To have one's own villa on some picturesque beach, from which one can enjoy the scenic coastline and hear the rolling waves? Many people may have such dreams, but most are held back by the exorbitant costs. Yesterday, the world's largest timeshare travel company came to Shanghai for the very first time to help the Shanghainese realise their dreams with the whole new concept of timeshare travel.
Timeshare travel is quite simply a one-time payment at prices lower than normal discounts for the right to use a property for one week each year for a total of 10 years (or 20 or 30 years). By becoming a member of this international network of travellers, one could opt to exchange timeshares with members owning other properties, and in so doing, travel to a different place each time. Particularly tempting is the idea that travel around the world no longer needs to be exorbitant. Timeshare owners can make use of their right to use their properties at the price they paid regardless of how hotel room rates may fluctuate. Therefore, with all other factors constant, timeshare travel expenses may come up to just half of traditional accommodation options, or even less. Even more enticing is the ability to swap travel destinations. As long as your visa application is approved, you can travel anywhere within the network without having to pay additional accommodation fees.
An RCI spokesperson pointed out that living standards in Shanghai are now the highest in China. The sophisticated hotel industry and the appearance of certain serviced apartments have prepared the way for the introduction of timeshare travel in the market. In the meanwhile, China now has about 115 holidays and demand for travel is on the rise. It is estimated that a timeshare travel network of a million members can contribute between RMB 5 billion and RMB 7 billion to the domestic economy, build between 3 and 5 million square metres of real estate, and create up to 20,000 jobs.
Nevertheless a spokesperson from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administrative Commission said that for RCI to be really rooted in Shanghai, it would have to overcome several obstacles. First, the reliability. When travellers buy hotel timeshares, they have to make a judgement on how reliable the property is, whether it would close down anytime, or even pretend to close down. With a spate of timeshare-related complaints that have surfaced all over China, cautious Shanghainese may adopt a wait-and-see approach. On the other hand, the hotel industry in Shanghai is booming, and the hotel occupancy rate for all the five-star hotels in November was almost 100%, and so it remains uncertain how many additional rooms would be enough for the city
Monday, February 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Wyndham Vacation Ownership Update
Wyndham Vacation Ownership Acquires Additional Units At Emerald Beach Resort In Panama City Beach, Fla
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced it has finalized an earlier contractual agreement to purchase 100 additional vacation ownership units at the Emerald Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Fla. from Emerald Beach Resort, LLC. These units supplement the 100 units the company purchased at the resort in 2007. Wyndham Vacation Ownership has also entered into a contractual agreement to purchase further units at the resort at a later date. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Last fall, we initiated a deal that would expand our presence in the Florida Panhandle through the incremental acquisition of existing vacation ownership units in Panama City Beach,” said Franz Hanning, president & CEO of Wyndham Vacation Ownership. “Our continued investment in this popular beach destination ensures that even more of our owners will have the opportunity to experience it.”
Operating as a part of the company’s FairShare Plus by Wyndham vacation ownership exchange program, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Panama City Beach will include a combination of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom fully furnished condominium-style units with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, all featuring a private balcony, full kitchen, living room, dining room, and washer and dryer. The Emerald Beach Resort is located at 14700 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach.
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company and a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced it has finalized an earlier contractual agreement to purchase 100 additional vacation ownership units at the Emerald Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Fla. from Emerald Beach Resort, LLC. These units supplement the 100 units the company purchased at the resort in 2007. Wyndham Vacation Ownership has also entered into a contractual agreement to purchase further units at the resort at a later date. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Last fall, we initiated a deal that would expand our presence in the Florida Panhandle through the incremental acquisition of existing vacation ownership units in Panama City Beach,” said Franz Hanning, president & CEO of Wyndham Vacation Ownership. “Our continued investment in this popular beach destination ensures that even more of our owners will have the opportunity to experience it.”
