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• Rising number of high net worth individuals and employed population
• Demand for leisure and recreation
• Increasing internet penetration
• Improving global economic condition
• Increasing international tourism in the US

• Enhanced buyer’s protection
• Shifting profitability from hotel stays to timeshare buying
• Growing popularity of eco-friendly timeshare resorts
• Fast-paced recovery of respective industry in developed markets after recession

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation Leads

Welk Resorts, a well-established leader in the vacation ownership industry, has announced that Welk Resort Branson has been the proud recipient of the ARDA Ace Community Service Award for their Yellow Ribbon Tribute to Veterans.

The ACE Community Service Award, which recognizes outstanding community contributions by an ARDA membe,r was presented this year to the team at Welk Resort Branson for the tributes they pay to our Service Personnel, particularly during Branson Veterans Homecoming Week.

“It was an honor to accept this award on behalf of our Welk Resorts associates.” said Dathan Atchison, General Manager, Welk Resort Branson.

“We share this recognition with our Branson community, who know how much our Veterans deserve our respect and admiration, and honors them daily throughout our community,” Atchison said.

The week-long festivities have become the second biggest veterans’ event in the country after Washington, D.C. The Vietnam Memorial Wall replica has been a serious commitment for the resort for the last sixteen years.

Throughout the week, visitors from schools, ROTC programs, and other organizations as well as the veterans and general public come to look at the wall, dropping off flowers and memorabilia and looking for loved ones’ names.

The Welk Hospitality Group has a long history of showing their commitment to their surrounding communities by not only providing financially, but also by giving their time to volunteer organizations that reflect the Lawrence Welk Family legacy.

They recognize that charitable engagement is a fundamental component of personal well-being and associate satisfaction. They also believe that when corporations like Welk include good citizenship as a benchmark of success, they demonstrate that they are ethical, responsible, proactive, and caring members of those communities.

Founded in 1955 by the late entertainment icon Lawrence Welk, Welk Resorts is one of the most respected independent brands in the vacation ownership industry today.

Welk Resorts remains a privately held, family-owned company led by President Jon Fredricks, who is the grandson of the late Lawrence Welk.

The American Resort Development Association's (ARDA) International Foundation (AIF) is launching the first comprehensive e-learning platform for the timeshare industry. AIF will provide ongoing industry-specific training for sales, marketing and operations staff on an easy-to-use e-learning platform. The first course launching in Fall 2011, is entitled "Partnership Strategies: Winning in the New Economy."

"We have been hearing from members for years about the need for more industry-wide, standardized training," said Darla Zanini, executive vice president, AIF. "We're thrilled to be able to deliver the first of many courses that will enhance the skills of the people working in the timeshare industry."

"Partnership Strategies" is a self-paced seven-module course that delves into specific strategies and best practices for handling customer interactions today. Integrating video, interactive exercises and module quizzes, the course offers real-life examples and situations applicable for any timeshare employee who may have contact with consumers.

RCI’s senior vice president, Kris Jamtaas is enthusiastic. "We had our entire sales team in San Diego participate in the course together, as well as some staff from operations, the phone room and gifting, and they all gave it high praise," Jamtaas. "AIF has hit the mark with this powerful and relevant topic – Partnership Strategies is a must-take industry course for all who are passionate about their profession."

The course is available to both corporations and individuals. For individuals, the price is $399 and will include the entire 2010 AIF Webinar series at no extra charge. There are three levels of corporate partnership that provide packages structured specifically for companies that have multiple users and want to take advantage of the special pricing offered.

Future courses will be announced later this year, including Timeshare 101. For further information, please visit www.arda.org/elearning.

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs).

Pristine beaches and ecotourism adventures await travelers at the new Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto, Mexico. Located in Baja California the resort offers 181 spacious suites (studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom villas as well as an Ambassador Suite, Royal Suite and Presidential four-bedroom Suites) with views of the sparkling Sea of Cortez.

Future developments include tennis courts and a 35,000 square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, which will open summer of 2011.

“Loreto is one of Mexico’s most incredible hidden gems,” said Villa Group Resort partner Luz Maria Torres. “We’re elated to open Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto and welcome travelers to such a magical place.”

Villa del Palmar is the only five-star resort in the area and the first property in the Villa Group Resort’s planned 1,800-acre development in Loreto, “Danzante Bay,” which will include seven resort hotels, 240 home sites, additional restaurants and a Rees Jones golf course.

