Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), announced the addition of Grand Laguna Beach in the Dominican Republic to its vacation exchange network. Currently under construction, the purpose-built, mixed-use resort is being developed by Inversiones Internacionales del Caribe, S.A., which is led by president Tim Neeb, a well-respected developer in Canada.

“We are proud that Inversiones Internacionales has chosen to affiliate its first Caribbean resort with our company,” said David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International. “Our members will be able to vacation at this high-quality property while visiting Puerto Plata, one of the most popular destinations in the region.”

The resort is being built on one of the few remaining beachfront sites on the north shore of the island between the towns of Sosua and Cabarete. Current plans call for both whole ownership and vacation ownership units, ranging in size from studios to three-bedrooms. The unit design is a simple, elegant style patterned after the old-world ambience of colonial architecture and will include gracious living and dining areas; a state-of-the-art kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops; and a spacious terrace.

“We are very pleased to be working closely with Interval because its commitment to delivering the highest quality service and products parallels our corporate philosophy,” noted Neeb.  “We have taken great care to ensure that our product is built using the finest materials and craftsmanship and that our owners and guests receive personalized attention. Whether staying at Grand Laguna or exchanging their vacation through Interval, they will have access to first-rate accommodations and a wide range of valuable services.”

Resort amenities are anticipated to include a fine-dining restaurant with a cigar lounge and wine bar, an outdoor bar, beachside casual dining, two pools, an on-site grocery store, a fitness area, a 24-hour concierge, and the In-Sense Spa.
Grand Laguna Beach has retained Coral Hospitality Corporation (CHC) in the Dominican Republic to provide resort management and sales and marketing services. CHC has been operating resorts and hotels in the Caribbean for nearly 20 years.

The Dominican Republic’s diverse history, rich heritage, and extraordinary natural setting attract numerous visitors to the island every year. The spirit and charm of this vibrant vacation destination is captured in its music, food, and national pastimes. It is renowned for its  unique cultural events, exotic cuisine, annual music festivals, handcrafted cigars, and baseball. Visitors also enjoy the balmy year-round temperatures, sandy beaches, tropical forests studded with spectacular waterfalls, and breezy tropical winds.

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.

Business NH Magazine, New Hampshire’s first business publication, has listed BuyATimeshare.com among its top 10 Companies to Watch.  The article highlights top private companies in NH with impressive sales growth rates between 2006 and 2008, generating more than $1 million in revenues annually.  This adverting firm continues to grow into 2009, exceptional among even the strongest companies today.

Business NH Magazine is known for its in-depth business coverage, special reports, and competitions that celebrate the strength of the state’s business community.  As a leader in worldwide marketing, BuyATimeshare.com offers for-sale-by-owner advertising to anyone who wants to sell or rent timeshares online.  Their online marketplace helps millions of consumers secure inexpensive vacation properties from the top brands in the industry. The firm invests heavily in online advertising and search engine optimization, resulting in a surge of prospective buyers and renters driven to the showcased properties.
BuyATimeshare.com is thriving even in this economic recession, with more people than ever ready to liquidate their timeshares.

As one of the largest and most profitable businesses of its kind in New Hampshire, BuyATimeshare.com has been able to increase its marketing budget to $70,000 per week. This is spent primarily on Internet advertising and search engine optimization. By developing BuyATimeshare.com’s innovative marketplace, owner and President Wes Kogelman has discovered a means to bridge the financial gap between vacationer and resort developer, thus providing a way for timeshare consumers to experience the same fantastic destinations while saving thousands in the process.

Timeshare consumers worldwide seek out Kogelman’s specialized marketing team for their assistance in selling, renting or purchasing vacation properties.  As a pioneer in timeshare marketing, Wes Kogelman has been a groundbreaking force in the timeshare resale industry for over a decade.  In addition to the online advertising company, he has expanded to other related areas in order to better assist his clients.  Cashoutatimeshare.com is a separate brokerage firm developed to properly manage the actual sale of the timeshare.  Transferatitle.com is a title company also owned by Kogelman, which handles the legal intricacies of a property title transfer.  The entrepreneur has been able to create a customer service-oriented product that not only gets timeshares the exposure they need to get sold, but provides in-house access to the tools and services needed to complete the sale transaction.

Kogelman’s company might not have made enough in sales revenue to make the Business NH Magazine’s list of Private 100, but as demand grows steadily for effective timeshare solutions, BuyATimeshare.com will continue to increase its presence.  Certainly one of the top 10 Companies to Watch in 2009, the firm is projected to hit the $12 million mark this year.  Striving to provide all timeshare users with a dependable way to sell, buy, and rent timeshare, BuyATimeshare.com encourages those looking for effective and commission-free for-sale-by-owner advertising to call 1-800-882-0296 or 1-800-640-6886 to get started on getting results!

Cyprus Resort Joins Quality 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 Pafiana Heights to its vacation exchange network. Located in the outskirts of Paphos on the southwest coast of Cyprus, the resort comprises 57 units that are furnished to high standards.

“The affiliation of this prestigious resort and spa is another quality affiliation for our company in Cyprus,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval International’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “From 700 feet above sea level, there are breathtaking panoramic views from all the rooms overlooking the Paphos coastline and mountains.”

Amenities at the property include a spa with sauna and whirlpool; a gym and fitness centre; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; a gourmet restaurant; and a roof garden with bar. Guests also have access to on-call chef/butler and concierge services.

