This week the PGA Tour wrapped up its annual Qualifying Tournament (Q School) to determine 25 players (plus those tied with the twenty-fifth spot in the tournament) who will receive their playing card on the Tour for 2011. The competitors played six challenging rounds at the Orange County National Golf Center just outside of Orlando, Florida.

If you are a golfer, you would have no doubt enjoyed seeing this firsthand, but you might be even more interested to play the courses yourself. Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, the two championship courses at Orange County on which the qualifier was contested, are part of a public fee golf facility—meaning that you, too, can access these courses and play. And they are not the only top quality golf courses in the Orlando area that are open to public play. Many of the resort and timeshare courses have available tee time bookings, even for golfers who are not staying at that resort at the time.

Orlando Timeshare Makes it Easy to Golf Where the Pros Play

Orange Lake Resort timeshare offers a total of four outstanding courses, including championship quality, The Legends and The Reserve. At the Disney Resorts and Disney timeshares, you will find four courses, two of which are The Magnolia and Lake Buena Vista Golf Courses, where the PGA Tour plays a late season event each year. Other top area golf courses include those at Grand Cypress, where the LPGA played their Tour Championship last week; Falcon’s Fire; ChampionsGate; The Celebration Course; Grande Lakes; Mystic Dunes; and numerous others, all of which are available for public play.

The snow may have already blanketed your home course, but if you own an Orlando timeshare, the sunshine and the great golf courses are waiting.

You’ll love this happy moment when an eagle on 17 secures Michael Thompson’s spot on the 2011 PGA Tour.

TATOC, The Timeshare Association, announced that its helpline is experiencing record-setting levels of traffic these days.

The helpline service is operated by consumer-focused association, TATOC, from its Manchester, England headquarters and was created to offer advice ad general information to timeshare owners, timeshare buyers, timeshare sellers, and timeshare renters. The number of calls the helpline handled in November reached a record high of 797, surpassing the previous high from January 2009 of 691 inbound calls.

Harry Taylor, CEO of TATOC explains, “The helpline team has been really busy and the service we provide is proving invaluable to owners and consumers. We have also updated our cold callers list, which covers all the companies undertaking cold calling activities over the past four weeks. This is generated by the helpline team from all the calls they receive.”

Responsive to Timeshare Owners and their Needs

Despite the heavier load, TATOC handles the calls responsively, with the average wait time for callers being only 15.7 seconds. The single busiest day in November was the eighth when TATOC representatives handled 56 calls. During the month, the association also responded to 176 email inquiries, which was the second highest number of emails inquiries received in any one month by TATOC.

TATOC was established in 1989 for the purpose of serving and representing timeshare owners. It is the only consumer association that represents the interests of timeshare owners in Europe. The mission of TATOC is to safeguard and enhance the timeshare holiday experience for existing and prospective users and to be the voice of owners.

In October, The Timeshare Authority blog brought you news of a new timeshare owner mediation service established by TATOC (see: TATOC Timeshare Association Announces New Mediation Service for Timeshares).

Popular Silver Lake Resort timeshare has announced the signing of a contact with Sarasota-based technology solutions provider, Triton Timeshare Software.

John Staley, CEO of Triton, says, “Working with Silver Lake is a huge opportunity for us to show what we can do. Triton has the capability to offer multi-level reservations systems from one location. The fact that Silver Lake is in a growing mode allows us to grow with them along the way. Based on analysis by one of our team members, we implemented a server based on the size of the resort itself. For large and multi-location projects we vary our recommendations reflecting specific needs.”

Timeshare Owners Win

When timeshare resorts upgrade or refine their technology systems that inevitably makes it easier for timeshare owners to use their services. Easy is, and always should be, a key word when it comes to vacation ownership. Silver Lake Resort’s commitment to technology means that its management not only seeks accuracy and efficiency but is it is looking to improve the consumer experience as well.
Scott Merritt, General Manager of Silver Lake, explains, “Triton Software is extremely flexible in being able to integrate operations features such as billing, accounts receivable, inventory control, front desk, point of sales and reservations.”