Loreto was named the number eight destination to visit in a recent New York Times “Where to Go in 2011″ article. Just a 90-minute flight from Los Angeles, Calif., this ecological wonderland is home to one of the world’s largest marine parks and the oldest colonial town on the peninsula.

The resort faces Danzante Island and is surrounded by the majestic Sierra de la Giganta Mountains. With the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, a unique turtle-shaped pool and the largest Jacuzzi in the entire Baja California South, Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto offers a variety of water activities including snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving.

The resort also offers ecological activities such as mountain hiking, climbing, camping and much more in the Bay of Loreto, home to close to 900 species of reef-dwelling and migratory fish.

The Villa Group was founded in 1984 and is one of Mexico’s leading privately owned hotel, resort and real estate development companies. Its portfolio includes beachfront destination resorts, exclusive vacation ownership, and fractional and full ownership luxury real estate developments.

(Photo - villadelpalmarloreto.com)

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.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations, of Breckenridge, CO, and parent company of the Grand Lodge on Peak 7, Grand Timber Lodge, and Gold Point Resort, broke ground this spring on the second and last building of their newest resort. Plan now for a timeshare rental vacation to this family-friendly vacation spot of the Rocky Mountains.

The Grand Lodge on Peak 7, upon completion, will consist of 114 two-bedroom units in two buildings. With the commencement of construction on the North building this spring the resort is presently more than 50% sold out with sales expected to be complete in 2014.

The Grand Lodge on Peak 7 is located slopeside on Peak 7 of the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Mere steps from the Independence SuperChair, the resort offers unparalleled amenities for its owners and guests including an indoor/outdoor aquatics area, onsite day spa (Soothe), restaurant (Sevens), a family game room and four 8-12 person theaters.

Bucking current trends in real estate, the Grand Lodge on Peak 7 had a record sales month in February of 2011, generating over $7,000,000 in real estate sales - the best month in the company’s 25-year history. Then March surpassed that record with the company’s first $8 million dollar month. The building permit for the second building was the only multi-family permit requested in the past three years for the town of Breckenridge.

Location, amenities and quality are only a few reasons for the success of the project. The resort’s unique home-ownership plan enables families who thought they couldn’t afford ski-in/ski-out real estate to purchase only the time they will use at a fraction of the price of whole ownership. Being a timeshare resort, owners purchase one-week increments at the resort, making the dream of owning ski-in/ski-out real estate a reality for over 4,500 people so far.

The South building, Phase 3 of Grand Lodge on Peak 7, was opened in December, 2010, completing the first of the two buildings planned for that resort. Phase 3 added 28 two bedroom units to the existing 28 units from Phases 1 and 2, which almost doubles the resort's capacity.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations is a locally owned and operated company. Its principals are three local business men, brothers Rob and Mike Millisor and Mike Dudick, have lived in the area over 25 years and head the 325 employee company.

Breckenridge is noted as a premier family destination for both summer and winter vacations.

Grand Pacific Resort Management (GPRM) Hits Home Run at National Convention
Grand Pacific Resort Management (GPRM), a privately owned vacation ownership management company located in Carlsbad, CA, garnered four top awards from the ARDA (American Resort Development Association) 2011 Awards Program.

The first place winners were in the most important categories of timeshare management: General Manager (overall management leadership), Assistant General Manager (covering day-to-day operations), Maintenance Manager (ensuring that properties and facilities are in tip-top condition) and Rental Manager (providing revenue to the Homeowner’s Association).

“The awards we received speak to the fact that Grand Pacific Resort Management covers all the bases in the complex formula that makes up timeshare resort management,” said David Brown, co-president of Grand Pacific Resort Management.

The finalists in the competition were selected from hundreds of entries submitted by ARDA members and were judged independently in a confidential/blind judging process. The Gold “ARDY” Award Winners were named in March in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with ARDA’s National Convention.

Grand Pacific Resort Management was also awarded the Silver ARDY in this highly competitive program for Owner/Customer Relations Team – Grand Pacific Resort Management Owner Services Team; Executive Housekeeper Linda Carranza, Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort-Carlsbad, CA; Green Sustainable Program -Grand Pacific Resort Management and Resort Landmark Design Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel-Carlsbad, CA.

ARDA is an international trade association which fosters and promotes the growth of the vacation ownership industry and serves its members through education, public relations and communications, legislative advocacy, membership development, and ethics enforcement.

