Top Ten Timeshare Questions Answered

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and the National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA), have announced a year-long campaign to help educate consumers about timeshare vacations. The first initiative answers ten of the most frequently asked questions.

As a first step, ARDA and NTOA contacted consumers to gauge the level of understanding of timeshare vacations, and the data unveiled a need for clarification and education about the industry. As a result, a Top Ten Questions list is available on both associations’ web sites, along with detailed answers.

Questions ranged from ‘what is a timeshare?’ and ‘what are the costs involved?’ to the more complex topics, such as ‘is a timeshare a good investment?’

“We are always looking for feedback from consumers,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “It’s a great way to hear firsthand the questions people may have about vacationing with timeshare.”

The two associations recently agreed to a joint effort to educate consumers about vacation ownership. Other activities this year will include profile stories and social media outreach.

“Collaborating with ARDA on this initiative helps us bring a broader perspective to the consumer,” said Ed Hastry, president, National Timeshare Owners Association. “We are excited about working with existing and potential owners to enhance their understanding and appreciation of timeshare.”

The National Timeshare Owners Association is a consumer protection organization comprised of timeshare owners acting in the interest of timeshare owners. Its mission is to be a powerful recognized influence in the timeshare industry, to provide a forum for face-to-face exchanges of experiences and ideas among timeshare owners, to keep members informed about events and developments in the timeshare industry and to provide a means for informal exchanges, rental, and sale of units. For more information, visit www.nationaltimeshareownersassoc.com.

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). For more information, visit www.arda.org or ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.

ARDA Announces 2010 Circle of Excellence (ACE) and ARDY Winners

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recognized their top industry leaders at the annual Awards Gala of the 2010 Convention & Exposition, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The evening event, sponsored by Holiday Systems International (HSI), showcases the outstanding accomplishments among individuals, teams, resorts, and companies in a variety of categories.

“It’s about recognizing the ‘best of the best’ in the vacation ownership industry,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA. “We shine the spotlight on those individuals whose peers have nominated them for the impact and perseverance they have shown in their professional lives.”

The ACE Lifetime Achievement Award is given to an individual whose leadership, professionalism, creativity, reliability and quality standards and ethics are demonstrated in an outstanding body of work. The year’s posthumous recipient, Lynn Weas, RRP, impacted the timeshare industry with his dedication to the growth of ARDA-ROC to a powerful and influential collective voice of millions of timeshare owners. His commitment to the industry is forever endeared by the hundreds of timeshare professionals he mentored.

The ACE Community Service Award recognizes outstanding community contributions by an ARDA member individual or organization. Raising over $2 million in donations, Gold Key Resorts in Virginia Beach was honored with their work uniting over 10,000 participants in the ALS Walk and the ground-breaking of what has now become JT’s Grommet Island Park, a beachfront park that enables people with ALS to come and enjoy the coastline.

The ACE Women on their Way Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of women who continue to excel and advance in the industry. Yvonne Chang personifies this award with her development in system solutions, opening the first timeshare sales center in a retail mall, and her inspiring dedication to her fellow colleagues of the Disney Vacation Club.

The ACE Philanthropic Award recognizes the outstanding philanthropic effort for a humanitarian cause by an individual or company. This year’s recipient, RCI, was honored for their hard-work and dedication to the over 3,000 students of Christel House International. Their efforts through the Summer of Christel House and the Christel House Open have provided opportunities for children to receive clothes, food, and reliable shelter to break the cycle of poverty and pursue their dreams.

The ACE Innovator Award recognizes those who have successfully implemented a groundbreaking product, service or concept. Concord Servicing Corporation is recognized for their new product, Console, a software tool that works as a workflow decision engine, accelerating the process of organizing collection obligation cases and deciding how best the manage them.

The ACE Employee of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding employee who has demonstrated commitment, loyalty, superior performance, and the willingness to go above and beyond. This year’s recipient, Adriene Edwards of the Welk Resort San Diego property, was honored for her embodiment of timeshare, consistently showing her personal dedication to the product and its owners.

