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Westgate Violates Do Not Call Registry January 30, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, News & Events, Travel, Westgate Timeshares , add a comment

For making phone calls to people on the national “Do Not Call” list, The Federal Trade Commission said on Tuesday, January 27, that Westgate, one of the largest and oldest independent timeshare developers, will be liable for $900,000 to settle the charges.

Mostly found in the Orlando, Florida area, Westgate has recently expanded to Las Vegas where the Towers at Planet Hollywood are accepting bids. In November 2008, Westgate was hit with a $1 million lawsuit for luring consumers with vouchers that were impossible to redeem. Though they have been a frontrunner in the hospitality industry from the start, the Orlando-based company has recently cut over 4,000 employees in response to current economic turbulence.

The Federal Trade Commission also announced a $275.000 settlement with a Florida-based company, Accumen Management Services Inc. and its subsidiary All In One Vacation Club LLC. The company made telemarketing calls to people who had filled out entry forms for a sweepstakes to win a vacation packages. The Federal Trade Commission said many of those who called were on the Do Not Call registry and did not agree to the telemarketing sales pitches for timeshares and vacation getaways.

Westgate apparently bought phone numbers from an internet-based lead generator that collects contact information with offerings on its Brandarama.com website. The veteran timeshare developer has received several thousand complaints from consumers. Other companies like Central Florida Investment inc., and CFI Sales and Marketing LLC, which have both done telemarketing for Westgate. Over 167 million phone numbers have been put on the Do Not Call Registry.

At BuyATimeshare.com we sell hundreds of Westgate properties to buyers and owners who already have and enjoy their timeshares. A premier brand, Westgate is one of the most popular and high-quality resort developers the world has seen. It is too bad they have such bad press in a time where timeshare needs all the credibility it can get.

Hotel Brands Continue to Cut Staff in Timeshare Sector January 27, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, Sunterra/Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , add a comment

Layoffs continue to pile up as 2009 proves to be as bad for employment as December 2008 was. Spreading like wildfire, Hilton Grand Vacations is following suite with 187 of their 3,500 timeshare employees let go. Marriott is cutting at least 134 people by mid-February due to the infamous tightening of credit. Bluegreen is another top brand in the hospitality industry that has continued to shed 60% its workforce to stay afloat.

The need for sales staff has declined to a point that most companies are grinding down their marketing and timeshare sales positions altogether. Marriott and Hilton continue construction of new resorts however. Representatives repeat over and over that their timeshare segments are suffering because of the tight credit market, declining real estate values and less spending by fearful consumers. Hilton is excited about discussing plans for expansion however, but will not comment on the numerous layoffs.

BuyATimershare.com is seeing exponential grown and is in the midst of augmenting its staff to keep pace with the success. As timeshare developers decay, people are eager to get rid of their vacation properties. Still cooling off after opening a new resort in Hawaii, Hilton still speaks optimistically.

A representative said that plans to expand in Orlando’s tourist corridor are underway and Hilton is eager to discuss its expansion in the Sunshine State. Diamond Resorts had considered acquiring Bluegreen for $15 per share plus all outstanding debts. Today that would be quite a bargain since Bluegreen has drastically reduced its growth and budget in light of the economic credit crunch. Bluegreen, after cutting over 2000 jobs, are considering further cutbacks.

Super Bowl Rentals and Timeshare Resales XLIII January 25, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, JetShare, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , add a comment

Holidays are one thing, but the Super Bowl is another annual event shared by all. This upcoming Super Bowl XLIII will be at the Raymond James Stadium on February, 1, 2009 in lovely Tampa, Florida. What better way to spend this happening than with family and friends than with a Super Bowl Rental? Strengthening bonds while relaxing in the warmth of Central Florida is a great way to spend your time off and see the biggest football game of the year with friends and loved ones.

As hotels are filling up and up, lodging is fast becoming a scarce commodity. But the world of timeshares and condos are still available. Renting a luxury suite or a townhouse would prove to be an ideal way to enjoy the big game. With a premium entertainment system, watch the game with a group of friends and family to share in the fun and maybe even the cost.

If you are lucky enough to be attending the game in beautiful Tampa, Florida, BuyATimeshare.com has a great condo for rent, only 8 miles from the Raymond James Stadium. With an office in Tampa we have great secrets about the area to share. You will not be able to find availability like this anywhere else! Enjoy the cost-effectiveness and all the comforts of a luxury townhouse right in the Super Bowl XLIII neighborhood.