Among the resorts currently managed by Grand Pacific Resorts are MarBrisa, Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort, Carlsbad Seapointe Resort, Coronado Beach Resort, Grand Pacific Palisades Resort, Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge, RiverPointe at Napa Valley, San Clemente Cove Resort, Southern California Beach Club, Mountain Retreat, and the Ali’i Kai II Resort in Hawaii.

Grand Pacific Resort Management is one of the oldest and largest vacation ownership companies based in California. Servicing over 45,000 owner-families every year, it manages over 1,000 units in California and Hawaii.

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, received the Circle of Excellence “ACE” Employer Award, one of the American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) most prestigious honors, at the recent convention gala in Orlando.

The annual ACE Awards identify recipients who reach the highest levels of excellence in the resort industry, and whose accomplishments and dedication elevate the industry to new heights.

“Throughout our 35-year history, Interval has fostered an environment in which employees are encouraged to follow rewarding career paths that best capitalize on their talent and interests,” said Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and CEO of Interval Leisure Group. “The ACE Employer Award recognizes this dedication to our team.”

Tom Bell, Interval’s senior vice president of governmental affairs, received the coveted ACE Volunteer Award. He has been involved in vacation ownership for nearly 30 years and is a longstanding member of ARDA’s State Legislative and Federal Issues Committees. Bell’s advocacy for strong and balanced legislation around the country, and around the world, earned him this distinction.

Interval also received the 2010 ARDA Producer of the Year Award for impressive promotional efforts on behalf of the industry at its Vacation Ownership Investment Conference (now known as the Shared Ownership Investment Conference). This marks the sixth time in the past nine years that Interval has won this honor by generating the highest number of new members for the association.

In addition to these accolades, Interval received ARDY awards for excellence in the advertising, promotion, and communication division for the “Finders Keepers” integrated marketing campaign and for the “Happiness in Traveling” magazine ad campaign. In the management and administration division, Karen Green, manager for Meridian Financial Services, an Interval subsidiary, was the ARDY winner.

Prior to the gala, Interval was named a finalist for several other advertising, promotion, and communication awards, including the Club Interval Gold SM logo design, Interval Platinum SM brochure, Interval World® magazine, Take One Program specialty marketing piece, and the Members’ Choice interactive Internet marketing campaign.

Employees who achieved finalist recognition for their professional excellence include Kurt Atkinson in Telesales, Arlene Cade in the Administrative Team category, and Patty Medina in Marketing & Sales Administrative Support.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership company, was recognized by the American Resort Development Association with five prestigious ARDY Awards.

ARDA is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. This year, the ARDA Awards celebrated the best and brightest in the vacation ownership industry in more than 60 categories at its annual gala held in Orlando, Fla., on March 30, 2011.

Winners this year came from across Wyndham Vacation Ownership. Named top Resort Department Manager, Bill Cahill, Maintenance Manager at Wyndham Nashville, was praised for determination and persistence in helping owners and fellow associates to safety during the May 2010 flood.

Commitment to process improvement and efficiencies garnered Melissa Sowell, Director of Administration in San Antonio, Texas, an award for Marketing & Sales Administrative Support.

For his hands-on approach to quality assurance, Dan Beckerman received an ARDY as Sales VLO/QAO/Contract Manager of the Year.

The Resort Green Certification Program took home the gold for the best Green Sustainable Program within a Company, while the renovation at WorldMark Coral Baja proved impressive enough to earn accolades for Resort Design – Refurbishment.

“This was a phenomenal year for Wyndham Vacation Ownership and without question that success is a result of the outstanding efforts of our associates. We know we have one of the best teams in the business and having ARDA recognize the accomplishments of our associates is simply the icing on the cake,” shared Franz Hanning, President and CEO.

“At the heart of everything we do is our Count On Me! service promise to be responsive, respectful and deliver a great experience. All of our winners and finalists embody this commitment to our owners, guests and each other.”

Wyndham Vacation Ownership is the world's largest vacation ownership business, as measured by the number of vacation ownership resorts, units and interests. Wyndham Vacation Ownership includes marketing and sales of vacation ownership interests, consumer financing in conjunction with the purchase of vacation ownership interests, property management services to property owners' associations, and development and acquisition of vacation ownership resorts.