Operating as a part of the company’s FairShare Plus by Wyndham vacation ownership exchange program, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Panama City Beach will include a combination of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom fully furnished condominium-style units with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, all featuring a private balcony, full kitchen, living room, dining room, and washer and dryer. The Emerald Beach Resort is located at 14700 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Tamarack Resort
Tamarack Resort:
the first all-season resort to open in the U.S. in more than two decades, has received national attention for its world-class mountain for skiing, hiking and mountain biking; Osprey Meadows, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr., signature golf course named America’s Best New Course in its category for 2006 by Golf Digest; and beautiful Lake Cascade, ideal for swimming, sailing, fishing, sea kayaking, and boating. A key element of the Tamarack community is The Club at Tamarack for homeowners, their families and guests.
Nestled in Idaho’s Payette River Mountains, Tamarack is a luxury boutique resort with a variety of lodging options all within walking distance of the four-season amenities
the first all-season resort to open in the U.S. in more than two decades, has received national attention for its world-class mountain for skiing, hiking and mountain biking; Osprey Meadows, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr., signature golf course named America’s Best New Course in its category for 2006 by Golf Digest; and beautiful Lake Cascade, ideal for swimming, sailing, fishing, sea kayaking, and boating. A key element of the Tamarack community is The Club at Tamarack for homeowners, their families and guests.
Nestled in Idaho’s Payette River Mountains, Tamarack is a luxury boutique resort with a variety of lodging options all within walking distance of the four-season amenities
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Silverleaf Resorts
Based in Dallas, Texas, Silverleaf Resorts, Inc. currently owns and operates timeshare resorts with a wide array of country club-like amenities, such as golf, clubhouses, swimming, tennis, boating, and many organized activities for children and adults. For additional information, please visit www.silverleafresorts.com
Silverleaf Resorts first Indoor Water Park
Silverleaf Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: SVLF) today announced the grand opening of their first indoor water park at The Villages Resort in Flint, Texas, (near Tyler) which serves the Dallas/Fort Worth market.
"The opening of the indoor water park at The Villages Resort marks a significant milestone for Silverleaf Resorts, as we continue to enhance our resorts and increase our appeal to both new customers and existing members," said Sharon K. Brayfield, President of Silverleaf Resorts.
The $10 million indoor water park is approximately 19,000 square feet and features a signature bucket dump aqua play unit, wave pool, lazy river and four indoor/outdoor tube rides. The 7,000 square foot entry building includes a food service area featuring Yum! Brands Inc. products from Pizza Hut(R) Express and A&W All American Food(R) Express, an arcade filled with the latest electronic adventures, a souvenir gift shop, and a large changing room with over 1,000 lockers.
The Villages Resort is located on the shores of Lake Palestine, a 40,000-acre lake and one of the larger water-sports playgrounds in the Southwest used for boating, swimming and other recreational activities. Members have private access to the lake and three swimming pools, as well as a miniature golf course, lighted tennis courts, an archery range, softball field, and horseback riding.
In December, Silverleaf opened the new Beach Club section of The Villages Resort which will be sold exclusively as an upgrade product to existing Silverleaf owners. The amenities are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2008. Once fully developed, it will contain approximately 144 units.
"The opening of the indoor water park at The Villages Resort marks a significant milestone for Silverleaf Resorts, as we continue to enhance our resorts and increase our appeal to both new customers and existing members," said Sharon K. Brayfield, President of Silverleaf Resorts.
The $10 million indoor water park is approximately 19,000 square feet and features a signature bucket dump aqua play unit, wave pool, lazy river and four indoor/outdoor tube rides. The 7,000 square foot entry building includes a food service area featuring Yum! Brands Inc. products from Pizza Hut(R) Express and A&W All American Food(R) Express, an arcade filled with the latest electronic adventures, a souvenir gift shop, and a large changing room with over 1,000 lockers.
The Villages Resort is located on the shores of Lake Palestine, a 40,000-acre lake and one of the larger water-sports playgrounds in the Southwest used for boating, swimming and other recreational activities. Members have private access to the lake and three swimming pools, as well as a miniature golf course, lighted tennis courts, an archery range, softball field, and horseback riding.
In December, Silverleaf opened the new Beach Club section of The Villages Resort which will be sold exclusively as an upgrade product to existing Silverleaf owners. The amenities are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2008. Once fully developed, it will contain approximately 144 units.
