Bluegreen Corp agrees to sell to Diamond Resorts
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Boca Raton-based time-share company Bluegreen Corp. said Monday it intends to sell itself to a new owner for a hefty premium. The company said it signed a nonbinding letter of intent to be acquired by Las Vegas-based time-share developer and manager Diamond Resorts LLC for $15 a share, or about $500 million, excluding Bluegreen's outstanding debt.
Bluegreen shares closed Monday at $6.44, off from a 52-week high of $11.85, before the deal was announced. The company had calculated its book value at $12.37 a share as of March 31. Alan B. Levan, Bluegreen's chairman, said the company had been considering options for the next three to five years.
"When Diamond presented our board with this unsolicited, attractive offer, we believed that it was in the best interest of our shareholders to pursue this transaction at this time," Levan said in a statement.
Levan also is chairman of Fort Lauderdale-based BankAtlantic and chairman and chief executive of Woodbridge Holdings Corp., which owns 9.5 million shares of Bluegreen stock. He indicated that Woodbridge would back the proposed deal, the statement said.
Diamond has been buying up rivals to become one of the world's largest vacation ownership companies. It now boasts 110 branded and affiliated resorts in 14 countries in the Americas, Hawaii and Europe, with more than 360,000 owners. In April last year, Diamond bought time-share heavyweight S.unterra Corp. for approximately $750 million.
Bluegreen said it has granted Diamond an exclusive right of negotiation through Sept. 15. A final sale agreement must be approved by Bluegreen's board and shareholders. The deal would affect about more than 6,000 Bluegreen employees worldwide, including about 600 at its headquarters at the T-Rex Corporate Center off Interstate 95 and Yamato Road in . In December, Bluegreen extended its lease on roughly 192,000 square feet at the T-Rex center for 10 years, a corporate spokeswoman said Monday.
Bluegreen offers time shares in more than 40 resorts and in an exchange network, with more than 186,500 owners. It also sells land for homes in planned residential and golf communities. Its time-share business is growing, but home-site sales have slowed with a weak housing market. In the quarter ended March 31, Bluegreen said revenues fell by $10.5 million to $111.3 million a year earlier because of weaker home-site sales. Net income slipped to $1.4 million from $5.3 million in the year-ago quarter.
http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080728170/Latest/Las-Vegas-Timeshare-Firm-Buys-Timeshare-Company-Bluegreen-Corp.html
Bluegreen shares closed Monday at $6.44, off from a 52-week high of $11.85, before the deal was announced. The company had calculated its book value at $12.37 a share as of March 31. Alan B. Levan, Bluegreen's chairman, said the company had been considering options for the next three to five years.
"When Diamond presented our board with this unsolicited, attractive offer, we believed that it was in the best interest of our shareholders to pursue this transaction at this time," Levan said in a statement.
Levan also is chairman of Fort Lauderdale-based BankAtlantic and chairman and chief executive of Woodbridge Holdings Corp., which owns 9.5 million shares of Bluegreen stock. He indicated that Woodbridge would back the proposed deal, the statement said.
Diamond has been buying up rivals to become one of the world's largest vacation ownership companies. It now boasts 110 branded and affiliated resorts in 14 countries in the Americas, Hawaii and Europe, with more than 360,000 owners. In April last year, Diamond bought time-share heavyweight S.unterra Corp. for approximately $750 million.
Bluegreen said it has granted Diamond an exclusive right of negotiation through Sept. 15. A final sale agreement must be approved by Bluegreen's board and shareholders. The deal would affect about more than 6,000 Bluegreen employees worldwide, including about 600 at its headquarters at the T-Rex Corporate Center off Interstate 95 and Yamato Road in . In December, Bluegreen extended its lease on roughly 192,000 square feet at the T-Rex center for 10 years, a corporate spokeswoman said Monday.