Bluegreen Corporation has announced the expansion of its fee-based services business to The Manhattan Club, a premiere timeshare resort property located in midtown Manhattan. Bluegreen will be providing sales, marketing and title services to The Manhattan Club.

“We are very pleased to have been selected by the Manhattan Club in connection with our fee-based services business,” said Terry Dodd, Senior Vice President of Development Services at Bluegreen Corporation. “We have long admired the success of this project, its staff and senior leadership team. We believe that we can build on this success and enhance our product offering with sales efforts through the Bluegreen Vacation Club.”

The Manhattan Club is centrally located between Broadway and Seventh Avenue in the heart of midtown Manhattan near some of New York City’s most significant attractions including Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, the Broadway Theater District, and world-famous shopping on Madison and Fifth Avenues.

The property’s suites feature the space and amenities consistent with those of Bluegreen’s timeshare resorts including kitchenettes, marbled baths and other luxurious appointments. Each stylish suite gives its guests the privacy, comfort and convenience they’d find at home, but with a prime location that delivers access to the excitement and culture of New York City.

"The addition of The Manhattan Club to our growing number of fee-based service clients will provide the opportunity to our Bluegreen Vacation Club members to experience New York City. This addition will provide access to a highly sought-after location in the premier urban market in the US.”

Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, Bluegreen Corporation is the leader in providing "Colorful Places to Live and Play" through its vacation ownership resort and residential real estate businesses. Since 1996, Bluegreen has managed, marketed and sold a flexible, real estate-based vacation ownership plan with more than 160,000 owners, over 56 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide.

Bluegreen Corporation, a leading provider of "Colorful Places to Live and Play," announced today that the 12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will be held near Bluegreen resorts MountainLoft and Laurel Crest, in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, respectively. This year the festival dates are Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Authorities working with the 12th Annual Smoky Trout Tournament have stocked the river with approximately 10,000 trout for the competition, varying in size from small to large. Cash prizes will be awarded to those who catch the largest and the smallest fish. Non-cash prizes will be awarded to the second and third place competitors as well. Competitors are divided into two groups, Locals versus Tourists, each with a subgroup for children and adults.

Victor Berrios, General Manager of MountainLoft in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, explains, “MountainLoft is a great location to stay during the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. It is a short distance from the competition, nestled amid the beauty of the Smoky Mountain landscape.”

“We have guests who return to our resort each year,” explains fellow Bluegreen associate, Dick Coyle, General Manager of Laurel Crest, in Pigeon Forge. He added, “Bluegreen owners love it here because of the Smoky Mountain Landscape, as well as its close proximity to all the events of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We are excited to welcome guests who wish to attend the 12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament.”

Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, Bluegreen Corporation is the leader in providing Colorful Places to Live and Play through its vacation ownership resort and residential real estate business segments. More than 3,500 employees are passionate about delivering extraordinary experiences for owners and guests. Since 1996, Bluegreen has managed, marketed and sold a flexible vacation ownership plan with more than 222,600 owners, over 54 owned or managed resorts, and access to more than 4,000 resorts worldwide.

Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Timeshare rentals at the MountainLoft resort start at just $59/night. If you can't make this year's Trout Tournament, make plans to rent a timeshare next year. It's a great way to welcome Spring, especially when you consider that the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is also widely known as the Wildflower National Park, carpeted as it is in bright springtime blooms.

(Photo credit - adayinthesmokies.wordpress.com)

Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, has announced the affiliation of Villas d’Agua. Located in the charming fishing village at Olhos in the heart of Portugal’s famed Algarve, this resort covers five acres on a pine-forest covered cliff, steps from Olhos d’Àgua Beach.

“Blessed by 300 days of sunshine a year, the beaches of the Algarve are among the best in Europe,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “Villas d’Agua combines the beauty and amenities of a world-class seaside resort, with leading edge sustainable practices that minimize the impact to the environment and encourage guests to appreciate their unique surroundings.”

The village of Olhos d’Àgua is named for its olheiros or freshwater springs. Surrounded by lush gardens, Villas d’Agua has 37 timeshare apartments, with a mixture of one- and two-bedroom units. Each air-conditioned villa has a balcony or patio, full kitchen, and satellite/cable TV.

Amenities at this family-friendly resort include a swimming pool and poolside bar, children’s playground, and a health club equipped with cardio-fitness machines and sauna, and an onsite spa. After a day spent relaxing, sailing, biking along the ocean, or exploring the cliff-top paths, guests can enjoy the sunset and live entertainment at Aquarella Lounge Bar and dine at The Tangerine Restaurant.