Monday, January 14, 2008
2008 ARDA Convention
Leading vacation ownership companies and service providers have signed on as Signature Sponsors of the 2008 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas. The annual convention, taking place April 6-10 Venetian Resort & Casino, will feature an impressive line-up of speakers and entertainers, including nationally acclaimed speaker, Rick Barrera, author of the inspiring true story Invincible, Vince Papale; and the winner of “America’s Got Talent,” ventriloquist and impressionist, Terry Fator The 2008 Signature Sponsors include American Express, The Family of Orange Lake Resorts, Group RCI , Hcareers, Holiday Systems International (HSI), iBAHN, Interval International, , Redweek.com, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Textron Financial and VacationGuard, Inc.
The convention offers companies prime exposure to 4,000 top vacation ownership industry professionals who gather to network, learn the latest industry trends, and visit hundreds of industry suppliers on the exhibit floor. Thanks to the generosity of the Signature Sponsors, the ARDA convention has become the number one resource for networking with industry leaders, cutting-edge educational programming, and exposure for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.“We are grateful to our 2008 Signature Sponsors for their role in making our programs and events possible,” said Howard C. Nusbaum, ARDA’s president and CEO.
The convention’s General Session, sponsored by Group RCI, presents keynote speaker Rick Barrera , a well known speaker throughout Fortune 500 companies for his unique approach to brand-building. . Group RCI is also sponsoring the sixth annual AIF Open Golf Tournament at the in Kissimmee, FL. Interval International is hosting their annual “Party with a Cause” where ticket proceeds will benefit industry research and education. The Breakfast of Champions, sponsored by iBAHN, will feature middle school teacher and inspiration behind Invincible, Vince Papale. The ARDA Awards Gala, sponsored by Holiday Systems International (HSI), will include a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, presentation of the annual ARDA Awards, and entertainment by the “The Human Jukebox,” Terry Fator.
Companies interested in participating as sponsors or exhibitors at the timeshare industry’s premier annual event may contact Sherry Eggers, Director of Sales and Marketing, at 202-371-6700, ext 116 or seggers@arda.org. For more information about the 2007 convention, please visit www.arda.org.
The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 corporate members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).
The convention offers companies prime exposure to 4,000 top vacation ownership industry professionals who gather to network, learn the latest industry trends, and visit hundreds of industry suppliers on the exhibit floor. Thanks to the generosity of the Signature Sponsors, the ARDA convention has become the number one resource for networking with industry leaders, cutting-edge educational programming, and exposure for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.“We are grateful to our 2008 Signature Sponsors for their role in making our programs and events possible,” said Howard C. Nusbaum, ARDA’s president and CEO.
The convention’s General Session, sponsored by Group RCI, presents keynote speaker Rick Barrera , a well known speaker throughout Fortune 500 companies for his unique approach to brand-building. . Group RCI is also sponsoring the sixth annual AIF Open Golf Tournament at the in Kissimmee, FL. Interval International is hosting their annual “Party with a Cause” where ticket proceeds will benefit industry research and education. The Breakfast of Champions, sponsored by iBAHN, will feature middle school teacher and inspiration behind Invincible, Vince Papale. The ARDA Awards Gala, sponsored by Holiday Systems International (HSI), will include a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, presentation of the annual ARDA Awards, and entertainment by the “The Human Jukebox,” Terry Fator.
Companies interested in participating as sponsors or exhibitors at the timeshare industry’s premier annual event may contact Sherry Eggers, Director of Sales and Marketing, at 202-371-6700, ext 116 or seggers@arda.org. For more information about the 2007 convention, please visit www.arda.org.
The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 corporate members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).
Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Wyndham Vacation Ownership, a member of Wyndham Worldwide’s (NYSE: WYN) family of companies, is the world’s largest vacation ownership business, as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, individual vacation ownership units and owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership develops, markets and sells vacation ownership interests and provides consumer financing to owners through its three primary consumer brands, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, WorldMark by Wyndham and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific. As of July 31, 2007, Wyndham Vacation Ownership had developed or acquired more than 135 vacation ownership resorts throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and the South Pacific that represent more than 17,000 individual vacation ownership units and more than 800,000 owners of vacation ownership interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and is supported by more than 16,000 employees globally.
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