If you are outside the timeshare industry and have only read the headlines, you probably think timeshares are tanking at this very moment. Timeshare developers took a hit when the credit markets dried up, making it harder to arrange financing for timeshare buyers and harder to borrow money themselves for growth and expansion. But as we’ve already established, (read: Timeshares are Bulletproof Says Hotel Interactive after VOIC, Vacation Ownership Industry Conference) timeshare owners have continued to use timeshares they own, continued to enjoy the product and remain loyal to the concept.

Orlando Managing Partner with Deloitte and Touche, Michael Harding, says, yes, timeshare sales were down throughout 2009. First quarter reports for 2009 showed sales down 39.8 percent; second quarter the drop was 35 percent; in the third quarter, it was at 33.3 percent and by the fourth quarter of 2009, sales were down by only 20.4 percent. Harding explains, “The worst is over for the industry, and performance of timeshare paper will probably be better than people thought it may have been for the most part.”

People Buy Timeshares and Timeshare Resales Every Day

According to Harding’s research, the average buyer of timeshare from a developer is a homeowner, in his or her early 50’s, with a media income of $78,400. Fifty-seven percent of timeshare buyers have graduated from college. ARDA President Howard Nusbaum describes this consumer saying, “This is a very stable purchaser. They don’t walk away from responsibilities. They value vacationing and believe this product offers a better way to vacation and they will come rain or shine.”

When you understand the stability of the timeshare consumer, and the returning trend to buy timeshare, it really makes sense that many timeshare developers, including Disney Vacation Club timeshare, Marriott timeshare, and others are confidently building and growing their inventory of beautiful resorts in desirable locations.

Marriott Vacation Club (Marriott Timeshare) has named Melissa Fritsche to be the general manager of its Orlando timeshare property, Marriott’s Harbour Lake resort. Harbour Lake Resort timeshare includes over 300 timeshare villas and is planned for a build-out to 900 villas when complete.

Marriott’s Harbour Lake is one of the many popular Marriott Orlando timeshares, located near SeaWorld Orlando, as well as conveniently close to all the popular attractions that make an Orlando vacation so much fun. Yet, when Marriott timeshare owners and guests at Harbour Lake timeshare are not on the town enjoying the theme parks, restaurants, and attractions of Central Florida, there’s plenty to do on-property. With a 22,000-square-foot mini golf course, a WaterWorks water playground, and a pirate-themed pool complete with a “Pirate Plunge,” you could love your Orlando timeshare vacation and never even leave the resort.

Marriott’s Harbour Lake timeshare villas are available in one and two-bedroom floor plans, all with full kitchens, living and dining areas, a balcony or a screened porch, DVDs and TVs, and plenty of room for your family to kick back and enjoy their holiday.

Melissa Fritsche was previously the General Manager at Marriott Vacation Club International’s Streamside Resort, in Vail, Colorado.

This week after being part of the VOIC (Vacation Ownership Industry Conference) in Orlando, Florida, Glenn Haussman, Editor in Chief for HotelInteractive, offered some very interesting (and affirming) observations about the timeshare industry, which he describes as “bulletproof”. Haussman is a knowledgeable resource in the hospitality industry, and it is good for many timeshare developers, management companies, and timeshare owners to hear his assessment, as some have wondered if they have actually been dodging bullets.

Haussman says that despite the troubled economy, the timeshare industry has been, “the one major bright spot for the past two years.” He points out that in a time of ‘staycations,’ timeshare owners have taken advantage of their pre-paid vacation experiences.

Howard Nusbaum, President and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), added to the good news message saying, “Timeshare occupancy and rate have not been hurt. … There is a resilience because of the prepaid nature of timeshare. No matter what has been going on, we continue to grow.”

Timeshares Bulletproof, but with an Achilles Heel

While Howard Nusbaum noted that many of the factors that have hurt other aspects of the vacation industry, such as the Energy Crisis of the 1970’s; the Gulf War in the 1990’s; and the 2001 terrorists attacks of September 11, have failed to impact timeshare sales or timeshare vacationing. But what has hurt the industry, he points out, was the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the tightening of the credit market which makes it harder to finance the consumer purchase of new timeshares, harder for timeshare companies to maintain marketing and sales staffs and harder for developers to build new, enticing timeshare resorts to attract buyers.

Overall, this week’s VOIC event has been remarkable and is yet another example of the timeshare industry working together, partnering, and supporting one another as it evolves to better serve consumer needs.

MALAGA, SPAIN (October 5, 2010) – The Registry Collection programme, the world’s largest luxury exchange programme and one of the Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) family of brands under the RCI umbrella, today announced an affiliation agreement with The Residence Club at The Baglioni Marrakech in Morocco, the newest resort developed by Ajensa Developments SARL, an international property development company specialising in exclusive high-end properties.

