Timeshare Industry Applauds Florida Legislature for Passing Bill to Help Timeshare Owners and Homeowners’ Associations June 17, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : ARDA, News & Events, Timeshare Resale , add a commentThe following is a statement released by the American Resort Development Association, which is the national advocacy association for the timeshare industry, following the passage of Florida House Bill 7025:
The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) and the ARDA Resort Owners’ Coalition (ARDA-ROC) applaud Florida Governor Rick Scott for signing HB 7025 into law, providing consumer protections for owners transferring ownership of their timeshares. It also helps homeowners’ associations (HOAs) by further reducing time and costs in the lien foreclosure process.
“This legislation gives consumers more power in the transfer process,” said Howard Nusbaum, president & CEO of ARDA. HB 7025 empowers consumers with access to more information, protects any monies paid by consumers for transfer services until the services are fully performed, and weeds out unscrupulous transfer companies by allowing action to be taken against them.
“This legislation demonstrates a continuing commitment to make the timeshare transfer process more efficient for consumers and the industry,” Nusbaum continued.
The legislation, sponsored by Representative Dane Eagle and Senator Kelli Stargel, provides several benefits to timeshare consumers and HOAs. Businesses that offer to assist owners in the transfer of Florida timeshares must first provide a written agreement outlining terms and conditions of the offered services, and must place all funds received from the owner into an escrow account until the transfer has been completed. Businesses that offer transfer services—and participate in a plan or scheme to transfer timeshares to people or business entities that they know are not going to pay maintenance fees—will now be held accountable for their actions.
“With this enactment of reasonable regulation of transfer companies in Florida, timeshare owners and associations will now have additional security in the transfer process,” says Ken McKelvey, chairman of ARDA-ROC. “Owners will also be able to get information about their timeshares that will assist them in selling or renting them. Also, this bill fine-tunes the foreclosure process and streamlines the election process for members of the HOA boards of directors.”
The amendments in HB7025 will become effective on July 1, 2013.
Timeshare Industry Leaders Set To Convene In New Hampshire May 29, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : ARDA, News & Events , add a commentWesley Kogelman, CEO of timeshare resale advertising company BuyaTimeshare.com, will be one of approximately 100 timeshare industry executives gathering for the New England regional meeting of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), scheduled for June 3-4, 2013 at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Attendees will hear the latest industry statistics from the ARDA International Foundation in advance of next month’s expected release of the 2013 State of the Industry report. In addition, New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism Development Director Lori Harnois will provide an update on the health of the region’s tourism sector.
Speakers are also scheduled to discuss ways that the industry can engage younger demographics now that the Baby Boomer generation, long the target of industry marketing efforts, is moving into retirement.
Surprising to some, New England in general and New Hampshire in particular are very important areas for the timeshare industry. According to ARDA’s 2012 figures, the Northeast region has the third largest geographical concentration of timeshare resorts in the country, behind Florida and the Mountain/Pacific region. Nationally, New Hampshire ranks #16 out of the 50 states for resort concentration, trailing only #11 Massachusetts in the Northeast.
Such recognition comes as no surprise to Kogelman, whose head office is based in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
“We’ve known for years that New England is a major destination for our industry. People automatically think of Florida and Las Vegas when they think of timeshare and, while they are promoted more heavily, the truth is that we are a strong four season location with the ski areas, terrific national parks and the beach communities,” said Kogelman.
“We deal directly with the consumers and see how they interact with the properties we have advertised for sale and for rent on our site. We just had a property sell at Jordan Grand Hotel at Sunday River in Maine just this week, so we see the importance of our area,” Kogelman added.
For more information about the upcoming conference, please visit http://www.arda.org/northeast/. To find out more about the significant savings on timeshare products on the secondary market, please visit http://buyatimeshare.com.
Virginia Beach Timeshare Resort Wins Industry Project of Excellence Award May 5, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : ARDA , add a commentOcean Beach Club‘s newest Virginia Beach timeshare addition, Oceanaire Resort, earned the distinguished Project of Excellence Award at the 2013 ARDA World Convention. The international award is presented to the premier new resort that demonstrates excellence in architecture and amenities and benefits the local community.
Located on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the Ocean Beach Club complex features 536 deluxe rooms and suites, four oceanfront pools, including an adult only infinity pool, 2,600 square feet of ocean view meeting space, a 17th floor ocean view fitness center, an exclusive 10th floor lounge and sundeck, a tropical themed restaurant and tiki bar, an elegant martini bar and convenient access to beach amenities.