Paphos is a very popular tourist destination, particularly for the British, German, and Scandinavian markets. Among its many attractions are an archaeological museum, the Byzantine castle of Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings, St. Paul’s Pillar, and the Temple of Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of love and beauty). Other sights include the old harbour and the modern hotels and restaurants situated along the seaside promenade.

“We chose to affiliate our resort with Interval International because of its prestigious reputation, high standards, and quality of services,” said Fantinos Hadjimitsis, developer of Pafiana Heights. “The character and setting of Pafiana Heights makes it an ideal complement to Interval’s range of resorts. We look forward to offering our members all of the benefits and services that membership in Interval brings.”

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.

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced the launch of the first ever “RCI Going Green Award” for its affiliated resorts in the Pacific.

Developed in conjunction with Griffith University, RCI’s Going Green Award was modelled after some of the top green certifications and awards currently in circulation within the tourism industry.

With a specific focus on timeshare resort operations, RCI will present Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to the top three ‘green’ resorts, assessing them accordingly:

•    Self Assessment Phase: Resorts will be asked to assess the green practices currently undertaken within the resort and provide supporting documentation where possible.
•    On-site Inspection Phase: Shortlisted resorts from the self assessment phase will be visited by an expert in sustainable tourism, with an on-site inspection and interview to be conducted.

Dr. David Weaver, Professor of Tourism Research at Griffith University, was instrumental in developing the award and has agreed to adjudicate both phases. Well respected in the industry, Dr. Weaver specialises in the fields of sustainable tourism management and ecotourism.

“I am absolutely delighted to be working on this initiative with RCI,” said Dr. Weaver.

“I expect an award program such as this will really raise awareness of and participation in environmentally-friendly best practices within the sector.”

“We are very excited to be the first in the holiday exchange industry to launch such an award,” said Charisse Cox, managing director of RCI Pacific.

“The Going Green Award fits in well with our global commitment to corporate social responsibility and the environment.”

“We are also very pleased that a person of Dr. Weaver’s credentials has agreed to assist with the structure and adjudication of the awards. His experience and independence are a vital component in offering such a credible green award,” said Ms Cox.

Winners of the inaugural Gold, Silver and Bronze RCI Going Green Awards will be announced at the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council annual conference in Christchurch in September 2010.

Across regions, RCI is promoting and encouraging sharing of environmental sustainability best practices and green ideas with its associates and affiliates through a Green Council in support of its parent company’s WyndhamGreen sustainability initiative.

WyndhamGreen by Wyndham Worldwide aims to manage energy consumption as a part of the company’s overall green strategy across its businesses and brands. Due to the company’s numerous brands, properties and distribution points, WyndhamGreen is expected to have a large impact on the company’s overall carbon footprint.

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 centre of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

About Professor David Weaver
Dr. David Weaver is currently employed at Griffith University as Professor of Tourism Research, and has held prior academic appointments in Australia, Canada and the USA.  He specialises in the areas of sustainable tourism management and ecotourism, and has to date authored or edited more than 100 books, journal articles and book chapters. His textbooks Tourism Management, Sustainable Tourism: Principles and Practices, and Ecotourism are widely used in universities around the world, and his journal articles are cited extensively. Dr. Weaver also sits on the editorial boards of eight international refereed tourism journals, and in 2009 was elected as a Fellow to the prestigious International Academy for the Study of Tourism. He has recently delivered invited keynote addresses at conferences in Mexico, Korea and Norway, and has collaborated with industry partners such as Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, and the American Society of Travel Agents. Current projects include the willingness of protected area visitors to engage in activities that enhance those areas, environmental best practice in the lodging sector, the evolution of indigenous tourism, and the geopolitical dimension of sustainable tourism.

According to Vacation Timeshare Owners Report, 2009 Edition by the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), recent timeshare purchasers are younger, wealthier and happy with their vacation product. Overall, more than six in ten timeshare owners are age 45 or older, with Baby Boomers ranked as the largest generation of timeshare owners (45 percent). However, recent purchasers are younger than timeshare owners in general, with 58 percent under the age of 45.

About half of recent purchasers rented a timeshare prior to buying (48 percent), and four out of five purchased from a developer or resort. The average household income for all owners is $92,405, and recent purchasers have an average household income of $94,933. Motivators for purchasing were the quality of accommodations, saving on future costs, and the credibility of the timeshare company. Over half say they purchased a timeshare to save money on future vacations.

“This study underscores the flexibility and value of vacation ownership products for a broad range of consumers and lifestyles. The value of timeshare that comes from its use gives people the discipline to have a better vacation year after year,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO.

Other results from the study include:
•    Timeshare owners spent an average of 8.18 days on timeshare vacations in 2008.
•    On average, the total number of guests on a timeshare vacation was 3.71, including the owner.
•    Eighty-six percent of all timeshare owners responded that owning a timeshare was an excellent, very good, or good experience.
•    Sixty-nine percent of all owners would recommend their own resort or vacation club.
•    On average, timeshare owners have owned their intervals for 8.26 years.
•    Timeshare owners say that beaches (52 percent), attractions/entertainment (48 percent), and shopping (39 percent) are the most appealing resort characteristics.
•    Eighty-one percent of all owners say that their timeshare offers a vacation home away from home.
For more information visit www.ARDA.org or download an executive summary of Vacation Timeshare Owners Report, 2009 Edition.

