The Hotel Times - December 2008 - (Page 16)

YOUR PROPERTY. YOUR PROSPERITY. TIMESHARE REPORT INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL Interval International has member resorts in 79 countries, including Monarch Grand Vacations’ Cabo Azul Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, Mexico. Celebrating ﬁve years of success, more than 25,000 members, and a global network comprising more than 100 luxury leisure assets on ﬁve continents, The Registry Collection® program provides developers like you with a true competitive advantage. We ensure your property is in an elite class and deliver what your owners desire - exclusivity, superlative quality and unsurpassed service - all while setting the stage for unprecedented business growth. The good life. It’s good business. ican leisure travelers,” said Peter Yesawich, chairman and CEO of Ypartnership, noting that Italy, the United Kingdom and France received the most interest. However, even destinations like Mexico, South/Central America and the Middle East, though further down on the list, each saw significant increases in interest by travelers over what was reported in 2007, according to the survey. While urban and even mountain destinations also are gaining popularity around the world, Ed Kinney, VP of corporate affairs and brand awareness for Marriott Vacation Club International, said his com- Kinney pany tends to stick to the idea that, “If it’s MVCI warm and it’s on water, it’s popular.” The key, however, is finding destinations with climates that allow intervals to be sold year-round, Kinney said. “We continue to keep our eyes open for every opportunity that can meet consumer demand,” he said. Uphill battle In the U.S., companies hope that one in 10 people who tour a timeshare will buy, said David C. Gilbert, EVP of resort sales and marketing for Interval International. But dealing with international markets, which already have fewer properties available, means fewer tours and limited exposure to timeshare by potential buyers. “It’s product awareness in the international market. It’s sort of a chicken and an egg,” Gilbert said. The slowed global awareness of timeshare has also caused a delay in many countries of government regulation to protect consumers, a failure that can cause good developers to be lumped in with the bad and potential customers to be wary. Legislative changes made in the U.S. in the 1980s were 16 The Hotel Times December 2008 Ultimate Luxury. Unlimited Opportunity.SM To take a closer look at The Registry Collection experience, please visit our Web site, theregistrycollection.com ©2008 RCI, LLC. All Rights Reserved. http://www.theregistrycollection.com http://www.theregistrycollection.com

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The Hotel Times - December 2008 Business Outlook Contents In the News Where is the Bottom? Capital Outlook Timeshare Report In Closing

The Hotel Times - December 2008

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