Ilese Flamm

Ilese Flamm, an accomplished attorney with nearly two decades of experience in timesharing and resort development law, has been selected by independent developer Shell Vacations LLC (www.ShellVacationsClub.com)  to serve as its Senior VP, Legal Affairs.

During her 18 years as a legal professional for the timeshare industry, Flamm spent nine years at Wyndham Exchange & Rentals and nine years with Disney Vacation Club. She will work closely with Shell Vacations Chairman & CEO Sheldon H. Ginsburg, President & COO Tracy L. Sherles as well as Daniel B. Glickstein, VP and General Counsel in helping lead the legal functions of the company, and also serving in a business role utilizing Flamm’s experience as Shell Vacations moves forward into new levels of expansion.

“There are few professionals with Ilese Flamm’s impressive credentials and legal expertise in such a wide range of segments of the timeshare and hospitality industries,” said Ginsburg. We are confident she will make a positive impact on our company”.

Added Sherles, “We are delighted to welcome an attorney with her professional background to add to our company’s continued success. Her vast legal experience within all areas of our business will serve us well in the future. Her expertise and experience has been particularly helpful with some of our new initiatives, such as the services we are now offering to developers and associations through our extensive fee-for services programs”.

Prior to joining Shell Vacations, Flamm was Executive VP and General Counsel for Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, where she was responsible for managing all global legal matters.  Before working with Wyndham, Flamm was Senior Attorney for the Disney Vacation Club, where she was involved in many aspects of timesharing and resort development. Additionally, Flamm was an Associate in the real estate department of Rudnick & Wolfe, Chicago, IL (now DLA Piper), where she worked in the negotiation and documentation of real estate acquisitions and sales, and joint venture agreements. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School.

Headquartered in Northbrook, IL, Shell Vacations LLC is one of the most respected independent vacation ownership developers in the United States, operating or affiliated 23 resorts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company specializes in the sales and hospitality management of vacation ownership resorts as well as servicing over 125,000 owner and member families of its vacation ownership products.
www.ShellVacationsHospitality.com, www.ShellVacationsClub.com

First Bangladesh Property Added to Global Exchange Network

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), announced that Bengal Vacation Club at Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa has selected its quality global exchange network. The resort is the first affiliated property in Bangladesh and will be situated in Cox’s Bazar, one of area’s most popular tourist destinations.

Due for completion in October 2011, Sea Pearl Beach will offer guests miles of golden sands on the world’s longest natural white sand beach, which slopes down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. Plans include a mixture of studios, one- and two-bedroom units with sea views. The resort is being built to adhere to eco-friendly standards that embody the principles of “recycle, renew, reuse, reduce, and rethink.”

“Bangladesh has a population of some 160 million and is visited by a large number of tourists from all over the world,” said Joe Hickman, Interval International’s executive director for Asia Pacific. “Easily accessible by air and road, we believe Sea Pearl and its spectacular beachfront location will offer our members an appealing new holiday choice.”

The facilities are expected to include a clubhouse, cinema, restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and health club. Nearby amenities are boat rentals, horseback riding, and a selection of local restaurants. The beach is bordered by hills that run parallel to the sea for almost its entire length; towering cliffs; colourful, ancient pagodas; and Hindu temples that make it a natural attraction. Adding to the area’s charm are waterfalls, coral islands, and tribal villages.

“We are pioneering the timeshare concept in Bangladesh and want to provide high-quality exchanges,” observed Aminul Haque,chairman and chief executive officer of Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa Ltd, the developer of Bengal Vacation Club. “We decided to affiliate with Interval because we found its exchange and marketing programmes to be very effective and its quality network will complement our image. Their decision makers are very forthcoming and helpful, and we plan to affiliate our future resorts with Interval as well.”

About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers 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 34 years. Today, Interval has an exchange network of more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 nations. Through offices in 15 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. 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.

Karen Buttice

Shell Vacations (Shell) has recently selected Karen Buttice to lead all of the company’s programs that provide extensive fee-based services for resorts, hotels, condominiums and owner associations.

Premier fee-based services currently being offered by the nationally respected independent vacation ownership developer include:

• Direct Member Affiliate Program

• Hospitality and association management

• Rental distribution of unused inventory

• Employee certification programs

• A comprehensive travel program and

• Sales and Marketing services

Shell Vacations President and COO Tracy L. Sherles has appointed Karen Buttice EVP, Business Development to coordinate all corporate fee-based services. “Karen is uniquely qualified to champion this important initiative”, said Sherles, “because of her depth of knowledge of our industry and our company capabilities. For the past three years, she has implemented new corporate initiatives across all disciplines, from Club operations to hospitality services to sales and marketing products and programs. In addition to her 22 years in the timeshare industry, including 19 years with RCI, she is familiar with a wide range of programs offered by other developers.”

Adds Karen Buttice, “After decades of leadership in the vacation ownership industry and proven success with our points-based Shell Vacations Club (wwwShellVacationsClub.com), we have recognized a growing opportunity for others to benefit from our expertise and are actively pursuing growth by providing these fee-based services. This is an ideal way to expand our business by leveraging our services and management expertise. We believe the expansion of our fee-based services model validates our commitment to these strategic initiatives. We have received so many calls regarding our expertise in these areas, this is a natural extension of our business. It is exciting to formalize a program that will enable others to share in the facets of our business that have made us successful.”

For additional information on any of these programs, please contact Karen Buttice at 847-564-4600 or via email at KButtice@shellvacationsllc.com.

Headquartered in Northbrook, IL, Shell Vacations LLC is one of the most respected independent vacation ownership developers in the United States, operating or affiliated 23 resorts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company specializes in the sales and hospitality management of vacation ownership resorts as well as servicing over 125,000 owner and member families of its vacation ownership products.
www.ShellVacationsHospitality.com, www.ShellVacationsClub.com

Europe’s leading international property investment fund The Hideaways Club has seen substantial growth in both its membership and property portfolio in the first three months of 2010 and this week formed two exciting new partnerships with Shangri-La Hotels and Etihad Airways.

