As we all know, the past year or two have been some of the most challenging our industry has seen in a very long time. And while not every company around the globe suffered from the credit crisis, scores did, and the ripple effect meant that many suppliers and other industry-related companies paid the price as well.
By Matt McDaniel, editor

Today, though, the consensus is that the shared-ownership industry is stabilizing and regaining its footing. And, along the lines of “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” the still-standing operators are lean and hungry to regain some semblance of their previous sales revenues.

In this edition, we’ve asked several influential EMEAA market leaders to talk about the state of the industry, its biggest challenges going forward, the availability of finance and the impact on exchange. Each  shared-ownership industry leader was individually asked to respond to the same five questions. The participants, in alphabetical order, are Mark Attwood, group sales and marketing director, Karma Royal Group; Paul Gardner Bougaard, chief executive, Resort Development Organisation (RDO); Ramy Filo, president of the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC) and CEO and managing director of the Classic Group; Peter Hutchinson, Group Chairman, Citadel Trustees; Shaun Lamont, managing director, Club Leisure Group; Bryan Lunt, chairman, Absolute Group of Companies; Leslie McCann, group marketing director, Seasons Holidays; Richard McIntosh, chairman of the Resort Development Organisation (RDO) and managing director, Hilton Grand Vacations; and Nick Turner, vice president & head of new business development, The Registry Collection.

From your perspective, what is the current state of the shared-ownership industry?

Mark Attwood: I can’t really comment about outside Asia. In Asia, timeshare activity is very small. There is not much developer activity. The industry surged in the last decade but there are few reputable developers left.

Paul Gardner Bougaard, chief executive, Resort Development Organisation (RDO)

Paul Gardner Bougaard: From the RDO perspective, I think the industry in Europe is in remarkably good shape, bearing in mind that the world’s economies have been through the worst economic crisis since the 1930s. Whilst we’re not yet out of this and many countries in Europe have yet to announce measures to deal with the debt incurred in supporting their economies, I think it’s apparent that consumers continue to value the certainty of their shared ownership and see this as an important element of their lifestyle. I am therefore confident that the timeshare product continues to have a strong future even though we still have a lot of work to do to educate the media and public in Europe. I think the fractional side of the industry is still very much in its infancy in Europe and there is a huge task ahead in educating the public and media as to the attractions and advantages of the product. The fractional industry desperately needs to organize itself under a trade association in order to speak with a unified voice and get those messages out. We have set FSOTA up for that purpose and will work hard this year to recruit new members to support this education program.

Ramy Filo: The past 12 months have been challenging for companies in Australia. Some companies were quick to react to the situation and resulted in maintaining the momentum or increasing volumes. Other companies struggled in the current market conditions. All companies looked at their own backyard and restructured and focused on core businesses while maximizing revenue from their current member base.

Peter Hutchinson: The propensity of the public to commit to high ticket value leisure products in a recession is heavily reduced. However, in these days of tiny returns on funds invested with banks, some resorts can benefit from a switch of emphasis to investment returns. This cannot work in the conventional timeshare model of 50%+ sales and marketing costs, but it can work with a lower markup fractional product. There are other criteria which need to be fulfilled, such as a long high season, good rental income, etc. Also, there is the need to guard against the product being classified as a Collective Investment Scheme, which can severely restrict the sales potential. However, addressing these issues will potentially open the door to a significant alternative sales source.

Shaun Lamont: The Southern African Vacation ownership industry continues to flourish in both the fractional and points-based sales. We experienced market penetration and growth in 2008 of 27% and 6% in 2009, which I believe is phenomenal considering the current economy.

Bryan Lunt: In Asia we can only see the growth we are experiencing and the influx of quality staff due to recent downturns in the European and American markets and the closure/downsizing in Australia of several [sales lines] of Accor and Wyndham. I have seen and heard about a huge slowdown in the U.S. fractional markets as well as downsizing of many timesharing companies due to restricted cash flow.

Leslie McCann, group marketing director, Seasons Holidays

Leslie McCann: At industry events there’s a sense of gloom and despondency at the moment, which could turn out to be a selffulfilling prophecy. Really, we at Seasons feel very positive about the future – the  industry’s usually very good at adapting and evolving. There’s the uncertainty regarding consumer finance; as a result of the credit crunch having consumers who want the product but are rejected at the finance stage is a serious issue we haven’t had to face before. So the industry must evolve internal finance packages to support the very valuable external unsecured consumer loans that are available.

Richard McIntosh: Everything goes in cycles, and the shared ownership industry is no different. The ability to purchase for many may be slightly reduced at present, but this is only temporary, and as sure as the sun rises, so will demand return. Shared ownership is about holidays and leisure time, and in future we will see an even greater demand for our products as leisure time and life expectancies continue to grow.

Nick Turner: From my personal experience, in the last six months, lifestyle based products continue to be marketed with the emphasis on the best value and the best quality. People are still buying and are looking for great units with equally great specs, and want to know what the annual cost is going to be.

What are the biggest challenges facing the industry now and going forward?

Attwood: In Asia the biggest challenge is to create consumer desire for the product. In India it is to stop “pack companies” from wreaking havoc as they did in Europe.

Bougaard: I think timeshare faces two sets of challenges. Firstly the issues over resales and maintenance fees remain areas where the industry has to do more work. There are no easy answers to the resale issues but RDO will continue to work with its members to educate the public on this and to urge sellers to use resale companies who are RDO members. On maintenance fees I think we have failed to get the message across on
the influences at play on maintenance fees in general and although RDO’s 2009 industry survey demonstrated that fees had not risen disproportionately, we will be getting more information out on this during the year in our social network media program. The second set of challenges relate to the unscrupulous elements at the fringes of the industry seeking to take advantage of those consumers struggling in these current economic difficulties. The expansion of the Internet and the currently relatively low cost of TV advertising, particularly in the UK has led to a huge rise in the numbers of these organizations and RDO needs to and will defend consumers and its members against these people.

As to fractionals, the biggest challenge they face is getting the word out about the product in Europe. I am aware that individually, RCI and II are working on this, but as RDO speaks for the timeshare industry, so FSOTA should speak for the fractional industry and provide a focus for the media and a source of education and information for the public. That can only happen if developers and others in the industry join FSOTA and thereby provide it with the funds to pursue these programs. If they don’t then I am worried the industry will remain fragmented and not gain a foothold in Europe.

Ramy Filo, president of the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council (ATHOC) and CEO and managing director of the Classic Group

Filo: The industry in Australia faces similar challenges that are faced in other markets such as regulation and compliance, cost of sales and marketing, and consumer finance. Moving forward there are similar challenges with the addition of the competition from other lifestyle products; products need to change to meet consumer expectations and competition from other lifestyle products.