Guests at Villas d’Agua also receive special rates at local golf courses and tennis courts at Quinta da Balaia Tennis Club. Sightseeing and shopping is four miles away in Albufeira, known as “The St. Tropez of the Algarve.”

“Villas d’Agua offers a magnificent view of the sea in a location in harmony with nature and, at the same time, close to Albufeira, the most well-known entertainment area in the Algarve,” said Cristina Miguel, general manager of Villas d’Agua Construcoes a Beira Mar SA. “Our goal is to preserve this treasured spot and we are proud of our commitment to environmental best practices and sustainable growth. We can’t wait to welcome Interval International members who visit us on exchange.”

Interval International 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 14 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs.

Photo courtesy villasdagua.pt

Marriott International, Inc., placed 7th in The London Sunday Times 25 Best Big Companies to Work For in the United Kingdom list. This is the fourth year in a row that Marriott International, Inc., has been named to this prestigious list, placing 12th last year.

The Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to Work For and its sister award the 25 Best Big Companies to Work For celebrate the best employers in all of Britain. This year almost 1000 companies entered the process, and the judges received questionnaire responses from a record number of more than 275,000 employees of these companies.

“We could not be more proud of this recognition to be named as one of The Sunday Times Best Big Companies to Work For,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International in Europe. “The Marriott philosophy is if you take care of your associates, they will take care of the customer, and the customer will keep coming back. Our company’s enduring ‘spirit to serve’ culture provides associates an environment of teamwork, trust, and cooperation where we value the contributions of our diverse workforce.”

Marriott International employs almost 10,000 associates in the United Kingdom, Nearly 85% of associates were quoted as saying they felt that Marriott provides a great service to customers and additionally 78% said they are proud to work for the organization.

Associate development and training is critical to Marriott Hotels and each associate receives a personal development plan and required discipline-specific training programs each year. Marriott also believes that being a good corporate citizen and member of the community is key to associate engagement, and associates voluntarily participate in annual company sponsored activities.

Marriott has long been recognized as a great place to work by several prominent publications including Fortune, Working Mother, DiversityInc, and Latina Style magazines.

In 1984, Marriott International became the first branded hospitality company to enter the timeshare industry, adding its signature quality, service and hospitality expertise. Marriott Vacation Club is a worldwide leader in vacation ownership.

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) has launched a new website devoted to the needs of timeshare owners. The ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC) has been a big influence among 'homeowner associations', representing and lobbying for the needs of many committees across North America.

Its new site - ARDAROC.org - will cater to existing timeshare owners "who already own the product, and understand it, but look at some of the issues facing owners today," according to ARDA's CEO and president, Howard Nusbaum.

ARDAROC.org is geared up to inform and motivate timeshare owners to take action on issues that affect them. Among the key features at ARDAROC.org is an interactive map for owners to select their home state and learn about the latest news and issues that ARDA feels should be useful to them.

Stories making headlines include news of a major change proposed by a house bill in the state of Utah under the Timeshare and Camp Resort Act which could allow delinquent owners to avoid obligations to their homeowners association without penalty under certain conditions - a situation that ARDA will fervently lobby against to protect HOAs.

The latest addition to ARDA's web repository is funded by a cross section of the timeshare industry including major developers, management companies, and other industry service providers.

ARDAROC.org is ARDA's third website. The Association's home base, ARDA.org, caters to industry needs, while the consumer-facing VacationBetter.org is a flag waver for the affirming benefits of timeshare for prospective owners.

ARDA is a Washington D.C.-based trade association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries (timeshares). ARDA has almost 1,000 corporate members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded corporations with extensive experience in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate.

The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, industry vendors, suppliers, and consultants; as well as owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).

Diamond Resorts International, a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, has announced that Sarah Hulme has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Global Club Operations.

Sarah Hulme will continue to oversee worldwide club operations and management as well as all service contact centers, including the United States and European customer service departments. Additionally, Ms. Hulme will manage the continued development of THE Club® member offerings involving member benefits and the resort affiliate program, which has grown the resort portfolio to nearly 200 resorts providing a choice on every continent since 2008.

Her expertise of THE Club at Diamond Resorts International will continue to position Diamond as a worldwide hospitality and vacation ownership leader.

