RDO calls for one industry voice at Malta timeshare seminar

Malta

The impact the new EU timeshare directive will have on Maltese businesses was amongst the issues highlighted by RDO at a seminar organised by Group RCI in Malta.

Representatives from RDO and the Malta Tourism Authority presented updates on legislation, tourism statistics and issues affecting the Maltese timeshare industry to a group of around 40 developers and marketers gathered at the “It’s all about Malta” seminar. The Malta Tourism Authority expressed their appreciation of working with Group RCI in implementing joint marketing initiatives.



New website for fractional ownership body

The Fractional & Shared Ownership Trade Association (FSOTA) has relaunched its website www.fsota.org to provide more comprehensive information and advice for industry members. The new site was presented at Fractional Life Expo in London.

FSOTA is a recently formed organisation dedicated to the responsible and sustainable growth of the fractional and shared ownership industry in Europe. The fractional ownership trade body joined the Resort Development Association (RDO) earlier this year, and its members are bound by RDO’s code of conduct.



Fractional Life Expo returns to London

Billed as the largest and most diverse fractional ownership and shared asset ownership exhibition in the world, Fractional Life Expo returned to London for a third consecutive year, taking place at Broadgate Event Venues in the heart of the City, 14-16 September.

Fractional Life Expo, hosted by celebrity entrepreneur Chelsy Baker, gathered 27 exhibitors representing fractional property, jet, yacht, classic and supercar, wine and designer handbag companies, and gave visitors the chance to find out more about the benefits of fractional ownership.



RCI launches new awards programme for top European developers

Group RCI has launched a new programme to reward sales and innovation amongst its European affiliates in the timeshare industry: the RCI Award for Developer Achievement (RADA).

There are four main award categories, which will recognise the Top European Performer, Top Regional Performer, Top Newcomer and an award for Developer Innovation.

Affiliates can also nominate a member of their staff for the RADA Distinction Award, under the categories of best performing sales person, manager, and employee of the year.



Seasons Holidays launches new ‘Sunbed Invaders’ viral game

Seasons Holidays Sunbed Invaders

Inspired by the classic Space Invaders computer game, Seasons Holidays has launched a viral game where players can win two weeks’ luxury accommodation every year for life by keeping their virtual sun loungers clear.

In the Sunbed Invaders game, players control a holidaymaker who, using a water hose, must soak any oncoming people and blast them back into the pool to stop them taking over the sun loungers. At the end of the game, users can register their score as well as their details to enter the competition.

To play the game, visit www.sunbedinvaders.com



Anfi sponsors young Canarian sailors in world championship

Two young Canarian sailors, from a group of eleven children sponsored by the Anfi Group, are heading to the Optimist World Championship after qualifying in the Spanish leg of the biggest youth dinghy sailing competition in the world.

One hundred and fifty children from all over Spain took part in the week-long competition in Tarragona, where they had to sail for up to six hours a day and follow a rigorous training programme.



Club La Costa opens first Turkish resort

A new destination is available to Club La Costa members following the opening in August of The Apollonium Club La Costa Spa & Beach Resort on Turkey’s south-west coast.

The resort, which incorporates Club La Costa Adonis Private Members Club, is a comprehensive holiday village with 350 units, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, minigolf, tennis, water sports, ground chess and even an al fresco cinema.



Perspective International appoints new North America account manager

Perspective International Ltd has appointed Kristie Irvin as North America Account Manager, in a bid to increase the timeshare and fractional ownership magazine publisher’s presence in the American market.

Kristie Irvin has experience of both publishing and the timeshare industry, having worked in telemarketing for Fairfield Resorts (now Wyndham Vacation Ownership) and handled two resort publications, The Resort Trades and Resort Management & Operations for The Trades Publishing Company.



The Registry Collection expands in Greece and Italy

Two new luxury options have been added to The Registry Collection Exchange Programme: Halcyon Hills Luxury Resort & Spa on the Greek island of Samos, and Venice on Water in Italy.

Due to open in 2011, Halcyon Hills will have 19 different properties, all with sea views, including one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, apartment suites, and one-bedroom ‘kampanas’, properties with their accommodation arranged over a single storey. An exclusive marina is also planned, taking advantage of the resort’s sheltered location on the south-eastern coast of Samos.



Interval adds new affiliates in Thailand and Australia

Interval International has announced the addition of West Sands Phuket Beach Club in Thailand and Accor Vacation Club Freshwater Point Resort Broadbeach on Australia’s Gold Coast to its exchange network.

West Sands Phuket Beach Club is set in 48 lush acres with its own private beachfront on Mai Khao Beach. Designed to have minimal impact on the environment, the resort has won the Green Development Award in 2007 and 2008 at the Thailand Property Awards, in recognition of its green credentials. It offers a choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom units as well as studios.



CRDA swaps conference for leadership forum

The Canadian Resort Developers Association (CRDA) has announced that the Resort Development Summit scheduled for October 14-16 in Toronto has been postponed to 2010. Instead, CRDA’s board and executive leadership team will hold a special meeting to discuss the current challenges faced by the industry.



TATOC announces details of 2010 Conference

The Timeshare Association (TATOC) has announced it will be holding its 10th annual conference at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel in Nottingham (England) from 12 to 14 March 2010.

The chosen theme for next year’s conference is “Working Together”, because, as David Eastburn, Chairman of TATOC explains, “this past year has shown that now more than ever, all parts of the industry must work together to face the various challenges.”