Hutchinson: High annual costs of usage, in the form of maintenance and exchange costs. The winners will be those who address these areas and include them, as far as possible, in the capital sum. We need to recognize that, in times of recession, people who are still in employment are actually better off than previously! They have the capital to buy the product, but not the confidence to commit to long term annual expenditure. Addressing and reducing or capping these annual costs is crucial to ongoing success.

Lamont: The age of the traditional timeshare owner is of concern. Generally these are owners that purchased their traditional timeshare 20 to 25 years ago. Their needs have changed and they are well into their retirement. Continued affordability by this income bracket and the knock on effect maintaining resort standards needs to be carefully monitored.

Lunt: Industry challenges are the need to keep products real. I guess pack companies don’t help doing justice to the industry when product is smoke screened and not real compared to this companies who have invested real $$$$ into projects.

McCann: Generally the timeshare industry itself has got an undeserved poor reputation mainly caused by the activities of non-asset-based, unregulated holiday clubs. Thankfully there’s new legislation coming in, which puts us all on the same level playing field. But the attacks on the television and in the papers encouraging dissatisfaction among timeshare owners are sometimes creating the impression in owners’ minds that there must be something wrong with the product. But generally speaking, decades into the purchase, most timeshare owners in Britain and throughout Europe are satisfied with their purchase. So a challenge to the industry is how we’re going to react to this unfair attack on us by certain bogus resale companies and compensation groups.

Richard McIntosh, chairman of the Resort Development Organisation (RDO) and managing director, Hilton Grand Vacations

McIntosh: We must remember that every year we accommodate millions of shared ownership owners at our resorts, members who are enjoying today the decision they made to buy yesterday. We must continue to focus on looking after these guests by enhancing their holiday and leisure experiences, as their advocacy is critical to our future.

Turner: If I base this answer on fractional, in the UK now, there is reasonable awareness from middle-high income families. The challenge is to engage with the consumer/buying public especially in Europe. For the UK buyers, we should see a steady rise in fractional products post General Election.

Are we set to return to normal, or to a new normal?

Attwood: There has been no normal in Asia!

Bougaard: I think we are facing a period of economic difficulty and also environmental challenges so it’s probably a new normal. As a result consumers will be looking for value for money and products that meet their own perception of the environmental challenges ahead. I am confident our members can and will meet that challenge.

Filo: We are set to return to normal, but, there is an opportunity to forge niche opportunities as a result of what we all have learnt over the last 12 months.

Hutchinson: As and when consumer confidence returns we will see a return to previous sales performances. When will that be? In my opinion, it will be gradual over at least 5 years, by which time, I am sure the product will have evolved further to reflect the joint issues of high maintenance and exchange costs.

Lamont: I don’t believe their will ever be a “normal” again, but rather greater opportunities to introduce niche market products into the industry rather than the traditional approach of the past.

Bryan Lunt, chairman, Absolute Group of Companies

Lunt: What is normal? Business always has cycles and on downturns the tough get tougher and weaker ones crumble, whereas in good markets everyone finds it easy and then we have too much competition… Of course now everyone seems to be much more careful how they spend their hard-earnt money and this gives in general the shared-ownership industry even more sales opportunities.

McCann: A new normal. I think overall for the industry, 2010 is not going to be an easy one, especially for people in start-up situations and single-site resorts. I think it will be a steady one for the established hotel brands and strong independent brands – I suspect they will manage to maintain reasonable returns – but for new start-ups it’s challenging to get funding, development finance from banks and to sell consumers a pre-construction real estate product right now when’s there’s some uncertainty about property values. People are less likely to take a risk. I think there are a lot of challenges to see new growth in traditional timeshare – I think the new normal will be better targeting. We need to target more accurately what our market is, spend less on reaching that target market, and make sure we’ve got a product that’s appropriate for that market.

McIntosh: In my 25 years in this business, I have never known “normal” – all I have known is change. Change usually delivers things for the better, for our guests and in turn for our businesses, but only if you focus on the guest. For me it’s positive and all about change.

Turner: It is the beginning of a new normal. The days are gone when people threw money into buying second homes, etc. The new normal is all about the value-conscious lifestyle buyer. The emphasis is on more value, less cost and tailor making the second-home ownership.

How would you describe the current state of the availability of finance – for consumers and developers – and how do you see things going through the rest of 2010?

Bougaard: In 2009 the industry in Europe saw a withdrawal from the market of one consumer finance provider, but during that year there has also been at least one new entrant to the market and a continuance of lending by another. In general I believe lenders see the timeshare product as a good lending line with low default rates and high consumer satisfaction. I do not therefore have great concerns over the availability of consumer finance in Europe for UK buyers, who are still the biggest buyers of timeshare in the EU, but it would be good to see more finance available for other EU nationalities.

Filo: Australia was not hit as hard by GFC on finance in our industry directly on consumer finance; however, banks have tightened up their conditions. The low interest rates provided by traditional banking institutions have opened up new sources of funding from investors wanting a higher return.

Peter Hutchinson, group chairman, Citadel Trustees

Hutchinson: The availability of finance for developers and non UK + Irish consumers in Europe has always been very limited and hence the recession has brought little change! For UK + Irish consumers, however, there is now only one major credit provider in the industry for this key market and the fallout from their withdrawal would be cataclysmic! The only way developers can cater for this potential hit to sales is to prepare to provide in-house consumer finance: This entails preparing the necessary paperwork (a not-inconsiderable task), which will need to cater for the loans being transferable to a new lender without further reference to the buyer. The developer will also need to look at the cashflow implications and prepare revised release rates of sales commission and incentives to buyers and salesmen alike to achieve as many cash deals as possible. In the long run, those that can cope with this setback will benefit substantially from the income from high interest rates.

Lamont: Southern Africa is in a “fortunate” situation – we experienced what the global market experienced in 2008/2009, 15 years ago. This forced us to change the rules of the game and slowly introduce “self funding” to sustain growth. The first few years were extremely challenging but we are reaping the rewards thereof now, 12 years down the line where the management of “in house” funding and a mature debtors book alleviate the need to outsource finance.

Lunt: There is no finance available for us so we went out and created our own Absolute Finance Worldwide and we have been forced to finance our own products to help sales reach this year’s targets. The banks are not lending – as I said everyone is more careful these days so to offer finance, customers are seeing this as a great opportunity. We’d all love to drive a new Ferrari, Bentley or Rolls Royce – it’s just a matter of how much will it cost me per month … if it’s affordable we’d do it! That’s what we have created with Absolute
World products.