The ARDA Circle of Excellence Awards (ACE) are international awards that honor those who have attained the highest level of excellence in the resort industry and whose accomplishments and dedication spur the industry to new heights.
Craig Nash, Chief Executive Officer of Interval International, said, “This year’s Project of Excellence embodies every quality we aspire to as an industry.”
The Project of Excellence Award was among two awards Gold Key | PHR Hotels & Resorts earned at the 2013 ARDA World Convention, held April 7-11, 2013 in Hollywood, Florida. Vice President of Sales, Mary Reinhardt, was also crowned “Sales Management Executive of the Year.”
Previously, Gold Key Resorts and Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Thompson, have been honored by ARDA for community service and philanthropic endeavors.
“We’re also honoring their commitment to their community, to their values, and to the principles that we want people to think of when they say the word ‘timeshare,’” said Stephen Weisz of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation.
In response to the recognition, Bruce Thompson said, “We built the Oceanaire Resort to complement the assets at Ocean Beach Club, and to create the region’s best vacation destination for owners and guests. With the May opening of Big Italy, featuring three restaurants, Mama’s Italian Kitchen, Café Amarino, and Pizzeria, and the 2014 opening of Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront, we will further enhance our best in class resort experience.”
BuyaTimeshare.com CEO Wesley Kogelman To Participate at ARDA Timeshare Resale Forum April 1, 2013
Posted by Steve Luba in : ARDA, News & Events, Timeshare Resale, Wesley Kogelman , add a commentBuyaTimeshare.com, the most effective online platform available for connecting timeshare buyers, sellers and renters, announces that president and CEO Wesley Kogelman has been invited to participate as a table leader during the ARDA Resale Forum on Monday, April 8. The Forum will be the first official session of the 2013 ARDA World Convention, the world’s largest timeshare industry event, to be held April 8-11, 2013 at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Fl.
Entitled “What’s Driving the Secondary Market?”, the Resale Forum will gather the key industry executives from across the timeshare resale sector to examine the evolution of the secondary market and explore ways to support the development of a healthy resale industry.
The internet has permanently changed the old adage that timeshare is a sold and not a sought good, with over 673,000 global searches on Google for the word timeshare,” said Kogelman. “If there are that many people going to Google and using the word timeshare in a search term, they are seeking out information about our product and that’s healthy for our industry.”
The Forum will be discussing issues such as buying power transitioning from the Boomer generation to Generation X and beyond, making traditional marketing techniques less effective as younger holidaymakers use the internet to plan their vacations.
“The traveling public predominantly uses the internet to research potential resort destinations, including timeshare resorts. After they arrive at the resort, they are still online researching the resort information, even as they are experiencing the sales presentation. So it shouldn’t surprise anyone that ARDA’s own research shows, over the last three years, more people have used the secondary market to buy timeshare,” Kogelman added.
For more information about the ARDA World Convention, please visit http://www.arda.org/meetings-awards/convention/overview.aspx . To see the great timeshare inventory available for sale or rent at BuyaTimeshare.com, please go to http://buyatimeshare.com .
BuyATimeshare.com Joins CHaD for the 2013 Battle of the Badges March 8, 2013
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Charity, Customer Comments, General, Information, New Features, News & Events, Planet Hollywood, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Timeshare Scams, Travel, Uncategorized , add a commentBuyATimeshare.com donates $2500 to the 2013 Battle of the Badges. A fundraiser for CHaD, The Battle of the Badges has returned to Manchester for another exciting game. It’s become an annual event that has raised nearly $1 million for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth.
For the sixth year in a row firefighters and police officers are facing-off in a spectacular hockey championship. And as CHaD is New Hampshire’s only full care children’s hospital, it’s definitely a game worth checking out. And you can help bring the Battle of the Badges closer to its $1 million goal.
This year, instead of Firemen vs. Police, the all-star hockey championship will be a battle between East and West; each team will feature both firefighters and policemen. The Battle of the Badges has been raising money for services and patient programs at CHaD for nearly a decade. And BuyATimeshare.com has been part of the action for 3 years in a row.
With the NHL Hockey season in full swing it must be time for the 2013 Battle of the Badges!