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

About AIF
The ARDA International Foundation (AIF) conducts research and develops education programming for the timeshare industry. The Foundation’s mission is to “support, conduct, and disseminate research and technical studies that will enhance and improve knowledge for the public and the industry, and develop educational resources that will optimize value, operations, acceptance, and service for the industry and the public.”

Methodology
This research was sponsored by the ARDA International Foundation and conducted by Penn, Schoen, and Berland Inc., a global market research firm. Interviews were conducted among a national sample of timeshare owners between May 8 and 15, 2009 — approximately 7 months after the U.S. financial crisis began in late 2008. The report is based on analysis of 945 “traditional timeshare owners,” including 195 “recent purchasers.” Recent purchasers are defined as owners who made a timeshare purchase in the United States in the past twelve months. Unlike the last study, which relied on a single panel provided by the research vendor, the 2009 Vacation Timeshare Owners Report sample draws from multiple email sample vendors operating in the U.S., resulting in a relatively more diverse, random sampling of timeshare owners.

A senior marketing professional with experience at the world’s largest timeshare development company will now direct sales efforts for Spirit Incentives, one of the nation’s most respected incentive organizations.
Jim Walsh, a veteran of over two decades in the timeshare industry, has been named Vice President of Sales by Spirit Incentives president Gary Barron. Walsh joined Spirit after nine years with Wyndham Vacation Resorts, where he most recently served as Senior VP of Marketing, helping to lead that company to its status as the nation’s largest vacation ownership company. His formerly held positions at Wyndham include: Vice President of Marketing and Director of Marketing.

In his new position, Walsh will develop, manage and guide all sales activities, including its primary (Direct and Value Added Retailers) and its secondary (Brokers and Resellers) distribution channels. In coordination with product development, production, finance, marketing, and servicing, Walsh will also interface with internal support areas to maintain high service standards and client relationships.  As the new VP of Sales, he will also review and implement marketing initiatives, in coordination with all aspects of the sales organization, providing recommendations to support improvement and growth.

Added Walsh, “Having used Spirit Incentives as a valuable vendor for the last 18 years, I am confident that our past relationship will serve as a springboard to help provide further growth successes for the company.”
Prior to his affiliation with Wyndham Resorts, Walsh was president of a marketing company that  provided marketing support functions for Marriott Vacation Club and Fairfield Resorts, now Wyndham Vacation Ownership.   He also served as Project Director for three Caribbean resort properties in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Spirit Incentives is a full service, privately owned incentive marketing firm specializing in marketing programs delivered as customer acquisition, retention and reward incentives. Founded in 1990 and located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Spirit has become respected as the premier incentive solution provider for small to medium sized businesses as well as private and Fortune 500 companies. Spirit’s client list and travel vendor partners are among the most successful and prestigious in the country.
Visit: www.Spirit-Incentives.com

Indianapolis-based company provides business process management and online survey solutions

Mobius Vendor Partners, LCC, (MVP) has announced that the Indianapolis-based company has marked its tenth year providing business process management and online survey solutions to companies, associations and non-profit organizations.

The company was founded in 1999 and since that time as served their clients in many capacities primarily as offering management advisory services focusing on process development and project management.  With a reputation for staying current with industry trends and its changing business requirements, MVP roster of available services includes business planning, financial analysis, market research, marketing management, process improvement and business relationship management.

Most recently, MVP created CustomerCount®, an Online Feedback System which tracks the reservation, sales and vacation experiences.

Robert A. Kobek, RRP, MVP’s President, began his career as the Indiana Liaison for U.S. Senator Vance Hartke and then spent two years as Director of Special Projects for the Indiana General Assembly Speaker of the House.  His ownership of AMI Telemarketing, Inc. was the beginning of his expertise as B2B marketing professional.  He has been named as a member of the “Outstanding Young Americans.”  Kobek founded Mobius in 1999 which is well known for its strategic business process management for the hospitality and resort industry. Kobek also serves on several ARDA committees.

Over his career, managing partner of MVP, William Morris, CPA, had direct responsibility for turn-around situations, several start-ups, capital funding, acquisitions and large-scale planning and development assignments.  Bill was also Vice President of Finance, Planning and Development for Resort Condominiums International which saw its revenues increase from twenty-fold to over $350 million during his 10-year tenure. Morris has also held the position of CEO for a high net worth Family Office, with management and oversight responsibilities for business, traditional and venture investments.

Since founding Mobius Vendor Partners, Kobek and Morris have grown their staff to 17 and a client base of over $5,000,000.  The MVP management team is well known for their technological expertise and management relationship skills and frequently called upon to speak at industry events around the county.  Bob Kobek is the current Chair of the Board of Advisors of the Information Services and Operations Management Advisory Board, Department of Miller College of Business at Ball State University and Women in the Industry.

Some of MVP’s and CustomerCount’s clients over the years include RCI, The American Telemarketing Association, Diamond Resorts International, The American Resort Development Association, Calderon Textiles, Royal Aloha Vacation Club, Golden Rule Insurance Company, and others companies in and outside of the timeshare industry.
For more information visit www.customercount.info or www.mobiusvp.com or call 317-816-6000.