Members of The Hideaways Club now have access to exclusive rates at Shangri-La’s luxury hotels in Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. These hotels have been specifically selected as the perfect stop-over or twin centre destinations to the properties offered by The Hideaways Club. Benefits enjoyed by the Club members include special discounted rates for the Shangri-La’s Horizon Club rooms, which offer an even higher level of accommodation, enhanced levels of service, Club Floor check-in and check-out, all day complimentary refreshments and a personal concierge.

As a result of a new partnership with Etihad Airways, members of The Hideaways Club can travel in style and comfort with the award winning national airline of the UAE. Hideaways members will benefit from exclusive Etihad fares and services including private limousine transfers to Heathrow and Manchester airports, bespoke business class fares, use of spa facilities and fine dining options at airport lounges and automatic entry to Etihad’s frequent flyer programme, Etihad Guest. Etihad is the worlds’ leading airline offering its guests the highest standards in service and product development.

Commenting on these new alliances Mike Balfour, Chairman and co-founder of The Hideaways Club said, “We are delighted to have formed these two partnerships as both companies represent the highest standards of quality, service and comfort enjoyed by members of The Hideaways Club. These agreements further underline what is a very exciting time for the Club and we are greatly encouraged by the rapid expansion of both the membership and property portfolio over the past year. We firmly believe that the strong growth we have been experiencing is a powerful endorsement of our business model.”

THE HIDEAWAYS CLUB
With over 160 members and 27 solely owned properties throughout Europe, Africa, Mauritius and South East Asia, The Hideaways Club is now the largest Club of its kind in Europe. This year the company has added three stunning new properties in the South of France, Portugal and Ibiza to its burgeoning property portfolio, and with its recent alliances with US based Equity Estates and the Banyan Tree Private Collection, Members of the Club have the choice of over 45 beautiful properties in which to holiday.

Membership of The Hideaways Club is rapidly becoming recognised as the most financially astute way of investing in overseas property that combines a unique investment with a luxurious lifestyle while at the same time benefitting from medium to long term growth on their investment. For further information please access the website at www.thehideawaysclub.com.

SHANGRI-LA HOTELS
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 66 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a room’s inventory of over 30,000. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Qatar, Seychelles, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Etihad Airways flies 21 services a week from London Heathrow and seven flights per week from Manchester to its home base in Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad Airways offers flights to over 60 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa, Australia and Asia. For tickets and reservations, call 0800 731 9384. For further details, visit http://www.etihadairways.com or www.etihadmediacentre.com.

FractionalExchange.com® has announced that Appassionata, Ltd. has selected FractionalExchange.com for the vacation exchange requirements of its owners at Estate Giacomo Leopardi in the Le Marche region of Italy.

Appassionata has acquired Estate Giacomo Leopardi, which is located near the hilltop village of Montefiore dell’Aso. The estate sits on five acres with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and Sibillini mountains. The facilities have been created for all seasons and truly reflect the Italian lifestyle. The large swimming pool, all weather tennis court, private terraces, landscaped gardens, olive groves and newly planted vineyard offer something for everyone.

Casa Giacomo, the first residence on the estate ready for exchange, is a four bedroom, three bath residence consisting of 2,150 square feet over two floors. The villa sits on its own private grounds within the estate.

Paul Nabor, Director of Sales at FractionalExchange.com states, “Casa Giacomo is truly an Italian masterpiece. We are so happy to be adding this remarkable property to our ever-expanding network. We welcome its owners to our program, and are confident our existing members will relish having access to this unique exchange opportunity.”

Also on the estate is a farmhouse known as Casa Leopardi. This second residence is presently being restored and converted to two fractional ownership townhomes and will be available to FractionalExchange.com members at a future date.

“Appassionata is delighted to have joined forces with FractionalExchange.com. We have been researching the exchange options available for the last couple of years and have decided that FractionalExchange.com provides the best solution for our boutique fractional business. Appassionata owners now have the wonderful opportunity to exchange residency weeks with similar luxury properties around the world. This is a fantastic additional benefit and choice for Appassionata owners,” says Michael Hobbs, co-founder of Appassionata Ltd.

Says Evan Julber, FractionalExchange.com CEO, “Bringing this premier Italian property into the FractionalExchange.com family creates new and exciting opportunities for all of our members. We are thrilled to have them join our program and look forward to serving their owners’ needs.”

About FractionalExchange.com
FractionalExchange.com is a global online owner-to-owner exchange network for owners of upscale vacation residences and fractional properties. The company was established in 2008 by parent company Sierra Holdings, Incorporated, an Oregon Corporation with offices in Bend, Oregon, USA. Servers are located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. http://www.fractionalexchange.com

About Appassionata, Ltd.
Appassionata Ltd. is a UK based development business specializing in the restoration and creation of unique fractional ownership properties in the region of Le Marche Italy. The business is boutique in nature and style, family run and aimed at like- minded people who want to experience real Italy and a luxurious lifestyle. Founded in 2004 the business takes its time; in Italy great things take time to evolve. Website: http://www.appassionata.com.

Bernard Freibaum, an accomplished financial executive with extensive real estate experience, has joined timeshare developer Shell Vacations LLC (www.ShellVacationsClub.com) as Chief Financial Officer. Freibaum will work closely with Shell Vacations Chairman and CEO Sheldon H. Ginsburg and President and COO Tracy L. Sherles in evaluating new growth opportunities and enhancing business operations within the company’s many divisions.

Added Ginsburg, “We are delighted to welcome a financial executive with Bernie’s impressive credentials and record of accomplishments. We are confident he will become a significant member of our team as we move forward into a new economy.”

