Talk about jobs and votes, but also include intelligent arguments for the Travel Warning reduction so they can escalate your issue. Make it easy for them to help you. In most cases, they’re not going to know anything about the issue, so educate them. Any reader that would like a copy of my brief can contact me. If you’re not sure where to send your letters, send them to the Senate Majority Leader Senator Harry Reid, 522 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510. [/member]

  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/24/despite-the-hype-mexico-is-indeed-safe-for-tourists/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/24/gnex-2012-a-global-meeting-of-minds/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/24/gnex-2012-a-global-meeting-of-minds/#comments Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:58:44 +0000 Susan Knox http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12638 GNEX 2012 comes to one of Cancun’s premier oceanfront resorts, the Ritz Carlton Cancun, where delegates will have three days to make the most of this absolute must-attend event.

  GNEX 2012 kicks off on January 31 and runs until February 2 at the Ritz Carlton Cancun, located in Cancun’s smart “hotel zone” on the famous strip, a mere stone’s throw from all the area’s luxury shopping and restaurants. And to top that, the Ritz Carlton Cancun boasts the only AAA Triple Five Diamond oceanfront resort in the world and is right on the most picturesque beach in Cancun, where some of the best networking events are scheduled to take place.

  

  Delegates for the 2012 event are already firming up bookings, and guests will be flying in from as far away as Australia, Brazil and Dubai for the “Global Meeting of Minds”. This year, thanks to an extended conference, GNEX will build on the most successful formats from last year and there will be new themes, many of them tackling what may lie ahead for the industry’s main sectors, as well as those buying into it, in 2012 – and how best to deal with a changing and challenging economic landscape.

  At the 2011 event, over 70 percent of attendees held titles of President, CEO, Vice Presidents and Managing Directors during the Global Networking Expo at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas – clearly demonstrating how much executive-level interest there is in an event of this calibre. By the end of the 2011 conference, it was as clear as the Bahamian sunshine that there was strong demand for more of the same again next year, and by the time the guests were heading home GNEX 2012 was already more than a plan in the making. 2012 should be even better. More networking opportunities that are second to none; and another well balanced mix of general sessions for guests, sponsors and exhibitors. And of course, firmly on the agenda will be the thought-provoking, dynamic, informative and at times controversial discussions and debates, coupled with industry insights and secrets from leading experts, that made last year’s event such a success.

  If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time to book your place: visit http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex

  Sessions
  Our unique conference session format combines interesting case studies, invaluable insights into what really works from leaders in their fields and controversial open forum sessions where the whole audience is invited to discuss and debate issues that directly affect them and hear comments and advice from others in the room or on the stage.

  Where In The World Is…The Buyer?
  In times when finding your prospects are harder and more expensive than ever, this session delivers brand new information and statistics identifying which locations or nationalities you may want to target your marketing efforts at in the year to come.

  Creative Projects That Inspire & Last
  With consumers definitely in the driving seat, and demanding more amenities, services and experiences than ever before, what does it take to ensure that your project will succeed, not just now, but for the lifetime of the development? Our panel of developers, architects, finance, construction and consultancy professionals will give you some examples of what works and what doesn’t in today’s marketplace.

  The 800 Pound Gorilla In The Room
  You’ll need to attend to find out what top secret controversial topic this one is about, but you’ll not want to miss having your say in our
  open forum debate.

  The Value Of Endorsements
  From online reviews by guests to major celebrity ambassadors, our diverse and expert panel deliver details on the impact third party endorsements can have on your business and tell you some of their secrets of how to do it effectively.

  Global Developer Outlook
  With already triple the number of developers scheduled to attend GNEX 2012, this developer panel will gather insight from experts from around the world to discuss what works, what doesn’t and how to create solutions for guests in a challenging marketplace.

  Why Is Latin America So Special For Developers
  There are nearly 1,000 shared ownership resorts in Latin America, which generated $3.3 billion in sales in 2010. Resorts in Mexico produced the majority of this revenue and Mexico is now the number two timeshare marketplace in the world behind the U.S. Developers will delve into their success stories and how this region is poised for expansion.

  What Is Going On With Fractionals
  The fractional market is holding steady in the midst of continued economic uncertainty. Fractional industry professionals will lend their expertise to discuss the outlook for 2012 and the success stories that you may not have heard about.

