With Signature Sponsors committed for the 2012 ARDA World Convention, excitement for the event continues to grow. Already over 3,000 attendees from some 35 countries worldwide are scheduled to attend, including international development organizations from around the world.

This year’s Signature Sponsors include: Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Interval International, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Hilton Grand Vacations Company, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp., Capital One, HSI (Holiday Systems International), ICE, RCI, ResortCom International, TimeShareWare, and Wyndham Vacation Ownership.

Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO says, “We are grateful for the support we receive from our Signature Sponsors. These companies enable us to offer high-quality speakers and events, educational sessions, and networking opportunities at the largest timeshare event in the world.”

Scheduled for the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, April 1-5, the 2012 ARDA World Convention and Exposition will bring a new, more globally focused outreach to the timeshare, fractional, and vacation ownership industry’s signature conference.

The schedule will feature several events that have become a tradition at the annual ARDA Conference, including:

• The RCI/AIF Open Golf Tournament at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, featuring the longest course in Nevada.
• Interval International’s annual “Party with a Cause” from which all ticket proceeds benefit the ARDA International Foundation, supporting and promoting the industry with research, education, and outreach.
• The ARDA Awards Gala, sponsored by Holiday Systems International (HSI), with formal dinner, presentation of the annual ARDA Awards, and live entertainment by comedian Tom Papa.

Visit this link to learn more about the 2012 ARDA World Convention and Exposition.

SellMyTimeshareNOW LLC and Timeshare Broker Services, part of Vacation Hotdeal Companies, Inc. have been named as a sponsor of GNEX 2012, Perspective Magazine’s second annual industry networking and awards event. GNEX 2012 – The Global Meeting of Minds, is scheduled for January 31- February 2 at the Ritz Carlton Cancun in Cancun, Mexico.

We are proud to be the Lunch Sponsor during Day Two of GNEX 2012 and to participate as shared ownership industry professionals come together to network and exchange ideas. With more than 35 industry representatives scheduled to speak, the event will generate new thoughts and lively debates of key industry issues.

A partial list of other sponsors of GNEX 2012 includes: Blue Strawberry Resorts,  Holiday Systems International, Sunset World Resorts, Resort Development Organisation (RDO), Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE), Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA), Dial an Exchange, Resort Television, Travel To Go, Interval International, Lloydshare, RCI, Customer Count, Emirates Vacation Club, First American Title Insurance Company, Merlin Software, The Association for Timeshare Owners Committees (TATOC), Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa (VOASA), Women in the Industry (WIN), Christel House International as Charity of Choice, and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific.

For more information on GNEX 2012, visit: Perspective Magazine

Follow this link to read the complete Sell My Timeshare NOW media release.

White Oak Lodge and Resort, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has been recognized as a RCI Gold Crown Resort property by RCI timeshare exchange. White Oak Lodge and Resort is a part of Global Connections, Inc.

Located on 17 acres of wooded land near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, White Oak Lodge and Resort is a mixed-use property that includes 60 two- and three-bedroom log cabin homes and 12 two-bedroom condominiums. The resort includes a tennis court, nature trails, outdoor grills, clubhouse and swimming pool with two grottos and waterfalls.

Global Connections, a leader in the travel club industry, has more than 170,000 members and is the owner and developer of five resorts, with ownership of multiple resort condominium units throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Tom Lyons, president of Global Connections, says, “We are excited to receive the RCI Gold Crown Resort designation for White Oak Lodge and Resort. This designation confirms not only the high quality of the resort, its design and furnishings, but the personable service offered by the staff to our guests.”

RCI Gold Crown Resorts are awarded and identified as a way to help RCI members identify timeshare resorts that adhere to the RCI standards for accommodations, hospitality and member experience. Gordon Gurnik, president of RCI, adds, “We are thrilled to recognize those who have attained this designation and continue working to offer top vacation destinations to our 3.7 million members worldwide.”

