The timeshare consulting services of HVS International is to be renamed to reflect a more global approach to the sector. "HVS Shared Ownership Services - Specialists in Mixed-Use Developments, Vacation Ownership, Residence Clubs and Condo-Hotels" The company will offer a range of consulting and business development services for parties interested in the booming markets throughout Europe and the developing areas of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The objective is to build on "the increasing interest in these services which has emerged in recent years".

Timeshare operators in Australia are bullish this year with operators forecasting membership increases of up to 25 per cent. Big brands such as Accor Asia Pacific are now operating in Australia bringing a new respectability to timeshare, thanks in part to increased legislation driven by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Essentially, changes in the law mean that timeshare can no longer be sold as a financial investment with the potential for capital gains. Instead, it is now marketed as an "investment in lifestyle". Market leader Trendwest South Pacific - it has 30,000 members - is forecasting a 25 per cent membership growth over next year. Accor Premiere Vacation Club, a major rival, has 12,000 members, up from 8,500 in May 2005.

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) reached a professional development milestone this week as the 500th vacation ownership industry professional earned the industry's highest designation. Sponsored by the ARDA International Foundation's education programming, the professional designations include the Associate Resort Professional (ARP) and Registered Resort Professional (RRP). The program promotes professional awareness, enhances workplace performance, and fosters self-esteem among professionals of the vacation ownership industry. A total of 521 industry professionals are now honored with the RRP and ARP designations.

Wyndham Worldwide will become the name of the new hospitality company expected to be created by Cendant Corporation later this year in the previously announced spin-off of its lodging, vacation exchange and rental, and timeshare resorts businesses. Upon completion of the spin-off, Wyndham Worldwide will be an independent, publicly traded, pure-play company focused on the development and performance of its nine hotel lodging chains; its vacation exchange and rental businesses including RCI(R) and its timeshare resorts business including Fairfield(R) Resorts and Trendwest(R) resorts.

The 9th European Timeshare Business Forum 2006 will be held in Cannes, in the South of France, 10 - 12 November, 2006. Long way off but you might want to block your calendar. Watch this space for further details.

March 30, 2006
Chennai