  Main Events
  GNEX Conferences are more about stimulating new business than anything else, and so networking sessions and events are an integral part to our innovative approach. GNEX 2012 already boasts the following events…

  Resort Tour
  We will be taking a limited number of delegates to visit some of the most successful resorts in the local Cancun/ Riviera Maya area, where they can not only network with others on the tour, but also go behind the scenes at these fantastic properties, meet senior executives and glean insights into the sales and marketing methods used.

  Find out why the following spectacular resorts are some of the most successful vacation ownership operations in Mexico.

  BlueBay Grand Esmeralda, Circle One by Blue Bay Resorts
  Launched in 2008, Circle One is an innovative family vacation concept designed for families that like to travel to high demand destinations and stay in 5-star hotels at great resorts. Circle One offers affiliate clients the possibility of vacationing at preferred rates with the flexibility that very few other Vacation Clubs have, such as reservations by night or by week and multiple check in dates and in any season of the year, Direct Exchange without Exchange fee to any of its 7 BlueBay network hotels, and important discounts in more than 40 other Blue Bay network Hotels. Its Yacht Program, through Yachts Entertainments, and Cruise Exchange Program with ICE Gallery are also part of its exciting global vacation programs. Unique advantages include recapitalization of membership investment is available through Lloydshare International and discounts at BlueBay Grand Esmeralda SPA and at multiple Golf Courses.

  Grand Velas Riviera Maya
  The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, an all-suites and Spa resort located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, represents the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience. This Leading Hotels of the World designated resort is the pre-eminent one of its class boasting 491 suites, each more than 1,000 square-feet, in three separate ambiances– adult-only ocean-front and ocean-view Ambassador Grand Class Suites, family-friendly Ambassador Suites and Zen Garden Suites embraced by the flora and fauna of the Mayan jungle.
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/24/gnex-2012-a-global-meeting-of-minds/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/23/perspective-magazine-expands-with-exclusive-latin-america-edition-beginning-in-january-2012-2/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/23/perspective-magazine-expands-with-exclusive-latin-america-edition-beginning-in-january-2012-2/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:57:48 +0000 Susan Knox http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12607

  Joana Gonzalez, Director of Business Development for Latin America

  The newest regional edition, Perspective Magazine Latin America, will be unveiled during GNEX 2012 in Cancun.

  Latin America has become one of the fastest-growing regions in the world for the shared ownership industry. To celebrate this growth, Perspective Magazine will introduce the fifth edition of its global trade publication, Perspective Magazine Latin America, during the Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2012 – A Global Meeting of Minds, in Cancun, Mexico in January.

  Perspective Magazine Latin America will be focused on news, new product features and resort destination content unique to the Central and South American markets and include articles on Mexico and the Caribbean, which will also be included periodically in the larger flagship North American edition. The magazine will be in keeping with the high quality, professional tradition of the Perspective Magazine brand, which has collectively become the most-read, independent trade publication globally for the timeshare and fractional ownership industry.

  “There is enormous growth potential for the shared ownership product in Latin America, with over 900 properties already located in the region,” said Paul Mattimoe, president and CEO, Perspective Magazine. “80 new projects were started in 2010 and in Brazil alone there was 400% growth in interval sales between 2005 and 2010. This type of potential is what has drawn us to invest in the new magazine and
  staff based locally in the region.”

  “With this growth, there just isn’t enough space in our North America issue to give the coverage and attention to this part of the world that is warranted,” added Mattimoe. “The Latin America magazine will be the fifth and final regional edition, which means we will cover the whole world from a local and regional standpoint.”

  Corporate Expansion in Mexico
  With such a growing marketplace of vacation ownership products, it was a logical decision by Perspective Magazine to expand and establish a permanent presence in Cancun, which will be serviced by Joana Gonzalez, Director of Business Development for Latin America. She will be the company’s primary point of contact for the region regarding inquiries about advertising and sponsorship-related questions involving the upcoming GNEX 2012 conference in Cancun, to be held January 31st – February 2nd, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Cancun.
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/23/perspective-magazine-expands-with-exclusive-latin-america-edition-beginning-in-january-2012-2/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/10/c-a-r-e-gives-back-to-vacation-communities/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/10/c-a-r-e-gives-back-to-vacation-communities/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:09:02 +0000 Susan Knox http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12633 C.A.R.E. (Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers), the vacation industry’s premier trade association began exploring in 2010 how the association could give back to the vacation communities that provide its members and their clients with outstanding vacation opportunities.  From this desire to express thankfulness to areas that have hosted C.A.R.E. conferences and helped make C.A.R.E. member companies’ businesses successful, launched the “C.A.R.E. Gives Back” program, a volunteer philanthropic activity for C.A.R.E. members to participate in during semi-annual conferences held in popular resort and vacation destinations throughout the US, Mexico, Europe and the Caribbean.