Along with a $2500 cash donation to the kids at CHaD, BuyATimeshare.com will be hosting an event at Margarita’s Restaurant in Manchester on Saturday, March 16. Afterwards you can find everyone at the Verizon Wireless Arena for the exciting Battle of the Badges All-Star Hockey Championship. Game time is at 5:00pm. Tickets are only $10 at the door and all proceeds go toward patient programs and services for kids.
Last year’s game the NH Police Team won 4-2. This ties the overall series 2-2. And this year, the rivalry returns! New Hampshire firefighters and police from across the state will bring their passion and skills to the Verizon Center. Join BuyATimeshare.com and help raise some money for this year’s Battle of the Badges All-Star Hockey Championship. BuyATimeshare.com will be warming up with a fundraiser at Margarita’s Restaurant at 3:30 PM. So, if you’re looking for an exciting local event in New Hampshire, tickets are only $10.
GNEX Conference and The Secondary Timeshare Market February 9, 2013
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Information, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Wesley Kogelman , add a commentWesley Kogelman makes his third appearance to Perspective Magazine’s annual GNEX gala.
And what better place to share his ideas about the future of the secondary timeshare market? This year’s Global Networking Expo (GNEX) gathered the timeshare industry’s top minds.
BuyATimeshare.com President, Kogelman has been able to discuss the state of the industry and the latest developments in timesharing. Icons like David Seigel, President of Westgate Resorts and Howard Nusbaum, President of ARDA shared some invaluable information about the vacation ownership business.
Refreshments and revelry were sponsored by recognized companies like Interval International, Dial An Exchange and Oombaga, an application that helps owners pay maintenance fees and make reservations with their timeshare. But the event was more than just a Super Bowl party and luncheons on Rodeo Drive. The Speed Networking session provided an opportunity for attendees to meet with dozens of other company executives.
Nusbaum and the Secondary Timeshare Market
Nusbaum presented global research on current consumer trends in timesharing. Along with some of the challenges facing the vacation ownership business, Nusbaum shared his perspective on future opportunities. This included the secondary timeshare market as a way to help consumer vacation better. “I’m fully committed to working with the secondary market to find the best strategies to help our owners, it’s our responsibility” explains Nusbaum. As a positive solution for timeshare buyers, 20% of new owners purchased their properties on the secondary timeshare market.
Every year Perspective Magazine puts on the GNEX timeshare convention to gather the industry’s top minds. With the purpose of improving the vacation ownership business, GNEX works for resort developers and consumers. And with experts like Howard Nusbaum pushing for the resale market, the future of timesharing looks a lot less expensive for vacationers. Do you have ideas that would change the timeshare market for the better? Share your comments below.
3 Ways BuyATimeshare.com Customer Service has Increased Customer Loyalty February 5, 2013
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, General, Information, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized, Wesley Kogelman , add a commentIn an effort to make owning a timeshare convenient and fun again, BuyATimeshare.com customer service has made buying and selling a timeshare easy and convenient. The result? Customer loyalty has increased by 66% from the previous year.
“We have achieved the highest levels of customer satisfaction in years, while continuing to increase traffic from buyers and renters to our advertisers”
“It’s our company’s focus on the customer that has set us apart from the competition,” said Wesley Kogelman, President and CEO of BuyATimeshare.com. “We have achieved the highest levels of customer satisfaction in years. While continuing to increase traffic from buyers and renters, we are proud to report that customer loyalty has increased by 66%.”
• Customer Service—providing a higher level of care to its consumers, BuyATimeshare.com remains the leading internet advertising and marketing company. Along with increasing the number of customer service representatives that reach out to customers on a daily basis, BuyATimeshare.com has rolled out its Online User Account to increase customer engagement.
• Online User Account—BuyATimeshare.com is one of the only timeshare resale companies to provide its customers with a way to access their ads, manage offers, view analytics and ask questions, all from their PC or mobile device. For timeshare buyers and renters, BuyATimeshare.com’s own Timeshare Pulse program has helped keep users informed.
• Timeshare Pulse—strengthening the customer base of Buy A Timeshare.com, Timeshare Pulse allows the consumer to get the information they need without having to return to the website and conduct the same searches over and over again. This innovative program alerts the user whenever a timeshare is available at a specific resort, during a certain week, or for a price range of their choice.
