"Resorts and Environmental Change" Worldmark Ballarat
Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th November 2009

Worldmark Ballarat is hosting the 2009 Operational Conference. This conference is targeting the issues that impact on your day to day Resort operations.

The program will cover areas such as “How to Drought Proof your Grounds and Gardens; Reducing the Costs of Hot Water; Waste Management; tracking energy and water usage; IR Laws update for commencement on January 1, 2010; viewpoint update just to name a few. A highlight of the conference will include an evening session on how to bring your guests together and add some life to the party – “Murder Mystery Dinner”. This is designed to show that with external caterers and a little imagination there are a host of activities that you can offer your members.

Conference Cost:
Member $295.00
Non Member $370.00

Price includes morning/afternoon tea and lunch both days and the Murder Mystery Dinner.

Accommodation to be booked directly with Worldmark Ballarat – Cost inclusive of continental breakfast for a single is $155 per night. Please book directly with Worldmark on 03 5337 5337 and Quote the ATHOC Conference.

Registration cut off date: Wednesday 21st October.

More information can be found at http://www.athoc.com.au/athoc/events

HOME GROWN: ATHOC Board for 2009-2010

President: Ramy Filo – Classic Holidays
Vice President: Barry Robinson – Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific
VP and Secretary: Joe Bengasino – JMB Lawyers
Treasurer: Carole Smith – Classic Holidays
Committee
John Osborne – Accor Vacation Club
Charisse Cox – Group RCI
Ivan Hill – Silver Sands Resort
Anne Burns – Eastcoast Timeshare
Joe Hickman – Interval International
Stephanie Kewming – Korora Bay Village Resort
Martyn Rix - NZHOC

HOME GROWN: Australian Timeshare Open Golf Day 2010

Friday February 26th 2010 will see the 4th annual ATHOC Foundation Fundraiser take place at the beautiful Colonial Golf Club on the Gold Coast. The 4 ball Ambrose will tee off with a shot gun start at 12 noon. Start organising your teams as registration will be sent out shortly.

An industry raffle will also be underway soon, so please buy lots of tickets for a chance to win a number of different prizes. All proceeds go to the ATHOC Foundation. Have a look at some of the grants awarded so far. http://www.athoc.com.au/athoc/foundation_grants

HOME GROWN: 2009 Conference Award Winners

Hall of Fame: Charisse Cox – Group RCI

Recognition Award – Mike Winlaw – Accor Vacation Club

Award for Professionalism – Wendy Kessler – Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific

Outstanding New Professional – Marnie Jess – Accor Vacation Club

The conference was a complete success with special thanks to Susie, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year in Christchurch from the 12th to the 14th of September. More information will be released soon.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CONFERENCE SPONSORS: ACCOR VACATION CLUB; CLASSIC HOLIDAYS; DIAL AN EXCHANGE; GROUP RCI; ICE ASIA PACIFIC; INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL; WYNDHAM VACATION RESORTS ASIA PACIFIC.

DOUBLE SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL EXCHANGE COMPANIES, PARTICULARLY DIAL AN EXCHANGE WITH MOST DELEGATES STAYING IN SURFERS ROYALE AND TIKI VILLAGE.



For more information including conference presentations and photo’s go to http://www.athoc.com.au/athoc/events

ATHOC Annual Conference 2009 - “Moving Forward Together”

The conference brought together more than 150 delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, China, Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom to discuss current issues being faced in the Timeshare industry.

The Conference kicked off on Sunday 13th September at the Courtyard by Marriott, Surfers Paradise with ATHOC AGM & Information session and New Zealand Holiday Ownership Council Meeting then on to Billy's Beach House where ICE Asia Pacific hosted a "Beach Party” complete with Meter Maids, Surf Life Savers and a Beach Boy Band.
The delegates had the privilege of hearing from many informative speakers through out the three day conference. The Keynote Speaker was Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Group RCI who gave the delegates an insight into the current Global Timeshare affiliates and operations based on his experience. Andrew Bell Principal of Ray White Real Estate Surfers Paradise shared his "Head Space" concept, and Joe Malone from Shell Vacation Club discussed some actions his company has implemented in response to the changing market conditions brought on by the recession.

