Timeshare Information

Exchange Companies

RCI

Interval International

DAE

Trading Places International

Internal Exchange

Petchey Leisure’s six properties in Europe continues to be a part of the RCI network of affiliated timeshare resorts, the global leader in vacation exchange.

Petchey Leisure’s six properties are located across Portugal, Spain and Tenerife. Pictured is Oura View Beach Club in Albufeira, Portugal.

“RCI invented the exchange business nearly 40 years ago and has been the innovator and leader ever since,” said Isla Murray, project director of Petchey Leisure.

“Innovation is important to our business and I believe Petchey Leisure and RCI share the same vision for our industry going forward. We have worked successfully with RCI for many years and we are happy as always to continue that partnership.

“In addition, RCI offers exciting technological resources and marketing advantages for us through its international vision, as well as having the largest possible selection of vacation resorts for our owners. We are very pleased to be working with them,” continued Murray.

 “We are delighted by Petchey Leisure’s continued commitment to RCI. Magnum Global Holdings Singapore Pte. Ltd. (associate of MGM) is new to our industry and as a hugely successful hospitality company, it brings with it great credibility,” said Dimitris Manikis, vice president, Business Development, RCI Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“Our association with Petchey Leisure brand instantly makes this group a major player in the European market. We look forward to a long and successful partnership,” Manikis said.

About Petchey Leisure 
Petchey Leisure is one of Europe’s leading leisure brands. Starting with one resort in Albufeira, Portugal, in the early 1970s, the company has expanded its portfolio and products over the years to encompass many fully-owned and managed holiday resorts in Portugal, mainland Spain and Tenerife as well as inventory at a number of other resorts in Europe and worldwide.

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.

Dial An Exchange, one of the nation’s largest independent vacation exchange organizations, offers properties in premium vacation destinations from British Columbia to Florida.

Commented Tanya Bleuel, Director of Yield Management for DAE, “We have members that often have their hearts set on a certain vacation destination, but found that there were no timeshare resorts in that location or there was limited availability.

“We also learned that many of our members were purchasing additional accommodations to extend their annual vacation and often paid as much as $2,000 per week for their accommodations.

“We created daeOptions by forming alliances with non-timeshare resorts to allow our members to rent or exchange their timeshare week for a seven-night stay and ultimately enjoy a vacation in their dream destination.”

DAE members can rent daeOptions weeks at highly discounted prices or they can exchange into any daeOptions property by depositing their timeshare week and paying an exchange fee from $350 to $450.

Added Bleuel, “This program opens a world of vacationing options to our members. Whether the member exchanges or rents at members’ only prices, they are getting a great deal.”

New daeOptions resort destinations include Whistler, BC (see top photo); Chicago, IL; Cambridge, MD; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; St. Petersburg, FL; Braintree, MA; Anchorage, AK, Oahu, HI; and Orlando, FL.

During the past decade as Dial An Exchange has dramatically grown worldwide, the no-membership-fee company has continued to offer a host of vacationing options to its membership. Internationally known and respected for providing exceptional customer service, DAE is the largest privately owned exchange company with worldwide destination availability.

DAE has grown from a single office in Australia to offices in Europe, the United States, New Zealand, South Africa and Asia, and the United Kingdom.

Photo Credit: bcadventures.com

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group has appointed Christopher McGill as director of resort sales and service for the western region. He is based in the Las Vegas office and reports to David Callaghan, vice president of resort sales and service.

In this role, McGill oversees Interval’s presence and directs the day-to-day sales and service activities in the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. He is responsible for providing service to Interval’s existing affiliated resort clients, as well as building Interval’s developer client base in those markets.

“We are extremely pleased that Chris has joined our resort sales and service team. His sales and marketing experience in the timeshare industry has already proven to be a considerable asset, as we continue to grow our business in the western region,” said Callaghan.

McGill began his sales career with QM Resorts, where he was employed from 2001 to 2004. He then served as a staffer, campaign manager, and executive director for a number of Nevada public officials. Most recently, McGill was president of Lingkt Public Relations and Business Development, a consulting firm in Las Vegas.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Nevada in Reno.

Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for 35 years.

