Perspective Magazine | Timeshare News, Timeshare & Fractional Resort Reviews

The Group RCI Christel House Open – UK Tournament

Timeshare News — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:26:08 +0000

Monday 30th June saw the UK golf tournament which comprised of 41 golfers playing at the Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel & Golf Club, set on the edge of the Cotswolds in 140 acres of secluded parkland. The 18-hole championship golf course offered superb views of the Malvern Hills and included three lakes and strategic bunkers, offering challenges to golfers of all abilities.

For those who attended and not playing there was a spa, the golf club bar, hotel bar and restaurant and spectacular views over the course with the terrace overlooking the 18th green. For Perspective Magazine who were Gold Sponsors of the event however, it was a full day in a golf cart racing from hole to hole taking pictures and capturing the highs and lows of the golfers as they worked their way around the average four hour course.

1st Place UK Tournament
FNTC Team comprising of Darren Ettridge, Brett Archibald, Martin Anderson, Jimmy Kane with 100 Points.

2nd Place UK Tournament
Group RCI 1 Team comprising of Andy Harris, David Blair, Marj Anderson, Jonathan Back with 100 Points.

3rd Place UK Tournament
East Clare Holiday Village Team comprising of Emelyn Heaps, Ger Teefy, Richard Alden, Martin Tuohy with 100 Points.

After an enjoyable meal, the prizes were awarded by Sue Colby, Generator Systems who was the event organizer, and Ron Haylock, Christel House UK who also announced that the day’s competition and festivities had raised over £25,000 for the children of Christel House, much more than previous years and thanked all who had taken part.

Read the full story in the July edition of Perspective Magazine

New Management at Anfi Gran Canaria - John MacDonald, Christian Kuth and Célia Fonseca

Timeshare News — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:05:20 +0000

The Anfi Group in Gran Canaria, one of Europe’s leading Vacation Membership Resorts, has recently appointed John MacDonald as the Sales and Marketing Director. Completing the team will be Christian Kuth in the role of Sales Director and Célia Fonseca as Marketing Director. The new venture sees John and Christian’s careers coming full circle, since they were key players during the company’s foundation back in 1992.

John returns to Anfi with a wealth of experience behind him, having been in the industry for over 20 years. His illustrious career began at the Miraflores Resort in the Costa del Sol, before he moved onto Tenerife and Lanzarote where he worked for Wimpy Leisure. After over four years with Wimpy, John undertook the challenging position at the then fledgling company, Anfi del Mar. He then moved on to front many prestigious Vacation Membership resorts worldwide, including Hilton in Portugal and Sunterra in the Caribbean and Florida.

“Anfi is a magnificent resort and to return after 11 years is a fantastic opportunity, I am looking forward to implementing new techniques and programmes alongside the already successful marketing strategies.”

On a personal level, Gran Canaria is the place where two of John’s children were born, so the island has a deep-rooted place in his life. “Anfi is in my heart, and I have thought of returning, although up till now the time hasn’t been right. Now is the right time for me and I feel as if I am completing the cycle. To return and see so many familiar faces and to see that Anfi is just as amazing as ever has been marvellous”.

Under John’s direction, the company has undergone internal restructuring, John wanted his team to comprise of people that had endless drive, who shared his vision for Anfi’s future and would strive to reach those goals as passionately as himself.

Christian Kuth accepted the position of Sales Director, a move that returned him to his career roots, since Christian was responsible for heading the Sales Division at Anfi del Mar from 1992 until 1997. At that time, Christian attained the prestigious R.C.I. award for “Sales Achievement in Europe”. He then proceeded to further his career at Airtours Beach Club in Gran Canaria and Sunterra in the Caribbean. In 2003, Christian returned to Gran Canaria where he became owner and director of Club Vista Puerto - a boutique resort located in the south of the island.

Christian Kuth is a dynamic character. He exudes confidence and optimism and is totally self-assured regarding his return to Anfi. “John and I started the Sales Division at Anfi in 1992. We are a great combination, and I am very happy to be working alongside him again in a resort that holds many positive memories for me.”

