Latin American Vacation Ownership Industry: Positive Signs In Difficult Times

With Brazil and Venezuela recording double-digit growth in interval sales in 2009 mainly due to their sales in the domestic market, Latin America showed signs of strength and continued to attract new players to its vacation ownership industry.

According to RCI’s “Executive Summary” of the Latin American and Caribbean Vacation Ownership Fact Book, 61 new vacation resorts joined the region’s vacation exchange system in 2009, and Latin America closed the year with a total of more than 1,200 affiliated resorts.

In its Executive Summary, RCI also notes that 97 percent of interval sales in Brazil – which totaled more than 14,300 weeks – were done by domestic buyers. Results from Venezuela indicate that Venezuelans purchased 99 percent of the 12,700 weeks sold in the country. With these and other data gathered by RCI in the region, estimated sales of vacation weeks in Latin American totaled 212,316 intervals, a 12 percent decline from the previous year.

RCI’s Executive Summary also indicates that despite the tough economic environment of the previous year, some other markets showed promising growth signs. In Costa Rica, for example, several luxury projects were started in the country’s most popular beach destinations with some of them slated to open this year. In Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Colombia, new timeshare players came into the industry and introduced new resorts – ranging from standard quality to luxury developments – to the vacation ownership market.

Notwithstanding the challenging times faced by the Mexican tourism industry, one of the biggest regions affected by the influenza outbreak, Mexico topped the list of new affiliations with 22 resorts, followed by the Caribbean with 16 and Brazil with seven.

Other significant data about the vacation ownership market in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2009 is highlighted by RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange, in its Executive Summary presented at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2010 Convention and Exposition. The Executive Summary, a highly-regarded industry publication, documents the performance of the industry during the last year and puts into perspective future trends by analyzing market information from the World Tourism Organization, the Tourism Ministries, affiliates in the region, and the International Monetary Fund.

The Executive Summary is a well-received document within the regional vacation ownership industry and is part of a broader RCI endeavor: The 2010 Latin America and the Caribbean Vacation Ownership Fact Book will be presented later this year.

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 65,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Exchange and Rentals is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, a research and consultancy firm providing advisory services to the global leisure real estate industry. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange.

For additional information visit www.wyndhamer.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

The Registry Collection® Program Welcomes The Innsbruck Aspen Residences To Its Global Portfolio

High-end resort in renowned Colorado ski area joins world’s largest luxury exchange program

The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), and The Innsbruck Aspen Residences, a luxury residence located in the town of Aspen, Colo., today announced a long-term affiliation agreement.

We are honored and excited to welcome the highly-acclaimed The Innsbruck Aspen Residences to The Registry Collection’s portfolio of luxury affiliates,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “This mountain resort offers elegant accommodations and first-class service and amenities; consistent with what The Registry Collection program stands for.

This affiliation will help provide both The Registry Collection members and Innsbruck Aspen owners with the type of luxury lifestyle vacation experiences they desire.” Located in the heart of Aspen, The Innsbruck Aspen Residences offers 17 luxury units and is conveniently located in walking distance to the ski slopes and all the nightlife Aspen has to offer.

“The Registry Collection program expands the enjoyment of our owners’ second home vacation purchase as they will now have the ability to exchange into a quality selection of luxury destinations around the world,” said R.J Gallagher Jr., Partner in Forte International, the organization chosen by The Innsbruck Aspen Residences to manage the marketing and sales. “We are excited to offer this unique benefit to our valued owners and look forward to having them enjoy these benefits in the years to come.”

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection program is a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 175 properties are available through The Registry Collection® program and are either  accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange program, The Registry Collection program provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day. From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection program facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection program is offered by Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of  companies (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media center at www.wyndhamer.com.

For additional information on the services offered to developers and members by The Registry Collection program and to learn how it can add value and distinction to leisure real estate projects, visit www.theregistrycollection.com.

About the Innsbruck Aspen
The Innsbruck Aspen Residences are a wonderful collection of seventeen intimate and warm residences located in the heart of Aspen. Each residence has been thoughtfully designed with the finest finishes and amenities and ownership comes with all the benefits of private home ownership, combined with the unsurpassed services and privileges of a private club. The intimate feel of a historic Inn, with the amenities, services, and staff attention you would expect at a five-star hotel. Ownership at The Innsbruck Aspen Residences is a valuable real estate asset that can be resold or transferred. Each Owner will own a 1/12 undivided, deeded, fee simple interest in real estate, evidenced by a real estate deed recorded in the county records and insured by a title insurance policy.
For additional information visit www.theinnsbruckaspen.com.

