“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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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]

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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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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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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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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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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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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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 mostread, 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.”

Joana Gonzalez, Director of Business Development for Latin America

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.

This expansion is just the latest phase in the growth of the company, which began with its initial TimeshareStaff.com recruitment website in 2003 and has since grown to include trade magazine titles covering North America, Europe & Middle East, South Africa, Asia Pacific, consumer publication Owners Perspective Magazine and numerous online and social media products. Perspective Magazine also hosts an online community of over 5,000 industry professionals through its website at http://perspectivemagazine.com, engages a combined 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.

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Award categories range across the full spectrum of the industry, with classifications such as “Best Timeshare Resort” and “Best Fractional Unit” through to “Best Developer Partner” and “Best Individual Professional”. The “Best Developer Partner” category has been expanded to recognize winners from companies with more than, and less than, 50 employees to allow an opportunity for various-sized suppliers and vendors to nominate for the award. Additional award categories allow for green initiatives, innovation and technology awards, marketing campaigns, an entrepreneur award and even a “Best Newcomer Award” for the best new entrant to the industry.

Nominations are taken online through the event website at http://perspectivemagazine.com/gnex and nominees will be listed on the GNEX 2012 section of the Perspective Magazine website. Online voting by industry professionals will begin in November, with votes to be combined with the decisions of an exclusive panel of judges to determine the winners.

Award winners will be announced during the Perspective Magazine Awards Gala dinner, which will be held at the Hacienda Tres Rios Resort the evening of February 2^nd, 2012, and include a sumptuous dinner, drinks and extensive entertainment program.

“Our inaugural award program was very popular with over 150 nominations entered and nearly 2,400 online votes cast,” said Paul Mattimoe, president and CEO, Perspective Magazine. “Now, in year 2, we’re looking for even more vacation ownership companies from around the world to participate and make this the most comprehensive global industry award celebration.”

Award finalists from across the world will be represented as Perspective Magazine draws on its industry-leading global print and online media products. Categories reflect the magazine’s regional distribution areas of North America, Europe & Middle East, Asia Pacific, South Africa and new Latin America categories to coincide with the new Latin America edition of the magazine, scheduled for launch in January.

GNEX 2012 will convene at one of the most desirable locations in North America, the luxurious Ritz Carlton Cancun in Cancun, Mexico, during January 31^st – February 2^nd, 2012.

The unique event will be held over three days and will take a comprehensive look at the industry from a global viewpoint, examining creative new ways for developers and resorts to grow their businesses. Interactive panel sessions discussing international best practices and new strategies to gain and maintain customers will provide outstanding value for delegates. The expo will also incorporate informative presentations, an exhibitor hall, multiple networking sessions, nightly social events, open networking time and areas for individual business meetings 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, Track Results Software, Travel Guard, Circle One BlueBay Resort, El Cid Vacation Club, Royal Resorts, Alternative Ownership Conference Asia Pacific (AOCAP), Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE), Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA), Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference, 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.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda is located less than an hour from the Cancun International Airport on a sheltered cove complete with the region’s renowned pristine sand and turquoise water, a short distance from the Playa del Carmen shops and attractions, and near the world-famous Mayan archaeological sites of Tulum, Chichen Itza and Coba.

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The timeshare and fractional industry’s leading independent information provider is expanding its corporate presence into Latin America.  

Perspective Magazine announces the latest expansion of its global brand with the establishment of a new regional operation in Cancun, Mexico as the foundation of its corporate move into Latin America. To lead this expansion, the company has hired Joana Gonzalez as Director of Business Development – Latin America.

“Expanding into a new region is always exciting, but selecting the right people for your team is critical.” said Paul Mattimoe, President & CEO, Perspective International. “Joana’s knowledge of Latin America through her previous roles within the industry, and her natural drive and energy perfectly compliment our vision for company growth and we look forward to helping build her team which will deliver incredible services to so many resort developments throughout such a vibrant region.”

