PerspectiveForums.com reports more than 2,000 friend requests served in first two weeks.

Perspective Magazine, the shared ownership industry’s leading trade publication recently launched the first standalone social networking platform dedicated to the timeshare and fractional ownership industry, combining the most popular features of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn all on one website.

From initial promotion only, the site has already attracted in excess of 600 registered users, who have generated more than 75,000 page views and issued more than 2,000 friend requests over the past fortnight, with word of mouth now growing the site exponentially each day.

The site was created to encourage timeshare and fractional developers, marketers and suppliers to network more efficiently, thereby creating opportunities for new collaborations, strategic partnerships and extending client portfolios.

What makes this site standout, apart from its vast array of features, is its leverage of Perspective Magazine’s readership which exceeds 22,000 registered industry professionals around the globe who are currently being invited to register free on the website.

“We’ve had a lot of feedback from users of the website, all of it positive and it has started well, but there are still quite a few additional features to roll out yet – such as an iPhone App, but due to the complexity of the site we have a few weeks still to wait for this. The marketing for the site has only just started – by the end of March we expect to have the largest social media group of industry professionals available online, and then we’ll only be at about 10% of the expected number of registered users for the coming months.” Said Paul Mattimoe, President & CEO of Perspective International.

To join Perspective Forums simply visit www.perspectiveforums.com

For more information about Perspective Magazine (Trade), Owners Perspective Magazine (Consumer) and advertising and editorial opportunities visit www.perspectiverates.com

A website dedicated to the recruiting of professional sales executives for the purpose of fractional property sales was launched in test mode back in August 2009, and now after detailed scrutiny of the quality of applications received via the website and after reaching the No.1 spot on Google.com for the search term “fractional jobs”, www.fractionalstaff.com will officially launch next week aimed at providing a reliable service with high returns for advertisers of fractional job vacancies.

Recent months have shown that fractional property developers are increasing but their success with property agents is not producing the results originally hoped for, and so many are enquiring about the availability of dedicated sales teams – something that FractionalStaff.com has concentrating on for the past 7 months.

Fractional Staff is another service from the Perspective group of companies who publish the leading shared ownership industry magazines for both the trade and consumers and so its widest reach both online and offline ensures that it will attract the most suitable candidates that are new to the industry as well as the best sales professionals from within the industry worldwide.

Introductory advertising rates start from as little as £199 per month with added value across the network of Perspective websites and titles available on selected packages.

For more information email advertising@perspectiveinternational.com or call +44 191 250 3501 (UK) or  +1 407 792 2343

Grosvenor House Dubai Offers Panoramic Sea Views, 12 World Class Restaurants and Lounges and Two Michelin Starred Chefs in one of the World’s Most Unique and Exceptional Destinations

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. today announced the debut of its renowned Luxury Collection brand in the United Arab Emirates with the addition of Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai. Located on the exclusive Dubai Marina, the prestigious 45-story Grosvenor House hotel first opened its doors in 2005 and quickly became one of the world’s most acclaimed hotels.

Custom-designed to celebrate the essence of Dubai, the hotel seamlessly blends exquisite Arabian décor with contemporary sophistication. Offering the latest innovations in technology and design, Grosvenor House features 422 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, suites and apartment suites, world class cuisine, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and spa, business areas equipped with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled premium service with butlers on call 24 hours a day.

“The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world’s most enriching and desirable destinations, where nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “Celebrated for its exceptional location, luxury amenities and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, Grosvenor House adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection portfolio.”

Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe’s most iconic hotels, today The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries across the globe including Hotel Danieli, Venice; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens; Patios de Cafayate, Argentina; SLS at Beverly Hills and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

“We are excited to bring the promise of The Luxury Collection brand to the United Arab Emirates with the debut of Grosvenor House, Dubai. This hotel is a true expression of its destination, making it the perfect addition to The Luxury Collection,” says Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “The property’s sought-after location, impeccable service and sumptuous interior will ensure a unique and enriching experience for all our guests.”

Grosvenor House, Dubai also provides guests with an exceptional choice of dining experiences with 12 different world-class restaurants and bars to choose from. These include Rhodes Mezzanine, which offers signature modern British cuisine with French flair from Michelin starred celebrity chef Gary Rhodes. The menu includes dishes such as White Tomato Soup and the British favourite Bread and Butter Pudding. The hotel also offers the equally esteemed modern Indian restaurant Indego by Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia, who is renowned for his Home-smoked Tandoori Salmon. In addition, Grosvenor House is home to Dubai’s only Buddha Bar, the world famous bar and restaurant with outlets in Paris, London and New York, which is known for its unique food and eclectic atmosphere.

The number of rooms at Grosvenor House, Dubai will almost double next year when a second, identical tower opens. The second tower will add a total of 323 rooms, suites and apartment suites to the hotel’s inventory providing even more style and unparalleled service for global explorers to discover.