Sherles agreed. “We believe our entire company will benefit greatly from Bernie’s expertise and considerable experience.”

During his more than three decades as a financial professional, Freibaum has worked for large public accounting firms as a real estate and tax consultant and for a host of real estate-oriented companies spanning all property types and disciplines. He has skills in development, management, acquisition, disposition, finance, tax and accounting.  Most recently, he was the Chief Financial Officer of General Growth Properties, Inc., which focused on regional shopping malls, where he was awarded “Best CFO” in the public Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) sector by Institutional Investor Magazine for three consecutive years, from 2004 to 2006.

A Chicago native, Freibaum holds a BS in Accountancy from the University of Illinois, an MS in Taxation from DePaul University and a JD from DePaul College of Law. He has attained the designations of Certified Public Accountant and Attorney-at-Law.

Headquartered in Northbrook, IL, Shell Vacations LLC is one of the most respected independent vacation ownership developers in the United States, operating or affiliated 23 resorts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company specializes in the sales and hospitality management of vacation ownership resorts as well as servicing over 125,000 owner and member families of its vacation ownership products.
www.ShellVacationsHospitality.com, www.ShellVacationsClub.com

Citadel is proud to announce that it will be attending the Fractional Summit in Abu Dhabi as a Ruby Sponsor. The decision by Citadel to support this event which is to be held at the spectacular Yas Hotel on the 23rd and 24th of November 2010, reflects the increasing importance of the Middle East region and the potential it offers the shared leisure market. The Abu Dhabi Fractional Summit is to focus on all the main aspects of the shared leisure industry from traditional timeshare through to all the different types of fractional products.

Christopher Allen, Director, commented “This is an exciting decision for Citadel and we firmly believe that the event will provide us with the ideal platform from which we can launch our bespoke services in the region. Citadel already has many years of experience in Europe, Asia and the Far East, so we see it as a natural progression for us to now look towards the Middle East and the business opportunities it can offer”.

Piers Brown, founder of event organizer Fractional Life, said: “We´re delighted to have Citadel on board for our first event in the Middle East. This sponsorship demonstrates Citadel’s true foresight and commitment to growing the shared ownership marketplace and we look forward to welcoming delegates and sponsors from around the world to network and discover the opportunities in this exciting region”.

Further to the success of the UK Fractional Summit held earlier this year at the Marriott Grovesnor, London, Citadel is also proud to confirm that it will be attending the 2011 event and, for the fourth year running, it will be supporting the Summit as a Gold Sponsor.

Citadel, which also specializes in emerging products, such as green energy and biomass products, requiring stakeholder, trustee and escrow services, as well as Hotel buy-to-let schemes and other leisure related investment products. Citadel has grown rapidly over since its inception and is authorized by the UK Financial Services Authority to set-up, operate and wind-up Unregulated Collective Investments Schemes, an area of business which has seen very strong growth in recent years and one which will be of particular focus for the company in the future. The Group now boasts offices in the UK, Spain, India, Thailand and China and is involved with projects valued at over $2.5 billion.

For further information about Citadel, please contact Christopher Allen, Director, Client Services and Business Development, by email chrisallen@citadeltrustees.com or, call the company’s UK Head Office +44 (0) 1276 482015/16

Global Connections, Inc. (www.exploregci.com) has selected Lou Anne Karlin to become General Manager of its Beso Del Sol Resort condotel in Dunedin, Florida. Karlin has more than six years experience in the hospitality arena focusing on property management and event planning.

“By utilizing Lou Anne’s expertise to promote onsite rentals, we are transforming the Beso Del Sol Resort into a highly popular destination for special gatherings,” commented Catherine Wunder, VP of Operations for Global Connections.

In addition to providing traditional property management services, Karlin has implemented a new marketing focus for resort rentals by soliciting guests for weddings, family and special events, corporate retreats and charitable causes.

Adds Karlin, “We are encouraging small and regional corporations along with non-profit groups to hold their events at the Beso Del Sol Resort. By offering such a beautiful venue, we have helped highlight many good causes and brought business to the City of Dunedin. In just a short time, we have welcomed corporate team-building gatherings and a televised cooking show. In June, Beso Del Sol will host the ‘Blooming Luau’ benefiting Blooming Place for Kids, a camp for children living in foster care.”

Global Connections was selected last year to handle property management services for the resort. Karlin and her staff provide all condominium maintenance and housekeeping services on behalf of the condo owners and manage the on-site rental and guest services office for owners desiring to participate in Global’s rental program.

Located on the West Coast of Florida, Beso Del Sol Resort is one of four company-owned resorts. After its purchase in July 2008, the waterfront property underwent a multi-million dollar renovation project of the nearly 80 units and common areas. The whole ownership condominiums include a mix of garden and Gulf-view studio units, as well as one- and two-bedroom condominiums, plus direct Gulf-front studio units. Amenities include two swimming pools, hot tub, waterfront sundeck, fitness center and private pier with boat slips, plus a tiki bar and grill. A waterfront venue for special events and corporate meetings is scheduled for a fall opening. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the 14-year old Global Connections’ (www.exploregci.com) travel club enjoys a membership base of over 150,000.

The company has developed and owns many of its properties like the Beso Del Sol Resort, with resorts currently located in Florida, California and Tennessee. Global Connections also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.

Vacation Planning and Demystifying Timeshares from the Comfort of the Couch

Planning a vacation has never been easier – just ask the viewers that have already tuned in to RCI® TV more than 1 million times for advice on where to eat, stay and play in the most popular destinations around the globe. The web-based television network, once exclusive to RCI subscribing members, began granting public access in November 2009 to its entertaining and educational high-definition videos narrated by the enigmatic “RCI Guy” on www.RCI.com. This 1 million-view milestone demonstrates that travelers are interested in not only learning more about the timeshare industry, but also visiting the hundreds of RCI’s more than 4,000 resorts who are showcasing their vacation destinations in high-definition video on-line. To celebrate this landmark number, RCI is giving away a choice of either an all-inclusive vacation at an RCI affiliated resort for up to four people valued at up to $5,000 USD for one week at any one of the stunning all-inclusive properties featured on RCI TV, or a one week stay for up to four people at any of the beautiful non all-inclusive “Resort Showcase” properties featured on RCI TV.

