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ATHOC 2008 National Awards Night |
What a terrific year for nominees with over 60 nominations received for the 16 new awards run under five different categories. The night was a huge success with around 250 people in attendance for the Casino themed event. But of course the most important thing that you all want to know is – who were the winners.
Firstly, we must congratulate all of the staff nominated by their companies. You should be very proud. All judges advised us of the difficulties that they had in coming to a decision as the quality of candidate was so high.
The Categories and Winners are:
Resort Category
Resort Performer of the Year – Derek Howe – Seven Mile Beach Resort Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific
Resort Team of the Year - Surfers Royale Resort
Resort Managers of the Year - Stephanie and Tim Kewming from Korora Bay Resort
Sales Category
Sales performer of the Year - Jackie Peterson, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific
Sales Team of the Year - The Vines Sales Team, Accor Vacation Club
Sales Manager of the Year - Orkun Ankara – Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific
Marketing Category
Marketing Performer - Carly Betts – Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia
Marketing Team of the Year - Wyndham Vacation Resorts’ Campaign Management team.
Marketing Manager of the Year - Corporate Referral Manager Anita Armstrong - Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific
Corporate Category
Corporate Performer of the Year - Jason Paine , Accor Vacation Club
Corporate Team of the Year - Group RCI Senior Leadership Team
Corporate Manager of the Year - Caroline Scott from Classic Holidays.
Whole of Industry
Industry Newcomer of the Year - Mark Petrig, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific
Industry Innovation Award-Mike Winlaw – Accor Vacation Club - Corporate Uni
Excellence in Service Award - Marinette Duncan – Classic Holidays
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry - Federal MP Margaret May – Member for McPherson and Shadow Minister for Ageing. |
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Top Left to Bottom Right: Photo 1: Carly Betts, Ross Nicholas & Karlee Baston (Wyndham Vacation Resort Asia Pacific), Photo 2: Olga Thompson and Marinette Duncan of Classic Holidays, Photo 3: John-Paul Langbroek with Leanne Edwards and Mike Winlaw from Accor Vacation Club, Photo 4: Stephanie & Tim Kewming from Korora Bay Village Resort with Barry Robinson from Wyndham Vacation Club, Photo 5: Ramy Filo from Classic Holidays and President of ATHOC with Laura Younger – General Manager of ATHOC, Photo 6: Carole Smith from Classic Holiday Club and The Surfers Royale Resort Team. More photo’s available on website under “Events” - click here. |
ATHOC would to apologise to Phil Smith from Accor Vacation Club for leaving his photo off the Power Point Display at the Awards Night. Phil Smith was nominated by Accor Vacation Club for Corporate Manager of the Year.
Phil Smith is an integral part of the Member Services department, which encompasses Member Relations, Member Reservations, Billings and Resort Services. |
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As manager of the Resort Services department, Phil oversees the management of 20 resorts within Australia, New Zealand and Bali.
He always goes over and beyond and should be commended for his achievements.” Congratulations on your nomination Phil! |
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The Classic Group celebrates 30 years |
2008 marks the 30th anniversary of the Classic Group, the largest privately owned timeshare resort management company in Australia, and the occasion was celebrated by a gathering of staff, friends and business associates at a gala evening, on the Gold Coast.
CEO of the Classic Group, Ramy Filo puts their success down to several key factors.
“Thirty years is a milestone for any company, and in the timeshare industry in particular, it represents a significant achievement. Classic, through the vision of its Directors and Shareholders has continued to diversify and grow year after year. But at the end of the day it’s about our people – their loyalty, dedication and excellence in service is the foundation of our company and we are humbled by their continued support” said Ramy. |
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The group comprises a co-operative of companies and people dedicated to the timeshare industry, whose focus is to provide value for the consumers of timeshare, leisure products and for the industry they are proud to be part of.
The Classic Group was founded in 1978 by George Tawaf, who commenced his involvement in the industry as the Resident Manager of Beach House Seaside Resort in 1985.
Today Classic have developed into the Classic Group of companies which employs more than 450 people and services some 26,000 timeshare owners at 14 resorts.
