ACICO’s Nassima Tower Hotel And Resort Paves The Way With Merlin Software

ACICO, the Kuwait-based Cement, Construction and Real Estate Company has chosen Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership as its software provider for managing the timeshare in their latest development, the Nassima Tower.

Maintaining the company’s ethic of “Building on Solid Foundations”, ACICO chose Merlin Software for its stable operating platform coupled with the company’s ability to anticipate and accommodate future industry trends and developments.
 
Said Allan Thomsen head of ACICO Timeshare Division, “Not only is Merlin Software geared towards all aspects of timeshare operations, it is also developed and operated by a company that is headed up by one of the pioneers in Timeshare – giving me as a client complete peace of mind and trust in Merlin Software”.

ACICO is involved in a number of ambitious hotel and resort development projects in the Middle East including the luxury 240 room Fujairah Hotel and Resort, as well as the soon to be completed 486 room Al Gal Hotel, both of which are situated in Dubai.  Nassima Tower is their latest venture.

“ACICO is an established company with the potential to develop world class hotels and resorts throughout the Gulf and Middle East region,” said Merlin’s Mike Pnematicatos.  “We are excited to be involved in their growth and venture into timeshare and are positive that we can provide a top class service to a top class client.  We are proud to partner ACICO and look forward to a profitable future together.”

About ACICO:
ACICO is located in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.  Allan Thomsen heads up their timeshare division and comes with a wealth of experience from years of operating in the European Industry.  ACICO can be contacted on +9714 331 8108 (Dubai) or +9715 0298 6778 and emailed on athomsen@acico.com.kw

About Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership:
Merlin Software is the leading web based integrated business software solution for the Vacation Ownership Industry allowing clients to access and control their business from anywhere in the world. The software consists of Sales, Marketing, Front Office and Back Office modules plus a totally integrated accounting package.  Mike Pnematicatos has been directly involved in the Timeshare industry for over 25 years. For more information call +44870 803 4418, go to www.quickmerlin.com or email info@quickmerlin.com

SCS Interactive’s Attraction Debuts at the Largest Indoor Waterpark in Montana

The Reef Opens it Doors to the Public on August 22, 2008

SCS Interactive collaborated with the newly opened The Reef Indoor Waterpark at Wingate™ by Wyndham to create a dynamic waterplay structure. The newly opened waterpark, which features the SCS attraction, is sure to help the hotel attract guests and increase the length of their stay. The park opened on August 22 to rave reviews.

Wingate™ by Wyndham in Billings, MT, is the first hotel in the area to add an indoor waterpark and SCS was delighted to be part of The Reef Indoor Waterpark’s development.
SCS installed Ripp’s Play House as the central interactive attraction at The Reef Indoor Waterpark. This attraction is a Model 255 and is featured in the SCS StormSeries™. The StormSeries™ is unique in that it uses integrated triangular decks and HexDek™ shapes, this allows for angled connections. It also features modular interactives on the handrails which makes installation easier and giving the park the ability to refresh the structure with new interactives anytime.

“We were so happy to work with SCS Interactive to create a memorable waterplay structure for The Reef, the install was so easy. Ripp’s Play House is sure to draw in the crowds. Best of all it appeals to all ages so the entire family can enjoy themselves as they climb in and around the structure.” stated Sean Nichols, general manager of The Reef Indoor Waterpark.

Guests are able to explore the more than eight climbable decks and soak other guests with the 33 different interactives; such as hydro-blasters, sprayers and buckets, as they make their way around the play structure or down one of the two slides. This attraction features approximately 3800 square feet of soaking fun, interaction and adventure.

“It is exciting for SCS Interactive to have one of its unique StormSeries™ structures in the largest indoor waterpark in Montana. This is the first mid-size StormSeries™ structure that SCS has installed and it is a crowd pleaser,” stated Steve Wagner, vice president of sales and marketing for SCS Interactive. “The waterplay structure will truly be a focal attraction within the park and will bring guests back to the Wingate™ by Wyndham hotel time and time again.”