The always-popular Bluegreen timeshare resort, The Suites at Hershey, have received a Gold Crown Resort property designation from RCI timeshare exchange.

Jay Lloyd, General Manager of The Suites at Hershey, says, “We are proud to be recognized by RCI for our accomplishments in resort facilities and services. As part of the Bluegreen Resorts community, we strive to provide our guests with excellent service, outstanding accommodations and many opportunities to enjoy time with friends, family and loved ones during their stay.”

The Suites at Hershey, Bluegreen Timeshare

The Suites at Hershey are among an elite number of timeshare resorts that carry the RCI Gold Crown property designation. This distinction is awarded based on several factors, including accommodations, hospitality and timeshare owner feedback.

The timeshare villas at The Suites at Hershey provide modern two-bedroom accommodations including living areas and full kitchens. With the aroma of chocolate in the air and the fun of the Hersheypark nearby, Bluegreen timeshare’s The Suites at Hershey are an ideal venue for a family vacation your children and grandchildren will remember for a lifetime.

For more news about Bluegreen timeshare’s The Suites at Hershey, and the fun of being a Bluegreen owner, view the following The Timeshare Authority blog posts:

• Bluegreens Hershey Timeshare Resort Hosting Fans of WWE SmackDown
• A Chocolate Flavored Timeshare Vacation
• Hershey Timeshares and Chocolate—It’s All Good News
• Cool Technology for Bluegreen Timeshare Owners, Good Move for the Industry

Christel DeHaan is a well-known name in timeshares and travel as the co-founder (in 1974) of Resort Condominiums International (RCI). But others, outside of timesharing, don’t always realize that she has devoted much of her life to her philanthropic efforts.

Upon selling RCI in 1996, Ms. DeHaan’s schedule permitted her even more time for following her heart and her personal belief and practice, which is, “To care, to share, to make a difference.”

In 1998 she founded Christel House, a 501(c)(3) public charity to help children break the cycle of poverty, realize their hopes and dreams, and become self-sufficient, contributing members of today’s world.

Today there are seven Christel House programs worldwide; all focused on helping children succeed. Through her efforts, she facilitated the gift of some $6.5 million last year to fund the global programs, which collectively saw more than 3300 students educated.

As DeHaan explains:

I was fortunate to have a mother who mentored me to succeed, who instilled in me the importance of excellence and who instilled in me the responsibility that we must not only care for ourselves, but we must care for other people.

That cycle of poverty is just persistent from generation to generation. There needs to be an intervention that will allow these kids to develop their own potential and skills and talents and give them a seat at the table of life. It’s not just about writing a check. I wanted to be personally involved in creating something lasting that is … transformative.

Learn more about Christel House at: www.christelhouse.org

And more about each of its programs:

• Christel House Bangalore, India
• Christel House Lavasa, India
• Christel House Mexico
• Christel House South Africa
• Christel House Venezuela
• Christel House Academy
• Christel House Serbia – Scholars Program

Holiday Inn Club Vacations has added its seventh timeshare resort destination with the addition of a 36-unit resort on the Rio waterway in the City Center District of Marco Island.

Don Harrill, president and CEO of Orange Lake Resorts, the timeshare developer that manages Holiday Inn Club Vacations properties, explains,  “As part of our alliance with IHG, we said we’d grow Holiday Inn Club Vacations in places where our Holiday Inn Club Members have said that they want to vacation. Our Members have asked for another drive-to destination in Florida, and Sunset Cove Resort delivers just that, with a unique and upscale experience for all owners and guests who visit.”

Beautiful Marco Island, located on Florida’s southern Gulf Coast, is an extremely popular Florida timeshare destination with pristine beaches and a unique but elegant island lifestyle. The new Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort offers three-bedroom timeshare villas ranging from a spacious 1667 to 1900 square feet, with views of either the Gulf of Mexico or Smokehouse Bay.