Object Systems International (OSI) has announced that Catherine Fuller, Director of Business Development has attended an in-depth seminar and successfully completed a detailed knowledge examination held at the American Resort Development Association’s Carolina Regional Meeting.   OSI is a Utah-based, multi-national business, founded in 1999, with offices in Layton, Utah, and Sofia, Bulgaria.  Its technology division focuses on enterprise-class, web-based records management solutions.

ARDA’s seminar offers concise education tailored to meet the needs of suppliers of both goods and services to the timeshare industry. The course addresses the basics of the industry and timeshare-specific terms, as well as the characteristics of timeshare buyers, trends and legal issues. An in-depth look at the timeshare project lifecycle, reserve funding and refurbishment schedules are included.

Several group activities encourage participation and enforce the discussion topics. According to the ARDA web site, (www.arda.org), participants come away with a better understanding of the nuances of the industry as well as a solid grasp of the vocabulary to promote effective communication with industry leaders.

All attendees who successfully complete the course and pass the subsequent test are awarded a certificate of completion.

According to Fuller, she attended the seminar to boost her  knowledge of the industry to which OSI has a deep commitment.  Since the year 2000, OSI has been servicing the timeshare and travel club industry with their TravelClubSoft (TCS) product (formerly known as @ttitude Resort System). OSI has a number of software products and two of them (Travel Club Soft and Timeshare Soft) are specifically designed to facilitate the diverse aspects of timeshare and travel club industry.

Among OSI’s clients are 6 Dimensions Consulting, Royal Host, Grand Lakefront Resort Club-US, Fairmont Resort Properties-Canada and TTG.  For more information:  www.travelclubsoft.com   www.timesharesoft.com www.objectsystems.com or call Cathi Fuller at 801-444-3844  ext. 115.

To celebrate achievements of the first ½ of 2009 and to honor the outstanding performance and the great effort exerted by associates to reach the peak & maintain the hotel’s high standard, Sheraton Cairo’s Human Resources Department organized the annual associates Get-Together at the swimming pool “Le Mirage”

The event was attended by Mr. Ibrahim Fahmy, Managing Director, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Egypt & Sheraton Cairo’s General Manager, Mr. Sameh Abd el Wahab,   and Hotel Manager & Director of Operations as well as the Executive Committee & Department Heads.

The evening started with dinner followed by Mr. Fahmy’s speech, honoring the outstanding associates for the year 2009, and followed by Tombola, and distribution of prizes and DJ performance which filled the ambience with joy and ecstasy. The associates enjoyed a magnificent unforgettable celebration.

Valhalla Associates Limited and Luxury Leisure Properties International LLC today announced that they have formed a partnership to jointly service owners and developers of mixed-use hotel and resort complexes where leisure real estate is integrated with luxury hotel operations.

The two companies offer advisory and turn-key project management services ranging from product concept, market research and financial feasibility analysis to implementation and management of the developer’s marketing & sales operation for leisure real estate products such as Fractional Ownership and Private Residence Clubs.

While Valhalla Associates focuses on the Europe, Middle East and Africa region based out of London, LLPI is servicing developers in the Americas region from their offices in Chicago.

“Our partnership with LLPI will ensure developers a consistent service and access to luxury leisure real estate resources and distribution know-how across the regions” said Preben Vestdam, President of Valhalla Associates. He continued: “In the current economic environment, developers of mixed used hotels and resorts are looking for creative solution where their leisure real estate products better adapt to today’s economic reality. Fractional Ownership and Private Residence Clubs with global distribution reach can in some cases be the answer”.

Luca Franco, President of Luxury Leisure Properties International added; “Our current joint client portfolio counts developers of hotel and resort properties operated by hospitality brands such as Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton. Our partnership with Valhalla Associates will really extend our global reach in the luxury end of leisure real estate.”

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services, announced the promotion of Bryan Ten Broek to senior vice president of resort sales and business development. He reports to David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing.

In his new position, Ten Broek oversees the sales and service team who manages Interval’s resort relationships in the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean and plays the lead role in building the company’s developer client base in these regions.

In addition, he is responsible for the resort affiliation, service, and marketing of Preferred ResidencesTM, a branded membership and exchange program for luxury fractional resorts and private residences clubs, in the same territory.

Ten Broek also directs initiatives that enhance the scope of services Interval provides to its existing clients, develops third-party business relationships, manages participation in hospitality-related conferences, and pursues new business opportunities.

“Bryan has done an outstanding job growing our business in the regions he has managed and launching new programs that significantly enhance the value we add to our clients’ products,” Gilbert said. “His extensive knowledge of the sales, marketing, and operations aspects of our business will serve him well in this new role and I am confident that he will continue to excel.”

Ten Broek joined Interval in 1995 and has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he was vice president of resort sales and service for the western region.

He has been an active participant in the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the vacation ownership industry’s trade association, for more than 14 years and is currently a member of the research committee. He earned a bachelor’s of arts degree in political science from Northwestern University.

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.

SPI Software Director of Sales Matt Brosious announced the timeshare software leader’s system was selected by a high-end Private Residence Club (PRC) in St. Lucia, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort.

“SPI is pleased to be working with an organization of such high caliber,” says Brosious. “The resort’s entire marketing, sales, mortgage receivables and maintenance fees systems will be fully integrated on SPI Orange Systems platform.”

The Windjammer is an Interval International Premiere resort and has been rated as one of the most desirable vacation ownership resorts in the world since 1995. Windjammers vacation ownership program offers the opportunity to buy a private residence club that offers some of the most highly rated and beautiful villa accommodations in the Caribbean, which include a range of villa offerings from one to three bedrooms; many with infinity edge pools, all with a spectacular view of the Caribbean sea!