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Leading independent, multi-media information provider Perspective Magazine announces that travel insurance plan provider Travel Guard North America will be an exhibitor during the Second Annual Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2012 – A Global Meeting of Minds.

“Travel Guard is pleased to be a part of the 2012 GNEX conference, to meet with other leaders throughout the industry and share the many ways a travel insurance plan can add value to vacationers’ trip experiences as well as those selling it,” said Tom Zavadsky, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Travel Guard North America. “Collaborative events like this are an excellent opportunity to learn from each other while showcasing the best that our industry has to offer.”

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“Azul Fives Hotel & Private Residences offers our members another opportunity to enjoy Karisma’s trademark hospitality and attention to detail. We’re very pleased to add this outstanding property to our high-quality network of resorts,” said Marcos Agostini, Interval’s vice president of resort sales and service for Latin America.

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Ecotourism complex Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park in the Riviera Maya received the Golden Apple, a coveted award that is given to distinguished members of the international tourism industry for reaching high standards of quality and service and for marketing campaigns and good ratings.

At the awards ceremony, held in Chicago, Corporate Director of Sales for Sunset World, Fabiola Méndez received the award from Jeff Mullen, Mike LaPointe, Mark Noennig and Deb Goldberg Hofer, executives of the well known tour operator.

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cover image used for illustrative purposes only

Perspective Magazine will be unveiling its newest regional edition, Perspective Magazine Latin America, at its timeshare and fractional ownership conference, GNEX 2012 in January.   

Perspective Magazine (http://perspectivemagazine.com) has announced the launch of its fifth version of the award winning trade publication as the brand expands into the Latin America region with the introduction of Perspective Magazine Latin America. The first edition will debut 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, inclusive of Mexico and the Caribbean which will receive more prominence in this edition, whilst still featuring more sporadically 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.”

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“These new luxurious properties in sought-after destinations around the world are wonderful additions to our network and provide the high-quality amenities and first-rate services our members have come to expect from the resorts in The Registry Collection portfolio,” said Gregg Anderson, global vice president, The Registry Collection program. “The continued growth of our exchange network is a reflection of our dedication to provide our members with unique and unforgettable luxury vacation experiences and our clients with an unmatched level of service and support.”

The latest affiliations in North America and the Caribbean include:

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Mexico Grand Hotels is a premier vacation ownership company with properties in Los Cabos, Mexico, including Marina Fiesta Resort and Spa and the Hacienda Encantada Resort.

Mexico Grand Hotels CEO, Gabriel Macias said, “We wanted to be one of the first resorts in Mexico to take advantage of Trooval’s real-time products. Using PreQual, we are able to instantly estimate lead value. This enables our team to suppress low potential leads while focusing our attention on high potential ones. The result is higher efficiency and profitability.”

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The new affiliations were added to one of RCI’s exchange programs: the RCI^® Weeks program, the RCI Points^® program or The Registry Collection^® program, which is the world’s largest luxury timeshare exchange program. Nine of the new properties are currently under construction.

“We have welcomed some fantastic new properties to our global network of affiliated resorts in the first two quarters of 2011,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “All of these destinations add to our portfolio of high-quality exchange resorts, which is already the largest in the world, and will give our subscribing members even more choice and flexibility in planning their next vacations.”

As the innovation leader in the industry, RCI has attracted affiliates with new programs and services. In the first half of 2011, RCI announced several new features that benefit both members and affiliates including: the launch of RCI Weeks Platinum^SM membership, a premium tier of RCI membership that offers lifestyle benefits and exclusive exchange privileges; RCI e-school, which offers affiliates free online training courses for employees; RCI Presenter, a new touch-screen sales tool used by affiliates to make cutting-edge presentations to potential new owners; and the launch of two new applications for the iPad^®, which complement the existing apps for the iPhone^®.

