Perspective Magazine » Timeshare

Diamond Resorts International Closes Acquisition of Pacific Monarch Resorts

Steve Luba — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:51:11 +0000

DIAMOND RESORTS INTERNATIONAL®, a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, has announced that it has closed, through its subsidiary DPM Acquisition, LLC, the acquisition of a substantial portion of the assets of Pacific Monarch Resorts, Inc. This transaction adds nine resorts located in California, Nevada, Utah and San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, as well as approximately 75,000 owners to Diamond Resorts International®. The acquisition was originally announced in October 2011.

“We are delighted to finalize this acquisition and bring these resorts into our global network of properties,” said Stephen J. Cloobeck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts International®. “Our growth strategy is clear: to acquire properties in leading destination locations at good valuations, to make the necessary investments in plant and equipment to bring them up to our standards and to transform the service levels by introducing our industry-leading service program, The Meaning of Yes®. We look forward to integrating the current Monarch Grand Vacation owners into the broader Diamond Resorts International® network, offering opportunities to vacation at our more than 200 resorts in 28 countries around the world. In addition, we look forward to an expanded relationship with Guggenheim Partners and Resort Finance America, LLC (“RFA”) and RFA’s management company, Lantern Asset Management, LLC.” Financing for the acquisition of the Pacific Monarch Resorts assets was provided by Guggenheim Partners.

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Nigel Lobo Joins Prestigious Line-Up of Speakers at ACLUVAQ

Steve Luba — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:08:57 +0000

Nigel Lobo, Vice President – Resort Operations of Grand Pacific Resort Management (GPRM) has been selected by Regional Timeshare/Vacation Club Association of Quintana Roo (ACLUVAQ) (Mexico) to present his successful views on creating a service culture in an address called “Your Customers are Precious.”

A much sought after speaker in his own right, Nigel Lobo will join Steve Wozniak/Apple Co-Founder, Walter Bond/Former NBA Player, Shari Levitin/CEO of Levitin Group, and ePercipio, Linda Clemons/CEO Sisterpreneour, Inc. and Carlos Kasuga/Yakult Developer and President in an event for 600 people with the main theme of “Innovation Time.” The Forum will be held at the Moon Palace Spa and Golf Resort May 23 and 24. Quintana Roo is the number one tourist state in Mexico with destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel and Riviera Maya.

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Top Hotelier And Vacation Club Developer Dionísio Pestana Confirmed as Key Note Speaker at RDO3

Steve Luba — Tue, 22 May 2012 19:22:05 +0000

The Resort Development Organisation, the trade association for the timeshare industry in Europe, has announced that Dionisio Pestana will be the keynote speaker at the group’s RDO3 conference this September.

Dionísio Pestana was born and raised in South Africa. The only son of Portuguese immigrants, he began working in his parent’s business at an early age until graduating in Business Management.

He traveled to Madeira Island at the age of 26 to work in his father’s hotel, and discovered a true passion for the hospitality business. He is now owner and chairman of the largest tourism group in Portugal present in 13 countries in 3 continents (Argentina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, England, Germany, Morocco, Portugal, Mozambique, S. Tomé and Príncipe, South Africa, USA, Venezuela).

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Culloden Bay Vacation Club At Footprints Nature Preserve Of Tobago Joins RCI Network

Steve Luba — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:45:35 +0000

Footprints Eco Resort & Spa today announced that its Culloden Bay Vacation Club in Culloden, Trinidad and Tobago has affiliated with RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, joining the program’s network of more than 4,000 affiliated resorts.

Culloden Bay Vacation Club at Footprints Nature Preserve is a fantastic addition to the RCI network of affiliated resorts,” said Eugenio Macouzet, senior vice president and managing director, RCI Caribbean. “This peaceful, nature-oriented resort on the island of Tobago creates even more opportunities for subscribing members accessing our collection of quality accommodations in top vacation destinations around the world.”

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Marriott Vacations Worldwide Owner Services Recognized for Excellence in Customer Service

Steve Luba — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:21:58 +0000

Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s (NYSE: VAC) Owner Services was recently recognized with the inaugural American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Circle of Excellence “ACE” Award for Excellence in Customer Service at the annual ARDA Awards Gala at the 2012 Convention & Exposition held in Las Vegas, Nev.

“Receiving the first-ever Excellence in Customer Service ‘ACE’ Award is a testament to our dedicated associates’ commitment to and focus on our Owners,” said Ron Essig, vice president of Owner Services for Marriott Vacations Worldwide. “It is this dedication that has enabled us to reach high levels of success operationally and to consistently increase our customer satisfaction scores.”

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Interval International To Host Shared Ownership Investment Conferences In South Africa

Susan Knox — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:35:03 +0000

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), will host Shared Ownership Investment Conferences on 26 June in Cape Town and 28 June in Sandton. Interval created the conferences in 1998 to educate prospective entrants, lenders, and government officials about resort development opportunities around the globe. Investment conferences were held previously in South Africa in 2010.

“We are proud that past events have drawn thousands of attendees interested in shared ownership. Our investment conferences are now regarded among the most prestigious in the business,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. “We are looking forward to providing attendees at the forthcoming events a fresh look at shared ownership opportunities in this thriving destination.”

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VacationOwnership.com CEO Jason Tremblay To Speak At Canadian Timeshare Conference

Steve Luba — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:39:43 +0000

Jason Tremblay, founder and CEO of VacationOwnership.com, is among the industry experts and innovators speaking this week at the 2012 Canadian Resort Development Association Annual Timeshare Conference (CRDA). Scheduled for the Intercontinental Toronto Centre, this year’s event will attract international participation from leaders in timeshare, fractionals, vacation clubs, and other vacation ownership products.

Paul Nursey of the Canadian Tourism Commission will launch the conference by presenting the Opening Address, followed by Keynote Speaker, Howard Nusbaum, President/CEO of the American Resort Development Association, ARDA.

