virna17janmar

JANUARY – MARCH 2017
VACATION INDUSTRY REVIEW
RESORTDEVELOPER.COM
Sponsors
The International Shared Ownership Investment
Conference was made possible through the
support of the following sponsors:
we had industry leaders from Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and
Asia share insights on their respective regions. In addition, it was really great
to see government officials participating and endorsing our conference.”
Several sessions touched upon the impact of timesharing in global
economies. During one of those panels, William Marlin, prime minister of
St. Maarten, and Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, talked
about vacation ownership in their countries.
St. Maarten has embraced timesharing for 36 years, according to
Marlin, who proclaimed the country a leader in the region.
Jamaica, on the other hand, is “the new kid in the neighborhood,” as
described by Bartlett. He noted that Jamaica just this year passed legislation
that should encourage the development and sales of vacation ownership
on the island. “I’m here today to begin the conversation,” Bartlett said.
Two sessions were dedicated to Latin America, one focused on Mexico,
and the other — conducted in Spanish — on markets in South America.
Halfway across the globe, the Asia/Pacific market is experiencing a
boom in timeshare as well, according to Paul Dean, principal of Dean and
Associates, who shared data on the region in the State of the Industry session.
“It’s home to four of the world’s leading economies. There’s disposable
income, a growing middle class, and affordability in travel.”
A Bright Future
Back in North America, “the outlook is at a high,” says Jenny Ochtera
Davlin, vice president of member experience and business development at
the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). “What you’ll find is
a very positive movement moving forward. We are on solid ground.”
Market-specific analysis and research aside, attendees heard from top
leaders through a series of panels, from the brands to the independents
to the C-suite, which featured the perspective of Craig M. Nash, chairman,
president, and CEO of ILG; Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of
ARDA; Roy Peires, founder and chairman of CLC World Resorts & Hotels;
and Stephen Weisz, president and CEO of Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Corp.
Conference-goers were also treated to effective marketing strategies
from the president of Un-Marketing, Scott Stratten, and Facebook
analytics from the company’s regional director of Latin America, Adriana
Grineberg. Additional sessions covered topics ranging from geo-specific
amenities to a new-product showcase.
All in all, attendees walked away with an optimistic industry outlook.
“We’ve had very positive feedback,” notes Gilbert. “The fact that so many
have been returning for years and that our global participation continues to
grow are indications not only of the value of the event, but also the health
of the industry.”
The 19th annual International Shared Ownership Investment Conference
will take place again at the Eden Roc in Miami Beach, Florida, and is scheduled
for October 23 to 25, 2017.
PATRON SPONSORS
Allianz Global Assistance
BakerHostetler
Capital One
Equiant
Fidelity National Timeshare
First American Title Insurance Company
Harbor Linen
Interval International
JMBM Global Hospitality Group
Preferred Residences
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Customized Solutions, LLC
DG Film Company
Foley & Lardner LLP
Hyatt Vacation Ownership
Meridian Financial Services, Inc.
Outfield Resort Group
TimeShareWare
Trading Places International
Vistana Signature Experiences
VRI
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Capital Source
Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association
Caribbean Tourism Association
Crunchy Logistics
Extreme Engineering
FNTC
Greenspoon Marder
Nordis Direct
Quorum Federal Credit Union
Ragatz Associates
SPI Software
STR
Ward Financial
Wellington Financial
Western Alliance Resort Finance
MEDIA SPONSORS
Anuario Inmobiliario Latinoamérica
Developments
Perspective
Resort Trades
Vacation Industry Review
EXCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL PARTNER
Florida International University Chaplin School of
Hospitality & Tourism Management
15