Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club (LHVC), located in Puerto Plata on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, has received Group RCI’s prestigious Top Producer Award for the second year in a row for outstanding sales performance.  RCI, a worldwide leader in timeshare and vacation exchanges with more than 3.5 million members globally, presents the award annually to resorts reporting a higher number of new enrollments per region.

“We are honored that Group RCI selected us once again to receive this special designation,” said Markus Wischenbart, President of Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, after personally receiving the award from Eugenio Macouzet, Senior Vice President for RCI Caribbean.  “We consider it a tremendous achievement to remain among the Top 5 top producers in the region.”

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

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club members, guests and their families have a wide variety of activities available to them in the Dominican Republic’s North Coast.  Next door is the Ocean World Adventure Park with its daily animal and aquatic and casino. Other activities in the area include a cable car ride to the peak of Mount Isabella de Torres, white water rafting, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, boating, snorkeling, monster truck safaris and city tours of Puerto Plata, named in 2008 as one of the 53 best destinations in the world by The New York Times.  For more Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club information, go to www.lifestyleholidaysvc.com or call (809) 970-7777.

The Fourth Annual Luxury Markets Symposium – organized by Group RCI and sponsored by The Registry
Collection, and aimed at finding new business opportunities – was held October 6 and 7 in Mexico City.
Participants heard about trends and experiences they can take advantage of at their resorts.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Andrés Oppenheimer, a renowned journalist and expert on Latin American subjects. Oppenheimer spoke about the region’s future and how specific countries must take advantage of circumstances that will allow them to foster the tourism industry, and he explained that times of crisis are also times of opportunity.

During his talk, Oppenheimer highlighted that Mexico shows great opportunity for medical tourism and that – with a few modifications in its legislation – it must take advantage of this trend. On the same line, the famous journalist described the strengths of medical tourism, suggesting they are related to Mexican hospitality, the care provided in hospitals and the country’s low costs.

He stated that another valuable niche for Mexico is to concentrate on Chinese tourism. “Over 100 million Chinese are expected to travel through the world in the coming years,” he said.

Oppenheimer was very emphatic in his conclusion, stating that: “The economic context has been difficult. However, it is not the Great Depression of 1929. The United States is not going to disappear, and neither will the capitalist model. Today, this country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is larger than if you added together the four GDPs of the four countries that follow it in size.”

Discussion Panels
Group RCI set up discussion panels and used this learning environment to allow attendees to approach experts and express their opinions and knowledge about different areas.

Ricardo Montaudon, president and executive director of Group RCI Latin America, pinpointed the essence of the largest resorts for participants in the panel “The Experience of Mega-Resorts.” Montaudon defined them
as very successful, flexible businesses that provide different products for different clients. He also revealed that part of the secret for mega-resorts lies in the land where they are developed.

The panel on “The Advantages of the Mixed Use Project” concluded that it is a strategic, well-thought-out and well-analyzed model that becomes profitable both for the developer and its members. In order to find success with this model, the business must be well structured, designed and created according to the
country’s social and economic environment.

Areas of Opportunity
One of the subjects that attracted a lot of attention during the Luxury Markets Symposium 2009 was Active Living – the market for active adults over 50 who are independent and have a very social lifestyle. Data provided suggests that between 2007 and 2050, 10,000 people will retire in the United States every day. A business niche in two important markets was highlighted: the market with high purchasing power and the
middle market. In the case of Mexico, Morelia and Los Cabos were mentioned as places that have potential for the U.S.-retiree community.

One of the key points during the talk on “How to Differentiate Oneself in an Adverse Environment” was the way in which brands are crucial; it is the prestige of resort development firms that provides their guarantee. Another point was that this luxury market is about experiences and not just properties. An aspect that became clear among all attendees is that Mexico must reposition itself in the retirement market – and not just in the luxury niche, but also in other segments.

Not everything was about business, however. Symposium attendees were able to participate in two tasting events: a red and white wine-tasting with Monte Xanic wines, and another with Johnnie Walker.