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Top Academics Confirmed As Speakers At RDO3

Steve Luba — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:29:44 +0000

RDO, the trade association for the shared ownership industry in Europe, has announced that Mr Carlos Vogeler, Regional Representative for the Americas, World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Professor Dimitrios Buhalis Deputy Director,International Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research, Director, John Kent Institute in Tourism Director eTourism Research Lab have been confirmed to speak at this years conference – RDO3.

Mr Vogeler and Mr Buhalis will be speaking to delegates on Tourism trends – what is going on in Tourism in general, new customers – how do we as an industry “re-fill” the machine and eTourism developments.

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Confused About Timeshare the Timeshare Resale Specialist Launch A New Internet You Tube Promotional Campaign

Susan Knox — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:40:06 +0000

Confused About Timeshare are constantly striving to allow consumers who are interested in timeshare resale’s to find out about the great buying, selling and renting timeshare solutions that they have on offer through as many media platforms as possible.

The new video can be viewed here: http://www.confusedabouttimeshare.co.uk/timeshare-news/Confused-About-Timeshare-Launch-Internet-TV-Promo-Video-To-Assist-With-Timeshare-Resales/22

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Perspective Magazine To Be A Media Sponsor Of The South American Shared Ownership Investment Conference

Steve Luba — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:35:31 +0000

Perspective Magazine, the leading independent multi-media information provider for the timeshare and fractional ownership industry, announces its media sponsorship for the 2012 South American Shared Ownership Investment Conference (SASOIC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“With the participation of more than 300 businessmen in past editions, and within the framework of an ever-growing business offering great opportunities, we believe that SASOIC 2012 will stand as a must-go event in South America’s Shared Ownership industry,” said Arturo García Rosa, President HVS South America.

This third annual SASOIC conference is scheduled for May 21 – 22, 2012 at Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt in Buenos Aires. The meeting will be hosted by RCI, the world leader in timeshare exchange, and HVS Buenos Aires, the region’s leading consulting firm in the hotel, tourism and leisure industry. Led by Keynote speaker Don Harrill, president and CEO, Orange Lake Resorts, the event will include an international mix of presenters such as Steve Holmes, Chairman & CEO, Wyndham Worldwide, Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI, and Ricardo Montaudon, president and Executive Director Latin America, RCI.

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Marriott Vacations Worldwide Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results

Steve Luba — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:41:56 +0000

Today, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: VAC), the leading global pure-play vacation ownership company, reported first quarter 2012 financial results and reaffirmed the company’s full-year outlook for 2012 based upon positive trends in important North America metrics to date.

First Quarter 2012 highlights include:

North America segment gross contract sales increased 18 percent to $130 million.
Volume per guest (VPG) in the North America segment increased 18 percent year-over-year to $2,942.
Total gross contract sales increased 6 percent to $154 million.
Total revenues were $372 million, including $146 million from rentals, resort management and other services and financing.
Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization), as adjusted for organizational and separation related costs totaled $29 million.
Real estate inventory balance declined by $27 million in the first quarter.
Adjusted fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) in the first quarter was $0.27.

First quarter 2012 reported net income totaled $9 million, or $0.24 a share, compared to reported net income of $19 million in the first quarter of 2011. First quarter 2012 adjusted net income totaled $10 million, flat to adjusted net income on a pro forma basis for the first quarter of 2011. Adjustments are shown on schedule A-1 and described in further detail on schedule A-11. First quarter 2012 adjusted results exclude $2 million of pre-tax organizational and separation related costs. First quarter 2011 adjusted results include $17 million of pre-tax pro forma adjustments to reflect the company’s position as if it were a standalone, public company since the beginning of 2011 rather than from the actual spin-off date in November 2011, as well as $2 million of legal related charges and severance costs.

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Timeshare Receivables: Aspen Using Advanced Skip Tracing

Susan Knox — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:46:16 +0000

Timeshare resort collection experts Buzz Waloch and David Combs from Aspen National Collections discuss the latest skip tracing techniques.

Buzz Waloch and David Combs of the timeshare industry’s premier collection agency, Aspen National Collections, recently discussed how to find missing debtors. Addressing a body of timeshare board members, Combs described the collection agency’s research practices, known in the business as skip tracing.

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Top Industry Executives Confirmed as Keynote Speakers at RDO3

Steve Luba — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:54:01 +0000

The Resort Development Organisation (RDO), the timeshare trade association for Europe, has announced the keynote speakers for its 2012 annual industry convention. Craig M. Nash – Chairman, President, and CEO – Interval Leisure Group, and Geoffrey A. Ballotti – Chief Executive Officer – RCI have been confirmed as Keynote Speakers at the RDO3 2012 Conference. Mr. Nash and Mr. Ballotti will give their take on what it really means to them to “Go The Distance”.

For more information on Mr. Nash and Mr. Ballotti, visit the Moderator & Speakers section of the dedicated conference website – www.rdoconference.org.

This year’s conference, “Going The Distance”, will be held at the Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa, London on 23-25 September 2012. All pre-event information about this year’s conference can be found on the conference website – www.rdoconference.org, including an overview of the conference schedule, a gateway for booking, updates and archives for the conference and a useful networking tool to cement business relationships.

Four-Generation Disney Family Featured as May “Timeshare Fan of the Month”

Steve Luba — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:13:22 +0000

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is featuring a Disney Vacation Club owner during the month of May as part of the industry’s effort to share the amenities, experiences, and heartfelt memories of timeshare vacations.

Four generations of the Sayers family have enjoyed their 15 years of ownership at Disney’s Old Key West Resort in Orlando, Florida and they say it’s provided some of the best memories and experiences they have had—and they look forward to making more. From celebrating Dad’s 74th birthday, to watching the kids’ eyes light up at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to holding hands in sheer anticipation of their vacation, this family has never looked back.

“We started a family tradition that’s encompassed four generations by becoming Disney Vacation Club Members,” said Donald Sayers of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. “It’s worked out exactly the way we hoped it would.”