McCann: I think the outlook is pretty gloomy for 2010. All of us who are fortunate enough to have an unsecured consumer finance facility should do our absolute utmost to protect that facility by making sure that the clients are sold in a professional, responsible way to ensure that the institutions that are currently in the market don’t suddenly get cold feet. It only takes one developer to sell in an irresponsible way for us to lose a major institution and that would have a devastating consequence for the whole industry because, in the British market at least, we’re in the hands of one main lender. The established players with a good track record will continue to be able to draw down loan facilities. If people are not able to demonstrate real success in our industry in the last 12 months, it’s going to be harder to borrow money to build new. Certainly as a start-up it will be very difficult. The irony is this is a time of opportunity with real estate being keenly priced – now is the time for developers to get in. But unfortunately, it’s not just about the acquisition costs.

Nick Turner, vice president & head of new business development, The Registry Collection

Turner: Regarding consumer finance: The current state of finance availability is frustrating and slow. There are only a small amount of financial institutions offering finance at the moment. We need to see a broader adoption of fractional products by the high street banks in the next 12 months and interest rates from some lenders coming down. Regarding developer finance: There have been a number of large institutions sitting on the fence for the past 18 months watching asset values drop. Mixed-use developments such as hotels with golf, spa facilities, etc. seem to have more comfort for the institutional investors.

Are people exchanging more or less? How has exchange demand been affected?

Mark Attwood, group sales and marketing director, Karma Royal Group

Attwood: In India we find members are exchanging abroad more than before.

Filo: There is no doubt the GFC has a dramatic influence on every part of the industry, including the exchange patterns of the timeshare owners. Long-haul exchanges literally disappeared faster then what the international airlines were able to reduce the number of their international flights. The demand for domestic and short-haul exchange space increased to compensate, and the number of owners deciding to go back and use their hone resort during 2008 and early 2009 was also very evident from all reports. Having said that, the timeshare community is fairly resilient, or at least that’s the experience certainly in Australia and New Zealand. Having paid their annual levies, the majority of owners went ahead and made use of their entitlements either using within their home resort or club, or exchanging to other local destinations. By mid-2009, the exchange demand for the longer-haul destinations had gone back to pre-GFC times and the start of 2010 has been nothing but highly surprising at the number of owners looking for exchange holidays again.

Shaun Lamont, managing director, Club Leisure Group

Lamont: Based on our statistics, exchanges have continued to increase over the last few years. I believe this is as a result of the value of and advantages of owning a timeshare product for vacations rather than looking at more expensive alternatives like hotel accommodation or owning a private condo. The consumer has been forced to watch every cent as a result of the economy, and is realizing the value and competitive pricing of their timeshare acquisition versus the more costly alternatives.

Lunt: Definitely – people have committed to the shared ownership industry, whether via fractional ownership or vacation club memberships, and these owners will use their time wisely looking to get the most out of what they have bought. Exchange demand has surprisingly risen – albeit a small amount during the last year or so.

McCann: Slightly less. There was certainly a higher demand for our UK sites last year. I think this is a reflection of owners, particularly last year, frightened off by the strong euro. I think there’ll be more of that this year – families will tend to stay in country or go to drive to European destinations if they can. For us, the number of exchange guests in the UK last year was lower than normal because there was more space taken up by members wanting to holiday within the UK. There was a slight decrease in exchange activity and a slight
increase in members using their own resorts within the British Isles.

Turner: All exchange platforms are robust models. People are trying to utilize all their second-home time instead of wasting it, as every penny counts. They want to get the most out of their exchange. Exchanges are continuing – especially in The Registry Collection – more members mean more exchanges.

A Final Word
Overall, it seems that the shared-ownership industry is on the path to recovery. But it is important to learn the lessons from the events that brought us to our knees if we are to minimize the effects of the next cycle. And the next cycle will come – it may be 25 years from now or it may be much sooner, but it will come.

Review of the 2010 Fractional Summit, 18-19 February, London
“Changing Times, Changing Markets”

It was almost standing room only at last month’s two-day 2010 Fractional Summit in London as speakers and guests converged at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, to predict future trends and debate about the state of one of property’s most interesting ownership models – fractionals.

The man behind the sold out event is Piers Brown, Founder of Fractional Life, who foresees an additional 10,000 fractional units coming on to the European market this year alone. He believes companies need to react fast to changes in current market dynamics and consumer buying habits, hence the aptly-headlined conference, “Changing Times, Changing Markets.”

Piers Brown

It was Fractional Life’s www.fractionallife.com third summit. Interest in fractionals has surged – as Fractionallife.com’s online research shows – so the burning question during the lively series of panel discussions and Q&As was, what does the future hold?

By the end of the Summit there were more questions than answers, and a number of important points emerged. Europe’s fractional market is no longer a baby, it’s more of a healthy, fast-growing toddler with teething problems, so the event provided a unique opportunity to raise issues such as financing, consumer enlightenment, media awareness and the dangers of over-pricing. It’s a growing industry, temporarily slowed by the “R” word, but consumer interest is thriving.

The fractional model has tested well in the States, with great success, so why shouldn’t properties at all price points sell well in Europe and further afield? How will the land lie in 5 years time? European fractionals are not yet a household name, it’s still early days, but nobody in the room could deny it’s an exciting time to be a part of this industry.

Many fractionals are bought without mortgages; nevertheless, financing is a must for developers and consumers if the concept is to take off at a mass market level. Even if this type of niche funding is now on some banks’ radars, most would appear reluctant to lend without substantial industry research, so one of the notes on Piers Brown’s busy agenda was to encourage members of the banking community to attend next year.

There were plenty of highlights: one was the presentation by Valerie McDermott, Membership Executive at 47 Park Street – Grand Residences by Marriott, who treated the audience to an excellent “how to sell exclusive properties to high net worth buyers” insiders guide – she once sold a fractional in just forty minutes.

Renowned American expert Dr. Richard Ragatz offered invaluable insight into the American market. He explained how Europe can learn from the States’ success and presented his Fractional 101 model which outlined the pros and cons for both developers and consumers.

Panelist Robin Barrasford, MD of Barrasford & Bird Worldwide, develops luxury resorts in 13 countries, including some of the most scenic locations on the map, including the Caribbean, Cornwall and the Greek island of Samos. He explained, “For our clients, a fractional is an investment and lifestyle purchase, they want to see the investment potential as well.” Barrasford will be concentrating on the UK market in 2010, after his company’s luxury barn conversions in Cornwall were snapped up by ex-pats who live abroad but wanted somewhere that felt like home for their UK visits. Barrasford agrees that finance is an issue, so to facilitate the purchase process he has launched a loan financing package. His company has even been upselling fractionals into whole ownership homes to a number of buyers who were convinced by the fractional model and quality of resorts, who then developed an appetite for a larger piece of paradise.

