• New blog post: PH Towers By Westgate To Hold Grand Opening And Ribbon-Cutting http://bit.ly/dtNTHK #
• New blog post: RCI Renews Affiliation With Bluegreen Corporation http://bit.ly/dgRvGm #
• Perspective North America: RCI Affilation Renewed With Bluegreen Corporation http://bit.ly/csHpy4 #

PH Towers Westgate will hold its official grand opening at 5:00 pm, Friday, January 29, 2010 marking the beginning of a new era in the timeshare industry.

PH Towers Westgate is the largest single timeshare building ever built in the world and stands among the most luxurious properties of any kind in the Las Vegas market.  Directly connected to the Miracle Mile shops and adjacent to the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino complex, PH Towers Westgate is the first vacation ownership resort to be fully integrated with a major resort and casino.

This 52-story blue glass marvel boasts over 1200 upscale villas ranging in size from 450 to 2200 square feet, each complete with full kitchens; oversized jetted tubs; state-of-the-art room management and entertainment systems; and uncompromised, dazzling views of the Las Vegas Strip.   A majority of the villas also include a 10 foot wide high-definition movie theater.  Another unique feature of PH Towers Westgate is the sleek and upscale lobby directly overlooking an exotic tropical pool, complete with a sandy beach and forty private cabanas that are conveniently located only a few feet from the resort elevators.

With the unveiling of the PH Towers Westgate signage on top of the building, the brand name “Westgate” took its place above the Las Vegas Strip illuminated with a newly patented LED lighting system boasting the largest letters of any hotel sign on The Strip.  The Westgate brand is now the brightest light in Las Vegas.

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

Bluegreen Wilderness Club at Long Creek

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

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

“By extending our existing relationship, we are continuing to give our owners the chance to enjoy all the opportunities that RCI offers,” said David L. Pontius, president of Bluegreen Management Services, Bluegreen Corporation. “RCI offers our Bluegreen Club Members access to terrific vacation resorts around the world and we’re glad to continue providing this service to our valued owners.”

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 73,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Exchange and Rentals is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, and asset management services. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit www.grouprci.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

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

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

• New blog post: The Hotel Industry in Greece 2009 – Research and Markets New Report http://bit.ly/begQpY #
• Perspective North America: Research and Markets Announce New Report: The Hotel Industry in Greece 2009 http://bit.ly/aeFDTL #

Research and Markets has announced the addition of ICAP Group’s new report “The Hotel Industry in Greece 2009″ to their offering.

Key Points:

•    Urban hotels and vacation resorts the two categories of hotels
•    Total amount of room nights exceeded 64 million in 2008.

This study explores the hotel industry and more specifically the companies that own Luxury, A, and B category hotels. The hotel sector is without a doubt the pillar of the Greek tourist industry, which is extremely crucial to the development of the national economy.

Today, there are more than 715,000 hotel beds in all types of accommodation across Greece, with the total amount of room nights exceeding 64 million in 2008. With respect to their geographical distribution, we observe a concentration of hotel beds in parts of – the country that are developed in terms of tourism. There are various categories of hotels according to the level of services they offer, the type of ownership (Greek or foreign, part of a chain, or a group, etc.) as well as the region in which they operate. With respect to the region in which they are located and their activity, hotels are distinguished into urban hotels (which operate in city centres all year-round) and vacation resorts, which are to be found all over the country and mostly operate near the seaside (mainly in islands) during a specific season. Whatever the case may be, the hotel industry must be examined as part of an entire network that makes tourism a rather intricate business.

Products mentioned: Luxury, A, B, C, D and E. C-class hotels, urban hotels and resorts

Key Topics Covered:
•    1. Summary
•    2. Hotel Companies and Financial Analysis
•    2.1 Sales of Hotel Companies – Rooms Revenue – Revenue per Bed- Revenue per Night
•    2.2 Financial Analysis of Hotel Companies
•    Profitability
•    Performance
•    Liquidity
•    Financial Structure
•    Activity
•    Consolidated Balance Sheets
•    3. Conclusions – Trends and Prospects
•    General Overview
•    Analysis of the Competitive Environment
•    Threat of New Entrants
•    Dangers from Substitute Products & Services
•    Bargaining Power of Suppliers
•    Bargaining Power of Customers
•    Competitive Rivalry within the Industry
•    SWOT Analysis
•    Strengths
•    Weaknesses
•    Opportunities
•    Threats
•    Financial Results
•    Market Prospects
•    Sector Companies’ Balance Sheets
•    Tables
•    Graphs
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5b4ab2/the_hotel_industry