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New Zealand Timeshare Conference Receives Support from Perspective Magazine

Steve Luba — Wed, 02 May 2012 08:19:25 +0000

Perspective Magazine, the timeshare and fractional ownership industry’s leading independent information provider, announces its support of New Zealand’s top vacation ownership conference with its media sponsorship of the New Zealand Holiday Ownership Council (NZHOC) event later this month.

“It’s great to have the sponsorship of Perspective Magazine again this year for our conference– it means a lot to a small country such as NZ. Our timeshare industry is in good shape but as always there are industry matters that need to be addressed and our annual conference provides a great opportunity to do this and this year will be no exception – delegates can look forward to hearing about a wide range of industry matters from our overseas and local speakers,” said Martyn Rix, Chairman, New Zealand Holiday Ownership Council.

The conference is scheduled for May 13-14, 2012 at the Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo in Taupo, New Zealand under the theme “Changing Times”.

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Colebrook Hosts Lenders’ Timeshare Finance Education Event

Susan Knox — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:33:32 +0000

Colebrook Financial Company holding seminar to introduce timeshare resort receivables financing information to banking professionals

Colebrook Financial Company, providing timeshare receivables financing for single-site and multi-site timeshare resort developers, announced they will present their annual “Timeshare Lender Education Seminar” on June 7, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, Connecticut, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. before a group of by-invitation-only lenders and professionals. Colebrook works in concert with a number of financial institutions to provide financing for the resort industry.

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Vacation Ownership Sales Rise 4% According To Vacation Ownership WORLD

Susan Knox — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:16:15 +0000

More developers show increase in sales says only company-specific research available.

Vacation Ownership WORLD’s 2011 Sales Leader Survey – the only research that provides company-specific annual sales data of the leading timeshare and fractional developers, has just been released.

Among the highlights of this year’s Survey:

In 2011, overall vacation ownership sales rose 4% as compared to 2010. Timeshare sales increased 3.3%. Fractional sales grew 8.3%.

Top Ten Sales Leader companies now compose 87.5% of the market, as measured by market share. This is up sharply over pre-crisis levels of around 70%.

More developers reported an increase in sales than a decrease in sales. This compares to the situation just two years ago, when 75% of developers experienced a loss.

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Bluegreen’s The Fountains Wins TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

Steve Luba — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:12:36 +0000

Bluegreen Vacations, a leading provider of vacation experiences, is proud that its Orlando resort, The Fountains, recently received a Travelers’ Choice® Award, hosted by TripAdvisor®.

The annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

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Atlantico Hotel Advisors Launches Vacation Ownership & Mixed-Use Service Lines

Steve Luba — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:09:49 +0000

Atlantico Hotel Advisors (formerly ZRS Consulting) today announced the formal launch of new service lines in vacation ownership and hospitality mixed-use projects. The service lines, which are served out of the company’s Dublin and Amsterdam offices, seek to create value for clients at a corporate or project-level through advising on creative use of hospitality real estate components to maximise value. (http://www.zrsconsulting.com)

“Our network and in-house skill sets have allowed us to serve clients in this area for the last year, so the formal launch of the service lines is a natural progression for us,” said Zachary Schwartz, Principal of Atlantico. This is a fascinating space that also includes the traditional timeshare, fractional ownership, residence/destination club, sale & leaseback and condo hotel models. “Atlantico has a deep understanding of the economic, investment, legal and usage framework surrounding all of these businesses,” continued Mr. Schwartz.

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GNEX 2013 Announces Merlin Software Continues Support As Exhibitor

Steve Luba — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:54:31 +0000

Perspective Magazine announces that resort software company Merlin Software will be participating as an event exhibitor during the Third Annual Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2013 – The Global Meeting of Minds in Beverly Hills, California.

“We are delighted to be able to support GNEX again as we believe it to be one of the most productive conferences on the calendar. Merlin Software has attended the previous two conferences, and if they are anything to go by, GNEX 2013 will be another great opportunity to meet key decision makers. I am sure the event’s first foray into the U.S. will be a great success,” said Mike Pnematicatos, CEO, Merlin Software.

Merlin Software has been leading the way in cloud computing for over ten years with 100% web-based software. Cloud computing provides resorts with the latest, most advanced and mobile technology today – and at a fraction of the cost of traditional software solutions. Merlin is the leading provider of Software as a Service for the vacation ownership industry and provides a range of integrated, secure, online software applications for all types of vacation ownership business. Marketing, sales, front office, accounting and property management are all included.

February 4-6, 2013 are the dates for GNEX 2013 and the Perspective Magazine Awards Gala Dinner, to be held at the world renowned Beverly Wilshire – A Four Seasons Hotel.

This outstanding new concept for an industry conference places a heavy emphasis on networking and business meetings, while the interactive panel sessions are geared for healthy debate in order to foster solutions to the challenges facing the vacation ownership industry. The expo will also feature a networking lounge with extended breaks in the program so business can be conducted, while the Speed Networking will allow every attendee to meet each other in a fun, energetic atmosphere. The event also includes a Welcome Reception, nightly social events and the presentation of the Perspective Magazine Awards, sponsored by Holiday Systems International, where attendees will gather for an elite Black-tie Gala Dinner as nominees vie for recognition of excellence in over 40 categories.

“Merlin Software representatives attended the first two GNEX events and have closed deals at both of our previous conferences, so they obviously see the benefits of the event and we are delighted that they have decided to exhibit again at GNEX 2013,” said Paul Mattimoe, president and CEO, Perspective International.

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Shell Vacations Hospitality Honored With IAC Award for Black Friday Travel Sale Campaign

Steve Luba — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:30:42 +0000

Shell Vacations Hospitality (SVH) accepted an Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) award for its successful Black Friday Travel Sale campaign. The initiative, launched by SVH and HeBS Digital, won the “Best Hotel and Lodging Interactive Application” in the 10th annual IAC competition, which highlights the best online advertising in 96 industries and nine formats.