Today, Interval has an exchange network of approximately 2,600 resorts in over 75 nations. Through offices in 15 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs.

Photo Credit: perspectivemagazine.com

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, has announced two new affiliation agreements with Hon Tam Resort & Spa in Vietnam (see photo) and Patong Bay Garden Resort in Thailand. The signing of these agreements expands RCI’s Asian portfolio to 158 properties.

Earlier in the year, another two new properties were welcomed into the program. Both in China, the Shining Star Vacation Club, Xing Yao Shui Xiang Resort and Huangshan Grandview Resorts Hotels offer high-quality vacation experiences to the 3.8 million members in RCI’s network.

“These four new affiliation agreements not only show a growing interest for timeshare travel throughout Asia but evidence that we’re offering an innovative and appealing timeshare exchange product,” said Adrian Lee, managing director, RCI Asia Pacific.

“Adding new resorts in China, Thailand and Vietnam reaffirms our commitment to offering great vacations in highly-desirable destinations in Asia and throughout the world. We’re happy to have them on-board,” Lee said.

Hon Tam Resort & Spa (see photo) is located on Hon Tam, an eco-green island in the middle of Vietnam’s Nha Trang Bay surrounded by crystal blue waters and a private and pristine beach.. Recreational facilities include a golf driving range, mini-golf, tennis courts, fitness center, Kids’ Club, spa, and water sports including scuba diving and fishing. Nha Trang is known for its endless beach and warm tropical weather,

Patong Bay Garden Resort is located on the popular Patong Bay in Phuket, Thailand offering a full range of facilities and activities, along with the classic touch of Thai charm and hospitality. Phuket, also known as the Jewel of the Andaman Sea, is a world-class destination offering a dynamic, vibrant and diverse holiday destination; world-class diving in the Andaman Sea; golfing at world-standard championship courses; eco-adventures in tropical forests; exhilarating speedboat trips to the surrounding islands; and serene cruises around mystical Phang Nga Bay.

Shining Star Vacation Club, Xing Yao Shui Xiang Resort is located in the Jia Lize wetland in Kunming, China. This mega upscale integrated tourism development consists of more than 10,000 diverse vacation accommodations spread across themed resorts, hotels, holiday villas and town houses; equestrian club with a landscaped 20-kilometer riding boulevard; ecological wetland park; country-style fishing club; golf academy and driving range exclusively designed by Phil Mickelson; extensive lavender and sunflower fields; organic fruit and vegetable garden; meeting and conference facilities; and a myriad of retail and dining facilities.

Huangshan Grandview Resorts Hotels, part of the Yuan Yi Group, is a global lifestyle and mixed-used development strategically located in the south of Xin An River and flanked by Pei Lang River to its east. It is surrounded by renowned tourism sites such as the charming Old Antique Street, the awe-inspiring Huangshan, China (also known as Yellow Mountain), diversified cultural wetlands and historical Anhui villages.

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, has expanded its global resort network with the addition of Jinfeng Yinhua Holiday Hotel, part of the Shengteng Vacation Club.

In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang City, China, the vacation ownership apartments offer the ideal vantage point from which to explore the history and customs of the Naxi people, who have lived in Yunnan Province for 800 years.

“Lijiang City is one of China’s most popular destinations, renowned not only for its cultural heritage, but also for its stunning surroundings and unique festivals,” said Joe Hickman, Interval’s executive director for Asia Pacific. “The hotel’s authentic Naxi architecture, distinguished by sloping tile roofs, gates, and classical courtyards, blends seamlessly with the historic hotels and farms of the Old Town, while offering up-to-the-minute style and amenities.”

Tucked into cobbled Guailiu Lane in the willow-shaded Shuhe Old Town, Jinfeng Yinhua Holiday Hotel has a restaurant and separate tea and wine bars on site. All units have sleek, modern decor. Nearby, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provides a majestic backdrop for the Moon Embracing Pavilion (see photo), a frequently visited tourist site at Black Dragon Pond. Other popular attractions include Dongba hieroglyphs and the Mosuo people at Lugu Lake, known as the “last kingdom of women on earth.”