• New blog post: Anna Grand Hotel Vacation Club Joins Interval International http://bit.ly/bSpUj0 #
• Perspective North America: Anna Grand Hotel Vacation Club Joins Interval International http://bit.ly/a94YXn #
• New blog post: Resort Fiduciary Services Limited, Chooses Merlin Software To Run Its Entire Operation http://bit.ly/b7GiCL #
• Busy packing for another trip…South Africa tomorrow. #
• RT @editormatt: Following my poll? http://polls.linkedin.com/p/73394/iwxcb Read the comment re: timeshare "Neanderthals" #
• New blog post: Accor North America Announces Green Key Pilot In The United States http://bit.ly/cuw7eW #
• Perspective North America: Green Key Pilot In The United States Announced By Accor North America http://bit.ly/bNPZhp #

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), announced that Anna Grand Hotel Vacation Club in Hungary has joined its vacation exchange network. The 200-year-old hotel is set in the centre of Balatonfüred, a historic town on the northern shore of Lake Balaton — so large that it is often referred to as the “Hungarian Sea.”

The classicist-style property has been renovated to provide members and guests both old-world elegance and contemporary amenities that include a gourmet restaurant, a winery, and 13,000 square foot (1,200 square metre) wellness area with steam baths, hot tubs, and saunas. Guests can also enjoy two indoor swimming pools, an outdoor pool, and a glass-domed spa.

“The Anna Grand Hotel has played an important role in the history of this area and we are very pleased to welcome such a venerable property to our quality resort network,” said Joachim Mezger, Interval International’s regional director, Central and Eastern Europe.

“Providing a high standard of quality in product and service is extremely important to us,” said Aaron Lengyel, managing director of the Anna Grand Hotel Vacation Club. “We are convinced that vacation ownership at Anna Grand will grow in combination with Interval’s array of member benefits, flexibility of options, and level of service, which align very well with our business concept.”

The area of Balatonfüred offers visitors beautiful scenery, including the volcanic mountains of Badacsony, restaurants and boutiques, and local wine made of Olaszrizling grapes that border the surrounding area. With the close proximity of Lake Balaton, there are a number of water sports available. Day trips to some 24 local wineries and further afield to Budapest, Vienna, and the lower mountains of Austria also can be made.

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 an exchange network of more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 countries and offers its resort clients and approximately 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.

“Merlin Software simply has exactly what we need to run our entire business and provide the best service for our clients” said Andrew Horton, managing director of Resort Fiduciary Services. “No other software provider comes close”.

Resort Fiduciary Services (RFS) provides outsourced services and facilities to help resorts and businesses run more efficiently. These services include processing multi currency credit card payments over the web, club administration including resort inventory control and membership records and stakeholder services.

“Our aim is to help businesses make savings in staffing and administration costs so we have a lot in common with Merlin. Their technology makes it easier to streamline business processes and we can pass this saving on to our clients”.

Merlin is integrated business application software for all sectors of the vacation ownership industry from developers to home owners associations. All the functionality required to run a business in this industry, from marketing and sales to front and back office, is included. Merlin is served across the internet and provides a single integrated business solution for today’s timeshare and hotel industry. Users simply access the software securely via a web browser from anywhere at any time without the need of expensive link lines and hardware installations.

Chief software developer Mike Pnematicatos said: “RFS’s clients sell a range of different products and Merlin can easily handle all of this for them while our fully integrated accounting package means that RFS doesn’t need to run any other software which is a great cost saving”.

“It is clear that Merlin has been developed by people who understand the timeshare business in general but also what RFS as a company wants to offer its clients. Their on-going support is superb and I am certain Merlin will enhance the services we provide – and may even add to them” Mr Horton explained.

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

About Resort Fiduciary Services
Resort Fiduciary Services was established in 2004 by Andrew and Mike Horton. They recognised that timeshare businesses in Europe needed specialist support services and that it was more cost effective for resorts to outsource these rather than employ additional administrative staff. Today RFS provides administration to support to a number of organisations in Europe.

For more information on Resort Fiduciary Services please contact Andrew Horton by email at enquiries@resortfs.co.uk.

About Merlin Software
Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership has been developed by Mike Pnematicatos who has over 20 years experience in the timeshare industry in sales, marketing and resort management.

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

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

For more information on Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership contact Mike Ashton on +44 7753 910 788 (UK), email mikea@quickmerlin.com  or visit www.quickmerlin.com.

Accor North America (ANA), a division of Accor Hospitality, has announced that it will pilot the Green Key Eco-Rating Program (Green Key) within its portfolio in the United States in 2010.  Green Key is the first program of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts based on their commitment to sustainable “green” practices; the Accor North America pilot will involve 20 properties.

The ANA pilot will include representatives from the Motel 6, Sofitel and Studio 6 brands; those properties selected for the pilot will participate in the entire Green Key certification process, which includes:

•    The comprehensive 150-question online self-audit covering a broad range of operational areas and sustainable practices;
•    Being ranked from 1 to 5 Keys based on responses to audit questions;
•    Receipt of a performance report with recommendations, best practices and potential areas for improvement and savings;
•    Listing on the www.greenkeyglobal.com website, a valuable resource for environmentally-conscious travelers;
•    Access to online member resources and tools;
•    On-site verification of self-audit responses by Green Key auditors.