Prof Beverley Sparks and Dr Graham Bradley of Griffith University helped us to understand the meaning of "Derived Customer Value in the Resort Ownership Industry" from a sales and a customer perspective.  Also from Griffith University, Prof Bill Merrilees, told the delegates about the responsibility of companies in protecting the timeshare brand Image.

Dial An Exchange hosted a cocktail party at The Titanium Bar in Surfers Paradise overlooking the Nerang River. A wonderful night was had by all.

Noel Whittaker, Investment Guru, had everyone taking notes as he explained ways to create wealth whilst saving tax and also gave some tips on how to stay in control of your finances. Trading places President, RJ Jackson explained the management and corporate governance of timeshare resorts. Elizabeth Jameson, Director of Board Matters examined the changing practices in the Boardroom, while Trevor Slater, Investigator and Conciliator from New Zealand Banking Ombudsman taut us “How to detect Deception”.

The “Best Job in the World” campaign was shared with us by Danielle Koopman of Tourism Queensland. We heard from Dino Mezzatesta from Accor Asia Pacific who presented along side Paul Picone of Freshwater Point Management. Daniel Sweet from Mirvac Investment Management spoke on sustainability, as well as Andrew Heslehurst of Group RCI and Marcus Sigmann from Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific.

As well as industry speakers, Rowena Szeszeran-McAvoy, “WOWed” us with the 3E’s – How to Explode out of bed, with Energy and Enthusiasm… even on Monday mornings!!!

The final night of the conference was celebrated with a “Progressive Dinner” starting at Alto’s Restaurant for nibbles and drinks, we were then escorted to Mario’s Restaurant by a “Mad Chef” for our main meal. In that Italian theme, a duo singing and playing the piano accordion entertained us with some old Italian classics and then lead us out into the mall and down to “Howl at the Moon” for cheese platters, awards ceremony and more drinks.

The delegates danced on til the wee small hours! Everyone was having a fabulous night – there was some disco moves that hadn’t been seen in a long time!

HOME GROWN: Expedia

Expedia is pleased to introduce the Expedia Easy Manage Program - a new low cost, easy set up option, for Australia and New Zealand accommodation providers. Pay no registration fees or fixed costs and pay commissions to Expedia only on realised bookings, 365 days (10% commission for all bookings). Receive direct payment from guests at your property and market your property online to a wide audience of Australia and New Zealand travelers. Visit www.joinexpedia.com and begin benefiting from Expedia Easy Manage today.

HOME GROWN: Wyndham graduates go one step further

Over 50 Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific employees celebrated their graduation from training provider One Step Further, Institute of Excellence through its Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) program, with funding provided via Skilling Solutions Queensland. The ceremony held at the Gold Coast Arts Centre, recognised 180 students in total, who completed qualifications across the tourism, hospitality, sport and recreation and events industries.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts is proud to have graduates from departments across the entire company.  Barry Robinson said the energy and commitment of all the graduates through One Step Further is a driving force behind the industry.  “This recognition of the skills and experience of all graduates helps to bring the industry to the forefront, and inspires people to pursue careers that are worthwhile and formally recognised,” Barry said.

HOME GROWN: Accor Vacation Club News

Accor Vacation Club raising funds for SIDS and Kids

An exciting Carnival Showday was sponsored by the Resort Services department of Accor Vacation Club to raise funds for SIDS and Kids. SIDS and Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of babies, children and supporting bereaved families. Supporting this non-for-profit organization, the crowds flocked to the candy floss, flavoured ice slushies, hot dogs, cupcakes and popcorn that you would expect from one of the big showdays. Around 120 staff attended the lunch time activities including a raffle for a new iPhone, a gold coin donation for jam packed show bags and a chocolate wheel with prizes such as digital cameras, MP3 players and chocolates of course to help raise $1075.00 on the day for SIDS and Kids. The Resort Services team led by Phil Smith and Serena Palmer presented the cheque to the SIDS and Kids Queensland State Manager Janet Davis last month.