As a leader in timeshare resales, BuyATimeshare.com has earned the highest rating of trust and overall success in the industry. Ranked #1 by independent companies such as Alexa.com, Ranking.com, and Compete.com, you can rent, sell, or buy timeshares to meet any of your travel needs.

Timesharing has always proven to be a gainful alternative to a week’s stay in a hotel, booking multiple rooms, or even a second home ownership. If you are looking to get out of the cold for the remaining holiday season, lodging is still available through BuyATimeshare.com. Hit the beach in beautiful Tampa, Florida and save money on your next timeshare purchase.

Have a safe and happy new year!!

TATOC A Helping Hand in Timeshare Ownership for 2009 January 23, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , add a comment

There is no other company out there more dedicated to the quality, credibility and legislation of the timeshare industry than The Association of Timeshare Owners Committee (TATOC). Working for the owners and by the owners, the association draws from all parts of the industry to create a magnificent resource for all things travel, timeshare, and good old vacationing.

The U.K. based team is a non-profit company created in 1989, with a mission to promote the maintenance and the high quality standards of resorts and their facilities. During the recent metamorphosis that had taken place in U.K. timeshare legislation, TATOC was an attending force—fighting for operators and owners alike. As well as promoting a generally positive image of the timesharing concept, they support a productive atmosphere by discouraging bad practices within the industry.

BuyATimeshare.com is proud to announce that this year’s annual conference will be on March 13th to the 15th in Warrington, England. With increased travel worldwide, Europeans are making more and more timeshare purchases every year. Like here at Vacation Property Resales, the Timeshare Association shares the same passion about educating owners on the best ways to take advantage of their vacation properties.

A noble knight in armor, the Timeshare Association has certainly become a recognized voice of timeshare owners in Europe. TATOC has over 70 member resorts across Europe. These resorts allow over 250,000 families to work with TATOC. Worldwide they are a sure shot for anyone who has questions on how to best use their timeshares or other vacation properties.

In a further effort to help their members, TATOC has decided against raising the membership fees for 2009. With troubles in the economy seeping into the credit market, a lot of members are in financial straits. CEO Harry Taylor explains that although the association needs funds to continue its work, the board felt that this would help its members more if it did not increase the membership fee.

No More Resale Scams or Timeshare Tricks January 19, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Bluegreen Resorts, General, New Features, News & Events, Planet Hollywood, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , 1 comment so far

Regardless if someone can convince you to buy, if you cannot afford it—you cannot have it! It is this fact that has crushed the timeshare developers, with more asset backed securities going delinquent and defaulting everyday.

Recent actions have deplored the timeshare industry even further. The same developers that have become household names have been caught using unethical sales tactics so many times throughout 2008 that it is no wonder the outlook for 2009 and 2010 is so grim. So many deceptive and archaic sales practices are still in use. It is surprising that brands like Wyndham, Westgate, and Bluegreen, thought they could treat people like that! After a few years we won’t stand for that will we?!

Current press however, is revealing to the public that such high-pressure sales are inevitable, and that lying takes place during each presentation. Perhaps after enough time these tactics will disappear from timeshare completely. Such menacing techniques have gained the attention of multiple Attorney Generals from across the country. Bluegreen was caught in obvious bait & switch schemes as they lured over 5000 Pennsylvania residents with a tropical getaway and ‘free’ airfare.

Bluegreen instead subjected the victims to high-pressure sales presentations. This is exactly the kind of approach that has tarnished the timeshare industry for so long. They successfully scammed more than $100 million from Pennsylvania residents alone—with no free airfare in sight. Westgate, still celebrating its topping off of Planet Hollywood Towers in Las Vegas, laid off portions of their staff (probably to help pay for the endeavor). A few weeks later Westgate was hit with $1 million in punitive damages.

On behalf of 30 Utah residents the courts found the Florida-based timeshare firm guilty of attracting people to its resort using travel vouchers that were too difficult to redeem. At BuyATimeshare.com we feel it is this type of unethical practices that have sealed the fate of the industry. Marked as lying and underhanded, it is not creative press that paints the picture, but coverage of facts that reveals the true colors of these companies.

These types of sales have long been red-flagged as a scam in the timeshare industry. The resale market has been trying to accomplish where the developers have failed—offering affordable vacation properties without extra fees or sales pressure. It is this dedication to customer protection and satisfaction that will ensure our business is not built on lies, and will not crumble under the weight of reality.

International Interest in Timeshare and Resales January 16, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Hilton Head Island, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

Despite economic troubles in the U.S, the economy has not really affected global interest in timeshare. Vacationing abroad is still popular and rebounding after a summer fraught with high fuel prices and struggling timeshare developers. All over the world, people are paying attention to the timeshare phenomenon—finding an inexpensive portal to a luxurious vacation thousands of miles away from home.