The Luxury Markets Symposium 2009 clearly met its goal of accomplishing an exchange of experiences. Attendees learned new ways of confronting difficult moments, strengthened their knowledge in order to make their resorts grow, and saw trends that can help them diversify their businesses.

As property sales demand subsides, proactive property developers gather to understand the alternatives available to package shared ownership offers to smaller investors, embracing the Multi-Billion Dollar niche market of Fractional Ownership in Cyprus.

As property sales on the island of Cyprus stall, like thinking developers look to new avenues to generate new sales and income from alternative sources.

One of these solutions was discussed at the First Cyprus Property Developer Symposium on Shared Ownership in Nicosia at the Hilton Hotel.

The event featured a comprehensive presentation on how developers in Cyprus might utilize new systems in re-packaging properties to investors through collective ownership, co-ownership and fractional offers.

Put simply, this new niche market has blossomed into a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide as it allows an investor to own part of a property, to invest less, and maximize their own enjoyment and usage of a second home

Developers would typically allow up to 12 investors to purchase a 1/12th interest in a luxury second home, thereby allowing them usage of one month a year.

Today, this system in popular in the USA, Thailand, Dubai, Turkey, Greece and other markets where tourism has flourished and the appetite for a second home has provoked investors to obtain their own piece of the pie.

Typically the developer places the selected property into a company, and allows smaller investors to purchase shares in the company, giving them the right of usage for one month a year, and also securing their investment with an equity based asset that the company they invested in now owns.

“Although there are several formulas on the market today, we believe forward thinking developers will embrace this formula to move their sales forward, and at the same time, attract a new fresh caliber of savvy investors who would never use a second home in Cyprus more than one month per year.” said Michael J. Tolan, CEO of World Class Group.

Tolan reminded the audience that developers who do the exact same things they have been doing without changing their mindset or strategy are doomed to sink in quick sand.

George Mintis, Vice President of the CTO also announced that the Cyprus Tourism Organization was reviewing proactive solutions for Hotel Owners to also profit from other forms of Shared Ownership, and highlighted Condo Hotels as one area of potential focus.

The Registry Collection, the world premier lifestyle services company that provides flexibility and value to investors of Fractional Ownership owned by Wyndham Worldwide was featured to the attendees as a solutions company to assist developers to enter this new arena.

Mr. Vassilis Themelidis, Regional Director of Group RCI based in Athens, was on hand in Cyprus to meet property developers who he believes can and will capitalize on this sector of the market.

“We at Group RCI are committed to provide Cyprus developers with the experience and support of our organization we have earned over the past 30 years worldwide “ he said.

“There are sunny days ahead for Property developers in Cyprus who embrace this concept now and who make a commitment to exceed client expectations by delivering superb products and services” he added.

RCI Pacific, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), has been recognised as the ‘2009 Innovative Employer of the Year’ by One Step Further for its commitment to providing both a supportive and engaging workplace and for its commitment to providing employee development opportunities.

The award was presented to Charisse Cox, RCI Pacific managing director, during One Step Further’s recent graduation ceremony at the Gold Coast Arts Centre.

“Receiving the 2009 Innovative Employer of the Year award represents the fantastic work that has been done this year to continue to increase and drive the professional development for all our staff,” said Ms. Cox. “RCI Pacific continually achieves high levels of employee satisfaction by empowering its staff through regular training, knowledge reinforcement and encouraging equality amongst co-workers. Receiving this accolade also provides further confidence that we are the leading the way in our commitment to creating a motivated and effective workplace.”

“This award is a testament to the great work Charisse and her team are doing in the Pacific region and it was a great honor for me to be there in attendance as she stepped up on stage to accept the award as well as watching so many of our RCI Pacific associates receive their diplomas that night,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Group RCI. “Because of our dedicated leadership and employees around the globe, we continue to generate a tremendous energy and positive atmosphere at RCI offices worldwide.”

Capping off RCI Pacific’s success at the student graduation evening, a significant number of RCI staff members received personal recognition. Of the 180 graduates from the timeshare industry, 20 were RCI staff members who assembled to receive their recently completed qualifications in Certificate III or Diploma in Tourism.

