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

Since its inception in July 2008, Owners Perspective Magazine has established itself as the authority on buying timeshare, resort real estate and fractional ownership products, having been selected for distribution via the first class airport lounges of more than a dozen of the world’s leading airlines, luxury hotels, resorts, golf clubs and spas with a reach of over 50,000 highly targeted prospective buyers per edition.

Today, sees the launch of a new cutting edge website for the magazine, which offers access to all back issues in both digital page turn technology and downloadable PDF formats, web versions of all articles for easy search and reference, reader offers, competitions and the latest resort and luxury travel news updated daily.

The new site also has a social media element to it, combining the most popular features of Twitter and Facebook as well as offering Groups and Forums designed to glean positive feedback and consumer opinion on all aspects of shared ownership products.

To ensure the quality and integrity of its readership, all previous subscribers to the website are being asked to manually re-register, enabling Owners Perspective Magazine to have an accurate and active database of readers; with the new system also controlling any unsubscribing readers with ease.

Estimated figures predict that more than 10,000 will re-register over the next few weeks and the company expects rapid growth thereafter.

For more information visit www.ownersperspective.com

For information on advertising and editorial opportunities visit www.perspectiverates.com

International Shared Ownership Trade Publication to Become Survey Technology Media Partner

Robert A. Kobek, President of Mobius Vendor Partners, (MVP) an Indianapolis-based company that provides business process management and online customer feedback surveys for companies, associations and non-profit organizations, announced that it has joined forces with the UK-based Perspective Magazine as a primary vehicle for publishing important leisure industry research garnered by MVP’s CustomerCount online feedback system.

The CustomerCount® program collects and measures customer feedback.   CustomerCount tracks three primary components:  the reservation experience, the sales experience and the vacation experience. CustomerCount® is fully transparent to members, owners and guests.  The process begins with Email invitations and reminders and continues through to on-line reporting and analysis 24/7. It may be customized for use by shared ownership resort developments, as well as other businesses.

“We’re looking forward to working more closely with Perspective as it opens up a truly global market for CustomerCount.  In the few years the publishing company has been in the shared ownership market, their impact has been considerable.  As they expand into North America, we plan to be of assistance in growing both their advertiser and subscriber base,” said Kobek.

Paul Mattimoe, President and CEO of Perspective International Ltd.  Said “Before establishing our first company in 2003, we had more than 20 collective years of experience in timeshare sales, marketing and management and so we clearly recognize how the data collected by CustomerCount can impact sales, marketing and operations of resorts.  We are proud to be able to offer that information to our international clients and readers. We additionally look forward to working closely with Mobius Vendor Partners in other areas as we continue to rapidly expand our US Company’s presence, based out of Orlando, FL.”

Mobius Vendor Partners is a ten year old business process design and management company specializing in servicing the needs of the timeshare industry.  Mobius principals are active in ARDA through sponsorships and committee memberships.  For more information visit www.mobiusvp.com or call 317-816-6000.
Perspective Magazine, now available in North America, International and South Africa editions; boasts the widest reach of any independent trade publication for the shared ownership industry, and is officially distributed to all delegates at 20 major industry conventions and events worldwide. For more information visit www.perspectiverates.com  or call +1 407-362-1540 (USA) or +44 191 250 3501 (UK)

Tapestry Resorts has announced the appointment of longtime travel professional Ken Owens to the position of managing director of Travel Escapes Club, Tapestry Resorts’ members only full-service travel club.

Owens has taken on this position in addition to his other responsibilities as Vice President of Reservations and Travel Services, overseeing Tapestry Resorts’ reservations, call centers and Platinum Concierge Services.

“With his extensive background in the travel and vacation industry, including sales, marketing and reservations functions for a number of well known providers in the airline, cruise line, yacht chartering and travel agency segments, Owens was the obvious and ideal candidate to drive the continued growth of our Travel Escapes Club,” said Charlie Martin, Tapestry Resorts’ Senior VP, Strategy & Performance Management. “He is extremely knowledgeable and a true professional travel marketer and operator.”