Hospitality Superpowers like Wyndham, Marriott, Starwood and Hilton have become nearly dependant on timeshares in recent years. 2008 was especially disagreeable to developers, evaporating their market value considerably. Wyndham Worldwide expects about a $1billion slip in vacation ownership sales over 2009. A trend that swept through the industry eliminated sales offices and marketing programs. Brands are predicting that 2009 will be tough as demand is anticipated to weaken further.

International occupancy of U.S timeshare has grown from about $2.7 billion $10.6 billion in a mere decade. Regardless of recent news, worldwide interest in timeshares has not slowed. Timeshare ownerships in countries like India are running rampid. RCI has witnessed a 39 percent growth rate from 2007 to 2008. RCI says it has seen a 40 percent increase in confirmed sales from its members in Goa, India over 2008.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club has noticed a remarkable correlation between international tourism and timeshare use. In response to this, Hilton has opened the Grand Waikikian, its fifth resort on Hawaii. The Aloha State had reported a declined in tourism down to a hotel occupancy of only 60 percent. Though the sum of U.S visitors to Hawaii is dropping off, there recent reports illustrate an increase in international tourism visiting timeshare destinations in Hawaii.

Due to the ever-growing popularity of timeshares, European parliament is working to tighten rules on EU timeshares companies. Timesharing is becoming widely used among Europeans who had been dealing with decades of bogus sales and resale companies. BuyATimeshare.com has been seeing this increase in offers from international vacationers, adding staff to compensate. Most of the people that visit our site are from all over the globe. They have dealt with scams before and are typically seeking a reputable company to help them—BuyATimeshare.com the company they chose.

Fractionals, Rentals, Timeshare Resale Review PART II January 14, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, New Features, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , add a comment

Read PART I

The rapid acceptance of fractional ownership is fueled by the credibility and establishment of the timeshare industry. Timeshares have been trusted simply because of the untarnished reputation of fractionals. The popularity of this concept has increased since the recession spiked. Continuing economic troubles have restrained most consumers from investing in anything that needs expensive maintenance or that will most likely depreciate quickly—namely, timeshare. There are a number of schemes that consumers are investigating in hopes of luxury and savings that come with fractional ownership.

Art enthusiasts will often pay toward a pooled investment. When a period of investment is completed, members receive 2 pieces of artwork, or their investment back in cash. Investors often decide to make working part of the vacation. People will invest by laboring and living at a winemaker’s chateau for a few weeks a year. Some will simply buy into a wine fund, where the wine in return is typically the only expected payoff.

Many websites will offer shares in luxury yachts of all sizes, softening the price of such an extravagant investment. Similar sites will allow consumers a chance to buy into shares of aircraft. Corporate jet shares are popular with businesses and pilots who share ownership while enjoying a multimillion dollar piece of freedom.

BuyATimeshare.com is just one option of the many fractional opportunities out there. Every interest out there; land, sea, and air all waiting to offer you an amazing vacationing experience—made affordable, and yours to enjoy.

Captain Scott Corwin Foundation Keeping Generosity and a Legacy Alive January 13, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : General, News & Events, Travel, Uncategorized , add a comment

“We do this in honor of Scott, in our efforts to continue his legacy of selflessness and a commitment to his nation”

In beginning of a promising life and career, Scott Corwin, an active United States Army Captain, was mysteriously gunned down on the streets of Monterey Square, Savannah, Georgia. After a night out with friends Corwin was walking to his nearby residence in Savannah’s historic district during the morning hours of May 29, 2004. His spirit of leadership and generosity lives on in numerous awards, scholarships and charities given in his name.

With a supporting family Scott grew to become a West Point graduate and a talented young soldier. His death has inspired the Captain Scott Corwin Foundation, making his name an everlasting symbol of selflessness and generosity. The Captain Corwin Foundation was created by Scott’s friends and family. Today Scott’s foundation provides scholarships to high school athletes who have shown leadership qualities, encouraging them to continue those important attributes.

The continuing efforts to build upon the values of athletes, and encouraging them to give back to the community goes on in his name. The CSC Award is presented to a member of the Darien, Illinois High School’s football team for athletics, scholarships, citizenship and leadership and includes a $2,000 college scholarship.

The foundation has also created programs like “students for troops” where teachers and their classes “adopt” a unit and write letters to share with them a hello and a thank you for the protections they provide. The website presents news, updates, and press, as well as information on helping and donating to our men and women uniform.

