RCI Pledges $60,000 to the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) for Industry Research and Education
RCI made a $60,000 pledge to the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) during ARDA World 2017 in New Orleans. AIF is a nonprofit organization led by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) that serves to foster career opportunities and development through education and training programs and advance knowledge of the industry through comprehensive market intelligence. “The entire timeshare industry benefits from the great work that is being done through the AIF,” said Gordon Gurnik, president of RCI. “We make driving the timeshare industry forward a top priority at RCI, so we’re pleased to continue ongoing support of the organization’s valuable research and...
Interval International welcomes six Maeva resorts in France
Interval International, a worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating business of ILG (Nasdaq: ILG), added six Maeva resorts in the French Alps and the south of France to its global vacation exchange network. Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group, a preeminent French tourism and investment real estate company, has managed the Maeva properties, known for family-friendly holidays, since 2001. “Interval has had a relationship with Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs since we affiliated its first timeshare resort in 1989 in Paris,” said Darren Ettridge, Interval’s senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia....
RCI Celebrates Five Wins at the 2017 ARDA Awards, Including the ACE Employer Award
RCI, a global leader in vacation exchange, took home five awards at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2017 Awards Gala Dinner, including the coveted ARDA Circle of Excellence (ACE) Employer Award. The ARDA Awards recognize outstanding accomplishments and honor those that have attained the very highest level of professional excellence in the resort industry and whose achievements and dedication spur the industry to new heights. Each year, the ACE Employer Award recognizes an employer that has demonstrated commitment to its associates through training, flexibility, individual and team development, benefits and other unique programs. “At RCI, we recognize that our success is fueled by our amazing...
The Registry Collection Expands in India with Addition of The Ananta Udaipur
The Registry Collection® program, a world leading luxury exchange program, announced its affiliation with another elite property, The Ananta Udaipur in City of Lakes – Udaipur. This will be the second affiliation in India for The Registry Collection; the first was The Rangers Reserve in Corbett. Located against the breathtaking backdrop of the Aravalli hills, The Ananta Udaipur creates a fairytale-like experience by offering the best of five-star luxuries for its discerning travelers. “The Ananta Udaipur is a great addition to our growing affiliate network for TheRegistry Collection, which is devoted to growth in India,” said Sabina Chopra, managing director, RCI India. “The Registry Collection has been...
RCI Welcomes UNICO 20°N 87°W Hotel Riviera Maya
RCI, a worldwide leader in vacation exchange (NYSE: WYN), recently added UNICO 20°N 87°W Hotel Riviera Maya to its exchange network. Located on oceanfront property in the Riviera Maya, the stunning all-inclusive, adults-only resort will offer nearly 450 guestrooms when it opens in April. “The addition of UNICO 20°N 87°W Hotel Riviera Maya to the RCI® exchange network contributes to the wealth of exchange options we offer in Mexico,” said Ricardo Montaudon, president and executive director of RCI Latin America. “This property is set in a beautiful and popular location, and will offer some of the finest services and all-inclusive benefits in...
RCI Launches Club 365℠ to Deliver Year-Round Benefits
RCI, debuted the Club 365SM program at ARDA World 2017 in New Orleans. The new solution is a travel and lifestyle benefits program that adds value to affiliates’ existing timeshare offerings by providing incredible discounts on hotel stays, cruises, wine and more. “Club 365 is a seamless option to transition non-buyers to an enticing exit program, or serve as an impactful add-on benefit for purchasers,” said Fiona Downing, senior vice president of Business Development for RCI North America, Canada and the Caribbean. “The suite of offerings can increase consumer satisfaction and provide affiliates with an additional revenue source. This is the latest...
Karma Group to open stunning new resort on the Greek island of Crete
Karma Group have announced the acquisition of a new property just outside the gorgeous historical town of Agios Nikolaos, on the Greek island of Crete. Located only 5kms from the town, Karma’s captivating new address is nestled between rugged mountains and the sea. Karma Minoan will be comprised of a selection of hotel apartments and one and two bedroom suites along with pool, bar, restaurant, library, spa and kids club. Each of the property’s 26 holiday apartments offer panoramic views of Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos and the surrounding mountains. Guests will be able to spend their days lounging by the large...
Brian Folley
We are sad to report the passing in January of Brian Folley who was one of the best known and respected figures in the timeshare industry. He had been in poor health for some time and died after a ten-week period of hospitalisation. His early career was spent both in the UK and the US in public relations and publishing, mainly in the airline business. In the late eighties he joined RCI as one of its original team based in Victoria in London, before the company moved to its new European headquarters in Kettering. He spent nearly twenty years with RCI during its rapid expansion...
ITRA sued by timeshare owners and ordered to refund payments in full
ITRA (International Timeshare Refund Action) was taken to court by a retired couple this June and having considered the evidence, the judge ruled that the contract signed by the consumers was invalid. ITRA was ordered to refund the couple’s payments and to pay their costs. Harold and Brenda Walker were cold called by ITRA in 2014 and invited to attend a presentation to discuss how to take part in a no-win, no-fee claim for compensation against their timeshare resort. The Walkers were falsely told during the presentation that their timeshare contract was in perpetuity and their children would become liable for the...
Six arrested in Spain in timeshare claims scheme ‘scam’
Six European nationals have been arrested for their involvement in an allegedly fraudulent timeshare claims scheme based in Malaga and Alicante. The fraud squad in Zaragoza, Alicante and Malaga were involved in the investigations. According to Spanish newspaper Europa Press, the arrests follow a lengthy police investigation which was instigated in 2013 after a Belgian timeshare owner reported that he had been scammed. It is thought that the total amounts lost by consumers, who were predominately Dutch, German and British, is €345,000. The following companies are believed to have been involved in the scheme: Valerano Sanz, active between January 2013 to June 2013 Martinez Almansa,...