“Our latest updates and achievements have been revolutionizing the timeshare experience, and have led to RCI recently receiving awards for innovation from both the American Resort Development Association and the Global Networking Expo,” said Gordon Gurnik, president, RCI. “We are so honored to receive these awards, but the real return on our efforts is the positive feedback we have received from our members and affiliates, and the new properties that have joined our network as a result.”

For more information on affiliating with RCI, visit www.rciaffiliates.com.

“Steadfast is well-regarded, with more than 15 years of experience in resort, multifamily, and commercial development. We are pleased to collaborate with them and welcome Club Tesoro to our Quality Vacation Exchange Network,” said David Gilbert, Interval’s executive vice president of resort sales and marketing. “Our members can now enjoy another vacation opportunity in this very desirable destination, with its varied recreational attractions.”

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The resort will carry 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 will benefit immensely from the exclusive experience of veteran hotelier Tom LaTour,” said Sean Zimmerman, founding partner of SIA Living, the sales and marketing partner for the property. “Celeste will be the finest resort in the region.”

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“We chose RCI as a provider of vacation exchange because it offers members the benefits of the world’s largest vacation exchange network, in addition to being committed to the growth and expansion plans of our company,” said Carlos Berdegue, president and managing director, El Cid Resorts. “RCI’s business and marketing solutions complement our service offerings, making for a very productive relationship.”

Each of the El Cid Resorts attracts visitors with its first-class oceanfront accommodations, luxury spas and friendly and dependable service. Mazatlán’s four locations are renowned for their golf courses, while the Cozumel location gives visitors access to cave and cavern diving. In the Mayan Riviera region, travelers staying at Hotel Marina El Cid Spa Beach Resort can go snorkeling in the aqua waters of the Caribbean in Puerto Morelos National Reef Park.

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The recently debuted, stunning and private Grand Luxxe pool, open to guests daily from 7am – 11pm, now offers guests a variety of poolside concierge services and amenities including: reflexology, a beach photography session with Dream Art Photographers, complimentary game cart fully equipped with books and games for all ages, complimentary sunglass cleanings and ice-cold towels to help guests cool off from the heat. The pool area also features private cabanas for shade and relaxation and casual, alfresco dining at The Burger Custom Made which features a delectable menu of one-of-a-kind burgers such as Kobe, foie gras, crab, seared tuna, duck and even seafood burgers.

In addition to the private Grand Luxxe pool, guests also have access to the Grand Mayan Sanctuary– truly one of the most stunning pools in the Riviera Maya. Featuring twists and turns, waterfalls, alcoves, shade retreats and foot bridges, the Grand Mayan Sanctuary is sure to impress any guest. The pool also offers a poolside dining experience at Blue Fish Cevicherie, located under the palapa of The Grand Mayan Sanctuary. Blue Fish delights guests with refreshing cocktails and exquisitely prepared ceviche, made with the freshest ingredients.

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Founded in 2001, AMResorts is one of the fastest growing hospitality companies in the Caribbean and Mexico with 26 luxury resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica. AMResorts offers opulent oceanfront accommodations with 24-hour room service and daily refreshed mini bars, world-class spas and spa gardens, ocean-view gourmet restaurants appealing to every palate, an array of daytime activities and live, unique nighttime entertainment, which provide a wide variety of vacation experiences for every age and interest in popular coastal destinations.

The company specializes in the luxury leisure market, provide sales, marketing and brand management services to four brands in its luxury collection of resorts including Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Now Resorts & Spas and Sunscape Resorts & Spas.

Recently, AMResorts launched the Unlimited Vacation Club: an exclusive travel club whose participants enjoy guaranteed preferred rates and benefits at AMResorts properties in Mexico and the Caribbean. Through a variety of participation levels – Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond – travelers can enjoy discounted pricing and free hotel stays. In addition, participants can take advantage of discounted rates for a variety of room types at different AMResorts properties. Participants are rewarded for their loyalty to AMResorts with preferred rates, recognition and benefits at all of the AMResorts brands throughout Mexico and the Caribbean. AMResorts offers upscale travel experiences ranging from adult destinations to wellness resorts and family-oriented properties in exciting destinations including Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Montego Bay, Jamaica, to name just a few.