In his new role, Christian will also be responsible for launching the Anfi Tauro entrance product. “From mid July I will be recruiting up to 100 new sales staff to work at Anfi Tauro, where we will be selling a unique product of exceptional quality and I am looking forward to hearing from any interested parties”

Working alongside John and Christian is Célia Fonseca, who undertook the critical new role of Marketing Director. Célia began her career in her native Portugal where she was a Postgraduate in Market Research and Marketing Management independently. In 1999, she entered the luxury resort industry at Pine Cliffs/Sheraton Algarve Resort in Portugal. In 2006, Célia went on to work alongside John MacDonald at Hilton, Vilamoura, in the role of ‘Marketing Manager’.

Célia has over 9 years experience in branded mixed – use five star resorts (Real Estate Vacation Ownership & 5–star Hotels), which has provided her with great foresight and experience within the 5-star environment. “Hopefully people can benefit from my experience in branded resorts, which can add value to Anfi’s already successful marketing strategies, and in turn produce more profitable lead generation programmes and consequently generate more sales . I am absolutely committed to continuing the dream.”

On working with John and Christian, Célia comments, “I had heard fantastic reports about Anfi so it’s a major pleasure to be part of John’s team here. Christian is extremely competent and professional, and I am also looking forward to working alongside him, bringing efficient marketing concepts to fruition.”

It is clear that Christian and Celia share common attributes; commitment, ambition, experience and intense drive - these are the qualities that will enable them to reach their collective goals in the near future. Celia and Christian want to make a difference and John is positive they will succeed.

DHH Launches Luxury Alpine Chalet

Timeshare News — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:52:38 +0000

Luxury destination club Distinctive Holiday Homes has announced the latest addition to its stable of sumptuous getaways: a stunning chalet nestled high in the Alpine village of Les Mouilles, Megeve.

Famed as one of the most stylish locales in the Haute Savoie region of France, the bustling town is a skier’s dream, and hosts two unique winter sport events: the Vacheron Constantin Snow Golf Cup and the International Snow Polo Meeting. With a plethora of high-end boutiques, restaurants, local markets, cultural events and kids’ entertainment, Megeve is a unique holiday destination that offers just about everything the discerning family could want. It even makes a gorgeous summer spot, when the town and surrounding countryside are in full, astounding bloom.

DHH’s members can enjoy the many attractions of this exquisite town from the lushly designed cosiness of a chalet that maintains the company’s established reputation for indulgence. The three-level, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home comfortably sleeps six adults and two children. It’s located in the heart of the village, a gentle walk from the centre of town and just 100ft from the main chairlift. Guests can survey the majesty of the peaks from the comfort of the master bathroom’s antique copper bathtub, socialise in the gourmet kitchen and dining room with built-in bar, or relax after a hard day’s skiing in the chalet’s own sauna and Jacuzzi. Spacious and stylish with the finest in contemporary finishing, the Megeve chalet blends a new dimension of luxury with rustic French charm.

And there’s even more to this five-star living. DHH members also benefit from an impressive range of standard perks – fully stocked fine food and beverage provisions and use of a luxury car during their stay, as well as year-round membership of Quintessentially, the international concierge service, and private jet charter group Bombardier.

A choice of impressive holiday destinations is not all that DHH offers. Membership provides an impressively affordable alternative to the hassle, expense and financial risk of buying a second home abroad. In today’s uncertain markets, investing in property is no longer a sure thing. DHH members get all the benefits of a guaranteed four weeks holiday a year in a luxurious, homely and family-friendly environment, along with the exciting possibility of vacationing in a different thrilling destination every year – and all this while freeing up the majority of their capital for a less risk-intensive investment.

