Hilton Hotels Corporation has entered into a non-exclusive Strategic Development Agreement (SDA) with the Abdulmohsen Al-Hokair Group for Tourism and Development, with the potential to deliver 13 Hilton Garden Inn properties (comprising 2,500 rooms). These properties, which will be managed by Hilton, will be in key locations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first property is anticipated to open in 2009 in Riyadh.

This landmark agreement marks the entry of the first Hilton Garden Inn, the Hilton Family’s focused service brand, in the Middle East and Africa region. Over the next five years, Hilton and Al Hokair plan to introduce Hilton Garden Inn hotels across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in locations such as Riyadh, Al Khobar, Dammam, Jubail, King Abdullah Economic City, Taif, Abha, Tabuk, Hail/Buraydah and Yanbu.

“The full spectrum of the Hilton Family of hotels gives us tremendous opportunities for growth in all global markets. We are delighted to have signed our first multi-unit Hilton Garden Inn agreement in the Middle East with the Al Hokair Group in Saudi Arabia. This agreement is a testament to the country’s tremendous growth potential,” said Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Hilton Hotels, Middle East & Africa.

Adrian Kurre, senior vice president – brand management for Hilton Garden Inn, commented, “As Hilton Garden Inn continues its remarkable growth in countries around the world, we look forward to debuting our focused service brand that embodies value and consistency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Guests will be able to enjoy all of our signature brand attributes including the Garden Sleep System bed, complimentary high speed Internet access, 24-hour business centre and fitness centre.”

Hilton Garden Inn is a focused service brand offering affordable rates for the mid-market traveller. The hotel will feature guest rooms offering a minimum size of 28 square metres (301 square feet), two food and beverage outlets, including a restaurant and lounge area and a number of small meeting rooms.

Sami Al-Hokair, Executive Vice President of The Al Hokair Group said, “We are delighted to be working with Hilton on this multi-unit agreement in Saudi Arabia. As the world’s leading hospitality company, their global presence and experience gives us the confidence that this alliance will be a great success.”

The Kingdom’s Tourism Higher Authority (THA) has taken significant steps to further the country’s tourism potential. Alongside religious tourism, Saudi Arabia boasts a growing potential for major national and international conferences. The THA has realised the immense potential in developing domestic tourism with an estimated five million Saudis travelling abroad annually. Domestic tourism alone is expected to generate around SR101 billion by 2020.

Hilton has named the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) as one of its top ten key development markets internationally, and specifically the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Today’s announcement confirms Hilton’s plans to concentrate on multi-unit deals in key emerging markets.

Hilton Hotels operates four properties in Saudi Arabia; three Hilton hotels in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, in addition to the 46-all suite The Waldorf=Astoria Collection property, ‘Qasr Al Sharq’ or ‘Palace of the Orient’ in Jeddah.

Hilton Garden Inn is the award-winning, mid-priced brand that continually strives to ensure today’s busy travellers have everything they need to be most productive on the road — from complimentary wired and Wi-Fi Internet access in all guestrooms and PrintSpotsTM mobile printing to the hotel’s complimentary 24-hour business centre to one of the most comfortable beds with the Garden Sleep System®. So whether on the road for personal or business reasons, Hilton Garden Inn offers the amenities and services for travellers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while on the road. To find out more about Hilton Garden Inn locations throughout Europe and North America, visit www.HGI.com.

Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with more than 3,000 hotels and 500,000 rooms in more than 74 countries and territories, including 135,000 team members worldwide.

The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton®, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations™, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™.

The company currently operates 43 hotels in the Middle East & Africa – 17 hotels in Egypt, nine hotels in the UAE, five in Saudi Arabia and one each in Oman and Kuwait, plus another ten hotels in Africa and the Indian Ocean.

Hilton Hotels has a signed development pipeline of an additional 16 properties across Middle East & Africa in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Equatorial Guinea, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria and Cape Verde.

The Hilton Family of Hotels adheres to founder Conrad Hilton’s philosophy that, “It has been, and continues to be, our responsibility to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.” The company put a name to its unique brand of service that has made it the best known and most highly regarded hotel company: be hospitable®. The philosophy is shared by all brands in the Hilton Family of Hotels, and is the inspiration for its overarching message of kindness and generosity.

For more information about our company, please visit www.hiltonfamily.com, and to learn more about our be hospitable philosophy, please visit www.behospitable.com.

Holiday Inn’s first timeshare resort is now available to guests for rental and timeshare ownership

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) today announces the official unveiling of Holiday Inn Club Vacations with the opening of its first location at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, Fla. The new timeshare brand was announced 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.
“The strength and recognition of the Holiday Inn brand combined with Orange Lake’s expertise in timeshare management positions us well for the future, even during these challenging economic times,” said Christian Hempell, vice president, Holiday Inn Club Vacations. “Guests know and trust Holiday Inn, and we’re excited to offer them the opportunity to experience the brand in a new way through timeshare ownership.”
A 1,400-acre golf, water park and sports resort, Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort includes 2,412 villas and is located next to Walt Disney World(R) Resort in Orlando, the number one leisure destination for U.S. travelers. The resort offers a host of amenities including:
    –  4 championship golf courses
    –  7 swimming pools including a 12-acre outdoor entertainment complex
    –  80 acre lake for water sports
    –  Five restaurants
    –  Retail and pro shops

Starting today, travelers who are seeking a richer vacation experience can rent vacation villas online at www.hiclubvacations.com, a dedicated website where consumers can book a spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom villa just like they would any Holiday Inn hotel room. Through IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club Rewards, guests renting villas will earn PCR 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.
Orange Lake Resorts will develop and sell timeshare intervals of Holiday Inn Club Vacations under a license agreement from IHG. Starting today, owners who purchase intervals at Holiday Inn Club Vacations will automatically become members of the newly formed Holiday Inn Club(TM) exchange program. This program allows members to exchange their weeks at the Orlando resort for hotel nights at IHG’s more than 4,100 hotels worldwide. In addition, Holiday Inn Club members will also have access to Resort Condominium International’s (RCI) network of more than 4,000 resorts.
“We’re inviting our club members to open their eyes to a whole new way of vacationing,” said Don Harrill, president and CEO of Orange Lake Resorts. “Club membership allows our owners to be at the right places at the right times–with flexibility unmatched in the timeshare industry.”
In early 2009, existing Orange Lake resorts in Ascutney, Vt.; Lake Geneva, Wis.; and Panama City, Fla. will become part of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations portfolio. Orange Lake and IHG plan to expand the brand into other North American destination locations, adding more vacation experiences, features and benefits for their members. Orange Lake will also build a flagship Holiday Inn Resort hotel at the Orlando resort and will develop up to 2,500 more timeshare villas at this location.
Holiday Inn(R) and Orange Lake share the same founder, Kemmons Wilson, and this common heritage brought the two companies together to offer the ultimate vacation experience.
“Holiday Inn has earned the reputation of offering services and amenities that have revolutionized the hotel industry,” said Spence Wilson, Orange Lake Resort’s Chairman of the Board and son of Kemmons Wilson. “This is an exciting time for our members and for both companies; I’m ecstatic that my father’s vision came together so seamlessly.”

About Orange Lake Resorts
Orange Lake Resorts has evolved from a “best-kept secret” as the world’s largest single-site timeshare resort to a multi-site network of over 2,400 villas. Their strategic marketing alliance with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) provides members access to Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts in Wisconsin, Vermont and Florida and IHG’s network of more than 4,000 resorts worldwide. Orange Lake Resort’s flagship property, located next to Walt Disney World(R) Resort in Orlando, was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn founder, Kemmons Wilson and is planned for expansion to 4,500 villas. Holiday Inn Club Vacations will continue to expand their Member Resorts to destination locations.

About Holiday Inn
With nearly 1,400 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is the most widely recognized lodging brand in the world. In fact, Holiday Inn was one of the first international hotel brands to establish a presence in China in 1984. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts provides the services that business travelers need, while also offering a comfortable atmosphere where all people can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and room service, swimming pools, fitness centers and comfortable lounges. The casual atmosphere and amenities such as meeting and on-site business facilities, KidSuites rooms, Kids Eat and Stay Free programs, and the ability to earn Priority Club Rewards points that can be redeemed for great merchandise, airline miles or free room nights, demonstrate the long-standing commitment of Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts to serving travelers and have helped to establish the brand as “America’s Favorite Hotel.” For more information about Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts or to book reservations, call 1-800-HOLIDAY or visit http://www.holidayinn.com/.
The $1 billion relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand family was established in 2007 to create a more contemporary brand image, increase quality and drive consistency. The global estate of more than 3,200 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010. To find out more about the relaunch, click here ( http://www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?PageID=116&NewsID=1888) to read the news release on our Press Office.

About IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] is the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,100 hotels and more than 600,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognized and respected hotel brands including InterContinental(R) Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo(R), Crowne Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express(R), Staybridge Suites(R) and Candlewood Suites(R), and also manages the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, Priority Club(R) Rewards with 40 million members worldwide.
IHG has more than 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 200,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.
IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards program at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at www.ihg.com/media.

