Letter from America
I have always wanted to write that as a headline having been a great admirer of the late Alistair Cooke who sent out his “Letter from America” on BBC Radio every week from 1946 to 2004 and most memorably was in the lobby of the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles and witnessed the assassination of Bobby Kennedy. So that was all just by way of introducing the fact that I was in Washington last week, at the ARDA Fall Convention to make presentations, along with Declan Kenny, to the ARDA ROC and ARDA Boards. As explained at the RDO AGM in Marbella in September,...
Karma Group announces collaboration with RCI in Greece
RCI has selected Karma Group to manage its operations in the Greek market. With an established presence in Greece through their Karma Pelikanos Estate and Karma Minoan Retreat, Karma Group recently acquired office space in Athens from RCI, making it Karma’s new European base. The arrangement will see the office run under the RCI banner, maintaining their internationally recognised standards, while utilising Karma Group’s expertise in the hospitality market, their fast growing client-base and exceptional reputation in this sector. “The Greek Islands have become our European heartland,” said John Spence, Chairman and Founder of Karma Group. “Beyond the physical beauty of...
DAE announces winner of $20K Getaway
DAE has given away the vacation of a lifetime to one lucky member couple who have won a $20K Grand Prize Getaway in celebration of 20 years of DAE changing exchange. Ian and Kerry Christian (pictured), DAE members from South Africa, won the grand prize by transacting with DAE throughout their 20th birthDAE year in 2017. Mr and Mrs Christian plan to visit Australia for their grand getaway, where their children and grandchildren now live. Managing Director of DAE Global, Francis Taylor, commented, “even though it’s our birthDAE, the gifts have been on us, with members all over the world entering competitions by booking...
Clube Encantos de Lazer e Ferias in Brazil joins Interval International
Interval International has announced the addition of Clube Encantos de Lazer e Ferias, a points-based vacation club offering members access to eight hotels in southern Brazil, which are operated by Rede Encantos de Hotéis. Founded in 2002 by Alceu Lucas, Rede is a Gramado-based company, with significant experience in construction. Today it oversees five hotels in Gramado, along with two in Florianópolis, and one in T orres. “The launch of Clube Encantos de Lazer e Ferias places Rede Encantos de Hotéis on the leading edge of vacation ownership in southern Brazil, with its properties and sales galleries located in two very highly...
Purpose Beyond Profit via Geoffrey Breeze – Executive Director, World Travel & Tourism Council
While many might consider the Travel & Tourism industry as somewhat trivial and not necessarily providing anything more than simple enjoyment in people’s lives, this mindset significantly misses the mark. In fact this sector of the economy is one of the most significant in the world “supporting 292 million jobs and generating 10.2% of global GDP.” The positive impact of this industry goes far beyond economic benefits though, with those working in tourism helping to share cultures and build mutual understanding, ultimately leading to a more peaceful world. The UN declared 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism, with conditions of...
The Pering Group affiliates Azure Beach Residences, Aruba, with Preferred Residences
Preferred Residences has announced the affiliation of Azure Beach Residences in Aruba. The oceanfront full-ownership condominium property is set along the island’s famed Golden Mile, steps from the award-winning Eagle Beach. This project follows Blue Residence Club, which joined the Preferred Residences’ portfolio of resorts in 2011. “The Pering Group has established itself as one of the leading developers of luxury beachfront condominiums in Aruba,” said David C. Gilbert, Interval’s president. “As with all of its properties, Azure Beach Residences will feature elegant appointments, upscale amenities and service levels that appeal to those purchasing a vacation home.” Currently under construction, Azure Beach...
Dominate Future Markets Using Accurate Opinion Data via Freddie Herbst – Commercial Director, BrandsEye
In today’s world, with the huge growth in digital technology and reliance on the internet in our lives, companies are engaged in gathering data about people more than ever. As people increasingly share aspects of their lives via social media networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more, there is a growing stream of information available to brands about what matters to people. This data is extremely important as it can be used to make predictions about future buying habits, improvements to sales processes and ultimately be used to increase profitability. In the past brands would have to rely solely on more...
Interval International affiliates Ahnvee Resort + Sports
Interval International has announced the affiliation of Ahnvee Resort + Sports, an all-inclusive property on the Atlantic coast of the Dominican Republic, famous for its world-class beaches and prime coral reefs. The property is located in the heart of the resort town of Sosúa in the province of Puerto Plata. The 130-unit resort comprises studios and one- and two-bedroom suites. The contemporary decor features Caribbean beach and sunset tones with dark wood accents and bold splashes of color, custom artwork, and artisan furnishings. Some suites have 4- foot-deep, full-length pools, hot tubs, and European-style open bathrooms with Roman tubs. One- and...
Interval International promotes Soraya Gonzales
Interval International has announced the promotion of Soraya Gonzales to vice president of resort assistance and client services for the Americas. Based in Miami, she oversees the working relationship between the company and the resorts affiliated with its Quality Vacation Exchange Network. She reports to Marcos Agostini, Interval’s executive vice president of global sales and business development. Among Gonzales’ other responsibilities are the management of the resort assistance Latin America division, providing homeowners’ association board support, resort technology, and inventory verifications. Gonzales joined Interval in 1989 as the operations manager of the travel department, and has since held several leadership positions, most...
Ramada Resort Akbük joins RCI exchange network
Akbük Resort Group has announced the affiliation of Ramada Resort Akbük with RCI. The contemporary all-inclusive resort overlooks Akbük Bay in the Aegean region of western Turkey. Located in a pine forest, Ramada Resort Akbük is just five minutes from its own private beach – free shuttles are provided for guests – and 22 kilometres from the ancient Temple of Apollo at Didyma. The resort’s wide range of facilities includes a large pool with water slides, sun terrace, children’s pool, six bars and a variety of restaurants. It also features a market, hairdresser, spa, Turkish bath, sauna, steam bath and fitness salon,...