Perspective Magazine Ranked #1 On Google.com For Fractional News

The leading trade publication for the shared ownership industry reaches another milestone as it takes the number one spot on Google.com for another powerful search term.

Perspective Magazine and its network of websites have commanded top search engine results for search terms such as “timeshare news” for several years, but now can boast the top spot for the term “fractional news”, with their flagship website http://www.theperspectivemagazine.com, beating other competing sites, even the many that use the word “fractional” within their website name.

“There are many factors to achieving high search engine rankings, but quality content, loyal repeat visitors and natural growth have always been the key to our success.” Says CEO Paul Mattimoe. “We have reported on the fractional ownership industry for several years, but as that market continues to gain momentum and we continue to take on more fractional clients it is important for us to show our strength and commitment in this specific area.”

Perspective Magazine provides daily timeshare, fractional ownership, resort real estate and hospitality news online and by email, in addition to publishing the “most read” independent trade publication globally for the shared ownership industry, reaching more than 21,000 registered industry professionals. Perspective Magazine also recently launched a Social Networking Site (http://perspectiveforums.com) dedicated to the shared ownership industry which in just four weeks has attracted more members than any other industry social media group worldwide.

For more information visit http://www.perspectivemagazine.com

For Advertising & Editorial opportunities visit http://www.perspectiverates.com

FractionalExchange.com Selected By Austria Haus Of Vail For Exchange Requirements

FractionalExchange.com has announced that the Austria Haus Club of Vail, Colorado has selected FractionalExchange.com for the vacation exchange requirements of its members. The Austria Haus joins Rocky Mountain resorts The Hemingways, The Deer Valley Club, The Teton Club and Vail Mountain Lodge in affiliating with FractionalExchange.com

The Austria Haus Club was established in 1998 and is located along Gore Creek, just next to Vail’s famous Covered Bridge. Their prime location provides convenient access to all the amenities in Vail Village, as well as quick access to the Vista Bahn chairlift at Vail Mountain.

Paul Nabor, Director of Sales at FractionalExchange.com states, “It is such an exciting opportunity for FractionalExchange.com to partner with The Austria Haus Club. As Vail’s first Private Residence Club, we view it as one of the premier locations within our network. I am excited about the opportunities our affiliation will present to the Club’s members for future exchanges.”

Through a group enrollment arrangement, all Homeowners Association members at The Austria Haus Club are now part of the FractionalExchange.com Gold level membership network. In addition to access to the global exchange network of FractionalExchange.com, owners at The Austria Haus Club now have a convenient method of exchanging use internally to solve fractional rotation needs.

Laura Warren, General Manager of Austria Haus Club of Vail says “We have been looking for the right exchange program for quite some time, and FractionalExchange.com appears it will fit our needs perfectly. The wide variety of properties to exchange within the program combined with its ease of use make it very appealing to The Club and our members. The fact that the person who developed this program is a fractional owner makes us confident that this is a workable solution. We like the fact that there are no hidden fees; it is very straightforward in all aspects.”

Recognized as Vail’s first Private Residence Club, The Austria Haus Club carries a prestigious first place award for International resort architecture and design, as well as the highest platinum ratings from the Vail Valley Tourism and Convention Bureau, as reported on their web site.

“We are so pleased to welcome The Austria Haus Club to the FractionalExchange.com network,” said Evan Julber, FractionalExchange.com CEO. “We look forward to providing The Club’s members with a streamlined solution to their vacation exchange needs, and we are thrilled to provide all FractionalExchange.com members with access to one of the finest properties in the Vail area.”

For additional information regarding this release and the services of FractionalExchange.com, visit http://www.fractionalexchange.com or contact Paul Nabor at 541.306.3180.

About FractionalExchange.com
FractionalExchange.com is a global online owner-to-owner exchange network for owners of upscale vacation residences and fractional properties. The company was established in 2008 by parent company Sierra Holdings, Incorporated, an Oregon Corporation with offices in Bend, Oregon, USA. Servers are located in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

The Registry Collection Programme Wins Prestigious Fractional Life Award By Unanimous Judges’ Decision

The Registry Collection® exchange programme, the world’s largest luxury exchange network, was honoured to receive the Fractional Life 2010 Services To The Industry Award at the Fractional Life Summit on 19th February.