The company was started by entrepreneur Nick Wood, founder of Australasian internet service provider iHug and owner of the award-winning Octopus resort in Fiji. Wood brought his formidable knowledge of the hospitality industry to bear on the crucial issue of choosing DHH’s properties. The Megeve chalet joins nine hand-picked properties and two luxury yachts as far afield as Corsanico, Fiji and Lake Tahoe. Distinctive Holiday Homes’ latest acquisition has once again raised the bar for luxury vacations.

For more information, visit www.Distinctiveholidayhomes.com.

Brand Tango Diversifies With Neoptx Account

Timeshare News — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:50:27 +0000

Brand Tango, a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.-based marketing and advertising firm, has announced its selection as exclusive agency of record for optical-supplies firm Neoptx of Miramar, Fla.

Brand Tango was established in 2005 as a “timeshare/real estate/hospitality” specialty group, and has since branched out to serve clients in other fields. The Neoptx relationship continues Brand Tango’s emphasis on targeting clients outside of its niche market.

“We’re delighted that Neoptx could see beyond the obvious differences in product types and recognize how our creativity and integrated marketing approach could help them achieve their sales goals and return-on-investment objectives,” says Joe Russoniello, Brand Tango’s president and co-founder.

Scott Orlinsky, president of Neoptx, says his company – a leading provider of reading lenses, reading glasses, and eye care accessories since 1990 – turned to Brand Tango to increase its exposure and visibility.

“We hired Brand Tango to help us relaunch and rebrand, and take us to the next level,” Orlinsky says. “Already their redesign of our trade-show booth has brought us positive feedback. More people visited our booth than ever before, and it generated more leads and sales prospects. “Brand Tango also has helped us with our retail packaging,-which several big box retailers responded favorably to its new look and feel.”

Brand Tango’s marketing, design and technology experts have decades of combined expertise. The agency helps its clients address integrated marketing needs in an efficient, unbiased, and knowledgeable manner with a solid, multi-faceted, results-oriented strategy. Along with Vice President of Creative Services James Kluetz and Vice President of Technology Larry Talley, Russoniello engages leading writers, designers, and project managers appropriate to each client.

Brand Tango’s extensive vacation-industry client list includes Island One Resorts, Pacific Monarch Resorts, Club Intrawest, Sunset Resorts, Premier Cancun Vacations, and Grand Incentives.

Thus far in 2008, Brand Tango already has garnered awards from the leisure-lodging industry, and from its peers in the advertising and marketing community. The firm received three Gold ARDY Awards and three Silver ARDY Awards in Advertising and Promotions from the American Resort Development Association, and a technology team award in the Management and Administration category.

In the Advertising Federation of Greater Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) 2008 Addy Awards competition, Brand Tango won three Silver Addy awards, a Gold Addy, and “Best of Show” honors for a Sunset Group brochure that also won a Gold Addy at the District level. Brand Tango also was a finalist in the Technology Applications category of the South Florida Business Journal’s 2008 Technology Awards.

For more information about Brand Tango, contact Joe Russoniello at (954) 295-7879 or joe@brand-tango.com. The firm’s Web site, www.brand-tango.com features examples of recent work. For more information about Neoptx, contact Scott Orlinsky, president, at 800-344-2020 x209. The company’s Web site is www.optx2020.com.

Telkonet Promotes Jeff Sobieski To Chief Operating Officer

Timeshare News — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:38:09 +0000

Energy Management Functions and COO Functions to be Combined

Germantown, MD – Telkonet, Inc. (AMEX:TKO), the leading provider of innovative, centrally managed solutions for integrated energy management, networking, building automation and proactive support services, announces that it has appointed Jeff Sobieski as Chief Operating Officer with immediate effect. Formerly Executive Vice President (EVP) of Energy Management, Jeff has been with Telkonet since March 2007 and is taking over as COO following Dottie Cleal’s resignation in May due to immediate-family health issues.

