Strategic Hotels & Resorts Appoints Raymond L. Gellein, Jr. And Eugene F. Reilly As New Independent Directors

Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc., has appointed Raymond L. “Rip” Gellein, Jr. and Eugene F. Reilly as independent members of the Board of Directors. With the appointment of Mssrs. Gellein and Reilly, the Company’s Board of Directors has nine members.

“We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Rip and Gene to our Board, continuing the process we began last December to evaluate the composition of our Board and align it in the best interest of our shareholders,” said William Prezant, chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. “The skill-sets and experience Rip and Gene bring complement and broaden our current Board. Their expertise will be instrumental in helping us navigate in this challenging economic environment.”

Raymond L. “Rip” Gellein, Jr., was President, Global Development Group of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. prior to his resignation in March of 2008. Mr. Gellein had overall management responsibility for the full range of Starwood’s global real estate-related functions.

Prior to his position as President, Global Development Group, Mr. Gellein served as Chairman and CEO of Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., the vacation ownership division of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. He was a Director of Starwood Vacation Ownership Inc. from 1999 to 2008.

Mr. Gellein was formerly Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Vistana, Inc.; a public vacation ownership company acquired by Starwood in 1999.

Mr. Gellein holds an MBA in Finance, Accounting and Marketing from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Denison University.

Mr. Reilly is President, the Americas for AMB Property Corporation and is responsible for AMB’s business in the United States, Canada and Latin America. Mr. Reilly joined AMB in 2003 and has 26 years of experience in the development, acquisition, disposition, financing and leasing of industrial properties throughout the Americas.

Prior to joining AMB, he was Chief Investment Officer of Cabot Properties, Inc., a private equity industrial real estate firm in which he was a founding partner and member of its Investment Committee and Board of Directors.

Mr. Reilly served with Cabot and its predecessor companies, including the NYSE-traded Cabot Industrial Trust, for 11 years. He has served on the Board of Directors of Grupo Accion, S.A. de C.V., a leading development company in Mexico.

Mr. Reilly holds an A.B. in Economics from Harvard College.

About the Company
Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) which owns and provides value-enhancing asset management of high-end hotels and resorts in the United States, Mexico and Europe. The company currently has ownership interests in 19 properties with an aggregate of 8,358 rooms. For a list of current properties and for further information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.strategichotels.com.

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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InnSeason Resorts South Mountain Reaches Agreement With Bluegreen Corporation

InnSeason Resorts®, creators of the Northeast Experience® and leading providers of resort vacation and ownership opportunities, recently announced that Bluegreen Corporation based in Boca Raton, Florida has contracted to manage the sales, marketing and operations of InnSeason Resort South Mountain, located in Lincoln, NH.

Bluegreen Corporation, a leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play, recently announced new agreements with resorts in Williamsburg, VA; Dennis Port, MA; Nassau, Bahamas and InnSeason Resorts South Mountain in Lincoln. These agreements add approximately 180 units of resort inventory and the opportunity for additional development.

InnSeason’s Chief Financial Officer, Scott MacGregor says- “Bluegreen wanted a presence in New Hampshire and our South Mountain Resort was a perfect fit. It affords them the opportunity to step into an established, successful resort and to enhance their portfolio of over 45 owned or managed resorts. For us, the timing was ideal. It allows us to expand in other areas of New England, so we can offer alternate destinations to members of the InnSeason Vacation Club.”

InnSeason Resorts™ was created as a regional brand of family-oriented resorts that combine the development and operations expertise of Dennis M. Ducharme, RRP, president; and the marketing resources of Curran Management Services (CMS®), and its founder, William E. (Billy) Curran, chief executive officer.
InnSeason Resorts®, include: InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook, Lincoln (NH); InnSeason Resorts The Falls at Ogunquit (ME); InnSeason Resorts HarborWalk, InnSeason Resorts Captains Quarters, InnSeason Resorts Surfside, Falmouth (MA), and Mountainview Resort in Jackman, (ME).

InnSeason Resorts®, delivers “best-in-class” management, advisory and marketing services to resorts and developers nation-wide. For more information, visit www.InnSeason.com.

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New Chief Technology Officer Hired By Timeshare Resale Advertising Leader, Sell My Timeshare NOW

Sell My Timeshare NOW, a global leader in the online advertising and marketing of timeshare resales, is expanding its senior management team with the addition of Chris Ownby as Chief Technology Officer. Ownby’s responsibilities will include managing Sell My Timeshare NOW’s IT department and extensive website improvement, development and interface projects.

Chris Ownby comes to the Dover, NH-based timeshare resale and timeshare rental advertising company from Sapling Systems, where he was the CTO and the Vice President of Product Development. Prior to joining Sapling Systems, Chris Ownby managed the development of Harcourt Assessment’s online platform, which provided formative and summative testing for the United States’ K through 12 education system. He is the past Director of Application Development at CreditReport.com, the market leader in providing B2C and B2B online, highly secure credit services and was a founder of Trapdoor Net Systems, an internet software development company that was successfully acquired in 2002.

Sell My Timeshare NOW CEO Jason Tremblay says, “We are pleased to have Chris lead our talented IT team. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the software development industry and his skill in building and managing both small and large technical teams and architecting large service-oriented enterprise systems is going to help us take Sell My Timeshare NOW to higher levels of performance and service. Our goal is to truly differentiate our company from others in our industry; Chris will play an important role in helping us achieve that goal as we enhance and improve the functionality of our website.”

Ownby, who holds a BA from California State University at Fullerton, has written and lectured on the future of software, the software industry, and on the role of the internet. He is currently working on a book about how to run a successful software business.

About: SellMyTimeshareNOW.com provides internet advertising and marketing solutions for timeshare owners seeking to sell timeshare or rent timeshare, while providing an extensive inventory of timeshare resales and timeshare rentals for the secondary market. For the second consecutive year, Sell My Timeshare NOW has made the prestigious Inc. 5000 List, ranking 21 among the top 100 privately held US real estate companies.

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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Interval International Adds West Sands Phuket Beach Club To Its Global Vacation Exchange Network

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), announced the addition of West Sands Phuket Beach Club to its vacation exchange network. The resort seamlessly blends state-of-the art development with a commitment to green building practices and consequently was honoured with the prestigious Green Development Award in 2007 and 2008 at the Thailand Property Awards.

Tucked into 48 lush acres with its own 500 yards of private beachfront, the propertyis situated on Mai Khao Beach on Phuket’s favoured west coast. The studio, one-, and two-bedroom units range from 92 to 167 square meters (990 to 1,798 square feet) and the three-bedroom units measure 335 square meters (3,605 square feet). The residences have been designed to have minimal impact on the environment and all feature European-style kitchens and bathrooms, as well as balconies with views of the pool, gardens, or the Andaman Sea.

“We are very pleased to have added West Sands Phuket Beach Club to our exchange network,” said Joe Hickman, Interval International’s Asia Pacific executive director. “Along with its high design standards, the eco-friendly development will contribute to preserving the environment and to more enjoyable and economic living.”

Mai Khao, which is part of the Sirinat National Park, is home to a golden sand beach, which stretches for 10 miles along the Andaman Sea and is the longest beach in Phuket. Activities in and around the area include water sports, sailing, diving and fishing and further inland activities include elephant riding, trekking, golf, and horseback riding.

Owners and guests also will have access to West Sands Water World, one of the largest water parks in Asia with seven themed “worlds” — ranging from an Inca Village to the
North Pole — and includes a lazy river, wave pool, and waterslide complex. Additional
facilities include a fitness centre, cooking school, PADI National Geographic Dive Centre, freeform swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and spa.

“Phuket is well established as a premier vacation destination and West Sands matches its natural beauty with all of the modern amenities essential to enjoying life to the fullest,” said Barry King, project director of West Sands Vacation Club. “Choosing Interval as a partner matches its global experience in the field of vacation services with our local market and product knowledge. We are delighted that West Sands will be part of Interval’s network of quality vacation resorts.”

About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has a network of approximately 2,500 resorts in more than 75 countries and offers its resort clients and about 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through offices in 26 cities in 16 countries.Interval is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

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Global Connections Promotes Ceruzzi To General Manager Of Daytona Resort

The property management division of Global Connections, Inc. (GCI) has recently promoted Emily Ceruzzi to General Manager of Sea Shells Beach Club in Daytona Beach, Florida.