Honua Kai Resort & Spa, Maui’s newest luxury beach resort, is set to open January 2009 on Kaanapali’s North Beach.

Developed by Maui Beach Resort Limited Partnership, a joint venture of Intrawest, Ledcor and J.P. Morgan, and managed by Intrawest Hospitality Management, Honua Kai Resort & Spa offers a uniquely contemporary Hawaiian experience.

The full service resort and spa is gently placed oceanfront amid lush gardens, water-rich landscaping, and a beach walking path offering resort amenities and services. Nearby activities include convenient access to championship golf courses, restaurants, ocean sports and cultural attractions.

Situated on 38 oceanfront acres of pristine North Beach Kaanapali, one of the island’s best snorkeling and dive beaches, Honua Kai Resort & Spa is a master plan of resort accommodations situated in two
U-shaped buildings with ocean and mountain views, lush landscaping and expansive open spaces. The openness is mirrored in each of the 628 one-, two- and three-bedroom guest suites that are fully-equipped, spacious and homelike with luxury resort services. More than 70 percent of the suites have ocean views spanning the islands of Lanai and Molokai across the ocean channel.

Two interior color schemes reflect the contemporary Hawaiian style architecture and décor. The cool, restful shades or the warm, textural earth tones inspired by Hawaii’s natural beauty establish a vision for the new and well-appointed accommodations including full luxury kitchens featuring granite slab countertops, stainless steel BOSCH appliances and warm, hard-wood cabinetry. The kitchen is stocked with housewares. A full-size stacked washer and dryer is located near the kitchen.

The living space has a queen sofa sleeper, lounge chair, 42” flat screen television with Bluray DVD player, wireless internet access, dining table and chairs. In the bedroom, a king bed is topped with plush white linens and a decorative bed runner where custom bedside tables and a woven headboard capture the spirit of island décor. A 37” television in the rooms make for lively entertainment, while frameless glass shower enclosures and granite countertops in the bathrooms are quality finishing touches. Contemporary wall art and lighting fixtures complete the look.

The living areas are enhanced with expansive covered lanai separated from the indoor space with the NanaWall system of sliding glass walls that open up the room views and when pushed back erase the boundary between interior and exterior areas for true island living.

“While Honua Kai Resort & Spa’s design is open and generous in space, the guest experience will be friendly and warm-welcoming,” said Ed Sowers, general manager. “We know Honua Kai guests want a connection and a real experience on vacation. Our guests will be treated to surprises and memorable encounters with our staff and host culture.”

“Many of the programs we have in place will provide an interactive vacation experience. Our dunes preservation program and artist initiative are creative, and we are in the process of redefining luxury-level room service with noted Maui chef James McDonald. We look forward to sharing these innovative experiences with Honua Kai guests.”

Honua Kai Resort & Spa will open in two phases as follows:

January 2009 – Hokulani building opens (318 guest suites, lobby café, pool, fitness center)
Spring 2010 – Konea building opens (310 guest suites, lobby café, beachside restaurant, two pools, spa)

A Playground Diverse in Recreation and Relaxation
With 38 acres to work with, designers had room to be creative. An imaginative aqua network of pools, hot tubs, natural pond bridges, waterslide, waterfalls and fountains designed by Pacific Aquascapes in conjunction with landscaper PBR Hawaii allows for privacy and play.

The formal pool has an infinity-edge lap pool with featured terraced lounge seating and semi-submerged aqua lounge chairs and jacuzzi. The family pool has a sandy bottom, one-hundred-and-twenty-foot waterslide and cascading waterfall. Natural lava rock forms an elevated jacuzzi. The third pool, the river pool, features a meandering “river” that flows through smaller swimming holes and playful waterfalls. Two quiet zones have aqua lounges and covered cabana areas for relaxation. All pools have ocean views.

From tall coconut palms to fragrant gardens bursting with flowers for the picking, 38 acres of lush landscaping establishes Honua Kai’s distinctive character. Many varieties of tropical and native Hawaiian plants and trees provide color, fragrance and beauty to the Resort’s tranquil setting. Mature coconut palms and colorful flowering trees such as gardenias and plumeria dot the landscape surrounding the property. And green space is maximized for a sense of grandeur.

Onsite Activities, Amenities and Services

Hokulani Building – 318 guest suites
Valet, bellman, check-in/out desk
Maui celebrity chef James McDonald of Pacific`O and I`o in Lahaina opens a new casual concept gourmet café
Beach Activities Maui, a full-service concierge desk with ability to book restaurant and activity reservations, as well as assist with travel arrangements, etc.
Fitness Center
Two of the four meeting rooms house a contemporary fine art gallery/studio concept
Underground and above ground parking for guests
Keiki (children) camp

Konea Building –310 guest suites (open spring 2010)
Valet, bellman, check-in/out desk
Two additional free-form pools at 3000 square feet
7000-square-foot spa and fitness center
Second keiki (children) camp
Lobby café
Grounds

4200-square-foot beachside restaurant and bar
A beach walking path along the property connects to a one-half mile Kaanapali Beach path
Eight (8) barbeque grills available to guests
Expansive side lawn for lawn games
Towel/set-up service and shaded cabanas poolside
Honua Kai Resort & Spa’s design team includes architects Watanabe Chung Iopa Takaki (Hawaii) and Ray Letkeman & Associates (Vancouver); interior designers ADI Design Group (Hawaii) and
Co-Ordinated Hotel Interiors – CHIL (Vancouver); and landscape designer PBR Hawaii.

Published rates for 2009 begin at $400 per night for the “Ohana” room category at 590 square feet. Special 2009 rates and promotions will be announced. For reservations and information, please contact a travel professional, or call the Resort directly at 1-888-718-5789 from 7 a.m. to
7 p.m. Hawaii Time, or visit www.honuakaimaui.com.

About Intrawest
Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts. The company has interests in ten resorts in North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with locations throughout North America. In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com

Legendary Eastern Brand Marks its Entrance into North America as Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba Announces Founder’s Program

In advance of a much-anticipated February 2009 resort and residence opening, Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba has announced a limited opportunity for a select number of visionaries to purchase the first all-pool villas within Mayakoba, the most exclusive enclave of resorts on the Mayan Riviera.

To kick off the inaugural sales launch, Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba is offering first buyers an experience of a lifetime with the Founder’s Class Celebration. Not only will these buyers be the first to own a part of CNBC Property Awards’ “Best Mexico Development,” and Banyan Tree’s flagship property in the Western Hemisphere, they, and five of their friends or family will be treated to an intimate week at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, where they can escape the stress and demands of day-to-day life while making lifelong memories with the people who matter most in their lives.

When a purchase is made prior to January 31, 2009, founding owners will be presented with a once-in-a-lifetime experience showcasing the legendary Banyan Tree brand services. During this week, everything from dedicated personal concierges and unique activities such as cenote snorkeling and diving to tee times at Greg Norman’s Championship, PGA-rated El Camaleon Golf Course will be at their fingertips.

“While there are spectacular Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts worldwide, there is only a very small, intimate circle of owners,” states Geoff Landry, CEO of Nomad Real Estate Group. “Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba presents the rare opportunity to own a part of the celebrated Banyan Tree lifestyle. The Founder’s Class Celebration is a gift to our founding owners, an opportunity for these visionaries to memorialize their ownership at this special retreat, an escape where they can return to year after year to relax and reconnect.”

An intimate, ecological haven, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is located within the private Mayakoba integrated resort development comprised of five leading hotel brands. Situated just 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen — the charming Mexican pueblo coined “the vibrant heat of the Riviera Maya” — Banyan Tree Mayakoba features 132 tastefully designed villas and terrace residences.

A very limited number of these exquisite villas will ever be available for ownership and only nine will be available in the Founders Program. Secluded and serene, each one- to three- bedroom villa reveals sensuous spaces for outdoor bathtubs and showers as well as spacious sundecks with private pools located beside sea, mangroves and manicured fairways, including:

  — One intimate Spa Pool Villa with open sundecks overlooking the lagoon
     and massage terraces for personal spa treatments
  — One Sunrise Lagoon 2-bedroom Villa with full sized infinity edge pools
  — One Beachfront 3-bedroom Pool Villa with panoramic glass walls to bring
     the resplendent outdoors in
  — One Sunset Beach-Lagoon, 2-bedroom Pool Villa that overlooks the
     lagoon, just steps from the beach
  — Five Terrace Residences, each with three separate master quarters, a
     full kitchen and stunning views across the 17th hole of Greg Norman’s
     PGA-rated course looking out onto the Caribbean

Just as the various environments of the site exist in an ecological balance, Mayakoba is home to four additional world-class resorts and spas each exemplifying a unique personality that complements and balances the entire resort enclave. Elegantly natural, Banyan Tree Mayakoba echoes the indigenous building tradition while blending seamlessly with the local plant and marine life. The resort exudes an exotic sensuality, offering a retreat evoking romance, intimacy and rejuvenation.

