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To Get the Most from a Timeshare - Be Flexible

11/11/2015 Unknown

If you are willing to be flexible, chances are you can get the most out of your timeshare. At this point in timeshare history, timeshare travel is about as flexible as it can get. Think exchanges, rentals, points, weeks - all of these things contribute to helping you get the vacations you want in the places you want.

Be smart and ask for what you want

Savvy timeshare owners are up on all the ins and outs of getting the travel experiences they want. Successful exchangers and renters communicate their needs. They call their exchange company with the dates they desire and ask what is available for that time frame. Or they ask "when can we get into XYZ resort?" and plan around availability. They find out the good times to go to a particular location or resort, and then keep track of those dates to book in advance. The key is to be flexible. If you insist on a ski week between Christmas and New Years in Vail, that might be tough. Those coveted weeks are more expensive anyway. Being flexible saves you money and opens up new resorts and locations for you to experience. That's why we have timeshares, isn't it?

Plenty of companies to help you out

There are several companies ready to help you to get what you want such as, Dial-an-Exchange (DAE), RCI, Trading Places and Interval International. There are even internal exchanges within a timeshare group where membership at one resort gives owners the freedom to trade for time at other resorts in the resort family.

Dial-an-Exchange (DAE)

DAE promotes itself as "the world's largest privately-owned global timeshare provider servicing the entire vacation ownership market, from timeshare weeks, to points club owners and fractional ownership." DAE also advertises as one of the most easy to use exchange companies, with the lowest transaction fees and no complicated rules. Whether exchangers start by banking first or finding a vacation first, DAE's website is straightforward and quick.

RCI

RCI really started the whole exchange thing in 1974 with their RCI Resort Recognition program for holiday exchange. They followed it up with other innovations such as RCI Points (first points-based exchange program), the Registry Collection (world's first luxury exchange program), and RCI TV (first shared holiday ownership online video network). RCI also came up with the first mobile version of an exchange website and was the first to introduce trading power transparency.

Interval International (II)

In business since 1976, II features a choice of hundreds of resorts in more than 75 countries. II has many tools to help owners "make the exchange they want, when they want it". These tools include their Exchange Tracker, an interactive travel-planning tool that displays exchange and getaway activity throughout II's network. Exchange Tracker has an interactive world map that allows exchangers to click on the pin for their chosen location to find resort details, photos and recent exchange activity. What fun!

Trading Places

Another company with years of experience (35+) is Trading Places. The company likes to focus on the 20% of high-demand vacation destinations that 80% of owners’ desire. As well as offering traditional fees for domestic and international resorts, it offers a unique option to exchange back to the exchanger’s home resort at a reduced exchange fee. Another plus is a full-service travel agency onsite at its corporate office.

If you are willing to be flexible, exchanging can enhance and broaden your timeshare ownership. It can open up a world of travel experiences you might not have thought were available to you, and can make your timeshare experience even more desirable.

Labels: DAE, exchange, II, RCI, timeshare, timeshare exchange, timeshare flexibility, trading places, travel flexibility 0 comments |

Continuing Education for Owners

3/18/2015 Unknown

Are timeshare owners aware of the numerous ways to get the most out of vacation ownership? Do they know and understand all the current issues affecting ownership? Dial-An-Exchange (DAE), a worldwide vacation exchange provider, thinks it may be time for more education - particularly since timeshare has experienced so many changes over the past decade. DAE recently re-launched an owner education program first used in 2008, called Vacation Education Series (VES).

What's it All About?

The Vacation Education Series (VES) hits the road with its program in San Diego on March 22. DAE is making it convenient for owners to attend VES by holding it where the owners live and not where their timeshare is located - San Diego has a large percentage of owners who live within a 20 mile radius. Sessions are designed to educate timeshare owners and potential buyers about the many ways they can get the most out of timeshare. Current timeshare issues affecting ownership will also be on the agenda and open for discussion. The informal and non-threatening roundtable discussions led by industry leaders, are meant to encourage owners to ask questions, participate and interact with each other.

"The Vacation Education Series was created and designed to offer timeshare owners vast resources that encompass all aspects of ownership," explained Susan Friedline, DAE Business Development Manager USA. "It is a forum to educate as well as update them on the current issues that can affect their ownership. We are excited to have the opportunity to talk to owners and learn more about their needs to continue to partner with reliable resources to fulfill those needs."

Topics for next week's San Diego series include the Future of Timeshare, Resales and Rentals, Know What You Own, Explore Exchange, and Advantages of Proactive Ownership.