In recent years, Classic has diversified through the establishment of new ventures, and in co-operation with key partners, has formed a powerful family of companies that can service almost all of the requirements of timeshare and tourism operators.
“Classic is a solutions company, delivering not just world-renowned products, but comprehensive, customer-centric services for every aspect of the tourism and leisure industry” said Ramy.
This includes comprehensive Resort and Property Management services such as inventory and rental pool management, shareholder reporting, budgeting, compliance, bulk purchasing, risk management, ownership protection, marketing, information technology, financial services, property maintenance, shareholding and title management, staff recruitment and training, and industrial relations.
Continuing the legacy of George Tawaf’s relentless leadership, hard work and dedication, the Classic Group plans to enter new arenas and will strive to create new benchmarks in quality and service. |
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Accor Vacation Club expands in NSW |
Club opens brand new apartments in historic region close to Sydney
July 17 2008: Accor Vacation Club today announced the opening of its newest development, the Grand Mercure Apartments Heritage Park, Bowral, which is available for bookings for Club Members and general public. |
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The Grand Mercure Apartments are part of the Bowral Heritage Park residential community development in Moss Vale and Kangaloon Road, in the southern highlands district of New South Wales; a mere 126 kilometres from Sydney.
The newly constructed 26 luxury apartments are housed in a two-story building and consist of studio apartments, one and two bedroom apartments, with three bedroom apartments available by keying a one and two bedroom together. Two of the studio apartments are wheelchair friendly.
Guests are well catered for with full kitchen facilities and laundries in the one and two bedroom apartments. All apartments feature wireless internet, a private balcony and a gas fireplace. Guests at the property also have access to a barbecue area, swimming pool, gymnasium, guest laundry and on-site parking. Heaven-Sent mobile spa service is available on call for guests in their rooms.
An easy 5 minute walk to the centre of town, the Grand Mercure Apartments Heritage Park provides perfect access to enjoy the townships many shops and cafés. Golfers are also well treated, with the Bowral Golf Club located next to the resort. This 18 hole, par 69 course encapsulates the Southern Highlands special beauty and is open 7 days.
Bowral is a wonderful haven all year round, with events and floral blooms scattered throughout the calendar. The region is renowned for its heritage villages and old world charm and is set amidst rolling hills, forests and valleys at the foot of Mount Gibraltar. Rich with English gardens and annual massed displays of spectacular flowers, the cool climate and rich soil have also produced many excellent wines and fresh produce, which can be tasted at various local country inns, restaurants and farmers markets. |
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Classic managed resorts win at the awards |
The collective achievements of the Queensland accommodation industry were celebrated on Friday 1 August at the HMAA 2008 Queensland Awards for Excellence, held in Brisbane.
‘It’s a fantastic night to get together and recognise the achievements of everyone in the industry,’ said Carole Smith – HMAA Queensland State President and Managing Director of Classic Holidays. Among the prestigious list of winners was Classic managed resorts Tiki Village International Resort and Golden Shores Holiday Club taking out their awards for the 4 Star Self Catering Apartments and 4 Star Timeshare categories respectively.
‘We’re incredibly proud of the achievements of both resorts’ teams and would also like to congratulate Beach House Seaside Resort for being a finalist in the 4 Star Timeshare Category and Jenni Mullins, also from Beach House, for being a finalist for the Employee of the Year award,’ says Carole.
Congratulations from the Classic Team! |
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US timeshare sales rose to $10.6 Billion in 2007 |
Timeshare sales in the United States totaled $10.6billion last year, up six per cent over 2006. Average resort occupancy exceeded 80 per cent including nearly 70 per cent who were either owners or exchange guests and more than 10 per cent who were renters and/or marketing guests.
These were among the key findings of a new industry study conducted by Ernst & Young and released by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). The survey took in 628 resorts, showing sales have increased 66 per cent since 2003.
As of 1st January 2007 there were 1,641 timeshare resorts in the country. At year-end the number of units was 180,158 with 8,000 newly constructed units built in 2007. Respondents expect continued growth with around 8,000 new units to be built in the current year.