Recognizing that timeshare is still unfamiliar territory for many, RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), launched RCI TV in an effort to more heavily promote the benefits of owning or vacationing in a timeshare resort through a network of channels including: An Inside Look, What You Need to Know, Ask the RCI Guy, Resort Showcase, All Inclusive Resorts and Destination Reviews. Through tailored on-line and on-air programming, RCI provides travelers with answers to the age-old questions – How do timeshares work? What is the quality of the resorts, houses, condos and villas? Why are timeshare resorts the preferred vacation option for over 6 million owners and millions more non-owners who like the space, comfort, amenities and value that they offer?

“Since inventing the concept of timeshare exchange more than 35 years ago, RCI has been devoted to providing innovative technology and marketing solutions that add value for both our members and our affiliates,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “The overwhelming usage and success of RCI TV is beyond anything we originally envisioned when we launched it nearly a year ago. Moms and dads who are planning vacations want to see more than just pretty pictures as they plan their vacations. They want to be able to show their kids and email their friends links to beautiful videos that show where they’re headed or where they’ve just returned from as a family. With RCI TV surpassing 1 million views in such a short period of time, we’re happy that we’re giving our members what they’re looking for in this regard. Our commitment to adding more high-def video programming is stronger than ever and film crews are spanning the globe to bring these vacation resorts and destinations to life on peoples’ home computers, laptops, tablets and iPhones®. And most importantly, once a vacationer has experienced what we offer on RCI TV, our commitment is to then link them back to our affiliates’ websites, so that they can tell them more about their resorts.”

RCI also has notably made its debut into the mobile marketing world with the launch of an RCI application for the iPhone®, iPod touch® and iPadTM available through the Apple Store® retail store services. The RCI TV feature grants users immediate access to a list of featured Destination Channel videos currently available on RCI.com that they can then share or save. Additionally, RCI has launched a YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/rcitimeshare) that contains dozens of quality resort videos from RCI TV that showcase affiliated properties around the world. These new resources enhance the trip planning process for savvy travelers who tweet, text and blog and allows users to share vacation experiences with their social networks.

Consumers can visit http://rcisurvey.bgtpartners.com/rci-promotion.aspx to enter to win and can use their Resort & Residence TV promo code, ‘ThinkBig,’ for an extra 10 chances to win.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The RCI® TV Prize Draw is open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including D.C.) and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are at least twenty-one (21) years old at the time of entry.  See the link above for Official Rules, prize description and odds disclosure. Void where prohibited.

iPhone®, iPod touch® , and Apple Store® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., and iPadTM  is a trademark of Apple, Inc. This press release is an independent announcement and has not been authorized, sponsored or otherwise approved by Apple Inc.

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 65,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Exchange & 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, a research and consultancy firm providing advisory services to the global leisure real estate industry. 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 our media center.

De Vere Hotels and Resorts have appointed Kirstie Yates as the new head of marketing responsible for overseeing marketing communications at 13 luxury hotels within the collection.

Kirstie joins De Vere from pub company Mitchells & Butlers where she spent four years in brand development most of which was spent as senior marketing manager of O’Neill’s, the traditional Irish pub chain.

A graduate from Leicester University, where she gained a degree in politics and a masters in marketing, Kirstie started her career at international drinks group Diageo where she worked on the Guinness and Baileys brands before becoming brand manager for Smirnoff.

At De Vere Kirstie will be responsible for developing and overseeing local and national marketing activities for 13 hotels which includes a number of premier golf courses and luxury spa and conference facilities across the UK. Cameron House on the shores of Loch Lomond, Slaley Hall in Northumberland, The Grand Hotel at Brighton and Belton Woods in Lincolnshire are among the leading hotels within the collection.

In her new role she will report directly into chief executive Deborah Kemp who is spearheading the marketing drive which will focus on both promoting the meetings and incentive facilities to the corporate sector and attracting more leisure visitors.

Commenting on her appointment, Kirstie said: “I am joining De Vere at a very exciting time for the company and will be working closely with the hotel sales teams at a local and national level to maximise the marketing opportunities within their properties.

“With the rising cost of holidaying abroad, not to mention the recent disruption to air travel, we will be looking to attract more customers to our hotels which are very much part of the Great British holiday tradition. With outstanding spa, golf and leisure facilities, they are a great base for short breaks or longer holidays where couples or families can enjoy the surrounding countryside and numerous attractions.”

Newly-flagged resort is first vacation club in Punta Cana for Lifestyle Holidays

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club (LHVC), with corporate offices in Puerto Plata on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, announces its third property launch as part of a strategic alliance with Spain-based Globalia Corporation, opening sales at Grand Oasis Punta Cana. The new joint product will be called Dream Suites by Lifestyle at Grand Oasis Resort Punta Cana, and will feature 46 studios and standard rooms.

The Dream Suites by Lifestyle Punta Cana property is located next to Cabeza de Toro Beach and includes six restaurants, six bars, adult and children’s swimming pools, fitness center and spa, casino, daily activities, nightly shows and nearby golf at the 18-hole Catalonia Caribe Golf Club.

“We are thrilled about our growing partnership with Globalia, which brings us our first product offering in Punta Cana,” said Hans Larcher, Managing Director of Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club.  “Not only are we continuing to diversify in the types of accommodations we provide but now in different locations within the Dominican Republic, building from the success of our core location in Puerto Plata.”