Legendary Lijiang City is situated in the mountains of Yunnan Province, in the far southwest of China. Due to its low latitude and high elevation, the climate is generally mild year-round.

“Lijiang City is a harmonious combination of old traditions and a fashionable new city,” said Wang Xinming, President of Shengteng Resort Development Co. Ltd. “We are pleased to welcome Interval members to this part of China and to offer our Vacation Club members the quality and worldwide scope of Interval International operates membership programs for vacation owners and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for 35 years.

Today, Interval International has a timeshare exchange network of approximately 2,600 resorts in over 75 nations. Through offices in 15 countries, Interval International offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. Interval is an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, Inc., a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

(Photo credit - travelblog.com)

RCI has unveiled an exciting and enhanced version of its membership program. RCI Platinum is a premium tier of RCI membership that offers an exclusive range of privileges and lifestyle benefits that its members can enjoy both on vacation and at home.

The new lifestyle program, which follows the company’s innovative transformation of its timeshare exchange program by offering trading power transparency to its Weeks members, is designed to make planning and taking that all-important vacation even easier and more enjoyable.

Membership benefits include Priority Access to vacations in highly sought-after destinations, opportunities for free unit upgrades, complimentary secure luggage tracking and substantial savings on RCI transactions, travel arrangements, theatre, dining, attractions, days out and more.

Sean Lowe, RCI’s managing director for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI), said: “Timeshare owners are always looking for more value from their exchange provider and RCI Platinum will provide just that – new opportunities for priority access and special member discounts.

“RCI Platinum membership will offer tremendous lifestyle benefits that our members can use and enjoy in a variety of different ways.”

“As the inventor of timeshare exchange, RCI is always looking for ways to develop and enhance its products and services to give our members the best experiences and exceed the expectations of our resort affiliates,” added Lowe.

“RCI Platinum is an enhanced tier of RCI membership that brings a range of fantastic benefits to build on our popular – and well-established – Weeks and Points products. It essentially offers a new level of luxury to what is already an exclusive club.”

Lowe said the move had partly come in response to member demand for an elite product that would reflect an even greater element of luxury.

“We’ve listened to our members’ comments and responded with what I believe is a terrific new product,” he added. “We’re excited to continue delivering what our members ask for with innovative enhancements and dozens of lifestyle benefits that we’ll continue to build upon and expand going forward.”

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, has announced a new resort affiliation with Huangshan Grandview Resorts Hotel in the highly sought-after destination of Huangshan, a UNESCO World Heritage site in China.

“We are very pleased to welcome Huangshan Grandview Resorts Hotels,” said Adrian Lee, managing director, RCI Asia. “This stunning resort is a remarkable addition to the collection of our diverse portfolio of resort destinations we offer to our members worldwide, and a continuous effort to expand our footprint in China.”

Huangshan Grandview Resorts Hotels is part of the Yuan Yi Group, a global lifestyle and mixed-used development strategically located in the south of Xin An River and flanked by Pei Lang River to its east. It is surrounded by renowned tourism sites such as the charming Old Antique Street, the awe-inspiring Huangshan (also known as Yellow Mountain), diversified cultural wetlands and historical Anhui villages.

This 320,000 square meters community is comprised of Grand Villa, Grand Mansion, Parrion Huashan Hotel, Hilton Hotel, an Opera and Concert House, multiplex Cinemas, theme hotels (under development), local Anhui restaurants and museum and Spa Club.

“Timeshare exchange is a great vacation option for travelers worldwide,” said Philip Ng, chief operating officer of Parrion Hotels & Resorts, management company for the YuanYi Group. “We are confident that working with RCI will make Huangshan Grandview Resorts Hotels a popular vacation destination for those looking to enjoy the natural and historical attractions of China. This affiliation will allow our resort to be shown in the most important showcase of international destinations, and this alliance makes us one of the most important developments of Huangshan in China.”

RCI is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange with over 4,000 affiliated resorts in approximately 100 countries. RCI pioneered the concept of vacation exchange in 1974, offering members increased flexibility and versatility with their vacation ownership experience. RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals and the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands.

Yuan Yi Group began its investment portfolio in real estate in mainland China more than 10 years ago. Its investments have expanded over a region covering Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces.