The Black Friday Travel Sale offered users a unique special each day leading up to the four-day sale period, providing users a chance to win gift cards and hotel stays in exchange for opting into emails or text alerts. The month-long campaign generated a 50% year-over-year increase in revenue, beating expectations and topping the record-breaking revenue of the previous year’s Black Friday Sale. SVH grew its Facebook and Twitter followings and email marketing database appreciably while garnering media coverage from CBS, HuffingtonPost.com, LATimes.com, SFgate.com, and other blogs and local publications.

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Sixty-Four Percent of Vacation Ownership Industry Professionals Anticipate Growth in Timeshare Sales in 2012, Finds Capital One Bank

Steve Luba — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:03:09 +0000

The vacation ownership industry anticipates a positive year as approximately 64 percent of professionals at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) World 2012 Annual Convention & Exposition predict 2012 timeshare sales will be stronger in comparison to 2011, according to Capital One Bank’s proprietary Resort Development Survey. This positive outlook reinforces recent deal activity and opportunity the Bank’s Commercial and Specialty Finance Business is seeing across the niche industries in which it operates.

The survey also indicates that consumer interest in the timeshare market is growing, bolstering industry optimism. Of the professionals surveyed, 55 percent say consumer interest in the timeshare market is stronger today than it has been over the past three years, while 33 percent believe interest has been stable over the same period of time.

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Wyndham Vacation Ownership Commits To Raising $1 Million To Plant One Million Trees

Steve Luba — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:54:02 +0000

Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO), the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE:WYN), today announced the launch of the Wyndham_® Million Trees Project, an initiative to plant one million trees throughout national forests in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees.

As part of the Wyndham Green sustainability program to reduce the company’s environmental impact around the globe, owners, guests and associates at more than 150 CLUB WYNDHAM^® and WorldMark^® by Wyndham resorts and 10 corporate offices are encouraged to contribute to the cause.

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Interval International And Participating Resorts Present CHTA Education Foundation With $60,000 Donation

Steve Luba — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:48:26 +0000

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services, and its participating Caribbean member resorts made another record donation to the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Education Foundation. David Callaghan, Interval’s vice president of resort sales and service, presented Foundation executives with a $60,000 check at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, surpassing last year’s $50,000 contribution.

Interval International executives David Callaghan and Neil Kolton present Josef Forstmayr, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), with $60,000 donation.

“We are very appreciative of the commitment of our member resorts to the CHTA Education Foundation. Through our collective efforts, we have had a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of individuals pursuing careers in the hospitality and tourism industry,” noted Callaghan.

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Melia Puerto Vallarta Receives RCI Gold Crown Resort Award For Ninth Consecutive Year

Steve Luba — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:09:09 +0000

Orlando-based Club Meliá by Meliá Hotels International, a leading international vacation membership club with locations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Europe, has announced that its member resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, has received the prestigious RCI Gold Crown Resort® Award for its ninth consecutive year. RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, presents awards annually to the top RCI affiliated resorts.

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

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

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Starwood Reports First Quarter 2012 Results

Steve Luba — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:34:23 +0000

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today reported first quarter 2012 financial results.

First Quarter 2012 Highlights

- Excluding special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.63, including income from the St. Regis Bal Harbour residential project. Including special items, EPS from continuing operations was $0.65.

- Adjusted EBITDA was $297 million, which included $78 million of EBITDA from the St. Regis Bal Harbour residential project, up 42.8% compared to 2011.

- Excluding special items, income from continuing operations was $124 million, including income from the St. Regis Bal Harbour residential project. Including special items, income from continuing operations was $129 million.

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Wyndham Worldwide Reports First Quarter 2012 Earnings

Steve Luba — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:40:39 +0000

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN) today announced results for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Highlights:

First quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.60, compared with $0.44 in the first quarter of 2011, an increase of 36%. First quarter 2012 reported diluted EPS was $0.21, a decrease of 49% from the same period in 2011, reflecting early extinguishment charges related to $650 million of debt tender offers.
First quarter Adjusted EBITDA increased 8% to $220 million.
Free cash flow increased to $193 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, compared with $185 million from the same period in 2011.
During the quarter, the Company repurchased 3.6 million shares of its common stock for $150 million at an average price of $42.05.
The Company announced today that its Board of Directors approved a $750 million increase to the share repurchase authorization.

“First quarter results were strong, reflecting the power of our fee-for-service business model across economic cycles, continuing innovation throughout the Company, robust free cash flow and disciplined capital allocation,” said Stephen P. Holmes, chairman and CEO, Wyndham Worldwide. “Furthermore, consumers are traveling. Our Vacation Ownership and Hotel businesses are showing great momentum and our Exchange and Rentals business proved resilient despite the difficult economic climate in Europe. As always, we will continue to focus on driving operational improvements in 2012 and beyond.”

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Club Seychelles Joins Preferred Residences

Steve Luba — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:23:27 +0000

Preferred Residences, a hospitality branded membership and exchange program for luxury shared ownership resorts offered by an operating business of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), announced the affiliation of Club Seychelles on the island of Anguilla in the British West Indies. Currently under construction, the property will feature fractional and whole-ownership residences situated on Meads Bay Beach.

“In line with the high-quality standards of Preferred Residences’ member resorts, Club Seychelles will combine a prime beachfront location with spacious accommodations and impeccable service,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Preferred Residences. “Owners and exchange guests will be able to relax in residences that offer every comfort and convenience essential for a first-class vacation experience.”

The Mediterranean-style project will be built in three phases, with the first slated for completion in early 2013. When finished, it will include beautifully appointed one-, two-, and four-bedroom residences ranging in size from 870 to 4,900 square feet. Each will feature elegant interiors with vaulted ceilings, crown moldings, travertine floors, designer furnishings and lighting, and high-end electronics and entertainment systems. Gourmet kitchens have been designed with granite and marble countertops, Italian cabinetry, and top-of-the-line Miele and Wolf appliances. Bathrooms will have marble vanities with double sinks, Kohler tubs and fixtures, designer wall sconces, and in-mirror television.