The Baglioni Marrakech is an exclusive mixed-use resort set in 34 acres of parkland under the gaze of the Atlas Mountains and just 10 minutes from Ménara International Airport and the city centre. The resort opens late 2011 and will offer a 72 key hotel operated by Baglioni Hotels, a luxury 1500 m² spa operated by Six Senses Spas and 15 four- and five-bedroom villas designed by Jade Jagger for yoo. The Residences will be a mixture of wholly-owned villas and a luxury Residence Club, to be sold in five-week fractions. Residence Club membership ranges in price from €295,000 for a four-bedroom unit to €345,000 for a five-bedroom unit.

The resort has been developed by Ajensa Developments, which has partnered with Valhalla Associates and Intelligent Partnership on product development as well as the sales and marketing of the residences.

“We are very pleased to welcome The Residence Club at The Baglioni Marrakech into The Registry Collection programme network,” said Nick Turner, vice president, The Registry Collection programme in Europe and Africa. “It is a beautifully designed resort in a stunning location that is incredibly popular with travelers. The resort will be a tremendous addition to our collection of the very best vacation destinations.”

The villas have been designed by world-famous interior designer Jade Jagger for yoo who has combined contemporary flair with the traditional style and character of Marrakech’s palaces and riads. The villas feature vast airy rooms, cooling courtyards and intimate terraces, all inspired by Morocco’s architectural legacy and decorative heritage.

Each villa has dramatic high ceilings in the living and dining rooms with full-height windows opening onto internal courtyards and gardens with a swimming pool. All bedroom suites have a private garden, some with plunge pools, and access to roof terraces with far-reaching views of the Atlas Mountains. Internally all villas are equipped to the highest standards, with fully-fitted kitchens, internal hammam, wet room, Wi-Fi facilities and more.

Owners benefit from an optional rental programme, serviced and managed by Baglioni Hotels, that allows every bedroom within each villa to be individually rented back as a hotel room, thereby optimising rental yields.

The resort also offers 24-hour front-office service, concierge and valet parking. Other on-site amenities include a fitness centre, business centre, two restaurants and a cocktail bar.

Affiliation to The Registry Collection programme brings additional benefits, enabling the resort’s whole ownership and fractional owners to exchange into one of more than 175 properties in its portfolio of affiliated luxury properties around the world that are either accessible for exchange or under development. In addition, owners will have access to a concierge service 24 hours a day and specially negotiated benefits from luxury travel and lifestyle Registry Collection partner companies.

“We are proud to pioneer the Private Residence Club concept in the North African region,” said Alistair Emery, chief executive, Ajensa Developments. “With the affiliation of the Residence Club to The Registry Collection, owners will be able to use their real estate equity within the Club to access The Registry Collection’s network of luxury resorts worldwide.”

“The Residence Club at The Baglioni Marrakech will be the first luxury fractional ownership product to go into sales in Morocco,” said Preben Vestdam, president, Valhalla Associates. “And because Marrakech is one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the North African region, we expect a healthy interest from the international markets for this unique product.”

About The Registry Collection

The Registry Collection programme is a global network comprising over 30,000 members and more than 140 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 & 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 our media center.

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.

About Ajensa Developments

Ajensa Developments is an international property development company specialising in the creation of boutique hotel and residential resorts. With a strong track record in acquiring, financing and developing exceptional international hotel and residential resorts, Ajensa’s expertise is second to none when it comes to realising a project from initial conception through to execution and construction management. A member of RICS (UK) and based in Marrakech, Ajensa has a comprehensive knowledge of the Moroccan real estate market, its directors having acted as consultants for the development and sale of the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Marrakech. Ajensa works only with elite partners who share the same commitment and passion to develop a portfolio of luxury five-star hotel and residential resorts strategically located around the world. As an international investment and development company focused on brand and quality of service, the company aims to maximise returns for its partners and investors by unleashing the value inherent in the property assets that it develops. For more information visit www.ajensa.com

Media Contact:
Helen Foster
+44(0)1536 314266
helen.foster@rci.com

The Bluegreen Corporation, known as a leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play®, has appointed Paul Humphrey as its new Vice President, Finance and Capital Markets.

Bluegreen’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Tony Puleo, says, “Paul’s appointment reflects Bluegreen’s commitment to strengthening our capital markets presence. Our new business model is having a positive impact on our operations; and while we believe we are less reliant on the credit markets than we were in the past, we believe that this important addition to our team will allow us to enhance and better execute our finance strategy. Paul is a proven financial executive, and his addition will allow us to more actively pursue opportunities with current and new lenders as we seek to expand and diversify our sources of liquidity.”