Fractional Life Award Winners

Bryan Lunt, Chairman of the Absolute World Group of Companies, has been upselling timeshare into fractionals with notable success; it’s a natural graduation because timeshare owners are quick to appreciate the benefits of buying a fractional. (Forest Hills resort near Marbella, owned by another developer Seasons Holidays, has just become the first European fractional resort to sell out; many units were bought by the company’s timeshare members.) Lunt is focusing on resort developments in Asia such as the stylish designer lifestyle yooPhuket Thailand resort, co-owned by Philippe Stark and John Hitchcox and developed by
Absolute which scooped this year’s Fractional Life 2010 Readers Award.

As the Summit proved, fractionals work at all levels. Fabrizio Harper, Head of Sales at Fractionallife.com mentioned a development that was selling shares for just under £7,000 – they sold fast. Low to mid market fractionals are popular in holiday spots like Turkey, Cyprus and Portugal while high end fractionals, those sleek penthouses in Paris and dreamy castles in Chianti country, are often part of a luxury lifestyle line-up also starring jets, yachts and vineyards. Whatever their budget, today’s buyers are risk-averse, so developers and agents must take steps to ensure the buyer understands what’s being bought, to offer a quality product in a good location, to manage it well and price it fairly.

In “Mid Market Fractionals – Where Are The Buyers?” Fabrizio Harper reinforced the potential of fractionals at all levels: “There’s a new generation of consumers hungry for this product and as we open up the market to more price points, we’ll see more people coming into fractionals.”

Paul Owen, Chief Executive of the Association of International Property Professionals, reminded us of “the myth of the great idea” from Felix Dennis’s bestseller, How To Grow Rich. It’s great to have a great idea…but it’s nothing if it’s not well implemented. As discussions turned to fractional resales, Peter Kempf, President and CEO of Peter Kempf International stressed that anyone reselling fractionals must be able to “explain how fractionals work, succinctly and eloquently,” and added that many fractional buyers told him it was “the best money they ever spent”.

The question of clarifying and defining fractional ownership kept surfacing. Lawyer Andy Sirkin, whose Paris and San Franciscobased law firm has handled over 5,000 fractional real estate transations since 1985, touched on the definition of the various models on the market. The most popular definition is the quarter to twelfth equity share of a holiday home, but non-equity, deeded and non-deeded contracts are also part of the fractional world.

Of course while we hypothesised over the future of European fractionals on a cold, rainy day in Mayfair (at our American-owned Marriott across from the American Embassy) there were plenty of Americans enjoying their ski in, ski out chalets in Aspen or doing a few laps in their Florida holiday home pools – thanks, in main, to The Registry Collection, winner of Fractional Life’s Services To The Industry Award 2010. It’s the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, with over 130 affiliates on five continents, more than 35,000 members and 160 world-class properties in its impressive portfolio.

Nick Turner, The Registry Collection’s VP and Head of New Business Development, Europe, commented on how mainstream media is picking up the fractional story, demonstrated by half page coverage on the front page of the FT’s “House and Home” supplement. But it won’t just be the British who’ll be buying. He believes buyer demographics are changing: “The majority of fractional buyers over the next few years are going to come from Europe, including Russia and Eastern Europe, and to a lesser extent from the Middle East.”

The internet’s pivotal role in sales and branding was reflected in two New Media Sessions. After a video presentation by James Bacon, UK Account Manager at Google Property, the panel debated “Is web search optimisation dead?” The definitive answer was no, but a good web strategy must include social media – Twitter and Facebook, et al – to compete in today’s property market.

So, the future? Champagne corks will pop when the big five-star hotel brands like the Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons join the fractional party in Europe. Having those big names on board will lend valuable weight and credibility to the industry. Meanwhile, “boutique” property agents will continue to successfully sell boutique developments (as specialists they understand how to sell the fractional model) and although the big boys may be watching they’re not yet participating, perhaps, except for Winkworths. Exeterbased Director Simon Scott-Nelson who was on the Meet The Agents panel explained why his Winkworths office is now selling unique waterfront fractional residences to its affluent clientele.

During the Ultimate Q&A on the final day, a number of delegates asked what was being done to create awareness of the industry in Europe, and to secure consumer finance for the product. Guest speaker Paul Gardner-Bougaard, Chief Executive of FSOTA (Fractional and Shared Ownership Trade Association) www.fsota.org strongly encouraged developers to join the industry’s only official trade association. Only then, under a united front, with FSOTA’s ability to lobby, and the support of its parent company the Resort Development Organisation (RDO), will the fractional industry be able to address issues as important as financing, regulation and consumer and media awareness – all nothing short of crucial to the future of an
industry that could experience unprecedented development in the next five to ten years, all being well.

Likewise, consumers, now in a position to buy an affordable segment of the holiday home they always wanted, will be able to have their cake and eat it…preferably with a Grappa on the terrace of their Tuscan townhouse, their piece of a place in the sun.

Second International industry award for the Absolute World Group this year

The Absolute World Group, Asia’s leading lifestyle property developer, resorts and hotels operator, fractional ownership and vacation club pioneers, have collected their latest international award from the highly respected American Resort Development Association.

The ARDA Awards Program is organized by the American Resort Development Association and is committed to recognizing the best nominees submitted in areas that include overall professional excellence, outstanding sales accomplishments, product design, advertising, and staff.

The Absolute World Group was nominated in the Advertising and Promotion Division and made the short-list of four finalists for the Video Production category. Their Point Of Sale film ‘We Are Your World’ beat productions from leading international vacation operators to win the category.

Mr. Bryan Lunt, Chairman of the Absolute World Group of Companies said, “It is a great achievement to be recognized in the American market for our outstanding work in international sales and marketing. This award is in recognition of the hard work of our Absolute World team. The video also highlights the quality of our Thailand properties and puts these destinations on a global map.”

It is the mission of the Awards Program to provide a fair and equal evaluation of achievement within the vacation ownership industry. The award from ARDA is the second award for the Absolute World Group in 2010 following the Fractional Life Readers Choice Award in London for their designer resort development, yooPhuket.

Following a further two recent development successes in Phuket – Absolute Bangla Suites (opened October 2009) and Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort (opened January 2010) the Absolute World Group are soon to be adding to their collection of designer boutique resorts with the launch of The Beach Samui, by YOO, and their independent Absolute Developments project, Absolute Twin Sands Spa and Resort, which is expected to be completed in 2012.