Telkonet’s President and CEO Jason Tienor commented, “Our business is seeing dramatic change with energy management related opportunities permeating almost all aspects of our product lines and many of our business functions and opportunities. Jeff assumed the post of EVP of Energy Management in December 2007, with responsibility for evolving the roadmap to realize continued growth and efficiencies across the energy management products and operations. He also led the drive to secure high level business for our energy management solution, as well as developing the roadmap for our new networked platform, preparing Telkonet for strong growth in this area. As Telkonet continues to implement additional operational efficiencies, the separate roles of EVP of Energy Management and COO are increasingly redundant and therefore, we have consolidated these into a single role held by Jeff Sobieski. We look forward to his continued strong contributions to help Telkonet realize its success and achieve new milestones.”

As COO, Jeff will work out of Telkonet’s offices in both Germantown and Milwaukee. Commenting on his new role, Jeff said, “I am gratified by the Board’s confidence in me, and regard this as a great honor and opportunity. As an existing part of the team, I can bring my organizational knowledge and established relationships into play, accelerating the process of uniting the company and establishing cross-functional communication.”

Prior to joining Telkonet, Jeff was Chief Information Officer at EthoStream, which he co-founded with Jason Tienor in 2002. His career includes co-founding Interactive SolutionZ, a Milwaukee-based IT consulting firm, and a number of high-level consulting and system development projects, including positions within major corporations in the medical and insurance industries. Jeff holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and a MBA from Marquette University. He is married with two children.

About Telkonet
Telkonet’s unique broadband networking solutions currently support more than 1.7 million network users per month, with its energy management systems optimizing energy consumption in over 85,000 rooms. Telkonet’s technology innovation is underpinned by the highest level of end-to-end quality of service, with comprehensive technical customer support. Its systems deliver wide-ranging functionality, from wired and wireless high-speed Internet access to energy management, IP surveillance and local area networking. Telkonet’s platforms are widely deployed on the global stage – in single buildings and ships, in multi-building complexes, hospitality venues and multi-dwelling units, and at government, education and defense locations.

Telkonet’s innovations include the revolutionary Telkonet Series 5 and the Telkonet iWire System™, which convert a site’s existing internal electrical infrastructure into an IP network backbone – quickly, cost-effectively and without disruption. The portfolio also includes the integrated EthoStream product suite, providing a comprehensive and advanced technology management platform for the hospitality industry, differentiated by outstanding remote management tools and a dedicated customer support facility. Telkonet SmartEnergy™ completes the line-up, delivering typical bottom line savings of 30% by controlling in-room energy consumption according to occupancy. For more information, please visit www.telkonet.com.

New Group RCI Research Shows Steady Growth Of Timeshare Sales In Latin America Of Twelve Percent During 2007

Timeshare News — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:06:37 +0000

Group RCI, a global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN) today released findings about the timeshare industry from its Latin America and the Caribbean Vacation Ownership Fact Book 2007. As reported by Group RCI there were 876,000 timeshare weeks sold worldwide in 2007, representing an increase of six percent over 2006. Sales in Latin America represented a robust 30 percent of this figure with 261,000 weeks sold, showing a 12 percent increase over 2006.

According to the 2007 Fact Book, with 57 new properties the total number of resorts affiliated with an exchange system in Latin America grew to 1,154, with more than 750 of them located in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, where some of the highest growth potential is reported, notwithstanding some other rising stars like Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina.

This and other significant data about the timeshare market in Latin America and the Caribbean was originally released with Group RCI showcased the results of the Latin America and Caribbean Vacation Ownership Fact Book 2007, at the recent 2008 National AMDETUR (Mexican Association of Resort Developers) Convention.

“The 2007 edition of the Latin America and the Caribbean Vacation Ownership Fact Book, by Group RCI, is valuable publication that offers potential investors and entrepreneurs interested in the vacation ownership industry an objective overview of the current state of the industry and of its performance last year. We hope it will serve as a valuable research tool for the industry in the region”, said Ricardo Montaudon, President and Managing Director, Group RCI, The Americas.

Based on published data and statistics from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the International Monetary Fund, regional Tourism Ministries and affiliates in the region, Group RCI’s Fact Book gathers information country by country and features relevant entries on their tourism industry, current economic data and trends within their vacation ownership market. It also includes a special section on the luxury vacation ownership as certain countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, are showing significant potential for growth.