In the course of the pilot, ANA corporate leadership will evaluate the program and decide whether to move forward with a larger rollout throughout the United States.

“Accor is widely recognized within the global hospitality industry as being a leader in sustainability initiatives,” said Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key Global. “We are confident that Green Key will become an important part of Accor North America’s efforts to protect and preserve the environment.”

The cornerstone of the Green Key program is its focus on sound sustainable practices specifically for the lodging industry.   The audit was developed by two leading environmental engineering firms with support from the Canadian Government to withstand the scrutiny of a wide-range of environmental experts; the program had been operating exclusively in Canada since 1997 prior to its launch in the United States this September.  There are currently more than 1,200 Green Key members, including 21 Accor properties in Canada.

“Our Green Key properties in Canada have touted the environmental, financial and marketing benefits of the program for several years,” explained Renée Swoger, Manager of Energy & Environment Services for Accor North America.  “We have been waiting for Green Key to migrate to the United States for some time; needless to say, we are eager to launch the pilot.”

For more information on Green Key or to register your property now, visit www.greenkeyglobal.com, call +1.888.752.7061 or email info@greenkeyglobal.com.

About Accor North America:
Headquartered in Dallas (Carrollton), Texas, Accor North America operates more than 1,000 upscale and economy properties including nationwide economy leaders Motel 6, Studio 6, Ibis, Sofitel Luxury Hotels and upscale Novotel locations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit accor-na.com.

About Green Key:
The Green Key Eco-Rating Program is the first of its kind to rank, certify and inspect hotels and resorts in North America based on their commitment to sustainable “green” operations. The program was originally developed for the Hotel Association of Canada by a leading environmental engineering firm with funding from the Canadian Government.  Designed specifically for hotel operations, the Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a comprehensive environmental audit that will allow each participating property to benefit on several fronts – cost savings, increased bookings from environmentally conscious consumers and meeting planners and responsible corporate citizenry.   In the United States Green Key is a joint partnership between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Inc.; for more information, visit www.GreenKeyGlobal.com.

Special priority sales on one-acre Grace Bay Beach estate to begin January 25

The Élan Collection, a distinctive network of ultra luxury shared interest vacation home ownership properties, is commencing priority sales reservations for its deeded, shared interest ownership opportunities in a private beachfront estate on the Turks and Caicos Islands in British West Indies. Priority sales reservation pricing starts at $1.25 million per deeded interest, but only on a limited basis.

Situated on one acre in Grace Bay Beach (voted among the top 10 beaches in the world by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine), The Coral House estate spans approximately 12,000 square feet and includes five bedrooms, a library, office, two living rooms, breakfast room, family room with a large flat screen TV, and formal dining room. Exceptional details, materials and furnishings can be found throughout the home, including coral render flooring with glass tile inlay; beautiful Brazilian hardwood doors; antique wrought-iron gates imported from France, Egypt and Saudi Arabia; and a unique blend of antique furniture and one-of-a-kind designer pieces. Created for true island entertaining, the residence features an outdoor covered breakfast nook, outdoor beachfront dining pergola and an expansive outdoor beach area for a table setting of 30.

The property also boasts a one-bedroom guest cottage with its own private pool and garden; separate staff quarters with two bedrooms and a living area; and a stunning central courtyard filled with mature giant frangipani trees, bougainvillea, ferns and other lush landscaping. Constructed from coral stone blocks imported from Barbados, the residence celebrates the Barbadian Oliver Messell style of architecture with cedar-shingled roofs and copper gutters.

“The Coral House is a one-of-a-kind island property, situated on one of the world’s best beaches,” said Stan Tonkin, vice president of international marketing and sales for The Élan Collection. “An estate of this caliber and stature simply cannot be replicated today on Grace Bay Beach. The Coral House will afford our Owner-Members with an unparalleled level of privacy and serenity.”

Ownership interests in the Coral House will provide Élan Owner-Members with four weeks of exclusive use per year. As with all Élan properties, The Coral House includes a variety of A-list appointments and personal touches, such as a personally dedicated 24-hour concierge staff, travel accommodations, daily housekeeping, limousine services, luxury vehicle to use when in residence, personal watercraft, personal item placement inside the home and much more.

The Turks and Caicos, a territory of the United Kingdom, consists of two groups of more than 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. The island chain is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters and legendary diving, snorkeling and fishing activities, as well as its upscale resorts that offer pampering with a splash of indulgence. Grace Bay Beach itself, with its 12 miles of curving beach, is home to the most exclusive resorts and hotels, spas and fine restaurants, yet still offers a sense of seclusion with stretches of uncrowded beaches.