The ACE Employer of the Year Award recognizes an employer that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to its employees. Disney Vacation Club, was honored for their substantial package of benefits for health and medical support, their Center for Living Well wellness program, and their commitment to the employees who were affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

The ACE Volunteer Award is given to a member of ARDA who consistently gives his/her time, energy, creativity, and talents to further ARDA’s goals and objectives. J.P. Ottino is this year’s winner for his excellence in the creation of the ARDA Circle of Excellence Awards and his 20-plus years of service, to the industry and as both chair and co-chair of the Awards Committee.

In addition to the ACE Awards, ARDA awarded ARDY’s to finalists in marketing and sales; management and administration; advertising and promotion; and resort design categories. For a list of winners and finalists, please visit www.ARDA.org/awards.

About ARDA
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). Visit ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.

Ten Outstanding People and Projects Selected as Industry’s “Best in Class”

At the American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) 2010 Convention & Exposition in Las Vegas, 10 people and projects nominated under the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand achieved the highest honor in the timeshare industry: the ARDA Gold.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations’ ARDA Gold winners this year include the following people:

• Peter Menges, Marketing Management Executive

• Joanna Lambert, Sales Management Executive

• Marc Shaw, Sales Trainer

• Mike Blank, Salesperson – In-House

• Taciana Quiles, Administrative Staff Member

• Shawn Boschert, Resort Assistant Manager

• Clifford Black, Resort Staff Member

• Tim Williams of Gatorland®, Vendor / Supplier Staff Member

And the following projects in the Advertising and Promotions category:

• Lifetimes owner newsletter – Fall 2009, Newsletter Print Format

• Shop. Dine. Play. Golf Campaign, Integrated Marketing Campaign

Timeshare developer Orange Lake Resorts, with more than 25 years in the industry, has been a member of ARDA since 1982. Since Orange Lake’s strategic marketing alliance with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) in September of 2008, the company has submitted their nominations for the highly esteemed ARDA Awards under the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand. This year’s performance at the 2010 ARDA Convention was a company record.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations has already hired more than 500 employees year to date across their resorts and have more than 100 open positions at their Orlando, Fla. and Myrtle Beach, S.C. locations.

For more information on career opportunities with Holiday Inn Club Vacations, contact Carolyn Argo at 407.905.1456.

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 2,478 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.

Through IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards, guests renting villas will earn Priority Club points during their stays at Holiday Inn Club Vacations, which they can redeem for free nights at IHG properties or exchange for merchandise and special experiences.  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.

Progress Results From Customer Count © Online System Shows Water Conservation at Top of Resort Managers List

CustomerCount©, in partnership with the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and Triton Timeshare Software has launched a survey to ascertain the resort industry’s property management commitment and direction when it comes to Green Initiatives.  The survey which was emailed to over 18, 000  hospitality professionals has provided some initial results, according to  Bob Kobek, President of Mobius Vendor Partners’ creator of the CustomerCount feedback system.

Preliminary tabulations from the real time, online feedback provided by the CustomerCount survey show that  when it comes to “going green”  at their resorts, 80% of those participating are concentrating on water conservation, particularly in the area of internal plumbing, as well as refurbishing showers and toilets to become more water efficient.  Nearly as high on the list of green efforts was trash recycling; according to the cross tabulation report, only 20% of resorts responding were not recycling their trash. Among those who have been, most definitely separated paper and cardboard from the balance of their trash.  Only 67% responded they separated the aluminum.

The survey also looked at such efforts as HVAC Monitoring, Lighting and Building Materials.  The lightest in the area of a green commitment (for 2010 plans) is still building materials, where answers were divided 43% (yes) and 67% (no).  This may be due to the lack of plans for total build outs as well as larger remodeling plans.

The survey continues to be available on line until the end of March; it will also be online at the Triton Timeshare Software booth, and various Wi-Fi locations at the American Resort Development Association convention at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV from March 14-18.

In order to encourage vital responses all timeshare professionals responding to this survey will have a tree planted in their honor by Arbor Day Foundations as part of its “Replanting Our Forests” campaign.

The project is designed to support ARDA’s Sustainability/Green Design Group committee to help establish the future direction of the committee’s focus.