Other Industry Educators

Other timeshare entities are also looking out for the best interests of owners with their educational offerings.

RCI

As part of its Affiliate Access Program, RCI offers a series of HOA-focused "Lunch and Learn" events where owners can talk with RCI representatives about best practices to get the most out of vacation ownership. These 3/4 day, no-cost information sessions are held in a relaxed setting enabling participants to talk face-to-face with representatives, ask questions, share ideas and enjoy lunch together.

American Resort Development Association (ARDA)

ARDA represents and promotes vacation ownership in various capacities. Its web site provides a wealth of information for owners ranging from updated legislative issues that may affect timeshare owners and their well-being (ARDA-ROC), to assistance and resources for HOA members (HOA Outreach). On the ARDA site, owners and potential owners can find the answers to all their questions concerning ownership, and the latest news and research on timeshare issues, exchange tips, resale guidelines and much more.

The National Timeshare Owner Association (NTOA)

NTOA dedicates its business as a platform to advocate for timeshare owners, and to educate and help owners find answers to their timeshare questions and concerns. Aligning itself with industry and community partners, NTOA offers a multi-media internet education center. In addition to their Feedback Page, its toll-free consumer helpline (1-844-ASK-NTOA) offers owner assistance with timeshare related issues.

Owner Forums

Timeshare forums can be a good place for owners to talk to other owners, share experiences and get questions answered. Many timeshare and vacation companies such as Wyndham, TripAdvisor and RedWeek all have their own owner forums.

Labels: american resort development association, ARDA, DAE, Dial-an-Exchange, hoa, NTOA, owner education, owner outreach, RCI, The National Timeshare Owner Association, timeshare education, Vacation Education Series 0 comments |

Record Attendance Expected at GNEX 2015 Global Networking Conference

2/18/2015 Unknown

The Global Networking Expo (GNEX) expects record attendance at its 2015 conference and 5^th anniversary celebration February 15th-18th in San Diego, California. Senior level executives from over 100 companies are already registered to attend the conference that GNEX is calling, "a sharp networking focused and debate oriented gathering of timeshare industry professionals."

Something for everyone

Known as the America's finest city, San Diego is the perfect choice with plenty of social venues to encourage networking. The city has year-round picture perfect weather, gorgeous beaches and waterfronts, excellent restaurants and entertainment, and is a loyal military city. As one of the highlighted activities, GNEX attendees will party onboard the famous USS Midway. Guests can sip a drink on the flight deck while admiring the spectacular views of the surrounding bay and city, take a private tour of the Admiral's Quarters, or take a spin in the 360 degree flight simulators in the hangar bay (preferably before you sip that drink).

Also expected to be a popular event during the conference kickoff on Sunday, participants will have an opportunity to drive exotic cars on the GNEX custom designed autocross track at a nearby stadium. Drivers have a chance to drive 0-60 in a little over 3 seconds in cars with price tags averaging $250,000 or more.

Time to learn too

Lest you forget that you are there to learn something—there is also a strong lineup of speakers with many important concepts to share. GNEX refers to its conferences as, "The Global Meeting of Minds" and claims to deliver some of the most open dialogue between industry leaders in recent history. Its concentration on networking has helped to create many new business relationships and strategic partnerships through an interactive, collaborative environment.

Session topics

Get ready for updates and information you'll need for a successful 2015 in sessions on the 2015 financial outlook, improving profitability through inventory management, and help with growing your business with online brand reputation. You'll also have access to a session that fills you in on the results of the 2014 Timeshare Owners Study, and another that provides updates from a panel of industry leaders on the best routes for industry growth.

Improve your marketing skills in a session that discusses which marketing strategies work to produce membership growth. Or take in another session that fills you in on customer profiling—considered the future of all marketing. And much more.

Speakers

The sessions feature speakers who are industry leaders. You might recognize such names such as Fermin Cruz, VP North American Business, DAE, Elianna Jones, Corporate Marketing Director, staySky Vacation Clubs and Bob Kobek, CustomerCount^TM Surveys. You can also catch Mark McCullough, Senior Territory Manager, North Americas, TripAdvisor, Jon Fredricks, CEO, Welk Group, or Gregory Crist, President and CEO, National Timeshare Owners Association. Just to name a few.

Don’t Miss It!

Don’t miss this opportunity to update your knowledge of the latest timeshare information, and enjoy getting reacquainted with your fellow timeshare professionals, and meeting new ones.