“We are pleased with this promotion as her extensive repertoire and reputable experience will provide continued and significant growth for the company as she remains an integral part in the success of Diamond,” said Stephen J. Cloobeck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Resorts International.

Diamond Resorts International, with global headquarters in Las Vegas, NV, is one of the largest hospitality companies in the world with more than 177 branded and affiliated resorts and over 24,000 guest beds in 26 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa.

Offering simplicity, choice and comfort to more than 385,000 owners and members through the branded hospitality service of more than 5,500 team members worldwide, Diamond Resorts International is dedicated to "providing its guests with effortless and relaxing vacation experiences every time, for a lifetime."

Annually, nearly 1.4 million owners, members and guests enjoy the simplicity, choice and comfort Diamond Resorts International offers through our branded hospitality experience.

Diamond Resorts Corporation and its subsidiaries develop, own, operate and manage vacation ownership resorts and, through resort and partner affiliation agreements, provide owners and members with access to 69 managed resorts and 108 affiliated resorts through THE Club® at Diamond Resorts International.

Shell Vacations, one of the nation’s leading independent vacation ownership development companies, has recently announced the promotion of three senior executives within its club, finance and sales divisions.

Susan C. Kelley (see photo), who has served as President of Shell Vacations Hospitality since 2008 and directed the fiscal and facilities operations of all company resorts, has been named President of the points-based Shell Vacations Club (SVC). In her expanded role, she is also responsible for overseeing Member Servicing & Travel Operations, Inventory & Yield Management, Partner Programs, and SVC Performance Analysis. Kelley has been with the Northbrook, Illinois-based company since 1994.

“Very few hospitality executives could shoulder the tremendous responsibility of managing 1,100 hospitality professionals while at the same time directing every facet of our vacation club with such a high level of dedication and performance,“ commented Tracy L. Sherles, President and Chief Operating Officer of Shell Vacations. “Sue Kelley is superbly qualified for both top leadership positions.”

In the finance arena, William J. Weber has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer, where he has assumed responsibility for all aspects of accounting, finance and taxes for the company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. A Certified Public Accountant and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Weber previously served as Shell Vacations Senior VP, Finance & Portfolio.

“After 14 years in various accounting positions of leadership within our company, Bill is thoroughly knowledgeable about every facet of our company and uniquely qualified to take the helm as CFO," said Sheldon Ginsburg, Chairman and CEO of Shell Vacations.

Jack Chevrier, a sales and marketing veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the vacation ownership industry, has been named Executive VP of Sales & Marketing for Shell Vacations, responsible for all company sales and marketing operations and strategies. He was previously Senior VP of Sales & Marketing.

“Jack Chevrier is one of the most pragmatic and analytical sales and marketing executives in the industry," said Sherles. "He is astute at managing resources effectively to achieve the company’s targeted goals. Having Jack in our top marketing and sales position has maximized the productivity of our operations and enabled us to take advantage of new opportunities. His extensive industry experience has blended perfectly with our corporate vision for the future.”

Headquartered in Northbrook, IL, Shell Vacations LLC is one of the most respected independent vacation ownership developers in the United States, operating or affiliated with 25 resorts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The company specializes in the sales and hospitality management of vacation ownership resorts as well as servicing over 125,000 owner and member families of its vacation ownership products.

(Photo credit - shellvacationclub.com)

Marriott International, Inc. has announced a plan to split the company’s businesses into two separate, publicly traded companies. Marriott International expects to spin off its timeshare operations and development business as a new independent company through a special tax-free dividend to Marriott International shareholders in late 2011.

Under the plan, the new company will focus on the timeshare business as the exclusive developer and operator of timeshare, fractional and related products under the Marriott brand and the exclusive developer of fractional and related products under the Ritz-Carlton brand. After the split, Marriott International will concentrate on the lodging management and franchise business. Marriott will also receive franchise fees from the timeshare company’s use of the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton brands.

Marriott International chairman and chief executive officer, J.W. Marriott, Jr., said, “Marriott took a bold step when we introduced our Marriott brand to the timeshare industry in 1984. In this transaction, we take another innovative step forward as we combine the power of the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton brands with the flexibility and focus of a new independent timeshare company.

“Marriott Vacation Club owners and guests and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club members should see no change in the branding or quality of their properties, services, usage options, use of Marriott Rewards points, or access to Marriott International’s hotels," continued Marriott.

