EVENT: Bare Foot Bowls

The annual barefoot bowls challenge is on again on Wednesday November 25th. $12 pp includes bowling, tuition and sausage sizzle. So get the team organised and the team costumes out for a night of fun and frivolity.

EVENT: Australian Timeshare Industry Charity Golf Day 2010

Please put Friday 26th February 2010 into your diary for the annual industry charity golf day. This year teams will face off at the Colonial Golf Club at Robina. For more information click here.

HOME GROWN: Industry Economic Impact Study update

ATHOC has once again enlisted the services of the AEC Group to conduct a full economic impact study as an update to the study carried out in 2005. We will be making contact with you in the New Year to secure your support in responding to survey information that will be sent to you directly from the AEC Group. All information collected will go directly to the AEC Group and will not be seen in raw data by ATHOC. All information given to ATHOC from the AEC Group will be whole of industry data only.

The information will be put into a report that both ATHOC and members can access to use as they wish. Our main purposes will be for government lobbying and media. Please support this great initiative.

HOME GROWN: Relief from ASIC for resorts to re-sell

This is a reminder to Resorts that you are able to seek relief from ASIC to sell weeks in your resort without a financial services license. If you think about it, the best time to sell a resort week is when a family has just had a fantastic time at your resort. If you have not already sought relief from ASIC and would like more information, please contact the ATHOC office. You must have relief from ASIC to be able to do this.

HOME GROWN: ATHOC code of practice

The ASIC review of the Code of Practice is almost complete. This has been ongoing for some time and we envisage that the final approval of the document and implementation will take place in the New Year. If you would like more information about this, please contact the ATHOC office.

HOME GROWN: RCI launches first ever Green Award for affiliated resorts in the Pacific

RCI, announced the launch of the first ever “RCI Going Green Award” for its affiliated resorts in the Pacific.

Developed in conjunction with Griffith University, RCI’s Going Green Award was modelled after some of the top green certifications and awards currently in circulation within the tourism industry.

With a specific focus on timeshare resort operations, RCI will present Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to the top three ‘green’ resorts, assessing them accordingly:

Self Assessment Phase: Resorts will be asked to assess the green practices currently undertaken within the resort and provide supporting documentation where possible.

On-site Inspection Phase: Shortlisted resorts from the self assessment phase will be visited by an expert in sustainable tourism, with an on-site inspection and interview to be conducted.

Dr. David Weaver, Professor of Tourism Research at Griffith University, was instrumental in developing the award and has agreed to adjudicate both phases. Well respected in the industry, Dr. Weaver specialises in the fields of sustainable tourism management and ecotourism.  

 “We are very excited to be the first in the holiday exchange industry to launch such an award,” said Charisse Cox, managing director of RCI Pacific.

“The Going Green Award fits in well with our global commitment to corporate social responsibility and the environment.” 

Winners of the inaugural Gold, Silver and Bronze RCI Going Green Awards will be announced at the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council annual conference in Christchurch in September 2010.

Across regions, RCI is promoting and encouraging sharing of environmental sustainability best practices and green ideas with its associates and affiliates through a Green Council in support of its parent company’s WyndhamGreen sustainability initiative.

HOME GROWN: Wyndham's Coffs Harbour resort opens its doors

Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific welcomed the first guests at its new Coffs Harbour resort -  Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific Coffs Harbour (Treetops).  The development includes 60 self-contained apartments including presidential suites and penthouses.  WorldMark South Pacific Club Owners are obviously enthusiastic about their new resort, booking 570 room nights in the first 24 hours of it becoming available!  The resort will be officially opened later in November.

Photo caption Azam Ismail, Front Office Manager, at Wyndham’s Coffs Harbour Treetops welcomes the resort's first guests when the resort opened its doors in October.