(Photo credit - panoramio.com)

Dial An Exchange (DAE) North America, one of the nation’s largest independent vacation exchange organizations, has recently announced new partnerships with properties in premium vacation destinations from British Columbia to Florida. Access to the new resort properties will provide additional options for the over 300,000 DAE members.

“We have members that often have their hearts set on a certain vacation destination, but found that there were no timeshare resorts in that location or there was limited availability. We also learned that many of our members were purchasing additional accommodations to extend their annual vacation and often paid as much as $2,000 per week for their accommodations,” said Tanya Bleuel, Director of Yield Management for DAE.

Continued Bleuel, “We created daeOptions by forming alliances with non-timeshare resorts to allow our members to rent or exchange their timeshare week for a seven-night stay and ultimately enjoy a vacation in their dream destination.”

DAE members can rent daeOptions weeks at highly discounted prices or they can exchange into any daeOptions property by depositing their timeshare week and paying an exchange fee from $350 to $450.

“The new program opens a world of vacationing options to our members. Whether the member exchanges or rents at members’ only prices, they are getting a great deal,” added Bleuel.

New daeOptions resort destinations include Whistler, BC; Chicago, IL; Cambridge, MD; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; St. Petersburg, FL; Braintree, MA; Anchorage, AK, Oahu, HI; and Orlando, FL.

During the past decade as Dial An Exchange has dramatically grown worldwide, the no-membership-fee company has continued to offer a host of vacationing options to its membership.

Internationally known and respected for providing exceptional customer service, DAE is the largest privately owned 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, and the United Kingdom. The company has more than 300,000 members around the world and over 40,000 members in its European region, many of whom have joined by way of member referrals.

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.

Club Intrawest, a private vacation club with eight locations across Canada, the United States and Mexico, has its community of members raving about ExtraOrdinary Escapes.

This private exchange collection allows members to use their membership to explore resorts, hotels, and lodging around the world in popular destinations like New York City, Hawaii, Paris, Tuscany, Hong Kong and beyond. All ExtraOrdinary Escapes properties are hand-picked by Intrawest’s industry professionals.

“We realize that members might want to venture outside the Club Intrawest network for a vacation every now and then,” says Chris Thompson, Executive Director of Membership Programs, who has been with Intrawest Resort Club Group (IRCG) for 14 years.

“Whether it’s celebrating a special event or taking that once in a lifetime vacation we want our Members to be able to stay connected to the most unique vacation club in the world while they make the memories of a lifetime.”

ExtraOrdinary Escapes (which also incorporates an RCI component) has grown to encompass relationships with Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Disney Vacation Club.

ExtraOrdinary Escapes is also very selective about which properties it includes in its portfolio. This is to ensure that the quality of the timeshare exchange partners meets the high expectations of members.

ExtraOrdinary Escapes is one of IRCG’s primary assets. With escape options that include storm watching at Vancouver Island’s Wickaninnish Inn (one of the highest rated hotels in Canada) to the excitement of Las Vegas (Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Flamingo) and the thrill of New York City (West 57th Street by Hilton Club) ExtraOrdinary Escapes offers hundreds of additional vacation options to the Club’s 22,000 members.

Since opening its first location in 1994, people from 48 countries have joined Club Intrawest, enjoying the Club Intrawest locations as well hand-picked hotels, resorts and lodging properties.

Italy's Villa Bossi Pucci Residence Club is part of Interval International's vacation exchange network. Surrounded by cypress trees, olive orchards, and vineyards in Italy’s rolling Tuscan hills, the twenty-one fractional residences are housed in buildings that once comprised a farming village.

“Visiting Villa Bossi Pucci is like stepping back to another era,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

“While each building has been refurbished to evoke its original use, Interval members can expect to enjoy the luxury and upscale amenities of a world-class resort.”

Located near Montespertoli (known as “the city of the wine”), Villa Bossi Pucci is in the heart of the Chianti region of Tuscany, 25 minutes by car from Florence International Airport. Each residence has generous interior space and offers sweeping views of the Montespertoli valley and the Castello di Poppiano, or of the olive and fruit gardens and centuries-old park.