“After a comprehensive search for a competent and robust software system that would integrate our sales, marketing and finance systems, we found SPI answered all of our requirements,” says Windjammer’s Director Chris Poravas.

“Having gone thru considerable growth over the last 3 years it was clear that we needed an alternative to the existing CRM solution. We think that SPI will enable us to offer our owners the highest level of service possible, by helping us manage our database. It’s not only going to be important to us in the front-of-house operations, but SPI adds great functionality in the areas of mortgage and maintenance fee receivables management. We are looking forward to enjoying its cost-saving efficiencies and high quality capability to provide analysis and reporting.”

Resort or vacation club operators wishing to see a demonstration may contact SPI Sales at 305-858-9505 or by email to sales@spiiinc.com.

About Windjammer Landing
Guests at Windjammer Landing can expect the finest in spacious, private suites and villas ranging from one to four bedrooms. With breathtaking views overlooking the cobalt waters of the Caribbean Sea, all villas and suites include large terraces, air-conditioned bedrooms and ceiling fans throughout. Several one-bedroom and all two, three and four bedroom villas have private plunge pools. Each villa is furnished in tropical elegance, from ebony and ivory collections to casual and sunny interiors; each villa features a fully equipped kitchen, open living and dining areas with breathtaking ocean views, and spacious bedrooms.

About SPI
SPI provides major developers of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others using either traditional or points-based usage strategies) with its .NET-based software as either an enterprise suite of software called Orange Systems, or in specific modules to handle marketing, sales, property management, finance, maintenance fee and receivables servicing, centralized reservations or Website access operations. Founded in 1978 and based in Miami, FL, SPI can be reached at 305-858-9505, sales@spiinc.com or www.spiinc.com.

Perspective International Ltd, publishers of timeshare and fractional ownership trade publication Perspective Magazine and consumer publication Owners Perspective Magazine are proud to confirm that exchange company, Dial An Exchange have confirmed their advertising package for 2010.

“This is the 5th consecutive year that Dial An Exchange have advertised with us and we are very pleased to see that they have once again increased their level of exposure with us for the coming year as we continue to expand and provide even wider coverage, products and services” Said Paul Mattimoe, CEO, Perspective International Ltd.

Perspective Magazine, the shared ownership industry’s leading independent trade publication globally now reaches more than 20,600 registered industry professionals monthly and is media sponsor of 18 major industry conventions, officially distributing to all delegates at each event.

On Perspective Magazine Francis Taylor, CEO of DAE International said, “In order to meet the expectations of the modern timeshare consumer, it’s vital for the timeshare and holiday exchange industry to update our thinking, be unified, informed, and professional. Perspective has become the official ‘voice of the industry’, providing a genuine forum through which industry participants globally can stay in touch with the latest industry news, developments and innovations. Quite simply, for us at Dial An Exchange, Perspective is essential reading.”

Owners Perspective Magazine has taken the whole timeshare and fractional industry by surprise in under a year. This consumer driven publication has arranged strategic marketing deals with leading industry companies, and distribution deals with supermarkets, resorts, hotels and more than 140 first class and business class airport lounges around the world with leading airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates Airlines and American Airlines promoting shared ownership for the first time to consumers on a mass market level.

On Owners Perspective Magazine, Mr. Taylor said, “Dial An Exchange has had the pleasure of watching the development of Owners Perspective from concept to powerful reality. Their growth and success has in many ways mirrored our own. Participation in the magazine has helped us maintain a competitive advantage and there is absolutely no question of its value to the timeshare consumer. Truly independent, the magazine informs, and gives them a voice, one which the industry cannot ignore. Owners Perspective can proudly stand as a pioneer in educating and informing owners worldwide, and the magazine should become the ‘standard’ for any owner looking to get the most value from their vacation investment.”

About Dial An Exchange
Dial An Exchange (DAE) is a full-service, worldwide exchange company that operates a direct-to-consumer business model. It supplies an easy-to-use, low-cost exchange service for timeshare owners, and has a strong track record of dependable customer service. With offices in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, DAE has been in the business of supporting timeshare owners for over eleven years. Please visit http://www.www.daelive.com for more information.

About Perspective Magazine
Perspective Magazine is the most read independent B2B publication for the shared ownership industry globally, offering exclusive interviews, news and reviews on all aspects of timeshare, fractional ownership, private residence clubs and resort real estate. Winner of two Innovative Marketing Awards and Media Sponsor of 18 major industry conventions around the globe with official distribution to all delegates at each event just adds to the highly targeted print and online subscription base of more than 20,600 industry professionals and the additional online exposure offered through its network of news and press release sites.

For more information visit http://www.perspectivemagazine.com, http://www.ownersperspective.com, call +1 407-792-2343 (USA) or +44 191 250 3501 (UK) or visit our online media centre at http://www.perspectiverates.com

(source: http://www.perspectivemagazine.com/dial-an-exchange-increases-presence-in-perspective-international%e2%80%99s-industry-publications-for-2010-01309)

Sell My Timeshare NOW, the global leader in the online advertising and marketing of timeshare resales and timeshare rentals, announces the hiring of Jacqueline Russ as the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
Jason Tremblay, CEO and co-founder of Sell My Timeshare NOW, says, “Jackie is a tremendous asset to our executive management team. She brings -targeted expertise to our fast-growth company, which is especially important as we expand into new markets.”

