Timeshare Trends Blog

Timeshare industry salaries remain steady or slightly down, according to Executive Quest Inc., which has released the results of its annual study of salaries within the timeshare and vacation ownership, fractional, and hospitality industry. The research is based on survey data from more than 20,000 contacts. The survey covered salary, bonus, non-cash perks, commission, total annual compensation, years in the industry, resort locations, units and total annual company revenue. The survey shows that the timeshare and fractional industries continue to feel effects of the economy, but to a lesser degree than in 2010. The hardest categories were realtor, real estate developer, timeshare sales and timeshare broker. Timeshare sales representatives showed a slight increase while sales managers and directors showed a minor cut in compensation. The report finds that many executives received non-cash perks including a company automobile, health and life insurance, contributions to a 401k, housing for family/visitors. The non-cash perks were converted to a dollar amount and are included in the total compensation figures.

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The Pelican Resort Club recently shut down. Located on St. Maarten, the resort is no longer accepting reservations. According to news reports, the resort has been taken over and renamed Simpsons Bay Resort. Over the last few months, owners have been receiving conflicting emails and mixed messages regarding the status of ownership of the company, foreclosure auctions and employees at the property. Most emails and messages seemed to discuss administrative and management issues, which were unlikely to impact owners. They were not informed of the urgency and the possibility that the resort would close, placing timeshare ownership in jeopardy.

As of now, it is still unclear why the closure was necessary or how long it will last. Some reports indicate that it appears that the closure is merely a scheme to force the unions to negotiate or force union employees out. Reportedly, last December, there was an attempt to fire all union employees, which the courts squashed. When all issues have been resolved, normalcy for Pelican/Simpson owners is expected to return. In the short term, owners planning to use their units over the next few weeks or months may be cut from their reservations. Some reports indicate that owners have not been given the assurance of being able to go to the resort, even while being encouraged to make their mortgage and maintenance fee payments.

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Shell Management Hawaii, Inc. has been named one of the”Best Places to Work” in Hawaii for 2011. The annual event sponsored by ProService Hawaii and published annually by Hawaii Business Magazine honors businesses in its “Best Places To Work In Hawaii” program. Company data is gathered and analyzed by an independent research organization, the Best Companies Group, which conducts similar research in states throughout the nation. Honors will be given at an awards dinner in March.

With 292 employees, Shell Management Hawaii, Inc has been named in the large category. Shell Management Hawaii was ranked first in 2010 and fifth in 2009. Shell Vacation Resorts in Hawaii include the Holua Resort at Muana Loa, Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy, Kona Coast Resort, Paniolo Greens, and the Waikiki Marina Resort.

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Shell Management Hawaii, Inc. has been named one of the”Best Places to Work” in Hawaii for 2011. The annual event sponsored by ProService Hawaii and published annually by Hawaii Business Magazine honors businesses in its “Best Places To Work In Hawaii” program. Company data is gathered and analyzed by an independent research organization, the Best Companies Group, which conducts similar research in states throughout the nation. Honors will be given at an awards dinner in March.

With 292 employees, Shell Management Hawaii, Inc has been named in the large category. Shell Management Hawaii was ranked first in 2010 and fifth in 2009. Shell Vacation Resorts in Hawaii include the Holua Resort at Muana Loa, Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy, Kona Coast Resort, Paniolo Greens, and the Waikiki Marina Resort.

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The Tibisay Hotel has joined the RCI network of affiliated resorts. The Tibisay Hotel, located in the city of Merida, Venezuela, is a highly desirable destination in the Venezuelan Andes. This hotel consists of an elegant building with splendid views of the Andean mountain range with the latest technology in its rooms that are specially designed to provide the maximum comfort to guests.

Among the main attractions of the hotel, which includes a Presidential suite and 81 fully-equipped rooms, are a spa, heated pool, electronic casino and nightly entertainment center, in addition to the unique “Andean friendliness” of its staff. Visitors at the Hotel Tibisay can easily access the lagoons, cable cars, deserts, and other attractions in Merida and the surrounding area.The Tibisay Hotel has joined the RCI network of affiliated resorts.