"The companies will continue to work together to provide outstanding vacation experiences, similar to the relationship between Marriott International and the franchisees of its hotel properties. After the split, both companies will remain dedicated to the highest standards of quality and value and the brand promise for which Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are well known and widely respected. Day-to-day operations at both companies should not be affected by this transaction."

As two separate public companies, both Marriott International and the new company will have separate boards of directors. J.W. Marriott, Jr. will remain chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Marriott International. Stephen P. Weisz, president of Marriott’s timeshare business since 1997 and a 39-year Marriott veteran, will become chief executive officer of the new company.

“Our new company will be independent and the largest pure-play timeshare firm in the world," said Weisz. "We believe our outstanding brands, unparalleled operating skill, prime resort locations and world-class sales expertise will continue to provide us with a significant competitive advantage.

“With the launch of the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations timeshare program, our points-based product, in 2010, we are confident in our ability to fulfill the dreams and meet the growing expectations of our customers."

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group, is again proud to be a Platinum sponsor of the Resort Development Organization (RDO) Conference. The event will be held September, 2011, in Marbella, Spain.

“Last year’s RDO Conference was a tremendous success and it is our pleasure to support this year’s event,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s vice president of resort sales and service for Europe, Middle East, and Africa and its representative on the RDO Board. “We look forward to playing our usual full part in the organization of the conference and also in taking an active role during the event.”

“We’re extremely pleased that Interval is a Platinum Sponsor of RDO2,” said Paul Gardner Bougaard, chief executive of RDO. “The company is one of the first to step forward to support the Conference. In addition to its key sponsorship role, Interval is offering the same level of logistical assistance in the planning and production of the event as last year, which was a contributing factor to its great success. For that, I would like to express my personal thanks and that of the RDO.”

The Conference is expected to attract more than 200 delegates from across Europe and beyond, including resort developers, representatives from trust companies, and legal experts. It will be a primary venue for discussing key industry topics that affect the European market. Interval will have a full resort sales and service team at the event.

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 more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 nations.

The Resort Development Organization was established to improve representation for reputable companies in the timeshare sector and promote fair trading, quality within, and growth of the timeshare industry. RDO was created following the decision by the European Timeshare Federation in February 1998 to integrate all national timeshare trade associations into one pan-European direct membership organization.

RDO is a direct membership organization with over 90 members from all sectors of the industry across Europe.

LatinaStyle officially recognized Marriott International as the 2010 "Company of the Year" at its annual awards and diversity leadership conference held Friday, February 4th, 2011.

Bill Marriott was the keynote speaker during the luncheon. "Our company’s early success has an interesting connection to Latinas," he shared. "My mother, Alice S. Marriott, majored in Spanish while in college. Maybe it was my mother’s love of the Spanish language and heritage that influenced us. But my family has always loved Latin America.

"Just over a year ago, I traveled to Colombia for the first time to attend the grand opening of our first hotel in Bogota. While I was there, I had the opportunity to meet President Uribe, who has done wonders for the reputation and business environment in Colombia, making it a prime travel destination in South America. He attended our grand opening and welcomed us officially to his country. It was a wonderful trip to a great country."

In July, 2011, Marriott was also recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives for the sixth consecutive year by Black Enterprise Magazine, which named Marriott International as one of the “40 Best Companies for Diversity.”

"Our business is all about people,” Jimmie Paschall, global diversity officer and senior vice president, external affairs for Marriott International, Inc., said at that time. “As our company grows globally, it is imperative that we expand our diversity and inclusion strategy to encompass cultural competencies, building upon our success in the United States.”

Further recognition in 2010 for the company's diversity and inclusion achievements included being ranked seventh on DiversityInc's “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list, and among the “Top 50 Companies for Executive Women” by the National Association for Female Executives.

In 2003, Marriott’s Board of Directors established the Committee for Excellence, chaired today by board member Debra L. Lee, chairman and CEO of BET Networks, to monitor the progress of the company’s diversity initiatives.

Marriott International, Inc., is a leading lodging company with more than 3,500 lodging properties in 70 countries and territories, and develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by Fortune Magazine.

(Photo credit - news.marriott.com)

Pictured: Accepting the award from Robert Bard, LatinaStyle’s president and CEO are Bill Marriott, chairman and CEO, and Brenda Durham, vice president and assistant general counsel for Marriott.