“These qualifications represent months – and in many cases – years of work within the industry and their chosen fields, and it is fantastic to see their efforts rewarded and nationally recognised,” added Cox.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), one the world’s largest hospitality companies, has been ranked among the top 100 greenest companies in America by Newsweek magazine, which also ranked the company in the top 10 of its Media, Travel and Entertainment category.

The Newsweek Green Rankings, the magazine’s first such report, is based on the environmental footprint, policies and practices of America’s 500 largest publicly traded companies as measured by revenue, market capitalization and number of employees.

Newsweek ranked Wyndham Worldwide number 81 on its list based on a number of criteria including greenhouse gas emissions, toxic waste emissions, use of other natural resources, management of environmental issues and policies, regulatory compliance and policies concerning climate change.

The report, published Sept. 28, also factored the results of Newsweek’s reputational survey of chief executive officers, corporate social responsibility officers, the news media, academicians and members of key environmental groups.

“We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek as a national leader in sustainability,” said Stephen P. Holmes, Wyndham Worldwide chairman and chief executive officer. “We are committed to conserving our natural resources, preserving our habitats and preventing pollution. With more than 70,000 locations in 100 countries, we can make a tremendous impact in our communities around the globe.”

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

The recently released WyndhamGreen Global Best Practices document showcases the company’s initiatives in energy and water conservation, recycling, education, community programs and innovation. It notes that Wyndham Worldwide’s new 250,000-square-foot headquarters, located in Parsippany, New Jersey, is on target to achieve Silver LEED certification for its interior.  The building is expected to reduce water, energy and waste by 10 to 30 percent. The Company also recently received the “Green Pioneer” award from ConEdison Solutions for purchasing 100 percent of the building’s electricity from wind generation.

Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest hotel company with more than 7,000 hotels and 11 brands, is implementing the EarthSmart linen reuse program to save resources and operational costs.  The company’s Super 8®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge®, Days Inn® and Ramada® brands currently participate.

The Wyndham® Hotels and Resorts brand developed uniforms spun from recycled plastic bottles.  Each uniform requires 66 percent less energy and 90 percent less water to produce than a standard uniform. The upscale hotel chain’s Wyndham ClearAirsm initiative features allergy-friendly rooms designed at improving air quality.

Group RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, saved 1.3 million kilowatts annually at its Parsippany headquarters and Indianapolis call center by replacing lighting fixtures and bulbs and installing motion sensors to control lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. Last year, RCI was the first in the vacation exchange industry to begin printing all of its resort directories and Endless Vacation magazines for members on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper. RCI also converted vacation confirmations and notifications to members from direct mail to e-mail, saving more than 5 million pieces of paper and an estimated 435 trees.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership business, provides low- and no-phosphate laundry and dish detergent in its resorts, an initiative that has reduced pollutants by 90,000 pounds since its inception in 2008.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership’s Asia Pacific division developed a sustainable destination resort on the Australian island Tasmania that practices conservation of biodiversity and restoration of the natural habitat.  The resort utilizes a state-of-the art wastewater treatment plant, and its villas were designed to resemble sea shells to fit into the environment.

“We have made tremendous progress in a short period of time,” said Faith Taylor, Wyndham Worldwide vice president of sustainability and innovation. “Although we still have much to accomplish as we evolve our strategy, we are proud of our associates and partnerships that have helped us make this world a better place.”

Additional information is available at www.Wyndham-Green.com.

About Wyndham Worldwide
As one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, Wyndham Worldwide offers individual consumers and business–to–business customers a broad suite of hospitality products and services across various accommodation alternatives and price ranges through its premier portfolio of world–renowned brands.

Wyndham Hotel Group encompasses over 7,000 franchised hotels and approximately 590,200 hotel rooms worldwide. Group RCI offers its 3.8 million members access to more than 73,000 vacation properties located in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its network of over 150 vacation ownership resorts serving over 830,000 owners throughout North America, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Wyndham Worldwide, headquartered in Parsippany, N.J., employs approximately 25,500 employees globally.