An eight-year veteran with Global Connections, Ceruzzi previously served as assistant general manager at the same resort. As assistant to the Regional Director of Operations, she played a significant role in the revamping of the company’s property management offices in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Orlando, Florida. Previously, she was manager of the Global Southeast Florida member fulfillment office for the nationally respected travel club company.

Owned by Global Connections, the 38-unit Sea Shells Beach Resort is located directly on Daytona Beach. As General Manager, Ceruzzi leads 15 resort employees in the day-to-day operation of the property with four unit sizes. She also handles marketing for resort rentals, oversees the centralized ordering for several Global properties, supervises four reservation agents and assists GCI travel club members with questions.
Before joining GCI, Ceruzzi spent nearly a decade with insurance companies and government agencies, working as a licensed workers’ compensation adjuster and human resources specialist. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of Central Florida, is a paralegal and serves on the Sponsorship Committee of the Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.).

Added Catherine Wunder, VP of Operations for Global Connections, “When it was time to select a new resort manager for Sea Shells Beach Club, we recognized that Emily’s past experience with our company made her the ideal candidate for the job. Her can-do attitude, attention to detail, and familiarity with the resort made for an easy and seamless transition.”

Global Connections has developed and owns many of its properties with resorts currently located throughout the State of Florida, and in California, Tennessee and Colorado. The company also owns multiple resort condominium units in Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin. Global Connections’ 28 sales centers are located in 20 states and are distributors of its travel club product, Global Discovery Vacations (GDV), which offers Star Credits, similar to timeshare’s points-based programs, designed to allow members to select programs to fit their lifestyle and budget.

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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Just in: Executive Quest Announces Its 2009 Salary Survey Results

Since it was launched nine years ago by industry expert Keith Trowbridge, Executive Quest’s Annual Salary Survey has become the yardstick for the timeshare, holiday and fractional ownership industries.

Out now, the 2009 results make for interesting reading…
Compiled from Executive Quest, Inc.’s 20,000- plus industry newsletter subscriber contacts, the latest results show that – unlike last year – timeshare and holiday businesses have not been able to deflect the impact of the current recession, particularly in the areas of tour flow and marketing.

The comprehensive study, a full copy of which can now be purchased online at www.execq. com, covers 31 categories including Sales & Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Resort Managers, CEOs and CFOs, as well as other relevant divisions within the industry.

Whereas last year’s figures showed that the industry remained relatively buoyant, despite signals of the impending recession, the 2009 results show significant dips in compensation levels.

The new survey reveals regional marketing management and vice presidents of marketing have in recent months received a reduction in compensation of about 10%, while sales and marketing directors as a group saw their pay packets cut by 20%.

“These salary studies are important to everyone in the industry and Executive Quest is the only firm to do an industry-wide salary survey,” says Trowbridge, who launched the annual survey nine years ago. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength as the definitive survey of its type, and Executive Quest is already inviting new participants to become part of the 2010 study.

Next year’s report also looks likely to be interesting reading: with France, Germany and Japan only just edging their way out of what has at times felt like a recession “quicksand”, all eyes will be on the US and the major global players during the next twelve months as the industry executives and consumers watch and wait for some good news in the headlines and brighter results in the markets.

During his 20-year career in timeshare, through economic peaks and troughs, Trowbridge has seen the industry grow and change like a chameleon, with American timeshare owners quicker to wholeheartedly adopt the vacation ownership lifestyle compared to European holidaymakers. Trowbridge is well known for pioneering vacation ownership in North America with the development of Sanibel Beach Club on Sanibel Island in Florda, a 31-condo resort that sold out in just 18 months back in the mid ‘70s.

At its peak, his company Captran Resorts International saw timeshare sales of over $50 million roll in during the late ‘70s. In 1996 he decided to retire early, selling his interests to RDI Resort Services Corporation (Bluegreen Resorts). But he was a restless retiree. Within months he started writing a new book in which he shared his industry expertise, philosophy and success secrets and since then he has authored and co-authored a number of industry “how to” books as well as various press articles on vacation ownership, financing, training and recruitment.

The Executive Quest 2009 Salary Survey analyzes mean annual compensation comparisons in business development and measures salaries according to title. In 2008, the average minimum salary was $72,000 per annum (12%), with 32% of industry professionals were averaging $191,179, while the largest slice of the pie, over half (56%), were on maximum mean salaries of $331,500.

Broken down by position within the company, Senior VPs, who make up 40% of the total, were bringing in an average salary of $370,750 pa while Executive VPs (35%) made $321,333. Mean compensation for Vice Presidents came in at $227,500.

Although the timeshare industry has weathered ups and downs in the past, this year will go down in history as a “down” year. Sales figures are dipping and Howard Nusbaum, President of ARDA (the American Resort Development Association) projects an 8% decrease in sales for 2009. Companies are cutting back on marketing and tour flow which in turn results in lower tours and lower compensation for sales managers, VPs and regional VPs. As these are all corporate positions which are usually tied to a percentage of sales revenue, the result is a knock-on decline in compensation of 25%.

While administrative positions have escaped relatively unscathed. CFO, COO, HR and Operations Management salaries are holding steady, higher up the ladder CEOs, Presidents and Owners have been hit, with salaries sinking by approximately 33% compared to the previous year as the hospitality industry flinches from the sting of tough economic times.

Outside of the US, Executive Quest has been active in Dubai, India and New Zealand and Trowbridge reports the company is currently seeking exceptional talent in those regions, often for harder-to-fill positions. Recruitment is just one area where the Executive Quest Salary Survey is used by corporations who rely on it as a valuable tool in other divisions such as budgeting and finance, promotion and training.

As a timeshare guru, Trowbridge is still passionate about the industry after all these years. When he’s not vacationing around the world with his wife (at timeshare resorts, of course), they are both active members of their local community in Fort Myers, Florida.

Executive Quest specializes in recruiting what Trowbridge is proud to call “the best of the best” in the vacation ownership industry, recruiting and placing candidates in top companies and resorts in North and South America, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia and Europe.

For the full survey results and a detailed breakdown, the 2009 Executive Quest Salary Survey is available at
www.execq.com.

For additional information and recruitment enquiries, please contact keith@execq.com or jim@execq.com.

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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Group RCI Commissions Extensive Study to Measure Untapped Demand and Supply in the U.S. Resort Timeshare Industry

The world’s largest vacation exchange company continues legacy of innovation and leadership; shares key findings with its affiliates and business partners

Global vacation ownership leader Group RCI, which is celebrating 35 years in the industry, has commissioned an in-depth study of the timeshare industry to pinpoint untapped demand (i.e. consumers) and supply locations (i.e. resort timeshare projects) throughout the U.S.

The new study by Ragatz was completed this summer and focuses on the top 100 tourist destinations in the US. The report suggests where new resorts would be best located (i.e. either purpose-built resorts, or existing developments ripe for conversion into vacation ownership model resorts) and the findings apply to one-offs as well as “add-ons” to multiclub resorts.

The study taps into new markets with potential and promising prospects both on the supply and demand side, but also spotlights locations to avoid because of market saturation. The detailed findings include valuable nationwide information on potential obstacles to growth, expansion and overall opportunities in the industry, making it a must-read especially for those involved in the areas of sales and resort and business development.

Not surprisingly, the individual States with the highest concentration of timeshare resorts are Florida, top of the list at 22.6%, California (8.8%), South Carolina (7%), Hawaii (6.1%) and Colorado (5.2%).

One of the most significant and surprising findings was that out of the 100 top tourist destinations (not timeshare destinations), 27 of them have no timeshare facilities at all.

Thanks to the findings, developers and affiliates will be able to positively impact the vacation exchange industry as a whole and the study will also benefit lenders looking to research and validate projects or marketing ventures throughout the US.

This new data will not only enable affiliated developers to determine where to costeffectively solicit and market to potential buyers, but also where to build or acquire new resort properties and which are the best locations for off-site sales operations to help maximize return on investment.

“The vacation exchange industry continues to be a major part of the overall real estate and hospitality industries,” said Gordon Gurnik, President, North America, Group RCI. “With Group RCI’s 35-year legacy of leadership and innovation, this research should play a vital role in continuing to help our affiliates successfully maintain and grow their businesses. The ground-breaking data we’ve acquired offers previously unmeasured information to help expand their presence in new markets and increase their member base.