About The Élan Collection
The Élan Collection combines the benefits of shared fee-simple vacation home ownership with the advantages of a network of luxury destination resort properties across the United States as well as abroad. Owner-Members at The Élan Collection can select their “home resort” based upon lifestyle interests and preferences, but can also enjoy other Élan destinations within the collection through an exclusive Club Exchange Network. Owner-Members will experience unparalleled amenities and personal touches at each Élan property, such as 24/7 concierge services, travel accommodations, included private jet service, onsite luxury SUV and placement of personal items upon each visit.

For more information, please visit www.elanPRC.com.

• New blog post: The Hideaways Club Forms Strategic Alliance With Equity Estates http://bit.ly/b9kxFf #
• Perspective North America: Strategic Alliance With Equity Estates Formed By The Hideaways Club http://bit.ly/c3dE91 #
• New blog post: Ryan Williams, RRP, Joins TimeShareWare http://www.thetimeshareblog.com/ryan-williams-rrp-joins-timeshareware/ #
• Perspective North America: Ryan Williams, RRP, Joins TimeShareWare http://bit.ly/aSk0tP #
• New blog post: Signature Sponsors Bet On ARDA For 2010 Annual Convention In Las Vegas http://bit.ly/csw11w #
• Perspective North America: Signature Sponsors Bet On ARDA For 2010 Annual Convention In Las Vegas http://bit.ly/boBraV #
• New blog post: Highly Anticipated Flagship Urban Property Unveiled By Wyndham Vacation Ownership At National Harbor http://bit.ly/9yrgNJ #
• New blog post: Charity Event To Be Held January 30 At Grand Pacific Palisades Resort – "Hope For The Children Of Haiti" http://bit.ly/af7a2j #
• Perspective North America: Interiors Completed By Robb & Stucky For The Resort At Marina Village Residents Club http://bit.ly/axr8Xl #
• New blog post: New Report By Research and Markets Show Increase of 2.7% In International Tourists Arrivals Over 2008 http://bit.ly/bAGk4y #
• New blog post: Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, Dominican Republic, Is Counting On Affordable Luxury To Be Still Alive http://bit.ly/aPkMA9 #
• RT @editormatt: Timeshare sales opinion poll (http://polls.linkedin.com/p/73394/iwxcb): with comments from consumers & timeshare pros #

Two of the largest property investment funds join forces to provide members access to more than 30 holiday homes

The Hideaways Club, a leading international property investment fund that offers its members the opportunity to invest in and exclusively enjoy an entire portfolio of luxury villas and chalets, announced this week that it has formed a strategic alliance with US based Equity Estates, the largest residence fund in North America. This alliance will offer members of both clubs the opportunity to access more than 30 magnificent properties in 24 of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

Commenting on the alliance Mike Balfour, Chairman and co-founder of The Hideaways Club, said, ”We are thrilled with this latest development in the exciting growth of The Hideaways Club. Both our companies have a common model and a common goal – to provide unparalleled holidays coupled with a sound investment, so it was a logical step to create this alliance for the benefit of our individual companies and our respective owner members. This relationship further endorses our commitment to offering the widest range of holiday options available to members of the Club.”

Under the terms of the alliance, The Hideaways Club and Equity Estates have agreed to make a specified number of non-peak nights available for reciprocal use. Exchange reservations can be made for travel beginning in 2010. Both companies have experienced impressive recent growth, a testament to their common unique model of shared ownership of a portfolio of holiday homes.

The Hideaways Club has 18 magnificent properties in 12 locations throughout Europe, Africa, and Mauritius that will be part of the exchange available to Equity Estates members. In return Hideaways Club members will have access to 11 properties in 11 beautiful destinations currently offered in the Equity Estates portfolio which include spectacular homes in the Turks & Caicos Islands; Telluride, Colorado; Los Cabos, Mexico and Naples, Florida.

“This alliance between Equity Estates and The Hideaways Club is ideal as it facilitates international growth for both companies and enhances the already excellent value proposition for owner members of both funds,“ said Adam Capes, co-founder of Equity Estates. “We cannot imagine a better way to begin 2010 than by doubling our portfolio of accessible properties.”

The properties of both Clubs are serviced by their own concierge operation who will handle all reservations and requests thereby removing all the hassles, unforeseen financial pitfalls and headaches associated with sole ownership and ensuring a relaxed and memorable holiday experience.