About Banyan Tree
The leading international operator in the boutique resort, residences and spa industry, Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul — a Sanctuary for the Senses. To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 20 resorts and hotels, over 60 spas, in excess of 60 retail galleries; as well as two golf courses.

About Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Banyan Tree marks its foray into the Western Hemisphere with a rarefied real estate offering at Mayakoba; the most exclusive enclave of luxury resorts on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Here the world’s foremost boutique hotelier artfully blends the romance of travel with a unique sense of place and signature touches of Asian hospitality. The greatest expression of exotic sensuality, Banyan Tree Mayakoba will feature 132 masterfully designed villas with an exclusive 50 opportunities to own within this intimate, ecological haven.

Contact Information
For sales queries, contact Nomad Sales & Marketing at 866 540 6512 (US/Canada) or 01 800 681 1818 (Mexico) and visit www.banyantreemayakoba.com. For hotel reservations, visit www.banyantree.com.

Robb & Stucky Interiors has recently completed its second installation of vacation ownership units for one of Hilton Grand Vacations Company’s resorts at South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Florida.

The Robb & Stucky design team of Michelle Taylor Perry, ASID, and Jan Walker designed new interiors for the living rooms, master bedrooms and lanais of the ten HarbourView Villas units overlooking the marina, giving the three- and two-bedroom, units a fresh, tropical appearance.
“The spacious three- and two-bedroom units were originally a dark British Colonial theme. In order to create a refreshing island feel, we used the citrus colors of yellows, oranges and bright greens. The new window treatments framed a fresh view of the marina with a more casual appearance,” commented Perry.

Robb & Stucky has had a relationship with the Captiva resort for over three decades; at one time they were both owned by The Mariner Group. During this time, Robb & Stucky has continued to furnish many of the five vacation ownership resorts within the 330-acre property as well as other hotels, resorts and fractional properties across the country.

Concludes Perry, “In working with the management company to update the furnishings, we understand the significant impact that interior design and quality furnishings can have on the vacationing resort owners. We also understand the importance of selecting furnishings and materials that are appropriate for hospitality usage.”

Robb & Stucky provides complete turn-key furnishings for commercial clients and coordinates every facet of the design, manufacturing, shipping, and installation process. With a total staff of more than 1,280 employees, the company’s design professionals can be mobilized from any part of the globe, serving clients from Miami to Manhattan to Mexico and The Americas.

About Robb & Stucky
Founded in 1915, in Fort Myers, Fla., Robb & Stucky is a nationally-recognized interior design and premier home furnishings retailer with showrooms in Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Costa Rica as well as nine Robb & Stucky patio stores and one of the nation’s largest team of licensed interior designers. For more information, visit www.RobbStucky.com. Robb & Stucky is certified by the state of Florida to practice interior design, license number IB0000745. The company is an industry partner with the American Society of Interior Designers.

For additional information, contact:
Ryan D. Vulcan
Robb & Stucky
239-437-7997

Marge Lennon
Lennon Communications
for Robb & Stucky
239-482-3891

Perspective International, publishers of two independent publications for the shared ownership industry has recently joined the Association for International Property Professionals (AIPP) after continuing to attract clients in the fractional and vacation real estate sectors.

Now with both B2B and B2C publications and the continuing expansion of the award winning PR & Media company, Perspective International found joining AIPP a natural move as its client base spreads further into all aspects of vacation property; now covering everything related to timeshare, fractional ownership, private residence clubs, destination clubs, vacation real estate, investment property and boutique hotels.

The Association of International Property Professionals is the industry body for the international property market. A non-profit organisation, the AIPP has been set up to improve standards of professionalism in this market. In a largely unregulated market, AIPP Members voluntarily agree to follow a professional Code of Conduct. For more information on AIPP visit http://www.aipp.org.uk

“We are delighted to become members of AIPP – we are already members of a number of other industry associations in other sectors around the globe, but this is the first that concentrates solely on international property, which is something that a number of our existing clients are branching into as well as an area that we previously haven’t really covered but have regularly been asked about.” Said Paul Mattimoe, CEO, Perspective International Ltd.

The new consumer publication whose official launch is in January 2009, but has run online only since July 2008 in the run up to the release of the print version will be heavily interacting with the property and fractional ownership markets and providing a high end lead generation platform through its readership of existing owners and prospective buyers / renters of all vacation property products globally.
Owners Perspective Magazine is already exhibiting and distributing at no less than seven major travel and property shows throughout the UK in 2009. For more information visit www.ownersperspective.com

For full details on all products and services offered by Perspective International Ltd visit www.perspectiverates.com

Oceânico Group’s Amendoeira Golf Resort, near Silves in the Algarve, has won Gold in the category of Best Golf Development at this year’s Homes Overseas Awards.

The Homes Overseas Awards, which were announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 28th November, recognise the best overseas property developments from around the World, and are judged by a panel of national and international property experts.

A record number of entries were received for the Best Golf Development category, with Oceânico’s Amendoeira Golf Resort winning Gold for its quality of build, design and range of facilities, providing investors with an exceptional golfing experience.

Nikki Loker, Sales & Marketing Director of Oceânico Group, said: “The Homes Overseas Awards are extremely competitive, with entries from around the World and every development visited by the judges. To win Gold for the Best Golf Development is a fantastic achievement and underlines the commitment we have made to create a world-class golf experience.

“The golf courses and clubhouse, which are now open, are receiving outstanding feedback from visitors, and with phase one properties due to be completed early next year we are looking forward to welcoming owners and guests to what now really is an award winning golf development.”

Amendoeira Golf Resort is destined to be one of the finest golf resorts in Europe, with two championship courses – one designed by Nick Faldo and the other by Christy O’Connor Jnr – alongside a wealth of sporting and leisure amenities including the fully-equipped Amendoeira Golf Resort Academy, which boasts every practice facility for the amateur and tour professional alike and features a 9-hole par 3 floodlit course. The resort will also feature six championship standard tennis courts, a full size football pitch, two bowling greens, two five a side football pitches, plus children’s facilities and play areas.

Properties at the resort range from luxury four and five bedroom Prestige villas with private swimming pools, to three bedroom villas also with private swimming pools, and two and three bedroom apartments with a communal pool. All properties are designed in Moorish style with high quality fixtures and fittings throughout.

Oceânico Prestige Residence Club is also available at the resort, offering eighth share ownership in a luxury three bedroom apartment, with prices from €115,000 per eighth share. Owners will enjoy unlimited* and flexible occupancy of properties across the growing portfolio of Oceânico Prestige Residence Clubs around the world as well as access to a range of luxury lifestyle services including a Sunseeker cruiser, executive car transfers and in-house concierge.

About Oceânico Group
Oceânico Group is one of the leading property developers and golf operators in Portugal. The Group consists of Oceânico Developments, Oceânico Golf and Oceânico Resorts & Leisure.

Oceânico Developments is the market leader in high quality property developments in Portugal. Specialising in creating luxury four and five star properties for the holiday home, relocation and investment markets, the company’s fully completed developments include Jardim da Meia Praia near Lagos and Estrela da Luz and Vila Baía in Praia da Luz. Developments currently under construction include Belmar Spa & Beach Resort, overlooking Porto de Mós beach; Quinta do Monte Funchal on the prestigious Funchal Ridge; and Amendoeira, a €500 million golf resort in the district of Silves. Recently launched golf developments include Vilamoura Golf & Garden Resort in the Algarve and Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort on Portugal’s Silver Coast.

Oceânico Resorts & Leisure manages the range of developments to four/five-star luxury standard, and offers holiday rentals at the properties.

Oceânico Golf oversees the management and operations of the Group’s golf courses. This currently includes the Faldo and O’Connor Jnr. courses at Amendoeira Golf Resort near Silves and five renowned courses in Vilamoura (The Oceânico Old Course, Oceânico Victoria, Oceânico Pinhal, Oceânico Millennium and Oceânico Laguna). Oceânico Golf will also manage the Group’s new Royal Obidos golf resort, which will feature a course designed by Severiano Ballesteros.

Marking its presence in the USA, Oceânico Group USA recently purchased Little River Golf & Resort in the Pinehurst golf area of North Carolina, which includes an 18-hole Dan Maples designed golf course.

Hotels Celebrates 10 Years of Industry Revolution and Design Innovation With Global Growth Plans to Triple the Brand’s Portfolio by 2011;
W Hotels Also Unveils $40 Million Renovation of W New York, the Brand’s Iconic First Property and Innovation Laboratory

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster, celebrates 10 years of industry revolution and design innovation. More than a hotel brand, W Hotels has established itself as an iconic lifestyle brand, offering guests unprecedented access to a world of “Wow” through fashion, nightlife, celebrities and entertainment. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its global footprint by 2011, with expansion into vibrant primary destinations around the world, from Dubai to Shanghai, Hong Kong to London, Hoboken to South Beach, and Athens to Barcelona. The W brand marks this 10 year milestone with the completion of a $40 million renovation of W New York, the brand’s iconic first property. Since 1998, W New York has served as the W brand’s innovation lab, creating a unique mix of guest experiences that put W Hotels at the forefront of a new category in hospitality.

