IFA Hotels and Resorts, an international leader in the development of premier mixed-use hotel and tourism projects, announces the appointment of Merlin as software provider for its fractional residence clubs. IFA Hotels and Resorts, with its main operating office in Dubai, is listed on the Kuwait and Johannesburg stock exchanges and provides world-class facilities through a network of hotels, vacation and private residence club destinations.

Merlin Software will be used to run IFA’s new high-end fractional residence clubs based in various locations around the world and its internal inter-residence exchange programme.

Announcing the appointment of Merlin Software Mr Piaras Moriarty, VP Vacation Ownership IFA Hotels & Resorts, said “when we looked for a software provider we needed a company with wide industry knowledge and expertise in managing products like ours.  With Merlin’s pedigree, which dates back to the start of clubs 25 years ago, making the appointment based on their stellar track record and experience was a logical choice”.

The IFA team was keen to partner with a software business that offered “simple to implement” software that could manage and adapt to their evolving product needs.  Mr Moriarty explained “it was important for us that our partner could advise us on how to formulate and manage these products now and in the future”. The team was particularly impressed that Merlin Software is easy to set up with no lengthy installations and training is straightforward and logical. Resorts can be in business immediately.

Chief software developer Mike Pnematicatos explains “On a daily basis IFA will use all of Merlin’s resort management, marketing and accounting functionality for activities such as maintenance fee collections and owner reservations. What really sets Merlin apart though is its dynamic sales and ownership tracking. IFA has complex occupation rosters and rules which Merlin handles with ease” he continued.

Merlin will also handle IFA’s internal exchange facility which takes place between the managed residence clubs. Mr Moriarty explained “inter-residence exchange can now be provided internally using Merlin Software without relying on a third party”.

From single site fractional resorts to multi-destination residence clubs, Merlin’s software functionality provides a single software solution. Developed as state of the art Business Application Software, Merlin is served across the internet. Users simply access it securely via a web browser from anywhere at any time without the need of expensive link lines and hardware installations.

Developed by Mike Pnematicatos with over 25 years’ experience in the timeshare and property development industry, Merlin is the most complete business software around. It is highly interactive meaning that businesses can integrate the software with their current websites to offer a range of services such as online bookings and payments. With such industry experience, that no other software company can offer, businesses need look no further for a safe pair of hands to provide the latest technological solutions.

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

For more information on Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership contact Mike Ashton on, email at mikea@quickmerlin.com  or visit www.quickmerlin.com to arrange a full demo.

For more information on IFA contact Mr Piaras Moriarty on Tel: + 971 4 404 3424 or Email: info@ifahotelsresorts.com

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

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

IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) announced today the launch of three new Thai-based Private Residence Clubs: The Heights Private Residence Club in Phuket, Northpoint Private Residence Club in Pattaya and The River Private Residence Club in Bangkok. The Clubs are developed by luxury condominium developer Raimon Land in which IFA HR has a 41.07% stake.

Werner Burger, President and COO of IFA HR said: “Our strength lies in our proven ability to create products that meet a wide range of client needs in a number of sought-after destinations. Working with Raimon Land to add three Private Residence Clubs to our Thai portfolio takes us beyond our existing foothold in the residential sector and further expands our lifestyle product offering in Asia, a key market in our global development strategy.”

Each home within the Private Residence Clubs is divided into saleable fractions of 1/13th. This fraction entitles owners to enjoy a minimum of 21 days per year at the Club in which they purchase as well as unlimited use of space available time.  Additionally, owners will have access to a greater network of properties through the IFA Collection and The Registry Collection program. Ownership is in perpetuity and can be sold at any time.

Private Residence Clubs represent the top tier of Fractional Ownership products and are among the fastest growing sectors of the real estate and hospitality industries. It is an innovative form of ownership that appeals to those who want the security and advantages of an equity-based private club along with the benefits of owning luxuriously appointed, prime real estate.

Hubert Viriot, Chief Executive Officer of Raimon Land said: “The design, implementation and launch of Private Residence Clubs presented a unique opportunity to diversify our portfolio without diluting our focus on luxurious residential experiences. We also had the benefit of working closely with our major shareholder IFA Hotels & Resorts who have successfully developed and sold a variety of investment and lifestyle products around the world, including several Private Residence Clubs within the IFA Collection.”

Jeff Tisdall, Managing Director, RCI Middle East; Hubert Viriot, Raimon Land CEO; Piaras Moriarty, Vice President Client Management with IFA Hotels & Resorts

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

Piaras Moriarty, Vice President Client Management with IFA HR, said: “Owners in the Clubs will have access not only to their selected property in Thailand, but can also exchange their days for access to over 160 properties through the IFA Collection and The Registry Collection program. Likewise, the addition of these Private Residence Clubs provides our IFA Collection clients access to three great new vacation options in Thailand.”