Globalia Corporation is a leading travel and leisure conglomerate in Spain, owning and operating leading travel companies such as Air Europa, Oasis Hotels & Resorts, Travelplan, Iberrail, and call centers, technology and graphic art businesses.

At the end of 2009, LHVC launched its strategic alliance with Globalia Corporation for The Presidential Suites at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort in Puerto Plata.  In February this year, the company also announced its partnership with Globalia for the new Dream Suites by Lifestyle at Grand Oasis Marien in Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata. Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club also encompasses: The Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort in Puerto Plata with four distinct developments; The Tropical, The Crown Suites, The Crown Villas, and The Residence Suites; as well as Executive Spa Suites by Lifestyle in Puerto Plata; and the upcoming Costa Esmeralda by Lifestyle, Center Court by Lifestyle and The Level by Lifestyle resorts in Puerto Plata.

From hotel accommodations to stand alone villas, LHVC provides all members with a unique V.I.P concept with access to “members only” facilities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, exclusive beach areas and entertainment, as well as golf carts, limousine transfers and helicopter tours.

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club members, guests and families have a wide variety of activities available in the Dominican Republic.  In the North Coast, adjacent to its properties in Puerto Plata is the Ocean World Adventure Park with daily animal and aquatic shows and casino.  Other Puerto Plata activities include a cable car ride to the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres, white water rafting, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, boating, snorkeling, monster truck safaris and city tours of Puerto Plata, named one of the 53 best destinations in the world by The New York Times.  In Punta Cana, LHVC have access to some of the most beautiful beaches and golf courses in the country.  For more Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club info, go to www.lifestyleholidaysvc.com or call (809) 970-7777.

Following on from the industry-first success of Owners Perspective Magazine’s independent positioning of shared ownership products amongst general consumers through first class airport lounge distribution with more than a dozen of the world’s leading airlines, and in top hotels, resorts, golf clubs and spas, the specifically tailored Resort Developer Editions are helping on-site sales credibility, reducing new member cancellations and increasing the opportunities for upgrades, rentals and referrals.

Since its official launch last month, the publisher has announced confirmation for distribution and use at resorts in Mexico, Thailand, India, Bali, United Kingdom and soon plans to announce a number of confirmed contracts in Florida, Canada and Australia. These developer orientated special editions are backed by the credibility of the world’s largest independent publication for shared ownership products that is available to the general public and is exciting and motivating sales teams as it continues to be implemented in more and more resorts around the globe.

“We are so pleased with being able to provide another unique product to help increase sales and customer retention, and the rapid success of our Resort Developer Package is testament again to the quality of our work” says Paul Mattimoe, CEO of Perspective International Ltd.

With an incredibly versatile suite of options, developers can choose some or all of the features provided within the package to create the perfect fit for their operation(s) and orders can be placed with no long term commitment enabling resorts to quickly integrate at low cost.

For more information on Owners Perspective Magazine’s Resort Developer Options please request an information pack by emailing advertising@perspectiveinternational.com

Owners Perspective Magazine can be freely read online at http://www.ownersperspective.com

Tournament to be Held at Orange Lake Resort for 8th Consecutive Year

Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort is celebrating its eighth year as the Central Florida host of the RCI Christel House Open on Monday, June 7.  The tournament, held to support the Christel House mission of helping children around the world break the cycle of poverty, will be hosted at the resort’s 18-hole, Arnold Palmer-designed Legends golf course. Sponsorship and player opportunities are still available for participating in this event for a great cause.

Considered the largest single-day, charity golf tournament in the world, the RCI Christel House Open is spread out across 19 tournament sites spanning five continents. More than 1,800 golfers will tee off on this day for the charity—and 100% of the worldwide proceeds will go to programs and services that directly benefit the more than 3,000 children of Christel House.

The Christel House mission is a cause close to the heart for Orange Lake’s Chairman, Spence Wilson—son of Kemmons Wilson, founder of Orange Lake and also the Holiday Inn hotel chain—and Don Harrill, President and CEO of Orange Lake Resorts. Earlier this year, the two visited Christel House Mexico—a school with more than 350 students that continues to rank in the top 10% of all public schools in Mexico.

Harrill said, “It was amazing to see firsthand the amazing work made possible through the corporate and individual support that this foundation receives. Together, with this tournament, we’re continuing that momentum to make a real difference for the deserving children that Christel House serves.”

Orange Lake has partnered with the non-profit organization for the Group RCI Christel House Open since its inception in 2002 as the charity’s major site host. Last year, the company’s dedicated efforts helped to raise over $100,000 for the Christel House mission.

This event takes place as part of a series of community and charitable golf tournaments that Holiday Inn Club Vacations will be hosting this year. Other events planned for 2010 include a Golf Hospitality tournament in June—a complimentary tournament to thank local industry staff—and an event for FORE Charities, a fundraising organization that supports Central Florida charities.

For more information about hosting golf tournaments and outings at one of Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort’s four courses, contact Kimberly Chase, Assistant Director, Golf Sales & Marketing, at 407-905-1378 or kchase@orangelake.com.

For sponsorship opportunities and more information on how you can play in this tournament, contact Cathy Duncan, Manager of Corporate Events for Orange Lake Resorts, at 407-905-1979 or cduncan@orangelake.com.

Post-event photos available on request; please contact Brooke Doucha, Orange Lake Resorts Corporate Communications, at bdoucha@holidayinnclub.com.

About Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Holiday Inn Club Vacations was created in September 2008 as a strategic alliance between IHG, the world’s largest hotel company, and Orange Lake Resorts, a leader within the timeshare industry with more than 25 years of proven success.  Holiday Inn Club Vacation’s flagship property in Orlando, located next to Walt Disney World® Resort, was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson.  A 1,450-acre golf, water park and sports resort, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort includes 2,412 villas and plans for expansion to 4,500 villas.  Other member resort locations include Lake Geneva, Wis., Panama City, Fla. Brownsville, Vt., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Gatlinburg, Tenn.  Holiday Inn Club members enjoy access to Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts and IHG’s network of more than 4,400 hotels worldwide.  Holiday Inn Club Vacations will continue to expand their Member Resorts to top North American destination locations.  For more information on Holiday Inn Club Vacations, visit www.hiclubvacations.com.