W Hotels has forever changed the hospitality landscape with a series of industry firsts, including: the introduction of the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service as a vehicle to fulfill every guest’s dreams; transformation of the hotel lobby into the W Living Room experience; creation of destination bars as a social gathering point; exclusive Bliss spa concepts; the W Hotels’ signature refresh, updating the Living Room spaces on a seasonal basis to provide frequent guests and local loyalists with the feeling of continued change and newness extension of the lifestyle experience into retail through W Hotels the Store; signature scents that are refreshed seasonally; the debut of a branded W bed and branded W CDs released each year; the reinterpretation of the hotel mini-bar into the W “Munchie Box” to present the brand’s lifestyle point of view; introduction of W The Card as the access pass to insider experiences; and the reinvention of the presidential suite into W’s “Extreme Wow” and “Wow” suites.
With aggressive global growth in the next three years, W Hotels is set to become a worldwide brand, offering the W Hotels brand experience to guests and local loyalists on a global scale. The brand’s unique and innovative offerings, combined with exclusive brand partnerships and W Hotels’ signature style and warmth, have revolutionized the industry. W Hotels was also the force behind the creation of a new hotel brand, Aloft, a select service brand inspired by the DNA of W Hotels.

“Innovation has been central to the W brand since its inception,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. “In just 10 years, W Hotels has evolved from a New York-centric concept to a worldwide phenomenon. In celebration of this milestone, we are proud to announce the completion of the renovation of W New York, W’s iconic first property.”

W New York Announces the Completion of a $40 Million Renovation
Designed in collaboration with award-winning and internationally renowned architecture and interior design firm, BBG-BBGM, W New York is a sophisticated urban oasis. The design of the hotel integrates the signature contemporary style and warmth of W Hotels with clever room design solutions. All 688 of the property’s guest rooms and suites have been infused with new bursts of Wow, creating a luxurious urban escape and a modern respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

“Our renovated guestrooms are a celebration of the innovation, design and unique style W has led over the past 10 years,” said Edward Maynard, General Manager, W New York. “In addition to celebrating our 10 year milestone as the first W Hotel to open its doors, we are excited to share the property’s sophisticated, contemporary and clever new design with our guests who will continue to enjoy our signature Whatever/Whenever promise in guestrooms that have been designed specifically to their travel needs.”

Each guest room was created as a modernized magical interpretation of nature using scale, transparency, and graphics. The luxurious beds, wrapped in warm zebrawood, are the focal point of the rooms, encouraging relaxation. Wow design elements include custom-designed headboards that feature backlit, sensual photos, hinting at the silhouette or the curvature of a beautiful human body. All rooms feature an innovative, multi-level work area that includes a sleek, wooden desk topped by a pivoting glass plane allowing for more workspace in the room. Modern, chic and highly functional, the work area supports the many needs of W travelers – from midnight email exchanges to late-night snacks. In addition, each room offers guests a variety of entertainment options, from W Hotels’ signature Munchie Box, Tivoli radios and iPod docking stations, and large flat-screen televisions mounted for rotation to ensure comfortable viewing from anywhere in the room.
New design elements in the bath echo those found in the rooms, making the space feel more expansive. Smoky amethyst wall coverings are textured with deep horizontal grooves, while traditional shower curtain has been replaced with clear glass panels to give the bathroom a bright and spacious feel.

“I am pleased to partner with W New York and the owner of the hotel, Host Hotels, for the first renovation of the W New York since its opening,” said Nadia Biski, Partner, BBG-BBGM. “BBG-BBGM’s innovative design provides a unique platform to layer in W signature experiences and programming. The newly refurbished guestrooms are relaxing and playful, while the suites are nothing less than amazing—they truly offer a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.”

The duplex Wow suites at W New York feature an impressive double-height ceiling, a second-story loft bedroom, dark hardwood floors, abstract bronze coffee tables, hanging pendant lamps inspired by Indian water vessels and custom-designed, backlit acrylic panels from Farmboy Fine Arts. These panels, which feature abstract tree forms in various shapes and sizes, hang in an alluring pattern on the suites’ two-story walls, calling immediate attention to the vertical rise.
The Extreme Wow Suites at W New York are the ultimate destination for an innovative city experience, offsetting New York’s adrenaline and energy with a unique experiential setting filled with unpredictable creativity. The suites feature large, wraparound outdoor terraces with stunning city views, beckoning guests to unwind in a sanctuary where they can mingle, mix cocktails, play games or chill out. With teak flooring and carefully selected furnishings, such as oversized daybeds, solid raw cedar cocoon chairs, teak-framed sectionals, a reclining chaise lounge, and a pool table, the terrace is a multifunctional environment perfectly suited for relaxing, playing or entertaining.
To maintain a sense of continuity from the stunning terraces to the lavish suites, the indoor spaces were designed to take inspiration from the outdoors, and careful consideration was taken to blur distinction between the two. The parlor seating is a mix of chic and contemporary indoor and outdoor furniture, while Farmboy Fine Arts acrylic abstracts accent the room with unique imagery.

“New York is the epicenter of fashion, design, music and entertainment, all passions of the W brand” said Vera Manoukian, Area Managing Director, W Hotels of New York. “As the category buster and leading innovator, W Hotels will continue to refuel our cool in New York City with upcoming revitalization projects, including the renovations of W New York–Times Square and W New York–Union Square in 2009.”

W New York was originally designed by award-winning architect and designer, David Rockwell, who also designed W Hotels’ W New York-Union Square property.
For more information on W New York, please visit www.whotels.com/nyc .

About W Hotels Worldwide
W Hotels is an innovative luxury lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 26 properties in the most vibrant destinations around the world. Inspiring, iconic, innovative and influential, W Hotels provides the ultimate in insider access to a world of “Wow.” Each hotel offers a unique mix of innovative design and cultural influences from fashion to music, pop culture to art, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern living, reflected in the brand’s sensibility to design contemporary restaurant concepts, nightlife experiences, and signature spas. With 10 years of proven success, W Hotels will triple its footprint by 2011. In North America and Latin America, W Hotels have been announced in Austin, Buckhead Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Hoboken, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Downtown New York, Santiago, South Beach, and Washington, D.C. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan and St. Petersburg. In Asia, W has announced properties in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Macao-Studio City, Shanghai and Yokohama. In Africa and the Middle East, W has announced properties in Amman, Doha, Dubai-Festival City, Dubai-The Palm and Marrakech. W has plans to open W Retreat & Spa properties in Bali, Koh Samui, Vieques Island and Verbier, the latter of which will serve as W Hotels’ first ski retreat. For more information, visit www.whotels.com.

About BBG-BBGM
BBG-BBGM are internationally-renowned, award-winning architectural and interior design firms with extensive expertise in the design of mixed-use complexes, luxury urban hotels, resorts, high-end residential, retail, and corporate/office buildings. The firms have offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Scottsdale, AZ, Sydney, and Shanghai. Current projects include Smyth Hotel at 85 West Broadway, New York; 330 Hudson in New York; Vdara at MGM MIRAGE CityCenter in Las Vegas, NV; Peninsula Shanghai in China; Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai; Shangri-La Futian in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; a Mixed Use Development project in Tblisi, Georgia; and Centara Grand Hotel and Convention Center at Central World in Bangkok, Thailand. For more information, visit www.bbg-bbgm.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Club, the leading fractional ownership brand, recently appointed three new senior directors of sales: Ralph Mottinger located at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Vail in Colo.; Meaghan Richardson at The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas, in the U.S.V.I.; and Larry Coats at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Managed Club in The Bahamas.

Mottinger is managing sales activities for the latest addition to The Ritz-Carlton Club’s portfolio -– located in one America’s most popular ski destinations. “Ralph’s leadership experience with The Ritz-Carlton Club will be key to our accomplishments in Vail,” said Bruce Rohman, regional vice president of sales for the Western region. “Through his previous sales roles in Hawaii and St. Thomas, he has firmly illustrated his ability to inspire a team.”

Mottinger has enjoyed a diverse career in sales, namely in vacation real estate and pharmaceuticals. Before relocating to St. Thomas, he served as director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay in Maui, Hawaii selling both fractional and wholly-owned residences, as well as other sales roles over the years at Marriott Vacation Club properties in Palm Beach Shores, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va. Prior to his positions with Marriott Vacation Club and The Ritz-Carlton Club, Mottinger worked in the pharmaceutical industry for both Bayer Laboratories and Wyeth Worldwide. 

A native of Whiteville, N.C., Mottinger is a graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology. He is moving with his wife, Janet, to the Vail area.

Richardson is now serving as senior director of sales at The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas. Having started her career with the property as a membership administration coordinator in 2002, Richardson became a fractional ownership membership executive in 2003, followed by subsequent other promotions within the sales organization.