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Perspective Magazine Becomes A Media Sponsor Of The Hotel Opportunities Latin America Conference

Steve Luba — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:56:03 +0000

Perspective Magazine has been named a Media Sponsor for the Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA) conference, scheduled for May 8-10, 2012 at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami in Miami, Florida.

“We are pleased to have Perspective Magazine join us as a Media Sponsor of HOLA,” stated Jim Burba, president of BHN and the producer/host of HOLA. “Latin America is one of the true global ‘hot’ spots for the travel and tourism industry. The region weathered the global crisis well and is experiencing sound growth, making this an exciting time to be hosting the HOLA conference.”

HOLA is designed to provide an annual meeting place for hotel executives, investors, lenders, developers, and the professional advisory community who are interested in doing deals in one of the world’s hottest hotel markets – Latin America. The event brings together the leaders in the hotel industry to discuss important trends, to network, to identify new opportunities, and to do deals through a combination of plenary sessions, breakout panels, and interactive workshops. Program tracks on hotel investment in Mexico, Brazil, South America, and Central America are featured.

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Bluegreen Corporation Receives Three Gold ARDA Awards

Steve Luba — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:04:47 +0000

Bluegreen Vacations, a leading provider of vacation experiences, today announced it won three Gold awards at the 2012 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Awards Ceremony. The winners were announced on April 4, 2012 at the ARDA World 2012 Annual Convention & Exposition at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This annual competition honors organizations and businesses in the timeshare and resort industry that have achieved the highest level of excellence in a variety of different categories. The ARDA Awards Program recognizes nominees based on outstanding sales and staff accomplishments, product design and advertising. The Awards Gala will be held at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

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Tops in the Industry: Grand Pacific Resort Management Grabs Three Golds, 13 Silver and One ACE Award

Steve Luba — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:37:09 +0000

Grand Pacific Resort Management (GPRM) received three Gold Awards, 13 Silver Awards and one ACE Award at the 2012 ARDY Awards, the coveted recognition of the best of the vacation ownership industry. The finalists in the competition are selected from hundreds of entries submitted by ARDA members and judged independently in a confidential/blind judging process. The announcements were made at the American Resort Development Association’s annual convention in Las Vegas.

The Gold Winners were:

1. Grand Pacific Resorts Owner Services Team
2. Resort General Manager – James Tennery
3. Resort Assistant Manager – Jennifer Morris

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Anantara Vacation Club Announces Newest Resort

Steve Luba — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:46:16 +0000

Following the successful launch of Anantara Vacation Club in late 2010, unprecedented demand is being answered by the creation of a dedicated resort for Club Owners in tranquil north-west Phuket, Thailand. The new venture is the first of its kind, and is poised to expand the unique holiday lifestyle horizons currently available to Anantara Club Owners which include Anantara Bophut in Koh Samui and at Anantara Phuket Villas.

Anantara Vacation Club Phuket, which is set to open in late 2012, will comprise one, two and three bedroom suites along with 30 spacious one and two bedroom pool villas in a lush tropical environment adjacent to Mai Khao Beach. Guests will also benefit from a range of shops and restaurants next door and the convenience of being located just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

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Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit Selects Perspective Magazine As A Media Sponsor

Steve Luba — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:40:23 +0000

Perspective Magazine has joined a select group of industry leaders and businesses as a Sponsor for the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS), scheduled for May 7-8, 2012 at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami in Miami, Florida.

“We are pleased to have Perspective Magazine sign on as a Media Sponsor of CHRIS,” stated Jim Burba, president of BHN and the producer/host of CHRIS. “It is an exciting time to be hosting CHRIS as the Caribbean is evidencing growth after the recent more difficult years. There may be no better time to get down to business and focus on the investment opportunities in the Caribbean.”

CHRIS is an efficient and effective place to meet the important decision makers in the Caribbean hotel and resort investment community. CHRIS is an innovative, timely, and focused event to be highlighted by the keynote address by His Excellency Michel Joseph Martelly, President of the Republic of Haiti, deal-making at Speed Meet The Opportunity, where some of the region’s most interesting new projects will be showcased, 60+ leading industry speakers, and the Deal of the Year and Rising Star Awards.

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RCI Increases Support To Platinum Sponsorship For GNEX 2013

Steve Luba — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:52:17 +0000

Perspective Magazine announces that RCI has signed on as a Platinum-level Sponsorship for the Third Annual Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2013 – The Global Meeting Of Minds. The event will be held February 4-6, 2013 at the world renowned Beverly Wilshire – A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

“RCI has been a strong supporter of Perspective Magazine over the years and a sponsor of GNEX from the very beginning,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO of RCI. “We look forward to continuing our support of this important industry event in 2013 as part of our overall efforts to help promote the timeshare industry.”

As the global leader in vacation exchange, RCI is known for being a trusted associate as well as a full-service, single source growth partner for its clients’ needs. In addition to creating dream vacations for its subscribing members, the company works with developers by expanding the utility and enjoyment of their leisure real estate products. RCI is proud to affiliate with more than 4,000 resorts in approximately 100 countries, including some of the most respected and renowned brands and vacation clubs in the business, and to provide its 3.7 million members with unmatched flexibility, choice and control through the RCI® Weeks and RCI Points® exchange programs.

Vacation ownership industry leaders will gather in one of the most glamorous destinations in the world to build business relationships and discuss new ways to advance the industry. Interactive panel sessions and business networking events will be the core activities of GNEX 2013, with spectacular social events planned in true Hollywood style.

“RCI has supported the GNEX conference every year and we are very appreciative that they have increased their support to Platinum level sponsorship for 2013,” said Paul Mattimoe, president and CEO, Perspective International. “As the largest exchange company in the world, they are essential to the overall development and success of the industry and we look forward to their participation at GNEX.”