New Sheraton Opens in Brooklyn’s Expanding Hotel Corridor with 321 Guestrooms, Rooftop Lounge with Dramatic NYC Views, Indoor Swimming Pool with Retractable Roof and More

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) is proud to announce the highly anticipated opening of the Sheraton Brooklyn New York. The 25-story contemporary, full-service hotel is owned by The Lam Group and features 321 guest rooms offering modern design, relaxed living space and stunning 360° views from the rooftop lounge. The Sheraton Brooklyn marks the first full-service hotel to open in Brooklyn in more than 12 years and is part of the brand’s strategic expansion that will add approximately 50 new hotels and over 20,000 rooms to the Sheraton portfolio over the next three years. The hotel also marks the first of two Sheraton hotels that will make their New York debut this year — The Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel will open Fall 2010.

Brooklyn is quickly becoming a top destination for tourists, business travelers and conventions, and with its revitalized Downtown, a new sports arena and the Brooklyn Nets, the borough has become a hot bed of new hotel development. With more than 35 hotel projects in the pipeline, the opening of the Sheraton Brooklyn kicks off the borough’s massive hotel growth spurt that will ultimately bring over 3,800 hotel rooms to Brooklyn.

Conveniently situated within the MetroTech Center on Duffield Street, the hotel is close to numerous large-scale businesses including Chase Manhattan Bank, the United States District Courthouse (S.D.N.Y) and Morgan Stanley, and is within easy reach of all major New York City airports, making it an ideal location for business travelers. It is also located next to the new Aloft hotel, Starwood’s high-design select-service brand, that is slated to open this Fall. The Sheraton Brooklyn offers leisure guests access to the historic neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, BAM cultural district, Atlantic Terminal Mall and the Polytechnic Institute of NYU. Nearby subways lines bring guests from Brooklyn to lower Manhattan in one stop or to Times Square in just 15 minutes.

“Sheraton has historically been one of the first hotel brands to enter developing markets and we are proud to lead the gentrification of Downtown Brooklyn with the opening of the borough’s first full-service hotel since 1998,” said Hoyt Harper, Senior Vice President, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts. “New York continues to maintain its position as the world’s most popular tourist destination for international visitors and recently emerged as the top choice for domestic travelers for the first time in nearly 30 years. The opening of the Sheraton Brooklyn raises Starwood’s New York City footprint to 14 best in-class hotels and as the economy continues to rebound, we are preparing for an influx of travelers to the city that never sleeps with new product located in rich, diverse neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Tribeca.”

The hotel’s rooftop lounge, high above downtown Brooklyn, will offer dramatic views and a relaxed atmosphere. Opening to the public later this year, the roof top will boast 2,000 square-feet of indoor space and 1,500 square-feet of patio space, perfect for enjoying a beverage or a bite while taking in the 360° views of Brooklyn and lower Manhattan.

The Sheraton Brooklyn also features the signature offerings of the brand’s recent $6 billion revitalization effort including the “Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft(R).” This unique lounge enables today’s travelers to stay connected with instant access to information and technology for work, leisure and social networking. The hotel’s distinctive new guest room experience reflects guests’ preferences for a flexible design. Each room features a 42″ LCD flat panel television, an MP3 Home Docking station, oversized work desks and comfortable seating and the all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper(R) bed. The hotel also features the brand’s revolutionary new health and fitness program, Sheraton Fitness, Programmed by Core Performance, a holistic program designed exclusively for Sheraton guests through its partner, Core Performance. The brand’s signature 1,000 square foot fitness offering also features a separate solarium with retractable roof, an indoor heated pool and Jacuzzi.

The hotel’s 21 suites include a choice of one or two bedrooms or hospitality suites equipped with wet bar and refrigerator. Select suites feature over-sized private terraces perfect for entertaining, relaxing or enjoying the sights and sounds of downtown Brooklyn. Special Club rooms are also available on private key-access floors giving guests access to the Club Lounge, which offers daily complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon hors d’ oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages. Starwood Preferred Guest(R) members receive access to private key-access SPG(R) floors.

Grubstake, a full-service restaurant with bar combined with a separate Lobby Lounge, provides the credibility of Manhattan and the charm of Brooklyn. The Bar will serve as Downtown Brooklyn’s premier martini and cocktail hangout with a strong focus on seasonal drink lists.

With 4,300-square-feet of flexible meeting space the Sheraton Brooklyn New York is the perfect venue for small to mid-sized meetings or events.

For more information please visit http://www.sheraton.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1000 properties in nearly 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft(R), and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com.

De Vere has launched a new, more accessible fractional ownership scheme enabling individuals and companies to buy into the ultimate in luxury at The Carrick on the shores of Scotland’s Loch Lomond.

With the new offering private and corporate clients can now purchase four and eight week fractions at the Mansion House which comprises a number of luxurious two-bedroom apartments. Owners benefit from a dedicated 24 hour concierge service as well as privileged membership of the Carrick Golf Club and Spa which forms part of De Vere’s Cameron House resort.

Previously the company had only marketed quarter share fractions, entitling buyers to 12 floating weeks throughout the year, but under the new scheme four and eight week fractions can also be purchased with a discounted entry price of just £49,450.

The new fractional ownership offering is designed to make the Mansion House more accessible and affordable according to Deborah Kemp, managing director of De Vere Hotels and Resorts.  “Since we launched the product in 2006, the market has obviously changed due to the economic climate, but we are confident that the quality and pricing of the Mansion House offering, together with the numerous other benefits on offer at the Carrick, will be extremely attractive to the marketplace”

A 12 week share at Mansion House costs from £143,000, with eight weeks priced from £101,915.  Under the scheme, owner’s weeks are split over three periods of the year including peak holidays and off peak.