“By commissioning this comprehensive study we’ve tapped into the overall scope of the industry and can offer timely and valuable insight to help our affiliates to help determine new markets for growth, expansion and opportunities in the industry, even in these uncertain times, “added Gurnik.

In addition, the new Ragatz data reveals the degree to which market depth remains for resort timeshare ownership among incomeeligible households in 291 sectional centers across the U.S.

Dick Ragatz, President of Ragatz Associates Inc., explained: “Despite the impressive growth of the resort timeshare industry over the past 30 years, it has traditionally not focused on research as a means to decide where to build new projects and where to market new inventory. The typical approach in selecting project locations has been an opportunistic model, such as inexpensive land, capricious deal making, and friend or family referrals. The same can be said for selecting off-site markets, which is usually simply based on total population or proximity to the resort.”

“We found that in the top 100 tourist destinations in the U.S., 27 do not currently contain any resort timeshare projects,” added Gurnik. “This and other statistics from the study present some great opportunities for expansion in the industry. We hope our affiliates will be able to use this study to strengthen their business and continue to grow with Group RCI as their exchange provider of choice.”

The study reveals:
• Some 4.4 million households already own timeshare, both in the States and overseas, and of those, 3.2 million make over $50,000 a year. (The remaining owners are either older and retired, and purchased years ago, or are recent buyers of low-priced resales.

• There is still a huge potential market for timeshare sales: there are 109.2 million households that do not own timeshare, and of these, 56.6 million earn over $50,000 pa.

• There are still a surprising number of as yet undeveloped regions in the US which the timeshare industry has not yet penetrated. Currently, there are 1,640 timeshare projects in the US, comprising about 179,220 units for an average size of 109 units.

• The best locations to direct off-site marketing programs for new resort timeshare projects

• The top five cities from which leisure-oriented visitors originate to the USA’s top 100 tourist destinations.

About Group RCI
Group RCI, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, (NYSE: WYN) is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods
to more than 73,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. The company is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection® program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals®, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, and asset management services.

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit www.grouprci.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

About Ragatz Associates
Ragatz Associates is a highly respected international consulting and market research firm in the resort real estate industry. It was founded in 1974 by Dr. Richard Ragatz and has serviced clients from both the private sector (from small, individually owned companies to international corporations) and the public sector (from small municipalities to national governments). The firm has worked on over 2,500 assignments in the resort real estate industry in 48 states and over 70 countries. For more information visit www.ragatzassociates.com

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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WORLDtouch8.1 Sales Presentation Software Increases VPG, Decreases Cancellations For Developers In Hawaii, Mexico, Colorado

Based on a controlled study recently completed by SHELL VACATIONS in Hawaii, the WORLDtouch8.1 sales presentation system was directly responsible for raising VPG more than 40% and reducing cancellations 59%!

The WORLDtouch8.1 system can now be installed immediately for a very small commission based only on sales closed and a minimal setup fee. This means developers small and large can start using this powerfull tool right now at extremely low cost and risk. Since pricing has been changed to this new model, the response has been astounding…with new resort companies signing on every week.

After installing the WORLDtouch sales presentation system on 40 tables, David Stroeve from Grand Timber Lodge and Grand Lodge On Peak7 in Breckenridge, Colorado says,  “We all have seen dynamic changes within our industry…however we have continued to outperform, posting our best June and second best July in company history! The WORLDtouch system has become an essential component of every presentation, enabling our sales associates to clearly demonstrate our product strengths and company credentials, and I would highly recommend use of this 21st Century technology to any sales organization.”

After installing the WORLDtouch system on 50 sales tables, Don “Junior” Eastvold from Exotic Travel Club in Riviera Maya, Mexico says, ”Everyone is using the WORLDtouch system, and the closing percentage remains high. Even with the down-turn of the economy and the slow down of tours, we are still matching or beating last year’s sales production, with fewer tours, and I assign most of this success to the addition of WORLDtouch. It is working out very well for us.”

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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Diamond Resorts International Strengthens Commitment To The Customer

Year of the Customer Initiative Gets Boost from Cloobeck’s ‘The Meaning of Yes(SM)’

Diamond Resorts International® (DRI), a global leader in the vacation holiday ownership industry, sets itself apart during this economy with its company-wide commitment to provide customers with service excellence through its corporate ideology of ‘The Meaning of Yes(SM).’

Stephen J. Cloobeck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, today announced “While other hospitality and travel companies are abiding by, what some in these industries refer to as, ‘a post 9-11, no waivers, no favors’ philosophy, DRI continues to strengthen its commitment to providing customers with service excellence through ‘The Meaning of Yes.’ We continue to position DRI apart from our competitors in two very different, but most important, functional aspects by first bringing the component of hospitality to the timeshare industry and secondly by servicing our customers by saying yes.”

Recognizing that building lasting customer relationships is significant to the short-term growth and long-term health of Diamond Resorts International®, Cloobeck developed The Meaning of Yes as a fundamental ideology for the company’s workforce.

According to Cloobeck’s The Meaning of Yes – Any successful business builds customer value through trust-based products and purposeful relationship management and at DRI, we continue to deliver on our promise of growth for THE Club® product through expanded member benefits and resort affiliations. Specifically, our customers continue to ask for more exchange and points-redemption opportunities as well as more resort locations and we continue to steadily build the most sought-after vacation ownership and holiday membership product available in the marketplace today. “Quite simply,” implores Cloobeck, “we continue to say yes to our customers.”

“As a company,” continues Cloobeck, “we share mutual interest with our customers in each other’s success – our customers want us to succeed and we in turn want them to trust in us to deliver on our promise to them. In effect, we are collectively saying yes to each other.”

As hotels and other timeshare companies limit customer benefits and, in effect, shorten the quality of the stay, DRI is bridging communication and service gaps between resorts, customers and corporate. Launching educational enrichment seminars at resort locations in the UK and in the States, DRI invites members to half-day seminars to learn more about the product and the company so that both can better serve each other. Members get updates on new tools available for them to further enjoy their vacation lifestyle product and the company benefits by receiving instant feedback about what they are doing right and what needs improvement.

Annually, nearly 1.4 million owners, members and guests enjoy the simplicity, choice and comfort Diamond Resorts International® offers through its branded hospitality experience. Says Cloobeck, “At DRI, it doesn’t make a difference what the customer asks; the answer is still yes. We work hand-in-hand with all of our divisions to create a positive customer experience. We collectively deliver the meaning of yes, and it starts with the chairman of the company. The meaning of yes is what defines our success.”

Diamond Resorts International®, with global headquarters in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest vacation ownership companies in the world with more than 160 branded and affiliated resorts and over 24,000 guest beds in 26 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Offering simplicity, choice and comfort to more than 400,000 owners and members through the branded hospitality service of more than 5,500 team members worldwide, Diamond Resorts International® is dedicated to providing its guests with effortless and relaxing vacation experiences every time, for a lifetime. To learn more, visit www.DiamondResorts.com.

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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Stroman Realty Study Shows Timeshare Resales Prices Rising In 2009

While timeshare resales prices have still not recovered from their high in 2007 they show signs of recovery. Sales data from closed timeshare sales on the secondary market revealed a 4% increase in prices from 2008.

Signs of economic recovery are often seen first in the purchase of luxury items. A recent study by Stroman Realty, Inc of timeshare resales prices for 2009 is showing signs of bouncing back from a decline in prices from 2008. Sales data from closed timeshare sales on the secondary market revealed a 4% increase in prices from 2008. While timeshare resales prices have still not recovered from their high in 2007 they show signs of recovery. “Prices are on the rebound from the worldwide economic crisis that was upon us for the last 18 months” said Wayne Stroman, the broker and president of Stroman Realty. He went on to explain the past five years of sales data: The year to date or first seven months worldwide timeshare average sales price numbers for each of the last five years from 2005 through 2009 are as follows:

2005     $7,905.38
2006     $7,743.03
2007     $9,962.75
2008     $8,802.40
2009     $9,189.80

For those who have been thinking of selling their timeshare, this may be an indication that it is a good time to sell. “Timeshare owners that bought from the developer are not getting 100% of the original sales price. If they bought a resale timeshare they probably still have their purchase equity.” He said. So far in 2009 the highest priced timeshare property sold was Marriott’s Mountainside in Park City Utah for $54,900. The state with the largest number of timeshare sales was California. Dominating the California timeshare resales list were Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas, Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas, Four Seasons Aviara, and Marriott’s Shadow Ridge.