Labels: bob kobek, DAE, elianna jones, fermin cruz, global networking expo, GNEX, gnex 2015, GNEX Conference, gregory crist, jon fredricks, San Diego, The National Timeshare Owners Association, TripAdvisor, Welk group 0 comments |

Exchanging - The First Component to Timeshare Flexibility

2/19/2014 Unknown

Before there were points, split weeks, and rental programs, there was exchanging. Exchanging was the first component to make timeshare more flexible. Timeshare owners could now exchange their own unit with another owner of an equivalent unit at an affiliated resort within the system. Through the process, more travel options and exciting locations became available to timeshare owners. Resort Condominiums International, Inc. (RCI) celebrating 40 years of holiday exchange this year, was once the only game in town. Now, many more exchange companies offer timeshare owners the flexibility and choice of exchanging vacations.

Exchange Companies

RCI

RCI does deserve to be wished a happy birthday for getting it all started in 1974 with their RCI Resort Recognition program for holiday exchange. They followed it up, with other noteworthy innovations such as RCI Points (the first points-based exchange program), the Registry Collection (the world’s first luxury exchange program), and RCI TV (the first shared holiday ownership online video network). The company also lays claim to the first mobile version of an exchange website and to introducing trading power transparency.

Interval International

Interval International could be considered the Avis of the timeshare industry. Just like the car rental company, Interval International is smaller but strong. In operation since 1976, the company features a choice of hundreds of resorts in more than 75 countries. Promoting the power of exchange, Interval International has many tools to help owners "make the exchange they want, when they want it." Those tools include their Exchange Tracker, an interactive travel-planning tool that displays exchange and getaway activity throughout Interval’s network. Exchange Tracker has an interactive world map feature that allows exchangers to click on the pin for their chosen location to find resort details, photos and recent exchange activity.

DAE

DAE (Dial an Exchange) bills itself as "the world’s largest privately-owned global timeshare provider servicing the entire vacation ownership market, from timeshare weeks, to points club owners and fractional ownership." DAE also advertises itself as one of the most easy to use exchange companies, with the lowest transaction fees and no complicated rules to wade through. Whether exchangers start by banking first or finding a vacation first, DAE’s website is straightforward, and quick. Without having to bank a week, exchangers can extend a vacation with low cost rentals and Bonus Weeks.

Trading Places International

Another exchange company with many years (35+) of experience is Trading Places International (TCI). The company’s philosophy is to focus on the 20% of high-demand vacation destinations that 80% of owners desire. According to TCI, as well as offering traditional fees for domestic and international resorts, it offers its members a unique option to exchange back to the exchanger’s home resort at a reduced exchange fee. TCI has a full-service travel agency onsite at its corporate office.

Internal Exchange

Many timeshare companies offer timeshare flexibility with their own internal exchange programs. Membership at one resort gives owners the freedom to trade for time at other resorts in the resort family. Now that many resort families have locations all over the world, ownership at one resort opens the way to many additional vacation choices. One company with an internal exchange program is Grand Pacific Resort’s Grand Pacific Exchange (GPX). According to Grand Pacific, "GPX was started a decade ago as a resource for its owners to experience other Grand Pacific Resorts directly without using the larger exchange companies." All Grand Pacific owners may use GPX as their primary or secondary exchange program. Hilton Grand Vacations, Wyndham, Marriott are just a few of the other resort families with internal exchange programs.

Internal or external…whatever the preference, exchanging enhances and broadens timeshare ownership by opening up a world of travel experiences, and making the timeshare experience much more desirable.

Labels: DAE, Interval International, RCI, timeshare exchange, trading places international 0 comments |

Dial-An-Exchange Reinforces Global Growth at ARDA World Convention

4/24/2013 JW

Dial An Exchange (DAE), who recently exhibited at the ARDA World Convention, continued to receive incredible feedback from industry colleagues about its recent expansions and increased visibility within the market, a press release stated.

Innovative concepts, such as the Global Advantage Program, have allowed DAE to successfully grow its brand and its visibility within the market.

Record numbers of timeshare owners who are looking for alternatives to the traditional system of exchanging have been using DAE’s fresh approach to exchanging, resulting in an overall global increase of 22% in timeshare exchanges in 2012.

During the ARDA World Convention, DAE promoted its new programs to more than 3,000 industry professionals, from an eye catching exhibit booth in the convention center of the Westin Diplomat hotel, Hollywood, FL.

“The ARDA convention is great for us. It allows us to meet with our prospects and clients face to face to discuss new products, services and gives us all an opportunity to catch up with all our industry partners,” said Fermin Cruz, VP Americas Region.