About SCS Interactive
SCS Interactive is the source of great waterparks. SCS has revolutionized the waterplay industry as the originator of the multi-level interactive treehouse concept, the creator of the giant tipping bucket seen at amusement and waterparks around the world, and the developer of the world’s first wet and dry water coaster known as SplashTrack™. Some of the biggest resorts, theme and waterparks all over the globe showcase SCS Interactive structures as signature attractions. Additional information about SCS Interactive can be found on the website at www.scsinteractive.com.

About The Reef Indoor Waterpark
The Reef is Montana’s largest indoor waterpark. This waterpark is located in the Wingate™ by Wyndham hotel in Billings, MT just off of interstate 90. This hotel is designed in a timeless, attractive, classic, and distinctive prototypical design. The hotel is proud to offer, aside from its new waterpark, a host of valuable amenities at no extra cost to the guest. For more information visit the website at http://www.wingatebillings.com.

St. Regis Hotels And Resorts Honors The Regal History Of Polo With The First St. Regis International Cup

First St. Regis Test Match at Historic Cowdray Park Polo Club in England Inaugurates the Newest Addition to the Global Polo Match Circuit

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has officially adopted the “Sport of Kings” with the inaugural St. Regis International Cup, one of the most highly anticipated additions to the international polo circuit. The first ever St. Regis International Test Match, one of the most prestigious high goal polo matches in the world, will take place on Sunday, August 31, 2008, with England vs. Italy at Cowdray Park Polo Club surrounded by the historic ruins of Cowdray Castle in the beautiful rural West Sussex English countryside. As the third and final match in the International Test Match series, in the English polo season, the St. Regis International Cup at Cowdray signals the kick-off of the St. Regis brand’s three-year commitment to the spectacular sport of international polo, as some of England’s best players and horses compete against an international team for the coveted St. Regis Cup.

Founded in 1904 by John Jacob Astor, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has long been associated with the world of polo. At the turn of the century, polo matches on Governor’s Island in Manhattan were highlights of the New York social scene. This year saw a revival of that tradition when St. Regis sponsored the first polo match to be played on Governor’s Island in 67 years in May. In addition to Governor’s Island and the St. Regis International Cup at Cowdray, St. Regis is participating in polo in Palm Beach, Florida, Greenwich, Connecticut and Bridgehampton, New York throughout 2008.

St. Regis has partnered with longstanding polo-supporter and luxury brand Asprey to further enhance the experience for each polo spectator at the highly anticipated match. Renowned as England’s quintessential brand of luxury goods, Asprey has created an exclusive St. Regis International Cup trophy to be presented to the winning team following the August 31 match. At the St. Regis International Cup, polo’s most discerning spectators will enjoy a VIP hospitality tent at the Cowdray Park Polo Club, hosted by The Lanesborough, a St. Regis Hotel, bringing a taste of the brand’s signature style to Polo aficionados. Renowned for delivering an unrivaled dimension of luxury and bespoke service, the legendary butlers will be on hand to serve guests The Lanesborough’s award-winning afternoon tea. Specially selected by the hotel’s Tea Sommelier, Karl Kessab, the custom tailored afternoon tea will feature exotic teas including the Lanesborough Afternoon blend, Jasmine Pearls and Silver Needle White. The Lanesborough hotel is located in London’s Hyde Park.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining timeless sophistication with modern luxury, the St. Regis brand is uncompromising in its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor with the landmark St. Regis Hotel, New York over a century ago, St. Regis is known for delivering an unrivaled dimension of luxury, bespoke service and refined elegance at the best addresses in the world. The brand plans to further its legacy globally and will unveil highly anticipated St. Regis properties in Atlanta-Buckhead, Baha Mar, The Bahamas, Bahía Beach, Puerto Rico, Bal Harbour and Deer Crest in North America, and in Buenos Aires, Costa Rica, Mexico City and Punta Mita in Latin America. In Asia, St. Regis has announced plans to open properties in Bali, Bangkok, Jakarta, Lhasa, Macao, Osaka and Tianjin. In the Middle East, St. Regis will expand in Cairo, Dubai, Doha and Bahrain. Personalized service and amenities, enviable locations and luxuriously localized design are recognized worldwide as hallmarks of the St. Regis experience. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.stregis.com.