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection(R) is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel’s distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 982 properties in more than 100 countries and 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 ElementSM. 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 www.starwoodhotels.com.

IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) today announced the company’s 1st half year results with a loss of KD 4,968,422 million (US$ 17,372,712 million). Shareholders’ equity of KD 66,129,532 million (US$ 231,230,225 million) compared to KD 66,893,521 million (US$ 244,851,834 million) for the same period last year. The company’s total assets have increased 18% to KD 393,147,155 million (US$ 1,374,688,468).

Ibrahim S. Al-Therban, Chairman of IFA HR, stated: “The new recommendations of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) that are adopted by the company have had an impact on the revenue in comparison to the previously applied methods, where the methodology of Company income is based on the percentage of project completed.”

The International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) applications, might have a negative effect on the company results in the short term, however it will enhance the company’s transparency policy and enables shareholders and investors to understand and compare financial information for companies around the globe.

“The first half of this year has witnessed the launch of a selection of IFA HR luxury properties which include three Private Residence Clubs in Thailand covering Bangkok, Pattaya & Phuket as part of our expansions in the Asian market as well as the launch of the second hotel condominium ownership product in the Middle East, the Fairmont Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Further projects such a Fairmont Residence-Palm Jumeirah(Dubai) and Al-Abadiyah Hills in Lebanon  are in their final stages of development which will be completed in the second half of this year.” added Talal Jassim Al-Bahar, Vice Chairman and CEO of IFA HR. .

The launch of three new Thai-based Private Residence Clubs comes as part of IFA HR’s expansion plans in the Asian market due to its high potential for unique real estate products.  The Heights Private Residence Club in Phuket, Northpoint Private Residence Club in Pattaya and The River Private Residence Club in Bangkok are developed by luxury condominium developer Raimon Land in which IFA HR has a 41.07% stake.

IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) launched its second hotel condominium ownership product in the Middle East. Situated within the five-star Fairmont Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai, the new offering is of particular interest to investors wishing to diversify their property portfolio with a unique real estate option that combines both the business of guaranteed rental returns and strong capital growth potential with the pleasure of a hassle-free vacation property
Al-Bahar concluded: “The focus in the remaining part of the year will be on completing and delivering our existing projects according to our strategic plan. We will also continue the search for unique investment opportunities that will maximize our shareholders returns. We are looking forward for a better result in the second half of the year.”

Hutchinson & Co Trust Company Limited is proud to announce that on the 5th February 2010, the Group celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a gathering of nearly one hundred staff, past and present, at the beautiful Elvetham Hall in Hampshire. Elvetham is steeped in history, having been owned by the family of Jane Seymour, one of Henry VIII’s wives and famed as being the site of the first performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Initially, Hutchinson’s acted as Collection Agent for resorts in Portugal and Malta. However, the company soon realized the huge potential that the industry offered to professionals prepared to marry their expertise and integrity to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the emerging sales and marketing entrepreneurs. In 1990, Peter Hutchinson, Group Chairman, took the key decision to take the company to the next level and as a result, Hutchinson & Co Trust Company Limited was formed.

During the last twenty five years, the Group has gone from strength to strength, consistently providing a quick, efficient, professional and value for money service, permitting the company to become one of the top specialized Holiday Ownership Trustees in Europe and the largest in India and the Far East. In summarizing the Group’s success, Peter Hutchinson remarked:

“The only constant throughout the last 25 years has been change! And our success has been built on the ability to adapt to what the market demands and to maintain a level of service which is always one step above the expectations of our clients! Our business life is a far cry from its beginnings when Joy Pope and I both worked from home, with a single phone line, typewriter and telex machine, between us! Indeed, that which seemed daunting in 1985 now seems mundane and it will not be long before we can say that at any hour of the day, somewhere in the world, there is a Hutchinson office open for business!”

In 2007, the Group set up a specialist subsidiary, Citadel Trustees Ltd, with a principle focus on emerging products, such as green energy 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 and is now authorized by the UK Financial Services Authority to set-up, operate and manage 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 Hutchinson or 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

IFA Hotels and Resorts, an international leader in the development of premier mixed-use hotel and tourism projects, announces the appointment of Merlin as software provider for its fractional residence clubs. IFA Hotels and Resorts, with its main operating office in Dubai, is listed on the Kuwait and Johannesburg stock exchanges and provides world-class facilities through a network of hotels, vacation and private residence club destinations.

Merlin Software will be used to run IFA’s new high-end fractional residence clubs based in various locations around the world and its internal inter-residence exchange programme.