Bluegreen Timeshare in a Period of Change

While Bluegreen timeshare has faced its share of challenges in the tight economy, Humphrey says he sees this as an exciting time to join the Bluegreen family, calling it a period of opportunity and change. Humphrey’s work experience includes over fourteen years at Salomon Brothers/Citigroup and CS First Boston. He is the founder and past president of PGH Consulting, LLC, a consulting service that served the business marketplace in credit restructuring and asset valuation. Many in the timeshare industry already know or recognize the name Paul Humphrey as he is a past speaker at industry conferences, including the 2010 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention and Exposition.

RCI’s Dave Thackeray calls it, “The most influential industry conference in the European shared ownership calendar.” And it’s happening now, with over 230 delegates attending RDO1: the Resort Development Organisation’s convention, where they are not only learning what’s happening in Europe timeshare, but they are enjoying the luxury of the Don Carlos Resort near Marbella, Spain.

But if you can’t be there in person, Dave Thackeray (the voice you already know from RCI internet radio) is offering you the next best thing with a live feed from the event. Tuesday and Wednesday, October 5 and 6, he’s reporting from RDO1, with live feeds available to everyone who subscribes to RCIVentures.com (it’s a free subscription).

Richard McIntosh, RDO Chairman, says, “We are delighted to welcome RCI as (one of the) Platinum Sponsor of RDO1. RDO (formerly known as OTE, the Organisation for Timeshare Europe) has benefited from the support of RCI since OTE was launched almost 13 years ago. That support has been given in many different ways, from RCI’s presence on many of our committees and working groups to sponsorship of our events and associated web sites. We value this collaboration as we look for opportunities to strengthen the timeshare industry in today’s challenging market.”

This is the first ‘Europe-wide’ Resort Development Organization conference. Expect Dave, who is always in the heart of things, to be reporting on each scheduled event, as well as recording special episodes of Today’s Timeshare and Fractional Focus to air in the future.

Halloween may not officially be for four more weeks, but at the Disney theme parks in Orlando, and in Anaheim, California, the Halloween festivities are already well underway. A Disney timeshare rental (or other California or Florida timeshare) makes it easy for you to create Halloween fun your family will remember for a lifetime.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has become a classic part of the Disney tradition. The special event runs from 7PM-12AM most nights during September- November, 2010. Wear your Halloween costume, and collect Disney goodies as you trick-or treat throughout the park. (Special ticket purchase is required).

The Mickey’s Boo-to-You Parade is pure Halloween fun, with appearances from the Headless Horseman, many of the Disney characters (in their Halloween costumes), and all the scaries and spookies from the Haunted Mansion. Now throw in special lighting, music, themed effects, and a spooktacular Happy HalloWishes fireworks show and you have all the Disney-style magic of a Halloween that children of all ages will talk about for years to come.

Why Renting Disney Timeshare Makes So Much Sense

It may be Halloween but there is no reason to be scared when you rent Disney timeshare. You know you will be enjoying the quality of a Disney resort paired with the smart savings of a timeshare rental. Your Disney Vacation Club timeshare rental will be spacious, offering a kitchen and dining area to help you keep dining costs under control, and of course, it will be perfectly located for getting the most out of your Disney Happiest of Halloweens.

In today’s relational business market, a company’s branding represents the ‘voice’ with which it speaks to its market. In a move to make its voice sound just right to the millions of consumers who visit their hotels and resorts each year, Wyndham announced it is unveiling new logos and is redesigning its branded websites in what the company calls a “portfolio-wide redesign.”

Jeff Wagoner, president of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, explains, “Our strategy enables us to take full advantage of marketing and branding opportunities that will benefit all of our affiliated brands.”

Wyndham’s new strategy is directed at uniting its multiple franchises, of which Planet Hollywood Hotels is one of the newest. Changes designed to make the Wyndham hotel message more cohesive across its brand include a new logo for Wyndham Rewards and the new tagline: “Rewards right around the corner.” As Wyndham reported and its official media release, “Bridging the identities of each brand within the Wyndham family of brands are attributes common to all Wyndham products including the Wyndham ByRequest® personalized loyalty program, which has been extended to the Wingate by Wyndham and Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham brands…”

The redesign also includes enhanced property content on brand websites, which will translate to features such as website photos that depict properties as they look in the existing season. Also in the works are a new, comprehensive content management strategy and a redefined rate management strategy and technology to ensure rate consistency across the thirteen Wyndham franchises. Short-term, look for promotions that feature triple-points and free nights to be out this Fall, targeting Wyndham Rewards program’s members by their buying patterns.

How much will the new messaging at Wyndham Hotels carry over to Wyndham timeshare? To some degree cross branding is unavoidable as more timeshare companies turning to mixed use (part hotel-part timeshare) resorts and continue to become more flexible. In general, the lines between hotels and vacation ownership become less distinctive as more companies recognize the value in offering products that users can customize to fit their preferences and needs.