“Meaghan’s proven sales record, combined with her leadership and motivational abilities are essential for our continued success,” said David Short, regional vice president of sales for the East region. “Having grown with the team in St. Thomas, Meaghan holds great insight for this new role.”

A native of St. Thomas, Richardson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C.

Finally, The Abaco Club selected Coats to lead the sales force at the oceanfront sporting retreat. In this position, Coats is responsible for all real estate, golf and social membership offerings at The Club. “We are delighted to have Larry leading our sales team as we move forward with the vision of the property,” continued Short. “His sales savvy positions him to lead our talented team of membership executives and achieve desired results.”

Coats began his career in 1981 as the chief geologist of Sands American/Geochemical Surveys. He then moved on to the banking sector in 1986 as a commercial loans analyst with Old Kent Bank and Trust in Grand Rapids, Mich. Coats entered the real estate industry in 1988, when he joined Dodgson Realty as a realtor. In 1991, he was hired by Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI) where he held a variety of sales and marketing roles within the Marriott Vacation Club resort portfolio, including Marriott’s Summit Watch in Park City, Utah; Marriott’s StreamSide in Vail, Colo.; Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II in Palm Desert, Calif.; and Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club in Oahu, Hawaii. Additionally, he served as a membership executive at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Bachelor Gulch where he received top honors by reaching an all-time sales record for any Club location. Later, he was promoted to area director of sales for the Western region.

Furthermore, he worked at Deer Crest Properties based in Deer Valley, Utah as director of sales and marketing, and he led the timeshare sales team at Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, Calif. as project director. A graduate of Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison, Colo., Coats holds a bachelor’s degree in geology.

About The Ritz-Carlton Club
The Ritz-Carlton Club is a deeded, fractional ownership real estate offering combining the benefits of vacation home ownership with personalized Ritz-Carlton services and amenities. Designed as a private club, Members have the opportunity to access their luxuriously-appointed home Club or other Ritz-Carlton Clubs through reciprocal use privileges in accordance with reservation procedures. Members also have the ability to utilize additional time as available. For information, please visit www.ritzcarltonclub.com.

Mont Tremblant Resorts Win Gold And Silver Medal In 2008 Homes Overseas Awards

Vivaldi Resorts’ Ogilvy Lakes And Blueberry Lake Projects Scoop Top Two Positions In Best Canadian Development Award

Vivaldi Resorts is pleased to announce that Ogilvy Lakes has won the Gold Medal and Blueberry Lake the Silver Medal in the Homes Overseas Best Canadian Development Award.

The Homes Overseas awards are widely regarded as the most sought-after in the international property industry.

“Canada represents a safe haven in the current climate and an excellent bet for a stable long term investment so we are delighted to be recognised as best of breed in this category” says Vivaldi Resorts owner Alex Porritt.

A recent IMF survey ranked Canada as one of only two developed countries where house prices remained undervalued – the same survey concluded that prices in the UK and Ireland were nearly 30% overvalued.

The World Economic Forum ranked the Canadian Banking System as the strongest in the world and unemployment remains close to 30 year lows.  Furthermore the country is blessed with natural resources including the world’s second largest reserves of oil and the most freshwater which in turn makes Canada the world’s biggest producer of hydro-electricity and has led it to be dubbed an “energy superpower”.

SUCCESS FROM THE START
The Homes Overseas awards are the cherry on the cake for the Vivaldi Resorts team, who have overseen remarkable successes in their Canadian developments since day one.  Representing an entirely new approach to holiday homes in the Laurentian Mountains, Blueberry Lake Resort sold 50 homes within three weeks of its launch into the UK market.

Already, over 60% of Ogilvy Lakes has been pre-sold and while the global economic situation will likely slow sales in 2009, Vivaldi Resorts estimates that demand will continue as people look for a safe place to invest compared to the volatility of other countries and of the stock market.  Construction has begun on the first 8 houses in Phase 1 and the first units will be delivered in Spring 2009.

As with Blueberry Lake Resort, Ogilvy Lakes investors buy houses off-plan from a selection of four luxury designs.  Within 1 to 4 years (depending on the order of build schedule) the investors will be the proud owner of a traditionally-built Canadian log home of exceptional quality.  Between 2350 and 3250 square feet, four or five bedrooms, and situated on individual plots of at least one acre, the finished houses will be fully equipped with every modern amenity – including 42” plasma TV, pool table and hot tub – and fully furnished with luxury contemporary furniture.

Both resorts feature exceptional facilities that really differentiate them from their competition.  At the centre of all Vivaldi Resorts is the log clubhouse that features a spa, restaurant, and bar as well as conferencing facilities for up to 120 people.  “The clubhouse is key because it gives a focal point to our resorts and it is also crucial to our ability to generate revenue for our owners during quiet periods for tourism,” says Alex Porritt.  “In November 2008, in what is traditionally the slowest month, we were extremely busy on the corporate side and tripled our revenue compared to the previous year.”  Facilities catering to tourists are also impressive: in the summer guests can take to a private network of hiking and biking trails, swim in the lake or outdoor swimming pool, laze in the indoor pool, enjoy a relaxing meal at the lakeside restaurant or a round of golf at Ogilvy Lakes’ existing private 18 hole course.  In the winter, there is skating on the lake or on a floodlit rink and the trails are groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.  Quebec’s snowmobile network, which gives access to nearly 33,000 km of trails, is easily accessible from Blueberry Lake and a shuttle service operates from both resorts to nearby Mont Tremblant, the number one ski resort in Eastern North America.  Whatever the season and whoever the guest, there truly is something for everyone.

IN TUNE WITH NATURE
Another central theme of Vivaldi Resorts’ projects is their respect for nature.  The company commits that the number of houses it builds at each of its projects will never exceed 25% of the acreage.  This ensures that purchasers are guaranteed that the wilderness paradise that they buy into stays that way.  “Too often,” comments Alex Porritt, “buyers are attracted by a ‘back to nature’ experience only to find that a few years down the line, they are on a project of 500 or 1000 homes.  With us, you can be certain that won’t happen.”

Vivaldi Resorts have also been quick to embrace alternative energy innovation.  The majority of houses built by Vivaldi Resorts now come with geothermal heating and cooling systems thanks to purchasers’ desire to make a difference and an innovative guaranteed savings scheme offered by Vivaldi Resorts.  Savings can be anything up to 65% so if owners choose to install when the house is built and add the cost to the mortgage, Vivaldi Resorts guarantees that the savings on electricity will be greater than the increase in the mortgage payment.  If they are not, Vivaldi Resorts makes up the difference.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT – SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
A particularly attractive feature of an investment in a Vivaldi Resorts development is the peace of mind that owners enjoy, knowing that their investment is paying for itself via the guaranteed rental income scheme.

When their house is completed, owners have the option of entering it into a fully-managed rental pool.  Vivaldi Resorts undertakes both the promotion and management of the property as a rental holiday home.  During the first year of ownership, Vivaldi Resorts offers a choice of either a one-year rental guarantee set at 7% of the purchase price of the property or up to a 5-year mortgage guarantee.  Under the terms of the mortgage guarantee, the owner decides how long they wish to have their mortgage covered for.  During that time, Vivaldi Resorts guarantees to pay the mortgage, but they also keep all rental revenue over and above the mortgage payments.  “We’re confident in our rentals” says owner, Alex Porritt, “Obviously, in offering the mortgage guarantee, we believe that we will generate income in excess of the mortgage payments and make additional profit for our company, but we are also giving our customers greater choices so they can manage their own risk profile.” 

Some houses at Blueberry Lake are already achieving gross yields in excess of 8% in just the second year of the rental program with strong growth forecast for 2009.  “80% of our rental business comes from within a two and a half hour drive which means that we are less affected by people tightening their budgets than other resorts might be and, in fact, we could even benefit from a trend to holiday closer to home,” points out Alex Porritt. With over 5 million people within that catchment area, the potential market is certainly significant, and with 100% of guests saying that they would stay again and would recommend Blueberry Lake to a friend, repeat business is unlikely to be a problem.

Owners at Blueberry Lake see it not just as a sound investment, but also as a supremely relaxing home-away-from-home.  One satisfied owner described his property at Blueberry Lake as “…definitely the best investment we have made of the very many we have made over recent years.  We are thrilled with all the facilities – it is obvious a great deal of thought has gone into everything.”

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Part of Vivaldi Resorts’ success is due to the fact that they were early to recognise the appeal the Laurentian region for European and North American visitors. Since their initial investment in the Laurentian Mountains they have watched the area’s tourism industry grow in leaps and bounds.

4 SEASONS OF ACTIVITIES
The Laurentian region truly is a natural playground.  In the winter, as well as world class skiing at nearby Mont Tremblant, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are just a few of the many activities available.  Quebec is also the home of the snowmobile, claiming both its invention and the world’s biggest network of trails.