Owens brings over four decades of experience in the travel industry. Prior to joining Tapestry Resorts in 2002, Owens was the Vice President of Marketing for RCI Resort Management. He has also held high level management, director and VP positions with Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA), Sitmar Cruises, Princess Cruises, Radisson Hotels/Diamond Cruise line, The Moorings and Balboa Travel.

The Travel Escapes Club, Tapestry Resorts’ members-only travel club, was specifically designed to provide value-added discounted travel options to timeshare owners and timeshare vacation club members. Members can enjoy discounts on cruise ships, car rentals, hotel and resort lodging worldwide, timeshare and condo rentals, airline tickets, destination activities and events and more.

In business since 2005, Travel Escapes Club is growing rapidly as its travel offerings have expanded significantly over the past few months to include The Moorings (world’s largest charter yacht company), Carnival, Le Boat, Resort Time, Luggage Pros, plus an air booking engine. “We’re excited about the new offerings that we have recently added and have many more coming soon,” said Owens. “We are also pleased with how easy it is for members to use the new website – which went live in March – and take advantage of the many valuable offers from our partners.”

For more information on the Travel Escapes Club, including membership and benefits, visit http://www.TravelEscapesClub.com.

About Tapestry Resorts
For every client, Tapestry Resorts, a full-service hospitality management company, weaves a team of experienced thought leaders and skilled team members who exemplify its tagline: “We Listen, We Deliver, We Guarantee It.”  Tapestry Resorts’ global network of hospitality professionals – over 250 strong – provides the expertise, tools and solutions its clients need to grow their revenue, improve their bottom line and delight their owners and guests.  For more information, visit http://www.tapestryresorts.com

Expedia® travelers have ranked The Cove On Ormond Beach among the world’s best hotels on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select™ list. The list formally recognizes individual hotels worldwide that consistently deliver excellent service, a great overall experience and a notable value.  The full list represents only a small percentage of the world’s top hotels from the more than 110,000 hotel properties offered on Expedia.

“Delivering superior service to our guests is a top priority at The Cove On Ormond Beach,” said Sulyn Stumbras, Island One Resorts Hospitality Group president. “We are pleased that our efforts have been acknowledged by Expedia travelers and look forward to extending our high level of service to even more guests. General Manager Regina Barbour and her team truly exemplify our commitment to hospitality.”

The 2010 Expedia Insiders’ Select™ list is compiled based on the more than one million Traveler Opinions hotel reviews collected by Expedia, combined with a value rating and the local market expertise of more than 400 Expedia employees in local markets worldwide, resulting in an easy-to-browse list that provides travelers with a powerful way to find the perfect hotel using the trusted insight of other travelers like them. The list showcases the diverse selection of travel destinations and hotel properties.

The Cove On Ormond Beach, in Ormond Beach, Florida, is a 112-villa resort situated on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort’s villas are comprised of studios, one- and two-bedroom accommodations. All villas feature an ocean view, full kitchen and private balcony. The resort was originally comprised of a 54-villa tower. An adjacent 58-villa addition to the existing resort structure opened in 2006. Resort amenities include: oceanfront activity deck featuring a two-story tube slide; indoor heated swimming pool; owners lounge; oceanfront hot tub; game room; organized activities; barbecue and picnic area; fitness center; private beach access; 1,500 gallon salt water aquarium; private oceanview balconies; concierge services; and wi-fi access.

Island One Resorts has provided extraordinary timeshare vacation experiences through resort development and hospitality management since 1981. The company’s 750 team members are focused upon providing innovative and value-driven benefits to its over 65,000 owners. Its points-based vacation club, Club Navigo, offers 30 resort destinations throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe. Through Club Navigo, developers have access to award-winning sales, marketing and communications programs; operational support; state-of-the-art reservation and computer systems; and one of the most seasoned management teams ever assembled in the industry. To learn more about Island One Resorts, visit islandone.com or clubnavigo.com.

CONTACT: Sheila Morris: 407.215.4255  sheila.morris@islandone.com.

Presents Awards, Names Board Members & Works With Charity Food Bank

There was a great deal of prideful celebrating going on in New Orleans as the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.) reached a significant milestone in its 25-year history by welcoming members to its 50th semi-annual conference, held in late April. The Silver and Gold Conference celebrated not only C.A.R.E.’s quarter of a century as an organization, but also recognized special members who have helped their group succeed over the years.