Florida has the most resorts (23 per cent), the largest resorts and the greatest sales volume.
Ninety-nine percent of respondents are affiliated with Interval International and/or Group RCI.
Continued growth of the industry in the current economy was a direct indication of “strong consumer satisfaction and demand,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA. Timeshare products and services continued to be “a preferred travel choice for American families”. OTE Issue 15 |
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TATOC captures the attention of the timeshare industry |
Consumer Association TATOC announced major support of their new strategy from key names within the European timeshare sector.
In March this year, TATOC presented a definitive new plan to delegates at their annual conference. This plan included an opportunity for businesses to provide support to the association in the shape of website sponsorship.
Amongst the big name players to announce their support of TATOC through the Platinum Sponsorship package are Club La Costa, Dial An Exchange, Diamond Resorts International®, Grand Holidays Club, Macdonald Resorts, Perspective Magazine, Group RCI and Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket.
TATOC' Chief Executive Harry Taylor was particularly pleased with this progress "I am really pleased with the pledges of support from such a selection of big name timeshare players. In the last few months, we have experienced a marked improvement in our profile. It seems that the industry has awoken to the power of owners who have positive things to say about the industry. This support will ensure we can progress against our plan. Every entity, be it for profit or not for profit, needs resources to effectively conduct business and TATOC is no different. Having said that is important that the industry understands that this support does not mean we will sacrifice our independence. The companies who have taken Platinum Sponsorship have done so under strict conditions”
Another long time supporter of TATOC is Dial An Exchange’s European Managing Director, David Lilley. Commenting on the apparent growing support of TATOC David said "This is fantastic news. I have been a strong supporter of their cause for many years now and it is refreshing that the hard work done by them this year is starting to pay dividends. The most pleasing aspect of this development is that the sponsors are so diverse. This shows that TATOC are determined to retain their independence. I think this is critical consideration for a credible consumer association. Dial An Exchange remains as committed to an independent TATOC as we have been for the last several years. TATOC and timeshare owners are our industry’s
For more information about TATOC visit their website at www.timeshareassociation.org |
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2008 Annual Conference - Radisson Fiji Resort, Denarau Island Fiji |
Sunday September 14 -
Tuesday September 16
Australia, New Zealand and Fiji Timeshare associations will once again come together to talk through current industry issues and have the opportunity to network with their fellow colleagues on the balmy Fijian Island of Denarau.
The 2008 ATHOC Conference is the leading event for the industry in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
The full conference agenda is now available - contact us for a copy.
The annual conference is a terrific networking opportunity and a chance for industry representatives to connect and catch up. It is a great chance for suppliers to show their wares and meet the ultimate purchasers of their products. |
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For further information go to www.athoc.com.au events
If you are interested in getting involved with the Golf Day or catching some fish of the reefs, contact info@athoc.com.au for more information. |
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ATHOC Foundation donates to long serving RCI staff member |
RCI recently wrote to the Foundation seeking funding for a staff member who found out on Christmas Eve 2007 that their then 8 year old son had acute lymphoblastic Leukemia. Since then the family has had to commute between the Gold Coast and Brisbane for treatment. It was initially expected that after one course of chemotherapy he would be on the way to recovery, but unfortunately the treatment has not been successful. He continues to be a fighter but the treatment, which attacks good and bad cells, has taken its toll on his health. This, as you can imagine has also taken its toll on the family. RCI requested that the ATHOC Foundation help by way of giving a Woolworths Card to help with day to day costs of food and petrol. The Foundation has responded by agreeing to give a $2000 card to help the family.
If you know of people in this situation and want to help. Go to www.athoc.com.au for more information on how you can nominate someone. |
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Hotel carbon emissions benchmark |
Carepar is a new sector benchmark for hotels and venues which allows business and leisure travellers to understand the emissions involved in their hotel usage, whether for accommodation, conferences or events. Launched by The Hotel Carbon Index Company – Carepar (Carbon Emission Per Room Available) is on target to become the industry standard classification with information including room sizes, fuel bills, recycling initiatives supplied by hoteliers and venues.
Further information: http://www.carepar.com/ |
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