For more information about Wyndham Worldwide, please visit the Company’s web site at www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

The Registry Collection® exchange program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced the addition of three private residence clubs to its worldwide network. Each of the three private residence clubs developed by Raimon Land are located in Thailand and have been added through the IFA Collection, providing members with full access to the IFA network as well as The Registry Collection program.

Conceived by renowned designer Hans Brouwer, founder of HB Design and a former protégé of Sir Norman Foster, the new resorts include The Heights Private Residence Club in Phuket, The River Private Residence Club in Bangkok and Northpoint Private Residence Club in Pattaya.

Raimon Land plans to initiate sales by first releasing The Heights Private Residence Club – IFA Collection, with priority registration commencing at the Alternative Ownership Conference Hotels & Resorts – Asia Pacific 2009 in Phuket, Thailand, on October 12-13.

The IFA Collection consists of a luxury portfolio of international properties developed by IFA Hotels & Resorts, a major shareholder in Raimon Land and an international specialist in the development of mixed-use resorts.

“We are extremely excited by the expansion of the IFA Collection into Asia and by the addition of the Raimon Land developed resorts,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Group RCI. “Raimon Land is synonymous with quality and these three extraordinary properties offer the level of luxury vacation experience we aim to deliver to our members through The Registry Collection.”

“We are very proud to see the continued growth of the IFA Collection and to add these unique properties to our growing portfolio of luxury destinations,” added Piaras Moriarty, VP Client Management IFA Hotels & Resorts. “Our goal is to offer our members the finest vacation destinations in the world, and our partnership with The Registry Collection and Raimon Land ensures that our members receive exactly the world-class luxury travel experience they desire.”

The Heights Private Residence – IFA Collection in Phuket is nestled atop the hillside above Kata Beach with stunning views of the Andaman Sea, inspired by a contemporary expression designed to complement the site’s unique natural environment. The units have large open terraces, expansive living areas, and the seamless flow of indoor into outdoor spaces, reflect the modern-Asian design of the site. There is a wide range of recreational choices at the club house, including a fitness centre, a free-form infinity pool, lap pool, kid’s pool sun deck and Jacuzzi – a culmination of visionary island-living.

The River Private Residence Club – IFA Collection in Bangkok offers an unrivalled choice of condominiums, lofts and penthouses in two unique and iconic towers. The prime location along the Chao Phraya offers commanding unobstructed views and the units are espoused to create an environment of unprecedented privacy and exclusivity. Facilities include state-of-the-art fitness centres, sky gardens, riverfront infinity pool and 50-metre lap pool complete with superb dining and entertainment experiences on the riverfront podium and terrace.

Northpoint Private Residence Club – IFA Collection in Pattaya soars above the sands of prestigious Wong-Amat Beach with easy access to world-class amenities, a wide variety of recreational and entertainment choices, and over 20 championship golf courses. The Point features an exceptional mix of residences from one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury units to breathtaking duplexes and penthouses. Residents can choose to indulge in its tiered horizon pools, relax on spacious sun-drenched decks, enjoy lush gardens, sail away to island hideaways, explore endless water sports options or savour exquisite cuisine at the al fresco dining or the breathtaking Sky Gardens.

Adrian Lee, Managing Director of Group RCI Asia, is very pleased about the new addition to the portfolio. “The Registry Collection represents superbly-appointed accommodations at the most desirable resort destinations in the world and the addition of these fine properties in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya are a perfect complement to our growing program. The style, feel, design and sense of place at these properties in Thailand are in essence what The Registry Collection is all about. We are very pleased to welcome the IFA Collection to the Asia Pacific region, and look forward to working with IFA and Raimon Land,” said Lee.

“We are excited to be working with IFA Hotels and Resorts and The Registry Collection,” added Hubert Viriot, Chief Executive Officer of Raimon Land. “In addition to the extraordinary private residence club locations we have developed in Thailand’s leading destinations and IFA Collection itself, our members will enjoy access to luxury vacations worldwide through The Registry Collection. The Registry Collection designation is important to us as it reinforces the highest standards of quality and luxury which is so important to our customers.”