About Group RCI
Group RCI , part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), is the global leader in non-hotel leisure accommodations with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 67,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Organizationally, Group RCI is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI®, the worldwide leader in timeshare and vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection®, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation RentalsSM, Landal Greenparks®, Novasol®, and more than 30 other vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a wide variety of property types, from city apartments to country cottages to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, asset management and sales and marketing services to developers and investors worldwide. Collectively, the company delivers unique vacation experiences to leisure travelers around the world and provides products and services to business customers that support the growth of the leisure real estate industry. 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.

ARDA Recognizes Oyster Bay Beach Resort General Manager

Timeshare News — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:51:31 +0000

Jan Borsje wins Silver Award in Management and Administration of Resorts, General Manager Category

Jan Borsje, general manager of the timeshare resort, Oyster Bay Beach Resort (Oyster Bay) in St. Maarten, won a Silver Award in “Management and Administration of Resorts” in the General Manager category at the American Resorts Development Association (ARDA) Annual Awards Ceremony.

Borsje and other winners were honored during a gala dinner event held during the association’s 2008 Convention & Exposition held at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, NV, in April.

“It’s an honor to have our general manager recognized in such a prestigious competition,” said Joshua Gold, co-manager of Pearl Development NV, the company that owns Oyster Bay.

“We’re proud to be associated with a person of Jan’s caliber,” said Michael Dolente, co-manager of Pearl Development. Gold and Dolente have been the developers of the resort since 2003.

Borsje has been general manager at Oyster Bay Beach Resort for 16 years. The resort enjoys the highest-level, “Premier” property designation with worldwide timeshare exchange company, Interval International. Borsje is a long-standing member of the Caribbean Hotel Association and the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA). His association with SHTA has allowed Borsje to be personally involved in educating and training the island’s hospitality staff.

In 2006, Borsje was the recipient of the prestigious Crystal Pineapple Award as Manager of the Year on St. Maarten, awarded by SHTA. A hotel and resort manager on the island for 35 years, he has received many high honors for his excellent hospitality work and is recognized as one of the leading hotel managers in St. Maarten/St. Martin. Like many of his fellow islanders, Borsje speaks at least three languages including Dutch, his native language.

ABOUT OYSTER BEACH RESORT BAY:
Oyster Bay Beach Resort is located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten and currently has 147 units for both timeshare and hotel use. Forty additional timeshare units are under construction and will be completed in early 2009, with another 60 units slated for future development. Oyster Bay successfully completed the preconstruction sale of 18 luxury whole-ownership condominiums, which are currently under construction and will also be completed in early 2009. The Oyster Bay Beach Resort is characterized by modern and distinctive architecture that resonates with Caribbean style and that also affords some of the most spectacular ocean and beach views in the Caribbean. Oyster Bay Beach Resort is also the proud recipient of the Gault Millau Guide’s recognition for the Best Hotel on the Dutch side (November 2007), as well as the Travelers’ Choice award in 2005 for one of the top ten best pools in the Caribbean. It is constantly rated as the number one hotel in Phillipsburg on the Travelers’ Choice web site.

ABOUT ST. MAARTEN:
St. Maarten is an amazing island destination that embraces its dual Dutch and French ancestry. Having come to be known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, St. Maarten offers a welcome change from the ordinary through its fusion of flavors that mix European with Caribbean fare to create truly memorable dining experiences. It’s newly completed and modern international airport has made it an important hub for the Caribbean and has significantly increased tourism to the Island.

SPI Vacation Ownership / Timeshare Software Selected By Islander Beach Resort

Timeshare News — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:47:45 +0000

SPI’s property management and annual assessment billing software, specifically formulated for vacation ownership (timeshare) resorts, was selected by Islander Beach Resort, located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

“We went with SPI for ease-of-use,” said Islander Beach Resort Controller Stuart Weber. “Our due diligence process had us looking at several different systems before selecting SPI. We have a small staff with many demands on their plate, so we needed software that will be intuitive. SPI’s system offers more than enough of the features we need, while still remaining user-friendly.”

