The ATHOC Annual Conference will be held from the 13th to the 15th September at the Courtyard Marriott in Surfers Paradise. More information to follow soon. The conference committee is meeting this week to discuss different alternatives for the September event. If there is something specific you would like to see, let us know as soon as possible. |
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Some great things have been happening from the ATHOC office that will give both members and non members the opportunity to seek a detailed list of all registered land title owners in your schemes to reconcile against your share registers. This invaluable information will also offer you the opportunity to gain possession of land titles associated to members who have been delinquent for longer than 15 years by lodging an Adverse Possession Application. ATHOC have negotiated an extremely reduced pricing package with the Department of Lands in Victoria to provide these comprehensive land title lists. The land title search facility will provide: Should your scheme wish to acquire a land title list, ATHOC in conjunction with the Department of Lands Victoria can offer a price of $200 for ATHOC members and $500 for non ATHOC members. To qualify for the pricing package negotiated we have a one off opportunity to lodge an application encompassing those timeshare schemes that wish to participate. If you are interested in being involved with this initiative, please advise the ATHOC office by Friday April 10th at latest. Adverse Possession application The department has agreed to accept that a title holder may have been dispossessed of his/her interest in the property and that 15 years of no contact and no payment of fees/levies represents evidence of abandonment of the interest in the land. They will accept 'group applications', which will attract only the base fee (currently $665.70 statutory fee) plus $10 for each folio in excess of five affected by the application. This offer is only available to ATHOC members. Should your scheme wish to take advantage of these offers, ATHOC has been nominated by The Department of Lands as co-ordinator of this project. |
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Move over movie stars - there was only room on the red carpet for the stars of Accor Vacation Club at its Awards of Excellence 2009! The annual awards night for Accor Vacation Club was held at Movieworld on the Gold Coast - and the biggest stars of the night were those awarded the top gongs for Leader, Team and Employee of the Year. Mingling on the Hollywood set’s red carpet, then dining in the Legends Hall, saw over 200 staff and special guests attend to hear John Osborne present the Accor Vacation Club’s best of the best. Former ABC sports commentator and award’s host Peter Meares, as well as Club Ambassador and Member Ernie Dingo were in attendance, which contributed to an evening of glitz, glamour and pizzazz! |
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The Classic Group is proud to announce the launch of its new in-house licensed travel agency – IYC Travel Pty Ltd. The establishment of a one-stop travel and leisure service is the latest initiative for Classic as they continue to provide the very best service to their members. Owners will have the opportunity to create customised holiday packages using their week and points entitlements. The full service agency will provide a range of travel benefits to the Classic Group (including Classic weeks & points, Classic Getaway Club & Dial An Exchange) and will also operate as a retail travel agent from our shop front in Miami. Services will include: It is an exciting time ahead as they move into the New Year with the added growth and a new dimension to the scope of their business. Pictured: The IYC Team at Classic Holidays. |
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HOME GROWN: Teeing Off for a Good Cause Last issue we told you what a great day it was with an excellent outcome of just under $30,000 raised for the ATHOC Foundation. Now for the important information. Who Won?
2nd Place- Wyndham Vacation Club - Ross Nicholas, Kirk Pengilly, Andrew Barker, Brett James 3rd Place - Geni - Wendy Taylor, Lachlan Trafford-Walker, Chris McMahon, A. Bird NAGA - Group RCI - Ronnie Deen, Michael Talbot, Brian George, Denis McGree - Nothing like winning a frozen chook!
Over $5,000 was raised from the Industry Holiday Raffle with the following people winning prizes
The industry continued its support of the children of Queensland with participation and sponsorship of the annual ATHOC Golf Day held at the Lakelands Golf Course, Gold Coast. Celebrity players on hand for the day this year included Accor Vacation Club’s own Ernie Dingo, Wyndham’s surfing legend Layne Beachley and INXS band member Kirk Pengilly. All the timeshare companies enjoyed a day of golf and participated in a myriad of activities at each hole, ranging from a ‘marshmallow drive to win’, to ‘hula-hoop your way to a grand prize’ holes, chipping and putting competitions as well as bumper raffles.