“Creating new products to offer is a requirement in our changing market. Our partners have needs for innovative solutions and we are striving to meet those needs with the quality of service that has been a large reason for our growth over the years,”Cruz said.

With its recent global expansions and steadily growing membership, DAE continues to be the largest privately-owned timeshare exchange company in the world. DAE offices are being built all over the globe to meet the growing demand of its clients.

Such offices, like the newest location in Munich, Germany, services customers and resorts across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia.

Other centrally located offices in Europe such as the location in Bulgaria serves members across Eastern Europe, including Russia, Greece and Turkey, with the ability to service those customers in their native languages.

These new locations add to the long list of already established locations worldwide such as the United States, China, India, South Africa, Thailand, New Zealand and DAE’s corporate headquarters on the Gold Coast of Australia.

Dial-An-Exchange is the timeshare exchange provider for RedWeek members.

DAE membership benefits include a Free membership option, Gold Advantage membership option, low exchange fees, a 3-year credit for every banked week, 24/7 live access to exchange weeks, personalized customer service, worldwide vacation availability, discounted rental weeks in prime locations and informative monthly e-Newsletters providing travel tips, destination ideas and money saving promotions and offers.

At DAE, the timeshare owners’ needs come first and foremost and quality of service is never compromised.

Labels: american resort development association, ARDA, ARDA World Convention 2013, DAE, Dial-an-Exchange, timeshare, timeshare exchange, timeshare owners 0 comments |

Dial-An-Exchange A Winner

3/14/2012 JW

Everything’s coming up roses for Dial An Exchange (DAE), one of the world’s largest independent timeshare exchange organizations, after being named a winner in two international competitions.

Selected from a field of international entries, DAE has been named a finalist in three categories in the American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) annual Awards Program.

In the Advertising, Promotion & Communications Division, the company was named a finalist in the Magazine Advertisement category for their Dial An Exchange Old School Service advertisement as well as selected as a top winner in the Sales Center Materials division for Dial An Exchange – North America.

In the Sales and Marketing Division competition, DAE was named a finalist for their Call Center with less than 200 persons. The top award winner will be announced at a Black Tie Gala held in conjunction with ARDA’s annual conference in Las Vegas on April 4, 2012.

DAE was also honored with the Best Project Team award for its North American operations at the Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2012 & Perspective Magazine Awards Gala. This annual event was held in February in Cancun, Mexico and attended by industry leaders from five continents. The Perspective Magazine Awards annually recognizes the top companies and individuals doing business in the timeshare and fractional sector of the hospitality industry.

Commented Fermin Cruz, Vice President of North American Business for DAE who accepted the award, “The entire team in the North American office for DAE is especially proud of winning in the Best Project Team Award category. We work very hard as a team and to receive an award that was voted on by our peers makes it a special honor.”

Dial An Exchange CEO Francis Taylor agreed. “Winning this prestigious award for two consecutive years is a testament to the level of success DAE continues to achieve. During 2011, the company grew more than in the previous five years."

"This growth was achieved while maintaining an A+ customer satisfaction rating with the Better Business Bureau. At the same time, we added 100,000 new members as a result of new industry partnerships,” said Taylor.

Labels: ARDA, DAE, Dial An Exchange, GNEX Conference, Perspective Magazine 0 comments |

Dial An Exchange Wins Big At GNEX Conference

6/15/2011 JW

Dial An Exchange (DAE), one of the world’s largest independent timeshare exchange organizations, was a major winner of three prestigious awards at the timeshare industry's Global Networking Expo & Perspective Magazine Awards Gala, held recently at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas and attended by industry leaders from five continents.

Dial An Exchange CEO Francis Taylor was named winner of the prestigious “Best Industry Leader” award and the company was selected as the “Best Place To Work” in the international competition. Recognized for their penchant for providing exceptional customer service, DAE’s strong focus was rewarded with their Customer Service Team being named the industry’s “Best Project Team.”

Dial An Exchange also received two nominations for the Best Marketing Campaign: DAE Branding of Classic Escapes Sales Decks and DAE International Press 2010.

Members of the vacation industry cast more than 2,400 votes online during a two-month search for the shared ownership industry’s elite. Online votes were tallied with decisions from an expert panel of judges. Nearly 150 entrants competed in a variety of categories.

“We are extremely proud of these awards,” said Fermin Cruz, VP of North American business for DAE, “especially the Best Leader award. Under his guidance, Francis has steadfastly modeled the DAE business to focus on keeping our members happy while constantly delivering on our promises. His leadership position has enabled him to see the industry from a unique, global perspective and bring an independent viewpoint to timeshare exchange and how best to meet the needs of changing consumer behavior”.