The CustomerCount Online Feedback process began with Email invitations and reminders and continues through to on-line reporting and analysis 24/7. It has been customized for this survey.  Originally designed by Mobius Vendor Partners for its client RCI, the Online Feedback system collects and measures feedback from customers and can be designed, such as in this case, for other market measuring campaigns as well.

The Customer Count Survey is available at https://www.customercountsurveys.com/front/TheTrades/

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.

Triton, founded in 1997 under the name Sarasota Software Solutions, is used by such resorts as Tropic Shores, Daytona Bch, FL and The Galleon (Key West), Scottsdale Camelback Resorts (Scottsdale, AZ), Whiski Jack Resorts (Whistler, Canada), Magens Point (St. Thomas) and the Goodmanagement, (New Port News, VA) to name a few.  In addition to RAL Resorts, Triton recently signed Emerald Island Condominiums (Hot Springs, AK) and Bayan Resort (Key West).   For more information visit the web site at www.timesharesoftware.com .

Marriott And Bluegreen Report High Value In Organization

Women in the Industry (WIN) is pleased to announce two more of its initial corporate members have recommitted to another year of support. As a founding benefactor and sponsor of WIN’s recent Florida Regional Meeting, Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI) has re-enlisted as a champion of the two-year old non-profit organization.

“We are impressed that WIN has kept many our key industry employees engaged and productive during these tenuous times,” said Lani Kane-Hanan, Sr. Vice President at MCVI.  “We support the concept of diversity that WIN so enthusiastically promotes, but as importantly we’ve seen some concrete benefits such as educational and training sessions held by the organization.”

Bluegreen Corporation, which also sponsored the WIN Florida event, has signed up once again as a corporate patron for 2010.  “The WIN group accomplished so much at a grass roots level in the past two years that we are proud to be established as one of its growing roster of corporate members.  Its education committee is formulating an impressive platform of research studies which will give us a body of knowledge to improve our product and the way it is marketed over the next few years,” said John M. Maloney, Jr, President and CEO.

Women in the Industry (WIN) advocates, educates and connects women in the vacation industry.  It is a dynamic, diverse, non-partisan global organization providing leadership, mentoring, philanthropic and educational opportunities to women and those who support women; connecting members locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The group will also hold their annual networking event during the annual American Resort and Development Association (ARDA) Convention in Las Vegas on March 16th from 5:30-7:30 at the Double Helix at the Venetian Resort.

For more information about becoming a sponsor, individual or corporate member of WIN, call Cathy Backus at 858.344.2139.

Standard & Poor’s Report Bullish on Timeshare

Despite the recession, timeshare asset-backed securities (ABS) is one of the few asset classes demonstrating a renewed level of investor demand and resilient credit performance according to a recent Standard & Poor’s analysis. In addition, Fitch Ratings found that total ABS delinquencies fell compared to the same period last year for the first year-over-year improvement since August, 2007.

Issuance of ABS based on timeshares passed the one billion dollar mark in 2009 with more than two-thirds being in the fourth quarter. Ratings performance was solid, in part because timeshare note structuring offers sufficient credit enhancement to absorb multiples of the historical default levels. As a result, developers such as Marriott, Wyndham, Diamond Resorts, Bluegreen and Starwood have issued new term securitization and sold them to the capital markets in 2009.

“This is another indicator that our market is resilient and that recovery has begun,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Developments Association (ARDA). “The increase in delinquencies and defaults in the sector since September 2008 has been relatively modest especially when compared to other ABS classes, and we believe preliminary signs indicate that the worst is over.”
Credit enhancements such as subordination, over collateralization, reserves, excess spread, and triggers explain in part why the timeshare asset class has weathered the downturn relatively well. To date, Standard & Poor’s has not downgraded a single tranche of timeshare ABS securities issued since 2000.

“Thus far in this recession, credit enhancement in timeshare ABS transactions has been adequate, in our opinion, to counter the impact of economic and sector downturns,” says David Wyss, Standard & Poor’s chief economist. “If this performance outlasts the downturn, there is reason to believe that the upswing in new issuance should continue. It is also possible that issuance could again include smaller developers who, before this downturn, had access to the ABS capital market.”