For more information and to find out how your company can become a sponsor of GNEX 2013, please visit www.perspectivemagazine.com/gnex.

Sponsors and supporters of GNEX 2013 to date include:

Dial an Exchange, Holiday Systems International, RCI, Travel To Go, Resort Television, Emirates Vacation Club, Merlin Software and Christel House International as Charity of Choice.

About RCI

RCI is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange with over 4,000 affiliated resorts in approximately 100 countries. RCI pioneered the concept of vacation exchange in 1974, offering members increased flexibility and versatility with their vacation ownership experience. Today, through RCI^® Weeks, the traditional week-for-week exchange system, and RCI Points^®, the industry’s first global points-based exchange system, RCI provides flexible vacation options to its 3.7 million RCI subscribing members each year. RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals and the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN). For additional information visit our media center, rciaffiliates.com or The RCI Blog. RCI also can be found on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

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.

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.

Online marketing division Perspective Interactive – powered by Xeputu combines the platform and vision of Perspective Magazine and expert online marketing agency Xeputu to bring a unique and unparalleled portfolio of products and services that span the entire spectrum of online and offline multi-media marketing to the vacation ownership industry.

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. The company 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.

LaTour Hotels and Resorts Promotes Jorge Castro to General Manager – Luxury Private Residence Club, Celeste Residences

Steve Luba — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:46:09 +0000

LaTour Hotels and Resorts, which offers personalized luxury hospitality management services for four- and five-star properties worldwide, has announced that Jorge Castro has been named General Manager of Celeste Residences and Spa, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico. With more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, exclusively in Mexico, Jorge Castro brings a wealth of expertise including Resort Operations, Resort Sales and Marketing, Food and Beverage and Mixed Used Operations to the small luxury resort. Most recently he served in the capacity of General Manager of Los Veneros Private Residences in Punta de Mita.

Jorge Castro

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

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CRDA Partners With Perspective Magazine

Steve Luba — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:46:10 +0000

Perspective Magazine announces that it will be a Media Sponsor of the Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) Resort Development Summit for the 6^th year. The Summit is scheduled for May 16-18, 2012 at the InterContinental Toronto Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue our ongoing partnership with Perspective. They’ve been terrific media partners and friends of ours for the past few years, and we truly appreciate all that they do in terms of both promoting our event and educating and informing the shared ownership industry at large,” said Ross Perlmutter, President and CEO, Canadian Resort Development Association.

Under the theme “It’s not ‘business as usual’ anymore”, the conference will highlight the refocusing, recharging and reshaping of marketing and development strategies in the leisure accommodation industry. With an ever-changing economic landscape, an aging but affluent consumer base and a strong shift towards maintenance-free lifestyles, it is now more important than ever that companies are prepared for the exciting weeks, months and years ahead. Short term products, new shared ownership solutions and dynamic consumers fueled by a burning desire to enhance their quality of life are issues at the heart of the shared ownership marketplace and this event will showcase the newest innovations developed to meet the needs of today’s shared ownership consumers.

“We are very pleased to support CRDA once again, as our long-standing relationship with them is very important to us,” said Paul Mattimoe, President and CEO, Perspective International. “Ross has been a big supporter of ours, as evidenced by his attendance at our first two GNEX events, and we are more than happy to help promote the Resort Development Summit and the Canadian shared ownership industry at large.”

Details of the conference, including registration and program information, can be found at http://www.crdaconference.com

About CRDA

The Canadian Resort Development Association is an industry-based association that is dedicated to furthering the ownership-based resort and leisure industry, both at home and abroad. It was founded over 29 years ago as “the Resort Timesharing Council of Canada” in response to the public’s insatiable demand for more information about typical “fee simple” (or “deeded”) timeshare products.

The goals of the Association are to encourage and maintain a high standard of ethical conduct throughout the industry and to assist in the education of Canadian industry members toward an enhanced standard of professionalism. CRDA regularly advises and guides consumers before, during and after their purchase, and it directs consumers to those member companies who have agreed to abide by CRDA’s “Code of Standards and Ethics” and its objectives.

About Perspective Magazine

Executive Quest, Inc. Kicks Off its Annual Timeshare/Vacation Ownership/Fractional Industry Salary Survey

Steve Luba — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:18:44 +0000

Keith W. Trowbridge, Ph.D., President and CEO of Executive Quest, Inc., http://www.execq.com, an executive search firm for the timeshare, vacation ownership/fractional industry, announced the company’s annual industry salary survey has kicked off. “This year celebrates a dozen years now,” says Trowbridge, “that Executive Quest has conducted our one-of-a-kind survey and shared the results to participants.”

The survey data has historically been derived from the 20,000+ timeshare/vacation ownership/fractional industry professionals from around the world subscribed to Executive Quest’s free monthly online newsletter. http://www.execq.com. “We’re the only company to provide this particular salary snapshot of the timeshare/vacation ownership/fractional industry,” comments Trowbridge. These studies are important to everyone in the industry and are used for such purposes as budgeting, hiring, promoting and training objectives. The survey encompasses a cross section of professional categories such as Sales, Marketing, Finance, Information Technology, CEO, President, Vice President, Attorney, Operations, Engineering, Resort and General Managers, Food & Beverage, Project Management, etc.

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Holiday Inn Club Vacations Hits The Jackpot At 2012 ARDA Convention In Las Vegas

Steve Luba — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:02:47 +0000

At the recent American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) 2012 Convention & Gala in Las Vegas at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino, Holiday Inn Club Vacations showed leadership in several key areas that point to growth and innovation for the vacation resort brand. At the annual ARDA Awards gala, ten Holiday Inn Club Vacations team members and projects were also recognized with the highest honor in the timeshare industry: the ARDA Gold.