DAE is the largest independent timeshare exchange provider with worldwide destination availability. Formed in 1997 to support timeshare owners, membership is free and exchange fees are not charged until an exchange is confirmed. Since the company’s formation, DAE has grown from a single office in Australia to offices in Europe, the United States, New Zealand, South Africa, Asia, the United Kingdom and Phoenix, Arizona. The company has over 300,000 members around the world.

Labels: DAE, Dial An Exchange, GNEX Conference, timeshare exchange, timeshare news 0 comments |

New Benefits for DAE Gold Advantage Members

1/27/2011 JW

Dial An Exchange (DAE), one of the world’s largest independent timeshare exchange organizations has recently launched a new expansion of benefits for DAE’s Gold Advantage members. Gold Advantage is the premium membership offered by Dial An Exchange, a free membership is also available.

Gold Advantage memberships can be purchased for $89 for a full year, with a renewal price of $59. Current Gold Advantage benefits include advance booking capability of newly available inventory, priority requests, discounts on the purchase of all DAE exchanges and bonus weeks, and a slew of lifestyle benefits that encompass travel, hotel, golf, recreation and even grocery discounts.

The additional features added to the Gold Advantage membership include a 365/24/7 concierge program that members can access both on vacation and at home. Concierge benefits include roadside assistance, currency exchange, medical assistance, and more. Another additional benefit is discounts on vacation, tour, and cruise packages, and an elite member buying service that gives Gold Advantage members discounts on thousands of brand name products from hundreds of manufacturers and distributors.

“Dial An Exchange will always offer a free membership option,” says Fermin Cruz, Vice President of Dial An Exchange, “but we feel our Gold Advantage is a fantastic value for our members. The discounts alone can pay for the membership, and our Gold Advantage members have always enjoyed getting priority requests and advanced inventory notification.”

DAE launched the Gold Advantage program in response to requests from its members, now totaling over 300,000 worldwide. It was launched one year ago and has been received most enthusiastically by its member base and is also being offered to new timeshare purchasers at resort locations Internationally.

Dial An Exchange is the largest privately owned timeshare exchange company with worldwide destination availability. Membership is free and exchange fees are not charged until an exchange is confirmed. Since the company’s formation in 1997, DAE has grown from a single office in Australia to offices in Europe, the United States, New Zealand, South Africa and Asia.

Labels: DAE, Dial An Exchange, timeshare exchange, timeshare news, vacation ownership 0 comments |

Dial An Exchange Grows Its Timeshare Exchange Services

10/29/2010 JW

Dial An Exchange Pty Ltd (DAE), it was announced this past week, will be taking over the timeshare exchange program for RedWeek, and now DAE is poised to grow even further. It has entered into a long-term agreement with Classic Holiday Club to provide exchange services to its points club members.

Francis Taylor, CEO of DAE, stated that this is the first time DAE in Australia will be presented exclusively at point of sale. The agreement with Classic Holiday Club will provide improved levels of service and integration of systems to ensure their members receive superior value from their purchase.

Classic Holiday Club is part of the Classic Group of companies, the largest privately owned timeshare and resort management company in Australia and New Zealand, with over 45,000 members under management and 17 resorts and clubs.

For its part, Classic Holiday Club is happy to be working with DAE. Mark Stephenson, Director of Sales for Classic Holiday Club, said that DAE was a natural fit for Classic. “The flexibility and worldwide reach of DAE is perfect for our points club, particularly for our new membership product, Classic Escapes,” Stephenson said.

“We are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to market and sell our product in conjunction with a company which has such a positive image in our marketplace. DAE has a reputation for first class delivery and customer service, qualities which we stand for in our own business," declared Stephenson.

Dial An Exchange is the largest privately owned exchange company in the world and offers worldwide destination availability. Since the company’s formation in 1997, DAE has grown from a single office in Australia to offices in Europe, the United States, New Zealand, South Africa and Asia. The company has over 250,000 members around the world.

DAE has been the "back office support" for RedWeek's timeshare exchange program since its inception, and will fully take over RedWeek's on November 15, 2010. "With a strong track record for excellent customer service and a growing base of members worldwide, DAE is well prepared to take the exchange service to new levels for RedWeek members," said a RedWeek official.

Labels: DAE, Dial An Exchange, redweek, timeshare exchange 0 comments |

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To Get the Most from a Timeshare - Be Flexible