The Hideaways Club
The Hideaways Club is Europe’s leading property investment fund, offering its members exclusive usage and ownership of an entire portfolio of luxurious properties for a fraction of the cost of buying a single home overseas. Launched in 2007 the Club has a wide selection of beautiful properties throughout Europe, Africa, Mauritius and South East Asia that not only offer its members a luxurious and prestigious holiday experience but the strong possibility of considerable growth of their investment in the medium to long term.
www.thehideawaysclub.com

Equity Estates
Equity Estates is a luxury residence fund designed to offer spectacular holidays in addition to a real estate investment opportunity. Membership is structured as an equity interest in the real estate owned by the fund and offers the use of the fund’s residences, in addition to any appreciation when the properties are sold. The company was founded in 2006 by managing members wanting to offer all the benefits of second home ownership with none of the hassles.
www.equityestatesfund.com

TimeShareWare, the leading technology solution provider to the shared-ownership and mixed-use vacation ownership industry, is pleased to announce that Ryan Williams, RRP, has rejoined the company as Business Development Manager.

After working in various sales and consulting capacities over the past four years, Williams cited TimeShareWare’s superior technology and advanced platform as one of the key reasons he wanted to return to the company. “I am continually impressed with the flexibility and best practices inherent in TimeShareWare’s software. It has been and continues to be on the cutting edge of technology and is just a great company to work for. After spending time in the industry working with other companies, I have found that TimeShareWare’s software solutions, core capabilities, and easy-to-use interfaces are without peer in the industry. Since rejoining the company, I’ve been impressed with the technology advances that have been built into the software over the past few years.”

Allen Rice, Chief Marketing Officer of TimeShareWare, says, “We are thrilled to have Ryan working on our team again. Ryan is a proven and esteemed industry veteran and a terrific asset to the company. He has a well-deserved reputation of professionalism and integrity and brings 15 years of hospitality industry experience to TimeShareWare. We know that our current and future customers will benefit greatly from Ryan’s contributions.”

Added Williams, “I am really looking forward to the ARDA Convention this March 15th through the 18th in Las Vegas. I invite my friends from around the industry to drop by our booth to say hello and experience the latest from TimeShareWare.”

About TimeShareWare & CondotelWare:
TimeShareWare provides the most advanced resort technology in the industry and has created a state-of-the-art software platform to provide best-of-breed, superior software solutions to shared-ownership, mixed use resorts around the world. Since 1993, TimeShareWare serves all sizes and types of vacation ownership associations, fractional ownership properties, and timeshare resorts including multi-site, single-site, and points-based clubs. The advanced technology provides critical functionality to the Vacation Ownership, Vacation Club, and Vacation Rentals industries. The TimeShareWare software platform includes solutions for lead and tour management, contract processing, sales and marketing, owner accounting, loan servicing, property management, reservations, and web-based owner servicing.

CondotelWare is the first full-service software solution designed specifically for condominium residences and hotels. The software helps owners and operators master all aspects of condo-hotel/residence management and administration, including owner accounting, billing, rental rotation, inventory management, reservations, owner relations, reporting, and more.

Leading timeshare companies and service providers have thrown their chips in to be Signature Sponsors of the 2010 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention and Exposition at Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. The annual convention, from March 14–18, will feature an impressive line-up of speakers and entertainers, including keynote speaker Andy Sernovitz. Sernovitz is considered the guru of the word-of-mouth marketing movement, helping countless companies understand the radical changes brought by blogs, MySpace, and consumer-generated media.

The 2010 Signature Sponsors include American Express, Equiant Financial Services, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Systems International (HSI), International Cruise and Excursions, Inc. (ICE), Interval International, iTravel Companion, RCI, Redweek.com, ResortCom International, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., and VacationGuard, Inc.

The convention offers companies prime exposure to top vacation ownership industry professionals who gather to network, learn the latest industry trends, and visit hundreds of industry suppliers on the exhibit floor. Thanks to the generosity of the Signature Sponsors, the ARDA Convention has become the number-one annual resource, providing networking for industry leaders, timely educational programming, and exposure for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.

“We are grateful for the support we receive from our Signature Sponsors,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “These companies enable us to offer the high-quality events our members need, while getting great visibility among the attendees.”

RCI is once again sponsoring the RCI/AIF Open Golf Tournament at Bear’s Best Las Vegas golf club. Interval International is hosting its annual “Party with a Cause” with ticket proceeds benefiting industry research and education. Equiant Financial Services is providing the “smart car fortwo” for the AIF Auto Driveaway contest. The ARDA Awards Gala, sponsored by Holiday Systems International (HSI), will include a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, presentation of the annual ARDA Awards and live entertainment by the Rhythmics.

Companies interested in participating as sponsors or exhibitors at the timeshare industry’s premier annual event may contact Bob Craycraft at 202-371-6700, or bcraycraft@arda.org. Visit www.ARDA.org for more information about the 2010 convention.

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).

Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbor Expands Company’s Metropolitan Portfolio

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced it has welcomed its first CLUB WYNDHAM® Plus owners to its highly anticipated urban property – Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbor.  In development for more than three years, this 250-unit resort is the company’s second resort in the popular Washington D.C. market, joining Wyndham Old Town Alexandria.