Several of the annual ARDA Convention’s educational sessions featured thought leaders from Holiday Inn Club Vacations as either session moderators or panelists. Two of these sessions featured customer-centric messaging about how to better connect and serve timeshare owners, members and guests. The brand was also represented on the panel for a sold-out social media forum, where best practices for social media strategy for the
timeshare and hospitality industries were discussed.

Don Harrill, president & CEO of Orange Lake Resorts, which operates eight resorts under the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand, is also currently serving as ARDA’s chairman. He says, “We believe it’s important to share our own best practices with our industry colleagues—not just to show thought leadership, but to contribute to the process of creating an informed and innovative industry. Innovation translates to improved customer experiences, which is one of ARDA’s top priorities.”

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Colebrook Financial Reports Seeing Increased Liquidity For Timeshare Developers

Steve Luba — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:20:48 +0000

Colebrook Financial Company principal, Bill Ryczek, recently shared good news about the financial outlook for resort developers who offer their consumers end-loan financing. In Ryczek’s remarks as part of a panel presentation – “NEW Fundamentals of Finance” – at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) convention held earlier this month, he reported seeing a rebound in the financial markets for the industry.

“Timeshare financing, like nearly every element of business, runs in cycles,” says Ryczek. “We are now on the upward slope, with more lenders, more funding, somewhat more liberal terms and lower rates.”

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Construction To Begin On New Las Vegas Timeshare Tower

Steve Luba — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:19:34 +0000

The concrete foundation is scheduled to be poured on April 25 for Grandview Resort’s new 20-story tower, the first tower to be built on the site since 2009.

According to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Penta Building will start pouring 4,600 cubic yards of concrete at 2am on the 25^th with the procedure expected to take 10 hours to complete. Penta has been the general contractor for the project since 2003.

The Berkley Group is the developer for the project, with 10 towers planned for the 27-acre site. So far, more than 1,500 units have been completed.

Starwood Announces Key Appointments and Organizational Changes

Steve Luba — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:30:24 +0000

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today several promotions and changes to its leadership team. These changes follow the decision to retire by three admired senior leaders – Matt Avril, President of the Hotel Group; Denise Coll, President of Starwood North America; and Miguel Ko, Chairman and President of Starwood Asia Pacific. The planned retirements will take place over the next several months allowing for a smooth transition to their successors. Reflecting Starwood’s long commitment to talent development, all of the new leaders are being promoted from within the Company.

Mr. Avril began his career with Starwood in 1989 through Vistana, Inc., the predecessor to Starwood Vacation Ownership (“SVO”). He became President of the Hotel Group in 2008 with oversight of Starwood’s global hotel operations and sales function. Under his watch, Starwood’s hotel business experienced its highest ever market share gains, and record high associate engagement. Mr. Avril also contributed to Starwood’s transformation to a truly global enterprise, driving key initiatives and best practices across geographies. These efforts included revenue management, sales effectiveness, SPG marketing programs and enrollment initiatives, food and beverage, and lean operations.

Ms. Coll joined ITT Sheraton (later acquired by Starwood) in 1976 and is widely respected as one of the industry’s most seasoned and successful operators. Since 2007, she has led Starwood’s largest region with over 500 hotels. She successfully steered the Company’s North American hotels through the economic downturn while overseeing a 24% increase in the region’s hotel footprint. Ms. Coll also presided over the launch of two new brands, Aloft and Element, as well as record profitability across all brands and highest ever guest satisfaction scores.

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Travel To Go Increases Sponsorship Of Timeshare And Fractional Expo GNEX 2013

Steve Luba — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:24:52 +0000

Perspective Magazine announces that travel club membership company Travel To Go has increased its level of support by becoming a Gold Sponsor of the Third Annual Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2013 – The Global Meeting of Minds, scheduled for February 4-6, 2013 at the spectacular Beverly Wilshire – A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

“We are extremely excited to once again participate at GNEX, while taking our support to the next level. Travel To Go continues to experience success from the relationships forged and insights gained at GNEX 2012. As the company and product line continues to expand, so does our participation and reach within the industry. We look forward to showcasing our innovative products and collaborating with fellow leaders within the vacation ownership industry at GNEX 2013,” said Jeanette Bunn, President, Travel To Go.

Travel To Go is a travel club membership and vacation services company offering membership packages to meet any budget along with enhancement and exit programs. Fully customizable kits, posters, websites, eMail and Social Media are offered as White Label products allowing distributors greater flexibility in designing a value proposition and brand identity. Travel To Go’s merchant accounts, escrow services, financing and point-of-sale instant credit offer customers more payment options, driving closing rates even higher. Online marketing tools to track tours, closing percentages and commissions provide ROI analysis to take sales to the next level.

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Florida Timeshare Homeowner Association (HOA) Benchmark Study Being Presented

Steve Luba — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:06:22 +0000

Averett Warmus Durkee Osburn Henning (AWDOH) principals Tom Durkee and Lena Combs, CPAs, will be speaking during a meeting of the Timeshare Board Members Association, being held April 22-24 in Orlando.

AWDOH, Central Florida’s largest independent accounting firm, recently released its highly acclaimed comparative review of Florida timeshare homeowner associations (HOAs) financial performance at the beginning of the year. This study looks at the figures from approximately 100 Florida timeshare resort HOAs and compares data accumulated over an eight-year period.

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Interval International And Marriott Vacation Club Partner To Host Shared Ownership Investment Conferences In The Middle East

Steve Luba — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:35:58 +0000

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services, and Marriott Vacation Club, a brand of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation and the leading global pure-play vacation ownership company, recently hosted Shared Ownership Investment Conferences in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These events offered an industry overview to attendees considering entry into the business or conversion of an existing asset.

“Taking our message into the market is a sure way of getting the shared ownership story out,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA). “By collaborating with our strategic partners in the region, we were able to present a well-rounded view of the industry’s potential to prospective entrants.”