Tremblay explains, “The economy is challenging industries, including the long rock-solid timeshare industry, to reevaluate products and services. Even companies like Sell My Timeshare NOW, with consistently high marks in customer satisfaction, are developing new ways to deliver more and serve our clients better.”
Jackie comes to the timeshare resales marketing company with twenty years experience in successfully leading start-up companies through periods of rapid growth. Her background includes having most recently been the President for Home Brands, Inc., a Portsmouth, New Hampshire based company where she helped double revenue and grow the company into one of the industry’s most successful home installation programs.

Prior to being with Home Brands, Jackie was the Chief Financial Officer for MicroArts Corporation, an online and offline marketing and brand strategy company, which was acquired by Cordiant Communications Group. She is also the former Chief Financial Officer for Newmarket International, provider of group sales and automated solutions in the hospitality industry. Jackie began her professional career with Arthur Andersen & Co. in Boston. She has a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire in Durham and is a Certified Public Accountant.

“The timeshare industry is changing with emerging new business models for timeshare sales and the marketing of timeshare resales. I am excited to join Sell My Timeshare NOW at this time of growth in the company and change in the industry,” says Jackie.

About: SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, the company’s flagship website, offers internet advertising and marketing solutions and timeshare brokerage services for timeshare owners. With over 160 employees and offices in Dover, New Hampshire and Orlando, Florida, the company was recognized in 2008 and 2009 by Inc.com as one of the fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. To learn more about Sell My Timeshare NOW, visit the company’s website at www.sellmytimesharenow.com.

The FORUM Conference, 9-10 December 2009 to be hosted by Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine at the luxurious Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel has maintained an air of mystery around its format and choice of speakers but today is giving the industry a first glimpse of its schedule as they launch the event website at www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum and  www.generator-systems.com/events 

The FORUM is predominantly based around panel sessions that will allow delegates to address the current hard times. Panellists will share their experiences, both good and bad in order to provide information that will help developers, marketers and suppliers operate more efficiently and profitably as we get ready to enter a new era.

Next week, just 200 delegates will be given the opportunity to confirm their attendance for what will certainly be a new style of conference, arranged with the expertise of, and hosted by two of the industry’s most innovative companies.

Delegates from around the globe will to attend, covering all aspects of timeshare and fractional ownership from development, design, sales, marketing, legal, financial and related products and services. Delegate rates are just £395 (+VAT where applicable) which includes access to all sessions, coffee breaks , lunch for two days, invitation to the Gala Dinner and the legendary Generator Party!

Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available – for details email paul@perspectiveinternational.com or cheryl.stevens@generator-systems.com

For up to the minute details on the event, including venue, speakers, sponsors, and schedule we recommend you regularly visit www.perspectivemagazine.com/forum  and  www.generator-systems.com/events 

(source: http://www.perspectivemagazine.com/the-forum-conference-gets-ready-to-release-delegate-places-01304)

Disney Doorway to Dreams, located at Roosevelt Field on Long Island, features a full-scale, two-bedroom vacation home model, interactive zones, children’s play area and more.

The recently opened Disney Doorway to Dreams offers Roosevelt Field shoppers and New York-area residents a convenient and interactive way to discover the excitement of Disney Vacation Club, an innovative vacation-ownership program that allows families to enjoy flexibility and savings on decades of future vacations.

Disney Doorway to Dreams showcases the spacious, family-friendly accommodations featured at Disney Vacation Club resorts. Through Disney Vacation Club, families can relax and spend quality time together, either at Disney destinations worldwide or at more than 500 other popular vacation locations around the world. Disney Doorway to Dreams’ convenient mall location gives visitors a chance to explore the many vacation choices they have through Disney Vacation Club, including magical stays at the Walt Disney World Resort, relaxing cruises aboard Disney Cruise Line and family-friendly, interactive Adventures by Disney trips where families can choose to travel to one of six different continents.

“Disney Doorway to Dreams gives us a chance to reach one of the top markets for our rapidly growing membership base and help Roosevelt Field visitors discover the many benefits of becoming a Disney Vacation Club member family,” said Disney Vacation Club President Jim Lewis. “We aim to duplicate the popularity of our original Disney Doorway to Dreams location in Chicago with our new location on Long Island, sharing the vacation-ownership experience with a whole new group of people.”

To help families envision the ways Disney Vacation Club Membership can enhance the way they vacation, Disney Doorway to Dreams features a full-scale, two-bedroom model of a vacation villa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Central Florida, one of Disney Vacation Club’s newest resorts.

Located on the second floor near Nordstrom, Disney Doorway to Dreams presents a variety of interactive features, including a wall lined with doors that open to display videos, photos and even touch-screen activities. There’s even a kid-sized door that allows children to look through a portal into the kid’s clubhouse, where they will discover a dry-erase mural they can color.

Once visitors have spent time in the interactive entryway, they will have the opportunity to view a brief video about Disney Vacation Club in a twelve-seat theater. Guests then have the opportunity to meet with a vacation guide to learn about the options available to Disney Vacation Club members.

“Disney Vacation Club has always been both a leader and an innovator in the timeshare industry,” said Howard C. Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). “Offering full-scale model vacation villas in a mall setting is uniquely Disney and this new Disney Doorway to Dreams location makes it fun and exciting for families to learn about new and memorable ways to vacation.”
 