“Reaching out to current customers has helped our staff answer any questions or concerns they might have,” Kogelman explains. “By making our staff more accessible both online and off, and we can provide the kind of innovative, customer-oriented experience that BuyATimeshare.com is known for.” The company has also announced that Wesley Kogelman will be attending the 3rd Annual GNEX conference, February 3-6, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California.
BuyATimeshare.com has pioneered the secondary timeshare market for internet advertising that helps match owners who seek to sell or rent their timeshare. How was your timeshare resale experience? For more information on how sell a timeshare from the convenience of home, please visit http://www.buyATimeshare.com or call 1-800-882-0296 today.
GNEX Conference 2013, Wesley Kogelman Is Scheduled to Attend January 30, 2013
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, General, Hawaii timeshare, Hilton Grand Vacation, Information, Marriott Timeshares, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Timeshare Scams, Travel, Wesley Kogelman , add a commentWesley Kogelman, president and founder of BuyATimeshare.com, is scheduled to attend Perspective Magazine’s GNEX Conference 2013—The Global Meeting of Minds.
BuyATimeshare.com has announced that its founder and president Wesley Kogelman will be attending the 3rd Annual Global Networking Expo (GNEX Conference 2013 – The Global Meeting of Minds) in Beverly Hills, CA.
Kogelman, who has been part of the timeshare resale industry for over a decade, will be sharing his experiences and building relationships with presidents and top executives from companies across 6 continents.
Kogelman’s company has been successful in presenting offers to owners promoting their timeshare on BuyATimeshare.com. For timeshare owners who are looking to sell or rent their timeshare, BuyATimeshare.com has remained a pioneer in by-owner advertising and marketing online.
Due to the industry leading, technological advances made by the company’s website, offers made on the resale market were nearly 50% off the average price of a new timeshare interval. This remains an excellent value for vacationers that are seeking ways to save money when they travel.
Wesley Kogelman explains the importance of this Global Networking Expo. “GNEX provides a great opportunity for the industry’s brightest minds to share their experiences. This meeting of CEOs and decision makers creates an open forum for people to better understand the issues facing the shared ownership marketplace.” Kogelman has attended every GNEX event over the past 3 years.
This year’s gathering provides a chance for senior executives to tackle issues and draw knowledge from distinguished speakers like ARDA President and CEO Howard Nusbaum, Westgate President David A. Siegel, and RCI President Gordon Gurnik.
Scheduled for Feb. 3 – 6, 2013 at The Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA, the GNEX Conference 2013 is the only professional networking event for the vacation ownership industry.
Perspective Magazine will be kicking off the conference with a VIP Super Bowl Party. Along with the always popular speed networking events is Perspective Magazine’s Awards Gala Dinner. The Hollywood-themed bash will recognize nominees for global recognition across more than 30 categories.
Sponsors and supporters of GNEX Conference 2013 include:
Anantara Vacation Club, Baker Hostetler, Blue Strawberry Resorts, Brand Tango, daelive.com, Emirates Vacation Club, Global Connections, Gold Key Resorts, Holiday Systems International, Interval International, Leisure Logistics, Lloydshare, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, Perspective Magazine, Ragatz Associates, RCI, Resort Television, The Association for Timeshare Owners Committees (TATOC), Track Results Software, Trade Winds, Wells Fargo, Westgate Resorts, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific, The American Resorts Development Association (ARDA), Hutchinson & Co Trust Company, ResortCom International, Yucatan Holidays.
About BuyATimeshare.com
BuyATimeshare.com is an internet advertising and marketing company for timeshare owners who seek to sell or rent timeshare by-owner. The company has been in business since 2000 and was ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing, privately held companies in the country—making the prestigious Inc. 5000 list in 2010 and 2011. BuyATimeshare.com was also listed as one of BusinessNH Magazine’s Top 10 Companies to Watch in 2009 and the company also operates Timeshare Pulse, an innovative program designed to help buyers and renters find the timeshare vacation of their dreams. For more information, please visit http://www.buyATimeshare.com or call 1-800-882-0296.
Vacation in Ireland with the Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels January 6, 2013
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Disney, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Timeshare Scams, Travel , add a commentIf you are looking for a vacation in Ireland, The Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton resorts is set in the heart of Dublin.
Hilton has announced that it will be transforming one of Dublin’s finest hotels into a high-end DoubleTree by Hilton resort. Owners of Hilton Grand Vacations Club timeshares are able to vacation in Ireland with 4 premium DoubleTree by Hilton locations. Book your next trip to Ireland and save thousands of dollars with BuyATimeshare.com and the timeshare resale market.
