European Timeshare

The United Nations World of Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveals that Europe has experienced the highest increase in international tourism.

According to UNWTO, from January–September, global tourism grew five percent in 2013. During this time, an increase of 41 million people traveled internationally. These numbers exceeded UNWTO’s yearly travel predictions and have provided unexpected boost in the global economy. In total, 845 million people participated in international travel from January–September. These trends were reported by destinations across the globe through international tourism receipts.

This increase in international travel is a great boost for the global economy. These trends will only continue with the expansion of timeshare resorts in Europe. Many developers are increasing the availability of timeshare in Europe, China, and Australia to the international markets.

UNWTO Secretary General, Taleb Rifai said, “International tourism continues to grow above expectations, supporting economic growth in both advanced and emerging economies and bringing much needed support to job creation, GDP and the balance of payments of many destinations.

“It is particularly encouraging to see the strong results in many European destinations, where the tourism sector is, undoubtedly, one of the engines of the economic recovery.”

The highest levels of growth came from Europe and the Asia Pacific region with increases of 6 percent each. Europe is already the world’s most internationally visited region, but with this six percent increase they are welcoming more visitors every day. Central and Eastern Europe in particular saw a seven percent increase, way above the average.

The growth seen this year is double the average growth rate since the year 2000. In fact, from 2000–2012, Europe had only seen an average increase of 2.7 percent per year. In comparison, the Americas only experienced an increase of 3 percent. More international travel was seen in North America and Central America than other segments.

It is anticipated that these numbers will continue through the rest of the year.

What did you do in 2012? RCI timeshare exchange grew by 150 resort properties in 2012. Joining the company’s more than 4,000 global resort properties were 150 new RCI timeshare exchange affiliates.

RCI Timeshare President, Gordon Gurnik, says, “We are delighted to be celebrating the addition of 150 new affiliated properties in 2012. These new properties offer unforgettable vacation experiences in amazing destinations, from India and Portugal, to Mexico and Las Vegas. We are proud to be working with these great affiliated resorts, and we know our members will be excited about their new holiday prospects.”

More on the New Affiliates to RCI Timeshare Exchange

To see the full list of RCI timeshare exchange affiliates, or even the list of the 150 new additions, you’ll need to visit RCI at www.RCI.com. But here’s a list of some of the outstanding and distinctive new resort additions that are now available to RCI timeshare exchange members:

• Elara, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club property, is located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada, and features dramatic views of the busy Las Vegas Strip. (More news about Elara here: PH Towers Timeshare Gets New Name, Hilton Brand, and CeeLo as a Neighbor)

• Mullacott Park in Devon, UK, affords visitors sweeping views of the ocean and shoreline or serene meadow views. At this lodge-style resort, owners and guests enjoy the moderate climate, golden sand beaches, and miles of quiet coastline or moor lands.

• Riverwalk Resort in Lincoln, New Hampshire, is a great place to enjoy the winter sports of Loon Mountain or the year-round where guests can relax in the comfort of their spacious suites after hiking, biking, or just meandering through the New England countryside.

• Hokulani Waikiki, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club resort, is a classic Hawaii timeshare resort, where timeshare owners and guests can relax in a poolside cabana, enjoy the live entertainment, and dine in paradise.

The newest issue of Sharetime magazine is available online. Sharetime is published by TATOC, the Timeshare Association (Timeshare Owners and Committees), and targets the interests of all timeshare owners, TATOC members, affiliates, and anyone interested in learning more about the vacation values available in timesharing today.

The current issue includes a look at The Four Seasons, an article on Silverpoint timeshares, an interview with Francis Taylor on the future and vision for Dial An Exchange, and much more, including good tips for buying timeshare resales and how to avoid timeshare resale scams. Be sure you also check out the interview with timeshare owners Chris and Gilliam Dwyer, on why they love their Diamond timeshare ownership.

Harry Taylor, TATOC executive chairman and CEO says, “TATOC has always believed that we need to inform and educate timeshare owners so they get the most from their ownership and pass on positive word of mouth experiences to others. Sharetime helps provide this four times a year with a quality, independent magazine and a website that projects a positive but truthful vision of the industry.

“This year we want to make Sharetime magazine and website the ‘go-to place’ for timeshare owners and committees who want the latest industry and travel news, advice and education. I urge all affiliates and member resorts join us by promoting the magazine and contributing to it as well on a regular basis.”

Sharetime is available to anyone to download at http://sharetimemagazine.com/images/sharetime12.pdf

You can receive a print edition by contacting the TATOC head office on +44 (0) 161 237 3518.

The Portuguese hotel group, Enotel, has signed an affiliation agreement with RCI timeshare, adding the Enotel Lido Madeira to the RCI family of timeshare exchange resorts. Enotel, a leading hotelier in Portugal, has recently expanded into Portugal timeshare exchange with new shared ownership options at the parent hotel, the Enotel Lido Resort Conference & Spa.

In addition to it’s Brazilian resorts, the company now has four elegant properties in Madeira:

•  Enotel Lido in Funchal
•  Enotel Baia at Ponta do Sol
•  Enotel Quinta do Sol
•  Enotel Golf at Santo de Serra

Portugal Timeshare Exchange Resorts Targeting Younger Timeshare Buyer

The Enotel Lido offers a 5-star, all-inclusive holiday club experience as part of the Enotel Plus brand. With its Thalassothys Spa with Turkish bath, sauna and gym, sports bar, sports activities, children’s clubs; entertainment and many swimming pools, and all inclusive holiday format, the Enotel Lido targets a young, vibrant market.

Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the resort provides sunlit, spacious accommodations with large terraces and ocean vistas and gourmet dining. Vacationers there enjoy the Enotel Lido Madeira’s proximity to Formosa Beach, the Barreiros Stadium, and the Funchal Farmers Market.

Dimitris Manikis, vice president, Business Development, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, explains, “We’re delighted to welcome Enotel Lido – the first and only five-star resort on the island offering an all-inclusive holiday – into the RCI family.

“The introduction of a product that is going to attract a younger generation of timeshare buyers is crucial to the future growth of the shared-vacation ownership market, and Enotel Plus, an all-inclusive package at a luxury resort, will appeal to this demographic,” Manikis adds.