Once again, a special thanks to the sponsors. Without you, we couldn’t do it! Gold Silver
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Each year ATHOC’s US equivalent, The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) hosts an annual awards program committed to recognising professional excellence in the global vacation ownership industry. With award categories including Marketing & Sales, Management & Administration, Advertising & Promotions and Resort Design, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific is proud to have been nominated as a finalist in no less than three categories including Direct Mail, Speciality Marketing Piece/Program and Resort Design. In the direct mail category, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific’s $100 Shopping Voucher inbound campaign was tailored and targeted to offer recipients the opportunity to receive a $100 Coles Group & Myer Gift Card in return for attending a sales presentation. Even though it continues to perform, the creative campaign has already produced above forecast responses, excellent conversion and show rates and an impressive number of sales. In the Speciality Marketing Piece/Program category, the “Win $1,000 Groceries” targeted online lead generation campaign has added another feather to its cap by beating numerous other strong campaigns to a coveted finalist position. Created to generate maximum leads for minimum cost, campaign included new marketing functions, such as a referral component and an automated response mechanism created to provided direct to inbound enquiries. Win $1000 Groceries is the most successful and cost effective lead generation competition conducted by the company to date. In the Salesperson - Telesales category, upgrades representative Sharon Pitkin’s outstanding performance has been deservedly recognised. In what was an incredible year of personal growth, Sharon went from upgrades trainee to top-level representative, setting not only departmental benchmarks and milestones, but also South Pacific records in the process, finally finishing her exceptional year as a multi-million dollar earner for the company. Having overcome major personal challenges at the same time, Sharon is a more than worthy recipient of her finalist nomination and any further success. The redeveloped Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Seven Mile Beach Resort has commenced what is anticipated to be a stellar year of achievement for this newly renovated resort with a finalist nod in the Resort Development category. The eco-inspired architecturally stylish haven is now an organic community of apartments, shared facilities and private zones in a landscaped oasis featuring edible bush-tucker gardens and native species. With the all category winners due to be announced at the Awards Gala on 1 April 2009 at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific has its fingers crossed that that these three exceptional nominations and one outstanding nominee go all the way. |
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Interval International has affiliated the Thai resort of Twin Peaks and Panchwati Vacations in India to its global network of vacation resorts, expanding its portfolio in the Asia Pacific region. Panchwati Vacations is a mixed-use property located twenty minutes from the vibrant city of Kolkata – India’s former capital previously known as Calcutta. Amenities include a swimming pool and boating lake, plus access to the Lakeland Country Club facilities including tennis, gym, bowling alley and go-karting. Its proximity to historic landmarks such as the Writers Building, the Victoria Memorial or the Calcutta Cricket Club, the oldest outside the British Isles, make it ideal for those who enjoy culture and history. The Twin Peaks Residence, part of the Laguna Holiday Club, is located in the heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city, which is surrounded by mountains and is home to more than 300 temples. OTE March 16, 2009 Twin Peaks has a mix of one and two bedroom units, rooftop swimming pool, fitness centre and a library/game room. Activities available in the area include rock climbing, trekking and horse and elephant riding, as well as golf in a range of international standard courses nearby. |
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OTE (Organisation for Timeshare in Europe) announced that it has changed its name to Resort Development Organisation (RDO). The new name is reflective of developments in the vacation ownership industry, which has changed dramatically since the 1960s when timeshare was first sold, giving the consumer a fixed week at one resort. Since then new forms of vacation ownership have emerged giving the consumer more flexibility and choice, such as ‘floating weeks’*, the points system* and, more recently, fractional ownership*, private residence clubs*, destination clubs* and condo hotels*. RDO’s chairman, Richard McIntosh said: “I believe that RDO truly reflects the extensive range of holiday options now available in the vacation ownership market. By widening the scope of the organisation’s membership, we are representing the industry as a whole rather than just focusing on timeshare. “Under RDO, the free complaints resolution service and dispute resolution scheme will be opened up to more people. The level of complaints for timeshare is at a very low level and is decreasing year on year, which compares starkly with other holiday options, such as holiday clubs (or discount travel clubs), which are not governed by specific legislation and do not benefit from trade body representation”, concludes McIntosh. RDO will continue to promote best practice and fair trading in all areas of the industry; to work closely with governments, consumer bodies and relevant NGOs to ensure that legislation is appropriate and fair; to protect consumers via its code of conduct and to help the authorities to combat fraud. |
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If ‘a happy customer is a walking billboard for your product’, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific’s brand new Owner website could be considered an outdoor campaign with more than 42,000 placements! Created to service the varying requirements of new and long-term owners alike, the new website, www.worldmarksp.com, includes everything from introductory information to methods for ownership maximisation all in a logically structured, user-friendly platform. “We wanted to created a true one-stop-shop for our owners, regardless of what they were looking for” said CEO & Managing Director, Barry Robinson. “Our research suggested that some of our owners were a little lost. With so many features and benefits included in their ownership, they weren’t sure what options were at their disposal. By bringing all of our Owner facing information together under the one umbrella, we are empowering owners and helping them maximise their ownership.” With a continued focus on owner delight, the new website also provides Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific another platform on which to communicate to their owner base. “The instant nature, flexible format and economy of online communication make it an ideal platform. Our new website, coupled with our targeted email campaign, means we can make our owners aware of anything instantly. From new specials to the latest Club announcements it’s all there. And if they need to take further action, they can with the click of a button.” |