Bluegreen offers time shares in more than 40 resorts and in an exchange network, with more than 186,500 owners. It also sells land for homes in planned residential and golf communities. Its time-share business is growing, but home-site sales have slowed with a weak housing market. In the quarter ended March 31, Bluegreen said revenues fell by $10.5 million to $111.3 million a year earlier because of weaker home-site sales. Net income slipped to $1.4 million from $5.3 million in the year-ago quarter.
http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080728170/Latest/Las-Vegas-Timeshare-Firm-Buys-Timeshare-Company-Bluegreen-Corp.html
Loch Rannoch Lodges Secure Utility Supplies
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Loch Rannoch Lodges Secure Utility Supplies As Deal Reached With Hotel
HOLIDAYMAKERS staying in lodges on the shores of the idyllic Loch Rannoch in Perthshire this summer have no need to fear - they will have water and electricity.
The courts have intervened in a dispute in which the owners of timeshare lodges would have faced having the supply of utilities to 85 cottages shut down.
The order is the latest in a long-running feud between Macdonald Hotels, owner of the Loch Rannoch Hotel next door to the timeshare resort, and the committee of the Loch Rannoch Highland Club, which represents and manages the timeshare on behalf of the club's 3,000 timeshare owners.
Since the committee wrested management of the club away from Macdonald Hotels in 2003, the two groups have been at loggerheads over fees, access to facilities and the rightful management of the club.
Last month, Macdonald threatened to shut off utility supplies to the cottages unless bills amounting to more than GBP 450,000 were settled in full by 24 July.
The committee says it had paid Macdonald for the utilities, minus the amount of money it says it is owed by the group. In May, the committee submitted payment of GBP 177,819. Last Thursday, on the day of the deadline, the committee met with Gordon Fraser, the deputy chief executive of Macdonald Hotels and Resorts.
"We had an hour of very good debate," Fraser said. "We probably set out more clearly where our differences lay.
"I'm not sure how much progress we made. At the end of it, I did say they had to pay out the money or we would be terminating supplies."
The committee went to court to get an interdict on the proposed shutdown, but the court refused. Instead, the court ordered the committee to lodge a "bond of caution" guaranteeing the full amount due.
The committee must pay for future supplies or arrange to get its own utilities while the hotel agreed not to terminate them.
The two parties face a further battle in the Court of Session in October over the disputed money as well as other outstanding claims and counter-claims. Although the hotel management is disappointed that it did not get the money it sought, it was pleased that the issue had been resolved for now.
"We are delighted at that outcome," said Fraser. "Really it was last resort and it was something we weren't looking forward to doing.
"I have to admit we don't have the money in our bank account and we have to go to the courts to get that, but we are in a much better position. I am sure the owners are delighted because we didn't want to cause any problem for members of the club."
Allan Kenneth, the junior vice-chairman of the committee, said: "We will be taking steps either to separate supplies or make sure we get the bills."
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews+articleid_2440559~title_Loch-Rannoch-Lodges.html
HOLIDAYMAKERS staying in lodges on the shores of the idyllic Loch Rannoch in Perthshire this summer have no need to fear - they will have water and electricity.
The courts have intervened in a dispute in which the owners of timeshare lodges would have faced having the supply of utilities to 85 cottages shut down.
The order is the latest in a long-running feud between Macdonald Hotels, owner of the Loch Rannoch Hotel next door to the timeshare resort, and the committee of the Loch Rannoch Highland Club, which represents and manages the timeshare on behalf of the club's 3,000 timeshare owners.
Since the committee wrested management of the club away from Macdonald Hotels in 2003, the two groups have been at loggerheads over fees, access to facilities and the rightful management of the club.
Last month, Macdonald threatened to shut off utility supplies to the cottages unless bills amounting to more than GBP 450,000 were settled in full by 24 July.
The committee says it had paid Macdonald for the utilities, minus the amount of money it says it is owed by the group. In May, the committee submitted payment of GBP 177,819. Last Thursday, on the day of the deadline, the committee met with Gordon Fraser, the deputy chief executive of Macdonald Hotels and Resorts.
"We had an hour of very good debate," Fraser said. "We probably set out more clearly where our differences lay.
"I'm not sure how much progress we made. At the end of it, I did say they had to pay out the money or we would be terminating supplies."
