Timeshare Information

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, recently launched a fully-transactional website in simplified Chinese available to its exchange members.

RCI.com suits the needs of members and affiliates with 13 language options that include English, Spanish, Italian, Greek, French, Portuguese, Dutch and, now, simplified Chinese.

“At RCI, we are dedicated to serving our subscribing members who reside all over the world and our affiliated resorts found in approximately 100 countries,” said Gordon Gurnik, president, RCI.

“We created this version of our website to better serve our Chinese members, making the vacation exchange process even easier.”

Members who would prefer to view the exchange company’s website in simplified Chinese can log in at RCI.com, where they will be able to view the resort directory, search and book exchange vacations, manage their accounts, book Extra Vacation Getaways, renew and upgrade their memberships and much more.

The enhanced functionality available on the site includes the ability to view recommendations based on past searches, save favorites, and view special offers through the Exchange Search Filter. Members who book their exchange vacation online will also have the opportunity to save on exchange fees.

“With the high adoption of internet usage in China, we understood that making RCI.com available in simplified Chinese would potentially bring great value to our Chinese members,” said Adrian Lee, managing director, RCI Asia.

“We believe that both members and resort affiliates will be pleased with the options now available to them online in their preferred language.”

“Chinese members will gain more professional and comprehensive service with this website, which will help improve members’ online exchange experience,” said Zhou Zhong, chairman of Huanmei International Vacation Club, an RCI affiliate.

“Together with RCI we will provide the best service possible to members.”

To view the site in your preferred language, visit www.RCI.com and choose from the many language options available in the drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

About RCI 
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.

Today, through RCI Weeks, the traditional week-for-week exchange system, and RCI Points, the industry’s first global points-based exchange system, RCI provides flexible vacation options to its approximately 3.7 million RCI subscribing members each year. RCI is part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands.

RCI®, the global leader in vacation exchange, was recently recognized by the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) with a Crystal Pineapple Award in the category of Outstanding Tourism Industry Partner.

The award winners were recognized at a ceremony in November at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino in St. Maarten.

“SHTA has unanimously chosen RCI as the recipient of its 2012 Outstanding Tourism Industry Partner Award,” said Alfred Harley, executive director of the SHTA.

“This award recognizes international industry partners that have made a significant contribution toward the development of our tourism industry, and in this case we are confident that the timeshare industry on St. Maarten has benefited tremendously from a fruitful relationship with RCI,” Harley said.

Among RCI’s contributions to the tourism industry in St. Maarten, the SHTA cited RCI’s ability to gather, analyze and provide information about timeshare exchange travel trends on the island.

With this information, businesses were able to tailor their tourism products and services to grow the industry in St. Maarten. RCI, along with other timeshare industry leaders, also worked with the SMTA to draft comprehensive legislation to assist in the regulation of the timeshare industry, which was submitted to Parliament and the Minister of Justice in October.

“We are so happy to be presented with this prestigious award,” said Eugenio Macouzet, managing director, RCI Caribbean.

 “The timeshare industry has developed quickly and beautifully on the island of St. Maarten, and we look forward to being a part of its continued growth in the future.”

RCI became the first vacation exchange company in St. Maarten in the early 1980s through an affiliation with the island’s first timeshare property, the Pelican Resort. RCI is now affiliated with more than 20 quality properties on the island.

Photo Credit: stmaarten.blogspot.com

RCI®, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, has renewed its affiliation agreement with El Cid Resorts.

The 35-year old Mexican hotel group continues the partnership in an effort to offer the high-quality services and varied exchange options its owners have come to expect over the 27 years RCI has been its exclusive vacation exchange provider. The agreement includes El Cid Resorts’ six developments in Mazatlán, Cozumel and the Mayan Riviera.

“We chose RCI as a provider of vacation exchange because it offers members the benefits of the world’s largest vacation exchange network, in addition to being committed to the growth and expansion plans of our company,” said Carlos Berdegue, president and managing director, El Cid Resorts. “RCI’s business and marketing solutions complement our service offerings, making for a very productive relationship.”

Each of the El Cid Resorts attracts visitors with its first-class oceanfront accommodations, luxury spas and friendly and dependable service. Mazatlán’s four locations are renowned for their golf courses, while the Cozumel location gives visitors access to cave and cavern diving. In the Mayan Riviera region, travelers staying at Hotel Marina El Cid Spa Beach Resort (see photo) can go snorkeling in the aqua waters of the Caribbean in Puerto Morelos National Reef Park.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with El Cid Resorts, a hotel group that continues to grow through a clear business vision,” said Ricardo Montaudon, president and CEO, RCI Latin America.