High heels at hicap

Marion Smart, Senior Vice President Property Development & Resort Operations, for Wyndham Vacation Resorts, participated on a panel at the Hotel and Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), in Hong Kong during October. The Conference session, titled “High Heels in the Hotel Industry”, explored consumer issues for female guests and career challenges for female hotel staff and managers.   “Understanding your customer and their requirements is fundamental to operating a successful resort.  This naturally encompasses female guests”, says Marion.   However, she points out that “women” cannot be categorized as one customer segment and many of the initiatives that were initially implemented for women have been extended for all guests. Luxury bathroom amenities are one example of this.

“The real challenge for resorts – even in vacation ownership”, said Marion “is the blurring of the definition between business and leisure travel.  It is commonplace for guests to bring their laptop on holidays or stay an extra day or two when travelling for business”, she said.  “This challenges our traditional customer segmentation and requires resorts to be prepared to provide a range of facilities and services as well as being flexible from one guest to the next to meet varying guest expectations.”

Wyndham Worldwide launched “Women on their Way” in 1995 - an on-line resource for female business and leisure travellers.  Since its launch in 1995 when it was the hospitality industry’s first branded program dedicated to female travellers, Women on their Way has been expanded across Wyndham Worldwide’s brands and businesses, including 7,000 hotels, vacation rentals and resorts in 100 countries.  The program which includes a Women Travellers Advisory Board researches requirements among female travellers and has been responsible for implementing service innovations in the company’s hotels as a result.

Photo caption: Marion Smart, Senior VP Property Development & Resort Operations, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific.

HOME GROWN: Wishes by Wyndham supporting climate run

Wyndham Vacation Resorts’ “Wishes by Wyndham” program will support Safe Climate Australia by providing accommodation in Port Macquarie, Sydney and Ballarat for a group of Australian emergency service workers who are running from Cooktown to Melbourne during November.  “Run for a Safe Climate” aims to highlight the impacts and solutions to global warming in a way that captures the hearts and imaginations of all Australians. For more information see www.runforasafeclimate.org.

Bushfire survivors take a break
WorldMark South Pacific Club resorts at Ballarat, Flynns Beach (Port Macquarie), Kirra Beach, Seven Mile Beach (Hobart) and Sydney have been hosting survivors of Victoria's February bushfires thanks to the donations from WorldMark South Pacific Club Owners and Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, under the "Wishes by Wyndham" umbrella. The appeal generated sufficient vacation credits to book a year's worth of accommodation for the survivors, which have now been converted into bookings. Of the resorts participating, Seven Mile Beach was the most popular destination selected by the recipients.

HOME GROWN: Ready for a sea-change? Why not consider a Residential Cruise Ship?

Imagine the opportunity to circumnavigate the globe in unsurpassed style and comfort, where every amenity imaginable is available.

The Arizona based company Residential Cruise Line introduces the largest residential cruise ship, Magellan which combines the best aspects of leisure lifestyle: the intimacy and comfort of your own waterfront residence, the luxurious amenities of a five star resort, and the excitement of hundreds of ports of call. While cruise ships have a legendary history, the residential cruise ship is a new and unique experience.

The residential vessel is due to launch in early 2011. When complete, Magellan will boast an impressive 76,000 gross weight tons, 860 feet in length and 15 decks making it the largest residential cruise ship to set sail. The 210 private residences, including 16 penthouses, provide one, two, three and four bedrooms with the benefits and amenities of the world’s finest resorts.

Magellan has been designed with all the comfort of home in mind. Each residence, ranging in size from 1130 to 2881 square feet, offers unparalleled views of the sea from its own private balcony. Residences come equipped with the finest fixtures and finishes.

The expansive windows create a breathtaking wall of views that frame the array of ever changing scenery, and custom wood cabinetry lines the main living and dining areas, while luxurious stone surfaces, gourmet quality appliances and an island with bar seating complete the gourmet style kitchen. The luxurious living quarters complimented with the latest technological advancements makes Magellan the ultimate residence on sea or land.

Owners may choose to prepare feasts for family or friends in their own gourmet kitchen or dine out at one of Magellan's four fine-dining restaurants run by master chefs who specialise in culinary masterpieces from around the world. By day, owners and guests may choose to swim at one of Magellan's pool, either in or out of the sun, or unwind at the Magellan's unique Aqua Spa with 14 private treatment rooms.