About ARDA
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). Visit ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.

Focus on Education and Networking Attracts Timeshare Executives from around the Country

In just six weeks the annual American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention will take place in Las Vegas. Held at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino on March 14-18, attendees at this year’s event will tackle a variety of topics including finding success in difficult economic times and leveraging social media.

It is the premier opportunity for industry leaders to network, share insights and learn new things that will help them throughout the year. The convention also provides prominent exposure for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees among a robust representation of the industry.

“Attendees will walk away from this year’s convention with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and energy for this terrific vacation product called timeshare,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “We have dynamic speakers and sessions planned, and I encourage everyone to make the time to attend this important learning and networking event.”

This year’s keynote speaker, sponsored by RCI, is Andy Sernovitz. Mr. Sernovitz is considered the guru of the word-of-mouth marketing movement, helping companies understand the radical changes brought by blogs, MySpace and consumer-generated media. Other hot topics in convention sessions will include new sources of financing, resales, and customer care.

Those who register by February 10 will save up to $300 off the registration cost and will be included in the Attendee List, which is known as the “industry phonebook.” They will also be able to register for the popular workshop forums including Sales and Marketing, Fractional and Private Residence Clubs, Resales, and New Business Models.

Discounted group rates at The Venetian Resort for ARDA members are available through February 9 by calling 877-283-6423. ARDA members who stay at the Venetian also qualify for Stay and Play, special benefits that include slot credit and restaurant discounts.

Companies interested in participating as sponsors or exhibitors may contact Bob Craycraft at 202-371-6700, or bcraycraft@arda.org. Visit www.ARDA.org for more information.

About ARDA
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). Visit ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.

Wellington Financial Reveals Details About Liberty Bank’s Loan to Vermont Timeshare Resort Developer

Wellington Financial, the exclusive Resort Finance lending correspondent for Liberty Bank, is pleased to announce the bank has closed a $10 million receivables hypothecation facility with Smugglers’ Notch (www.smuggs.com) in Vermont.

“The facility will be used to finance future timeshare sales,” says Bill Stritzler, owner and managing director of ‘Smuggs.’ “We found the team from Liberty Bank and Wellington Financial to be first-rate when it came to understanding our needs. It’s refreshing to deal with a lender who understands timeshare so well. We’re looking forward to a long-term relationship.”

Liberty Bank Vice President, David Brede observes, “Smugglers’ Notch has been an important timeshare and ski resort developer for many years. We are very impressed with their management team and their consistently high standards.”

Shawn Brydge, senior vice president at Wellington Financial, noted that, “The resort is a terrific four-season destination and management has done a great job of creating a staff that feels more like a family.  The entire operation is run with a passion and excitement directed at creating the best vacation experience possible for each guest; it’s easy to see why they have such successful resort and timeshare operations.”

About Smugglers’ Notch Resort
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is located in northern Vermont’s Green Mountains with skiing and snowboarding for all abilities on 78 trails and 1000 acres of terrain on three mountains. The Resort’s extensive family programs have been recognized by SKI Magazine, the Family Travel Forum, FamilyFun Magazine, and Condé Nast Traveler magazine, among others. Lodging includes more than 600 privately owned and timeshare condominiums. Smugglers’ has received awards from SKI Magazine, the Vermont governor’s office, and other state environmental stewardship agencies for its innovative approach to environmental stewardship. The resort is privately owned by the Smugglers’ Notch Management Co., Ltd.

About Liberty Bank
Established in 1825, Liberty Bank (www.liberty-bank.com), based in Middletown, Connecticut, is that state’s oldest mutual bank, with more than $3.0 billion in assets. Liberty Bank has been actively lending to the timeshare industry throughout the U.S. for over 30 years. The bank’s commitment to superior service has resulted in lending relationships with some of the industry’s largest and most successful developers. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

About Wellington Financial
Wellington Financial (www.wellington-financial.com) is the exclusive Resort Finance lending correspondent for Liberty Bank and specializes in lending to developers of timeshare resorts, fractional resorts and retail land. Founded in 1981, the finance and service company offers a full range of products, including receivables hypothecation, purchase and conduit facilities; pre-sale and working capital lines of credit; acquisition, construction and renovation financing, as well as mezzanine and equity debt financing. President Ron Goldberg serves on the Board of Directors for the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

John Farrow

John Farrow, President of Farrow Commercial, has recently been named Lead for the Regulatory sub-content group within the Construction and Design Committee for the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). Farrow will guide the Regulatory sub-content group as it advises ARDA members not only on construction issues but also on changing regulatory issues and national construction guidelines affecting them. Farrow will also direct committee members in both ADA and FHA building guidelines, along with fellow ARDA members from the legal profession.