In spring and summer, the lakes and rivers come alive offering great fishing and every watersport imaginable.  Canada is also a golf hot spot with more courses per capita than the US, the UK and traditional golfing meccas such as Spain and Portugal.  Ogilvy Lakes itself is located within an easy drive of nearly 50 courses as well as having its own 18 hole golf course.

In the autumn, the landscape is ablaze with red and orange as the cooling nights and warm days bring out a festival of colour.  For many, this is the best time to see the Laurentians and completes a full four seasons of activities – great news for tourists and investors alike. 

THE GREAT OUTDOORS – CLOSER TO HOME
With its wealth of natural charms, the Laurentian region has long been a favourite getaway destination for visitors from nearby Montreal, just an hour from Ogilvy Lakes, and Ottawa as well as cities slightly further afield such as Toronto, New York and Boston.  To European visitors,the word “Canada” typically conjures up images of the Rocky Mountains in the west.  But thanks in great part to Intrawest’s commitment (over $1 billion invested into Mont Tremblant and a further $1 billion by 2012 during which time visitor numbers are projected to double from the current 2.5 million per annum) the region is building an impressive reputation over the pond and Tremblant has been voted Eastern North America’s number one ski resort for twelve consecutive years!  For European travellers it represents a far more practical holiday destination – no gruelling 10-hour flights or 8 hour jet lag, especially difficult for family holidays.  There are daily direct flights from London to Montreal, with flight duration a little over six hours.  And it’s more affordable for families: a number of low cost airlines have started up new routes to Montreal from London and other major European cities.

Additionally, Mont Tremblant is one of the few resorts in the world served by its own International Airport – Aspen and Steamboat being the most notable.  Continental Airlines have just announced that scheduled flights will run daily from New York into Mont Tremblant International Airport further increasing access into the lucrative Eastern US market and allowing connecting service worldwide.   Andy Wirth, executive vice-president of sales and marketing for resort-operator Intrawest Corp says, “It’s a great boost for Tremblant and an important first step to increasing accessibility to the resort long term.”  He added that having a direct service to Steamboat Mountain Resort, another Intrawest development, “was probably the no.1 contributor to its success”

With a new airport, an influx of investment capital and exciting and innovative property developments such as Ogilvy Lakes and Blueberry Lake, you’ll see this beautiful Laurentian area go from strength-to-strength.  Vivaldi Resorts’ proven successes and pioneering approach to resort development will ensure it remains a key player in this booming region.

Master Distribution Systems, Inc. (MDS) today announced the acquisition of Seattle based luxury tour and cruise operator, Resort Society. This acquisition gives MDS a strong presence in the international tourism market and enhances its stated mission of making value acquisitions of companies with strong management and solid earnings potential.

Specializing in the combination of luxury tourism and destination club memberships, Resort Society serves the most discriminating travelers who seek the finest and most exclusive travel experience, in particular traveling to the most desirable international destinations. Resort Society adds significant revenue opportunities to MDS throughout North America and Europe, and brings strong market development perspectives with special affinity to travel groups seeking a luxury travel experience.

“With this acquisition we are expanding our holdings into the tourism industry, which gives us promising opportunities on a global basis,” said Harry Beugelink, President of MDS. “With this acquisition MDS shows that it continues to be a dynamic player in a fast changing market.”

“We are particularly proud to have such an exceptional team headed by Glenn McQuiston, a noted luxury tour and cruise executive, as a member of our portfolio companies.”, added Peter Lindhout, Chairman of MDS.

“Our principal objective is to seek out and secure value acquisitions. By that we mean acquisitions which are priced significantly under their intrinsic value. The current market conditions have provided such opportunities and we are vigilant to seek out and secure those acquisitions that make sense, given our long term plans” remarked Lindhout. “While MDS is already a player in building a strong value-based portfolio, the discriminating clientele served by Resort Society will now benefit from our global network, tools and capabilities.”

About MDS
MDS’s mission is to build a portfolio of value based companies throughout the world. Its objective is to acquire high growth companies which strengthen their core holdings. MDS is focused on acquiring companies with strong management teams by building on its recognized merger and acquisition expertise. MDS deploys the right people, processes, skills and technologies to consistently deliver unparalleled value and bottom-line results to its shareholders. The company shares are listed for trading on the PinkSheets exchange under the symbol MDBS.

About Resort Society
Resort Society is a leading provider of luxury tour and cruise experiences to both the sophisticated individual traveler and to its exclusive “Society Club” members. Resort Society marries the comforts of well appointed luxury residences with once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences to the most highly sought and exclusive destinations in the world.

Society Club combines access to a growing collection of exclusive and luxurious intimate cruises, resorts, hotels and homes around the world with the company’s unparalleled service and travel expertise. Members of the Society Club will have the opportunity to invest in extraordinary travel experiences for themselves and their families.

Angler Clubs International ( http://anglerclubs.com) is targeting the sport fisherman who covets a world record trophy from Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean. Destination vacation clubs have provided an affordable resource for locating a luxurious family vacation home in a variety of glamorous resort locations. Operated similar to a private country club, Angler Clubs provides members, utilizing this unique destination club concept, with access to popular fishing venues with lodging for the exclusive use of the member, family and guests.

Debuting in early 2009, Angler Clubs objective is to offer its members access to an extraordinary sportfishing vacation experience. The motivation for starting the club came from a common predicament among fishermen. “We had guests who desired better accommodations for entertaining business associates,” explained club founder Bob Hutzler, a 45-year hotel and travel industry veteran. “Similar to a branded hotel, Angler Clubs members will find reliable and comfortable lodging and personalized service not always available at other more rustic lodges. We expect to offer our members with a consistently excellent experience,” he continued. With thousands of serious saltwater anglers throughout North America and Europe coupled with a membership cap limited to no more than four hundred members, the club expects its roster to fill quickly. Angler Clubs differs from the traditional “destination club” not just in its vacation offering, but in its structure and business model as well.

Each Angler Clubs lodge is truly the member’s personal refuge: with the feel of a remote fish camp reminiscent of the Ernest Hemingway era. The rooms offer excellent accommodations and privacy with outstanding water views. More importantly, the member, family, business associates and guests will have sole possession of this extraordinary sanctuary during their entire stay. Daily lodge use fees, like green fees for golf at a country club, will cover the expenses of a member’s individual daily use requirements, including items such as lodging, meals, beverages, daily maid and laundry service and a myriad of additional amenities.

Initial membership deposits begin at $100,000 with annual dues of $5,000 to cover basic operating expenses for either an individual or a corporate membership. The club’s Founder membership provides a refundable provision as the club grows. Angler Clubs will offer membership deposit refunds of 80 percent of the original membership deposit or 80% of the current membership deposit at the time of resignation, whichever is the greater. The club will outfit each lodge to exacting specifications with an employee to guest ration of more than 1.5 to 1.

In acquiring properties, the club has concentrated on the quality of the fishery potential and the natural beauty of the surrounding areas. Stretching from the Hannibal Bank to Ascension Bay to the Bahamas, the club will offer multiple destinations where members can catch a choice of wily bonefish to giant black marlin. Explaining the club’s expansion philosophy, Hutzler said, “The formula for success hinges on thorough market knowledge, the right connections and great — not just good — locations. When you add a real passion for what we do into the mix, you have a platform for success. You’ll have to understand,” he continued, “we intend to provide our members with the best locations for fishing, but it will still be their job to catch them.”

In advance of its first lodge adjoining Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park in early 2009, the club reports a base of twenty members and expects to increase that number in the months ahead as it targets discriminating anglers. Selected properties in the Angler Clubs portfolio have been identified on both coasts of Costa Rica and Panama for development over the next two years. “Fishing lodges constitute the primary focus of the company,” said Hutzler. “We believe in the marriage of white-glove hotel services with the active sporting lifestyle. Our extensive experience in the hotel industry provides us with the ability to locate the right project, delivering the best possible vacation experience for the market.”

ABOUT ANGLER CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, S.A.
Angler Clubs International is a Costa Rican corporation operating private membership fishing clubs. Angler Clubs proposes to offer the exclusive use of its company-owned fishing lodges to its membership in Belize, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Venezuela. The club’s corporate offices are located in Central America, and the membership and reservation services division will be headquartered in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area. For additional information, please contact anglerclubs@bellsouth.net for specific information.

San Diego Firm Honored for Architecture and Design

Architectural Concepts, Inc. (ACI) a San Diego firm regarded as one of the nation’s  top hospitality-oriented architectural and interior design firms, has received the Vacation Ownership Renovation Project of Merit by RESORT AND RECREATION Magazine’s for its work on Raintree Vacation Club’s Club Regina (Los Cabos and Cancun). The renovation project by Architectural Concepts Inc. was chosen from among nearly 100 hospitality project entrants.  The Magazine’s annual Design Showcase edition is published each November.  The Club Regina project was selected by RESORT AND RECREATION’s design committee for its significantly improved function and design elements at the vacation ownership property.  Earlier this year the same project was selected as the ARDY winner in the Resort Architecture and Interior Design (Refurbishment) category by the American Resort Development Association.