The criteria for winning The Services to the Industry Award was deemed to be the person or organisation that has done the most to help grow the fractional industry from a business and/or consumer point of view. The Fractional Life expert judging panel is comprised of fractional property experts, editors and industry professionals. Chairman of the judges’ panel and founder of Fractional Life, Piers Brown, said: “When it came to this award, the judges were unanimous in naming The Registry Collection programme the deserving winner. As the first programme to offer fractional developers the attractive option of luxury leisure property exchange, The Registry Collection programme was described by judges as a slick, smart and a savvy way to help both developers and fractional owners. Their marketing is good and attention to detail strong. Equally, the product offered is high-end and lifts the profile of fractional luxury in the marketplace worldwide.”

Gregg Anderson, vice president, The Registry Collection programme, speaking on behalf of his colleagues said: “We’re truly honoured and delighted to receive this accolade from such a respected panel of industry professionals. Our programme is a team effort and I’d like to thank Piers Brown and Fractional Life, industry pioneers like ourselves, who have been instrumental in raising the profile of the fractional industry and providing customers with an authoritative and trusted source of information about our business and a lively online market place for the benefit of everyone involved in the industry.

“A big ‘thank you’ must go to our affiliated developers whose world-class developments and faith in us has given us the opportunity to make The Registry Collection programme the attractive, distinctive and first-class product it is today.”

Nick Turner, VP and head of The Registry Collection programme, Europe, added: “I’d like to join Gregg in thanking our associates and saying how very proud we are to receive this, our second industry award in just a few months. The fractional product has definitely arrived in Europe, enjoying coverage in the UK national and property press as well as attracting a strong attendance at events such as the Fractional Life Expo and Summit, and the OPPLive Event last year. We’re seeing an increase in activity within The Registry Collection programme too, with eight new fractional properties having joined the programme in Europe in the last 12 months.”

The Registry Collection programme was launched eight years ago and now has a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 175 properties are available through The Registry Collection programme and are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, it gives developers of luxury leisure properties and second home developments the opportunity to offer their buyers a world of holiday options, as well as a lifestyle experience commensurate with the quality of the property, including 24/7 concierge services, access to exclusive travel and leisure service providers at preferential rates, as well as the ability for those buying off plan to take holidays in a selection of the programme’s affiliated properties while waiting for the keys to their purchased property through the Early Privilege Programme.

About The Registry Collection
The Registry Collection® programme is a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 130 affiliates on five continents. More than 175 properties are available through The Registry Collection programme and are either accessible for exchange or under development. As the world’s largest luxury exchange programme, The Registry Collection programme provides members with access to an elite global network of the very finest vacation properties at some of the world’s premier destinations, as well as personal concierge services that are available 24-hours a day. From condo hotels and high-end fractional resorts to private residence clubs and fractional yachts, The Registry Collection programme facilitates exchanges around the world and redefines the vacation experience for owners and developers. The Registry Collection programme is offered by Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN). For additional information, visit the media centre at www.wyndhamer.com.

For additional information on the services offered to developers and members by The Registry Collection programme and to learn how it can add value and distinction to leisure real estate projects, visit www.theregistrycollection.com and www.rciventures.com

Pacifico Diamante Private Residence Club In Acapulco Welcomed By Interval International To Its Global Resort Network

Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq: IILG), today announced that Pacifico Diamante Private Residence Club in Acapulco has joined its exchange network.

The property will feature 200 three- and four-bedroom fractional units being built in five phases during the next several years. They have been designed with a sophisticated contemporary décor and feature spacious dining and living rooms, marble floors, fully equipped gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, state-of-the-art electronics, Wi Fi Internet access, and private outdoor terraces.

“Pacifico Diamante will provide our members with the opportunity to experience Acapulco — one of Mexico’s oldest and most iconic vacation destinations — from a new vantage point,” noted Marcos Agostini, Interval International’s vice president for Latin America, resort sales and service. “The resort is located in the upscale area of Acapulco Diamante and members will have easy access to some of the city’s finest restaurants and cafés, fashionable boutiques, and nightlife.”

