Dubai as a tourism destination is turning hotter. It is now turning into one of the hottest destinations for the leisure vacation market. The Middle East market is set to sell over $1 billion (Dh3.67bn) annually in vacation exchange products by 2010, according to estimates by Group RCI, the world's largest vacation exchange and rental business.

RCI, one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands and the world leader in timeshare and vacation exchange, has announced an agreement with Dubai-based Al Ghaith Holdings to affiliate the soon to open Bavaria Executive Suites with its timeshare exchange program. Featuring no less than 450 one and two bedroom apartments, it represents the first timeshare development on Dubai's prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road.

Well, there is no stopping Marriott’s. First came the announcement about their CY 1st Quarter (‘…timeshare sales and services revenue decreased 12 percent’?) results. Unfazed, we read that Marriott International plans to open 11 hotels and serviced apartments in Bangkok, Phuket and Hua Hin between 2008 and 2010 due to the brighter outlook of the tourism industry. Besides, is the Middle East alone, the company expects to expand its current portfolio of properties from 26 to 65 through 2011.  With the signings involving nine properties and 2,000 rooms, Marriott's Middle East hotel pipeline now stands at 39.

Mr. Steve Holmes, Chairman and CEO of Wyndham Worldwide, parent company of Group RCI and a major contributor as part of the industry group working with the Dubai Lands Department and Real Estate Regulatory Authority, (RERA), in the creation of the newly announced timeshare laws the world leader in timeshare exchange, explains just why the leisure real estate sector in the region stands to gain through the establishment of local timeshare regulations.

Well, if swinging that ol’ iron is just your thing, you should consider registering for the Christel House Open now renamed as The Group RCI Christel House Open. In its sixth year, the global tournament will take place on Monday, June 9 at 22 sites spanning five continents. Hey, I see Bangalore as one of the teeing off places. Yippeeee!

Well, we at AIRDA have always believed in the ‘Mixed Use’ concept of having timeshare & hotel operations under one roof, so to speak.