Timeshare industry leaders, SPI Software and Brand Tango, have joined forces in a strategic relationship that brings together the companies “best in class” solutions for technology, marketing, sales, finance and operations. Both firms are well-known for innovation and have developed strong reputations with leading developers, vacation clubs and resort operators.

As part of the agreement, SPI Software will integrate the Brand Tango timeshare and vacation club marketing system (Previously called “The Tango System”) as part of SPI Orange Software. The new SPI Orange module which has been dubbed “SPI Campaign Manager powered by Brand Tango” will add intuitive web-based functionality and highly flexible campaign management tools to the SPI Orange software Platform.

The new SPI Campaign Manager marketing system provides a powerful set of tools to target campaigns to prospects with pinpoint accuracy, while monitoring the cost, penetration and conversion of marketing efforts.

Matt Brosious, Vice-president of sales for SPI Software comments, “The talented team at Brand Tango continues to provide tools which provide real advantages for timeshare and vacation club developers. We are extremely pleased to be integrating the uniqueness of Brand Tango’s technology into SPI Orange timeshare software. For developers, this is the winning combination of marketing and operational functionality needed to succeed in today’s competitive environment. “  

According to Joe Russoniello, President of Brand Tango, “The SPI / Brand Tango agreement represents a transparent, best-practices strategy in bringing the very strongest technology solutions to the industry. We could not be more pleased to have our Tango system integrated into SPI Orange. We know that the resources and expertise that SPI provides its clients will increase exposure for our robust marketing solutions.”

Further, the companies will collaborate on future product and service offerings and have several exciting developments planned, details of which will be provided at a future date.

For more information on the SPI Campaign Manager please contact SPI Software at sales@spisoftware.com or call 305-858-9505.

About SPI Software
Software SPI Software provides developers and operators of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others using either traditional or points-based usage strategies) with Microsoft .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@spisoftware.com or www.spisoftware.com.

About Brand Tango
Brand Tango is a comprehensive marketing, design, and technology company with clients in timeshare/real estate/hospitality, consumer products and services, and financial services. Relying on their decades of combined expertise, its principals and staff help clients define and achieve sales goals and return-on-investment objectives by addressing integrated marketing needs in an efficient, unbiased, and knowledgeable manner with a solid, multi-faceted, results-oriented strategy

To view examples of Brand Tango’s recent work, visit www.brand-tango.com  For More Information Contact: Joe Russoniello at Brand Tango 954-295-7879.

It has become apparent that many fractional developers have differing opinions on the definition of fractional ownership – find out what they are at Perspective Forums

An incredibly simple, but powerful sales and credibility tool based on Owners Perspective Magazine, the leading consumer publication for the shared ownership industry has been unveiled for timeshare and fractional property developers.

Check out our new Media Center for more information at:
www.perspectiverates.com

Once logged in, just click on The Developer Package tab from the navigation bar.

RCI Is Title Sponsor Of Ninth Annual RCI/AIF Open Golf Tournament

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE:WYN), will tee up the 2010 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention & Exposition on March 14 by hosting the ninth annual RCI/AIF Open at the award-winning Bear’s Best Las Vegas course. Proceeds from the tournament will go to support the ARDA International Foundation and its research and development of education programs that help enhance the public’s knowledge of timeshares. Bear’s Best has been named “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest and was customized by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, who selected the plans for the 18 holes from more than 270 course designers from around the world.

The tournament is open to sponsors of the ARDA Convention & Exposition and registration for golfers of the general public is taken up to the day of the tournament, with priority being given to ARDA sponsors. Tee-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and it won’t be long until golfers are shouting FORE. Visit the website for a full tournament schedule and information on fees.

The ARDA Convention & Exposition will be held from March 14-18 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas and will provide industry professionals the opportunity to network, increase visibility in the global marketplace and display the latest innovations within the vacation ownership and resort development industries. RCI, an industry leader that continues to reinvent the vacation exchange experience, will have a strong presence at this year’s convention, including sponsorship of the golf tournament, high level executives in attendance and a booth staffed by RCI employees available to talk to the innovations, high-quality customer service and long-lasting relationships with members, developers and affiliates that the company provides.

