Street Talk: A Timeshare Blog for News & Gossip

Quick! Look near the top of each post, where the “Comments” and “Email This” links are. There’s a new link there that will either say “Add a comment” (if there aren’t any comments yet) or “Show Comments” (if there ARE comments).

Click on that link. If there aren’t any comments a comment box will appear below the post, allowing you to make a comment without ever leaving the front page. If there ARE comments, all of them will magically appear beneath the post so you can read them all AND write one of your own– again, WITHOUT LEAVING THE FRONT PAGE!

When you’re done, you’ll notice that the link has changed to say “Hide This”. Click on it, and everything slides out of sight.

(Of course, you can still see all the comments the old way, too, by clicking on the plain old “Comments” link, which will take you to a different page with all the comments nested just like you’re used to.)

Let me know if for any reason this doesn’t work for you. Then it’ll be back to the drawing board.

PS: There’ll be a couple more surprises on Friday…

I DO love change.

Open Mic, or ‘The Beat’ goes on!

 
Here at Open Mic everyone is free to speak their mind or voice an opinion, etc., on just about any subject imaginable.

Each week over 20,000 industry professionals read ‘Street Talk’ and as announced recently there is no registration or password required to use this format.

Remember you can post (or send in) your comments, opinions, ideas, thoughts and suggestions etc. that are positive or negative– however profanity, ad hominem personal attacks or sexually explicit remarks are not accepted, will not be tolerated and we reserve the right to pull any comments at Street’s sole discretion. Oh, and one more thing: NO FREE ADS!

Other than that, belly up to the stage, boys and girls, and sing your hearts out.

THE MIC IS OPEN!

The Black Crowes: Sometimes Salvation (5:00)
The Black Crowes are an American, blues-oriented hard rock jam band that has sold over 20 million albums. They were hailed by Melody Maker as “The Most Rock ‘n’ Roll Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World”. In 1990, the readers of Rolling Stone named it the ‘Best New American Band’. The band has toured with acts such as Aerosmith, Jimmy Page, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Who, AC/DC, The Grateful Dead, and Neil Young. The Crowes - as fans refer to them - are listed at #92 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock”.

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows…. Bwaaahahahahaha…

“The $14.00 Tour!”

 
I’ve just tallied up what Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama have spent collectively thus far during the primaries to accumulate their respective affirmations and it all breaks down to around $14.00 per vote— which started me pondering the ‘strange and unusual’…

If you asked 1,000 adults between the ages of say 45-65 whom they trusted less (or who they believe is the biggest liar) — a Politician or a Timeshare (marketing/sales) person— what would their responses likely be?

I believe a significant number would indicate that they distrust Politicians more mainly because over the span of their 45-65 years they have sadly discovered that all too often Politicians seem to have a tendency to be less than truthful on major and often critical issues.

That said, and if correct, why is it that a Politician running for arguably the most powerful political office (President of the United States) in the world can talk millions of adults into giving them their vote of confidence and do so at a marketing cost of around $14 (ea.) — yet it takes the timeshare industry hundreds and hundreds of dollars in marketing expense to get the same adult(s) JUST to listen to a timeshare presentation?

And yes it’s thoughts like these that make me contemplate moving to somewhere like the backwoods of Lincoln, Montana and maybe construct a modest cabin while writing ‘Timeshare and Its Future’ (aka: ‘The Shadow Manifesto’); but then again, maybe from a TS marketing perspective I’m on to something here.

shadow@streettalkblog.com

NOTE: See UPDATE below

So here’s what I was thinking might be fun, interesting and valuable for all you TS types out there in the trenches.

WHAT IF someone from specific geographical areas where a lot of selling/marketing is going on would be willing to write up a synopsis from time to time on what’s happening in those areas?

You know: What resorts are actively selling, how they’re doing, what’s in the pipeline and where, who really had a banner week/month/year (or not so much), what the tour flow looks like– a little reporting, a little gossip, some Johnny-on-the-spot information for the rest of us to feed on.

Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Branson, Phoenix/Scottsdale, California, Mexico, Tenerife, Dubai… Semi regular reports from wherever the action is, from the people who really know what’s goin’ on…

We could call it “On the Street in (location) with (your name/handle here)”… And we’ll put those reports right up here near the top. It would have to be objective, of course; no shilling for your own company/business.

No, there’s no money in it for you; just bragging rights or the secret satisfaction of knowing you’re the mystery reporter.

What do you think? Like? Not like? Any takers?

UPDATE: Great! We now have Las Vegas, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and the Orlando area covered and can expect reports from and about those regions from time to time. When they come in, I’ll give The Shadow a break and post the reports in that spot.

Who else wants to step up? Shoot me an email at street@streettalkblog.com if you’re interested.