About Raimon Land
Raimon Land is a listed company on the stock Exchange of Thailand with a primary focus in the residential development sector. Raimon Land’s list of other award-winning projects include: The Lofts Sathorn, The Lakes and The Legend Saladaeng.  Its major shareholder is IFA Hotels & Resorts.
www.raimonland.com

About IFA Hotels & Resorts
IFA Hotels & Resorts is a leader in real estate development, specialising in premier integrated and mixed-use hotel and tourism resort projects throughout the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Indian Ocean region, Asia and North America. IFA Hotels & Resorts offers exclusive branded residential, resort and hotel properties in exotic locations, with sound appreciating investment opportunities across the globe which include a yacht ownership club, a jet ownership club, vacation clubs and Private Residence Clubs. IFA Hotel & Resorts’ current portfolio consists of 46 projects in total, of which 20 are hotels, with over 13,750 keys across 13 countries in 4 continents.
www.ifahotelsresorts.com

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection® exchange program is a global network comprising over 35,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. The more than 160 properties available through the program are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange program, The Registry Collection program 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 program facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection program 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.

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

MAP Destinations today announced that Venice on Water in Italy has affiliated with The Registry Collection® exchange programme, the world’s largest luxury exchange network.

Venice on Water offers a unique holiday experience, allowing guests to visit the waterways of the iconic Italian city staying in luxury two-bedroom houseboats. Berthed at Marina Darsena DEC in Mestre, only five kilometers from the centre of Venice, the boats are fully furnished, equipped to the highest specifications and can accommodate up to six people. Venice on Water membership entitles members to stay in their houseboat for one week each year.

The perfect location offers easy access to all the attractions of the historic city of Venice with its galleries, museums, palaces, churches and piazzas. The boats can be used for limited navigation inside the lagoon (no license required), while more experienced sailors can take them further along the famed Venetian waterways. Owners will be given training, while owners’ guests staying on the boats unaccompanied will need to hire a captain to take the vessel out of its moorings.

The water-borne resort is the first to be developed by MAP Destinations, the largest timeshare marketer in Malta, with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. MAP currently markets five resorts in Malta and one in Venice.

“We are very proud to add a property of the caliber of Venice On Water to The Registry Collection programme,” 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 such as MAP ensures that our members receive exactly the world-class luxury travel experience they desire. In terms of its concept, this development will certainly be one of the most unique and exciting additions.”

“The Registry Collection offers a unique exchange programme for our fractional owners,” said Mary Anne Pulé. “The level of service and exclusivity that The Registry Collection programme provides is precisely what our owners are looking for. We are very pleased to be working with them.”

About MAP Destinations
Headquartered in Ta’Xbiex, MAP (Marketing And Promotion Ltd) is the largest marketer of holiday ownership resorts in Malta. The company is owned by managing director Mary Anne Pulé who started the business in 1986 by marketing Sunny Coast Resort Club in Qawra. Since then the company has grown and successfully sold out a number of resorts including Radisson SAS Baypoint Resort, Kempinski San Lawrenz Leisure Resort, Santana Resort Club, Barceló Riviera Resort & Spa, and Costa San Antonio (Grand Hotel Mercure San Antonio). Its current portfolio includes Fortina Spa Vacation Resort, Suncrest Beach Vacation Club, Coral Reef Club and Sunny Coast Resort Club and La Salita Spa Vacation Resort in Malta, as well as Venice on Water in Italy. The company employs more than 100 full-time personnel, all of which are experienced specialists in sales, marketing, finance and administration, with recruitment ongoing. For more details visit  www.map.com.mt

About The Registry Collection Programme
The Registry Collection programme is a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 160 properties are available through the program 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 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 how it can add potential value to leisure real estate projects, visit www.theregistrycollection.com

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

For additional information visit www.grouprci.com, the media centre of www.wyndhamworldwide.com, or visit Group RCI’s European web site www.rciaffiliates.com/europe and, for the latest Group RCI and industry news, visit www.rciventures.com