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 73,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Exchange and Rentals is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, and asset management services. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit www.grouprci.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

For additional information on the services offered to developers by RCI and how they can add potential value to leisure real estate projects, visit www.grouprci.com

Perspective International, a PR & media company specializing in the timeshare and fractional ownership industry and publishers of Perspective Magazine and Owners Perspective Magazine, has announced that Perspective Chief Executive Officer Paul Mattimoe will speak at the 2010 Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference, which will take place March 29 through 31 at the Fairmont San Francisco.

“Ragatz Associates is fortunate to have Paul Mattimoe of Perspective International be one of the featured speakers at our forthcoming 10th Annual Fractional Interest Conference,” says Richard L. Ragatz, Ph.D., president of Ragatz Associates. “Paul is widely recognized as an expert on the topic on a global basis in regard to industry trends, supply and demand conditions, and most active companies. He is expected to be a major addition to this year’s conference.”

The 2010 Ragatz Associates Fractional Interest Conference will mark its 10th anniversary. What started as a small seminar with 50 participants has grown to be one of the most widely recognized and respected conferences on the fractional interest and private residence club industries on a global basis. This year’s conference is especially important to anyone currently in the industry, or anticipating being so. Recent and probable future changes in the national and global economies are creating both challenges and opportunities. The conference agenda is designed to reflect these changes and how best to respond to them. Over 60 speakers will discuss critical implications for consumer decision making, marketing, sales, financing, etc. They will represent existing participants in the industry, as well as experts and advisors from related industries.

Additional conference details and registration instructions are available at Ragatz Associates.

About Ragatz Associates
Ragatz Associates has long been internationally recognized as the leading consulting and market research firm in the resort real estate industry. Since being formed in 1974 by Dr. Richard Ragatz, the firm has conducted more than 2,500 studies in over 70 countries.  It specializes in feasibility analysis and consumer research. Almost 500 assignments have been in the fractional and private residence club industry. Clients represent the private sector (from small, individually owned companies, to international corporations) and the public sector (from small municipalities to national governments).

To learn more about the services offered by Ragatz Associates, visit www.ragatzassociates.com.

About Perspective International Ltd
Perspective International Ltd is a PR & Media company specializing in the timeshare and fractional ownership industry. In addition to its media, marketing and advertising services, Perspective International Ltd produces two industry publications: Perspective Magazine – the most-read independent B2B publication for the shared ownership industry globally (www.perspectivemagazine.com); and Owners Perspective Magazine – the consumer version of the above which offers a unique platform for brand awareness and lead generation. (www.ownersperspective.com).

Perspective Magazine is the most read independent B2B publication for the shared ownership industry globally, offering exclusive interviews, news and reviews on all aspects of timeshare, fractional ownership, private residence clubs and resort real estate. Winner of two Innovative Marketing Awards and Media Sponsor of 18 major industry conventions around the globe with official distribution to all delegates at each event just adds to the highly targeted print and online subscription base of more than 20,600 industry professionals and the additional online exposure offered through its network of news and press release sites.

Perspective Magazine is officially distributed to all conference delegates, making it a prime advertising opportunity. For more information on advertising and editorial opportunities, call +1 407 792 2343 (USA) or +44 191 250 3501 (UK), or visit our online media center at www.perspectiverates.com.

Quintess, LRW is thrilled to announce a new enclave on the enchanting Caribbean island of Saint Martin, the latest addition to the Club’s portfolio of more than 40 coveted destinations worldwide. The enclave is located within the superlative La Samanna Resort & Spa, a secluded paradise on the French side of the island offering extensive privileges, activities and services to Quintess, LRW Members. The Club is initially bringing on two free standing villas, each with a private infinity pool and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, for stays as of February 20, 2010.

With the best homes and availability in the destination club industry, the Club’s financial strength and stability, and attractive payment options, Quintess, LRW continues to welcome new Members. Now with 525+ Members, the Club’s growth in turn allows Quintess, LRW to add breadth and depth to the home portfolio and enhance its Members’ travel opportunities. This year alone, in addition to the new Saint Martin enclave, Quintess, LRW has opened a second home in La Quinta, California, and created its fourth and most recent enclave environment in Aspen, Colorado with the addition of two slope-side homes adjacent to, and receiving amenities through, The Ritz-Carlton Residence Club.

“We are pleased to open this new enclave of four-bedroom, oceanfront villas in Saint Martin for our Members, building on our portfolio of great luxury homes. These homes, along with the extensive amenities provided by La Samanna Resort & Spa, exemplify the Quintess, LRW experience our Members enjoy,” said Greg Eure, President of Quintess, LRW.