Alex Zozaya, who is the president and founder of AMResorts, concentrates his efforts on investor and owner relations, design and development of the next generation of luxury leisure resorts and leading a professional and dedicated staff of more than 5,000 employees throughout the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.

The creation of UVC is a recent move, in part as a reaction to market conditions. “To be honest, we were losing customers to timeshare companies – some of our competitors that were doing this before we were,” Zozaya explains. “They knew that our customers were perfectly qualified and had great potential for acquiring this type of product.” Zozaya says his company was motivated to create UVC when they realized out how many AMResorts guests were attending other companies’ sales presentations – “and how many of them were actually buying at somebody else’s property.”

But Zozaya notes that there were other influencing factors as well. “There was a trend in the market where everybody was buying full-time ownership of vacation homes as second, third and even fourth residences through mortgages,” he notes. “With the collapse of the real estate industry at the end of 2007 and the first half of 2008, the consumer held off on buying full-time ownership, and even fractional sale slowed down. We decided that that was the right moment because the consumer was going to come back and continue to buy something that was less expensive and that didn’t require a loan or credit or a mortgage.”

AMResorts launched UVC in October 2010. “It’s very new – we haven’t launched at all the locations yet,” Zozaya says. “We currently have 26 hotels, but we’re going to open 7 more, so it will be 31 soon.”

Not Timeshare
Zozaya is quick to point out that UVC is not timeshare. Zozaya says AMResorts is “not selling fixed units, fixed weeks, deeded products, conventional timeshare, fractional interests or any kind real estate.”

He goes on to say that “timeshare was started by selling real estate with a deed; something you could inherit. And then there was the timeshare vacation club, where there was no real estate conveyance but there was a fixed unit and a fixed week. And then from that it went to some companies that, instead of a fixed week and fixed unit, you have all the flexibility but you still have the right-of-use. And then we took the next step: What we’re basically selling is a membership through a vacation club; once you’re a member of Unlimited Vacation Club, you are entitled to have discounts on your future vacations. It’s almost like when you buy a membership card at Sam’s Club or Costco: You need to purchase a membership to have access to discounted prices.”

The UVC plans are for either 30 or 40 weeks of vacation time at the various AMResorts properties. “It’s up to you if you want to use your whole membership in one year by having a big party with 40 suites for one week, or you can use five weeks every year and use it up in six or seven years, or you can use one week every year for 30 or 40 years,” he says.

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When Perspective Magazine made the original announcement for the Global Networking Expo (GNEX), many people in the timeshare and fractionals business shook their heads in disbelief. “Another conference?” was a common reaction. But it soon became apparent that GNEX was unlike anything else currently in existence in the shared-ownership industry.

Over 80 companies and industry associations from five continents participated in Perspective Magazine’s inaugural event, giving the get-together a truly international representation, as attendees from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, the U.K., Spain, Portugal, Italy, Russia, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia and Australia examined creative new ways to grow their businesses.

Along with a healthy encouragement for attendees to get involved and share their own experiences and opinions, there was a chance for every single person there to be heard on each topic. And the vast majority of attendees were C-level executives and other true decision makers, meaning that these discussions could actually lead to implementation of new ideas in a shorter timeframe.

“I think a lot of people who are here are the right people,” Robert Webb, a partner at Baker Hostetler noted while at the conference, held May 11-12 at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. “I see a lot of company heads, people doing a lot of networking.”

“It’s been a very consolidated approach to a conference that has such a large audience,” agreed fellow attendee Ramy Filo, CEO of Classic Holiday Group. “What I found interesting is having a lot of senior people in one room is a great way of networking directly … rather than going to a large conference with thousands of delegates.”