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Orange Lake Resorts Expands To Two Gulf Of Mexico Beachfront Destinations

Steve Luba — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:54:31 +0000

Vacation resort developer Orange Lake Resorts, which operates eight properties, announced that it officially closed on a transaction with Cooper Industries, Inc., to expand its destinations to Tropical Breeze Resort in Panama City Beach, Fla., and Galveston on the Gulf Resort in Galveston, Texas. The intent for both resorts is to become a part of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations® brand in late 2012.

The two resort locations include:

- Galveston on the Gulf Resort, located on the barrier island of Galveston on the Gulf of Mexico, is a 78-unit resort featuring one- and two-bedroom luxury villas with lock-off features, all with Gulf of Mexico views from a private balcony or patio. Amenities include an outdoor, heated infinity-edge swimming pool, hot tub, kiddie swim area, fitness center and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet service. The resort offers direct beach access.

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Perspective Magazine Becomes A Platinum Media Sponsor Of The Caribbean Hotel And Tourism Investment Conference

Steve Luba — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:58:38 +0000

Perspective Magazine has been named Platinum Media Sponsor for the Caribbean Hotel And Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC), scheduled for April 24-26, 2012 at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Shared ownership has become a vital segment of the Caribbean hospitality industry as well as a significant revenue stream for mixed-use properties, and is hence a key focus at our Investment Conference,” said Alec Sanguinetti, Director General and CEO for CHTA. “As a leading timeshare publication, we’re extremely excited about Perspective Magazine’s participation as it will foster a greater understanding of growth opportunities within the fractional industry.”

CHTIC is co-produced by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), managing the region’s most successful and longest-standing tourism investment event.

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SPI Orange Property Management Software for Oyster Bay Beach Resort

Steve Luba — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:43:31 +0000

Timeshare software provider SPI Software announced their Orange Software Property Management System (PMS) was licensed by Oyster Bay Beach Resort’s management company, Iron Shore NV and sister company Ansley Associates, Inc., during the recent ARDA convention.

“We turned to SPI because we wanted the best timeshare PMS system,” says Michael Dolente Esq., partner at Ansley Associates. “Until this point, we had been using an outdated system. We looked for software that would be flexible and timeshare-oriented. SPI Orange will enable us to easily track our members’ use of their resort privileges, enhance their guest experience on site and fully integrate with our on-property guest services and point-of-sale.”

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Diamond Resorts Corporation Announces Results For The Quarter Ended December 31, 2011

Steve Luba — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:10:49 +0000

Diamond Resorts Corporation, together with Diamond Resorts Parent, LLC and its subsidiaries (“Diamond” or the “Corporation”) has announced results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2011. “While reported results for the quarter include the previously disclosed water intrusion assessment and severance expense, we are pleased with the year over year improvement in our operating performance and continue to remain focused on the growth of our core management and member services business and our sales and marketing platform,” said David F. Palmer, President and Chief Financial Officer.

Quarter Ended December 31, 2011 Financial Results

Adjusted EBITDA for Diamond Resorts Parent, LLC and restricted subsidiaries1, inclusive of the $9.7 million charge related to the previously disclosed water intrusion assessment and $2.1 million of severance expense, decreased $10.6 million to $7.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 from $17.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010.

After including the impact of the unrestricted subsidiaries, Adjusted EBITDA for the consolidated operations of Diamond, inclusive of the $9.7 million charge related to the previously disclosed water intrusion assessment and $2.1 million of severance expense, decreased $9.9 million to $4.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 from $14.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010.

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Diamond Resorts International Chairman and CEO Meets with White House to Support Travel Strategy

Steve Luba — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:25:40 +0000

DIAMOND RESORTS INTERNATIONAL (Diamond) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen J. Cloobeck, together with CEOs from the nation’s leading travel industry companies, met with senior Administration officials at the White House to express support for President Obama’s national travel and tourism strategy on March 28, 2012.

President Obama’s national travel and tourism strategy would increase travel and foreign tourism to the United States, spurring economic growth and job creation. As a cornerstone of the U.S. economy and one of our nation’s leading service sectors, the $1.9 trillion travel industry supports 14.4 million U.S. jobs and with the appropriate policies in place, has the potential to quickly provide opportunities for unemployed workers across the country.

Mr. Cloobeck expressed his continued support for President Obama’s Executive Order given in January which included: A new pilot program and rule change for visa processing in China and Brazil; a final rule to expand and make the Global Entry program permanent; the appointment of new members to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board; and the Nomination of Taiwan to the Visa Waiver Program.

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Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club Members Featured as April “Timeshare Fans of the Month”

Steve Luba — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:30:36 +0000

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) will feature timeshare members from the Dominican Republic resort, Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, during the month of April as part of the industry’s continual effort to share the features, amenities, and global destinations of vacation products in stories from owners and members themselves.

Debuting at ARDA’s globally-focused Convention in Las Vegas, owners from Lifestyle Holidays talk about their vacation experiences, giving a glimpse into a world of better vacationing. Their video is the sixth in a monthly series showcasing the passion of timeshare owners. It is the first international property profiled.

Several long-time members tout the charm and relaxation of the Dominican Republic resort, including families from the United States and Canada.[members]

“We have been members since 2006 and just love staying in all the different villas Lifestyle has to offer here in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. This is the best vacation experience we have ever had, relaxing, walking, looking out on the ocean,” said Norm and Cheryl Scott of Spokane, Washington. “We take the Lifestyle helicopter from the airport to the resort whenever we can. It’s just delightful with great views of the island. And we love all the new things they keep adding and improving with the many restaurants like AZUL and VIP Gourmet.”

With more than 8 million owners, a satisfaction rate of 85 percent, and an occupancy rate that outpaced hotel occupancy by more than 20 percent*, it is clear that this segment of the travel industry is faring well. Take the time to find out why. Visit http://www.VacationBetter.org for more information.

Next month, look for vacation memories from Disney Vacation Club owners who are passionate about their timeshare. [/members]