However ease and efficiency are only part of what has kept Silver Lake as a long-time favorite for timeshare owners, renters, and vacationers.

What Makes Silver Lake Timeshare so Popular?

Silver Lake timeshare is located in the Orlando – Kissimmee, Florida, vacation area and includes 35 acres of resort fun and relaxation. In a growth mode, when construction is completed, Silver Lake timeshare will include 630 one, two, and three bedroom timeshare villas. Rooms include Jacuzzi tubs, a flat screen TV, and internet access. There is a clubhouse, heated pool, lap pool, outdoor pool bar, spa and kiddie pool. On property, you’ll also find a movie theater, golf simulator, tennis court, playground, tennis courts, fitness center, game room, gift shop and a full basketball court.

And of course there is the added bonus of location, location, location. Close to all of the Orlando parks of Walt Disney World; Sea World, and Universal Studios, Silver Lake Resort makes it easy to enjoy the family entertainment of Orlando’s theme parks.

Each year, for the past six, JWT Intelligence publishes a look at trends to watch in the upcoming year. And who would be surprised that for 2011, two of the defining elements in shaping consumer behavior will likely be the economy and technology?

In a great video they call, “Eat, Pray, Tech” (see below), JWT Intelligence brings out the following points… all of which translate to timeshares in some very interesting ways.

1. In view of the economic uncertainty of the past few years, consumers are receptive to levity. Look for brands to be emphasizing the fun or adding a sense of play into their process.
2. Reluctant to commit, consumers will look to rent, co-op, or timeshare their expenditures.
3. Technology is leaving the realm of optional in our lives and becoming an essential.
4. The same consumers who are technology dependant will also be looking for opportunities to get away from technology; short-term escapes.
5. Brands will be expected to, more and more, step up environmentally and as responsible contributors to the overall wellbeing of our communities.
6. Technology will continue to become more and more personal.

Where Does Timeshare Fit in the 2011 Vision?

In a redefined economy, where money feels uncertain, many people simply are no longer comfortable committing to purchases such as lakeside cabins or vacation homes in the mountains. For them, a timeshare—particularly a timeshare resale they can buy at a great price—makes sense and doesn’t challenge their commitment comfort levels. Others, whose budgets are even tighter or whose commitment thresholds are set even higher, will find the great deals available in timeshare rentals to be a logical (and comfortable choice).

After too long with only stay-cations to keep them going, restless consumers may be looking to vacation somewhere … somehow. Feeling as if they have deprived themselves of the fun in life as long as they can bear to, 2011 may see consumers who have never considered timeshare before looking at it as a way to lock in the price of vacation lodging and ensure that even in the tough times, they can enjoy a holiday.

When timeshare inventory is available online, as it in with timeshare resales and timeshare rentals, vacationers and travelers can shop for vacation ownership or rental lodging from their computer or their internet accessible cell phone. They can easily tell what’s available and the amenities offered whether they are looking for a urban timeshare in the heart of it all or that escape vacation far from the daily grind.

Timeshare resales and timeshare rentals should also see a boost from consumers who are unwilling to spend their time listening to a timeshare ‘pitch’ and far more comfortable with researching and either purchasing or initiating the buying process online. The challenge for timeshare resale companies that offer by-owner timeshare and timeshare broker services will be in helping the consumer identify which companies, like Sell My Timeshare NOW, are reliable and worthy to earn their business.

Click here to learn more about: “10 Trends for 2011.”

Bill Marriott, CEO and patriarch of the Marriott hotel and Marriott timeshare empire, has voiced strong criticisms of the US government’s current approach to inbound foreign travelers.

As Marriott explains, “We’ve become a risk-averse country.” He adds that his company’s appeals to the US State Department for travel policy reform are being brushed aside as the government claims strict policies are necessary to protect our country.

In truth, both sides are right about this situation. We must be able to live and travel freely in America, with a sense of safety for ourselves and our families. And we must be able to welcome foreign travelers to our country for both its economic impact and the goodwill exchange it creates. The solution is somewhere between a wide-open door for foreign visitors to the US and Gestapo-like scrutiny from the State Department and the TSA.