With Saint Martin, the Club’s fifth enclave, Quintess, LRW continues to deliver the best of the best by providing its Members five-star services and amenities within A-list destinations: La Samanna Resort & Spa, which is part of the world renowned Orient-Express Hotels portfolio, is frequently ranked by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of the top 10 hotels for service in the Caribbean.

“This interest from the elite membership of Quintess, LRW reinforces the status of La Samanna as one of the finest residential communities anywhere in the Caribbean, as well as the stature of Orient-Express in the world of luxury real estate. We are delighted to be working together,” said Paul White, President and Chief Executive Officer, Orient-Express Hotels.

The Club’s villas are prominently located within the resort, on a bluff offering sweeping views of the sea, and ideally situated to take advantage of La Samanna’s enviable private beach and comprehensive resort amenities. Also recognized as a Small Leading Hotel of the World, La Samanna truly is an exclusive haven for luxurious living, elegant accommodations, delectable cuisine and family-friendly activities. While many other destination clubs have compounds of condos within resorts, Quintess, LRW knows that family and friends prefer homes with ample space and privacy after a day on the beach, at the spa, or touring the island.

About Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World (quintess.com)
Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World is a luxury destination club that creates highly personalized vacation experiences for its Members. Quintess, LRW provides its Members with access to 80+ multimillion-dollar residences and experiences in 40+ international resort and city destinations, including Aspen, Los Cabos, Florence, Hawaii, Jackson Hole, London, Napa Valley, New York City, Paris, Saint Martin and Tuscany, among countless others. As part of Quintess, LRW’s strategic relationship with The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., the Club now offers Q Leading Experiences at select member hotels around the globe. With 525+ Members, the Club remains committed to financial transparency and full disclosure and continues the practice of providing its Members with third party audited financial statements. For more information about Quintess, LRW please call 800.550.0324 or visit quintess.com.

About Orient-Express Hotels (orient-express.com)
Orient-Express, the name behind an elite collection of travel experiences, first came into being in 1883 as one of the world’s most exciting and indulgent train journeys. Today those same two evocative words also embrace hotels, cruises and other luxury rail adventures in 25 countries, across five continents. The company’s overriding commitment to providing the highest quality of service, products and amenities in its hotels, trains and cruises is also a standard in its real estate developments. In addition to Porto Cupecoy, Orient-Express is currently offering luxury lifestyle residences at The Villas at La Samanna (Saint Martin), Keswick Estate (Charlottesville, Virginia) and Napasai (Koh Samui, Thailand). The company owns developable land in Madeira; Riviera Maya, Mexico; and St. Michaels, Maryland.

Fractional Life is pleased to announce that Fractional Ownership Consultancy (FOC) is a Platinum Sponsor for the forthcoming Fractional Summit 2010.

With fractional property ownership providing one of the few highlights of the overseas property marketplace in 2009, Fractional Summit 2010 will provide insight into the growth of the fractional marketplace, the future of the UK and European property market, as well as the impact of fractional products on the overseas second home market.

Nick Hannah, director of Fractional Ownership Consultancy, will attend the conference to meet with prospective developers and present the benefits of the FOC programme. He said: “We’re expecting lots of developers to require our services in 2010 and our retained sponsorship reinforces our position in the market as the number one fractional consultancy provider.”

Fractional Ownership Consultancy is the only consultancy that provides a complete ‘end to end’ fractional service, encompassing the preparation of the necessary legal documentation, management and sale force training, appropriate mortgage finance through an English bank, lead generating sales and marketing. And importantly, continuous client support services.

Tracey Carter, exhibitions and conference manager for Fractional Life, said: “FOC is a well established consultancy in the fractional property marketplace and we’re delighted to have the company on board with us again as a lead sponsor for Fractional Summit 2010.”

Speaking throughout the day will be industry leaders from the real estate, legal, marketing and financial sectors, making it an invaluable event for anyone who is, or wants to be, at the forefront of the burgeoning fractional property sector in the UK and Europe. The event attracts a worldwide audience and the 2009 event attracted over 210 delegates from 23 countries. Fractional Summit 2010 runs over two days Thursday 18th – Friday 19th February 2010, at the prestigious Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel in London.

