RCI® affiliates recognised for leading the way in sustainability
RCI recently announced the most recent winners of the RCI®Green Award programme. Now in its seventh year, the award programme recognises the most environmentally-conscious resorts within the company’s exchange network. Through a comprehensive audit, resorts are assessed by their sustainable practices in areas including energy and water conservation, waste management and community outreach. The evaluation process, winner selection and verification system was completed by third-party eco-certification expert GreenCircle Certified, LLC. “Our affiliates are in the great position to be at the forefront of sustainable hospitality practices,” says Brian Bruno, vice president of content and brand marketing for RCI and head of the brand’s...
Karma Group acquires the magnificent Borgo di Colleoli estate in the Tuscan hills
Karma Group has announced the acquisition of Borgo di Colleoli, a historical estate in Tuscany, Italy. The sprawling estate is nestled in the stunning Tuscan hills, representing the latest in Karma’s stable of spectacular European estates alongside Le Preverger on the French Riviera, Pelikanos on the Greek island of Mykonos and the soon to open Chateau de Samary in Carcassonne, France. Over the years, the original medieval castle evolved to become an aristocratic villa and estate. During the 17th and 18th centuries much renovation work was carried out to the frescoes and delicate mouldings, transforming the Borgo into an elegant country...
RCI & industry partners donate to the ARDA International Foundation
RCI and industry partners worked together to raise $133,440 for the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) during ARDA World 2018 in Las Vegas. The donation was largely reached through the “GIVE AIF X2 by RCI” initiative, which matched the AIF donations made by ARDA World attendees throughout the course of the conference. The AIF is a nonprofit organisation led by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) that advances knowledge of the industry through comprehensive market intelligence and fosters career opportunities and development through education and training programmess. “As a driving force in timeshare, the AIF does great work to propel the industry forward,” said...
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort affiliates to Interval International
Interval International has announced the affiliation of the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort. Scheduled to debut in July 2018, the newly transformed 120 villa beachfront resort will include comprehensive upgrades to all guestrooms and the addition of a water park and lazy river. “Westgate Cocoa Beach will set the new standard for luxury beach vacations in Central Florida,” said David Siegel, founder & CEO of Westgate Resorts. Renovations include new exterior finishes, a complete remodel of all interiors, a new lobby and a brand new 75,000-gallon lazy river. Owners and guests will enjoy two and four-bedroom deluxe villas furnished with a bright Polynesian...
RCI to launch new version of the RCI® app
RCI will soon release several new features to the RCI® app to improve the user experience and allow for greater engagement. The new version of the app will feature key updates, including: Refined interface with easy-to-view information ranging from vacation inspiration to the member’s account dashboard Reviews integrated into the resort details pages for members to read about the properties first-hand On-demand availability of Endless Vacation®magazine HD videos, articles, RCI affiliated resorts, attractions, events and other local features Persistent login experience that simplifies search by allowing members to sign-in just once at the start of their sessions “With the improvements we made last year...
The Registry Collection® programme expands its travel concierge & cruising benefits
The Registry Collection® programme has announced that its members now have access to a world of new travel experiences. The enhancements provide members more customized travel programmes, including worldwide itineraries on leading luxury cruise lines and more lucrative savings. Enhancements in Cruising Cruising with The Registry Collection now provides more robust benefits and expanded programmes to help meet members’ diverse needs. The programme will bring a full offering of cruises around the world for cash purchase with exclusive better-than-market rates for members who purchase through The Registry Collection. They can also buy down the cost of cruises by using their exchange credits. To help members find their...
Interval International welcomes Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
Interval International has announced the addition of Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos, a luxury adults-only resort on Mexico’s Baja California Sur peninsula. Just steps from the beach in Cabo San Lucas, the property comprises four buildings designed by renowned architect Roberto Elias to complement the local climate, striking landscapes, and open spaces. This is the brand's second property, following its flagship Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun, a 2017 AAA Five Diamond Award recipient. Resort interiors, conceived by cutting-edge Miami-based Francois Frossard Design firm, have a sophisticated contemporary aesthetic with great style that rivals top hotels around the world. The 373...
Karma Group introduces new Karma app
Karma Group is delighted to introduce their new hospitality app, bringing more convenience and fingertip access to Karma Guests, Owners and Club Members. The app acts like a pocket concierge, allowing users to immerse themselves in the global world of Karma with a host of thoughtfully curated amenities and smart, personalised valet services. “Our new app allows our intrepid Karma guests access to everything Karma, wherever and whenever they like,”said John Spence, Chairman and Founder of Karma Group. “We are committed to always improving the Karma experience for our guests, members and owners and now they can interact and engage directly...
RCI appoints industry leader Robin Mills to the role of Vice President, Business Development, for its EMEA region
RCI is pleased to announce that Robin Mills has accepted the role of Vice President, Business Development, for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Mills will be based in the UK, at the exchange company’s European headquarters in Northamptonshire. A familiar face and trusted associate of many in the shared-holiday ownership and hospitality industry, Mills brings with him more than 30 years of experience in this business sector. He joins RCI from the Club Leisure Group where he served as Managing Director and was responsible for the expansion of its European operations, as well as the development of its points programme....
Interval International reveals highlights of member study
Soon to be available, the Interval International 2018 Membership Profile provides important data about members worldwide, including travel habits, timeshare ownership and exchange preferences, use of technology and social media, and top vacation experiences, in addition to key demographic information. "For nearly 20 years, Interval's membership profile has been an important tool in developing new products, services, and technology to better serve our members and our developer clients," said Jeanette Marbert, president and CEO of Interval International. "These latest insights continue to reinforce the value of shared ownership and provide prospective entrants with key learnings to reach and market to potential...