“Our nation’s capital has always been a popular vacation destination.  Wyndham Old Town Alexandria was wildly successful when it opened in 1999 and it remains one of our most popular resorts so it was a natural decision to double our presence in this market,” said Franz Hanning, president and chief executive officer, Wyndham Vacation Ownership. ”The fact that our National Harbor property is more than 75% sold out is a testament to the popularity of our urban properties and the Washington D.C. area.”

Situated within National Harbor – a 300-acre waterfront community in Prince George’s County, Md. on the banks of the Potomac River – this purpose-built resort property features 250 condominium-style, fully furnished units, including 42 opulent, presidential suites.  Built in an 11-story tower, the resort also boasts an expansive health and fitness club, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, an outdoor terrace with a spa and wading pool as well as a recreation room.  Owners and guests will also enjoy the ever-growing popular urban vacation experience by having immediate access to the wide variety of shopping and dining options within the National Harbor complex, such as McCormick & Schmick’s, Dolce Enoteca, Ketchup, Grace’s Mandarin and Rosa Mexicano.

Located just minutes from the countless landmarks and attractions of Washington D.C., Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbor, which will operate within the company’s CLUB WYNDHAM Plus exchange program, caters to a growing travel trend among timeshare owners to take vacations to major metropolitan centers.  In an owner survey, Wyndham owners indicated that nine of the top ten destinations they’d like to visit next are urban.

National Harbor was still being built when we bought,” said Eva and Al James of Oxford, NC, CLUB WYNDHAM Plus owners. “The location of the capital was a draw and the resort is right in the heart of the action.”

This resort property is the latest addition to the company’s portfolio of urban resorts, which are designed to offer owners convenient access to the exciting shopping, dining and nightlife located in or near the epicenters of major metropolitan destinations throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.  The company also boasts properties in other popular urban markets, including San Francisco, Calif., Seattle, Wash., Las Vegas, Nev., San Antonio, Texas, Vancouver, BC and Sydney, Australia.

About Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a member of the Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) family of companies, is the world’s largest vacation ownership business, as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, individual vacation ownership units and owners of vacation ownership interests.  Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its three primary consumer brands, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, WorldMark by Wyndham, and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific.   As of January 1, 2009, Wyndham Vacation Ownership had developed or acquired approximately 150 vacation ownership resorts throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific that represent approximately 20,000 individual vacation ownership units and more than 830,000 owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership is headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and is supported by approximately 13,800 employees globally.

About National Harbor
National Harbor is a community unlike any other in the D.C. region, designed to take full advantage of the most historic river in the nation.  Rising from the banks of the Potomac River just south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Prince George’s County, Md., National Harbor is a 300-acre, mixed-used development designed to include five hotels (including the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center), thousands of residential and office units, tree-lined promenades with scores of shops and restaurants, a marina and much more.

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort (Carlsbad, CA)  will be the site of North County’s Pink Elephants Nannies’ “Hope for Children of Haiti” charity event on January 30th.  This family-friendly event will raise funds, clothes, shoes and baby products to send to the earthquake victims in Haiti. The fundraiser will be held from 2-5pm, and will include a silent auction, fashion show, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine and entertainment for all ages.  DJ Aesthetix has volunteered to entertain during the fundraiser.

David Brown, Co-President of Grand Pacific Resorts said, “We are glad to be part of this important effort.  Unfortunately sometimes it is tragedies such as the earthquake in Haiti that brings a community together. We hope to see great turnout to support the Red Cross and their ongoing humanitarian work.”

All the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund.  All clothing and supplies donated will be sent directly to Haiti. “We are fortunate enough to be in a position to help make a difference in Haiti,” said Katelyn Chamberlin, of Pink Elephants Nannies, organizer of the event.

A major sponsor is Mobile Photo Booth has donated its photo booth services for the entire event. The attendees will be able to take unlimited photo strips, which will print in duplicate. Mobile Photo Booth will also upload all of the images onto their website where photos maybe viewed, downloaded, or removed.

Other local sponsors who have donated auction items include Moxie Theater, Vanity Hair Studio, PAHR, Integrative Healing Arts, Wasserman Media Group, Pixel Perfect Images, Fortunately Feng Shui, Red Cup Yogurt, Karl Strauss Breweries and many more.

To attend this charity event, or to donate supplies or money, RSVP to Katelyn Chamberlin directly at Katelyn@PinkElephantsNannies.com.  Donations are $5 at the door or clothes, shoes and/or baby products.  The material donations will be sold to raise funds to send to support the efforts in Haiti.

Grand Pacific Palisades Resort  is managed by Grand Pacific Resort Management, one of the oldest and largest vacation ownership companies based in California. Servicing over 45,000 owner-families every year, Grand Pacific Resorts has developed and manages 14 properties. For more information, visit www.grandpacificresortservices.com.