About the Absolute World Group
Founded in 1998, the Absolute World Group of companies has positioned its 1300 staff tactically across China, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Russia and Thailand, offering a seamless range of services within the world of Resorts and Hotels inclusive of a worldwide network of International Estate Agencies, a highly successful Vacation Club, boasting thousands of members and their pioneering Fractional Ownership and Resale division.

Absolute is committed to delivering heavenly resort destinations from conception to completion and beyond, with the added value of its dedicated turnkey resort management service.

yooPhuket, a spectacular collection of 256 apartments and penthouses on the Thai island of Phuket, has won the Fractional Life Readers Choice Award.

The award, which received an impressive 60 per cent of votes from thousands of readers of the global shared ownership web portal FractionalLife.com, was presented at the 2010 Fractional Summit in London on Friday.

Absolute’s International Director of PR & Marketing for yooPhuket 
Charlotte Rose Melsom who received the award, said: “The Fractional
Life Reader’s Choice Award is the ultimate accolade within the 
Fractional Property Industry voted for by the independent consumer so 
a wonderful credit to the yooPhuket project.”

Piers Brown, founder of Fractional Life said: “Thousands of FractionalLife.com readers voted and I’m delighted for yooPhuket.”

L - R: Nick Turner, VP, Registry Collection; Piers Brown, Founder, Fractional Life; Charlotte Rose Melsom, International Director of PR & Marketing, yooPhuket/Absolute Developments; Bryan Lunt, Chairman, the Absolute World Group

yooPhuket is a partnership between international branding, design and investment property company yoo and one of Asia’s leading development and lifestyle brands, Absolute Developments so the added security of buying into two internationally recognised brands is also a huge advantage.

Stand-out interiors are one of the things yoo do best and the contemporary design offers open plan living space with dramatic floor to ceiling windows, opening onto spectacular views across the lake, golf courses and lush Thai island landscapes. The impressive master bedroom suites have en suite bathrooms and walk in closet space. Stylish kitchens are fitted with integrated appliances. Bathrooms have fully tiled walk in shower enclosures and state of the art home technology includes comfort cooling systems and the latest audio visual equipment.

Each yooPhuket apartment comes fully furnished with a yoo designed furniture collection the apartment is ready to enjoy, even down to the last teaspoon. In addition clients can choose from a selection of the most sought after designer interior additions and upgrades to create an apartment that is perfectly unique.

Apartments within the development are available both whole ownership and quartershare fractional ownership offering a choice of purchase options to suit.  Prices for three month quartershare fractions at yooPhuket start at £44,000 for a 38 square metre studio, £65,000 for a 70 square metre two-bedroom apartment and £97,300 for a 105 square metre penthouse. These prices include superior furnishings, use of a fully-captained 31foot powerboat and the latest Callaway golf clubs, plus the standard 5 star service management company Absolute Resorts & Hotels are renowned for.

Owners will also enjoy access to Absolute’s affiliation with the renowned Registry Collection, the world’s largest luxury exchange programme and winners of the Fractional Life Services to the Industry Award also at Friday’s event. The Registry Collection provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations far beyond their Thailand accommodations.

Nick Turner, VP and head of The Registry Collection, Europe, added: “I’d like to congratulate The Registry Collection affiliates yooPhuket who are honoured with the Fractional Life Readers’ Choice Award. This company’s superb developments in Thailand are the essence of the successful fractional with AAA location, style and the highest quality in both accommodations and service levels.

About Fractional Life
From a fractional jet to fractional real estate, Fractional Life (www.fractionallife.com) is the number one consumer lifestyle brand dedicated to growing the fractional ownership marketplace. The company has three divisions: interactive, fractional conferences (www.fractionalsummit.com) and exhibitions (www.fractionallifeexpo.com), and publishing.

About the Absolute World Group
Founded in 1998, the Absolute World Group of companies has positioned its 1200 staff tactically across China, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, Russia and Thailand, offering a seamless range of services within the world of Resorts and Hotels inclusive of a worldwide network of International Estate Agencies and a highly successful Vacation Club, boasting thousands of members.

Absolute is committed to delivering heavenly resort destinations from conception to completion and beyond with the added value of its dedicated turnkey resort management service.

About yoo
yoo is an international branding, design and investment property company enhancing the qualityand adding value to development projects in major towns and cities across the world.

The brand is represented by five core design teams – yoo inspired by Starck, Jade Jagger for yoo, wanders&yoo, Kelly Hoppen for yoo and the yoo design studio; all of whom increase value and sales velocity through market leading design, branded marketing and by maximizing media exposure.

Over the past ten years yoo has been working across the world with international partners on a variety of landmark buildings and large residential projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. yoo is involved in the development of more than 10,000 apartments currently under construction valued at $7 billion.

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection program is a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 175 properties are available through The Registry Collection® programme and are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, The Registry Collection programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day. From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection programme facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection programme is offered by Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media center at www.wyndhamer.com.

The Registry Collection®, the world’s largest luxury exchange programme and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced the affiliation of Absolute Developments to its programme, adding six new resorts to its global network of luxury properties.

“We are delighted to welcome Absolute Developments to The Registry Collection,” said Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Group RCI, parent company of The Registry Collection. “This relationship not only provides us with an opportunity to work with one of the leading developers of mixed-used resort operations in Asia, but also marks a significant achievement in securing the first properties for The Registry Collection in Asia. Thailand in particular is home to a wealth of five-star resort developments and idyllic beach locations which have succeeded in attracting international jetsetters for some years, and these six properties will help to give our members the luxury travel experience they expect from The Registry Collection.”

Analysts report that investment in Asian real estate has increased by more than 40 per cent this year with wealthy buyers returning to Asia raising levels of cross-border activity. Buyers are following global trends of looking for increased value in their spend which is a strength of the product.

“The fractional concept is relatively new to Asia and Absolute is bringing its expertise of shared-ownership, great brand strength and sales and marketing expertise to Thailand. We believe Absolute will be very successful in this fast-growing market and are thrilled to be partnered with them,” Ballotti added.

Bryan Lunt, Chairman of the Absolute World Group said: “Fractional ownership is the perfect antidote to the current financial climate and makes so much sense. Buying fractional allows you to actually purchase your dream holiday home, hassle-free, for only the time you would use it. We offer a stunning collection of properties, all exquisitely furnished with exclusive benefits such as the use of speedboats, spas, golf equipment, luxury airport transfer and the privilege of membership. Our target market is a discerning purchaser seeking high quality accommodation and excellent service.

The Registry Collection Programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day. More than 160 properties available through the programme are either accessible for exchange or under development.