The full-time concierge can arrange a variety of services, including pre-stocking refrigerators and pantries on request, booking area excursions (with an English-speaking driver), confirming restaurant reservations and scheduling massages, spa services, and wine tastings. Weekly cooking classes (in-season) reveal the secrets of Tuscan cooking through recipes using locally grown herbs and vegetables and homemade pasta.

“At Villa Bossi Pucci, Interval members and their guests can avail themselves of amenities not found at most other Tuscan vacation homes,” said Tommaso Zanzotto, director of the development company, Societa Immobiliare Il Sasso Srl. “Yet it is a uniquely authentic experience that celebrates the distinctive character of Tuscany. We welcome visitors to feel the rich history of this region and become acquainted with the craftsmanship of local artisans who use techniques that have been handed down for generations.”

Almost without exception, every town and city in Tuscany has considerable natural and architectural beauty. Six Tuscan localities have been designated World Heritage Sites, including the historic centres of Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Pienza. Villa Bossi Pucci has been awarded the Interval International Premier Boutique Resort designation, placing it within the highest level of recognition. This distinction identifies the resort as exceeding Interval’s quality affiliation standards and delivering an outstanding vacation experience, with excellent accommodations in a desirable location.

Based in Miami, Florida, Interval International has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 34 years. Today, Interval has a timeshare exchange network of more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 nations.

(Photo - villabossipucci.com)

Leading French developer Group Cela has announced the affiliation of three new resort properties to RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange. The three properties are Cela Alénya, located in the Languedoc Roussillon region, and Alpine mountain resorts Cela Chamrousse and Cela Orelle.

Cela Alénya (see photo) is idyllically located in the centre of Alenya village in the southern part of the Languedoc Roussillon, five minutes from the beach and the 18-hole golf course of Saint Cyprien. The resort complex, which is set in a four-hectare landscaped site featuring a 100-year-old pine forest, contains a variety of sports and leisure facilities including whirlpool/hot tub, swimming pools and a spa offering a variety of beauty treatments.

Cela Chamrousse, located at an altitude of almost 5,000 ft, offers amazing views and direct access to 50 miles of ski slopes. On site amenities include a spa with heated swimming pool, hammam, sauna, beauty treatments and massages. There is also a restaurant, bar and a warm lobby with a fireplace.

Cela Orelle is located in the traditional village of Orelle in the La Maurienne valley, near the national park of La Vanoise. The village offers access to the world-renowned ski resorts of Val Thorens and the 3 Valleys. Nearer to home, the resort’s on-site facilities include a restaurant, bar and a spa with heated swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, massages and beauty treatments. Additional on-site amenities include a snack bar and conference facilities.

“We are very excited to bring our owners the opportunities that RCI offers,” said Jean Garsau’, Président Directeur Général of Group Cela. “RCI offers our owners access to 4,000 terrific vacation resorts around the world.

“This additional benefit means owners at Cela Alénya, Cela Chamrousse and Cela Orelle can not only stay at their wonderful vacation property but also have the opportunity to exchange to take a beach holiday in the Canary Islands, a city break in New York or visit exotic destinations such as India or Australia.”

Dimitris Manikis, Vice President of Business Development for RCI in Europe and the Middle East, said: “We are very pleased to welcome these three new Group Cela properties into the RCI network. These fantastic resorts are a tremendous addition to the collection of top vacation destinations we offer to more than 3.8 million RCI members around the world.”

In addition to the new affiliations, Group Cela has also renewed the affiliation agreement for its two existing RCI resorts, Cela Canet Malibu Village and Cela Canet Malibu Premier, both located in the Languedoc Roussillon region of France, for an additional 10 years.

(Photo credit cela-alenya.com)

RCI announced at the 2011 ARDA Convention in Florida the launch of an exciting and enhanced version of its Weeks membership program - Platinum.

The RCI Weeks Platinum Membership is a premium tier of RCI membership, offering exclusive exchange privileges and lifestyle benefits. It is presently available to US members and will be rolled out across Europe in the summer.

"Timeshare owners are always looking for more value from their exchange provider and RCI Weeks Platinum will provide just that - new opportunities for priority access and special member discounts," explained Geoff Ballotti, CEO of RCI.