The committee went to court to get an interdict on the proposed shutdown, but the court refused. Instead, the court ordered the committee to lodge a "bond of caution" guaranteeing the full amount due.
The committee must pay for future supplies or arrange to get its own utilities while the hotel agreed not to terminate them.
The two parties face a further battle in the Court of Session in October over the disputed money as well as other outstanding claims and counter-claims. Although the hotel management is disappointed that it did not get the money it sought, it was pleased that the issue had been resolved for now.
"We are delighted at that outcome," said Fraser. "Really it was last resort and it was something we weren't looking forward to doing.
"I have to admit we don't have the money in our bank account and we have to go to the courts to get that, but we are in a much better position. I am sure the owners are delighted because we didn't want to cause any problem for members of the club."
Allan Kenneth, the junior vice-chairman of the committee, said: "We will be taking steps either to separate supplies or make sure we get the bills."
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews+articleid_2440559~title_Loch-Rannoch-Lodges.html
50 last-minute summer holiday bargains
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
ITC Classics offers eight nights' b&b in a three-bedroom villa at the five-star Ritz-Carlton Bahrain for £989 per person
There are still bargains, even with the poor sterling-euro exchange rate, which makes holidays in the eurozone more expensive, and the gloom surrounding the economy, which has increased demand for holidays at home. As visitors stay away from eurozone destinations, so operators are dropping prices to fill empty rooms. In the UK, people are booking late, forcing operators to flush them out with deals.
UNITED KINGDOM
Britain’s three main visitor organisations all have lots of information on last-minute deals: Enjoy England (020 8846 9000; www.enjoyengland.com), Visit Scotland (0845 225 5121; www.visitscotland.com) and Visit Wales (0870 830 0306; www.visitwales.com). Also see www.monsterfamilyfun.com.
BookDirectRooms (0845 121 1523; www.bookdirectrooms.com) has a 30 per cent discount sale in August on a wide selection of b&bs.
The six-bedroom Old Vicarage in Lee, Devon, is available from Marsdens Cottage Holidays (01271 813777; www.marsdens.co.uk) for arrivals on August 23. Rental for seven nights is £1,725 (saving £425).
B&b at the four-star Mercure Holland House in Bristol costs £78 per room per night (saving £109) when booking with Superbreak (0871 222 3055; www.superbreak.com). The price is valid for Monday to Thursday stays in August.
The four-star Cavendish Hotel (020 7930 2111; www.thecavendishlondon.com) in St James’s, London, has a “Sizzling Summer Offer” of £138 per room per night (saving £256.95) in a Classic Double Room with breakfast. The price is valid for stays of two nights or more until August 31.
Self-catering in a Scandinavian-style lodge at Kingsdown Holiday Village (01304 361205; www.kingsdownpark.net) in Kingsdown, Kent, costs £594 (saving £50) for a week’s stay taken before August 23.
Hotel Club (0871 811 1377; www.HotelClub.co.uk/latedeals) has three nights’ b&b in a double room at the four-star Best Western Cromwell Hotel in South Kensington, London, for £105 per room per night (saving £145) until August 9.
Hill View House, near Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight, is available with Red Funnel Holidays (0844 844 9988; www.redfunnel.co.uk) for £1,522 per week (saving £450) until the end of August. The five-bedroom property sleeps 10 and the price includes return ferry travel for a car and passengers.
Condor Breakaways (0845 230 3241; www.condorbreaks.com) offers three nights’ b&b for the price of two in the three-star Ambassadeur Hotel near St Helier, Jersey, until August 31. The offer includes ferry crossings and costs £239 per person, based on two sharing.
Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa (0845 458 0905; www.handpicked.co.uk) in Cheshire is offering Sunday stays in August for £99 per person (saving £50). Offer includes two spa mini-treatments and a three-course dinner.
The Four Seasons Hotel in Perthshire (01764 685333; www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk) has a “Happy Mondays” offer available throughout August. Book one night’s dinner, bed and breakfast on Sundays or Tuesdays from £79 per person and stay the Monday night free.
EUROZONE
Unfavourable exchange rates have affected bookings in these areas and in response many tour operators and villa owners are offering late deals to encourage visitors. The downturn in the Spanish property market has also had an impact, which means that great deals are available on villas.