In keeping with Holiday Inn Club Vacations standards, the timeshare villas will be renovated to include such details as granite countertops and fabrics and furnishings that are consistent with the company’s Signature Collection décor. Amenities for Holiday Inn Club Vacations owners and their guests include a pool with sundeck, bar, boat dock and fitness center. The property is part of the RCI Registry Collection^® (Resort Condominium International).

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Timeshare

The expanding locations of Holiday Inn Club Vacations include:

• Orange Lake Resort, an Orlando timeshare.
• Panama City, a Panhandle area, Florida timeshare.
• Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
• Brownsville, Vermont.
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
• New expansion with a Las Vegas timeshare destination.
• And member access to Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts and IHG’s network of more than 4,400 hotels worldwide.

“At Holiday Inn Club Vacations, we offer great resorts where families can create their own vacation experiences,” said Del Ross, vice president, U.S. Sales and Marketing, IHG. “We offer our guests the flexibility to vacation when, where and how they want to, all under the comfort and security of a well-known and trusted brand like Holiday Inn.”

It’s great to be at the ARDA West Regional Meeting (American Resort Developers Association) here at the  Westin Denver Downtown.

Yesterday’s activities got underway with ARDA-WIN Programming and event registration. It was my honor to be part of a panel that addressed, “HOA Challenges and Solutions: Postcard and Rescue Companies, Resales, and Rentals.”

John Funk, Gallagher, Callahan & Gartrell, was Moderator of the panel that included: John Lee of Christie Lodge; R. Scott MacGregor of InnSeason Resorts; and me, Jason Tremblay of Sell My Timeshare NOW and Timeshare Broker Services.

We looked at some of the timeshare industry’s significant challenges and ways to solve these challenges. Questions raised included:

• With association maintenance fee delinquencies increasing what are positive methods for HOAs to find replacement owners?
• What can HOAs do about weeks being transferred into trusts, clubs or to individuals who have no intention of paying the fees?
• The current challenge that is putting the reputation of timeshare resales on the line.

Thursday evening’s activities included the Opening Reception with Product Showcase, and time for networking.

Friday’s Schedule at the ARDA West Regional Meeting

The Friday schedule for today is  busy with an  8:05 AM Breakfast and ARDA Updates, including information from and regarding  ARDA-ROC, AIF Research and State Legislative Issues.

Speakers are Kevin Riley, ARDA-ROC; Chris Stewart, ARDA State Affairs; and Darla Zanini, ARDA International Foundation.

Morning sessions include:

• “Retaining Owners Loyalty” moderated by Clark Rowley, Scottsdale Camelback Resort, with speakers: Jeff Andrews, East West Resorts and  Kimberly Tramontana, Breckenridge Grand Vacations.
• “New ADA Requirements”  moderated by Amy Bellman, Baker & Hostetler LLP, with speakers: Jessie Creighton, Ballard Spahr LLP and John Farrow, FARROW Commercial Construction
• HOA Board/ “Ask the Attorney” moderated by Gary Kujawski, Christie Lodge Owners Association with speakers: Candyce Cavanagh, Orten, Cavanagh, Richmond & Holmes LLC; and Jennifer Hayes, Foley & Lardner LLP

Lunch with Guest Speaker Aaron Acker, HOA Information Officer, Colorado Department of Regulatory Affairs, will bring an outside perspective on the latest and hottest regulatory and legislative issues in the HOA and Timeshare industries.

Thank you ARDA for offering these informative and important meetings and to all the sponsors who help make them possible. Special thanks to: ARDA-ROC; Epsilon Targeting; First American Title Insurance Company; RCI, HD Supply, and Interval International.

RCI, the worldwide leader in timeshare exchange, has awarded VSA Resort’s three properties, Ocean Key, Ocean Sands and the Atrium the prestigious Silver Crown award.

According to RCI, “Resorts that provide outstanding vacation experiences for RCI exchange guests receive the RCI Silver Crown Resort award. Each resort receiving this distinguished designation has met quality and service standards.