Pink Elephants Nanny Agency opened its doors in September of 2009 in Carlsbad. The company specializes in On-Call Nanny Memberships and Nanny Placement.  For more information www.pinkElephantsnannies.com

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Turkey Tourism Industry by 2013″ report to their offering.

Despite the ongoing downturn faced by the tourism industry around the world, tourism industry in Turkey has reported significant growth rate in recent time. International tourists arrivals has increased by 2.7% in 2009 over 2008 as compare to negative growth faced by world tourism industry.

With strong government efforts and increasing popularity of Turkey as a tourism destination, the international tourist arrivals in Turkey is expected to increase at a health rate of over 10% in coming four years, with outbound and domestic tourism is also expected see the high growth rates.

Medical tourism is expected to see a maximum growth in coming years. Medical tourists are expected to increase by over 20% in coming years. Increasing healthcare costs in European countries and developing healthcare infrastructure in Turkey will drive the growth of medical tourism in Turkey. A part from that marine tourism and golf tourism is also expected to see a huge growth in coming years.

Turkey tourism industry by 2013 report provides an insight into the Turkish tourism market. It evaluates the past, present and future scenario of the Turkish tourism market and discusses the key factors which are making Turkey a potential tourism destination. Report deeply analysed the different parameters of tourism industry, including inbound tourism, domestic tourism, outbound tourism, medical tourism, hotel industry etc.

Report provides the future forecast till 2013 for the major tourism indicators. Report also covers the major players in the tourism industry including major hotel chains and airlines.

As per recently released report “Turkey Tourism Industry by 2013″, despite the ongoing downturn faced by the tourism industry around the world, tourism industry in Turkey has reported significant growth rate in recent time. International tourists arrivals has increased by 2.7% in 2009 over 2008 as compare to negative growth faced by world tourism industry.

With strong government efforts and increasing popularity of Turkey as a tourism destination, the international tourist arrivals in Turkey is expected to increase at a health rate of over 10% in coming four years, with outbound and domestic tourism is also expected see the high growth rates.

Medical tourism is expected to see a maximum growth in coming years. Medical tourists are expected to increase by over 20% in coming years. Increasing healthcare costs in European countries and developing healthcare infrastructure in Turkey will drive the growth of medical tourism in Turkey. A part from that marine tourism and golf tourism is also expected to see a huge growth in coming years.

Turkey tourism industry by 2013 report provides an insight into the Turkish tourism market. It evaluates the past, present and future scenario of the Turkish tourism market and discusses the key factors which are making Turkey a potential tourism destination. Report deeply analysed the different parameters of tourism industry, including inbound tourism, domestic tourism, outbound tourism, medical tourism, hotel industry etc.

Report provides the future forecast till 2013 for the major tourism indicators. Report also covers the major players in the tourism industry including major hotel chains and airlines.”

Key Topics Covered:

* Our View About The Tourism Industry in Turkey
* Middle East Tourism – Current Scenario & Future outlook by 2013
* Why Tourism Industry in Turkey Performing Well Despite the Recession?
* Turkey Tourism Industry Performance
* Emerging Trends in Turkish Tourism Industry
* Competitive Analysis
* List of Figures
* List of Tables

Companies Mentioned:

Hotel Chains

* Best Western International
* Hilton Hotels
* Accor Hotel Group
* Marriott International
* Dedeman Hotels & Resort

Major Airlines

* Turkish Airlines
* Air France-KLM
* EgyptAir Holding Company
* Emirates

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/0fd5ea/turkey_tourism_ind

2009 Growth and Development Sets Pace For Successful 2010

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club (LHVC), located in Puerto Plata on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, is ramping up for 2010 to be another successful year where affordable luxury is still in vogue. The company experienced steady growth in membership numbers, occupancies and kept on track with new construction, new services and amenities in 2009. LHVC will continue growth and development in 2010 with the opening of another gourmet restaurant, a unique new suite product and a growing partnership agreement with Spain-based Globalia Corporation, a leading travel and leisure conglomerate.

“We are excited about another year ahead with new services and amenities, and several new accommodations products for our members.”

“We had a very healthy and exciting 2009 and accomplished a lot on behalf of our members,” said Hans Larcher, Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club Managing Director. “We are excited about another year ahead with new services and amenities, and several new accommodations products for our members.”

In 2009, LHVC broke ground for Phase I of its Costa Esmeralda by Lifestyle product in the peninsula area of Confresi Beach to feature 130 penthouse suites; announced The Level by Lifestyle, a new one, two and three story stand alone villas development with 39 five, six and seven bedrooms on the East side of the resort; announced the new Contemporary Suites & Villas by Lifestyle to feature 55 two-bedroom suites and two and three-bedroom villas; and opened the new Presidential Suites by Lifestyle, which opened in December 2009, in partnership with Globalia Corporation, featuring 36 luxury one and two bedroom suites with their own restaurant, spa, swimming pool with waterfall, tennis courts and access to all resort amenities and services.