Here are some of Bill Marriott’s valid concerns:

Currently, travelers into the US from most countries must wait at least three months to obtain a visa. In some cases, they must additionally submit to an interview by embassy officials. Because this is so exceptional, many travelers simply abandon their plans or head to places where travel policies are less rigorous.

This tough policy, says Marriott, has cost the nation billions of dollars in lost revenue and hundreds of thousands of travel sector jobs. Specifically, since 2000, the US has lost 440,000 travel related jobs and over $500 billion in travel related spending.

Travel Safety for Hotel, Timeshare, Vacationers and Business Travelers

America is nation of dreamers, doers, entrepreneurs and visionaries. It always has been. I believe we have the capability within ourselves to find solutions that work. We need methodologies and technologies to keep our nation safe without compromising jobs and revenue that this country needs.

Every time a visitor to this country has a positive experience traveling here, three very beneficial things happen.

1. The US economy benefits generally.
2. Many individuals, and subsequently their families, benefit specifically.
3. A bond of international goodwill and understanding is forged, which in itself may be the greatest deterrent to the kind of hostility from which we try so hard to protect ourselves.

With unemployment rates hovering near double-digit numbers, economically America cannot afford to hamstring the hospitality and travel industries, which historically have been mainstay employers for millions and millions of Americans. With the surfeit of wise, experienced, and –this is a key word—innovative brainpower in this nation, I feel certain we can find solutions that keep America safe without retracting our welcome mat and shooting the hospitality and travel industry in the foot in the process.

Sometimes we run across timeshare news that just isn’t the vacation ownership story we usually present on The Timeshare Authority blog.

This atypical story of shared property ‘ownership’ is like most timeshares in that it involves a scenic locale. But beyond that, you won’t find many of the components typically associated with timesharing, such as the choice between a one or two-bedroom timeshare condo, a sparkling swimming pool, or even a comfy fireside for toasting your toes after a day on the ski slopes.

Instead, this timeshare involves 650 acres of working forest in Boundary Creek, Idaho and a simple arrangement of land sharing between the timber investment firm of Forest Capital Partners and a dozen or more grizzly bears. The arrangement was entered into last June in the hopes of protecting the bears, that were once considered an endangered species and are still protected by the US federal government as a recovering species.

Timeshare for the Bears

The rugged and beautiful land involved in the timeshare is located in a valley between the Purcell mountains and northern Idaho’s Selkirk Mountains. Because as many as a dozen grizzlies have been seen at a time in the Boundary Creek land parcel, loggers have agreed to suspend or curtail operations there especially during the spring and fall when the grizzlies use the areas as a migratory corridor.

Robyn Miller, who is The Nature Conservancy’s conservation manager for northern Idaho, says, “This project is a phenomenal example of conservation that permanently protects important habitat for endangered species, while also supporting the local economy.”

And it serves to remind all of us, that no matter how you look at it, timeshare is a fundamental concept with many merits and a surprising number of applications.

Learn more about protecting wildlife. The Nature Conservancy

René Cardinal has officially been announced as the new President of the timeshare group, Club Intrawest Resort Club Group, a division of Intrawest ULC.

As a part of Club Intrawest for more than ten years, Cardinal serves as a Director of the Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) and a trustee for ARDA, the American Resort Development Association, where he sits on the Finance Committee.

Prior to assuming the responsibilities of President of Club Intrawest, Cardinal was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Intrawest Resort Club Group, a position he will continue to hold.

Intrawest CEO, Bill Jensen says Intrawest is particularly excited about “the opportunities that we anticipate will come available over the next year. Given the new playing field in the vacation ownership market, our confidence in Club Intrawest’s solid track record of excellence makes us very optimistic about what lies ahead. René’s long term history with Club Intrawest and our organization’s strong team of seasoned professionals will enable us to create, direct and manage new growth as the Club expands its horizons.”

More on Club Intrawest Timeshare and Vacation Club

Club Intrawest is a private vacation club with destinations that include Canada timeshare, California timeshare, and Mexico timeshare, as well as access through Hilton Grand Vacations to Florida timeshare, Hawaii timeshare, and Las Vegas timeshare. Since opening its first timeshare resort in 1994, the company has grown to include eight resorts in Canada, with its Whistler ski destinations being many of the signature properties that come to mind when people think of Intrawest timeshare.