  C.A.R.E. Gives Back began in the spring of 2010 with a group of 20 vacation industry professionals volunteering their services at a New Orleans food bank. Concerned about “what she had gotten herself into” volunteer Linda Stockwell of Preferred Access later commented that “the day turned out to be fun while getting to know C.A.R.E. members better” and that “I felt good about being able to help so many people”.  C.A.R.E. Gives Back continued to grow and during the fall 2010 conference volunteers prepared and served over 1,000 meals to the Phoenix, AZ area homeless and needy. The experience humbled volunteer Tina Stafford of Accommodations Unlimited who “had never witnessed such tremendous need.  The expressions of appreciation from those served by the C.A.R.E. volunteers were overwhelming”.  
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/10/c-a-r-e-gives-back-to-vacation-communities/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/08/buyatimeshare-com-becomes-a-sponsor-of-gnex-2012-a-global-meeting-of-minds/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/08/buyatimeshare-com-becomes-a-sponsor-of-gnex-2012-a-global-meeting-of-minds/#comments Tue, 08 Nov 2011 20:24:43 +0000 Susan Knox http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12612 The online advertising company for the timeshare resale and rental market becomes a sponsor of Perspective Magazine’s second annual industry networking and awards event.

  Perspective Magazine announces that internet advertising company BuyaTimeshare.com will become a sponsor of the Day One Networking Break during GNEX 2012 – A Global Meeting of Minds in Cancun, Mexico.

  “GNEX offers an opportunity for the best minds to share their knowledge and experiences, which creates a catalyst for better shared ownership experiences industry-wide,” said Wesley Kogelman, president and CEO, BuyaTimeshare.com.

  BuyaTimeshare.com is one of the leading internet advertising and marketing companies online for timeshare owners who seek to sell or rent their timeshare by owner. In 2010, the company provided $90,435,503 in qualified offers to owners who advertised their timeshare for sale on the company’s website. Over 6,300 confirmed offers were sent to advertisers by BuyaTimeshare.com as legitimate offers due to the industry-leading, technological advances of the company’s website. The company’s average offer of $14,197 last year was about 70% of the $20,000 average price of a new timeshare interval, which is excellent value and significantly higher than the usual prices garnered on the resale market.
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/08/buyatimeshare-com-becomes-a-sponsor-of-gnex-2012-a-global-meeting-of-minds/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/01/mexico%e2%80%99s-vacation-ownership-industry-is-poised-for-an-upturn/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/01/mexico%e2%80%99s-vacation-ownership-industry-is-poised-for-an-upturn/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:40:40 +0000 Susan Knox http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12014 AMDETUR Celebrates 25 Years promoting Mexico during its annual convention in Cancun

  An underlying sense of confidence had attendees at the AMDETUR national convention in Cancun, Mexico cautiously optimistic about growth for the vacation ownership industry for the rest of 2011 and into 2012.

  AMDETUR, which stands for the Asociación Mexicana de Desarrolladores Turísticos and is otherwise known as the Mexico Resort Development Association, hosted the event during June 22-24, 2011, at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort. Held in conjunction with the state industry trade association for the state of Quintana Roo, ACLUVAQ, over 750 attendees gathered for updates about how the challenges facing the nation’s tourism industry have affected visitation, development and sales in Mexico.

  

  Juan Vela Ruiz, Chairman, AMDETUR, stated that the tourism industry in Mexico is expected to grow between 4% – 6% in 2011 but admitted that the perception of a lack of security in Mexico has affected international inbound travel. He added that the government needs to work with regional promotion associations to create more direct flights to areas such as Cancun and that branding campaigns need to be launched for local and regional areas in Mexico.

  Federal Tourism Minister Gloria Guevara Manzo stated that tourism directly creates about 400,000 jobs, with another 500,000 indirect positions reliant on the industry, and accounts for 9% of GDP. She said the federal government is working to create public-private partnerships as a result of a new strategy, with $3.7 million in loans available in a special program for tourism-related businesses. The government’s goal is to grow tourism into a $40 billion a year industry with 50 million international visitors by 2018.

  Attendees were also briefed on a new tourism campaign entitled “Mayan World 2012” which is set to leverage the global awareness of the end of the Mayan calendar next year. The campaign will promote the vast Mayan heritage of the nation and is expected to give a much-needed boost to an industry still feeling the effects of negative publicity created by violence along the Mexican/U.S. border, the swine-flu outbreak and the global recession.

