New consumer website launches
As part of a drive to improve consumer representation following the closure of TATOC earlier this year, RDO has been working with AIPP (The Association of International Property Professionals) on the creation of a new website for owners of holiday homes, with a section of the site dedicated to timeshare ownership via a new alliance AIPO (Association of International Property Owners). We are delighted to announce that the new site www.aipo.org.uk was officially launched by AIPP during “A Place in the Sun Live” over the weekend of 11-13thMay at London Olympia, which attracted some 8,500+ visitors and the trade. AIPP CEO, Peter Robinson, said:...
Ave atque vale
For those of you who are not Latin Scholars (including myself – 14% at Common Entrance), Ave atque vale means hail and farewell. This comes from Catullus 101 (Wikipedia is a wonderful thing), the poem to his dead brother or rather to his ashes, but may in fact be Greek in origin, which is very apt as I was using it in a “Greek” context. These last few weeks we have had to say farewell to two stalwarts of the industry – Dimitris Manikis who has left RCI after 27 years to take up a similar but expanded role at...
Interval International recognised for excellence in technology
Interval International received the ARDY Award for Technology Project Team at the ARDA World Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. The winning Interval team was honored for its innovation in the development of the hotel exchange benefit and included a cross-functional group of software developers, business analysts, user experience experts, and quality assurance specialists. Despite the challenges of delivering a new technology with unique requirements, hotel exchange launched successfully and since then has generated bookings well above the forecasted numbers. “We have a tenacious and resourceful team,” said Jeanette Marbert, president and CEO of Interval International. “They were laser-focused on delivering an outstanding...
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...