About Stroman Realty, Inc.:
Stroman Realty, Inc. is a full service real estate brokerage company located in a 30,000 sq. ft. office complex on Lake Conroe, just north of Houston, Texas. Stroman Realty is the world’s largest Resort Timeshare Resale Broker and the acknowledged leader in the timeshare resales marketplace. Their advertising reaches thousands of people daily with an interest in timeshare resales, timeshare sales, and vacation rentals. Stroman’s international timeshare resales and timeshare rental operations offer timeshare buyers and vacation renters a portfolio of timeshare resales, timeshare rentals and camping memberships worldwide. The company has been under original management since 1979.

About Wayne Stroman:
Wayne Stroman currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) (2000-2010), Regional Vice President Region 14 (2008-2010); the Board of Directors for the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) (1999-2001 and 2007-2009) and HAR Vice Chair 2009. In addition, Mr. Stroman is active with the Houston REALTOR® Information Service, Inc. (HRIS) and served on their Board of Directors (2002-2006). He was the HRIS Secretary-Treasurer (2002) and Vice Chair (2003). He also sits on the Board of Directors for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) (2003 & 2008-2009). NAR has over 1.1 million members and HAR is one of two of the largest local REALTOR® organizations in the nation along with Long Island, New York.

He was Chairman of the HAR International Council (2005-2006) and the HAR Technology Task Force for (2004). He was past Chairman of the HAR MLS Advisory Group (2003); and past Chairman of the HAR Statistical Information Subcommittee (1997). He also served on the MLS Advisory Group Committee (1990-94 & 1997-2008); and the Y2K Task Force (1998-2000).

Mr. Stroman served on the TAR Issues Mobilization Committee (2005-2007); TAR Member Benefits Task Force (2005-2009), Committee Chair (2006); and was on the TAR International Task Force (2003); International Committee (2007-2009) the TAR Condominium Committee (1985); Technology Committee (2008-2009); Omega Tau Rho Fraternity Achievement Award 2004.

He was also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service Issues and Policies Committee (2003-2005); the past Chairman of the NAR Resort Real Estate Forum (2003); and a member of the Resort and Second Home Real Estate Committee (2003 and 2006-2007); International Operations Committee (2008-2009); and CIPS Advisory Group (2007-2008).

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Jade Resort Residences & Beach Club Appoints Agnelo Fernandes As President

Jade Resort Residences & Beach Club has announced Agnelo Fernandes as president. Fernandes, a hospitality industry veteran with over 20 years of operational, finance and brand marketing experience, joins to take on responsibility of developing the new lifestyle development brand and overseeing its introduction through an upscale resort and residential project underway in Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. Beyond Costa Rica, he will also be involved in extending the Jade brand to other international projects.

Adjacent to Manuel Antonio National Park to one side and overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the other, Jade Resort Residences & Beach Club’s premier property will feature 240 designer resort-style residences as well as world-class hospitality services and resident and guest amenities. The property is situated five miles from Quepos, an international destination for sport fishing.

As president of Jade Resort Residences & Beach Club, Fernandes will oversee all operations, finance, sales and marketing of the brand and its projects. The opening of the first property in January 2011 marks his 13th resort-hotel launch.

Fernandes joins Jade from Canyon Ranch Miami Beach where he was part of a leadership team tasked with the pre-strategy and opening of the first Canyon Ranch Living and hotel concept. He led its integrated marketing including for an all-suite high-end hotel, 70,000 square feet wellness center, gourmet nutrition and beverage services, and retail. He also was instrumental in the successful marketing and sales of residences and hotel condominiums.

Fernandes was a former director of sales and marketing for Sonesta Hotel and Suites. He has held leadership roles with Ocean Point Resort and Spa in Sunny Isles Beach and Rex Resorts in the Caribbean. For Rex Resorts, he led the re-launch of the brand in the Americas, repositioning seven resorts and opening two new resorts.

Recognized with several industry accolades, Fernandes began his career with Starwood where he held various training and management positions. Among his accomplishments include being awarded Caribbean Hotel Association Sales Person of the Year 1995.

“My partners and I are thrilled to have Agnelo Fernandes join our team for his caliber of talent and the depth of experience he brings to build our brand and oversee the first development of its kind under that brand,” said lead developer Dan Dykgraaf. “Beyond his industry experience, we value his business acumen and immense passion for unique projects such as ours that are defined by their brand and exotic locations. We’re excited for what he brings to the launch of the first Jade project in Costa Rica and to future growth in other international destinations.”

Jade Resort Residences & Beach Club Costa Rica will include: 190 condo-style designer residences within a hotel tower; 50 individual high-end residences with six penthouses; an exclusive beach club with lagoon pool, cabanas and a lazy river (the only one in the region); a luxurious resort pool with 180-degree Pacific Ocean views, private cabanas and poolside services; a lobby featuring a magnificent nine-story atrium and a 40-foot cascading waterfall; Jade Spa, Salon and Fitness Center; an upscale Latin-European restaurant; a 6,000-square-foot meeting facility; and an array of concierge and guest services. Area activities include golf, white water rafting, kayaking, treetop zip-lining, mountain biking, horseback riding, water sports and other beachside recreation.

Jade’s Costa Rica project is a branded Wyndham Hotels and Resorts property and is affiliated with The Registry Collection Exchange Program, the largest luxury exchange program offered by Group RCI, a leader in vacation exchange, European leader in vacation rentals, and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands.

About Jade Resort Residences & Beach Club
Jade Resort Residences & Beach Club is an upscale residential and resort development underway in Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. Situated adjacent to famed Manuel Antonio National Park, Jade will include: 190 one- and two-bedroom condo-style designer residences; 50 individual high-end designer residences with six penthouses; world class hotel and concierge services; a private oceanfront beach club with a 180-degree-view pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean; a nine-story atrium with 40-foot cascading waterfall; Jade Salon, Spa and Fitness with a 2,000-square-foot health and fitness center; an upscale Latin-European restaurant; 6,000 square feet of meeting space; on-site nature trails; and, various other recreational activities inspired by the natural landscape and regional culture. For more information, visit www.jademanuelantonio.com.

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Quintess, The Leading Residences Of The World, Now More Than 500 Members, Has Demonstrated Strong Growth And Financial Stability In This Economic Environment

Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World (LRW)(quintess.com) issued its mid-year update to members, highlighting that building on its financial strength, it now has more than 500 members and continues to grow, add homes, and be a pioneer in the destination club industry.

Despite the overall economic climate and some contraction in the destination club industry, Quintess, LRW grew significantly in the first half of 2009. Coming into the year, Quintess, LRW had a strong financial foundation in place with a multi-year contractual equity commitment of $210 million through 2016, along with the Club’s revised annual dues and fees structure that was approved by an overwhelming majority vote of membership in Q4, 2008. This financial structure allows the Club to sustain itself without requiring the capital from new membership sales. Quintess, LRW offers best-in-class home quality and home availability, and the most flexible use policies in the industry. Combined with the Club’s financial strength, this has resulted in nearly 70 new memberships and upgrades year to date, with sales accelerating in recent months. Quintess, LRW now offers deferred payment pricing starting at just 25% of total payments paid upfront and a conversion membership structure for new members who are leaving other clubs.

“Financial strength during this challenging economic environment has allowed us to enhance our position as the leading destination club in availability, home quality and service,” said Greg Eure, President of Quintess, LRW.

This summer the Club has announced real estate growth within its portfolio while some other destination clubs continue to draw back. In June, Quintess, LRW opened for reservation its second home in La Quinta, California, a prime leisure destination geared toward golf. In July, the Club added two homes in Aspen, Colorado at Aspen Highlands, offering its members access to ski amenities and privileges at the adjacent Ritz-Carlton resort. Now, with four homes in Aspen, Quintess, LRW can offer an enclave environment providing members with outstanding services and the choice of two slope-side properties, a mountain house retreat or a central downtown location.

Quintess, LRW is optimistic about the future of the destination club industry as interest in alternatives to second home ownership is growing. Quintess, LRW’s parent, Club Holdings, LLC, is in advanced stages of a new club development with a globally-recognized partner. With this development, Quintess, LRW expects to be able to make available to its members the ultimate level of access to the most comprehensive leisure experiences at the most exclusive resort destinations around the world.

About Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World (quintess.com)
Quintess, The Leading Residences of the World is a luxury destination club that creates highly personalized vacation experiences for its members. Quintess, LRW provides its members with access to 80+ multimillion-dollar residences and experiences in 40+ international resort and city destinations, including Aspen, Los Cabos, Florence, Hawaii, Jackson Hole, London, Napa Valley, New York City, Paris and Tuscany, among countless others. As part of Quintess, LRW’s strategic relationship with The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., the club now offers Q Leading Experiences at select member hotels around the globe. With 500+ members, the company remains committed to financial transparency and full disclosure and continues the practice of providing its members with third party audited financial statements. For more information about Quintess, LRW please call 800.550.0324 or visit quintess.com.

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San Diego Leads Nation In Real Estate Recovery As Vacation Home Project Opens

The Residence Club on Mission Beach Offers Ideally Located, Sensible Second Home Ownership

Economist Lawrence Yum reported that San Diego leads the nation in real estate recovery during his keynote address at the San Diego Association of Realtors summit on August 18. This is evidenced by rising home prices and sales coupled with a limited housing inventory due to a decline in new construction. Market conditions make this an ideal time for the debut of The Residence Club on Mission Beach, Southern California’s only beachfront residence club.

Boasting sweeping ocean views, resort-style services, and contemporary design, The Residence Club on Mission Beach is a stylish enclave of ten two-bedroom residences. Two residence types are offered – the Beach Tier residences on the ground floor and Top Tier residences above. Both reveal spectacular water views through floor to ceiling windows. The Club will have eight owners per residence. Limited-time, introductory pricing is $265,000 for Beach Tier and $325,000 for Top Tier. Similar whole ownership real estate in Mission Beach is priced up to $2 million.

Developer Ken Cornell, principal of Ocean Pacific Companies, is encouraged by the renewed optimism consumers are beginning to demonstrate. “The Residence Club on Mission Beach opened just over a month ago, and we’re receiving a very enthusiastic response,” he says. “San Diego visitors are excited by this unique opportunity to own a luxury beachfront residence at a price that they’re unlikely to ever see again.”

All residences are fully furnished and feature two bedrooms, three bathrooms, patios, living rooms, and gourmet kitchens. The Club offers cabanas, lounge chairs, and beach service to owners and their guests. Brand new cruiser bicycles and boogie boards are provided for family recreation. Rare for Mission Beach, there is complimentary underground parking on site. The Club staff provides concierge and pre-arrival grocery shopping service, security, housekeeping, and all maintenance, allowing families to completely enjoy every vacation moment.

Owners may vacation at The Residence Club on Mission Beach as often as they wish, subject only to generous and flexible reservation policies. The Club has been selected to participate in The Elite Alliance℠ which offers vacation exchange opportunities within a prestigious group of residence clubs in locations such as Deer Valley, UT; La Quinta, CA; Sedona, AZ; Jackson Hole, WY; and Bermuda.

Ocean Pacific Companies has engaged DCP International℠, pioneers of the residence club industry, to consult with them in the creation of The Residence Club on Mission Beach. DCP introduced the world’s first private residence club in Deer Valley, Utah and has since consulted with developers on dozens of residence clubs in beach, golf, ski, and urban locations such as New York City, Florida, Colorado, Italy, Bermuda, and Mexico. The Club is managed by DCM International, the world’s largest and most experienced residence club management company.

Mission Beach is a popular destination for residents of the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and desert states who come for the beach recreation, superb climate, and proximity to downtown San Diego’s dynamic cultural offerings. Local family attractions include SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND, and Wild Animal Park. Sports fans can easily attend Chargers and Padres games.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers non-stop service to 43 cities, including Chicago, IL; Las Vegas, NV; Phoenix, AZ; Portland, OR; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; and Vancouver, BC.

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Global Vacation International Launches Own Product

Global Vacation International was launched in January 2009, originally a marketer selling Serenity VIP, as from June this year GVI launched its own product www.gvi-asia.com a web based membership product, offering resorts, hotels villa rentals,cruises discounted leisure activities and opportunities to invest in fractional or whole ownership products.

Located in Patong Thailand, the company was set up by Managing Director Kevin Baker with backing of a leading UK property developer. the company is now becoming one of the leading sales operations in Thailand with an average monthly close of 34% on cold line sales, each month the company is getting stronger and continues to grow, Craig Bingham was recently appointed Project Director, Craig has been in the industry for many years having worked for leading companies in the Industry such as Global Europe, Karma Royal Group, Simon Dyer was appointed sales manager in June and with Keith Hudson as marketing Director, more recently Paul Wilkins took charge of client Liaison, all these appointments have given GVI Asia a strong management backbone.

GVI Asia are now looking to expand throughout the region and look forward to a bright future with 7 more decks planned to open during the next 2 years.

The Patong sales office will expand during the high season with the addition of a French,Scandinavian and Russian sales lines

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W Hotels Worldwide Makes Sizzling Debut In South America With The Unveiling Of W Santiago

W Santiago and The Residences at W Santiago Mark the Latest Opening in W Hotels’ Continued Global Expansion, More Than Doubling Its Footprint by 2011

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and leading industry innovator, today unveils its first ever hotel in South America, W Santiago and The Residences at W Santiago. The W brand’s 33rd hotel, W Santiago is the cornerstone of a larger, mixed-use complex, Isidora 3000, which includes a convention center, boutique office space, and high-end retail shops in addition to the W Hotel and W-branded residences. Developed by the Territoria Group, W Santiago is located in the heart of the fashionable El Golf district of the Chilean capital city and surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Andes.

For W Santiago, renowned New York designer Tony Chi partnered with native Chilean designer Sergio Echeverria and his studio Echeverria Edwards & CIA to create cutting edge interiors for the hotel and residences that are a cool, contemporary take on the varied Chilean landscape. Their interior design approach sets the stage for W’s signature programming, including Whiskey Blue, an amped-up hotspot on the fourth floor of the hotel, Red2 One, a breathtaking rooftop bar, and W Lounge (W’s take on the traditional hotel lobby), all from famed nightlife entrepreneurs Rande and Scott Gerber of the Gerber Group; Osaka, the Zen-inspired restaurant featuring Peruvian-Asian cuisine by Chef Ciro Watanabe; NoSo and Terraza, two Modern French restaurants by renowned chef Jean-Paul Bondoux; an intimate Tea Library, managed by the talented French chef Sebastien Fontes; a lively Wine Bar; and W Hotels The Store, W’s twist on the hotel gift shop. In addition, hotel guests have access to the adjacent O2 Balance & Wellness Club, which offers 2,000 square meters of high-end equipment for physical training and spa treatment rooms.

“W Santiago marks a milestone for the W brand in South America as well as in our continued global expansion into the world’s most vibrant destinations,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “The hotel provides guests and locals alike with W’s unique signature programming set in a cool design environment that gives a contemporary and playful nod to the breathtaking Chilean landscape and culture.”

“We’re delighted to celebrate the grand opening of this world-class hotel and residences, which now stands as an iconic landmark in this city” said Francisco Rencoret, CEO of Territoria. “We’ve created an exceptional lifestyle destination. Isidora 3000 was designed to bring the best in each category offices, retail, residences, hotel- through experiences, design and services for the 21st century.”

“We are excited to strengthen our presence in Chile as we unveil the new W Santiago, a great addition to our existing Starwood portfolio,” said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America. “W is a worldwide brand already present in many important cities around the globe. We chose Santiago because of the need for outstanding hotels and for the importance Santiago has as a financial and cultural center in South America.”

Contemporary Design Rooted in Chilean Culture
Beginning with a private garden entrance flanked by 50-foot trees cultivated from southern Chile, the design of W Santiago honors the country’s cultural traditions while incorporating the modern design elements for which the W brand is known. Interior designer Tony Chi was inspired by the colors, textures and sounds of Chile, elements that can be seen, felt and heard throughout the hotel. The color palette of all public spaces and guestrooms includes oranges, blues, and other vibrant shades that are found in the mountains and deserts of South America, and many of the hotel’s design elements beckon to be touched, such as the sheepskin walls used in the W lounge. To craft and execute this conceptual design throughout the building, Chi worked in collaboration with the international company Handel Architects of the United States, the Brazilian landscape designer Gilberto Elkis, and renowned Chilean designer Sergio Echeverria. Together, they went to great lengths to use natural design materials found in or inspired by South America, including copper (Chile’s biggest export), sheepskin, Brazilian woods, and contemporary Indian tapestries. In using these natural elements, this team of designers has intended for every guest’s experience at W Santiago to be unique, as the natural materials will change with time, aging beautifully, and constantly evolving the look and feel of the hotel.