Raintree’s Vacation Club’s Club Regina is particularly noted for its incorporation of local Mexican artwork which ACI incorporated into each vacation suite. The concept came about during a two day workshop on Concentric Design lead by Margit Whitlock AIA, principal of ACI.  The process embraces all aspects of resort management, sales and marketing to create a comprehensive guest experience.

“Our Concentric Design process works,” says Whitlock.  “Especially during this challenging economy it is important to start from a central goal—The Guest Experience.  From there we can build a process for development that is structured concentrically. The results, as shown in this case by Club Regina, are satisfied guests which make for repeat business and a strong bottom line.”

Architectural Concepts, Inc. is a full service planning, architectural and interior design firm located in San Diego, CA.  The company is also the architectural designer of Cibola Vista (Peoria, Arizona), New Orleans Trump International Hotel and Tower Sales Center, The Island Empress Resorts’ sales center (Santa Rosa Island, Florida),The Golden Door Resort and Spa (Escondido) as well as The Bond, another vacation ownership project in Las Vegas.    ACI’s Principal, Margit Whitlock, AIA, is a licensed architect in California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida and Texas. The design firm is located at 3015 St. Charles Street, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92110.  www.4designs.com   For more information about Architectural Concepts call 619-531-0110.  For more information about ARDA, visit www.arda.org.

Margit E. Whitlock AIA (Margit@4dsesigns.com)  is a highly sought-after public speaker and panel member on topics regarding architecture, predominantly as it pertains to hospitality.  She has been recruited on a national level by such organizations as the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), an international trade association with 4000 convention attendees and The National Exposition of Contract Furnishings (NEOCON) an international trade show with 40,000 attendees. She has also spoken at the Friends of Architecture in San Diego, and as far away as Miami at a Hospitality Design Boutique Show on her specialty of Sensory Perceptions and their impact on emotional branding. During her numerous speaking engagements she has focused on conceptual development, resort theming and the role of the architect.  She is available to conduct workshops to create your own hospitality DNA. 

RESORT + RECREATION Magazine (www.resort-recreation.com) is the management resource for decision makers in the resort, club, spa and commercial recreation sectors of the global hospitality industry. Focusing on resort, club and spa hospitality, each issue provides managers, owners and developers with industry updates, the latest trends and management techniques and strategies to positively impact revenues and maximize guest satisfaction and profits. Key industry leaders and expert columnists share their insights and expertise, case studies demonstrate solutions developed for hospitality businesses, and new products and successful operations initiatives are profiled in every issue.

Jon Fredricks, Chairman of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and President of Welk Resorts, will be the keynote speaker at TimeShareWare Client Conference III when it convenes March 3-5, 2009 at the luxurious Radisson Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mr. Fredricks will give his keynote address on Wednesday afternoon, March 4, 2009. He will provide attendees a broad view of the timeshare industry, discuss its short-term challenges, and provide a look into the future of the industry.

“We’re excited to have Mr. Fredricks’ participation in our client conference,” stated Jerry Sandorf, TimeShareWare COO. “In addition to new insights on how to optimize the return on their TimeShareWare investment, conference attendees will be able to learn from the current ARDA Chairman and one of the industry’s strongest advocates.” Mr. Sandorf added, “Our objective is that conference attendees will come away from these three days assured of the important contribution they can make to help their respective companies become even more successful.”

Mr. Fredricks, grandson of the late Lawrence Welk, is completing his second of a two-year term as ARDA Chairman. He and his coworkers have established Welk Resorts as a high quality and service-focused company, with a brand that is known for honesty, integrity, innovation, and financial stability. The company is also in the music business, television syndication, and owns the Welk Real Estate Group.

For further information and to register for TimeShareWare Client Conference III, please visit www.timeshareware.com.

About TimeShareWare & CondotelWare:

TimeShareWare is the industry standard software platform for shared-membership, mixed use resorts. Since 1993, TimeShareWare has served all sizes and types of vacation membership associations, fractional membership properties, and timeshare resorts including multi-site, single-site, and points-based clubs. The TimeShareWare software platform includes solutions for lead management, sales and marketing, member accounting, property management, reservations, and web-based member servicing.
CondotelWare is the first full-service software solution designed specifically for condominium hotels. The software helps members and operators master all aspects of condo-hotel management and administration, including member accounting, billing, 1099s, interfaces, rental rotation, inventory management, reservations, member relations, reporting, and more.

Contact: Ron Durrant – Customer Service Manager
Phone:    (801) 444-5212
Email:     ron.durrant@timeshareware.com

RCI, the world’s largest timeshare exchange company and a part of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN), announced the relaunch of the Chinese language website for its members at http://www.rci-asia.com/china.

The revamped website features a new look that reflects RCI’s refreshed aesthetics and member-focused approach. From the new homepage, members can now download RCI’s member magazine, Endless Vacation, as well as be able to find out the latest promotions and information on the 4,000 RCI affiliated resorts worldwide.

Besides destination features, travel tips and destination and resort lists, the website also features a members’ corner where RCI members can share their vacation stories and submit feedback to RCI and its resorts through the online comment cards.

“The enhanced interactivity and user-friendliness of the improved Chinese language website make it easier for our members to plan and organize their dream vacations,” said Adrian Lee, Managing Director, RCI Asia. “We hope that members will find the site a useful one-stop solution for all their travel and vacation needs.”

The enhanced website will continue to provide comprehensive advice on vacation ownership and consumer protection along with useful links to tourism reference information to provide RCI members with a greater understanding of vacation exchange. 

About RCI®
RCI was founded in 1974 when it introduced the concept of timeshare exchange. Today, RCI is the global leader in vacation exchange with the largest timeshare exchange network in the world and is a leading provider of travel services to businesses and consumers.

RCI offers over three million members flexible vacation options at more than 4,000 resorts in more than 100 countries through its RCI® Weeks, traditional week-for-week exchange program, and RCI Points®, the industry’s first global points-based exchange system.

RCI delivers customized, integrated and results-driven solutions to help meet the needs of its affiliates and consumers worldwide. RCI is a division of Group RCI, a global leader in leisure real estate and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN).  For additional information, visit www.rci.com or www.grouprci.com.

New Resort Chief will oversee all Resort Operations at Mountain Creek

Intrawest, a leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts, today announced the appointment of Frank DeBerry to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer at Mountain Creek in New Jersey. In this role, DeBerry will be responsible for all aspects of Mountain Creek’s resort operations and he will report to Hugh Smythe, Intrawest’s Senior Vice President of Mountain Resorts, who oversees Intrawest’s eastern mountain resorts, including Blue Mountain, Tremblant, Stratton Mountain, Snowshoe Mountain and Mountain Creek.

DeBerry began his career with Intrawest in 1998 and has a celebrated history as a key contributor working in senior leadership positions at Mountain Creek as Director of Resort Operations at Mountain Creek and subsequently as Director of Business Development at Mountain Creek and Stratton Mountain. Immediately prior to his new appointment, DeBerry served as Vice President and General Manager of Mountain Creek where he was responsible for leading the senior operating team and staff in achieving the financial, guest experience, and employee engagement objectives.

“Frank is a strong leader and he brings a tremendous amount of Mountain Creek resort knowledge and experience to this position,” said Bill Jensen, chief executive officer at Intrawest. “With a strong management team, dedicated employee group, and extensive community partnerships, Mountain Creek will continue to capitalize on its unique resort positioning. In his new role, Frank will build upon this reputation by continuing to deliver exceptional experiences for our resort guests, homeowners and employees at Mountain Creek.”

Prior to joining Intrawest, DeBerry served at the Senior Manager level at a number of outdoor activity centers in New York and New Jersey, including Action Park and Vernon Valley/Great Gorge.
About Mountain Creek

Located less than 50 miles from New York City, Mountain Creek offers skiing and snowboarding on 45 trails across four mountain peaks with a 1040′ vertical, serviced by 11 lifts, state of the art snowmaking and 100% night lighting. Both home to the East’s Largest Terrain Park and a true family resort, Mountain Creek is dedicated to progression, education and safety, boasting a wide variety of terrain, lesson programs and rental equipment. The resort also offers summer fun at Mountain Creek Waterpark and Diablo Freeride Park, as well as luxurious accommodations at Black Creek Sanctuary and the slopeside Appalachian hotel, which also caters to boutique meetings and conferences. www.mountaincreek.com

About Intrawest ULC
Intrawest is a leader in experiential destination resorts. The company has interests in ten resorts at North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest – a private resort club with locations throughout North America. In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com.

Funds to support Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy Medical Center

Marie Dougherty, Director of Sales and Marketing for Travel Advantage Network (TAN) recently joined SmartCEO magazine on behalf of TAN in presenting $10,000 to the Tyanna Barre O’Brien Breast Cancer Foundation.  Dougherty also represented TAN in BreastFest (http://www.breastfest.org/baltimore/), the Foundation’s recent flagship event in support of Mercy Medical Center’s Hoffberger Breast Center (http://www.mdmercy.com). 