Also in 2009, LHVC launched its Real Estate Division for full ownership, and deeded homes and opened The Lifestyle Tower, four-story member services and sales building, encompassing offices for 185 employees, an exclusive V.I.P. services area, new gourmet restaurant and lounge, and a heliport used to shuttle high level members back and forth to the airport in comfort. In 2010, LHVC will be announcing a French Fusion concept restaurant for the Presidential Suites area of the resort, a new suites concept called Executive Spa Suites, another private V.I.P. beach area for members only and several new member resort sites in the Dominican Republic, in partnership with Globalia Corporation.

“These endeavors strengthen our mission to become the provider of the largest and most diverse array of products and experiences in the Dominican Republic. We truly have a member product to fit the needs of all travelers,” added Larcher.

“LHVC concentrates on creating a high-quality product with outstanding service, making it an affordable luxury for our members. Service is the cornerstone of the Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, and it is infused in every aspect of the resort from dining, accommodations and service to transportation and amenities.”

The Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort encompasses five distinct products: The Tropical, The Crown Suites, The Crown Villas, The Residence Suites and the new Presidential Suites. From hotel accommodations to stand alone villas, all guests have access to five swimming pools, nightly entertainment, spa, beach, tennis and more. Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club V.I.P. Members have access to “members only” facilities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, exclusive beach areas, as well as golf carts, limousine transfers and helicopter tours.

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club members, guests and their families have a wide variety of activities available to them in the Dominican Republic’s North Coast. Next door is the Ocean World Adventure Park with its daily animal and aquatic shows plus its signature night-time Las Vegas style show, Bravissimo. Other area activities include a cable car ride to the peak of Mount Isabella de Torres, white water rafting, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, boating, snorkeling, monster truck safaris and city tours of Puerto Plata, named as one of the 53 best destinations in the world by The New York Times. For more Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club information, go to www.lifestyleholidaysvc.com or call (809) 970-7777.

• Timeshare & Fractional News: Hilton Worldwide Achieves Record By Opening More Properties In … http://bit.ly/8x1eyU #news #travel #business #
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Company Also Announces Several Other Major Accomplishments from the 2009 Year End

Hilton Worldwide announced today that, building on the record year the company had in terms of development in 2008, the next best year in the company’s 91-year history was 2009.

In 2009, despite major challenges for the hospitality industry overall, Hilton Worldwide added 302 new hotels and more than 45,000 rooms to a total count that is now more than 3,500 hotels and 585,000 rooms. In 2008, Hilton Worldwide opened 327 properties.

For the fourth consecutive year, Hilton Worldwide opened more newly-constructed guest rooms in the U.S. than any other company.* Additionally, Hilton Worldwide’s pipeline includes more than 900 hotels with more than 129,000 rooms scheduled to open.

Among many other highlights in 2009, Hilton Worldwide also:

* Signed or approved 281 hotel deals with more than 46,000 rooms.

* Moved into first place in terms of open and operating rooms in the U.S.*

* Maximized opportunities globally, with 37 percent of its pipeline of rooms now outside the U.S., compared to 15 percent only two years ago. Additionally, in 2009, 50 percent of room construction starts occurred outside the U.S. versus 17 percent two years ago.

* Increased both its market share and customer satisfaction ratings in each of its ten brands.

* Expanded its luxury portfolio by more than 100 percent within the U.S. and nearly 50 percent outside the U.S.

* Launched a new mid-tier extended-stay brand, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and approved 53 hotels for development as well as broke ground on the first property in the U.S.

* Was the only hotel company with multiple brand winners in “J.D. Power’s 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study.” Embassy Suites ranked highest in guest satisfaction among Upscale chains for the sixth time, and Hilton Garden Inn ranked highest in guest satisfaction among Mid-Scale Full-Service chains for the seventh time.

* Received the Readers Choice “Best in Business Travel” and “Best Hotel Web Site” (Hilton.com) by Business Traveler magazine for its Hilton brand. Hilton also received many other accolades including the “Best Hotel for Meetings” and “Best Hotel for Business Services” by Executive Travel Leading Edge Awards.

* Was honored by Entrepreneur magazine when its Hampton brand was selected as the fourth-best franchise business in the U.S. in its Franchise 500® list.

* Unveiled its new name and corporate logo that better reflect the global company it is today and will continue to be in the future.

“Despite the serious challenges resulting from the macroeconomic environment, last year was an outstanding year for our company in many significant ways,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hilton Worldwide. “As the global markets continue to improve, I believe Hilton Worldwide is better positioned than ever to achieve our mission to be the preeminent global hospitality company – the first choice of guests, team members and owners alike.”

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For more than 90 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,500 hotels in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors.

For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.

* Smith Travel Research, U.S. Pipeline Report, December 2009