Club Intrawest is exclusively managed by Intrawest Resort Club Group. Intrawest ULC is controlled by funds managed by Fortress Investment Group LLC.

Interval International, a global leader in timeshare exchange and vacation ownership services, offered a very special promotion called “Finders Keepers.” Not only was the program a great success with Interval International timeshare exchange members, but it earned the company the prestigious Gold Adrian Award.

The award, presented at the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International’s global travel marketing competition, recognized II for excelling in the digital marketing category. Receipt of the Gold Adrian Award in the 54th annual competition makes the Finders Keepers campaign now a finalist for a Platinum Adrian Award, one of HSMAI’s highest honors.

What Made Finders Keepers so Popular with Timeshare Exchange Members?

Internal International developed Finders Keepers with a goal of enhancing engagement with its member families, currently nearly 2 million in number. During a ten-day period, II daily offered five $1 Getaways in the form of discounted timeshare rental weeks. At the end of the ten-day promotion, 50 Interval International timeshare exchange members found themselves to be “finders” of Getaway Vacations they could enjoy (“keep”) at selected resorts worldwide. Destinations and check-in dates varied and the accommodations were offered at random times throughout each day without prior notification of the details.

Congratulations to Internal International for winning the Gold Adrian Award and kudos to them for working hard to build the reputation and image of timeshares and timeshare ownership. Interval International has a long and respected history of demonstrating their commitment both to timeshare owners and the industry as a whole.

Could you use a few extra hours in your day, a little help with your to-do list?

Time to do it all is a problem for most people, and sometimes, important things like taking a vacation gets lost in the mix. Not only do many people fail to utilize all of their vacation days because they feel they can’t take time away from their jobs, others say they would go on vacation—if only they had time to plan one!

While you can exchange most timeshare for vacations at other resorts and sometimes, even for other types of vacation products, such as cruises, timeshare vacations also afford you the option to return to a favorite vacation destination year after year.

Flexibility in choosing a destination and a time that best suits the way you like to vacation are important—so important that most timeshare companies are hard at work trying to expand and enhance vacation ownership options. But for some people, already battling a busy schedule and too many demands on their time, life is just easier if they know where and when they will take a vacation, and what to expect from their favorite timeshare. Relief comes in the form of all those travel decisions they do not have to make.

How Do You Spell Timeshare? RELIEF!

If you find a timeshare resort that you and your family truly enjoy, sometimes it makes great sense to return there for future vacations. You know what to expect … no destination surprises. You know what to pack and how you want to spend your time when you get there. And if it comes down to a choice between failing to take a relaxing vacation or returning to a timeshare resort you have enjoyed in the past, that shouldn’t be a hard decision for any timeshare owner to make. For anyone who is failing to enjoy their holiday time, the easiest possible answer is simply: When you plan to vacation in a timeshare, relief from vacation planning hassles is guaranteed.

Gregg Forrester, a veteran employee of Marriott, has been appointed as lead general manager for Marriott’s StreamSide at Vail, Colorado timeshare resort. He will also serve as tactical oversight manager for Marriott’s Mountain Valley Lodge in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Forrester started with Marriott at the Los Angeles Airport hotel in 1980 and has worked for Marriott properties in Denver; New Orleans; Austin, Texas; Dallas and Fort Lauderdale. He has most recently been senior director of resort operations planning at Marriott Vacation Club International corporate headquarters in Orlando, in charge of operations planning, design and delivery of Marriott Vacation Club’s newest resorts.

Opportunities in Marriott Timeshare

When it comes to branded hospitality companies, you can’t get more iconic than Marriott. Founded in the 1980’s Marriott was one of the first major hoteliers to see the vacation ownership value of timeshare. Today there are Marriott timeshares worldwide, located in all of the places you love (or dream about) vacationing. There are also many outstanding opportunities available in Marriott timeshare resales and Marriott timeshare rentals.