“Its widespread success in Mazatlán and other Mexican tourist regions, such as the Mayan Riviera and Cozumel, are an indication of their exemplary commitment to servicing the guest. We look forward to more growth as our companies continue to work together.”

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. Today, through RCI® Weeks, the traditional week-for-week exchange system, and RCI Points®, the industry’s first global points-based exchange system, RCI provides flexible vacation options to its 3.8 million RCI subscribing members each year.

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.

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands, and Orange Lake Resorts, home to Holiday Inn Club Vacations, announced a renewal of their affiliation agreement that continues a nearly 30-year business relationship.

“We’ve enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with RCI, who through the decades has been a leader and innovator in the timeshare exchange community,” stated Don Harrill, president and CEO of Orange Lake Resorts. “As they continue to build on an already impressive collection of high-quality destination options for our members to enjoy, we are pleased that our growing resort network remains part of their worldwide exchange portfolio.”

Holiday Inn Club Vacations’ resorts are strategically located to give vacationers access to top attractions in the U.S., from world-renowned Orlando theme parks and Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Tennessee, to the snow-covered peaks of Vermont and beautiful waters of Lake Geneva, Wis. The family-friendly resorts feature activities and amenities to provide visitors memorable vacation experiences, such as special activities and events, swimming pools, on-site restaurants, fitness centers, mini golf and lake or beach access.

“We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Holiday Inn Club Vacations, which began with the affiliation of Orange Lake Resort almost three decades ago,” said Gordon Gurnik, president, RCI. “The vacation experience provided at their six high-quality resorts is in line with the types of vacations that our members have come to expect. Over the years our companies have grown together to create a strong alliance that benefits both members and owners. We look forward to more great things to come at these beautiful resorts.”

RCI’s exchange programs offer many benefits to Orange Lake Resorts’ owners and all RCI members. Those who belong to The Registry Collection program are offered a world of luxury vacation opportunities and experiences at many of the most desirable resort destinations around the world. They also enjoy special services including a personal concierge to assist them 24/7, a Reservation Consultant for trip planning and a unique Guest Certificate program, among other benefits.

RCI Points members enjoy the advantages of exchanging with the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the world’s first global points-based exchange program, which allows flexible exchange for stays from as little as one or two days to as many as 21 days. To further enhance their vacation experience, RCI Points members have the opportunity to upgrade to a Points Platinum membership, which offers opportunities for automatic upgrades, priority exchange privileges and a myriad of exciting new travel and lifestyle benefits.

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.

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)

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 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)

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, and Disney Vacation Club, one of the world's most innovative and fastest growing brands in the vacation ownership industry, have announced the renewal of their affiliation relationship. This multi-year agreement will continue to offer a broad array of exciting vacation opportunities to subscribing members


RCI will continue to be the exclusive third-party exchange provider for Disney Vacation Club's more than 150,000 member families. Having already affiliated over 80 new resorts to date in 2010, RCI has one of the most expansive portfolios of high-end affiliated vacation resorts, as well as more choices in more countries than any other exchange network.

With the renewal of this relationship, Disney Vacation Club Members will continue to be able to enjoy vacations and different resort experiences at RCI affiliated properties around the world including all-inclusive options, nightly exchanges and a selection of luxurious, high-end fractional properties.

Similarly, RCI's 3.8 million members will also continue to enjoy the opportunity to exchange into Disney Vacation Club resorts and may rent at Disney Vacation Club resorts throughout the year.

"Renewing this relationship with RCI will allow us to continue to provide our member families with diverse experiences beyond our signature Disney Vacation Club resorts," said Jim Lewis, president, Disney Vacation Club. "A true innovator, RCI continues to offer the management depth, technology resources, and global marketing infrastructure that align with Disney Vacation Club's strategic growth plan."

Disney Vacation Club is a vacation ownership program that helps families enjoy flexibility and savings on vacations. By becoming a member of Disney Vacation Club, families can enjoy vacations at Disney destinations worldwide as well as other popular Member Getaways vacation locations around the globe. Disney Vacation Club resort accommodations blend Disney's famed attention to storytelling detail with all the comforts of home.

Since its inception in 1991, Disney Vacation Club has grown to serve more than 150,000 member families from approximately 100 countries and all 50 states. Disney Vacation Club is owned by Disney Vacation Development, Inc., part of the magic of The Walt Disney Company.

RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the world's largest full-service vacation rental business, providing access to more than 85,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries.

"We are absolutely thrilled to continue our relationship with Disney Vacation Club, one of the most internationally recognized and revered brands on the planet," said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. "We have enjoyed our relationship with Disney Vacation Club and look forward to working closely with them as we continue to build new and innovative programs that provide even more member benefits and vacation opportunities."