After The Conference
I returned from what I thought was a really good conference determined to write a blog on the highlights of the event, but such is the demand for instantaneous news and views, that by the time I am back at my desk I have already provided a piece for RCI Ventures and Perspective Magazine on the conference and on what 2012 holds for the industry and am beginning to run out of "bon mots"! This just proves what we were told at the conference about the speed of news transmissions, social media and comment etc. So is there anything left to...
Timeshare and Exchange
A couple of weeks ago, I was talking to a very helpful lady in the Exchange Department of one of Europe's 2 Exchange Companies. I have to admit straight away that I am not the world's most reliable timeshare owner, in that I am notorious for forgetting to deposit my week for exchange if that's what we've decided to do that year, or conversely, fail to book a week at our home resort until it's almost or often is too late to get anything. I imagine this gives you the general picture and needless to say my family are baffled...
Levitin Group Announces the Launch of Timeshare U
Levitin Group has announced the upcoming launch of Timeshare U, the timeshare industry’s first and only online training university. It is the only place where salespeople, managers and marketers can have 24/7 access to educational videos, podcasts, webinars and courses from industry experts in an entertaining and interactive environment. “Industry staff, from new hires to seasoned pros, even those considering a career in timeshare, can access lessons on sales techniques, closing skills, leadership, customer service and more, as well as motivational content from a variety of authors,” says Shari Levitin, CEO of Levitin Group. There are three main parts to Timeshare...
Interval International executive receives award from ATHOC
Interval International announced that Joe Hickman, executive director for Asia Pacific, was recognised with the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Timeshare Industry by ATHOC (the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council). The presentation took place at its 20th annual National Industry Awards ceremony held in the resort town of Surfers Paradise. The award acknowledges Hickman’s 30-years of experience in all aspects of shared ownership, his numerous contributions to industry growth in the region, and his tireless efforts to educate new entrants, media, and government bodies about the industry. Hickman is an ATHOC board member and has also served and continues...
RCI Releases Updated “Share Your Vacation” Application for Facebook
With this updated application, users can enter their past and future vacations by either searching by any destination around the world or by specific RCI affiliated resort name. They can also upload their favorite photos and videos from their trips by pulling from existing Facebook albums or uploading them from their computers or mobile devices. The benefits of the app go beyond the ability to keep track of personal travel. Users can play with the different map functions to view their friends’ holidays or all app users’ holidays. They can also browse the posted recommendations, photos and videos to get an...
Help Flagship net support for “Malaria No More”
Flagship Consulting Ltd has announced that it will be once again supporting a charity to fight Malaria by running the adidas Women's 5K Challenge on September 11th in Hyde Park. Jackie Murphy, Casey Mead and Laetitia Redbond are going to run for Flagship under a mosquito net, probably being chased by Malaria No More's Executive Director, Sarah Kline, who has promised to run as Mozzy Man. Jackie Murphy, Managing Director said, "This is a cause that is close to my heart and three years ago I climbed Kilimanjaro to raise enough money to equip a third of Tanzania's hospitals with mosquito...
RCI renews affiliation agreement with El Cid Resorts
RCI has renewed its exclusive affiliation agreement with the 35-year old Mexican hotel group El Cid Resorts. The agreement includes El Cid Resorts’ six developments in Mazatlán, Cozumel and the Mayan Riviera. Each of the El Cid Resorts attracts visitors with its first-class oceanfront accommodations, luxury spas and friendly and dependable service. Mazatlán’s four locations are renowned for their golf courses, while the Cozumel location gives visitors access to cave and cavern diving. In the Mayan Riviera region, travelers staying at Hotel Marina El Cid Spa Beach Resort can go snorkeling in the aqua waters of the Caribbean in Puerto...
RCI Introduces RCI Weeks Platinum to Europe
RCI has announced the introduction of RCI Weeks PlatinumSM to Europe following the programme’s successful debut in the U.S. The new premium tier of membership gives timeshare owners access to exclusive exchange privileges and year-round lifestyle benefits. These opportunities include room upgrades, exclusive “first look” access to specially acquired vacation inventory and rebates for various RCI transactions. Taking the member experience even further, RCI Weeks Platinum membership will offer restaurant discounts and preferred pricing, advance purchase and front-of-the-line privileges for select theatre and city destination attractions. “We’re always looking at ways to enhance the timeshare experience and provide value-added benefits for our...
Club La Costa travel agency up for top award
Club La Costa Travel has been shortlisted for the Retail Travel Company of the Year TTG Travel Awards, run by the industry’s leading trade magazine, Travel Trade Gazette. Julie Fenlon, Group Travel Manager of Club La Costa Travel, commented that Club La Costa Travel had responded to significant advances in many areas as new CLC resorts in Turkey and Florida had led to increased demand for the company’s travel products. Cruising had grown enormously in popularity - as a result of the work of the specialist team of agents and the excellent relationship developed with major cruise suppliers, there had...
Interval International adds Jinfeng Yinhua Holiday Hotel in China to Global Exchange Network
Interval International has expanded its global resort network with the addition of Jinfeng Yinhua Holiday Hotel, part of the Shengteng Vacation Club. In the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang City, China, the vacation ownership apartments offer the ideal vantage point from which to explore the history and customs of the Naxi people, who have lived in Yunnan Province for 800 years. "Lijiang City is one of China's most popular destinations, renowned not only for its cultural heritage, but also for its stunning surroundings and unique festivals," said Joe Hickman, Interval’s executive director for Asia Pacific. "The hotel’s authentic Naxi architecture...