About Roosevelt Field
Celebrating more than 50 years of offering more choices, Roosevelt Field is located at the intersection of Old Country Road and the Meadowbrook Parkway in Garden City and is managed by Simon Property Group, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The mall offers unparalleled customer service with amenities including Simon Giftcards, good everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted; Ticketmaster at Simon Guest Services; valet parking; complimentary wheelchairs; strollers; and a post office. It is anchored by Nordstrom, Macy’s, JC Penney, Bloomingdale’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods and has more than 270 specialty stores. For more information, please go to www.simon.com.

Perspective, The Leading Shared Ownership Magazine, confirms its second year of media sponsorship for Ragatz Associates’ 2010 Fractional Interest Conference, which will be held March 29 through 31 at the Fairmont San Francisco. Perspective International Ltd publishes Perspective magazine.

“As we prepare for our 10th annual Fractional Interest Conference, Ragatz Associates is pleased to have the support of Perspective International once again, not only for their ability to attract international delegates to the conference, but also because of their vast reach throughout the United States, as they publicize the event in print and online,” says Richard L. Ragatz, Ph.D., president of Ragatz Associates.

The conference should be of interest to companies already in the fractional interest industry (including private residence clubs and destination clubs), as well as to companies considering entering the industry. Past attendees include developers, exchange companies, financial/banking institutions, hotel companies, legal and design firms, ARDA, sales and marketing firms, and real estate and many other industry-related companies. Participants at the 2009 event commented that it was the “best”’ and “most valuable” Ragatz conference they had attended.

As in the past annual conferences, the 2010 Fractional Interest Conference will include formal presentations (in 2009 there were more than 65 speakers) as well as a series of small group break-out sessions. The event will continue to host industry experts who share their perspectives, experience, and outlook.

Perspective magazine is officially distributed to all conference delegates, making it a prime advertising opportunity. For more information on advertising and editorial opportunities visit www.perspectiverates.com or call +1-407-792-2343.

Additional conference details are available at www.ragatzassociates.com, and registration is scheduled to begin November 3.

About Ragatz Associates
Ragatz Associates is recognized as the leading consulting and market research firm in the resort real estate industry on a global basis. The firm has conducted more than 2,500 studies in over 70 countries since being formed in 1974. It specializes in feasibility analysis and consumer research.

About Perspective Magazine
Perspective magazine is the most read independent B2B publication for the shared ownership industry globally, offering exclusive interviews, news and reviews on all aspects of timeshare, fractional ownership, private residence clubs and resort real estate. Winner of two Innovative Marketing Awards and Media Sponsor of 18 major industry conventions around the globe with official distribution to all delegates at each event just adds to the highly targeted print and online subscription base of more than 20,600 industry professionals and the additional online exposure offered through its network of news and press release sites.
For more information visit www.perspectivemagazine.com, call +1 407 792 2343 (USA) or +44 191 250 3501 (UK) or visit our online media centre at www.perspectiverates.com.

Part of BuyATimeshare.com’s mission is to constantly improve its service to timeshare owners, renters, and buyers by utilizing the latest, cutting-edge technology. As a result, we are pleased to announce that we are now a part of the famed social networking site, Twitter.com! By posting “tweets” about company news, industry news, and new timeshare listings, we are expanding our community exponentially, and ultimately providing the maximum service and marketing to our clients!

For those that aren’t yet familiar with Twittter, here is a brief introduction:
Twitter is a social networking and microblogging service that allows one to update friends, or “followers”, by sending short text messages 140 characters in length, called “tweets”. The Twitter network is extraordinarily large, with over 7 million registered users, and countless numbers of viewers. According to Compete.com, there were over 23 million unique visitors to Twitter.com in July of 2009!

BuyATimeshare.com strives to continually stay ahead of the game in terms of technology. With so many people using social networking sites such as Facebook.com and Twitter.com, we feel that this is great way to expand our marketing to the general public. Now, when any owner lists their property for sale or rent on BuyATimeshare.com, they not only get their advertisement on our website, but will get a posting on Twitter as well! This is also a wonderful way for potential buyers and renters to scan the newest listings quickly. Interested buyers and renters can follow us on Twitter to stay updated for the most recent listings—this way, buyers and renters can snatch up the best deals as soon as they are posted! Additionally, by “tweeting” links to industry information, our clientele can stay informed and do research easily. Just one more way that BuyATimeshare.com stays connected and puts valuable information at your fingertips!

As BuyATimeshare.com establishes itself as a household name in timeshare resales and rentals, we continually utilize new technology and marketing strategies to build a larger network of fans, followers, and customers. We are currently the first company in the timeshare resale inventory to utilize Twitter as a benefit to our owners, renters, and sellers! We guarantee to keep on evolving to stay current with today’s hottest technology and to pursue new innovative strategies as they develop, to provide the ultimate in customer satisfaction. Don’t get left behind! Visit us on Twitter and Facebook—Leave your comments or questions, browse our newest listings, and keep yourself informed about industry news.

You can follow BuyATimeshare.com on Twitter by going to http://twitter.com/selltimeshares. You can become a fan of BuyATimeshare.com on Facebook by going to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Merrimack-NH/BuyaTimesharecom/207718655079.