Announcing the appointment of Merlin Software Mr Piaras Moriarty, VP Vacation Ownership IFA Hotels & Resorts, said “when we looked for a software provider we needed a company with wide industry knowledge and expertise in managing products like ours.  With Merlin’s pedigree, which dates back to the start of clubs 25 years ago, making the appointment based on their stellar track record and experience was a logical choice”.

The IFA team was keen to partner with a software business that offered “simple to implement” software that could manage and adapt to their evolving product needs.  Mr Moriarty explained “it was important for us that our partner could advise us on how to formulate and manage these products now and in the future”. The team was particularly impressed that Merlin Software is easy to set up with no lengthy installations and training is straightforward and logical. Resorts can be in business immediately.

Chief software developer Mike Pnematicatos explains “On a daily basis IFA will use all of Merlin’s resort management, marketing and accounting functionality for activities such as maintenance fee collections and owner reservations. What really sets Merlin apart though is its dynamic sales and ownership tracking. IFA has complex occupation rosters and rules which Merlin handles with ease” he continued.

Merlin will also handle IFA’s internal exchange facility which takes place between the managed residence clubs. Mr Moriarty explained “inter-residence exchange can now be provided internally using Merlin Software without relying on a third party”.

From single site fractional resorts to multi-destination residence clubs, Merlin’s software functionality provides a single software solution. Developed as state of the art Business Application Software, Merlin is served across the internet. Users simply access it securely via a web browser from anywhere at any time without the need of expensive link lines and hardware installations.

Developed by Mike Pnematicatos with over 25 years’ experience in the timeshare and property development industry, Merlin is the most complete business software around. It is highly interactive meaning that businesses can integrate the software with their current websites to offer a range of services such as online bookings and payments. With such industry experience, that no other software company can offer, businesses need look no further for a safe pair of hands to provide the latest technological solutions.

Merlin is the leading industry software provider using the new technology of Cloud Computing to deliver software directly to your internet browser. According to chief software developer Mike Pnematicatos “Merlin is resource light, incredibly intuitive and allows unlimited users and multiple locations to access the software securely in real time from anywhere in the world. It enables resorts and hotels to benefit from time and cost savings – yet still be at the cutting edge of internet technology”.

For more information on Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership contact Mike Ashton on, email at mikea@quickmerlin.com  or visit www.quickmerlin.com to arrange a full demo.

For more information on IFA contact Mr Piaras Moriarty on Tel: + 971 4 404 3424 or Email: info@ifahotelsresorts.com

Using the latest web technology, Merlin is the complete software package for today’s hospitality industry and can handle all types of timeshare and holiday product.

Merlin Software incorporates modules for sales, marketing and front and back office. Its inherent flexibility means it can operate all types of sales activity and holiday product.  As Merlin is served over the Internet there is no requirement for any expensive communication links or set up fees and can be accessed from wherever there is an Internet connection.

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE:WYN), today announced the renewal of its affiliation with Bluegreen Vacations Unlimited, Inc. and Bluegreen Corporation, who are amongst the largest vacation ownership companies in the industry. This new agreement grants Bluegreen Club Members continued access to a broad array of exciting vacation experiences utilizing the RCI exchange networks.

Bluegreen Wilderness Club at Long Creek

“We are extremely pleased to renew our partnership with the Bluegreen family and their fantastic owners,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “By building on our great relationship with Bluegreen, we can continue to offer RCI members around the world the opportunity to experience the wonderful collection of resorts that Bluegreen has to offer.”

As part of the multi-year agreement, RCI’s more than 3.7 million members will enjoy the opportunity to exchange into Bluegreen resorts across the globe. Similarly, Bluegreen Club Members will have access to vacations at a variety of destinations at RCI’s more than 4,000 affiliated properties worldwide in over 100 countries.

“By extending our existing relationship, we are continuing to give our owners the chance to enjoy all the opportunities that RCI offers,” said David L. Pontius, president of Bluegreen Management Services, Bluegreen Corporation. “RCI offers our Bluegreen Club Members access to terrific vacation resorts around the world and we’re glad to continue providing this service to our valued 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 73,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Exchange and Rentals is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, and asset management services. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit www.grouprci.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

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

About Bluegreen Corporation
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE:BXG) is the leader in providing Colorful Places to Live and Play through its vacation ownership resort and residential real estate business segments. Our more than 3,100 employees are passionate about delivering extraordinary experiences for our owners, travelers and business partners. Since 1996, Bluegreen has managed, marketed and sold a flexible, real estate-based vacation ownership plan with more than 208,000 owners, over 45 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide. Since 1985, Bluegreen Communities has developed master-planned residential and golf communities primarily in the southern and southeastern U.S., and has sold over 55,000 home sites. We also offer a portfolio of comprehensive, turnkey, fee-for-service resort management, financial services, customer generation and sales solutions to third-party developers and lenders. For more information, visit http://www.bluegreencorp.com.