  Part of the campaign is the creation of an Ambassador Program which the federal government is launching in partnership with associations such as AMDETUR. The idea is to have international visitors give positive testimonials of their experiences in Mexico as a way to overcome the publicity according to Jose Alfonso Bayon Rios, Executive President, AMDETUR.

  “This is an effort to project a positive image of Mexico to destinations around the world through social media, which is a very important way of communicating with people nowadays,” said Bayon Rios. “Our intention is that every satisfied guest who is checking out of their hotel or resort gives a testimonial of their stay at their resort or destination and share this information with people around the world, their contacts, friends and relatives so that they can have an actual and objective image of what is happening in Mexico. We’re doing this in conjunction with the Mexico Tourism Board.”
  
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  ]]> http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/11/01/mexico%e2%80%99s-vacation-ownership-industry-is-poised-for-an-upturn/feed/ 0 http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/10/31/blue-strawberry-resorts-it%e2%80%99s-all-about-%e2%80%9crevenue-up-in-a-down-economy%e2%80%9d-the-%e2%80%9cpower-of-paradise%e2%80%9d/ http://perspectivemagazine.com/blog/2011/10/31/blue-strawberry-resorts-it%e2%80%99s-all-about-%e2%80%9crevenue-up-in-a-down-economy%e2%80%9d-the-%e2%80%9cpower-of-paradise%e2%80%9d/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:18:04 +0000 Susan Knox http://perspectivemagazine.com/?p=12009 With the free-spending days of the past decidedly over for a while – or at least on hold – even the big corporate and consumer spenders are doing a lot of belt tightening. It’s “breathe in” time, as major purchases are put on hold, growth slows, and no business recognizes this scenario better of course than the vacation ownership industry.

  Since 2009, when the global dip slipped into a downturn, the shared ownership industry has had to lay off thousands of employees, slash inefficient marketing strategies and flick the off switch for new developments – just to survive. The domino effect of these uncomfortable financial restrictions has clearly impacted the industry in a number of ways.

  There’s no doubt that companies that work within the holiday sector have had to have a good look in the mirror and analyze their vacation ownership models with fresh eyes and come up with new ways to improve them. Out with the old, in with new, it’s all about more efficient marketing programs backed up by better products that have built-in flexibility sure to appeal to consumers who are quite rightly reticent about flashing the cash.

  Leading Mexico specialists Blue Strawberry Resorts took the bull by the horns and did “all of the above”. It asked its clients, guests, and partners for their feedback and personal “wish list”, and consequently adapted its products, resorts, catering, reservations operations, club membership and marketing strategy specifically to meet clients’ desires. The result? Blue Strawberry Resorts brought into play a new concept of value added marketing or “VAM”, the pinnacle of which is its Vacation Certificate Program.

  The company offers three distinct Vacation Certificate Programs to enhance vacation ownership marketing strategies and drive up revenue, even during this “down” economy. Two of the programs – called Premium and Portable Equity – are traditional models, well known in the vacation ownership industry: the Premium Vacation Certificates are valid for 5 days and 4 nights in Cancun.

  Historically, these certificates work well as a tool for telemarketing representatives to activate members who have not travelled or as gifts to non-buyers to generate referrals. They can be used an in-house tour generation tool or to generate the collection of past due maintenance fees and to reactivate memberships and are also effective as a cross marketing utilization concept. Last but not least, our clients also use them as a reservation generation tool.

  Firstly, Blue Strawberry Resorts’ Premium Vacation Certificate helps to boost revenue and increase tours and it goes without saying that more tours equal more potential for increased VPG.

  Stepping up, their Portable Equity Vacation is an 8 day, 7 nights Certificate, again in Cancun. This certificate program is a valuable closing tool to incentivize clients to purchase vacation ownership membership and there is no cost to developers for the certificates either. Should the client travel to Cancun and decide to purchase a vacation ownership membership there, the company’s receivables are protected because the client is given a credit equal to the amount they paid for their original membership for use toward their new vacation ownership membership. It’s a win-win incentive that works.

  The third certificate in the group is the Co-op, a new and innovative program that hasn’t been used in the industry traditionally. The Co-op program is based on a strategic alliance model and they work well. As Erika Garcia, CEO, Blue Strawberry Resorts, says, “Co-op certificates increase efficiency and revenue for both companies and create a business alliance that will last far into the future”.
  
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