“When designing, you have to start with the location and its people, and what I noticed here is that friends and family congregate frequently and in large groups,” said Tony Chi. “Chilean culture is about crossing generations and bridging differences, and as a collective sentiment, it is what ultimately inspired W Santiago.”

Mix, Mingle and Sip in Style at W Santiago
W Santiago features an assorted mix of modern lounges, bars, and restaurants in which W’s jet set guests and Santiago’s fashionable locals can mix and mingle. Whiskey Blue, which marks the South American debut of nightlife entrepreneurs Rande and Scott Gerber, features a modern bar with leather, felt and wood paneling and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Two additional venues by the Gerber Group, the signature W lounge and Red2 One, the 21st floor rooftop bar, offer guests, residents and locals a menu of sophisticated cocktails and light fare in distinctively designed spaces.

Restaurants at W Santiago include NoSo and Terraza, where famed chef Jean-Paul Bondoux puts his own unique spin on modern French cuisine, and Osaka restaurant, featuring an innovative fusion of Asian and Peruvian flavors by renowned chef Ciro Watanabe. At Osaka, typical Peruvian ingredients are combined with Oriental cooking techniques, resulting in innovative dishes, such as Ceviche Osaka, Tai Scallops, Teriyaki Balsamic Sirloin, and Nippon Confit Duck. NoSo, a more formal dining experience, features a contemporary twist on French classics such as foie gras and escargot as well as fresh Chilean seafood. NoSo features chocolate-colored walls, a wine cave, marble seafood display, and an impressive chef’s table, where the chef prepares the freshest ingredients from the local market. Adjacent to NoSo, a private dining room seats up to 25 people, with blue glass chandeliers hanging above massive tables surrounded by plush red chairs. With a brasserie-style concept, Terraza is a more casual restaurant with quick and agile service, ideal for local executives or relaxed outdoor dining. A signature Tea Library and a modern Wine Bar round out the scene at W Santiago.

Escape the Hustle and Bustle of Chile’s Dynamic Capital City
W Santiago features 196 stylish guestrooms, including 20 suites, 16 Cool Corner Rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, three WOW suites, and the signature Extreme WOW Suite (W Hotels’ reinterpretation of the Presidential Suite), offering stunning views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains. Rooms and suites, which serve as a personal escape for guests, feature black and white images of Chile, modern and stylish furniture, high ceilings, and, in many cases, spacious terraces with incredible views. All guestrooms feature W beds with goose down duvets and 350 thread-count sheets, flat-screen LCD TVs, broadband Wi-Fi Internet, docking stations for MP3 players, and a fully stocked Munchie Box (W Hotels’ take on of the traditional hotel mini bar).

W Santiago is also home to South America’s first W Hotels The Store, a WIRED 24-hour business center, and the heated WET® rooftop pool on the 21st floor, which offers unparalleled views of the city and mountains. The perfect backdrop for creative business meetings or unforgettable celebrations, W Santiago also boasts more than 1,800 square meters of ultra-modern meeting and event space, with 10 fully equipped meeting rooms featuring new generation technologies. The hotel offers a contemporary Great Room (W’s version of a ballroom), which can seat up to 1,400 guests.

Providing the ultimate in urban living, W Santiago includes 46 W-branded residences, in sizes ranging from 65 to 325 square meters with a contemporary design and exclusive access to the hotel’s unique amenities and services. All residences feature the largest terraces in Santiago, spacious bedrooms and living spaces, and state-of-the art appliances. In addition, residents have access to a private owners’ lounge, private wine cellar and tasting room, an infinity pool on the 21st floor, and a helipad. Residences are still available and can be purchased by contacting the sales center at (56-2) 947-2032 or through the website www.santiagoresidences.com. In addition, W Santiago offers W’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service promise, providing both guests and residents alike with whatever they want – from a private plane to the Patagonia to a bottle of vintage wine – whenever they want it, as long as it’s legal!

W Santiago is located at Isidora Goyenechea 3000, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. For more information or to book, please visit www.whotels.com/santiago.

About W Hotels Worldwide®
W Hotels is an innovative contemporary lifestyle brand and the hotel category buster with 33 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 passions around fashion, music, entertainment, design, architecture, pop culture, and everything in between. W Hotels are unique and individual expressions of modern living, reflected in the brand’s sensibility to a holistic lifestyle experience with cutting-edge design, contemporary restaurant concepts, glamorous 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, Boston, Hollywood, Huntington Beach, and Downtown New York. In Europe, W Hotels have been announced in Athens, Barcelona, London, Manchester, Milan, Paris 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 Marrakech, Amman, and Dubai. W has plans to open W Retreats 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 The Territoria Group
A real estate developer, Territoria . was founded in 2004 and is based out of Santiago, Chile. Territoria distinguishes itself through the unique imprint it leaves on each project, characterized by a new proposition for a certain style of living. They start from one idea, constructing spaces with innovation, creativity and design, with an open vision towards a new way of living. They currently have 70.000 square meters of completed works and approximately 162.000 square meters under construction. www.territoria.cl

About Tony Chi
Tony Chi distinguishes himself from other interior designers because of his temperament. He is a perfectionist; meticulous, unwavering and possessing an intensity that evokes emotion, never allowing indifference. His design transcends ephemeral curiosity entertained by the surface of things. He understands that design without functionality is hollow and functionality without people who care to utilize it defeats the purpose. In his own words, “any designer can create a dazzling body but I want to create spaces that have a chance at building a soul.” He doesn’t merely deliver aesthetics, he delivers an experience.

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Cyprus Ambassador Opens Bridge To The Middle East With Joint Ventures And Fractions

The Cyprus Investment Festival, held in Beirut, Lebanon was officially opened by his Excellency, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Kyriakos Kouros.

During his address he pointed out the strategic alliances currently available to investors in Cyprus and its market stability.

“The Cyprus investment Festival has launched this initiative and we are pleased to support this event”, he said. “ We are open for business in Cyprus, and our doors are now open for investment” he added.

The Cyprus Investment Festival organizers, World Class Group, a PR and communications consultancy unit based in Dubai, launched the Cyprus promotion to the Middle East with its first leg of the festival in Beirut. The Cyprus Investment Festival will showcase the advantages of investing in Cyprus throughout the Middle East later in the fall of 2009.

Among the participating partners of the Cyprus Investment Festival are seasoned development groups in Cyprus, Iacovou Brothers Development and Pafilia, and other quality boutique developers.

The aim of the festival is to inform potential investors of new opportunities of foreign investment in Cyprus, in particular a new resolution in the counsel of minister’s decision to allow non-Europeans to apply for permanent residency status when purchasing a property in Cyprus under certain criteria. The organizers are promoting this as the new ‘Open Doors’ policy of Cyprus.

Organizers of the festival were impressed by the growing number of investors from the Middle East expressing interest in making substantial commitments in Cyprus. “Cyprus is the gateway to the EU for the region, and having the lowest corporate tax has also attracted many international companies to set up shop in the country,” said Mr. Michael J. Tolan, Ceo of World Class Group, organizers of the Cyprus Investment Festival.

Visitors from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the UAE were in attendance to the Festival. Many of these investors showed high levels of interest in investing in Custom Villas and other income properties that enjoy a strong rental demand by vacationers who rent luxury villas by the week.

“ Now is the time to seize opportunities in Cyprus which enjoys a stable economy in spite of the global so called crisis” he added.

The Cyprus Investment Festival will be held in Beirut at the Phoenicia Hotel throughout the month of August. Investors were enlightened to new developments in Cyprus such as a new world class marina project in Paphos, destined to attract the jet set of the Mediterranean to Cyprus, several new golf courses including one in Larnaca and rumored talks with major theme parks groups which will add to the already growing tourist market.