In short, the inaugural Global Networking Expo exceeded expectations as industry professionals from around the world networked and openly discussed the state of the vacation ownership industry for two days. Participants shared best practices, discussed new development projects and engaged in frank discussions on topics such as the effect of rentals, travel clubs and resales on the industry.

“As it was our first conference there was naturally a ‘let’s wait and see mentality’ so our main priority was to ensure those that attended had a good time and got real value from the event,” says Paul Mattimoe, president and CEO of Perspective Magazine. “From the feedback we have received, we certainly succeeded and the demand for information on GNEX 2012 is tremendous. We are very much looking forward to continuing to mould GNEX into exactly what delegates want from a
modern event format.”

Minister of Tourism Leads Off
The morning of day one saw the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, open the conference with an impressive presentation about the current and future status of economic development projects in the Bahamas.

According to Senator Vanderpool-Wallace, if Nassau was a country in its own right it would be number three for per capita gross domestic product output in the Western Hemisphere and would also be number two in the Caribbean for total visitors. Nassau is undergoing a revitalization project with plans to include new downtown infrastructure, a new container port, new airport construction, new roads and a new sports stadium. This is in addition to the new Baha-Mar project slated for the Cable Beach area that is estimated to be the largest single phase development in the history of the Caribbean.

Ron Kurtz, president of the American Affluence Research Center (AARC), announced the results of his spring 2011 survey of affluent Americans, which he defines as the wealthiest 10% of U.S. households. The level of interest from affluent Americans in acquiring vacation home access is essentially back to 2007 levels, with increased interest in fractional ownership as compared to whole ownership. Interest in all levels of vacation ownership, whether it be timeshare, destination clubs or fractional/private resident clubs, has increased from the Spring 2009 survey conducted by the AARC.

“I was impressed by Ron Kurtz’s positive statistics,” says Richard Ragatz, president of Ragatz Associates. “If half of what he says gets implemented in the next year or two, we’re in for much improvement over the past couple of years.”

Orlando Arroyo, Chairman, Sunset World Resorts, discussed the progress of his developments in the Cancun/Riviera Maya region of Mexico. One of Cancun’s founding fathers in the 1970’s, Arroyo’s holdings have progressed from one beachfront resort to six hotels and 22 tourism companies and he discussed his philosophy for success centered on constant innovation based on client feedback. He is also a big believer in value-added amenities such as the establishment of a yacht club and equestrian center to compliment his resorts and is heavily involved in e-business, web-based e-commerce and social media outreach programs designed to maintain contact with customers.

GNEX attendee and sponsor Martyn Ravenhill, president and CEO of Lloydshare, notes that Arroyo “spoke very interestingly – and bluntly, in a way – about the real goings-on in the trenches and how it is, for example, for the all-inclusive environment.”

International Flavor
The international flavor of the first panel session was evident as industry representatives from the U.K. (Harry Taylor, executive chairman of TATOC), Canada (Ross Perlmutter, president of CRDA), Australia (Ramy Filo, CEO of Classic Holiday Group) and Thailand (Bryan Lunt, chairman and CEO of Absolute World Group) joined U.S. participants Jason Tremblay, founder and CEO of Sell My Timeshare NOW, and Rob Webb, partner, Baker Hostetler, for the 90 minute Q & A. The panel stirred passions as participants warned that the internet is poised to dominate timeshare sales and changes in business models are essential for companies to remain in business. “In five years, this product will be sold on the internet. If you’re not ready for that, you are out of business,” said Webb.

Jim Madrid, president, Entelechy Training & Development, detailed the process that has allowed him to help top companies from around the world such as Nordstrom, Lexus, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Paramount Studios, Trendwest Resorts, St. Regis Hotel and Resort, ICE International Cruise and Excursions, and Pueblo Bonito Resorts. In his keynote, titled “Snap out of It”, Madrid spoke about the need to equip people to deal with rapid, unpredictable change. “The times we are living in today are not challenging. It is a time of great change,” said Madrid, who went on to say that for “those who do not change … times like this become challenging.”