Commented Farrow, “I am honored to accept this important position within ARDA. Many members do not recognize that there is an ongoing legal battle in some states whether or not a timeshare resort has ‘transient’ guests. When a resort property is impacted by ADA or FHA legislation, this issue can have a significant affect on a host of construction and design directives. We are currently working with several attorneys who specialize in this field and share their knowledge with our members.”

According to attorney Rosemary O’Shea of Baker Hostetler, “As a fellow team member, we are lucky to have John Farrow as our lead. He brings a great deal of energy, together with his expertise on renovations and other construction issues to the group.”

Added Margit Whitlock AIA, Chairman of the Design and Construction Committee, “John has the unique ability to offer solutions that work aesthetically as well as functionally, benefiting both the developer client and the ultimate guest. We are honored to have him on our committee.”

Farrow Commercial, Inc. of Santa Rosa, California, in conjunction with its affiliate companies, has specialized in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance within its ADA Division for more than 15 years. The company provides a complete ADA analysis, consultation, design, permitting and construction package to bring a property up to date and into compliance and is also highly respected for their commercial refurbishment, remodeling, and addition projects.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990-91 (ADA) is a civil rights law, requiring compliance from all public facilities. Since timeshares, hotels and resorts are public facilities with transient lodging guest rooms, they are required to comply with the ADA. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no grandfathering of existing properties; a facility is either in compliance or not in compliance. While “grandfathering” is a common belief within the industry, this is not correct.

For the past several years, Farrow Commercial has worked with timeshare resorts across the country, helping them to bring their properties into Federal and local compliance. Although they are based in California, Farrow works nationally and either has or obtains the appropriate general contracting licenses and insurance requirements for every state in which they work.

For more information, contact John Farrow at 707-591-0225 or visit www.FarrowCommercial.com

The Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) is pleased to announce the advent of a dynamic, new working relationship with its counterpart in the United States, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
Designed to maximize the synergies between the two associations, ARDA and CRDA intend to work together on various initiatives to further their respective mandates to represent the shared ownership product to governments and consumers, and to enhance the level of professionalism in the ever-evolving industry.

According to CRDA’s President, Ross Perlmutter: “We’re extremely excited about the endless possibilities presented via this special relationship with our friends at ARDA. We are fully committed to working alongside their talented team towards achieving the North American industry’s goals, and we are truly looking forward to their assistance and association with events such as conferences, membership, legislative issues and other projects.”

In many ways, there truly has never been a better time for a strategic alliance between the two associations. The Canadian Dollar is approaching parity with the US Dollar, both regions’ consumers tend to travel back and forth across each other’s borders and both countries are facing similar challenges and concerns.

“I’m pleased that we will have a closer working relationship with CRDA and look forward to the exchange of ideas and best business practices,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA’s president and CEO.

One of CRDA’s first initiatives as part of the new alliance will be to present an attractive CRDA membership opportunity to ARDA’s existing members. “We would love the opportunity to introduce ARDA’s suppliers to the robust Canadian resort market, and we’re confident that ARDA’s resort developers will understand and appreciate both the value in, and importance of, displaying CRDA’s emblem on their showrooms’ walls when presenting their programs to affluent Canadian tourists.” says Perlmutter.

The Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) is an industry-based association dedicated to furthering the shared ownership industry, both in Canada and throughout the world. The goals of the Association are to encourage and maintain a high standard of ethical conduct throughout the industry, and to assist in the education of Canadian industry members toward an enhanced standard of professionalism. For more information, please visit www.crda.com.

American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).