BreastFest is held annually to raise funds for Hoffberger Breast Center’s efforts toward breast cancer awareness, prevention, diagnosis and treatment. 

“We’re very proud to have Marie representing TAN in support of such a worthy cause as the Tyanna Barre O’Brien Breast Cancer Foundation,” said TAN President Brad Callahan.  “Our employees’ dedication to making a difference through donations of time and funds is what makes our TAN family so unique.”

Each month a TAN employee takes the lead in support of a cause of his or her choice.  In 2008, TAN employees have raised and donated thousands of dollars to help in the fight against SIDS, congenital heart defects, juvenile alopecia areata, muscular dystrophy, autism, arthritis and child hunger, as well as in the support of families whose loved ones have or are suffering from these conditions.

ABOUT TRAVEL ADVANTAGE NETWORK (TAN)
Since 1992, TAN, a wholesale priced vacation accommodations program, has helped families and individuals create lifelong vacation memories. TAN is the proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Maryland’s prestigious Torch Award for exemplifying high business standards and professional integrity and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s Philanthropy in Business Award for outstanding and innovative commitment to local and national charities. TAN is a recipient of Baltimore CEO Magazine’s 2008 Future 50 Award, recognizing the fastest growing companies in the greater Baltimore area. TAN was the only travel company to make this year’s Future 50 list.  To learn more visit http://www.planwithtan.com.

Vacation Is a Necessity Not a Luxury

As the year comes to a close, many Americans prepare to travel during the holidays to spend time with family and friends. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) reminds them that especially during tough economic times, to remember that vacations are a necessity—not a luxury.

“Too many people look at vacations as a luxury and are ready to give them up as a quick cost-cutting measure. They shouldn’t,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA. “And now, more than ever, we need to take a break—a real break, not just a long weekend—from our stressed-out lives.”

ARDA points to a growing body of research that shows clear benefits to vacationing such as decreased stress levels; higher productivity and better job performance; and improved relationships. Overall, taking time to rejuvenate can lead to better physical and emotional health.
Unfortunately, as it turns out, even before the downturn, Americans were working through their vacation time and taking fewer and shorter holidays. An Expedia survey found that an estimated 47.5 million Americans will not use all of their vacation days, giving back more than 460 million days in 2008.
The timeshare industry has long promoted the benefits of vacationing at least once a year, recognizing the inherent value of rest and relaxation for overall wellness. And, timeshare owners continue to travel during rough economic periods. According to the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) 2008 Vacation Timeshare Owners Report, in the past year, 81.9 percent of timeshare owners used, exchanged or banked their time for future use. Only nine percent of all owners left their timeshare unused.

“Timeshare owners are more likely than others to take their vacation time because they’ve pre-paid it and realize the benefits they get from a regular break,” said John de Graaf, wellness advocate and author of Take Back Your Time. “Taking a vacation is essential for health and a great way to bring an entire family together.”
Everyone deserves not only a vacation, but a better vacation. For more information, visit www.VacationBetter.org.

The Registry Collection® program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced a new affiliation with The Zorgvliet Private Residence Club. The club’s four exclusive properties in South Africa will become part of The Registry Collection’s network of more than 100 luxury accommodations.

The Zorgvliet Private Residence Club’s flagship property is situated in the heart of the Western Cape winelands – the Zorgvliet Vineyard Lodge & Spa. This historic farm dates back to 1692 and is situated in the beautiful Banhoek Valley outside Stellenbosch. The Ka’Ingo Private Reserve & Spa is an 8 700 hectare game reserve in the Waterberg region. Situated in Limpopo, the Dikweng Safari Camp, will be developed to the same standards. On the banks of the Vaal River near Vereeniging is the fourth Zorgvliet property, the Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club. Properties in the Zorgvliet Private Residence Club have received the luxury five-star grading from the South African Tourism Grading Council.

Wayne Grews, Managing Director of Group RCI (Africa) says, “Our new affiliation with the Zorgvliet properties adds four exclusive new destinations in South Africa to The Registry Collection’s outstanding global network of over 100 luxury resorts – for our 30,000 members throughout the world to enjoy. We are honoured to have been chosen by Mac van der Merwe to be Zorgvliet’s preferred luxury portfolio exchange provider.”

All four properties are well-situated throughout South Africa offering a diverse selection of experiences to the more discerning traveler. “The Zorgvliet Private Residence Club properties are more than a destination for any member – they create a true multi-faceted experience,” says Mac van der Merwe, Chief Executive Officer of the Zorgvliet Group. “These four properties offer guests a unique experience where the abundance and beauty of the surrounding areas are equaled only by the luxury of our quality and service. We chose to affiliate with The Registry Collection because we share a passion for offering exceptional, exclusive five-star products and cast-iron standards” concludes the entrepreneurial CEO, Mac van der Merwe.

“We are pleased to see increased awareness of The Registry Collection program and the value that it can bring to developers and affiliates….momentum is building, and the luxury marketplace is beginning to have very compelling reasons to affiliate with The Registry Collection” adds Wayne Grews, Group RCI (Africa).

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection is the world’s largest luxury exchange program, providing members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24 hours a day at certain locations.  From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection program facilitates exchanges among more than 100 luxury leisure accommodations around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers.  The Registry Collection program is offered by Group RCI, a global leader in leisure real estate and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media center at www.grouprci.com.

For additional information on the services offered to developers and members by The Registry Collection program and how it can add potential value to leisure real estate projects, visit www.theregistrycollection.com.

About Zorgvliet Portfolio: Special Experiences for Special People
Established by South African Mac van de Merwe in 2002, the Zorgvliet Property Development has funded multi-million Rand projects and concluded various development projects across South Africa and employs 600 people and follows a strong policy of job creation and social investment with an emphasis on sourcing employment from local communities. The Zorgvliet Private Residence Club is a vehicle for 4 weeks per year fractional ownership based on real rights of ownership (in perpetuity) to the member. For further information visit www.zorgvliet.com

RCI, the world’s largest timeshare exchange company and a part of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN), has signed its first affiliation agreements in Serbia, adding two new resorts to its portfolio of over 4,000 affiliated resorts worldwide: Club Satelit and Kraljevi Konaci resort.

In welcoming the two new Serbian resorts to the RCI exchange network, Jonathan Back, managing director, Group RCI EMEAI, said: “We want our nearly four million members worldwide to have the opportunity to vacation in Serbia and are pleased to have two first-class resorts as our first affiliates in this fabulous new destination. The country is accessed by three international airports making it easily accessible for international tourists. This, together with its close proximity to many highly-promoted European holiday destinations, makes us confident Serbia is poised to see rapid growth in its inbound and outbound visitor levels making it a good place to be for timeshare.”

The two resorts are both located in the Zlatibor mountain region in western Serbia, at the crossroads of Central Europe. Zlatibor is renowned for its clear mountain air, spas, excellent skiing, and a myriad of outdoor pursuits including trekking, cycling and fishing among lakes, rivers, lush pastures and pine forests. The region is said to have proven restorative qualities and has established itself as a popular health and wellbeing holiday destination. The country’s rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage is also an irresistible tourist attraction, together with the city sights of Belgrade and Novi Sad.

Club Satelit, Serbia

RCI members can now choose from two attractive resorts in this diverse and vibrant country. Club Satelit offers the intimacy of a smaller development comprising 12 one-bedroom units and eight studio apartments, together with a restaurant, indoor pool and fitness centre. The apartments are light, airy and fitted with every home comfort which characterises timeshare accommodation. The names behind this resort are Canadian national, Gilles Durand, developer of RCI-affiliated Club Villas Jazmin in the Caribbean, and Srdan Vasic, who also owns Closer Marketing Club based in Belgrade. Vasic said: “Club Satelit has an air of exclusivity that’s right for this area which attracts upscale visitors to its excellent ski slopes and spas. We plan to extend the property on neighbouring land and are considering a five-star offering.”

Kraljevi Konaci Resort, Serbia

On the central Zlatibor plateau in a lakeside location sits Kraljevi Konaci resort or ‘the King’s shelters’ as the name translates. This property is designed to blend with the line of the surrounding pine forests and offers exceptionally spacious accommodation in the form of 110-square metre two-storey villas with garage and garden. This property was the vision of Ratko Jeremic, who travelled the world working on resort construction projects which inspired him to bring the best of all he’d seen back to his homeland in his own resort. This resort has been 17 years in building and the completed phase one comprises 107 villas and a restaurant. The second phase will add a hotel, more villas, a spa centre, and a 600-seat conference and commercial centre, all coming in at a total cost of approximately €50 million. Jeremic said: “We find high demand among Serbians and the British. Serbia’s economy has now stabilised and is growing. We have been operating for several years without an exchange network but now affiliating to RCI is important for us to allow our prosperous Serbian owners the opportunity to start experiencing holidays in other countries. Timeshare is new to Serbia and it’s very exciting to be able to introduce a new quality product to this market.”