Held at the landmark Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue, the historical spring conference attracted over 160 member representatives in spite of the current economy. New Orleans was also the site of the first C.A.R.E. (www.care-online.org) conference 25 years ago. Former board members and award winners were recognized for their contributions in bringing the organization to its current respected status.

Emily Ceruzzi of Global Connections was honored at the conference with the prestigious Richard Gallardo Award. Emily was instrumental in raising sponsorship funds to help defray speaker and conference costs. Emily has been a C.A.R.E. member for 11 years and 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. The award was presented to Emily by 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.

Another special celebratory event included honoring Travel Advantage Network (TAN) of Millersville, MD with the Silver & Gold award for contributing more than $300,000 in C.A.R.E. sponsorship donations over the past 25 years.

New officers installed at the conference were Vice Presidents, Debi Mongan of Travel Advantage Network (TAN), who was newly elected for a one-year term and incumbent Linda Mayhugh of Accommodations Unlimited, re-elected for a three-year term. Alain Carr remains C.A.R.E.President.

Since several C.A.R.E. members had expressed an interest in participating in a charitable activity to give back to the resort communities that have served them for many years. Board member Dave Dawson and others helped locate the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. After the close of the conference, several C.A.R.E. members donated their time and efforts by working at the food bank for half a day in a warehouse facility.

Described Dave: “Our volunteers sorted and repacked food donated by major grocery chains prior to distribution to soup kitchens that feed the homeless abused, and women’s shelters. Everyone was exhilarated by the team coming together and felt a great deal of gratitude for being able to serve the community through their efforts. It was an experience we will long remember.”

With leadership by Jeanette Bunn, the conference’s silent/live auction raised over $10,000 to help promote C.A.R.E. through advertising to attract new member companies. Five percent of the total auction proceeds were donated to the New Orleans chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Auction items donated included five RCI weeks, three Global Connections weeks, accommodations in Colorado, California and Branson, and ads in Resort Trades and the Management & Operations magazine, plus other popular items.

C.A.R.E. is comprised of resort developers and service companies, property management firms, homeowners associations, rental and exchange organizations and travel clubs engaged within the vacation industry. Members are located in the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. The member companies of the association offer over 2,500 vacation properties and services to over a million vacation owner members, along with the tools to provide outstanding vacation services while remaining committed to the highest standards and ethics. www.care-online.org

Timeshare and fractional ownership magazine publisher Perspective International increases its presence in North America with the appointment of Rosanne Luba as director of sales for the region.

Luba, who is based in Orlando, Florida, will directly contribute to the ongoing growth of the company throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Perspective International Ltd has seen rapid growth over the past few years, most notably through Perspective Magazine and Owners Perspective Magazine.

“I am very excited to be joining such a successful organization. Perspective Magazine has been an information leader in the timeshare industry for a number of years and the credibility, integrity and innovation of people such as Paul and Sharon Mattimoe are what attracted me to this position. The expansion plans for this year will position Perspective North America as the must-read source of information for vacation ownership and I can’t wait to get started .“ Said Rosanne Luba.

Prior to joining Perspective International, Luba was sales training and T.O. director for Sell My Timeshare Now. She began her tenure as a sales representative in SMTN’s Florida office in October 2003 and was promoted to sales manager in 2004. She was then promoted to director of sales following her relocation to the New Hampshire office, a position she held from 2006 through 2009.

Prior to working with SMTN, Luba worked as an advertising sales consultant for a newspaper in her native Australia following a successful 17-year career as a sales and marketing tour manager for Holland America cruise line. She has had an extensive career in achieving and exceeding sales targets, public speaking, advertising and marketing, creating and developing marketing materials and developing motivational sales strategies.

“Since launching the dedicated North America version of Perspective Magazine and with a similar move planned for our consumer publication imminent we are seeing our goals for the region being achieved and so we are delighted to welcome Rosanne to the team, who will be establishing our Orlando based sales and marketing team.” Said Paul Mattimoe, CEO of Perspective International.