SPI Director of Sales Matt Brosious has had a great deal of success in working with popular and busy resorts such as Islander. “SPI is very pleased to have been selected by another elite property such as Islander Beach Resort,” observed Brosious. “We find that the more successful a resort is; the greater the likelihood it is operated by professionals who recognize the value of buying top quality software. They comprehend the necessity of safeguarding their customer and receivables information, which is their most precious asset, after all.”

SPI provides major developers of vacation ownership (timeshare, fractional, private residence club and others) 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.

The Islander Beach Resort is located directly on the beach at 1601 South Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169. The beachfront high-rise offers more than 5,800 intervals and New Smyrna is one of Central Florida’s most popular beach cities. Visit www.islanderbeachresort.com for more information.

Bombardier Flexjet Named ‘Best Of The Best’ In Flight Services By Robb Report

Timeshare News — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:44:22 +0000

Bombardier Flexjet, the fractional business jet ownership program of Bombardier Aerospace, has earned the “Best of the Best” distinction among private aviation providers by Robb Report in its 20th annual “Best of the Best” issue published in June 2008. Bombardier Flexjet was recognized for providing “perhaps the best, most consistent service in the business,” as reported by many aviation consultants assisting Robb Report in compiling its list. In addition, Bombardier Flexjet was recognized as the fastest-growing fractional business jet operator.

“As a company that prides itself on providing world-class service, we are honored to receive this distinction by Robb Report,” said Michael McQuay, President, Bombardier Flexjet. “We are also pleased to be recognized as the fastest-growing fractional operator, as this is an area where our steadfast efforts have resulted in more than doubling our share of the fractional ownership market since 2003.”

Since Flexjet’s inception in 1995, its fleet — one of the youngest of any fractional jet ownership company, with aircraft averaging 3.4 years in age — has grown to include more than 100 aircraft. Flexjet recently announced the addition of the new Challenger 605 aircraft to its fleet in late April, which are among 24 new aircraft to enter service with Flexjet in 2008.

Robb Report’s “Best of the Best” issue highlighted a number of Flexjet’s offerings including: ferry fee waivers to fractional owners traveling to and from designated regions outside of Flexjet’s Primary Service Area, which includes the continental United States, parts of Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas; Flexjet’s commitment to have aircraft ready for owners with as little as six hours notice; and its guarantee that clients will fly on a Flexjet managed jet at least 95 percent of the time.

As part of Flexjet’s expanded Secondary Service Area (ferry fee waiver) program, fractional jet owners can take advantage of travel to and from even more destinations without having to pay repositioning fees that absorb the cost of bringing an aircraft back to the United States. Owners can now travel to and from all Central America (Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador), Canada, the Caribbean region, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Mexico. Additionally, fractional owners of long-range Challenger jets may benefit from ferry fee waivers for travel to and from Hawaii and Europe.

Also mentioned in Robb Report’s special issue were the Flexjet 25* jet card program and Flexjet’s Versatility Plus program. Unlike traditional jet card programs, the Flexjet 25 card is available in 25-, 30- and 35-hour increments and allows cardholders to choose the number of days per year they wish to fly-275, 325, 355 or 365. In addition, if Flexjet 25 cardholders aren’t 100 percent satisfied after their first flight, their unused hours will be refunded with no questions asked. The Flexjet 25 card offers fliers a way to sample private aviation without assuming ownership of a plane.

Flexjet’s Versatility Plus program, unique in the fractional jet industry, allows fractional jet owners to custom-design flying right down to the hour and type of aircraft they wish to utilize. This program offers the flexibility of exchanging hours with other Flexjet owners to more closely match actual flight hour requirements during a given year. Participants can gain access to more hours without the need to borrow from future years or realize value from unused hours by making them available to others.