Construction Underway At Wyndham Vacation Ownership’s Newest Colorado Resort

WorldMark Grand Elk Expected to Welcome Guests in 2009

Wyndham Vacation Ownership has commenced construction on the company’s fifth Colorado resort, WorldMark Grand Elk. The resort, scheduled to operate within the company’s WorldMark by Wyndham resort portfolio, is located at the beautiful Grand Elk Ranch and Club community in Granby, Colo. just north of the popular ski destination of Winter Park.  The 44-unit property will feature a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom condominium-style units and is anticipated to welcome guests in summer 2009.

“In a study of our WorldMark owners, nearly 60 percent expressed a desire to visit mountain destinations while 50 percent wanted a lake vacation destination. With WorldMark Grand Elk, our owners can have both at the same location,” said Rob Hale, senior vice president, Product Development, Wyndham Vacation Ownership. “WorldMark Grand Elk reflects our company’s commitment to providing more resorts in compelling destinations to meet our WorldMark owner families’ diverse vacation preferences.”

With the resort’s Rocky Mountain location and close proximity to multiple lakes including Lake Granby, owners and their guests can thoroughly enjoy the outdoors through activities such as golf, skiing, fly fishing, hiking and whitewater rafting.

After hitting the slopes in nearby Winter Park or enjoying a round of golf at the neighboring Grand Elk Golf Course, part of the 440-acre Grand Elk Ranch and Club master-planned community, visitors can take in the scenic views and natural wildlife of the region’s many national wilderness areas and parks as well as the Continental Divide.

The 44-unit WorldMark Grand Elk will feature a number of studio, one- and two-bedroom condominium-style units. Each unit provides owners with a full kitchen; living room; dining room; flat-panel televisions in the living room and master bedroom; entertainment systems, including a stereo and DVD/VCR; and a barbecue grill on the deck. Additionally, the resort’s beautifully decorated, upscale three-bedroom Presidential units will include stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite countertops, whirlpool tubs, upgraded fixtures, fireplaces and hardwood flooring in the common areas.

Beyond the many comforts found in the resort’s units, owners and guests at WorldMark Grand Elk will be able to enjoy such amenities as an outdoor pool, children’s pool, spa/hot tub, barbecue areas, business center, exercise room and children’s play area. 

WorldMark Grand Elk will be a wonderful addition to the company’s current Colorado resorts: WorldMark Steamboat Springs and WorldMark Estes Park, which are affiliated with the company’s WorldMark by Wyndham resort portfolio, and Wyndham Pagosa and Wyndham Durango, which operate within the company’s FairShare Plus by Wyndham product portfolio. Wyndham Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs will be the newest addition to the company’s Colorado resort portfolio with its anticipated August 2008 opening.

About Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a member of Wyndham Worldwide’s (NYSE: WYN) family of companies, is the world’s largest vacation ownership business, as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, individual vacation ownership units and owners of vacation ownership interests.  Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its three primary consumer brands, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, WorldMark by Wyndham and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific.  As of December 31, 2007, Wyndham Vacation Ownership had developed or acquired approximately 145 vacation ownership resorts throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific that represent more than 17,500 individual vacation ownership units and more than 800,000 owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and is supported by more than 17,700 employees globally.

Matt Brosious To Participate In OTE Forum Technology Panel

Systems Products International (SPI) Director of Sales Matt Brosious will participate in a specially-featured technology panel during the October 13-15 Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE) Forum being held in Madrid, it was announced recently. Brosious will be joined by Petchey Leisure’s Group Operations Director Andrew Walton and Generator Systems’ Sales & Marketing Director Pete Jones. In a session entitled, “Making Technology Pay,” the group will discuss ways in which technology can help timeshare professionals improve efficiency, reduce costs and comply with increased legislation.

In his capacity as spokesperson for SPI, the timeshare industry’s premier software developer, Brosious is well-suited to discuss how an investment in the right technology can provide ample payoff in the long-run. His background before joining SPI in 2006 includes serving as vice-president, e-commerce sales at Primedia (NYSE: PRM) and in a senior national accounts position with American Software (NASDAQ:AMSWA). He founded a successful software company in the ’80s and a dot com in the ’90s. Both of these businesses were later sold, one in a major transaction with a public entity controlled by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company, or KKR, one of the world’s largest private equity firms.