Each of the Thai Private Residence Clubs offers a sanctuary of elegance and sophistication specifically created to cater to the desires of its owners, which have been designed, constructed and finished by the very best award-winning teams in Asia and are furnished and equipped to the highest international standards. Owners also enjoy unparalleled service when in residence with dedicated staff available to pre-stock kitchens, book leisure excursions or make dining reservations and arrange babysitters, laundry, transportation and even a private chef when required.

“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.  “IFA Hotels & Resorts and Raimon Land and are 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 program.”

The Heights Private Residence Club – IFA Collection in Phuket is nestled atop the hillside above Kata Beach with stunning views of the Andaman Sea. The units have large open terraces, expansive living areas, and the seamless spill-over of indoor into outdoor spaces. A wide range of recreational choices are available 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 will offer an unrivalled choice of condominiums, lofts and penthouses in two unique and iconic towers along the Chao Phraya. Facilities include state-of-the-art fitness centres, sky gardens, riverfront infinity pool and 50-meter 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 1-3 bedroom luxury units to breathtaking duplexes and penthouses.

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 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 award-winning projects includes: Northpoint, The Heights Phuket, The Lofts Sathorn, The Lakes and The Legend Saladaeng.  Its major shareholder is IFA Hotels & Resorts.
www.raimonland.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 programme are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, 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® 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.

IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) announced it has achieved over US$100 million in sales for the first six months of 2009 through its global network across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Werner Burger, President & COO of IFA HR said: “This is a unique achievement given the global downturn in the real estate sector and a great testament to the strength of the IFA Hotels & Resorts brand and the quality of our diverse products. These positive results are driven by successful businesses across all our markets, led by strategies that have promptly responded to fast changing market climates.”

IFA HR has a track record in developing and selling a wide range of investment and lifestyle products to a large international client base, including shared ownership products such as the Pine Cliffs Vacation Club (Portugal), Fairmont Heritage Place (in both South Africa and Dubai) and the IFA Yacht Ownership Club (based in the UAE, Thailand and France). This gives IFA HR the ability to market its products to a captive audience, instead of implementing traditional marketing strategies.

Piaras Moriarty, Vice President Client Management with IFA HR in the Middle East, said: “We have a diverse product offering which contributes positively to our sales targets. For example, sales in our first Private Residence Club in South Africa, Fairmont Heritage Place Zimbali, have been increasing due to a proactive targeted marketing strategy and a superior product. Our clients are discerning individuals who demand high quality products and service, which is exactly what we offer.”

“Our strength lies in the ability to create products that meet a wide range of clients; we strive to remain innovative and offer newer and more exciting products, which we believe is the key to our success. We have the ability to utilise a global sales team, taking advantage of the seasonality of our resort locations throughout the year. This gives us the ability to cross sell our portfolio between our international offices, resulting in significant cost savings,” added Moriarty.

Construction work on all IFA HR’s ongoing projects is making firm progress with increased man power; many projects will be handed over this year in Dubai, Lebanon, Thailand and South Africa. As the majority of the company’s resort properties are managed by international five star hospitality partners, home owners experience superior services during, and after, receiving the keys to their units.

Burger added: “We always stay heavily involved in the day to day operations of our projects since we sell, lease and manage our properties. We started handing over our Pine Cliffs project in Portugal fifteen years ago and are still helping our customers re-sell their units if they so choose. This gives great comfort to our clients as we will always assist them in managing, renting or selling their units years down the line. The general satisfaction of our customers is key.”

Prices of IFA HR’s properties have been gradually increasing during the last six months. In Dubai, and towards the end of June 2009, the price of a two bedroom apartment in the Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah increased by approximately 14% compared to the start of the year. Investor confidence has also increased recently with the company selling a five star penthouse in its Fairmont Palm Jumeirah resort for over US$ 7 million. Branded properties always command a premium, as can be seen when comparing an average unit in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (currently priced at US$ 178 per sq ft) and IFA HR’s Mövenpick Hotel & Residence Laguna Tower Dubai, selling at US$ 438 per sq ft, which is also located in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Going forward, IFA HR is gearing up to launch a new global shared ownership product, the IFA Vacation Club, which is destined to become an industry leader offering a true five star vacation ownership programme. All club properties are located in IFA HR’s developed mixed use resorts around the globe and are managed by internationally renowned five star hospitality operators. Member’s privileges include access to a unique portfolio of luxury properties and the amenities and services of the hotels located within the resorts.

Additionally, members will have access to over 4,000 RCI and 200 Registry Collection resorts in over 100 countries worldwide.