About Bombardier Flexjet
Established in 1995 and based in Richardson, Texas, Bombardier Flexjet offers a turnkey program allowing individuals or companies to purchase a share in a Bombardier business jet at a fraction of the full ownership cost. Flexjet owners select the aircraft type that best fits their needs, determine the number of hours per year they expect to fly, and purchase shares starting at 1/16th (equal to 50 hours of flying per year).

Owners pay predictable monthly management and usage fees, while Flexjet manages the aircraft, flight crews, hangars, fuel and insurance on their behalf. Flexjet fields an exclusive family of Bombardier business jets, including the Learjet 40 XR, Learjet 45 XR, Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 300 and newly redesigned Challenger 605 business jets. The Flexjet One program is an aircraft management service providing owners who purchase a whole Bombardier aircraft access to Flexjet’s entire fractional fleet, cost savings and a simple, worry-free solution to aircraft ownership.

U.S. Timeshare Industry Sales Total $10.6 Billion in 2007 According to Ernst & Young Study

Timeshare News — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:37:45 +0000

Average occupancy exceeds 80 percent; 6.5 million intervals owned

Timeshares sales climbed 6 percent over 2006, with sales totaling $10.6 billion in 2007, according to a new study of the U.S. vacation timeshare industry conducted by Ernst & Young, LLP. The survey encompasses 628 timeshare resorts throughout the country, showing sales up 66 percent since 2003 and an average resort size growth of 32 percent.

As of January 1, 2007, there were 1,641 timeshare resorts in the United States. The total number of weekly equivalent intervals owned was approximately 6.5 million and new owners increased to 4.7 million owners.

“The continued growth of the timeshare industry in today’s economy is a direct indication of strong consumer satisfaction and demand. Vacation ownership, with its flexibility and spacious accommodations, continues to be a preferred travel choice for American families,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO.

The number of timeshare units in the United States, as of January 1, 2007, was 180,158, with 8,000 newly constructed units built in 2007. Respondents expect continued growth with around 8,000 new units built in 2008.

Average occupancy was over 80 percent in 2007, including nearly 70 percent who were either owners or exchange guests and more than 10 percent who were renters and/or marketing guests.

Florida, California and South Carolina have the most resorts representing 39 percent of all U.S. timeshare resorts. Florida continues to lead the nation with the most resorts (23 percent), the largest resorts and the greatest sales volume. California houses 9 percent of timeshare resorts in the U.S. followed by South Carolina at 7 percent. The remaining states, grouped in regions, reported the following representation of U.S. resorts: Mountain (18 percent); Northeast (11 percent); Pacific (9 percent); South Central (9 percent); and the Midwest and South Atlantic (both 8 percent).

Beach resorts are the most common primary designation of resorts (24 percent), and country/lake resorts second (16 percent). Golf (8 percent) is the most often available amenity nearby and/or onsite and other vacation experiences noted include National/State parks, spa resorts, and historic sites.

Two-bedroom units continue to represent the most common size (61 percent), followed by one-bedroom (24 percent), three bedroom or larger (9 percent), and studio units (7 percent). The average price of a timeshare interval sold was $19,216.

Ninety-nine percent of respondents are affiliated with Interval International and/or Group RCI exchange networks. Thirteen percent of respondent have a self-administered program, generally in addition to an affiliation with one of the two major exchange companies.

Resorts have added sophistication to the way owners can buy timeshare intervals. Many offer increased flexibility for owners to customize their vacation needs by offering “points” instead of just selling one week per year. Points owners can break up or extend vacation weeks, travel during various times of the year and/or stay in various unit sizes at a range of locations. About two-thirds of respondents offer intervals of the traditional weekly variety, and 56 percent offer some form of points-based product.

Study Methodology
The study results are based on the survey questionnaire responses of 628 timeshare resorts of the 1,641 timeshare resorts identified, representing 38 percent of existing timeshare resorts in the U.S. Of these 628 responding resorts, 520 belong to a family of five or more resorts, while 108 belong to a family of less than five resorts. 90 were single-site developers.

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).

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.”