“Many investors who have been perplexed by the world economy now view Cyprus as the darling safe haven of Europe”, said Tolan. The number of incentives that are available to major investors including grants from the EU attracts other investors. Fractional Ownership, introduced in Cyprus by World Class Group earlier this year, also got the attention of speculators who desire to acquire assets in Cyprus while having a lower exposure and a deeded slice of a superb vacation property.”

“On the upper tier of the scale, we have inquiries ranging from 500,000 to 10,000,000 Euro level investment in properties and joint ventures.”

Hundreds of visitors surveyed were interested in various areas of Cyprus, the Protaras and Famagusta areas were popular on speculation of reunification of the island, while Larnaca and Limassol remained front-runners, followed closely by Paphos and Polis, the new frontiers of buy to rent properties.

The Cyprus Investment Festival will tour Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Malaysia over the next few months’. George Mintis, Vice President of the Cyprus Tourism Organization, said “The Open Doors policy of Cyprus has opened a new gateway to the EU for many investors in the Middle East and around the world”.  “There are opportunities for any entrepreneur to secure safe and profitable investments in our country. Cyprus boasts the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU, and is attracting many multinational companies to relocate to the island of smiles,” added Mintis.

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Perspective Magazine Gets Its Rightful Domain

After nearly four years Perspective Magazine has now managed to acquire the previously unavailable PerspectiveMagazine.com

Perspective Magazine; the leading trade publication for the shared ownership industry globally has been in circulation since November 2005, residing at www.theperspectivemagazine.com, but finally after a long wait, parent company Perspective International Ltd have finalised negotiations to buy www.perspectivemagazine.com and have now taken ownership of this domain.

“It has been one of those things that has irritated me every day for four years…” says Paul Mattimoe, CEO of Perspective International Ltd, “…having to give out the magazine’s website with a ‘the’ in the front of it – so I am very pleased to have finally convinced the previous owners to sell the domain to us and look forward to establishing the magazine’s online component in its rightful place shortly.”

The new website will not be available for some weeks yet, but is expected to be released with even more enhanced features as the magazine gears up for the release of its annual advertising packages for 2010.

In the meantime, industry professionals can read all the latest news, press releases, interviews and articles about the fractional ownership, timeshare, and resort real estate industries at http://www.theperspectivemagazine.com

Perspective Magazine is available in high quality print and online, reaching a subscription of more than 20,400 industry professionals every month in addition to providing the most up to date news on a daily basis online.

For information about advertising and editorial opportunities visit http://www.perspectiverates.com

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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New RCI Affiliate Offers Extravagant Blend Of Moorish Architecture And Malaysian Culture

Palace Vacation Club, one of Asia’s most innovation brands in the vacation ownership industry, recently announced a multi-year affiliation with RCI that makes RCI the exclusive third-party exchange provider for Palace Vacation Club. Palace Vacation Club was designed to provide members a lifetime of vacation  memories as well as the use of the facilities and special discounts at F&B outlets, spa packages, water sports and cruises within The Mines Resort City.

Members will get to enjoy an array of options to exchange their holiday entitlements for other products ranging from health services to entertainment. Exchanges for shows such as Disney On Ice, Sesame Street Musical, Royal London Circus, Hollywood On Ice to name a few. Such exchanges are unique to Palace Vacation Club and have been well received by members since its introduction.

Palace Vacation Club Members Services Department has successfully processed a total of 12,600 room bookings in 2008 whilst achieving a 95% rate successful booking ratio as compared to 89% of previous years. This is made possible through the dynamic team in the Member Services Dept and the availability of over 100 internal and direct affiliation resorts covering Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Australia, China and Europe and complemented by the latest acquisitionaccommodation in London and Gold Coast, Australia. On top of that, members have access to more than 3,700 enthralling resorts destinations in over 100 countries worldwide through RCI.

There’s simply no better way to experience vacations through Palace Vacation Club. The prestigious Palace Vacation Club has established itself in the market as an exclusive timesharing programme that offers immense benefits and privileges in a form of exciting vacations. For the years to come, despite the current climate of uncertainty generated by the financial turmoil, Palace Vacation Club is committed to strive and stay competitive through its strong sales and marketing force, excellent service and continued product innovation and redevelopment to enhance the membership in the challenging years ahead.

Country Heights Resort – Country Villas
Malaysia’s first Mediterranean-style waterfront homes, Country Heights Resort with its Country Villas brings the ultimate experience in country living.

The villas cluster is breathtaking with distinct wall furnishings on graceful white facades and unique red-bricked driveways surrounded by beautifully lush landscaped gardens and panoramic views of lakes.

These low-rise villas are tastefully furnished with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master bedroom is furnished with a king size bed with attached bathroom.

Each villa comes with a covered car porch, a living area, dining area and a kitchen. They are fully air conditioned and equipped with TV, refrigerator and water heater and include tea and coffee making facilities.

The villas are the ultimate property choice for those who prefer to experience a country living style vacation.

Location
Country Villas is located just 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and a 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Surroundings
Surrounded by a beautifully landscaped environment and panoramic views of colorful tropical flowers and nearby lakes, Country Villas gives way to a vacation where guests can enjoy the sweet smell of greenery, birds chirping and fresh air.

Property Amenities
The resort has a variety of on-site amenities that offer fun, entertaining and relaxing options for guests. Guests can use the swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, rent bicycles, and participate in fish feeding or lakeside fishing. Also on property are an outdoor children’s playground, eight indoor badminton courts and a gymnasium and aerobic room.

Guests looking to do a lot or a little on vacation will definitely find something at Country Villas.

Palace of the Golden Horses
Palace of the Golden Horses, tagged as Asia’s most extraordinary hotel, is a worldclass award-winning luxury hotel located within MINES Resort City. This 5-star luxury hotel yields a harmonious blend of Moorish
architecture and Malaysian culture and offers an ideal setting for those who want to experience the wonderfully rich and diverse heritage of Malaysia.

Overlooking the picturesque 150-acre lake in MINES Resort City, Palace of the Golden Horses offers beauty and grace. Because of its luxury accommodations, this prestigious hotel has won several awards such as:
Best New City Hotel in Asia Pacific’98, 25th International Award for Tourist, Hotel & Catering Industry 2000 and Best MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) Facility and Service Hotel 2007 and 2008 by Travel Weekly China. The hotel has played host to more than 100 world leaders and celebrities.

This enchanting palatial hotel is best noted for its dedicated conference centre, the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Conference Centre. Located in its very own private wing, it offers unrivalled conference space with a total of 21 meeting rooms equipped with state of- the-art facilities, individual lighting control, video and teleconferencing facilities, including an auditorium and the Royal Ballroom with a maximum seating capacity of up to 2,000 people.

Blending the best of Moorish and Malaysian architecture, this unique hotel features the Dignitary’s Club floor with a business center and a lounge, complete with butler, concierge and secretarial services, for privacy and
personalized attention. Palace of the Golden Horses offers 481 exquisite guestrooms and suites, five restaurants, two lounges, a business center, a swimming pool as well as a fully-equipped gym.

Location
Just 20 minutes from the center of Kuala Lumpur and a 35-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Palace of the Golden Horses is also within close proximity to the administrative capital of Malaysia
at Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, the center of Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor, the National Sports Complex and the Commonwealth Games Village at Bukit Jalil, Selangor Turf Club and Technology Park Malaysia.

Property Amenities
Carousel Cafe Restaurant
A unique fairground décor of an all-day dining restaurant, offering sumptuous a la carte menu and lavish buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Kim Ma Chinese Restaurant
An exquisite dining place where guests can enjoy delights from Dainty Dim Sum to the innovative flavors of modern Cantonese cuisine.

Kin No Uma Japanese Restaurant
Offers only the finest sushi, kaiseki, tempura, teppanyaki and many more in a sophisticated decor that combines contemporary influences with traditional Japanese design.

Grand Salon
Majestically designed architecture overlooking a scenic lake, the Grand Salon Lobby Lounge offers a cozy and tranquil atmosphere where guests can enjoy light music while sampling delightful afternoon tea or evening cocktails.

The Polo Club Lounge
The ultimate choice for guests to unwind with fine cigars and aged cognacs perhaps enjoyed together with a relaxing game of pool.

Sagar Restaurant
An exquisite and extensive array of Northern Indian cuisine including vegetarian dishes with a promise of a royalty experience awaits at Sagar Restaurant. Each dish is elaborately prepared by chefs who have initiated Indian cooking as artistry. Beautifully decorated fit for a Maharajah.