Madrid would later comment on the event as a whole: “As far as conferences go, and I have attended many, GNEX 2011 was superior to all of them! The content of the presentations and the innovative networking format was what made the GNEX 2011 Conference a big success for me and my associates.”

Fractionals Rebounding
The “What Makes a Successful Fractional Development?” panel – made up of Dr. Richard Ragatz; Stanley Goodman, president of Windermere House Resort, which offers fractional cottage vacation residences in Muskoka, Ontario; 20+ year industry veteran Tom Goetschius, president of fractional consulting company Tom Goetschius Associates; and Bryan Lunt, chairman and CEO of Absolute World, one of Asia’s leading lifestyle property developers, resorts and hotels operators, and vacation club and fractional ownership companies – brought a lot of insight to the forefront.

Goetschius said the factors necessary for fractional success include an A+ destination and location with a vibrant second-home market ($500 per square foot), 70+% of the target market living within three hours by car or plane, and a comparable-product nightly rental value exceeding $300. Goodman answered the question by providing a detailed look at his company’s successful Cottages at Windermere House, luxury fractional cottage vacation residences in Muskoka, Ontario, which released new fractionals into the market in 2010. And Lunt, drawing on the accomplishments of Absolute World Group – which has 27 offices and more than 1,300 staff – stressed that a key components of a successful development include a quality suite or villa, great management and usage options, lifestyle services, resale/exit programs and correct pricing.

A highlight of the session “What Makes a Successful Fractional Development?” was Dr. Richard Ragatz revealing the results of his report, “The Shared Ownership Resort Real Estate Industry In North America: 2011,” a study highlighting the status of the fractional and private residence club market. According to the report, there were 104 projects in active sales in 2010 – 68 fractionals and 36 PRCs – with 55% of the projects located in the U.S.

Not surprisingly, Ragatz said sales volume was down 38% to $530 million combined for both segments of the luxury shared ownership market (fractional sales were down 29% and PRC sales down 53%). The average sales volume per project was $3.4 million, with fractional projects averaging about one share sale per project per month. One alarming statistic was that private residence clubs reported no pre-sales activity in 2010, which is a problem considering that lenders are demanding the ability to demonstrate pre-sales as part of project financing negotiations.

Despite these numbers, Ragatz believes that there is significant pent-up demand for the product and the market will rebound: “My impression is that the consumer confidence for the product is still there, consumer interest for the product is still there and, once some of these extraneous factors that we can’t control settle down, I think we’re off again,” Ragatz said. He added that 71% of resorts reported sales were better or the same during the last half of 2010 compared with the
first half of the year, and 66% of resorts said 2011 will be positive compared with last year.

Ragatz moderated the next panel as well, which was “The Benefits of a Mixed Use Environment.” Because his company developed its luxury mixeduse residential business in the early 2000s, David Shaklee, vice president, residential development, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International was able to provide ample case-study material and detail the advantages and disadvantages of doing business in the sector. In addition, Jamie Klein, president, The Lore Institute, described the intriguing – and proven highly successful – one-day sales event model, which he said is a transferable and customizable concept. And Lisa Migani, business development director EMEA, First National Trustee Company, stressed the importance of a proper legal structure and explained its benefits to both developers and consumers.

Industry veterans Eugenio Macouzet, senior vice president and managing director, Caribbean, RCI; Bryan Ten Broek, senior vice president, resort sales and business development for the U.S., Canada and Caribbean, Interval International; and Francis Taylor, CEO, Dial an Exchange took part in a panel discussion of how the exchange business is evolving. Each one spoke about different areas of the process. Macouzet mentioned how the business has moved on beyond straight exchanges to become more like marketing and product development companies, partnering with resorts to provide lead-generation opportunities. Ten Broek discussed the importance of developing applications for mobile devices that will allow the exchange process to evolve with new technology and cited the more than 50,000 downloads from members using the Interval International mobile app.