Located on the upper deck the Aqua Spa's yoga and meditation room provides ocean views with soothing sea breezes. When night falls, the much anticipated 430 seat theatre will feature Las Vegas quality entertainment and the state of the art disco will pump out a variety of musical styles nightly. The retractable marina, a European-styled Marketplace offering an exclusive array of merchandise from many high-end and well known retailers and a casino worthy of Monte Carlo are just a few of the added amenities and conveniences that make living aboard the Magellan a unique first class experience. True to the Magellan's namesake, there will be even an observatory and on-board astronomer, providing the ultimate star gazing experience. The 500 crew members provide owners with 24 hour on call service. Owners on the platinum deck levels will also enjoy included services such as security card access and priority transportation and reservations for onboard services, events and shore excursions.

In addition to full concierge and butler service, a personal shopper, private chef and in room day-care will also be available exclusively to platinum owners.

Magellan offers the ultimate in personal freedom and flexibility and two ways to purchase. While other residential cruise ships only offer full ownership, Magellan gives residents a unique opportunity to purchase their residence via either full or fractional ownership. The fractional ownership may be purchased in either 1 month or 2 week increments. "Unlike destination clubs or timeshare programs, fractional ownership means you actually own the residence for the period of time purchased." Says Randall Jackson, CEO of Residential Cruise Line Ltd.

Dial An Exchange Newsletter – October 09

HOME GROWN: Accor Vacation Club competition winners

Winners meet the Peas!

When Karne May, a member of Accor Vacation Club received a call announcing her as the WA winner of a meet the Peas competition, she knew she would have to hand it over to her daughter, Alaina. The competition was to meet and join the Black Eyed Peas on their private flight to Perth. Jamming at 41,000 FT Alaina and her friends enjoyed in flight service, live music by the Peas, the fun of mile high karaoke and then seeing the Peas perform at their Burnswood Dome Concert. Accor hospitality was a sponsor of the winner's accommodation at Mercure Perth, so "I gotta feeling" that they enjoyed themselves!

Far to Right: Rhiannon May, Alaina May & Lisa Rappatoni

Member wins mini holiday and dinner with Ernie Dingo!

"Accor Vacation Club has opened many beautiful and surprising doors to places I had never been - luv it!” was a portion of the Kouros’s winning entry in the Accor Vacation Club ‘Amore For You And A Friend’ Member referral competition. It could never have been more true for Chris, Susie and their two children Stella and Nicholas when they won a 2 night mini family holiday at the Grand Mercure Melbourne, Accor Vacation Club Apartments. The prize also included flights and dinner at the Novotel Melbourne on Collins – Michel’s Brasserie with Accor Vacation Club ambassador Ernie Dingo and his lovely wife Sally. Superb starters and mains alike were washed down with fine wine and milk for the little ones with signature Dingo tales keeping the smiles going all night, it doesn't get any better then that!

Far to Right: Sally Dingo, Ernie Dingo, Nicholas Kouros, Stella Kouros, Susie Kouros & Chris Kouros

WORLD AROUND US: US timeshare industry remains strong despite difficult times

The US timeshare industry continues to demonstrate its resilience despite the economic downturn according to the latest figures released by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).

Although overall sales reflect the national trend of lower consumer spending, a high occupancy rate of 80 percent, compared to 60.4 per cent hotel occupancy rate, shows that timeshare owners continue to enjoy their pre-paid timeshare vacation.

Preliminary 2009 second quarter research indicates that nine out of ten owners were currently on monthly payments, a 0.2 per cent increase on the previous quarter. Sales efficiencies have also improved, with a Volume Per Guest of US$2,043, up two per cent on the level during the previous quarter.

“The good news is that timeshare owners are still vacationing, and occupancy remains strong,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA. “Coupled with our industry’s emphasis on new efficiencies and improvements to our business model, we will come through the current downturn and be ready to meet the expectations of customers.” RDO, October 16, 2009