Selection is based on ratings from RCI Subscribing Member Comment Cards submitted by members after their vacations. Resorts receiving the RCI Silver Crown Resort award have demonstrated a consistent, impressive record of satisfying RCI guests and have met the standards in each of the five categories of evaluations. Comment card data in each of these categories is compiled over a 12-month period for each affiliated resort to determine eligibility for this award.”

The comment card criteria includes Check-in/Check-out experience, Hospitality, Resort Maintenance, Unit Maintenance and Unit Housekeeping. The award represents an elite status within RCI as only 13 percent of over 6,000 resorts achieve the Silver Crown designation.

RCI Timeshare Exchange just keeps growing!

Earlier this year, RCI,  a Wyndham Worldwide brand, announced the addition of 34 new timeshare and resort affiliations. This brings the total addition of properties new to affiliation with RCI to 56 for the year 2011. Included among the newcomers are:

Palmyra Resort & Spa in Jamaica

Fiesta Americana Villas Acapulco in Mexico

Inn at St. Ives in Michigan

Huangshan Grandview Resorts Hotels in China

Geoff Ballotti, CEO, RCI, explains, “We have welcomed some fantastic new properties to our global network of affiliated resorts in the first two quarters of 2011. All of these destinations add to our portfolio of high-quality exchange resorts, which is already the largest in the world, and will give our subscribing members even more choice and flexibility in planning their next vacations.”

Each of the new timeshare resort affiliations for RCI exchange has been added in one or more of the following RCI timeshare exchange programs: the RCI® Weeks program, the RCI Points® program or The Registry Collection® program. Nine of the new additions are under construction at this time and will become available as they open.

See the RCI media release here.

Additional related The Timeshare Authority blog news:

RCI Timeshare Exchange Announces Expansion to China

RCI Announces Over 100 New Affiliated Timeshare Resorts (2010)

Last week, popular timeshare company Orange Lake Resorts and its branding partner, Holiday Inn Club Vacations® announced the addition of two new properties to their family of resorts. (See: Holiday Inn Club Vacation Timeshare Expanding)

Here’s a closer look at what each of these resorts has to offer and what they mean for member/owners at Holiday Inn Club Vacations.

New Orange Lake Las Vegas Timeshare Destination

The Las Vegas Desert Club in Las Vegas (formerly a part of Summer Bay Resorts) gives Orange Lake timeshares it first Las Vegas vacation destination and first destination in the western part of the US. Located just off the Las Vegas Strip, the Las Vegas Desert Club features 5 pools, 5 Jacuzzis, premier concierge service and a complimentary shuttle to many of the most popular locations along The Strip.

This three-story resort includes 648 one-and two-bedroom timeshare units. Other on-property amenities include a new, state-of-the-art clubhouse, a convenience store, fitness center, restaurant, bar, putting green and more.

As the folks at Orange Lake Resorts say, they have, “headed west!” with this addition to their resort destinations that already included Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Panama City, and Orlando, Florida;  Brownsville, Vermont;  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

New Orange Lake Marco Island, Florida Timeshare Destination

With the acquisition of the Sunset Cove timeshare in Marco Island, Florida, Orange Lake Resorts now has a south Florida resort on the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful property includes 36 three-bedroom/ 2 bath timeshare villas and is located on the Rio waterway in the City Center, Marco Island’s new entertainment, shopping and dining district.

Each timeshare unit ranges from 1,667 to 1,900 square feet and includes views of either the Gulf of Mexico or the Bay. Amenities include a pool with sundeck, a bar and promenade area, boat dock and a fitness center. This property is part of RCI’s distinguished Registry Collection® program and Orange Lake Resorts will be bringing all Sunset Cove units into its upscale “Signature Collection.”

Any way you look at it, it looks like Orange Lake Resorts and the Holiday Inn Vacation Club just keep getting better and better.