Taylor talked about the phenomenon occurring where developer brands are being displaced by the exchange company brands in the minds of owners, the need for developers to take a more proactive role in their customer service strategies and a call for the process to become more transparent.

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“Today we are the 10th power for tourism in the world, and we are working hard to be in the top five,” Calderon said at the announcement of the campaign. “We want the world to know the splendors of the Mayan civilization, with the end goal of positioning Mexico as a privileged and unique touristic destination.”

Between now and Dec. 21, 2012, when the Mayan calendar officially ends, the Mexican government will promote a variety of events in southeastern Mexico’s “Mayan World,” made up of the states Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, Quintana Roo and Yucatan. This region is home to six of Mexico’s 27 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most found in any one country.

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Castro also won two gold awards in the hospitality design category for her interiors for the Riviera Maya property for the three hotels and spa. The awards were given by the Fourth International Forum of CIDI and by the Fifth CIDI International Bienal of Interior Design.

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Grupo Vidanta, Mexico’s leading developer of luxury resorts, today announced that the Grand Luxxe is partnering with the XVII Festival Gourmet International in which Chef Enrique Garcia has received the honor of participating as one of the festival’s premiere guest chefs.

The Festival Gourmet International has maintained a reputation for passion, devotion, and enjoyment, and continues to evolve each year.

This year’s festival, from November 10th to the 20th and in its 17th year, promises to be even more enhanced, honing a special focus on quality reflected in the freshest products to produce the best dishes, created by the most talented hands and served with the utmost elegance at each table.

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“We congratulate the association on reaching this impressive milestone and will continue to support their efforts to drive the growth of tourism and hospitality in Mexico. Shared ownership plays a key role in generating recurring visitors to the market and we look forward to providing attendees with timely information about this segment,” said Marcos Agostini, Interval’s vice president of resort sales and service for Latin America.

The gathering is expected to attract hoteliers, developers, investors, lenders, and government officials who will have the opportunity to learn about key issues impacting the future of resort development. The program also features a session titled “Shared Ownership Industry Update,” in which Agostini will participate.

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Every 3 minutes, a woman in America is diagnosed with breast cancer.  For many of us these words go in one ear and out the other but for the organization, “Send Me on Vacation,” that’s not the case. On June 5^th, 2011, at the Grand Mayan Resort located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a “Survivors Scramble” began a day of celebration for every woman who has fought against breast cancer. Over 95% of the players in the scramble had never swung a club, but, driven by the worthwhile cause, everyone came out to play.

June and Mel Grant, San Francisco Exchange

Hosting this weekend event, the Grand Mayan Resort, San Francisco Exchange and CSA Travel Protection invited guests to enjoy a beachside dinner at the beautiful Punta Arena restaurant located on the grounds of the Grand Mayan Resort and Spa. The program’s initial honoree ”Jacque Duhame” of Scottsdale AZ, captivated 30 guests, sharing her tremendous challenges, counting her many blessings and sending her sincere love and hope to all women who have ever been affected by the disease.  She elaborated on the outpouring of love and support shown to her by her family, friends and industry professionals. There is certainly nothing good about any type of illness or disease but when people move mountains to come to the aid of others in need, a feeling of love for mankind prevails. 

Nine companies supported nine survivors, donating funds that will send 3 women on vacation in 2011 to refresh their body, mind and spirit after completing treatment. Aspen Financial, Backus ∙ Carranza & Burden, Chicago Title-Timeshare, Condominium Travel Club, CSA Travel Protection, First American Title-Vacation Ownership, San Francisco Exchange, Travel to Go and Women in the Industry.

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During the event, Sunset World Resorts and Vacation Experiences in the Riviera Maya earned one of the coveted awards for which 150 companies were nominated. The company was awarded for its contribution to protect the environment.

As part of the Global Networking Expo, the CEO of Sunset World Resorts & Vacation Experiences, Orlando Arroyo was invited to speak and share his statistics and point of view on succeeding in the travel industry and looking for new business opportunities.