Somethin’ Juicy
An innovative juice bar newly opened at Palace of the Golden Horses is a must try for guests. Choices abound from an excellent selection of chilled cool juices, smoothies, frappies, and ice creams.

Side Walk Café
A café full of irresistible homemade pastries and cakes to satisfy any sweet cravings well located at the hotel lobby.

Lodging Accomodations
A total of 401 guestrooms and 80 suites are available. King-sized beds are available in 183 of the guestrooms while the other 218 rooms offer two double beds. There are 21 executive suites, 37 minister suites, 20 head of state suites, one host nation suite and one golden suite.

Each room is stylishly furnished with three two line telephones offering voicemail and data port, full-sized working desk, cable TV, electronic in-room safe, fully-stocked mini-bar and other amenities such as coffee and tea making facility, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.

An Unexpected Encounter at Every Turn Le Marquee
Amidst the sprawling, lushly landscaped gardens of the award-winning Palace of the Golden Horses hotel stands Le Marquee, a vast canopied venue with the capacity to seat up to 3,000 people silhouetted against the extravagant Moorish-Malaysian architecture that defines the 480-room hotel.

Designed and fabricated in Holland, Le Marquee is truly one of a kind, being the largest canopied venue of such extravagance in Malaysia, and boasting over 1,800 square meters on space right next to a magnificent 150-acre lake.

Le Marquee is a blank canvas for extraordinary events of all kinds and has already hosted a bevy of glamorous happenings including An Evening with Annika Sorenstam – Woman’s World Cup Gold Champion 2009.

Le Marquee makes every event truly remarkable, allowing events to be celebrated in style.

With a reputation for unparalleled uniqueness, and with a growing list of celebrated megaevents under its belt, Le Marquee’s popularity has soared since its creation in 2007.

Palace Vacation Club is a wholly owned subsidiary of Country Heights Lifestyle Berhad which was set up in 1997. The company is the operator of Palace Vacation Club and Mr. Ricky Yip is currently the CEO of Mines Wellness Hotel and Country Heights Lifestyle Bhd.

He was the Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing for Palace of the Golden Horses and Palace Beach & Spa (now known as the Mines Wellness Hotel). He is currently the Vice Chairman of the Malaysian Holiday Timeshare Developers’ Federation (MHTDF). He has over 20 years experience in the Malaysian timeshare industry.

He joined Mines Marketing Sdn Bhd, a marketing agency for Country Heights Group since Jan 1999 as Director and General Manager and has since marketed a variety of products including Palace Vacation Club, Palace Health Sanctuary, Mines TCM Wellness, Mines Resort Golf Club membership, Hornbill Golf membership, Dignitaries Club and Heritage Serviced Residences.

His most recent accomplishment is marketing the 1st in Malaysia oil palm farm-sharing investment scheme named Country Heights Growers Scheme to over 9000 investors.

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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LUXLife Launches As Asia’s First Destination Club

Villa Partners International has announced the launch of Asia’s first, true luxury Private Destination Club under the name LUXLife.

LUXLife is the first of its kind, an Asset-backed and NAV (Net Asset Value) Synchronized? lifestyle investment which gives its invitation-only members exclusive use of and access to a glittering portfolio of some of the finest private luxury villas and bespoke leisure services in the most desirable locations throughout Asia and the world.

LUXLife is pioneered by Villa Partners International (VPI), founded by seasoned investment management and luxury real estate industry specialist Gary A. Ferraro.

“Not only does this provide an unrivalled luxury leisure experience, it is also a revolutionary lifestyle investment for members,” he said.

Members of LUXLife, gain VIP access to the ‘best of the best’ including luxury residences such as its oceanfront villa at The St Regis Residences in Bali, Indonesia; Andara Luxury Villas in Phuket, Thailand and Ocean Front at Sentosa, Singapore as well as private yachts and jets, concierge services, private islands, boutique resorts, spas and private member city and country clubs in Asia and the world’s most desirable locations. The portfolio has been devised to be of special appeal to primary residents of Hong Kong and Singapore.

To join LUXLife, initial membership fees range from HK$1.4 to HK$4 million, depending on the type of membership and benefits selected.

The two membership options on offer are Villa and Leisure . Villa Membership is the ultimate, and includes direct participation in the VPI villa investment portfolio, as well as access to a host of amenities, services and leisure pursuits offered by LUXLife. Limited to just 399 members, it represents an “enduring, safe, prudent investment, a lifetime of luxury lifestyle fulfillment and family memories”, said Mr. Ferraro.

Villa Membership also holds great potential for significant return-on-investment and appreciation of the membership value. The membership value is synchronized with the increasing value of the real estate portfolio of some 50-60 signature villas and luxury real estate properties which will be owned by the club.

“The asset-backed and Net Asset Value (NAV) Synchronized? model is revolutionary in the Destination Club sector, is proprietary to VPI and is the first of its kind. A true Private Destination Club (PDC) in Asia,” said Mr. Ferraro.

The Leisure Membership provides members with access to 5-star amenities, services and leisure pursuits of the club including a select number of days-per-year access to the luxury villa portfolio – but without the investment benefits in the villa portfolio.

Both membership categories are subdivided into individual, family or corporate memberships.

Like no other club in the world, LUXLife is presently limited to members only in the Hong Kong and Singapore markets.

Private Destination Clubs (PDCs) are a new option in Asia derived from the ’second home’ fractional real estate investment markets, which has boomed in recent years.  Traditionally, members share access to beach, mountain, golf, marina, resort and city residences on a reservation basis, paying a refundable upfront deposit and annual dues.

In general, destination clubs traditionally have been mostly “non-equity” business models that sell memberships rather than investment opportunities in the real estate holdings.

LUXLife distinctively incorporates new hybrid “equity” model attributes, along with a more extensive range of luxury lifestyle experiences, but without the “liabilities” of full ownership.

The LUXLife lifestyle investment is being marketed under the slogans: “HAVE IT ALL!” and “Why Buy Just One When You Can HAVE THEM ALL”.  “For the price of a 10 percent deposit on one villa, a LUXLife member truly does live the dream luxury lifestyle and does indeed get it all” says Mr. Ferraro.Visit www.LUXLIFE.com.hk

http://www.fractionalownershipmagazine.com/luxlife-launches-as-asias-first-destination-club/

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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Sell My Timeshare NOW Makes Prestigious Inc. 5000 List For Second Consecutive Year

For the second year in a row, Sell My Timeshare NOW has made the prestigious Inc. 5000 List, which recognizes the fastest growing privately held companies in the US. The timeshare resale and timeshare rental advertising and marketing company ranked 21 nationally among the top 100 real estate companies on the list and 1599 out of the top 5000 companies to make the list across all industries.

Recognized worldwide, the Inc. 5000 List (Inc. Magazine) provides credible, third-party rankings of the top privately held companies in the US, both overall and as categorized by geographic area and by industry. Sell My Timeshare NOW, which is based in Dover NH and has an office in Orlando, FL, ranked 51 among the fastest growing Top 100 Businesses in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH metro area and ranked 13 on the list of fastest growing companies in all categories in the state of New Hampshire.

In business less than six years, the timeshare resales advertising and marketing company began with a staff of three and today had more than 160 employees. As CEO Jason Tremblay explains, “Collectively, the companies on the Inc. 5000 list are responsible for creating more than 1 million jobs since their founding. Last year alone these companies realized $214 billion in aggregate revenue. It means a lot to us at Sell My Timeshare NOW to be part of this positive contribution to the US economy; to know that we are part of the solution.”

Sell My Timeshare NOW is a recognized global leader in the online marketing and advertising of timeshare resale and timeshare rental. The company has seen revenues triple between 2005 and 2008 (the period evaluated for this award) and has experienced a 200 percent growth rate, exceeding the median growth rate of 189.9 percent for other companies making the 2009 Inc. 5000 List.

Despite the challenging economy, companies making the Inc. 5000 List saw revenues increase by $29 billion collectively. Inc. Magazine describes the list as perhaps the best example of the impact private, fast-growing companies can have on the economy and the most comprehensive look at America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.

About: SellMyTimeshareNOW.com provides internet advertising and marketing solutions for timeshare owners who seek to sell timeshare or rent timeshare.

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For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com

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