ASPEN: Aspen’s Planning and Zoning Commission has given preliminary approval for a plan to build 20 timeshare units at the Aspen Club and Spa.

The plan: 20 three- and four-bedroom units to be sold in 1/16th intervals, a 34,630-square-foot expansion to the club athletic facilities, and 12 two-bedroom units of affordable housing. The plan also includes a 53-space underground parking garage and 45 surface parking spaces. The timeshares would be sold as a health and wellness retreat under a concept being called Aspen Club Living. When not occupied, the units would be rented out like hotel rooms.

Next stop for the plan is the City Council, which will give a conceptual review to the overall development plan. If it passes that, it will go back to P&Z, and then again to City Council for final review.

Stay tuned.

MIAMI: Southwind Management Corporation, an affiliate of Spinnaker Resorts, recently selected SPI software to manage its annual assessment/maintenance fee billing and receivables management process.

Southwind CFO Mike Vaniska had reviewed SPI’s software previously while working for another timeshare resort management company. Vaniska says, “Back then I was impressed with the knowledge of SPI’s staff, the ease of use of the system and its flexibility. Read more »

BOCA RATON: Bluegreen Corporation (NYSE: BXG), a leading provider of Colorful Places to Live and Play®, has announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Total sales in the first quarter of 2008 were $111.3 million, as compared to total sales of $121.8 million in the first quarter of 2007. Although vacation ownership (“Resorts”) sales rose 4% to $90.3 million in the first quarter of 2008 from $86.9 million in the first quarter of 2007, homesite (“Bluegreen Communities”) sales declined by 40% to $20.9 million from $34.9 million. Read more »

ROCKLAND: The city planning commission has given the go-ahead to Liberty Hospitality of Maine LLC’s request to turn an existing condominium unit into two timeshare units and four hotel rooms into four timeshare units. Only thing is, not much detail is available.

Is this part of Liberty’s Tradewinds on the Bay Vacation Club, overlooking Penobscot Bay?

I confess that I don’t know much about this project, or about Liberty Hospitality of Maine either, for that matter. From its limited Web site presentation it looks like a pretty decent resort. Nice interiors, indoor pool, great location. Apparently it’s a conversion of the Tradewinds Motor Inn.(?) http://www.midcoastmainetimeshares.com I wouldn’t mind spending a summer week or two there.

Anyone out there who can fill us in on details? How many units? Pet friendly? Who’s handling sales and marketing? Etc.

Step up to the Mic if you’re in the know and tell us everything!

STARKVILLE: Who can tell us about Starkville? The Internet tells me it’s a University town, population in the vicinity of 23,000, with attractions that include the Reese Berry Farm, the Mayhew Tomato Farm, a lot of interesting places on the Mississippi State University campus– and just 18 miles west of Starkville on highway 12 west is the home of the Sturgis, MS Motorcycle Rally.

None of that tells me why this area was chosen for a “timeshare-style” hotel, Oasis Resort and Suites, on nearly 24 acres of property on the Highway 25 bypass. I’m not knocking the place, I just don’t know anything about it. Read more »

NEW YORK: Hilton Hotels Corporation, through Hilton Grand Vacations, made history on May 6 when it topped off West 57th Street by Hilton Club. Located in Midtown Manhattan between the Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue, West 57th Street by Hilton Club is the first ground-up shared ownership property ever developed in New York City.

The event celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of the new tower, which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2009. Less than 10 months after the first concrete was poured, a ceremonial flag, accompanied by the final bucket of concrete for the superstructure, was hoisted to the top of the now 28-story building. The collaborative efforts of the construction and project teams were recognized by Hilton Grand Vacations President Mark Wang and Jay Badame, Chief Operating Officer of Tishman Construction Corporation. Read more »

DUBAI: There’s another new kid on the block entering the timeshare business in Dubai. Kuwait-based Aerated Concrete Industries Company (ACICO) has signed an agreement with RCI to affiliate its newly proposed Nassima Tower, being constructed in the Trade Center district. The Nassima Tower, as well as the affiliation with RCI, will be their entrance into the industry.

The 50-story tower will comprise a variety of units ranging from one to three bedrooms. It is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2008. Read more »

KUWAIT: Kuwait-based IFA Hotels & Resorts has affiliated with Group RCI’s The Registry Collection to offer luxury vacation exchanges for its new, exclusive vacation club.

The agreement provides that IFA Collection Club members have access to a world of prestigious resorts and developments offered through The Registry Collection. On the other side of the coin, members of The Registry Collection program will be able to exchange to properties within the IFA Collection Club portfolio. This currently includes the Pine Cliffs in Portugal, and the IFA Yacht Ownership Club in Cannes and Dubai. Future resorts include the Palm Residence and the Kingdom of Sheba on The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, and the Zimbali in South Africa.