"After the successful debut of the RCI Points Platinum membership tier last year, we are excited to expand this terrific program to our RCI Weeks members as well. The RCI Weeks Platinum membership tier will offer tremendous lifestyle benefits that our RCI Weeks members can use and enjoy in so many different ways."

This new tier of RCI Weeks membership will offer a large range of advantages to the RCI member including room upgrade opportunities, exclusive "first look" access to specially acquired holiday accommodation, and rebates for various RCI transactions. Members will also have access to preferred rates at the world's finest ski destinations and discounted green fees at many golf courses in the US.

"As the inventor of vacation exchange, RCI is always looking to develop new products and ideas that will give our members the best experiences and exceed the expectations of our resort affiliates," said Ballotti. "The RCI Weeks Platinum membership tier brings terrific new benefits to our already popular RCI Weeks program.

"We're excited to continue delivering what our members ask for with innovative enhancements and dozens of lifestyle benefits that we'll continue to build upon and expand going forward."

RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with access to more than 80,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. 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.

(Photo credit www.rciventures.com)

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, announced at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2011 Convention and Exposition (March 27 - 31, 2011) that it added more than 100 newly affiliated resorts to its network in 2010.

RCI welcomed some of the industry's most respected brands over the past year including InnSeason Resorts and AMResorts. In 2010, the company also added properties from current affiliates including several resorts each from developers like Fiesta Hotel Group, Holiday Club Resorts, Hoteles Decameron Colombia and Mahindra Holidays and Resorts. Additionally, RCI renewed its relationship with existing affiliates including industry leaders Disney Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations and Bluegreen Corporation.

"We are extremely proud to have added over 100 newly affiliated properties to our expansive network of high-quality timeshare resorts," said Geoff Ballotti, CEO of RCI. "These fantastic resorts are in some of the world's most sought-after destinations. Their addition is a testament not only to the innovative and value-added services we can offer new affiliates but the tremendous support our global team provides to help all of our affiliates thrive and grow."

Since pioneering the vacation exchange concept in 1974, RCI continues to lead the industry with first-to-market innovations. In 2010, RCI embarked on a number of initiatives that continued to transform the timeshare exchange industry. In November, the company unveiled the revolutionary "trading power transparency" for its "RCI Weeks" program to provide more choice, flexibility and control for subscribing members.

As a result of this enhancement, RCI Weeks members can now compare the trading power value of their deposited week to the value of the exchange vacations they are interested in, and can also combine their deposited weeks, gaining greater access to vacations that have a higher exchange trading power.

The first in the industry to offer points exchange, RCI continued to expand the benefits it provides with the launch of the RCI Points Platinum® membership tier. The newest and highest level of its membership, the RCI Points Platinum tier offers opportunities for automatic room upgrades, priority exchange privileges, discounts at tens of thousands of dining locations, preferred rates at ski, golf and dining locations and a myriad of other valuable travel and lifestyle benefits.

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, announced it has expanded its network in Colombia through its affiliation with Royal Decameron Baru Hotel, a well-appointed resort near Cartagena at Baru Island.

Located approximately 90 minutes from Cartagena International Airport, Royal Decameron Baru Hotel boasts a spectacular ocean front environment surrounded by a lagoon, colorful coral reefs and spectacular white-sand beaches.The Royal Decameron Baru Hotel reflects a modern, tropical design and offers four restaurants, five bars and three swimming pools on-site.

“Affiliating this property with RCI represents a great opportunity for us,” said Gerardo Martinez, administrative manager, Multivac Decameron. “Having worked with RCI for the last 10 years we are excited to further expand our business areas and share the beauty of Decameron Baru Hotel with RCI members worldwide.”

“We are very pleased to affiliate another member of the Hotel Chain Decameron Colombia SA, to our network,” said Ricardo Montaudon, president, RCI Latin America. “We have enjoyed our affiliations with other properties throughout the region and are confident that Royal Decameron Baru will further strengthen and grow our relationship with this chain of quality resorts.”