Global Hotel Leader’s “Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft” Among the First Locations Where Consumers Can Experience Windows 7 Before Official October 22 Launch

Hands-on Digital Guest Experience with New HP Next-Generation TouchSmart PCs

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts continues to solidify its position as an industry powerhouse by working closely with Microsoft Corp. to showcase Windows 7, the software company’s new operating system, prior to its official public launch on October 22. Sheraton Hotels has also partnered with HP to feature Windows 7 on HP’s next-generation, touch-enabled Business TouchSmart PCs at select Sheraton properties. The new state-of-the art offerings are part of a $6 billion worldwide effort to revitalize the iconic Sheraton brand, including an investment of $2.3 billion in new hotels, $1.5 billion in renovations and $400 million in signature brand initiatives throughout North America.

Sheraton has deployed Windows 7 in its “Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft®,” a unique lobby lounge that enables guests to stay connected using Windows-based computers that feature Microsoft Office, Bing, Microsoft’s new decision engine, Bing Maps, Internet access and Microsoft LifeCam webcams for emailing video postcards. Windows 7 will be available at more than 50 hotels in North America before its official public launch, including Sheraton New York, Sheraton Seattle, Sheraton Boston, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Toronto, Sheraton Vancouver and the Sheraton Phoenix. At several hotels, the exclusive offering will be enhanced with new 22-inch HP Business TouchSmart computers – powerful, touch-enabled PCs that enable guests to simply tap on the screen to open documents, navigate the Internet and browse photos. HP’s Business TouchSmarts provide Sheraton guests with immersive touch technology that brings interaction, connectivity and play to the Link@Sheraton – the heart of the Sheraton brand’s new lobby experience.

“Sheraton’s alliance with Microsoft and HP to deploy Windows 7 on HP Business TouchSmart computers prior to its public launch further solidifies our brand as the choice for travelers who want to stay connected using the latest in cutting edge technology,” said Hoyt Harper, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Management for Sheraton Hotel & Resorts. “Sheraton recognizes the premium value our guests place on having access to the smartest, most current technology during their stay at our properties. Through our multi-billion revitalization effort, we’ve made a long-term investment in the Link@Sheraton and are proud to offer Windows 7 as a unique way to heighten the guest experience and ensure our customers stay connected.”

The Link@Sheraton is a signature virtual and physical lobby lounge space that enables Sheraton guests to work, relax and remain connected with friends, family and colleagues during their travels in a social environment. Designed to serve the needs of Sheraton core guests who are social individuals seeking to balance work and play in a communal environment, the Link@Sheraton invites guests to interact with each other while they check their email, research local attractions and even print boarding passes using free Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled computer stations. A key feature of the Link@Sheraton experience is Microsoft branded webcams, allowing guests of all ages to easily email video postcards back home. The Link@Sheraton experience also features televisions, daily newspapers and The Link Café.

Sheraton is completing a three-year global brand overhaul, which includes an investment of more than $4 billion in new hotels, renovations and signature brand initiatives in North America and another $2 billion in new hotels overseas. Highlights include:

- 70,000 new or newly renovated guestrooms — 50,000 in North America alone
- More than 300 new lobbies featuring the brand’s innovative Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft
- More than 100,000 brand new Sheraton Sweet Sleeper all-white, high thread count beds in 211 hotels and 83,000 guestrooms worldwide
- 98 renovated properties, nearly half of Sheraton’s North American portfolio, including high profile gateway properties like the Sheraton Denver, Sheraton Boston, Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers and Sheraton Montreal and Sheraton Waikiki.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood’s robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG® offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program.

About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Sheraton helps guests make connections at more than 400 hotels in 75 countries around the world. It is owned by and is the largest and most global brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 966 properties in more than 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Get Ready for a Pool Side Blast

SCS Interactive’s newest interactive product, the Cannonball, is now available in the North American market. Through a strategic partnership, SCS Interactive is leveraging its strong sales and marketing capabilities to introduce and sell this Weigand Maelzer patented product. This unique waterplay feature is a great way to add interest and excitement to a pre-existing pool or include it in a new pool design to ensure your facility has the latest and greatest in waterplay interactivity.

The Cannonball is based off of the idea of a water cannon, this attraction projects the rider up to 23 feet into a swimming pool. The rider gets into the seat and once he/she is in the proper position the attendant hits the start button and next thing you know you are flying in the air on a wave of water until you land safely in the pool below. The experience is like riding on a wave and the entrance into the pool is smooth based on the ergonomic factors taken into account during the design of the Cannonball.

For safety, a sensor and a video control system are installed. Also the Cannonball meets the highest safety standards accepted by TÜV.

This durable product is sure to bring in the crowds and enliven your pool area. Choose from standard or custom designs to create a completely unique waterplay feature that promotes family interactivity. Also, why just stop at one? Install two or more Cannonballs at different levels around your pool to bring heightened fun and maximum rider through-put.

About SCS Interactive
SCS Interactive is the source of great waterparks. SCS has revolutionized the waterplay industry as the originator of the multi-level interactive tree house concept, the creator of the giant tipping bucket seen at amusement and water parks around the world, and the developer of the world’s first wet and dry water coaster known as SplashTrack™. Some of the biggest resorts, amusement and waterparks all over the globe showcase SCS Interactive structures as signature attractions. Additional information about SCS Interactive can be found on the website at www.scsinteractive.com.