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Ski cupboard … check. Heated pool … check. Presidential suites … check (almost). Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Wanaka, WorldMark South Pacific Club’s first and only ski destination is almost ready for winter! Following the completion and launch of stage one of the resort’s development last September 2008, the finishing touches are now being put to stage II. With additions including a luxuriously equipped four-bedroom Presidential suite, three three-bedroom Presidential suites, two one-bedroom apartments and no less than 30 additional hotel rooms, the Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Wanaka phase II project is a significant enhancement to the already exceptional accommodation options offered by the resort. Home to international ski areas, Cardrona, Treble Cone and Waiorau Snow Park as well as its island-dotted namesake lake, Wanaka is also the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. Perfectly located at the hub of what is fast becoming New Zealand’s next chic location, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Wanaka is ready to set the standard for the destination’s chic new ‘it’ crowd, suggests CEO and Managing Director, Barry Robinson. “It’s [Wanaka] a less commercial alternative to Queenstown, yet offers all the activities associated with the adventure region, such as four international ski areas, jet boating, water skiing, river surfing, fishing, sailing, mountain biking and hiking. With the finishing touches being added to phase II of the resort’s development as we speak, it’s truly a world class vacation ownership destination.” Apart from being the company’s first South Island and ski destination, the resort figures heavily in Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific’s plans for vacation ownership expansion in a market believed to be burgeoning with opportunity. “Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s most popular ski locations,” added Robinson. “Its stunning beauty, relaxed pace of life and relative lack of commercialism offers us significant potential to expand our presence”. |
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Dial An Exchange and Swiss based resort operator and provider of holiday rights of residence, Hapimag, this week announced the signing of a new agreement. The agreement will see members from each organisation gaining access to new holiday destinations via inventory sharing. The new agreement was negotiated and concluded by David Lilley, Managing Director of the Dial An Exchange European region and Robin Nicholson, Hapimag’s Head Of Business Development. Dial An Exchange has in excess of 250,000 members around the world and some 40,000+ members in the region of Europe. The organisation has fast gained a global reputation as a flexible and efficient exchange provider. The fact that a significant portion of the members who now use Dial An Exchange joined through word of mouth recommendation is some measure of their growing stature in global timeshare. With a ten year trading history and offices in the major continents of Australia, South Africa, Asia, USA and Europe, Dial An Exchange has historically focused its efforts on working direct to consumer. However, in the last 12 months, it is clear that the timeshare industry is ready to embrace new ideas and a more customer friendly approach. As a result, DAE is now increasingly considered as a viable option for business alliance by existing operators and new entrants into the timeshare industry. With 58 resorts and some 140,000 members, Hapimag is the largest provider of rights of residence in Europe. With the purchase of shares, 58 holiday resorts (3 of which are houseboat home ports) with more than 5400 apartments and hotel rooms, can be used rent-free in accordance with a points system. The resorts are located in 18 countries in Europe, Africa and the USA. The company has about 1700 employees worldwide and a turnover of Euro 156.3 million in 2008 . With a reputation for consistent quality standards and reliable service this new deal allows Hapimag to offer their members access to International destinations. Commenting on the new alliance DAE Europe Managing Director David Lilley said “When I joined DAE in January 2008, I was optimistic that we would be able to announce a few major agreements inside my first two years... so I am pleased we have managed to win an exciting agreement with Europe’s largest provider of rights of residence. What is particularly pleasing is that Hapimag are a business that I respect immensely”. Robin Nicholson Hapimag’s Head Of Business Development was equally pleased with the new arrangement “This new arrangement gives our members the opportunity to try resorts other than those in the Hapimag portfolio. Importantly this means accessing International destinations. I have been impressed by the commitment of the DAE team to working with us and by their focus on delivering strong service to their customers.” |
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HOME GROWN: Accor Vacation Club's Best of the Best
HOME GROWN: Classic Introduces Travel
Golf Open Winners: Classic Holiday Club - Mark Stephenson, Ed Eadeh, Tim Grant and Tara Grant (pictured).
Best Dressed Team - Sleepmaster Bunnies (pictured) - Claude, Roz, Greg and Brad
Raffle Ticket Draw
All funds this year contributed towards buying two Leckey Horizon Standers for a 16 year old girl who has Cerebral Palsy (pictured) and a 10 year old boy who has Cerebellar Hypoplasia, at a cost of approx $8,500 each. All in all, the annual event was a fun and practical way for the industry to help the community and those less fortunate.
A special thanks to Ross Nicholas (pictured) and Karlee at Wyndham Resorts Asia Pacific for going that extra mile. We definitely appreciate it!
WORLD AROUND US: Interval International adds New Asian Properties
WORLD AROUND US: Name Change for European Timeshare Organisation
WORLD AROUND US: New Website Delights Owners
WORLD AROUND US: Wanaka's Winter Wonderland
WORLD AROUND US: Hapimag & Dial An Exchance Announce New Partnership
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