Timeshare Information

The International Tourism Partnership, founded in 1992 and part of the International Business Leaders Forum, is a unique organization that brings together industry leaders to demonstrate in a practical way that environmental and social responsibility make good business sense.

Many global leaders in the timeshare industry recognize their social responsibility and have taken steps forward in collaborating on finding practical solutions to the challenges of sustainable development. Founding member Marriott International is joined by other timeshare and vacation club businesses including Hyatt, Hilton Worldwide, Diamond International, Wyndham, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts - all who share the same commitment to collaborating on finding those solutions.

According to Stephen J. Cloobeck, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Resorts International®, “Our decision to join the International Tourism Partnership demonstrates our acknowledgement of the important position Diamond shares in the hospitality industry and how vital our environmental leadership is in our global operations as we embrace all aspects of sustainability, preservation and social responsibility. We greatly value the opportunity to have the support of the International Tourism Partnership to establish a mutually beneficial relationship toward our sustainability goals.”

The International Tourism Partnership brings together leading corporate partners in the hospitality and tourism industry to demonstrate that environmental and social responsibility makes good business sense.

Its aim is to encourage the hospitality industry to improve its impact on both environment and society by showcasing examples of leadership, working in partnership with other sectors, companies and agendas, and providing practical products, projects and solutions that focus on both short term outcomes and long term goals.

Stephen Farrant, Director of ITP commented, “The issue of moving toward greater sustainability remains a huge challenge but also a great opportunity for the sector. The more enlightened businesses are taking meaningful action on improving their environmental and social impacts, and the International Tourism Partnership has a vital role to play in championing and enabling this.”

The members of ITP represent some of the largest travel and tourism companies in the world, comprising over 11,100 hotel properties and 1.8 million rooms, all of whom agree that only through collective, industry-wide action at local, destination and country levels can real progress be made toward a more sustainable hotel, travel and tourism industry.

Diamond Resorts International® is proud that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen J. Cloobeck, serves on the Corporation for Travel Promotion Board of Directors. The global hospitality and vacation ownership company veteran is helping to lead the efforts of the non-profit Corporation for Travel Promotion (CTP) to promote travel to the U.S.

In September, 2010, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke appointed 11 travel and tourism industry leaders to serve on the CTP Board of Directors. The CTP is a new non-profit corporation that will promote travel to the United States and communicate and improve the entry process so that visitors want to return.

"The mission of the CTP is to help enhance the competitiveness of an already robust industry, which supports more than 8 million American jobs and is a critical source of export strength," explained Locke. "Many other nations operate ministries of tourism that actively market their countries as tourist destinations around the world. CTP will help get America into the game and encourage people across the globe to travel to the U.S."

“Diamond Resorts International, with more than 160 branded and affiliated resorts in 26 countries, is extremely versed in bringing customers to market, and I am both honored and excited to be named to the CTP and to help bolster our government efforts to promote America as a travel destination,” said Cloobeck.

Cloobeck brings nearly three decades of resort development, building and construction, finance, sales and marketing, hospitality service and resort operations expertise to the CTP, and joins other travel and tourism industry leaders named to the CTP board of directors.

The Travel Promotion Act of 2009 created the CTP to develop and execute a plan to (a) provide useful information to those interested in traveling to the United States; (b) identify and address perceptions regarding U.S. entry policies; (c) maximize the economic and diplomatic benefits of travel to the United States through the use of various promotional tools; and (d) ensure that international travel benefits all states and the District of Columbia.

Diamond Resorts International, with global headquarters in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest vacation ownership companies in the world with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Annually, nearly 1.4 million owners, members and guests enjoy the simplicity, choice and comfort Diamond Resorts International.

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands has announced its affiliation with Vijayshree Heritage Village near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, the former capital of the famed Vijayanagara empire, a South Indian empire that dated from 1336 to 1646.

Located just 6 kilometers from Hampi, the Vijayshree Heritage Village is a classified five-star timeshare resort in India, spread across 17 acres of gorgeous hill-fenced expanse, offering ethnic luxuries with 43 cottages nestled amid 60,000 planted trees.

Hampi is a tourist’s delight, rich in history, architecture and religion. A complete city, stretching out over several kilometers, the Hampi monuments are in different states of repair, varying from complete ruins to active temples. The natural setting is magnificent, a quiet rural area dominated by a river and strangely shaped boulders.

“RCI is delighted to welcome Vijayshree Heritage Village into the RCI network. This is our very first affiliation in the uniquely historic city of Hampi,” said Radhika Shastry, managing director, RCI India. “Vijayshree Heritage Village resonates well with the serene and incredible world heritage site and we look forward to RCI members enjoying their stay here.

Vijayshree Heritage Village comes with all modern amenities including a fine dining restaurant, a health club with a 6,000 square-foot swimming pool, a spa with sauna/steam, beauty salon and a wellness centre offering Balinese, Swedish, Oriental, Thai and Ayurvedic massages.

Located on the popular Goa-Bangalore tourist circuit, the resort has been planned around the philosophy of the five elements comprising earth, fire, wind, water and sky. Although the resort serves only vegetarian food, there are plenty of options around the area for those seeking other fare.

The resort is a themed village which offers international 21st century hospitality set within an 11th and 12th century setting. It is reminiscent of the grandeur of palaces and gateways of the broken city, telling tales of man’s infinite talent and the power of creativity. The acres of sprawling lawns also house an amphitheatre where performances by professional artists from Rajasthan and Karnataka are held every day.

(Photo credit - vijayshreeheritagevillage.com)

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.

Leading vacation ownership companies and service providers have signed on as Signature Sponsors of the 2011 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention and Exposition at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida. The annual convention, from March 27 – March 31, will feature an impressive line-up of speakers and entertainers, including keynote speaker Terry Jones, founder and former CEO of Travelocity and chairman of Kayak.com.

The Signature Sponsors for this year’s exciting ARDA event are American Express, Diamond Resorts International, Equiant, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Hilton Grand Vacations, Holiday Systems International (HSI), International Cruise and Excursions, Inc. (ICE), Interval International, RCI, ResortCom International L.L.C, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., and Wyndham Vacation Ownership.

The convention offers companies prime exposure to top vacation ownership industry professionals who gather to network, learn the latest industry trends, and visit hundreds of industry suppliers on the exhibit floor. Thanks to the generosity of the Signature Sponsors, the ARDA convention has become the number one resource for networking with industry leaders, timely educational programming, and exposure for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.

“The support of our 2011 Signature Sponsors enables us to continue to bring cutting-edge programs and high-quality events, and we are grateful for their generosity,” said Howard C. Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO.

RCI is once again sponsoring the RCI/AIF Open Golf Tournament at The Legends at Orange Lake®, named one of the “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest. Interval International is hosting its annual “Party with a Cause” at the House of Blues, with ticket proceeds benefiting industry research and education.

Equiant Financial Services is providing the “smart car for two” for the AIF Auto Driveaway contest. Hilton Grand Vacations is sponsoring “Breakfast of Champions” featuring decorated Army Commander Lt. Col. Greg Gadson, who will share his key factors in overcoming life-altering setbacks.

The ARDA Awards Gala, sponsored by Holiday Systems International (HSI), will include a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, presentation of the annual ARDA Awards, and entertainment by MOSAIC.

The American Resort Development Association is a Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has almost 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), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).

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)