This year’s Forum, entitled “Strong Foundations,” will be the fourth annual gathering of OTE members, who are timeshare developers, operators and suppliers operating in Europe. The Organisation for Timeshare in Europe, was established to improve representation for reputable companies in the timeshare sector and promote fair trading, quality within and growth of the timeshare industry. Its members lead the industry in their commitment to strong ethical standards with the aim of raising the standards of the industry a whole, ensure fair trading and satisfaction of timeshare owners.
 
About SPI Orange Systems
SPI provides major developers of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others) with its .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle marketing, sales, property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, sales@spiinc.com or www.spiinc.com.

Sol Meliá Vacation Club Reports Strong First Half 2008 Results, Continued Growth And Development Despite Weak Economy

Now in its fourth year of operation, Sol Meliá Vacation Club (SMVC) is reporting a strong first half of 2008 with a growth in total revenues of 17 percent over the same period last year.  The overall improvement in revenues has also resulted in a continued net profit margin of 40 percent for the first half of 2008.

The Orlando-based company, part of Spain-based Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts, continues to gain sales momentum.  Successful new projects in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain and the Dominican Republic have been the key to SMVC’s growth and development plans.
  
“Sol Meliá Vacation Club continues to grow in sales, membership and new member resorts.  We are moving forward favorably, and we are pleased, “said Alain Grangé, Chief Executive of Sol Meliá Vacation Club.  “This has been a year of focusing on what we do well and implementing ways to tighten efficiencies, especially in automation and computerization.  Our IT team is implementing and rolling out a new information system to be used by all SMVC resorts for marketing, sales administration, accounting, loan servicing, reservations, property management, member services, etc, as well as launching a more interactive member’s website.” 

This summer, SMVC announced the opening of its third location in the Dominican Republic, at The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana, and at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora, Canary Islands, Spain, its first member resort in Tenerife and fourth in the Canary Islands. 

The Reserve at Paradisus Punta Cana features 190 luxury oversized one-bedroom suites, one-bedroom master suites and two-bedroom lock-offs with lavish amenities such as plasma TVs in the living room and bathroom, hydro massage showers, private balconies, hot tub for two, full-equipped kitchenettes, lagoon style swimming pools, children’s pool and kids’ club, and the world-class Yhi Spa.  SMVC Members have access to all services and amenities of the 550-suite Paradisus Punta Cana resort complex, including its 10 restaurants, seven bars, casino, golf course and 24-hour room service.

SMVC at Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora features 200 one-and-two bedroom oceanfront suites with plasma TV, fully-equipped kitchenettes, upscale wood and granite accents.  The resort includes five specialty restaurants, six bars, room service, a wine cellar, world-class Yhi Spa, two tennis courts, a golf simulator, four adult swimming pools, two children’s pools, and one of the largest swimming pools in Europe.

Additionally, in late 2008, SMVC will open The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real in the Dominican Republic, including Presidential Club Suites, as well as the second phase of the highly successful Sol Meliá Vacation Club at Gran Meliá Puerto Rico at Coco Beach, Rio Grande.

The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real will feature 190 one and two-bedroom lock-off units with modern upscale design, exotic Balinese bed, private hot tubs on the balcony units and direct access from the lower level patio units into a spectacular lazy river swimming pool.  Presidential Club Suites will feature two, three and four bedrooms, with the four bedroom suites accommodating up to 10 people, sold as a multi-week product.  SMVC members will enjoy the resort’s fitness program, golf course, first class spa treatments, enormous white sand beach and crystal clear water, variety of gourmet restaurants, bars, casino, supervised children’s programs, daily schedule of adult activities, concierge service and 24-hour room service.  Earlier this year, SMVC rolled out an exclusive, customized training program for its concierge employees using the Paradisus Palma Real as its beta site.  The training program focuses on optimizing services and anticipating guest needs to provide an exceptional experience through a high level of service and make each stay a memorable one.