“Our company’s experience in building multiple high-quality residential projects throughout Mexico has served us well in developing our first fractional property,” said Armando Hubard, president of Olazar S.A. de C.V., the owner of Pacifico Diamante Private Residence Club. “The objective is to position Pacifico Diamante as a luxury family resort and offer owners and guests a home away from home with excellent service.”

The complex’s modern buildings are set in manicured gardens around a central courtyard with a swimming pool and children’s splash pool. Plans call for a private beach club, restaurant, tennis courts, paddle tennis, gym, sauna, spa, concierge service, and other amenities to be available upon completion of the first phase.
Acapulco’s roots go back to the time of the Aztecs and Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Renowned for its legendary cliff divers and dramatic setting on Acapulco Bay, today the city is a very popular vacation spot with picture-perfect beaches, endless water sports, gourmet restaurants, and dusk-till-dawn nightlife.

About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 33 years. Today, Interval has an exchange network of more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 nations. Through offices in 16 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who are enrolled in various membership programs. Interval is an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation industry.

RCI’s Big Reveal On Growth Of Leisure Real Estate In Asia

RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), will host senior executives and decision makers in the hospitality and leisure real estate industries at the RCI® Asia Leisure Real Estate Symposium on 22-23 April 2010 in Singapore where RCI will reveal the secrets of successful vacation exchange.

“The BIG Reveal” Symposium is a response to an emerging interest in vacation ownership in Asia, which is anticipated to attain greater momentum over the next few years. As the largest vacation exchange network in the world that continues to revolutionize the vacation exchange experience for leisure real estate developers and leisure travelers with service and product innovations, RCI recognizes the rising demand for quality leisure real estate models to capture this growth.

“We are noticing a strong and growing interest in vacation ownership products in Asia as holiday makers become more sophisticated and discerning and are seeking a differentiated vacation experience with quality accommodations,” said Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI. “We believe that now is a great time for leisure real estate owners and developers to invest in and create vacation ownership products to catch the upswing in Asia. As the pioneer in vacation exchange, RCI has the expertise, experience and solutions to help leisure real estate owners and developers enhance the value of their assets and offer an outstanding proposition to consumers while revolutionizing their vacation experience.”

The two-day event will be held at the Pan Pacific Singapore where attendees will participate in a series of forums, panel discussions and workshops focusing on the development of vacation ownership in Asia and around the world. Symposium topics will focus on vacation ownership trends and opportunities, fractional real estate and ownership, cross-border success and sustainability, customer engagement and social media, legal framework and expert insight on building a successful vacation ownership business.

Key speakers and experts include:
• “A Global Overview of Vacation Ownership Industry and Asia Market Insights” by Dr. Richard L. Ragatz, President, Ragatz Associates;
• “Thinking the Future of Leisure Hospitality: Challenges for Asia” by Dr. Russell Arthur Smith, Interim Dean, Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore;
• “Finding a Competitive Advantage in the Global Luxury Market” by Frank M. Pfaller, Chief Executive Officer, Selected Hotels Promotion L.C.; and
• “State of the Industry & Tourism in Singapore” by Justin Chew, Executive Director, F1 Sports & Hospitality, Singapore Tourism Board.

Prior to the Symposium, a half-day interactive and informative workshop on “Sales and Marketing Techniques for a Successful Vacation Ownership Business” conducted by Dan King, one of the industry’s most recognizable trainers and consultants, will be held at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre on 21 April.

“The BIG Reveal Symposium is aimed at experts, industry and business leaders to facilitate discussion of initiatives that boost the growth of vacation ownership, share invaluable insights, explore innovative leisure real estate models and transform the leisure experience for travelers,” said Adrian Lee, managing director, RCI Asia. “We will reveal effective solutions that will unleash asset value in leisure real estate and the sustainable success of vacation ownership. We believe that the RCI Asia Leisure Real Estate Symposium is the much needed platform that will drive a concerted effort towards the growth of vacation ownership in Asia and benefit leisure real estate owners in finding a competitive advantage through vacation ownership.”

For online registration and further information please visit www.rciasia-symposium.com, email: rci@ap-comms.com or phone: +65 6411-9632.

About RCI
RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange and Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 65,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. Wyndham Exchange and Rentals is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, and other renowned vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a variety of property types, from city apartments to villas; and NorthCourse® Leisure Real Estate Solutions, a research and consultancy firm providing advisory services to the global leisure real estate industry. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange.