Martinez Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement to reopen the world-famous Morrison Hotel as the Morrison Dublin, a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Along with an extensive $9.3 million overhaul, the 138-suite hotel is scheduled to open its doors by early February 2013.
“We are delighted to be working with Hilton Worldwide to bring the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Irish shores for the first time,” said Stephen Mulligan, UK & Ireland director, Martinez Hotels & Resorts.
“There were many aspects of The Morrison’s identity we wanted to maintain when making the decision to convert to a branded hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton hugely impressed us with its track record of converting established properties to its globally recognized brand, while ensuring a real sense of individual flavor in every location.”
With a convenient locale near Dublin’s top tourist attractions, the Morrison overlooks the River Liffey and Dublin’s International Financial Service Center. The hotel offers guests easy access such sporting and concert venues as Aviva Stadium and O2 Arena, the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and the Guinness Storehouse, a local favorite.
“DoubleTree by Hilton is one of the fastest growing upscale hotel brands in Europe, and we are confident it will be a hit here in Ireland,” said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide. “We’ve been eager to secure the right opportunity and believe we’ve found it in The Morrison. This deal also is indicative of a renewed buoyancy in the Irish hospitality market, visible both in the strong performance of our other Hilton brands and the confidence of owners and developers to invest.”
Hotel amenities include two restaurants and a bar, the convenience of a 24-hour business center and easy access to Dublin’s bustling city center. At 4,400 square feet, the hotel’s event space has the capacity can host events for nearly 250 guests.
So, if you have been dreaming of a vacation in Ireland, don’t wait to take advantage of BuyATimeshare.com and premium access to a Hilton timeshare and DoubleTree properties. Buying a Hilton timeshare could let you enjoy their wide collection of resorts for one low price.
The DoubleTree by Hilton brand opened its first European property in 2008. Today, you can choose from more than 50 hotels across Europe’s finest cities. In Dublin alone, there are 4 properties by Hilton Worldwide. These properties include 3 Hilton Hotels & Resorts, as well as the stylish Conrad Dublin hotel.
ARDA Study Shows Timeshare Satisfaction is on the Rise December 7, 2012
Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, General, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Timeshare Scams, Travel, Uncategorized , add a commentAs the New Year approaches more timeshare owners are visiting their resort and getting away for the holidays. And for good reason: 57% of owners are expressing higher timeshare satisfaction, says a study conducted by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA)
The Shared Vacation Ownership Owners Report: 2012 Edition, surveyed a national sample of 1,002 current timeshare owners in February 2012. According to the study, Shared Vacation Ownership Sales and Resort Operations represent a significant and growing force in the global economy. “This study further cements the correlation between ownership and vacationing,” said ARDA president and CEO Howard Nusbaum. “Across the globe, owners are nearly twice as likely as non-owners to have vacationed in the past 12 months.”
Some key points from the study:
• Timeshare owners are satisfied with the timeshare products they bought.
• About 83 percent of owners rated their experience as “Excellent”, “Very Good,” or “Good”.
• 67 percent of timeshare owners rated their overall home resort experience as “Excellent” or “Very Good”.
• Approximately 66 percent of owners would recommend that their friends or family become owners at their home resort.
As nearly 20% of owners purchased on the resale market, it is no wonder timeshare satisfaction is up. Families are able to save thousands of dollars on their pre-paid vacation property. For over a decade BuyATimeshare.com has been helping families to buy with confidence on the resale market. With affordable luxury and the convenience of buying from home, folks are continuing to buy timeshare, achieving a global occupancy rate of 76%.
The study also surveyed owners in 24 different countries and found that nearly 2% of the households (20 million owner households) own at least one timeshare product, and that 81% of owners have vacationed in the past year.
How to Ease the Cost of Vacationing:
According to the Shared Vacation Ownership Owners Report: 2012 Edition, the economy has had less of an effect on the way that families travel. In the wake of the Great Recession, many owners are still making changes to their vacation plans in order to curb the high costs of travel.
Changes to Upcoming Vacations (%)
As in 2010, the many families simply cut their total vacation spending. There are is a wide range of options available to those who want to save as much money possible without sacrificing their time off. The most common include vacationing closer to home, driving instead of flying, and taking fewer days off for their vacations. The percentage of folks planning to cut costs is lower than what they were two years ago.