De Vere is marketing the scheme through a new website, brochure and national roadshows and as well as introductory discounts is offering a number of incentives including free first year management fees for all purchases made in 2010.

Owners are able to rent out some of their weeks either privately or through De Vere and can  exchange weeks with other De Vere properties at Slaley Hall in Northumberland, Cameron House and Belton Woods in Lincolnshire.  The company is also affiliated with Interval International providing access to a worldwide network of 2500 resorts for exchange purposes.

Robb & Stucky Interiors, the internationally respected interior design and premier home furnishings retailer, was recognized on May 15 by the Lee Building Industry Association (Lee County, Florida) for design excellence. During the annual Pinnacle Awards presentation, Robb & Stucky (www.RobbStucky.com) took home six interior design awards and five advertising awards.

Pinnacle Awards were presented to:
• Interior Designer Jan Wallace, ASID Professional, for “Best Clubhouse-Lobby” at Marina Village at Tarpon Point in Cape Coral

• Interior Designers Christine Arnold, ASID Professional and Cynde Thompson, for “Best Interior Design for a Multi-Family Unit $200,000-$299,999” at Paseo, in Fort Myers.

• Interior Designer Joanne Wilseck, ASID Professional, for “Best Interior Design for a Multi-Family Unit $400,000-$499,999″ for The Capri at Lely in Naples.

• Interior Designer Zsuzsanna Wass de Czege, ASID Professional, for “Best Interior Design” for a Single-Family Home $400,000-$499,999″ for the Captiva Model in Cape Coral.

Interior Designers April Campbell and Diana Hall, both ASID Professionals, were awarded for “Best Interior Design” of a Multi-Family Unit $1,500,000-$1,999,999″ for Tavira, Unit 1202 at Bonita Bay. The design team was also awarded for “Best Interior Design for a Multi-Family Unit $2,000,000 to $2,699,999″ for Tavira, Unit 904 at Bonita Bay.

The advertising department of Robb & Stucky was also honored. The company’s in-house advertising department received Pinnacle awards for the following categories:  “Best Overall Advertising Campaign,” “Best Newspaper Ad,” “Best Magazine Ad,” “Best Direct Mail Ad” and “Best TV Commercial.”

The Lee Building Industry Association’s Sales & Marketing Council, in conjunction with their Remodelers Council, pays tribute to members who have obtained an outstanding level of success and professionalism in the sales, marketing, building and remodeling of homes during the past year.

Founded in 1915, in Fort Myers, Florida, Robb & Stucky is an internationally-recognized interior design and premier home furnishings retailer with showrooms in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Costa Rica. Robb & Stucky offers a unique lifestyle shopping experience with an unparalleled collection of fine furnishings and award-winning ensemble of designers. For more information, visit www.RobbStucky.com.

SPI Software’s VP of Client Services Gordon McClendon Asked to Serve on Federal Issues Committee of American Resort Development Association (ARDA)

SPI Software, creators of timeshare software used for marketing, sales, mortgage and maintenance fee servicing, central reservations, property management and operations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gordon McClendon, vice president of client services, to serve on the Federal Issues Committee of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

“SPI has been providing timeshare resorts with software for more than 25 years,” says McClendon. “We have been strong supporters of ARDA throughout our history and feel part of our responsibility in giving back to the timeshare community is serving on ARDA committees.”

“The Federal Issues Committee works with ARDA’s Federal Legislative team in Washington, D.C, to monitor legislative and regulatory policies that enable the vacation ownership industry to continue to provide high quality vacation products that remain accessible and affordable to all customers,” says ARDA Vice President of Federal Relations, ARDA-ROC/PAC Sandra “Sam” DePoy, RRP. “They work together to engage government officials at the federal level of government in constructive, ongoing dialogues and to participate in policy decisions affecting their ability to enhance the vision of vacation ownership. Our industry’s most prominent leaders play an integral role in shaping the agenda for the Federal Issues Committee and work to create a finely honed strategy for interacting with Congress, federal agencies and others to advance policies that strengthen our industry.”

About SPI 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. Gordon can be reached at Gordon@SPISoftware.com.

Thai hospitality, renowned for its warmth, friendliness and smiles, just got a little warmer as two industry management leaders joined forces on a boutique resort in Phuket, Thailand.

As part of its expansion into the Asia Pacific region, LaTour Hotels and Resorts, which offers personalized, luxury hospitality management services for four- and five-star properties worldwide, and Tri-Asia, a hospitality management company based in Phuket, Thailand, will now manage the Dewa Phuket Resort.

“Asia is a premier travel destination for affluent leisure and business travelers and an exemplary model of service and hospitality at its highest level,” said Tom LaTour, chairman of LaTour Hotels and Resorts. “We have found an ideal partnership with Tri-Asia, whose philosophy, ‘Excellence through people, for people, with people,’ mirrors our own. With our combined strengths, we look forward to continuing to build the LaTour brand in the Asia Pacific region.”

Dewa Phuket Resort is a luxurious four-star plus resort consisting of 34 resort pool villas and 62 one- and two-bedroom residences located a stones throw from the white sandy beaches of Nai Yang on the Andaman Sea. Dewa Phuket is a spacious, tranquil paradise catering to the discerning traveler, featuring lush landscaped gardens, two large pools, a Qi Shiseido Spa with double private spa treatment rooms with outdoor baths, restaurants, bars, a Bread & Butter bakery, shops, 24-hour room service and more.

“We’re excited to put Dewa Phuket Resort into LaTour Hotels and Resorts’ group of managed properties and welcome their team’s expertise and guidance in providing premier services. By introducing LaTour, we will only further enhance what we have already achieved and thereby add more value for all our individual home owners at Dewa Phuket. As the saying goes, more tools in the tool box,” said Lars Ydmark, managing director of Tri-Asia.