“The Registry Collection complements our offering perfectly. Should our owners want a change from Thailand, through our affiliation they can choose to exchange stay periods in their owned property for stays in properties worldwide which are associated with the programme, confident that their experience and accommodation will be of the same high quality as their owned resort. Other benefits include the use of the programme’s 24/7 concierge services, and access to its Collection Partners luxury leisure and travel services. We are delighted to be working with them.”

The newly affiliated properties are located in Thailand and include two resorts from Absolute’s partnership with the world leading yoo brand, yooPhuket and yooSamui, as well as Absolute Platinum Suites, Absolute Beach Resort at Nakalay Bay, Absolute Bangla Suites and Absolute Villas at Palm Grove, Jomtien. Of these properties Absolute Bangla Suites and Absolute Beach Resort at Nakalay Bay are opening this year and yooPhuket is now in launch phase.

“We are very proud to add this calibre of development to The Registry Collection,” said Jonathan Back, Managing Director, Group RCI, EMEAI. “Our goal is to offer our members the finest vacation destinations in the world. Working with affiliates like Absolute Developments ensures that our members receive exactly the world-class luxury travel experience they desire. The style, feel, design and location of these properties are in essence what The Registry Collection is all about. We are very pleased to be able to announce Absolute as our first affiliate in Asia and look forward to working with them to achieve strong growth throughout the region over the next few years.”

About the properties

yooPhuket – an Absolute development in partnership with YOO. yooPhuket is a spectacular collection of stylish mixed use apartments and penthouses situated between three of Thailand’s leading Golf courses and a mere 10 minute drive to the island’s best beaches. It will offer all the services and facilities visitors would expect from a world-class development. Launching Q4 2009.

yooSamui - an Absolute development in partnership with YOO. yooSamui is an exclusive boutique beachfront mixed use development located at the southern tip of Koh Samui, Thailand’s third biggest island. yooSamui sits on the water’s edge and commands some of the most relaxing views in the world. Launching Q3 2010.

Absolute Beach Resort at Nakalay - located at a private cove of Nakalay beach on the Western coast of Phuket Island. The resort offers beachfront luxury studios, one and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses with stunning panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and jungle-clad mountains. Opening Q4 2009.

Absolute Bangla Suites – the stylishly contemporary designed boutique resort hotel is situated in the heart of Phuket’s nightlife, dining, entertainment and shopping hub in Patong. It will offer a selection of 27 studios, nine junior suites, seven executive suites, and two grand suites, many with private terrace jacuzzis. Opening Q3 2009.

Absolute Signature Villas at Palm Grove, Jomtien – a boutique hotel in Na-Jomtien, only 15 minutes’ drive from Pattaya. Its Private Pool Villa Suites nestle among lush tropical gardens and furnished in the Thai contemporary style and offering a first class service. Now open.

Absolute Platinum Suites – comprised of exclusive studios, one and two-bedroom suites, Absolute Platinum Suites is located in the popular tourist resort of Jomtien, Pattaya. This stylish resort boasts a 60m swimming pool and also offers guests a first class concierge service and premium facilities.  Opening Q3 2010.

About Absolute Developments
Absolute World Group of Companies is Asia’s market leader in mixed-use resort development, as well as an international company offering a range of integrated services including a worldwide network of international estate agencies and a vacation club used by thousands of members. It has offices in Thailand, China, Russia, Europe and Hong Kong, and employs more than 850 staff.

Absolute Developments deals with high-end luxury resort destinations including private pool villas, boutique resorts and multi-storey condominiums. The Absolute World Group has
wide-ranging experience in property development, hotel management, fractional vacation ownership and rentals.

Absolute Developments is committed to delivering heavenly resort destinations, from conception to completion and beyond, with the added value of its dedicated turnkey resort management service.

About yoo
yoo is an international branding, design and investment property company enhancing the quality and adding value to development projects in major towns and cities across the world.

The brand is represented by five core design teams – yoo inspired by Starck, Jade Jagger for yoo, wanders&yoo, Kelly Hoppen for yoo and the yoo Design Studio; all of whom increase value and sales velocity through market leading design, branded marketing and by maximizing media exposure.

Over the past 10 years yoo has been working across the world with international partners on a variety of landmark buildings and large residential projects throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America and the Middle East. yoo is involved in the development of 10,000 apartments currently under construction valued at $7 billion.

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection Programme is a global network comprising over 35,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 160 properties available through the programme are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, The Registry Collection Programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day.  From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection Programme facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection Programme is offered by Group RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media centre at www.grouprci.com.

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

The Registry Collection®, the world’s largest luxury exchange programme offered by Group RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced it will be the Platinum Sponsor for the Alternative Ownership Conference Hotels & Resorts – Asia Pacific 2009.

Asia’s inaugural shared-ownership conference, the event will be held on 12/13 October at The Millennium Resort, Patong in Phuket. Several speakers will present on behalf of The Registry Collection and they will be available for discussion at a fully-staffed booth.

“There is a real buzz about the industry across Asia Pacific with increasing levels of interest in a product that offers both a luxury lifestyle and unparalleled value,” said Jonathan Back, Managing Director, Group RCI EMEAI. “For that reason we know it is important to support AOCAP 2009 – Asia’s meeting place for industry players. My colleagues and I very much look forward to meeting with those who have identified the tremendous opportunities in the shared ownership market at this event and want to work with us to unlock the potential in their developments.”

Back added: “We are delighted that Absolute World Group of Companies is an integral part of such a significant shared-ownership industry event, with great support from the leaders in the world marketplace, the regional industry and respective media. We are very excited to promote and share the successes of the shared ownership concept throughout Asia Pacific.”

Bryan Lunt, the founder sponsor of the AOCAP Conference and Chairman of Absolute World Group of Companies – one of Asia’s market leader in mixed-use resort development – added: “Many real estate developers are now interested in the fractional concept while many resorts are opening to ideas of vacation ownership as an additional source of revenue. Operators need a clear understanding and advice on implementation. The AOCAP conference will provide answers and guidance on all issues relating to the shared ownership industry in the field of Hotels and Resorts, there will be industry experts sharing their experience and case studies on how to help generate revenue and boost occupancy, both of which are of huge interest to developers and buyers.”

The Registry Collection pioneered the concept of exchanging luxury fractional ownership properties when it was launched in the United States seven years ago. Today, there are more than 160 properties available through the programme that are either accessible for exchange or under development across five continents. Over 35,000 members enjoy the benefits of the exceptional quality and unsurpassed service in their holiday homes that membership to The Registry Collection brings.