SMVC at Gran Meliá Puerto Rico is located close to the El Yunque National Rainforest and 30 minutes to historic Old San Juan.  The first phase opened in summer 2007 with luxurious oceanfront one, two and three-bedroom lock-off villas with private check-in and members VIP Lounge, featuring satellite TV, stereo system, DVD player, and some units with hot tubs on the balcony.  Phase 2 will feature 63 units, 42 One Bedroom Suites and 21 One Bedroom Master Suites, with an additional 45 units on-line in the spring of 2009. SMVC

Members have access to fine dining restaurants with international cuisine, bars, tennis courts, basketball court, evening entertainment, daily organized activities, non-motorized water sports and the largest lagoon-style swimming pool in Puerto Rico, as well as a kid’s club, children’s pool, full-service spa, casino and championship golf at nearby Coco Beach Golf and Country Club.

In 2009 SMVC will add a new member resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico as part of a new development by Sol Meliá that will feature both a Paradisus and a Gran MELIÃ hotel.  The Paradisus resort will feature a total of 413 units with 157 Club units, while the Gran MELIÃ hotel will feature 533 units with 213 Club units for a total of 370 SMVC one and two- bedroom units between the two luxury hotels.

Sol Meliá Vacation Club is an internationally-branded membership club with over 25,000 members that focuses on providing leisure lifestyle experiences with exotic destinations, designer-appointed luxury accommodations, exclusive services and unforgettable amenities. The leisure lifestyle concept is designed to provide members with an entire lifetime of leisure experiences to meet their ever changing needs.  All members have access through SMVC to stay at all Sol Meliá’s hotels and resorts worldwide, including those in destinations such as Paris, London, Madrid, Rome and more.
      
Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts is a 50-year-old international hospitality company with 350 hotels in 30 countries on five continents.  Sol Meliá Vacation Club members enjoy the best of both worlds: all the conveniences and amenities of a world-class resort, plus value, flexibility and choice that vacation membership offers throughout the Sol Meliá Vacation Network.  Members have more vacation lifestyle options through global luxury accommodations in a variety of unique resort and urban destinations around the world as well as flexibility to choose length of stay, season and size of unit.  In addition, Members can save vacation time from one year to the next if needed, borrow from future vacation years to create a special experience that could include airfare or a spectacular cruise, divide their vacation time into shorter getaway or nightly stays or stay at any Sol Meliá hotel or affiliated resort worldwide.

For Sol Meliá Vacation Club details, call (407) 370-3671 or visit www.smvc.com.

SPI’s Software to Interface with CSA Travel Protection

Vacation Ownership industry specialists SPI and CSA Travel Protection announced an interface that will give SPI software clients the ability to seamlessly offer, sell and service highly specialized travel insurance, whenever they sell a timeshare. CSA Travel Protection is an affordable insurance that covers annual maintenance fees, exchange fees and taxes, should owners be unable to use their vacation privileges. Resorts offering the insurance recognize a percentage of every sale.
“We selected SPI as our exclusive technology partner because their software is so widely used within the industry and because their Microsoft .NET platform can readily accommodate the additional application,” says CSA Travel Protection Global Sales Director Cathy Backus. “Resorts will be able to offer, sell and fulfill consumers’ purchases of the insurance in an intuitive, one-step process within their existing system and without the need for the resorts’ customer service representatives to memorize a tremendous amount of information. It’s all automated.”

“We are continuously seeking ways to offer enhanced applications to SPI clients and help make them more successful,” says Brosious. “By including this user-friendly functionality in our Orange System’s Sales and Maintenance Fee modules, resorts can be assured that their staff is offering this revenue-bearing product widely and consistently.”

“We are seeing resorts earn, literally, millions of dollars from CSA Travel Protection,” adds Backus. “It’s a great tool for salespeople as it gives new buyers and existing members confidence that if unforeseen circumstances arise affecting an owner’s vacation, we have them covered!”

About CSA Travel Protection
Headquartered in San Diego, California, CSA Travel Protection provides an extensive array of comprehensive and competitively priced guest cancellation, travel insurance and travel assistance services designed to meet every vacation traveler’s needs. CSA continuously reinforces its innovative leadership position with the introduction of innovative product enhancements that set the industry standard. Founded in 1991, CSA’s retail and custom products and services are offered nationwide by more than 200 resort and property managers, and 7,000 travel-related outlets. For more information, visit www.csatravelprotection.com or call toll-free, 800-348-9505.