Tri-Asia, headed by veteran hotelier Lars Ydmark, is well established in the Phuket region where LaTour Hotels and Resorts also manage the IndoChine Resort in Kalim Phuket.

About LaTour Hotels & Resorts
With headquarters in San Diego and San Francisco, LaTour Hotels & Resorts, previously known as ResortCom Elite, offers customized, luxury hospitality management services for four- and five-star properties. The company’s goal is to make the ownership experience as unique, tailored and memorable as possible through superior service, distinctive amenities, imaginative activities and an obsessive attention-to-detail.

Offering services ranging from conceptual planning through marketing, sales, staffing and operations, LaTour Hotels & Resorts specializes in managing new and existing luxury fractional, private residence club, hotel, mixed-use and condo resort developments. The global company currently operates properties in the United States, Mexico and Thailand with upcoming expansion plans throughout South America, Europe and Asia.

For more information, visit http://www.latourhotelsandresorts.com, or contact Sarah Rezak at 619-683-2470 x.1659 or e-mail srezak@latourhotelsandresorts.com.

The tourism corporation—Sunset World—announced a $26 million dollar investment that will expand its range of accommodations to six resorts and more than a thousand hotel rooms in Cancun.

Comprised of 22 tourism companies, Sunset World announced a $26 million dollar investment that will expand its range of accommodations to six resorts and more than a thousand hotel rooms in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

The multi-million dollar investment will add 80 new units to expand the Sunset Fisherman Beach Resort in the Riviera Maya and a complete renovation of the Royal Sunset Beach Resort and its 264 rooms, said Orlando Arroyo Marroquín, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Sunset World. The investment is not including the scheduled construction of a new eco-luxury hotel with 450 rooms in the Riviera Maya.

The announcement was made during the XXXV Tourism Acapulco Tianguis, marking Sunset World’s position as one of the most important resort corporations in the Mexican Caribbean with 22 years in the industry.

The company recently incorporated two new boutique hotels in Cancun, the Laguna Suites Golf + Spa and the Ocean Spa Hotel, which were purchased and remodeled with an $11 million dollar investment. The exclusive tourism group also proudly announced the completion of the first phase of Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park in the Riviera Maya—a 273-room complex with a $60 million dollar investment.

With these new acquisitions, Sunset World will own six hotels and more than a thousand rooms with the Sunset Royal Beach Resort, Sunset Lagoon Resort & Marina, Laguna Suites Golf + Spa, Ocean Spa Hotel, Sunset Fishermen Beach Resort and Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature park—providing luxury and comfort in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort is the company’s most luxurious and ecological resort. With a 10-year master plan, Sunset World plans to build a total of more than 1,700 hotel rooms and residences available for whole or timeshare ownership in the 326-acre Tres Ríos natural reserve in the Riviera Maya. Future tourist developments in Cozumel and Isla Mujeres have also been included in the long-term plans of the company.

Sunset World was created in 1998 by Orlando Arroyo Marroquín with the financial support of visionary men in Cancun such as Romárico Arroyo Marroquín, Arturo Marcelín and Jorge Pallas Caceres.

In addition to modern hotels offering world-class services, the company offers the best vacation club ownership in Mexico and the Caribbean, awarded as such for 19 consecutive years with a Gold Crown by RCI, global leader in vacation ownership exchange.

Sunset World has become one of the most solid tourism corporations in the Mexican Caribbean. Due to its successful marketing, vertical and horizontal operation systems and direct sales, these strategies have allowed the hotelier company to grow and generate more than 5,000 jobs in Mexico, U.S., India, Philippines and England. Other important companies that fall under the Sunset World Corporation include the Marina Club Lagoon, the travel agency Sunrise Travel, car rental agency Royal Rent a Car, and its own progressive marketing firm.

Emily Ceruzzi of Global Connections, Inc. (www.exploregci.com) was recently named the recipient of one of the most prestigious awards presented annually by the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.), a vacation industry trade association. Emily was honored at C.A.R.E.’s historical 25th semi-annual conference, held in late April in New Orleans.

According to C.A.R.E president Alain Carr, “Emily was selected to receive the coveted Richard Gallardo Award for the important role she played in raising sponsorship funds to help defray speaker and conference costs. She has been a dedicated C.A.R.E. member for eleven years and currently serves on the Membership Benefits and Sponsorship Committees.”

Presented annually in recognition of outstanding service to C.A.R.E., the award was created in honor of Richard Gallardo, who served the organization for many years. Emily received her award from Ricky Gallardo, the son of Kathleen and Richard Gallardo, who were one of C.A.R.E.’s founding member families and present at the organization’s inaugural conference 25 years ago.

A nine-year veteran with Global Connections Inc. (GCI), Ceruzzi serves as General Manager of GCI’s 38-unit Sea Shells Beach Club, located in Daytona Beach, Florida. As General Manager, Ceruzzi leads 15 resort employees in the day-to-day operation of the property. She also handles marketing for resort rentals, oversees the centralized ordering for several Global properties, supervises four reservation agents and assists GCI travel club members with questions. Previously, she was manager of the Global Southeast Florida member fulfillment office for the nationally respected travel club company.

As a leader in the travel club industry, the 23-year old Global Connections provides its 150,000 members with a host of benefits and vacationing options to more than 700 resorts located from the Midwest to the Caribbean. GCI is the owner and developer of five resorts in California, Colorado, Florida and Tennessee and also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Partner alliances with exchange and cruise organizations, along with owned and leased properties provide on-demand locations in popular vacation destinations around the world for the company’s expanding member base. The company’s 28 sales centers are located in 20 states and are distributors of its travel club product, Global Discovery Vacations.
For more information visit www.exploregci.com