Apart from providing support and consultancy services to fractional developers, The Registry Collection provides developers with many benefits to help distinguish their offering. These include an Early Privilege Programme enabling purchasers who buy off plan to start holidaying in The Registry Collection’s portfolio of superb properties while waiting for completion of their own development. A 24-hour concierge service also is available to members, together with access to savings and privileges on a number of luxury products and services, including yachts, through The Collection Partners Programme.
About AOCAP
AOCAP provides a platform for those who own or manage a purpose-built shared ownership resort, a potential conversion or a renovation project in Asia, to fully understand the exciting and forward thinking shared ownership industry, with a view to generating their own additional revenue and an increase of cash flow from advanced selling of hotel rooms and apartments.
The conference will allow delegates to find out exactly what the best shared ownership options are for their business. A host of global industry experts will be sharing their knowledge and the networking opportunities will allow delegates to share international experiences with others alike to help them achieve their goals and find out why when most industries are slowing down, both vacation ownership and fractional ownership are booming.
www.aocap.org

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection Programme is a global network comprising over 35,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 160 properties available through the programme are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, The Registry Collection Programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day.  From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection Programme facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection Programme is offered by Group RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media center at www.grouprci.com.

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

To arrange to meet a member of the team at the event, please contact Gavin Cheong on tel: +65 64122 238, email:gavin.cheong@rci.com

Date: 12-13 October 2009
Location: Millennium Resort, Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Website: Coming Soon…

Targeted Audience – Hotel & resort owners, developers, operators, management companies, vacation ownership and fractional sales & marketing companies, real estate developers, tourism authorities, lifestyle companies & press

Key note speakers:

(not in order)

Dick Ragatz – Ragatz Associates – USA – Industry’s most well respected and renowned Shared Ownership guru with more than 25 years of experience.

Nick Turner – Registry Collection, European Managing Director – Fractional Ownership Exchange company with 135 high end exclusive properties.

Joseph Hickman – Interval International – Asia Pacific Executive Director – vacation Ownership guru offering member exchanges to 2,000 plus of the worlds most luxurious timeshare resorts including Marriott Vacation Club

Marina Kleiman – Managing Director – Banyan Tree Private Collection
Asia’s most luxurious high end Fractional Ownership club

Barry Robinson – CEO & President – Wyndham Vacation Ownership Asia Pacific – part of one of the world’s largest brand hotel & resort operators explaining how vacation ownership is done in Australia and why his company is heading to Thailand and Asia in general.

Bryan Lunt – Chairman – Absolute Group of Companies. Thailand’s most established vacation ownership club, fractional ownership developer and property developers. Ten years of solid experience in Thailand and Asia with the invaluable knowledge extending through selling to a global customer base (Inclusive of the Thai nationals) Not to be missed.

This inaugural conference will position Thailand’s many shared ownership companies and their exponential opportunities clearly onto the world map. With Thailand not only offering itself as a mega-growth opportunity destination, but also as a future ‘must have a place in’ destination, to really project the elements of investment and lifestyle to the maximum level. Team this with Thailand’s wonderful reputation as ‘the land of a thousand smiles’, boasting its warmth, service and hospitality like no other country in Asia and it becomes more obvious to the secret of why so many simply love the place and from all regions globally. The final combination of endless golden beaches, restaurants and attractions, with all still at relatively low cost, in conjunction with so many new low cost airlines all heading to Thailand, it is clear why the opportunities just continue to present themselves over and over again here in this glorious country.

Learn about all the generic products of vacation ownership and fractional ownership, with its basic format and all the various options available – see and hear all the pro’s and con’s – with vacation ownership and fractional ownership in direct comparison. What is a Private Residence Club and how does that differ to a Destination Club? Learn all this in one and a half days. Discover how these mass revenue stream creators are managed with the specific sales / marketing techniques. Learn how back office management and reservation systems put resorts / management on the global map. Have a serious introduction into how fractional finance can raise the revenue to market, sell and build out a project with full profit retention and release in a structured and organized method. Listen to what is required to know about the legalities involved in all aspects of operating in the fastest growing sector of the tourism industry worldwide, here in Thailand.

When most industries have slowed down or are slowing down, find out why both vacation ownership and fractional ownership are booming; find out what to look for and what to be aware of when investing in key management staff, advisors and marketing companies; and how to make due diligence, serious analysis of marketing and sales proposals before investing money to make more money. Look at tax efficiency both onshore and offshore.

Breakout round table sessions with industry experts explaining to you first hand how, why and what you need to know on subjects such as accountability, marketing techniques and options, sales methods (the good and the bad), trustee roles within vacation ownership, exchange company services and co-operation, and of course legalities. If you have been lost in the mayhem of global economic turndown and constant talk of gloom, come and spend time with like positive, forward thinking experts who can give you the lift that you seek. Shake off the victim feel, form a plan and work that plan.

Both independent and branded hospitality groups such as Marriott, Hyatt, Wyndham, Accor and Disney who understand business models perfectly have entered either the vacation ownership or the fractional sales arena without hesitation, for one reason… the creation of massive additional revenue streams and enhanced profitability, with the extension and lifting up of their brand as market leaders and a desire to create a more loyal client to your brand… no-one today can miss this opportunity of extra revenue and an increase of cash flow from advanced selling of hotel rooms and apartments, whether you own or manage a special purpose-built shared ownership resort, a potential conversion or a renovation project, at Phuket’s first ever International Shared Ownership conference you will find out exactly what your best options are and meet people who can help you achieve your goals… no longer be alone or have to travel to the America’s to find the experts, let the experts come to you…

Book early to avoid disappointment and take advantage of early bird rates.

Come and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of Phuket on the west coast of Thailand. The dates have been positioned so that you can arrive during the weekend before the seminar begins and take in the beaches, the golf, the sights, the food, the hospitality and maximize the opportunity for relaxation before we open your mind to the potential that lies within this sector of the hospitality industry. Arrive early and enjoy, for the best of both worlds. Knowledge really is power.

Absolute Group of companies, Asia’s market leader in mixed-use resort development, today announced the appointment of Phil Tufnell, the popular UK celebrity and former England cricket captain, as Absolute brand ambassador.

“We are really pleased to have Phil Tufnell on board as one of our brand ambassadors. He will be promoting Absolute resorts and hotels not only in Phuket but throughout Thailand as a first class holiday destination. He will also be promoting our lifestyle and exciting investment opportunities, plus helping promote Absolute’s fractional ownership programme,” said Bryan Lunt, Chairman of Absolute Group of companies.

Absolute Group is the pioneer of fractional ownership and a leading mixed-used resort developer in Thailand and throughout Asia. The company currently offers fractional ownership schemes on four properties in Thailand and there will be two new major developments this year.
Absolute’s current property investment offerings in Thailand include Absolute Bangla Suites (Phuket), Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort (Phuket), Absolute Signature Villas at Palm Grove (Jomtien – Pattaya) and Absolute Platinum Suites (Jomtien – Pattaya).