Escapia Releases National 2010 Vacation Rental Industry Report Providing Most Comprehensive Look at the Current State of the Vacation Rental Business

Escapia, Inc. (www.escapia.com) today announced the immediate release of the National 2010 Vacation Rental Industry Report. This complimentary report analyzes data from over $300 million of bookings at tens of thousands of vacation rental homes in 2009, providing unprecedented insights into national industry trends.

While 2009 was a tough year for vacation rental managers, Escapia’s latest report shows that the actual results were not as dismal as many perceived. Early year booking declines of over 25% largely reversed direction by mid-year, with fourth quarter bookings rebounding by 17% compared to a year earlier. The industry also saw notable improvement in key metrics including the average booking size, lead times and length of stay during the fourth quarter of 2009. Topics addressed in the report include:

–  How travelers responded to the ‘Great Recession’
–  Year-to-Year Booking Dollars by Quarter
–  Booking Dollars by Month
–  Booking Dollars by Region
–  Average Length of Stay and Lead Times
–  Average Booking Size by Quarter
–  Bookings by Day of the Week
–  Bookings by Month: When they happened and when they were made

The National 2010 Vacation Rental Industry report offers the most thorough analysis of 2009 vacation rental data to date. “We are thrilled to release our annual report for the industry,” said Bill Furlong, CEO of Escapia. “This report is by far the most comprehensive analysis on the state of the vacation rental business. We hope that giving vacation rental managers this type of information will help them learn from 2009 and make themselves stronger for 2010.” A summary of the report is provided on the Escapia Blog at www.escapiablog.com. The full report is available for free download at Escapia’s web site at www.escapia.com/market_trends.html. 2010 Vacation Rental Reports by Region for select regions are also available upon request by contacting research@escapia.com.

About Escapia
Escapia, Inc., founded in 2000, is leading the Internet revolution in the $24 billion vacation rental industry with a comprehensive Internet business platform and breakthrough online marketing and booking services. Escapia empowers professional vacation rental management companies to reach new customers, manage guest and owner relationships, and perform trust-based accounting, housekeeping, maintenance and other mission critical aspects of their businesses. Seattle-based Escapia can be reached at 1-800-ESCAPIA, info@escapia.com or via the web at www.escapia.com.

The post-bubble housing market for second homes has yet to recover, but there is a new twist on a concept that could make second home purchases more appealing in the coming decade: access to prime “third homes” worldwide.

PrivateCommunities.com has partnered with The 3rd Home LLC, an international second home exchange firm, affording owners of second homes the opportunity to exchange their properties with other second home owners from Paris to Costa Rica to Palm Beach. The modest fee of $495 for a two year membership allows second home owners to place their second home in the program to give them access to vacation homes around the globe.

“Second homes have plenty of advantages, but this new service changes the game,” said Elisabeth Miller-Fox, co-founder of PrivateCommunities.com, an internet portal that has showcased privately developed communities throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean since 1996. “People who have second homes can leverage one of their least utilized assets to get a 3rd home. This makes buying a second home more appealing to Americans and Europeans who may not want to limit themselves to one location.”

Although large timeshare exchange companies have developed a conduit for owners to access other locations, luxury second homes have not been made available this way. The partnership lets new members begin vacationing immediately through http://www.privatecommunities.3rdhome.com.

3rd Home is the first international second home program of its kind. The company touts the highest standards in the industry, is fully automated, simple to use and a trusted source for second home owners. It offers inviting homes on magnificent beaches, in vibrant cities and mountain resorts in the portfolio of residences.

The world’s most read independent trade publication for the shared ownership industry has now launched a test version of its new online social media business forum at http://www.theperspectivemagazine.com/forum/

Described as a cross between the discussion attributes of LinkedIn and the functionality of Twitter, this innovative “live update” site is another industry first from Perspective International Ltd and backed by their B2B publication, is expected to grow rapidly into a useful resource and communication platform for timeshare and fractional ownership professionals to discuss anything related to their industry, share thoughts and ideas with others and learn from each other’s expertise, knowledge, successes and failures.

This online forum is the first in a series of social media products and services set to be released in 2010 by Perspective International Ltd specifically designed for the shared ownership industry and mark the beginning of another year of accelerated growth.

Perspective International Ltd first published their trade publication in 2005 and since then has grown to be the industry’s most read independent monthly publication globally with more than 21,400 print and online subscribers. February 2010 will see an additional version of the award winning publication launched – Perspective Magazine North America; specifically focusing on the USA, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean regions.

2009 also saw the launch of the first globally recognized consumer publication focused on the purchasing and ownership of timeshare, fractional ownership and resort real estate, which is now available in selected hotels, resorts, supermarkets and first class airport lounges around the world and is now generating direct sales enquiries for developers from its print and online components and strategic brand alignments.

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