About SPI
SPI provides major developers of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others) with its .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle marketing, sales, property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, sales@spiinc.com or www.spiinc.com.

Disney Finalizes Deal with Four Seasons to Anchor New Luxury Resort

Walt Disney World Co. has finalized the sale of 298 acres of land to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts for a hotel and golf course that will anchor the new luxury resort announced last year as part of an expansion of Walt Disney World Resort.

“This is an important milestone for a project that will enable our company and our community to further tap into the luxury travel market,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Working together for the first time, Walt Disney World Resort and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will create a world-class family resort destination that offers the exceptional service and amenities and one-of-a-kind guest experiences that are the hallmark of both our brands.”

Located along the northeast border of Walt Disney World, the resort will include a 445-room Four Seasons hotel, Residence Club (fractional ownership vacation homes) and 18-hole championship golf course, as well as custom single- and multi-family vacation homes.

WATG (Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo) is the design architect for the hotel, which is depicted in a rendering released today. The Addison Mizner-inspired design, sometimes referred to as Palm Beach style, is reminiscent of turn-of-the century resorts found on Florida’s east coast. With a style that evokes the romance of Florida hospitality, the architecture draws upon Spanish-Moorish influences characterized by barrel-tiled roofs, columned archways, keystone walls and carved stonework. Thoughtfully planned to integrate with the entire resort, the hotel will be surrounded by beautiful landscaping in a lush environment.

“This project is one with which we are proud to be associated,” said Scott Woroch, executive vice president, development, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Having memorable family vacation experiences are more important than ever to our guests, and we are excited about working with Disney to create a unique product in Central Florida.”

First announced in March 2007, the project’s initial site preparation work began earlier this year, with building construction expected to begin next year. The hotel is anticipated to open by 2012. The project will be built in phases over the next 8 to 10 years.

Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom); two water adventure parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon); 32 resort hotels (22 owned and operated by Walt Disney World, including six Disney Vacation Club properties); Disney’s Fort Wilderness campground; two full-service spas; Disney’s Wedding Pavilion; Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex; and Downtown Disney, an entertainment-shopping-dining complex encompassing the Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side. Walt Disney World Resort is also included in vacation packages of Disney Cruise Line. Located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continuous innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. Currently with 78 hotels in 32 countries, and more than 31 properties under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees – people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Four Seasons currently operates two properties in Florida, Four Seasons Hotel Miami and the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.

BLC Enterprises Installs TimeShareWare Professional 2008 To Manage Fractional Playa Royale Residence Club

Lake Forest, California – BLC Enterprises recently installed TimeShareWare Professional 2008 for their client Paradise Village Group, specifically to manage the Playa Royale Residence Club located in Nuevo Vallarta, a deeded fractional product. In addition, BLC Enterprises also contracted with TimeShareWare to provide a credit card interface, Internet hosting services, and TimeShareWare NET, which allows owners to check availability, make reservations, and pay their assessments on-line.

Cindy Hale, Vice President of BLC Enterprises, says the new software has helped in streamlining its business practices. “The software is great. It has met all our unique needs and we are now able to service our owners in a fraction of the time…no pun intended. We were most interested in the software’s reservation management, owner accounting, reports, and web access. The Playa Royale Residence Club is spectacular and our affluent owners expect nothing less than a high level of customer service. Being able to easily and securely view their reserved weeks, check availability, submit reservations, and pay their assessments on-line twenty-four hours a day from anywhere in the world was a necessity for our clients.”

Allen Rice, Chief Marketing Officer of TimeShareWare, commented, “TimeShareWare’s software has always been known for its ease of use and superior functionality. We have enjoyed our relationship with such a professional organization as BLC Enterprises and we’re pleased to meet the software needs of its sophisticated owner base.”