“Fractional ownership is such a great concept for investment. It’s not just applicable during an economic downturn like now. It has been implemented at many high-end developments worldwide and allows buyers a simpler way to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and sound investment” added Lunt.

All Absolute properties offer an optional rental programme with full resort-style five star management services which will ensure maximum returns for the individual property owners. Absolute are currently offering buyers choices in developments completed as well as off-plan developments. The off-plan buyers can expect to see at least a 30 to 40 % gain in the value of their property by the time the development is complete.*
*based on Absolute Group information.

“I have spent time exploring Phuket recently and have been impressed with the island, the Thai culture, and the Thai people are so friendly. I have visited several of Absolute’s projects and am really happy to say they are ‘Absolute-ly brilliant!’ They offer great quality building finishes, in great locations, and at fantastic prices. Ideal places for a holiday and ideal investment opportunities. I’m really looking forward to spending more time on Phuket in the future” added Phil Tufnell.

Absolute Group of companies organised ‘An evening with Phil Tufnell’ to announce the brand ambassador appointment and introduce its new projects among potential investors in Phuket and Hong Kong on June 24 and June 25 accordingly. At the event, Phil and Absolute helped raise a total of THB 235,000 which will be donated to the Child Watch Phuket Association (CW).

Absolute Group of companies
Founded in 1998, Absolute Group specialise in mixed-use resort development and are the pioneer of fractional ownership in Phuket. The group currently has 21 offices with 950 staff worldwide. Absolute’s current property investment offerings in Thailand are Absolute Bangla Suites (Phuket), Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort (Phuket), Signature Villas at Palm Grove (Jomtien – Pattaya) and Absolute Platinum Suites (Jomtien – Pattaya) plus two exciting developments launching soon – yooPhuket and yooSamui.
For more information visit AbsoluteWorld.net

Over the past twelve months Perspective Magazine (http://www.theperspectivemagazine.com) has continued to expand its reach throughout the shared ownership arena, and is now pleased to announce media sponsorship of a new industry event to be held in Phuket, Thailand.

“It’s fantastic to have Perspective International Media Group to support the inaugural Absolute Shared Ownership Resort & Hotel Event in beautiful Phuket and appreciate their support to help us attract those overseas companies currently looking at Asia for new sales opportunities, new resort opportunities and new fantastic four and five star inventory acquisitions.” Said Bryan Lunt, Chairman of Absolute Group.

Paul Mattimoe, CEO of Perspective International commented, “We have always had a close affinity to the Asian marketplace, from where our group of companies originated some six years ago, so we are particularly pleased to add a conference in this region to our schedule of events”

The event provides informative seminars, excellent networking opportunities with leading property developers, resort and hotel owners and operators, direct marketing organisations and management specialists, as well as a first hand opportunity to see three real working fractional ownership resorts and sales centres in Phuket, including Thailand’s designer development yooPhuket.

“We look at the event as being the first of its kind in Asia, bringing together companies such as Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Interval International, Citadel / Hutchinson Trustee’s, Ragatz Associates and many more with excellent facilities at Patong beach’s Millennium hotel, an ultra modern conference venue.”  Concludes Mr. Lunt.

The event is to be held on 12-13th October at Millennium Patong Hotel, Phuket, Thailand, and Perspective Magazine will be providing more detailed information for delegates in due course.

Absolute aims for over 2,000 Thai memberships by end 2009 – Thais offered more than 2,000 destinations Worldwide

Absolute Group targets Thai market for expansion with the launch of ‘Thai vacation ownership’

Absolute Vacation Club (part of Absolute Groups diverse business operations) is a leading international vacation ownership operator in Europe and Asia. AVC has been in operation since 1998, and now has 21 offices worldwide including 3 new strategic offices this year; one in Iran, and 2 offices in Bangkok. The new offices in Bangkok add to Absolute Group’s strong Thailand presence with offices in Pattaya, Samui and Phuket also.

Mr. Bryan Lunt, Chairman of Absolute Group commented, “Vacation ownership program will play a major role in the growth of Thailand tourism. With the growth in branded hotels and developments throughout Thailand in the past few years, vacation ownership provides a solution to boost occupancy and tourism revenues for the country.”

Vacation ownership membership offers premium package price ranging from THB 250,000 – 800,000 for full membership depending on seasons and unit size selected. Member can use holiday entitlements more than 2,000 affiliate resorts worldwide.

Mr. Andrew Parker, Managing Director, Absolute Group (Thailand) said “Thailand has the potential to become the number one market for vacation ownership in Asia. Interest from Thais is growing and the number of Thai buyers also continues to grow. And currently there are only a few major brand vacation ownership membership schemes available in Thailand. Absolute Vacation Club currently has 250 memberships since the start of operations two months ago. We aim for 2,000 family members by end of the year”

AVC recently launched a marketing campaign called ‘test drive’ which allows potential customers to try the product before buying. As part of this program, Absolute has already offered trips to more than 4,000 families come to Thailand this.

Absolute Group of companies is a multinational group specializing in mixed-use resort and hotel development, management and vacation ownership. Absolute Group currently employs over 950 staff and operates 21 offices worldwide including three offices in Spain (Tenerife, Barcelona and Marbella); five offices in Thailand (two in Bangkok, one in Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui each); one office in Turkey; five offices in China (two in Beijing, two in Hong Kong and one in Hainan); two offices in Pavlodar and Almaty in Kazakhstan, three offices in Russia (Moscow, Vladivostock and Khabarovsk,); Kiev in Ukraine, and Iran.

Absolute Vacation Club (AVC)
Absolute Vacation Club is a market leader in the vacation ownership business and has affiliated resorts with Interval International, a global quality vacation exchange organization, and offers its club members more than 2,500 destinations in more than 80 countries. The Phuket office is the Thai headquarters of Absolute Group and is the hub for the Group’s expansion throughout Thailand.
Absolute Vacation Club has over 16,000 member families worldwide and expects to generate global sales in excess of USD 50 million in 2009. More information, visit ClubAbsolute.com

Absolute Group of companies
Founded in 1998 the group consists of six business sectors: Absolute Developments – mixed-used resort and hotel developer, Absolute Resort Management – resort, hotel and mixed-use development management and services, Absolute Vacation Club – leading worldwide vacation ownership membership, AbsoluteThai – lifestyle magazine publishing; North Shore Real Estate – real estate broker licensed in Thailand; and Absolute Bangla Club – the most stylish bar in the heart of Soi Bangla. More information, visit AbsoluteWorld.net