Accor Vacation Club’s Ghost Tour @ The Rocks, Sydney

25 brave Accor Vacation Club Members were in for a ghoulish evening last month when they embarked on the Club’s ghost tour member event. Donning their 1800s costumes, their ghost host lead them around the narrow streets and laneways of The ‘haunted’ Rocks area and depicted gruesome historical tales of murder, disease, hangings and robbery that occurred in the vicinity’s murky past. Many Members swear they could see ‘orbs’ or strange shapes in their camera lenses when taking photos, as well as experiencing a presence or strange odour when visiting certain sites. The evening was a huge success and thoroughly enjoyed by all the Members… who certainly got into the ‘spirit’ of the tour!

Twin Waters Sales Team Reel In The Best Catch Of The Day!

Accor Vacation Club’s Twin Waters Sales Team took a well deserved break and enjoyed the glorious Sunshine Coast weather for a recent afternoon of fun, sun and fishing. Rewarded for their impressive sales performances, the 24 strong team lead by their skipper and Project Director Peter Cole, packed their fishing rods, bait and sunscreen and lapped up the opportunity to unwind and recharge. As with Sales staff, their ever competitive nature was certainly present as they competed for the best catch of the day. The winner of the biggest fish and double hook up was Assistant Sales Manager Roland Berzins who no doubt won’t let the team forget anytime soon!

Café Chalet Launches at Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, Accor Vacation Club Apartments

Simon Harper, General Manager of Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, Accor Vacation Club Apartments (centre) pictured with the resort’s Café Chalet champions Carol and Ben Forrester

Café Chalet, the new room service dining concept at Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, Accor Vacation Club Apartments is taking in- room dining to a whole new level.

With Café Chalet the emphasis is on providing simple, affordable, café style “fast food”; delivered promptly and in recyclable packaging for convenience. The breakfast menu provides items such as bacon & egg muffin or berry crunch, while all day dining ranges from pizzas or noodles to fish & chips wrapped in newspaper or a caesar salad.

With a change in business mix over the past few years towards a more mainstream market, together with the recent tougher financial times, a change was required in order to maintain food and beverage revenue at the resort. It has long been identified that guests frequently went offsite for takeaways, when they did not wish to dine in the resort’s restaurant Miha, therefore an alternative was required to minimise this occurring.

Puka Park Resort had changed with the times, and moved on from the traditional restaurant fare that was being offered for room service. Prices, time delays and lack of appeal, meant in-room dining was barely utilised more than two to three times a week.  What guests wanted when they were not dining in Miha was only provided offsite.  With many guests staying for up to a week, Puka needed to be able to compete with off site “fast food” operators, however with a higher quality product and greater value for money.

Since the launch of Café Chalet in early august, the results are already positive and the feedback evidence that the concept is being greatly received by guests. A total of 54 orders were processed in the first 20 days, an average of almost three a day, and these guests are still dining in Miha on alternative evenings. Puka Park is looking forward to seeing these results go in to freefall with a move into the busy summer period and the attraction for guests of ordering a Café Chalet pizza and enjoying it at sunset down the beach.

HOME GROWN: Dial An Exchange on Twitter

Staying connected to Dial an Exchange is easier now than ever before. Become a part of their network on Facebook and Twitter! DAE know your time is valuable, and want to make it easy for you to get the information you need as conveniently as possible. This is why they are now on Facebook and Twitter. Join their online networks, and be among the first to find out about Bonus Weeks, new specials, and other news. Plus, their Facebook fans and Twitter followers will be automatically entered into random drawings for valuable exchange or bonus week vouchers.