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Celebrity Resorts has pulled through its bankruptcy proceedings fully intact and with no job losses. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early 2010, the Florida-based Celebrity Resorts is back to business as usual with the Florida courts confirming the firm’s reorganization plan.

In a document submitted to the Court, the company blamed their bankruptcy on disagreements between family members that started and owned Celebrity Resorts. As part of the recovery plan, a lending subsidiary of Textron Inc., a multi-industry conglomerate best known as the maker of Cessna airplanes, has agreed to provide Celebrity with $4 million in financing. Celebrity Resorts has 13 properties located in Florida, Nevada, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Colorado.

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Wyndham Vacation Ownership has now added the Emerald Grande Resort to its Florida portfolio. Wyndham recently announced it has executed a sales and marketing agreement with Emerald Grande, LLC, its fourth fee-for-service sales model agreement overall and second to be signed in 2011. The resort will be marketed as Wyndham Vacation Resorts Emerald Grande at Destin. Through this agreement, unsold vacation ownership interests will become part of Club Wyndham Access, the company’s flexible club-based product. Wyndham will become the exclusive sales and marketing agent for the sale of vacation ownership interests at the Emerald Grande at Harbor Walk Village, with sales anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2011. The resort prides itself on being the photographed waterfront view in Destin with 286 luxury residences, a full- service European spa and world class fitness, security and covered parking, a full service marina, among other amenities.

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The Melia Marbella Banus is the newest Sol Melia Vacation Club resort. Located in Costa Del Sol, Spain, the Melia Marbella Banus is surrounded by the best beaches and golf courses in Costa del Sol and is located in the exclusive Puerto Banús area. Just a few miles from the old town of Marbella and less than an hour from the Malaga Airport, the resort offers Sol Meliá Vacation Club members accommodations that include studios for two people, one bedroom suites for up to four people and two bedroom suites for up to six. The Sol Meliá Vacation Club (SMVC) is a leading international vacation membership club with locations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Europe, and four member resorts in the Canary Islands.

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The Bougainville Parque Hotel is now an RCI exchange member. The hotel is situated at the world’s largest hydrothermal complex in Caldas Novas, Goias, Brazil. Located just five minutes from the heart of Caldas Novas town, the property features 58 spacious and modern apartments fully-furnished with appliances and furniture that compliments the style and atmosphere of the hotel. The amenities of the hotel include two large swimming pools, a pool bar, a natural pool surrounded by bountiful flora and fauna, and a full restaurant offering authentic Brazilian cuisine. The Bougainville Parque Hotel renovated its timeshare units as part of its new affiliation with RCI. Refurbishment included new beds, flooring, and complimentary high-speed internet connections in every room.

The Bougainville Parque Hotel is the newest RCI exchange property in Brazil. It is located in the world's largest hydrothermal complex in Caldas Novas, Goias.

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The Mision del Sol Resort and Spa has been added to the RCI exchange network of resorts. Located in Morelos, Mexico, this affiliation represents a significant milestone in that RCI members will have the opportunity to visit the first ecological paradise in the area of Cuernavaca. The Mision del Sol Resort offers visitors an extraordinary and modern concept in tourism. In one with nature, the property is a green resort built with recyclable materials. Surrounded by flora and fauna and magnificent landscapes, the resort features 40 spacious apartments in one or two-bedroom choices, a paddle ball court, two tennis courts, and a fully equipped fitness center. The resort also offers a Jacuzzi, traditional Temascal steam bath with aroma and music therapy, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a sauna space. Moreover, Mision del Sol also offers relaxing mental sessions such as meditation, yoga, Thai Chi, and lectures on spiritual and mental health extensive water park, which is equipped with waterslides and free-fall kamikaze.

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