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“We are very excited about having the opportunity to meet, learn and share again with our colleagues and all attendants to our Annual Convention, particularly in this occasion when we are celebrating its silver anniversary as the most important vacation ownership industry forum in Mexico –a US12 billion dollar sector that represents 40 percent of the lodging supply in the country”, said Juan Vela Ruiz, Chairman, AMDETUR.

AMDETUR (which stands for Asociación Mexicana de Desarrolladores Turísticos) is otherwise known as the Mexican Resort Development Association and acts as the national association for the timeshare and fractional ownership industry in Mexico. This will be the 25^th annual convention for the association and is scheduled for June 22-24, 2011 at the Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort in Cancun, Mexico under the theme “AMDETUR, 25 Years Promoting Mexico”.

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Perspective Magazine announces that the second annual Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2012, will be held from January 31^st to February 2^nd, 2012, at the elegant Ritz Carlton Cancun in Cancun, Mexico.

Following the success of the recently-held GNEX 2011 at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, event organizers selected the Ritz Carlton Cancun to maintain its status of staging the international event in a world-class hospitality venue whilst also adding the opportunity for its global attendees to visit one of the most highly concentrated areas for timeshare and fractional ownership developments worldwide.

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This comes to no surprise, as visitor arrivals to Mexico have been on the rise.  Most recently, the Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) announced that in 2010 Mexico was the main destination for tourists from the United States by capturing 14.7 percent of overseas US tourism. This represents the highest number of U.S. travelers to Mexico since 2005, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Destinations and entities continue to invest in infrastructure, equipment and services… But Mexico has much more to offer,” said Gloria Guevara Manzo, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, in a press release. “In order to continue our competitiveness, we will also promote less well-known destinations that can be of interest for international conventions.”

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Lifestyle Asset Group, the next generation of luxury shared vacation home ownership, today announced its Discovery Trip program. The program allows potential equity owners to stay for up to four nights for $650 per night – which is refunded if the guest becomes an equity owner – in one of four spectacular vacation homes that are part of Luxury Assets’ portfolio:

•    A four-bedroom, 4,770-square-foot Antebellum mansion in Charleston, S.C. Located in the Old and Historic District, the restored, 200-year-old home blends historic preservation with just the right amount of modern conveniences. Guests will appreciate the 1,800 square-foot patio for outdoor dinner parties and late-night cocktails.

•    A five-bedroom, tropical residence in the Caletón Estates in Cap Cana. While staying at the Dominican Republic hideaway, guests and their families will enjoy member access to the Punta Espada Golf Club and Caletón Beach Club, with a terraced swimming pool, spa treatments and full-service dining.

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The Director of Operations for Sunset World Resorts and Vacation Experiences German Fayad was responsible for handing over the certificates to the management of the restaurants: Casa las Islas, Hacienda Grill, El Alebrije, Agave Tequila Bar in El Alebrije, and the staff restaurant Sabor Mexico. The accreditation is awarded based on the highest standards of quality of the Hygienic Management Program for Food and Drinks.

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“We are extremely proud and excited about our new name, new look, new branding and positioning,” said Denis Ebrill, Executive Vice President of Club Meliá.  “It’s an upscale, updated and impactful way to say in a couple words who we are and what we do, while being joined at the hip with the new positioning of our corporate office in Spain.  We have a lot of exciting things to achieve this year and our new name and new look is the driving force behind it.”

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Chairman of the Board of the Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP), Stephen J. Cloobeck, announced to more than 5,000 attendees at International Pow Wow 2011 in San Francisco that the U.S. marketing budget had reached a combined half billion dollars and that America was ready to compete for tourists with a global marketing strategy.

Stephen J. Cloobeck revealed that the CTP had a $200 million budget to promote the U.S., and when combined with the work of the individual convention and visitor bureaus, meant there was now a half billion dollars available to carry out strategic marketing initiatives for U.S. travel and tourism.

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