The Captain Scott Corwin Foundation is a 501© 3 nonprofit organization and your donations are tax deductible.

Mail contributions directly to their address:
Captain Scott Corwin Foundation
P.O. Box 2145
Darien, Illinois 6056

Marriott Timeshares Wear in the Storm January 13, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , add a comment

After a recent tendency set in the early winter of 2008, Marriott’s latest staffing cut comes as no surprise. Slashing more than 80 employees at a whack, 170 jobs were ended this month. The credit crunch flattened many timeshare employees this past year. As shares continue to be whittled down, the content face that Marriott has worn is starting to look like a façade in an obvious struggle to keep its timeshare sector afloat.

Dropping significantly this week, Marriott’s stock was downgraded, yet again, by analysts who fear the worst for the entire hotel industry. Stock has shifted from “Buy” to “Hold” as investors don a pessimistic outlook on current conditions and for 2010 as well. Marriott shares specifically fell, bout 20 cents or 1.6 percent, to close at $18.21. That is a far cry from Wyndham’s $7, or the $37.89 that Marriott shares went for in early 2008.

Chris Woronka, Deutsche Bank analyst said: lodging trends continue to worsen as unemployment rises and businesses and consumers cut back on travel spending. He mentioned that another bad sign for the industry is that hotels seem to be slashing their rates more and more to lure guests. Arne Sorenson sought to reassure investors about the health of Marriott’s timeshare sector. He said the company expects it timeshare business to “weather the downturn just fine.”

In its third quarter earnings report, Marriott said timeshare sales dried up and did not expect fourth quarter demand to improve. While its PR guys are earning their money, the developers are hemorrhaging millions of dollars after years of high pressure sales and overpriced products have finally caught up with them. As asset backed securities evaporate, it is apparent that the sales may have worked on paper, but the actual investment of $30,000 an up is just too high for consumers to afford—in reality.

Vacation-goers are still buying vacation properties and enjoying the luxuries and benefits that come with timeshares. NOBODY is buying from the developer anymore—why pay 3 times the price for the exact same thing? At BuyATimeshare.com we can direct you toward the ideal vacation properties or vacation package that suits your likes, dislikes, and of course your budget. Enjoy!

The Timeshare Beat is Silent. Other Sources Play On January 10, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : General, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Uncategorized, VOIC , add a comment

When I first started writing about timeshares, a source I used everyday was The Timeshare Beat. Like The Street Talk Blog, ‘The Beat’ has silenced itself after a decade of loyal service and priceless information. Before the developers took their plunge in 2008, there were intriguing tropical destinations and fun gossip to read about.

There are times I recall rummaging through weeks of forums to make sense of the complex timeshare. The coup de gras was a letter from Rod and Andrea Hackman who orchestrated the Timeshare Beat, bringing over 20 years of experience to the public to an end. Thanks to the Timeshare Examiner we were able to find their wave goodbye:

Hasta la Vista, Gang…
Sorry, we’re closed Today marks the end of an era as Andrea and I have decided that it is time for us to say good-by to the timeshare world and we are closing down this forum.

As most of you know, beginning with “The Timeshare Beat” in July of 1999 and then continuing on with ‘Street’ in 2005 we have done our best to keep this industry abreast of breaking news stories, developer PRs, columns, articles, gossip, etc.

Plus, over those years we also provided a free and open format for everyone associated with the timeshare industry to express their views, suggestions and opinions, etc. without fear or worry of repercussions from an industry known for being less than tolerant of those expressing themselves.

But to everything there is a season and now, 9 years and a handful of months later (on top of 20+ years of sales and marketing in the industry), we are calling it quits and heading off to new adventures in a world full of opportunities. We leave you with one final Video of the Week as a special farewell gift.

For all of you, and especially those of you who have been with us since day one, we wish you nothing but continued health, security and a good dash of wealth in the years to come. May you live long, and prosper!

Best wishes to all, and thanks for your support all these years! It’s been quite a ride! Bye bye!

~ Rod and Andrea Hackman

There are still plenty of places to find reliable information about an often unreliable industry. Owners Perspective magazine has recently gone to print after a successful trial run online. This magazine is for existing owners and potential buyers of leisure property, overseas property, fractional ownerships, timeshare and private residence clubs. TimeSharing Today is another print magazine dedicated to the point of view of the owner, with valuable information on resorts and various timeshare services.

Websites like thetimesharevoice.com and vacationbetter.org can teach you a great deal about getting the most out of your timeshare and your vacation. Of course BuyATimeshare.com is always working to bring you articles like this one, delivering timely news and happenings from allover the world of vacation ownership.