Timeshare Resorts Help Stranded Guests Facing Major Flight Delays

UK Airspace as at Midday

With a massive backlog of flights now facing holidaymakers trying to get home, despite the opening of European airports, timeshare resorts which are members of the Resort Development Organisation (RDO) have been working tirelessly to provide emergency accommodation for stranded guests, helping them get home whenever possible now that the flight ban is officially over.



An Air of Confidence Presides Over ARDA Convention

ARDA Convention Las Vegas
Top timeshare professionals from around the world exchanged ideas for the industry’s future at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2010 Convention and Exposition, held at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas from 14 to 18 March.
 
ARDA members were joined by 369 international colleagues from around the world, with representatives from Mexico and from the UK being the most prominent. 
 
Despite the number of participants being slightly down on previous years, the general mood was upbeat with most delegates feeling confident about the future of the industry, having seeing the first signs of business recovery.


Worldwide Hypermarket Launches Timeshare Shopper Auction Site

Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket
Timeshare owners have a new, safe way of selling, buying, renting or exchanging their weeks through Timeshare Shopper, a new auction website launched by Worldwide Hypermarket at the TATOC annual conference.
 
Inspired by successful auction sites like eBay, Timeshare Shopper puts owners in control of the whole process, allowing them to advertise their timeshare at the price they believe is fair, and accept bids for it if they so wish.
 
Registration is free, with just a modest fee required to advertise the timeshare.


New Affiliations for Interval in Dubai, South Africa and Bali

Interval International
Interval International has announced the affiliation of Emirates Vacation Club, a private residence club in Dubai, Mjejane Game Reserve at Kruger National Park in South Africa, and the Peninsula Bay Resort on the Indonesian island of Bali.
 
The Emirates Vacation Club’s first phase consists of 32 luxury units located within the 48-storey Emirates Grand Hotel, which is renowned for its innovative architecture, featuring a rotating glass entrance and hand-crafted wooden wall panels in the lobby.


SkiStar Joins the RDO Network

SkiStar
SkiStar, one of the strongest hospitality brands in the Nordic region, has moved into shared ownership with the affiliation of two of its resorts – SkiStar Vacation Club Fjällhotel and SkiStar Vacation Club Snötorget in Sweden - with the RCI network.
 
The resorts are located in Sälen, one of the best skiing and snowboarding areas in Sweden famous for hosting the start of Vasaloppet, the world’s oldest, longest and largest cross-country ski race, which attracts more than 15,000 participants every year.
 


Perspective Magazine Tops Ranking on Google searches for Fractional News

Paul Mattimoe of Perspective Magazine

The website of trade publication Perspective Magazine,, achieved the top ranking on Google.com searches for the term "fractional news", according to publishers Perspective International.

According to Perspective International’s CEO Paul Mattimoe [pictured], "quality content, loyal repeat visitors and natural growth" have been the key to achieving regularly high search engine rankings.



Travel & Leisure Group Partners with Diamond Resorts International

Travel & Leisure Group has been appointed as the first ever authorised reseller for Diamond Resorts International (DRI) points.

DRI members could previously only sell their points privately to close family members or other owners.  While they can continue to do so, the new partnership will allow them to sell points to members and non-members through the Travel & Leisure Group, provided that all their maintenance fees are up to date. 



RDO Engages with Tourism Authorities in the Canaries in Fight Against Fraud

Discount Travel Membership Club Fraud

RDO’s Enforcement team is continuing its campaign against the fraudulent activities of discount travel membership clubs (DTMCs) in the Canary Islands by lobbying the local authorities.



Delegates at TATOC’s Conference Urged to Spread the Good Word

TATOC

TATOC, The Timeshare Association (Timeshare Owners and Committees), urged delegates attending its annual conference at The Belfry Hotel in Nottingham, England, from 26-28 March, to spread the word about the benefits of timeshare.

Mark Cushway of Resorts Properties told delegates that everyone involved with timeshare had the opportunity to change the industry in a positive way. “It is time that the thousands of happy owners start shouting about how great their timeshare is,” he said.



All Set for This Year's Christel House Open

Christel House Golf

Details have been announced for this year’s RCI Christel House Open.  The UK leg of the annual international charity golf tournament will be held at the Ealing Golf Club in West London on Monday 7 June.

The Christel House Charity Golf Day takes place simultaneously at 18 sites across six countries and gathers thousands of timeshare and hospitality industry professionals from around the world. 



In Brief: New Head for Mexico's Resort Development Association

Juan Vela Ruiz has been elected as the new president of the Mexican Resort Development Association (AMDETUR) for 2010 and 2011.  The appointment was announced at the association’s recent General Assembly.



Dedicated RDO Conference Site Goes Live

RDO Conference Site

The Resort Development Organisation (RDO) has launched a dedicated website – www.rdoconference.org - and opened on-line registration for the RDO1 Conference: The Road Ahead, which will take place at the Don Carlos Resort & Spa in Marbella (Spain) on 4-6 October 2010.

 



Follow RDO on Twitter

Twitter Bird

RDO has turned to micro-blogging site Twitter in its latest effort to engage with the media, the industry and consumers and keep them informed.  RDO’s official Twitter feed @RDOOfficial has regular updates, news and comments on all matters relating to timeshare.



Hapimag Continues to Buck the Crisis With Positive Year-End Results

Hapimag Logo

Hapimag, the leading European company for part-time rights of residence, has reported improved sales and company results for 2009 despite the difficult global economic situation, continuing the positive trend of previous years.

The company’s operating income for 2009 was 171.6 million euros, an increase of 3.7% on the previous year, whilst its sales revenue grew by 7% to 37.8 million euros.  A high occupancy rate of 78.7% and the strength of the euro contributed to achieving positive operating results.