HOME GROWN: RCI welcomes Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Sydney and Tasmania to it's global network of vacation destinations

Gold Coast, Queensland – (September 21, 2009) — RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced the addition of  Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Sydney and Seven Mile Beach, Tasmania to the RCI network of more than 4,500 affiliated resorts through affiliation of the WorldMark South Pacific Club.

The affiliation provides Platinum Elite Privileges members access to The Registry Collection® Exchange Program, the world’s largest luxury exchange program offered by Group RCI with more than 130 affiliates on five continents.

“We are very pleased to welcome these two Wyndham Vacation Resorts properties to RCI,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO, Group RCI. “These spectacular resorts in Sydney and Tasmania are very welcome additions to the magnificent vacation destinations we offer our members across the globe.”

“We are very excited to bring our members the opportunities that RCI offers,” said Barry Robinson, CEO and managing director of Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific.  “RCI offers access to more than 4,500 terrific vacation resorts around the world, as well as access for our Platinum Elite Privileges members to the elite network of high end leisure properties through The Registry Collection program. We’re glad we could provide this service to our members.”

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Sydney is ideally located nearby Hyde Park, with easy access to Sydney’s Chinatown, Darling Harbour and city centre, making it the ideal location for a city escape. This resort also has two presidential suites offering spacious accommodations, self-catering facilities, large-screen televisions and BOSE stereo.

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Seven Mile Beach, Tasmania is located in a tranquil setting just outside the city of Hobart. This award-winning property has been designed to blend in the natural surrounds, yet the self-contained presidential and penthouse suites exude luxury with their own fireplaces, BBQs and European appliances. The presidential suites also feature private Jacuzzis.

WORLD AROUND US: Wyndham supports winter games NZ

The President of the NZ Olympic Committee, Mike Stanley and the Chair of Winter Games NZ, Sir Eion Edgar, joined more than 70 guests at a “Winter Wonderland” function at Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Wanaka recently to celebrate the inaugural Winter Games NZ, of which Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific is a Patron. With Wyndham’s resort close to completion following redevelopment, the Games provided the opportunity to showcase the new look resort and the benefits of vacation ownership to dignitaries from Wanaka and NZ’s sporting, business and tourism community.  Wyndham Vacation Resorts’ CEO and managing director, Barry Robinson, is pictured with Sir Eion Edgar (left) and Mike Stanley (centre).

WORLD AROUND US: Interval adds new affiliates in Thailand and Australia

Interval International has announced the addition of West Sands Phuket Beach Club in Thailand and Accor Vacation Club Freshwater Point Resort Broadbeach on Australia’s Gold Coast to its exchange network.

West Sands Phuket Beach Club is set in 48 lush acres with its own private beachfront on Mai Khao Beach. Designed to have minimal impact on the environment, the resort has won the Green Development Award in 2007 and 2008 at the Thailand Property Awards, in recognition of its green credentials. It offers a choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom units as well as studios.

Owners and guests will be able to enjoy a 10 mile sandy beach, activities ranging from watersports and sailing to golf and elephant riding, and local attractions such as the West Sands Water World water park.

The Freshwater Point Resort Broadbeach in Queensland (Australia) is a mixed-use resort with 225 units, leisure facilities including swimming pools, a spa and a game room, and six private marina berths where members can board water taxis to explore the area’s extensive network of inland canals.

A short drive inland from Broadbeach there are national parks and rainforests where visitors can see a diverse variety of wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, platypus and various reptiles. Australia’s Gold Coast is also a favourite spot for surfers. RDO September 15, 2009

WORLD AROUND US: ARDA Fall Conference

4-6 November, Fairmont Hotel, Washington DC.

Annual event organized by the American Resort Development Association. More details to be announced shortly.

BUSINESS: Government Grants

The Federal Government provides cash grants to assist small to medium exporters in their marketing efforts through the Export Market Development program (EMDG). 
If you are an Australian-based business involved in providing tourism services to non-residents of Australia, you may be entitled to receive grants for your international marketing endeavours.

To find out how to access Export Market Development grants, GCT members are invited to attend an informative workshop event being held in October.