Perspective Magazine – which comprises of two editions: Perspective Magazine North America and Perspective Magazine International – has become the most read independent trade publication globally for the shared ownership industry and become media sponsor of 19 major industry events around the world.

Owners Perspective Magazine is the only independent consumer publication that specializes in promoting the benefits of buying shared ownership products to be made available to the general public via a variety of high-profile distribution channels through major brands, including, but not limited to, more than 150 first class airport lounges worldwide with over a dozen airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta and more, as well as in luxury hotels, resorts, spas and golf clubs. Through each of these outlets, Owners Perspective Magazine positively exposes consumers to timeshare and fractional vacation products, as well as destination and private residence clubs.

For more information on advertising and editorial opportunities call Rosanne Luba on 407-362-1540 or visit http://www.perspectiverates.com

Resort in renowned Colorado ski area extends relationship with the world’s largest vacation exchange program.

RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), and The Christie Lodge in Avon, Colorado, recently announced the renewal of their longstanding affiliation agreement.

Pictured from left to right at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2010 Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada, are Gordon Gurnik, president of RCI North America; Lisa Siegert-Free, general manager, The Christie Lodge; and Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI.

“We are honored and extremely pleased to continue this great relationship with The Christie Lodge,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “The fantastic location of this resort along with the quality of its accommodations offers a vacation experience that is consistent with what our members are seeking.”

Located in Avon, Colorado, The Christie Lodge is only one block away from the new Avon Gondola with direct access to Beaver Creek. The resort boasts 280 one- and three-bedroom condos and amenities that will accentuate any trip to the Colorado Rockies.

“It is an easy decision to continue working with RCI,” said Lisa Siegert-Free, general manager, The Christie Lodge. “RCI is the world’s largest vacation exchange company and maintaining access to their network is very valuable for our resort and owners.”

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 65,000 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, 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.

Trading Places International (TPI) holds an A+ national accreditation rating – the highest honor achieved from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Ratings are determined by a formula in accordance with the BBB’s guidelines, which encompass the importance and the appropriate “score” for each category, including experience, operation time, advertising, complaint history, and accreditation.

In order to achieve such a prestigious rating, Trading Places has shown its worth as an honest and reliable company, acknowledging consumer complaints and promptly resolving problems for over 36 years.

“We’re pleased to join such an elite group of hospitality service businesses in the BBB accreditation system,” said RJ Jackson, TPI President. “We will strive to meet the BBB’s high expectations, and continue to exceed those of our customers.”

Trading Places International is a 36-year veteran of the travel and vacation ownership industries. It is the only vertically-integrated, independent timeshare company providing full service resort/association management, timeshare rentals and exchanges, and travel agency services. It currently oversees more than 71,000 timeshare owners at over 30 resort locations in Hawaii, Mexico, South America, and mainland United States. www.tradingplaces.com

Winter Park Construction (WPC), one of Central Florida’s largest and most respected general contractors, was recently selected to complete a new retail/office building on Turkey Lake Road in Orlando.

Built for Successo Development, LLC, the $2.2 million two-story building will house the offices of ophthalmologist David M. Pon, MD, MPH,  and his staff as well as other retail businesses.

As Project Manager for the new building, Mickey Duclos reports that construction on the new facility began in March with an expected completion date of August 2010. The 22,556 square foot building will be fabricated of masonry and structural steel with storefront, stucco exterior, and a concrete roof tile system.

Jeff Forrest, President of Winter Park Construction added,  “We are being asked to bid on more and more new construction facilities like this and are honored to do this work. Clearly, the economy is showing signs of upward movement with professionals like Dr. Pon forging ahead to construct their own facilities.

Founded in 1974, Winter Park Construction specializes in the commercial, multi-family, hospitality, student housing, and senior living markets.  WPC has completed projects all over the Southeast United States, Las Vegas, and Cancun, Mexico.

The Orlando Business Journal has ranked Winter Park Construction one of Central Florida’s largest local construction/general contractor companies. With revenues exceeding $200 million, Winter Park Construction has completed over one billion square feet of construction work including over 10,000 timeshare units and 30,000 units in the multi-family sectors. Over 40% of the operations staff with management responsibilities are LEED accredited.

For more information, visit www.wpc.com.