“Royal Decameron Baru is an addition to the RCI network that truly makes us proud,” said Luis Mirabllo, vice president of business development, RCI South America. Affiliating with this resort reaffirms our commitment to offer exotic vacations to the 3.8 million RCI members around the world looking for great vacation destinations.”

RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in timeshare vacation exchange and the world’s largest serviced vacation rentals business, providing access to approximately 97,000 vacation properties in nearly 100 countries.

(Photo credit - voyagesdestination.com)

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, has announced the launching of its most prestigious membership level, Interval Platinum (SM). The program is designed for discerning vacation owners who desire higher-end travel experiences and personal attention at every step of the planning process.

“Interval Platinum is the latest evolution of the premium benefit options that we give members. We were the first vacation exchange company to create an upgraded program, now Interval Gold®, and we continue to raise the bar by offering consumers and resort clients the broadest array of membership options in the industry,” said Jeanette Marbert, chief operating officer of Interval International.

The global program was developed with insights from a cross-section of people from the United States and the United Kingdom who are enrolled in either Interval standard or Interval Gold membership. Marbert added, “The consistent message was that they wanted a high-touch experience and a wider variety of travel benefits. We believe we have delivered on those requests, and more.”

David Gilbert, Interval’s executive vice president of resort sales and marketing, noted, “We can’t emphasize enough how attractive this new program will be, not just to members, but to resort clients. Because it appeals to affluent consumers with a strong travel propensity, Interval Platinum is an effective enhancement to any shared ownership sales effort.”

In addition to the benefits and services of Interval’s standard and Gold memberships, Platinum members will enjoy high-end travel-related products, expanded Getaway and exchange perks, and the ultimate in customer attention.

Among other things, the comprehensive collection includes:

• Airport Lounge Membership – Complimentary membership in the standard Priority Pass TM program, with access at more than 600 airports


• VIP Concierge (SM) – 24/7 personal assistance for purchasing concert tickets, making dinner reservations, and more


• Hotel, Dining, and Leisure Discounts – Access to more than 75,000 premium discounts from Entertainment® at IntervalWorld.com


• ShortStay Exchange (SM) – To trade weeks or points for quick breaks (from two to six nights each)


• Hertz #1 Club Gold® – Complimentary membership that provides expedited car rentals at more than 1,000 locations in 23 countries


• Companion Airline Certificate – Companion ticket when members book airline tickets to participating cities

Members enrolled in Interval standard and Gold programs are able to upgrade to Interval Platinum at any time. Benefits may vary by region.

Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for 35 years. Today, Interval has a timeshare exchange network of approximately 2,600 resorts in over 75 nations.

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands announced it has expanded its network in Mexico through its affiliation with Ixchel Residences, a well-appointed development at north Isla Mujeres, a popular beach destination just outside Cancun.

Developed by Group I Maroma, Ixchel Residences is located less than 13 miles from Cancun International Airport and features 14 exclusive luxury villas and 117 deluxe rooms. The property offers several on-site amenities including a gym, heated pool, an area with lounge chairs on the beach and high-speed wireless Internet.

Isla Mujeres (Women Island) was so named by Spanish explorers because of the large numbers of clay goddess images found there. At that time the island was sacred to the Mayan goddess of childbirth, Ix Chel.

Isla Mujeres is a fun 20-minute ferry ride from either Puerto Juarez or Puerto Cancun. Considered by many to be "the most idyllic spot in the Caribbean," the island is a world away from busy Cancun, with a peaceful, laid-back lifestyle.

“This affiliation with RCI represents an important opportunity for us,” said Gabriel Tommasi, legal representative, Ixchel Residences Resort. “We are excited to be able to expand our business areas, provide new opportunities for our customers, and bring the beauty of Isla Mujeres to new audiences.”

“For RCI, this exciting affiliation with Ixchel Residences represents another opportunity for us to offer great exchange options to our 3.8 million members worldwide,” said Ricardo Montaudon, president, RCI Latin America. “Located in a region that consistently boasts great vacations, this development reaffirms RCI’s commitment to offering great vacation in highly desirable destinations.”

RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the world’s largest serviced vacation rentals business, providing access to nearly 97,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. The vacation exchange business includes RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers.

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.

(Photo credit - ixchelresidences.com)