About BLC Enterprises Inc:
BLC Enterprises has been providing membership, financial services, and loan servicing for the Paradise Village Group and Paradise Vacation Club since 1993. Barry Cohen, President of BLC Enterprises has been involved in the timeshare industry for over 28 years. Cindy Hale, Vice President, Operations, has been with BLC Enterprises for over 11 years. BLC Enterprises currently services over 21,000 Paradise Vacation Club members, Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa, and provides various services for the Paradise Village Group real estate projects: Grand Marina Villas & Condominiums, Playa Royale Condominiums & Residence Club, and Paradise Village Golf & Country Club.

About TimeShareWare & CondotelWare:
TimeShareWare is the industry standard software platform for shared-ownership, mixed use resorts. Since 1993, TimeShareWare serves all sizes and types of vacation ownership associations, fractional ownership properties, and timeshare resorts including multi-site, single-site, and points-based clubs. The TimeShareWare software platform includes solutions for lead management, contract processing, sales and marketing, owner accounting, loan servicing, property management, reservations, and web-based owner servicing.

CondotelWare is the first full-service software solution designed specifically for condominium hotels. The software helps owners and operators master all aspects of condo-hotel management and administration, including owner accounting, billing, rental rotation, inventory management, reservations, owner relations, reporting, and more.

IFA Travel & Tourism In Joint Venture With Wings Corporate Travel

IFA Travel & Tourism (IFA TT), a subsidiary of IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR), a leading travel and tourism company, announced its joint venture partnership with Wings Corporate Travel (Wings) for the Middle East and North Africa.

The JV partnership will fully-integrate and standardize the corporate travel market with particular emphasis on the Oil & Gas sector, a specialized division for Wings, a South African-based travel management company.

“We are delighted with our new travel management partner and their introduction to the region. Wings has made a well respected name for itself over the last decade in Africa, the US and UK, particularly in Oil & Gas related corporate travel, an area which the company has dominated and excelled in,” said Werner Burger, President and COO, IFA HR.

“The strategic decision for Wings to enter the region at this time comes as no surprise, particularly as Dubai offers an unparalleled opportunity for Wings to capitalize on the region’s Oil & Gas industry,” added Burger.

Wings was founded in 1992 as a corporate travel management company and has since become recognised for providing a high level of personalised and professional service for the corporate sector, whilst aggressively leveraging technology to advance innovative and customised solutions. 

“This is a significant step forward for Wings as our corporate brand will be enhanced through our association with the IFA Hotels & Resorts group.  You need only look at the IFA Hotels & Resorts’ positioning and you will quickly see the tremendous value of being partnered with a company with such a premier portfolio of assets, and who have rapidly established themselves as a major international player in the premier tourism segment,” said Tony Sofianos, CEO, Wings.

“Our clients are global multinational companies, and in order to service these clients effectively, we realized we needed to expand our position, aligned with our strategy of providing clients with a seamless 24/7 service, 365 days a year. 

“Dubai represents a logical entry point into the region given its growth over the years, and the establishment of frameworks that encourage companies to set up their businesses.  Furthermore, almost all of our existing Oil & Gas clients have significant operations based out of Dubai.

In addition, our joint venture partnership provides us with a further opportunity to a deliver standardized and fully integrated travel solutions to our clients in the Middle East.  One of the unique value propositions for the joint venture partnership is that we operate as ‘one company’, with seamless integration across all its operations,” explained Sofianos.

IFA TT specialises in corporate  and leisure travel management; providing a wide range of business and leisure service solutions ranging from personal travel consultancy to air chartering services, events, meetings and corporate incentive arrangements and exclusive corporate offers.

“Our clients and partners are also seeking out more effective corporate travel solutions. This newly formed partnership will certainly enhance our high-end travel and leisure offerings and expand our business in Africa and the Indian Ocean region,” said Emad Jabr, General Manager, IFA TT.

IFA TT also provides its clients with unique concierge tourism services, catering to the group’s partners and customers by providing a range of world-class services including:  Access to private jets, luxury yachts, or tailor-creating a travel experience based on a client’s particular interest from a hunting and safari excursion, to theme park and adventure holidays.

The JV further compliments IFA HR’s already well-established luxury services in the tourism sector building on the company’s portfolio of luxury branded residences, hotels, resorts and lifestyle membership clubs.

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