The agreement, signed during the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Dubai, is a first of its kind Vacation Club that encompasses a wide variety of shared ownership and leisure real estate products being sold by IFA. There will be a world class hotel on most of the developments creating the ultimate vacation experience for the buyers.

Piaras Moriarty, VP Vacation Ownership, IFA Hotels & Resorts, is the go-to guy for IFA.

KINGSTON: Jamaica wants to re-introduce timeshare to the island, and they want to go upscale with it.

To that end, the government is developing timeshare legislation, which is anticipated to be passed by the House in 2009. This is a big step for Jamaica, and the government is fully aware that it must implement the appropriate framework, as well as for many hotel developers to come on stream to widen the product offering.

Working with the government and developers to facilitate this move is Group RCI, with Juan Rodrigues, RCI vice president of business development, front and center.

I suspect that once this legislation is on the books, we can expect to see upscale product developed in places like the multibillion dollar Harmony Cove in Trelawny and the Palmyra development in Montego Bay.

Jamaica has a lot to offer visitors. And having timeshare rules in place is always a good thing for the protection of consumers.

Stay tuned as we wait for word on which timeshare companies line up to participate.

MARRAKECH: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has announced an agreement with Moroccan developer, Groupe Cadex, to open its very first property in Morocco in the beautiful resort destination of Marrakech. Set to open in the first quarter of 2011, this new-build resort development will be the first venture in Morocco for the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, as well as for parent company IHG.

The InterContinental Marrakech Resort & Spa is being developed by InterContinental and Groupe Cadex and is poised to become the finest resort destination in North Africa. Appealing to both affluent leisure and business travelers, the resort will be comprised of 180 rooms and suites, a first-class 21,000 square foot spa and a diverse selection of dining and leisure options. In addition, the property will offer 118 condo-hotel units and a mix of upscale InterContinental-branded residential offerings including riads, villas and apartments that will have access to a variety of a-la-carte hotel services. Read more »

The first paragraph in a Las Vegas Sun article by Brendan Buhler says:

First-quarter room occupancy is down 1 percentage point, Boyd Gaming’s Las Vegas revenue is down 5 or 6 percent, MGM Mirage’s profit is down 30 percent, and Stacy Taylor’s income is down 40 percent. And as part of the 10 percent of the Las Vegas labor force that earns tip income, she might be considered a barometer of the Las Vegas economy.

According to the article, it isn’t that people are tipping less, it’s that they aren’t spending as much on food and booze. And then there’s the fact of fewer weekday gamblers, which is hitting dealers, valets, bartenders and the rest of the service workers.

There’s much more to the article as well, and I suggest you go read it— and the comments— and then come back and ’splain to me again how timeshare sales in Vegas are going to be immune to the economic crisis. Sure, deals will always be made but the BIG picture— well, it’s ROUGH out there!

True sign of the times: Vegas tips are slipping

Nice to see that someone in Williamsburg, VA is happy with the company s/he apparently works for, if the following “rant” is any indication. Diamond Resorts International is the recipient of praise here; Wyndham, not so much, lol.

Well it looks as if someone in Williamsburg finally actually appreciates the value of the SALESMAN and may give WYNDHAM a run for their money!!! They have all of the tools plus some that WYNDHAM doesn’t have. They have the equivalent of VIP, PIC, ZDP, no credit turndowns and 50% discount for all owners that book a reservation 59 days or less.

Whereas Wyndham treats their employees as disposable, DIAMOND strives to keep and nurture their valued employees. They are also in the process of redoing all their units that had been neglected in the past. All managers are paid the same override so everyone is willing to help others!! Kudos to Jerry for implementing things there and I am sure that as a result, from what I am hearing on the street, there will probably be a huge migration especially FROM WYNDHAM.

I am just in hopes that DIAMOND will be offering great “AFFORDABLE” HEALTH INSURANCE and 401K equal to or better than WYNDHAM’S because if so it will become THE PLACE to work in WILLIAMSBURG again as it used to be back in the 80’s and will have no problem recruiting good loyal professional salespeople!!

The only thing I can see as a NEGATIVE is how LONG their workday is compared to WYNDHAM!! WYNDHAM has at least found out that you can actually get the same amount of work done in HALF a day that others take a LONG WORKDAY to accomplish!!! Good Luck DIAMOND!!!!

Not a bad Kudos, wouldn’t you say?

• Group RCI has appointed Jorge Boone to senior vice president, business development, The Americas. In his new role, Jorge will lead business development for the Eastern region of North America. He will play a key role in driving new mixed use business initiatives, helping Group RCI achieve its overall growth strategies in North America.
• Hank Scott has been named Project Director of Sales and Marketing, Hong Kong and Macao for Marriott Vacation Club Asia Pacific.
• Devin Crowley joins Marriott Vacation Club Asia Pacific as Regional Director of Marketing for the entire region.