For additional information visit www.wyndhamer.com or the media center of www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

“Ocean Pearl”, Second Super-Yacht Launched By YachtPlus

Leading fractional ownership super-yacht company YachtPlus last week launched the second yacht of its four yacht fleet in La Spezia, Italy. Christened Ocean Pearl, this stunning 41 metre yacht, identical to its Norman Foster designed sister yacht Ocean Emerald, will operate a series of cruises throughout the Mediterranean during the summer of 2010 and the Caribbean in the winter of 2011.

“We are delighted with the response from the owners who spent this summer on Ocean Emerald and are extremely optimistic about the future of the next three yachts that will continue to grow the YachtPlus fleet. The many enquiries we have received over the past few months and the very positive comments from current owners is a testament to the concept of fractional ownership which is rapidly becoming acknowledged as the most financially astute way in which to own a super-yacht,” said John Hare, Chairman of YachtPlus. “These are challenging financial times and increasingly more people, many former sole yacht owners, are turning to fractional ownership as the most cost effective, stress-free and viable way to own a luxury super-yacht,” he added.

This type of ownership allows members to maintain a prestigious and luxurious lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of sole ownership thereby freeing up capital for other forms of asset ownership that would otherwise be invested as a sole yacht owner. One of the major attractions of YachtPlus fractional ownership is that it removes all the hassles, concerns, unforeseen financial pitfalls and very substantial annual running costs incurred via sole ownership. The third yacht of the fleet, Ocean Sapphire is due to be launched in May 2010 and the fourth, as yet unnamed, is scheduled to enter service at the beginning of 2011. All four yachts, identical in design by world renowned architect Norman Foster, are being built at the Rodriquez Cantieri Navali boat yard in Sarzana, Italy and will initially spend the summer months in the Mediterranean and the winter in the Caribbean and will offer total exclusivity, privacy and pleasure to those participating.

Joining the YachtPlus Programme
The company is offering a 1/8th share in one of the four yachts with a buy-in fee of € 1.875.000. This will give the owners 30 nights a year onboard split between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Alternatively those wishing to only purchase a half fraction – 1/16th share – it will cost € 975.000 and give the owners 15 nights a year onboard again split between the Caribbean and Mediterranean. It is estimated that there will be an annual management fee of € 200.000 for a 1/8th share and € 100.000 for a 1/16th which will cover all year round maintenance, a permanent crew of seven, marine and hotel operations, 24/7 lifestyle management, transoceanic crossings , port charges and cruise itinerary management. Once the fleet is complete owners will have the option of sailing on any one of the four yachts. The fleet may expand to include other kinds of vessels in the near future. The term of contract will be for eight years after which the yachts will be sold and the owners will receive full pro-rated proceeds of the sale.

Key Benefits of Membership
- 24/7 concierge service available to handle all requests including bookings, itineraries, transport, shore excursions, hotels and so on
- Limited number of owners ensures high availability
- Cost of membership is a fraction of the cost of sole ownership
- One of the world’s most contemporary and futuristic yacht designs
- Exclusive and luxurious lifestyle offering the ultimate in hospitality, service and comfort
- Unique interior designed by Norman Foster
- Ability to visit small ports and islands
- Flexibility and variety of destinations

Mountain Spirit Resort & Spa

Mountain Spirit Resort & Spa is located in the four season Canadian mountain getaway, Kimberley, British Columbia. This ski-in ski-out resort is also just steps away from world class golfing at Trickle Creek’s championship courses.

The resort is just 20 minutes from the Canadian Rockies International Airport. Whole or quarter ownership is available in fully furnished studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom suites. A limited number of penthouses are also available.

Owners can enjoy a year round outdoor heated pool and hot tub, fitness suite, lobby lounge, slope-side ski lockers, underground heated parking, two high speed elevators and twenty-four hour front desk service.

Ownership includes a two year complimentary membership in the exclusive, international home owner exchange program Resort to Resort.

Quick Overview
Location:	Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada
Number Of Residences:	68
Type Of Residences:	Studios, Suites & Penthouses
Equity Based (Deeded)	Yes
Size Of Fractional Interests:	1/4
Approximate Starting Price Range:	$86,900 CDN – $174,900 CDN
Usage Plan:	1 week every four weeks i.e. on average 12 weeks per year
Rental Program:	Yes
Internal Exchange:	Yes on request and approval
External Exchange:	Yes – Resort to Resort

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