Fabrizio Harper, head of sales at Fractional Life, said: “Fractional Summit is a unique opportunity to meet the movers and shakers of the fractional industry and to gain a real insight into the fractional property marketplace.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Irwin Mitchell and Sirkin & Associates announced as sponsors for Fractional Ownership Conference

Fractional Life is delighted to announce law firms with fractional expertise, Irwin Mitchell and Sirkin & Associates as sponsors for Fractional Summit 2010, Europe’s largest business 2 business fractional real estate conference, 18-19 February 2010 at Marriott London, Grosvenor Square.

Irwin Mitchell and Sirkin & Associates are the latest organisations to become sponsors of Fractional Summit 2010, Europe’s largest business to business fractional real estate conference taking place 18-19 February 2010 at the prestigious Marriott London, Grosvenor Square.

Launched in 2008, Fractional Summit 2010 continues as a 2 day event and offers a unique opportunity to gain knowledge and meet all the key fractional real estate movers and shakers under one roof – making Fractional Summit an event not to be missed.

This year’s conference theme ‘changing times, changing markets’ is designed to help and encourage new developers and industry professionals into the marketplace and explores the various different facets of the fractional real estate marketplace and the challenges the industry faces in light of the expected increase in fractional ownership product available throughout Europe in 2010.

Andy Sirkin said, ‘after attending for the first time as a delegate last year, I realised that the opportunity of sponsoring this fantastic event was too good to miss: this is the premier event for fractional and we are delighted to be involved.’

Alex Radford, of Irwin Mitchell, commented that, ‘The fractional market is booming, and with more and more people coming into the market, we see Fractional Summit 2010 as the ideal event to grow our presence and profile’.

Fabrizio Harper, head of sales for Fractional Life, had this to say, ‘Fractional Summit continues where it left off – it’s the premier B2B highlight of the fractional year. Securing the support of Irwin Mitchell and Sirkin & Associates is testament to the importance of the event – we are delighted to welcome them both on-board – their presence and input, as legal experts in this field, will be of great benefit to everyone there.’

Fractional Summit is the ideal place to get up-to date with the current market. With it’s global appeal, this event is 2 days of renowned speakers, group panels and presentations from worldwide experts. The event offers the perfect platform to network, learn and exchange information and ideas.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Christchurch, New Zealand will be the host city for the 2010 Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC) Conference. The Conference will run from Sunday 12th September to Tuesday 14th September 2010.

Take advantage of the opportunity to mix with colleagues and suppliers from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji as well as get up to date on the most pressing issues facing the Holiday Ownership Industry.

The event will see a host of sessions run by industry leaders, organisational experts and talented presenters that can provide you with a array of ideas to take back and implement in your business.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced that Dawn Beach Club in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, has joined its vacation exchange network. The project was developed by Babitbay Beach Development Corporation B.V., a related company of Columbia Sussex Corporation, one of North America’s leading independent owners and operators of resorts and hotels.

“We are very pleased that a hotelier of Columbia Sussex’s stature recognizes the opportunities that shared ownership offers, and has entered the industry with such a luxurious product in St. Maarten,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International.

Ideally situated on the island’s southeastern shore, the property includes three-bedroom, two-bath oceanfront condominiums with spacious floor plans. The 1,800-square foot units feature elegant contemporary furnishings and warm teak finishes. Each has a fully appointed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, satellite television and Wi-Fi, and an oversized patio or balcony.

“We are thrilled to be offering consumers an opportunity to purchase a vacation interest at our beautiful resort in one of the Caribbean’s most popular vacation destinations,” stated Joe Yung, director of development of Columbia Sussex. “When you combine ownership at Dawn Beach with Interval International’s high-quality programs and products, you have a very attractive value proposition.”

St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, the Netherlands and France, creating a European vibe with a Caribbean flair. With more than 300 restaurants, the island offers a diverse cuisine that appeals to everyone. For water enthusiasts, scuba diving and snorkeling facilities are located throughout the island, which boasts an extensive marine biodiversity and unique underwater dive sites such as the H.M.S. Proselyte, a notable British frigate which sank in St. Maarten’s waters in 1801.

Further reinforcing the value of ownership, new purchasers will be enrolled as individual members of Interval International, as well as Interval Gold®, its upgraded membership program. This gives them the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval’s worldwide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and spa vacations. They also will enjoy an extensive menu of benefits, including discounts on resort Getaways, ShortStay ExchangeSM, access to a personal concierge service available 24 hours a day via phone and e-mail, complimentary Hertz #1 Gold® membership, and worldwide hotel and dining discounts.

Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through offices in 26 cities in 16 countries. Interval is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.