There is also more flexibility on dates and the number of nights you can stay, useful because it allows you to book your accommodation around the cheapest flight offers, which are usually midweek. See www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.estepona-villas.com, www.interhome.co.uk and www.holiday-rentals.co.uk for more deals.
Villa La Ginestra, a three-bedroom property near Castellina, Tuscany, which sleeps up to eight, costs £1,889 (saving £661) for the week starting August 16 through Citalia (0871 664 0253; www.citalia.com).
Five nights’ half board at Hacienda de San Rafael, a country inn in Seville, costs £844 (saving £145 per person) through Kirker Holidays (020 7593 2283; www.kirkerholidays.com). Available until August 27 and includes one free night, car hire and return flight.
Seven nights’ half board at the four-star Hotel Falesia in Acoteias, Portugal, costs £472 per person (saving £150) through Portland Holidays Direct (0870 500 2200; www.portlanddirect.co.uk). Includes return flight from Glasgow on August 14.
Planos Holidays (01373 814200; www.planos.co.uk) offers self-catering at Villa Begonia, a two-bedroom property near Lakka, on the Greek island of Paxos, for £2,950 per family of four (saving £370). Includes return flight from Gatwick on August 11.
Scott Dunn (020 8682 5000; www.scottdunn.com) has seven nights at Moliets in Aquitaine, France, for £4,185 for a family of four (saving £1,200) for the week commencing August 27. The price includes a chef and food for five days, but not flights.
Interhome (020 8780 6629; www.interhome.co.uk) offers seven nights at a villa with private pool and sea view in Calpe, Spain, for rent during August costing £789 (saving 33 per cent). The property sleeps six guests and flights are not included. Quote reference ES9730.107.1 when booking.
Seven nights’ half board at the three-star Hotel Berna in Limone, Italy, costs £369 per person (saving £204) when departing on August 13 from Stansted. Book through Inghams (020 8780 4454; www.inghams.co.uk).
Self-catering in a three-bedroom villa in the Ardeche, France, costs £548 per property (saving £150) for one week’s stay in August. Book through VFB Holidays (01452 716840; www.vfbholidays.co.uk) quoting reference GAU.07.
B&b at the three-star Vime Byron Hotel in Venice costs £63 per room per night (saving £155) for arrivals before August 9. Book with Hotel Club (0871 811 1377; www.hotelclub.co.uk/latedeals).
Voyages Jules Verne (0845 166 7035; www.vjv.com) offer seven nights’ b&b at Vila Camacho near Funchal, Madeira, for £355 (saving £40) with return flight departing on August 24.
EASTERN EUROPE AND TURKEY
If you are looking for cheap summer sun with plenty of culture and beautiful beaches, this area is perfect, but it’s worth spending time choosing accommodation if you want to avoid the busier resorts. Helpful sites include www.specialplacesinturkey.com,
www.turkishplaces.co.uk, www.fregatatravel.co.uk and www.cottagestocastles.com.
Thomson (0871 230 2800; www.thomson.co.uk/cruise) offers a full-board, 12-night Baltic cruise on the Thomson Celebration for £749 (saving £550 per person), based on two sharing an inside cabin. The ship departs from Harwich on August 5 and ports of call include Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Warnemünde as well as Stockholm and Kalundborg for Copenhagen.
Singles’ specialist Friendship Travel (0871 200 2035; www.friendshiptravel.com) has availability at Villa Aurora in Turkey during August. Seven nights’ half board costs £599 per person (saving £59), including return flight departing from Gatwick.
Vino Cottage (sleeps six) in the Goricko National Park, Slovenia, is available from One Off Places (01494 881196; www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=228) for arrivals between August 16 and 23. Cost is £320 for one week (saving 20 per cent).
James Villa Holidays (0800 074 0122; www.jamesvillas.co.uk) has self-catering at Caner villa in Bodrum, Turkey, for £676 per adult, based on four sharing (saving £115). Includes return flight from Stansted on August 11.
BA Holidays (0844 493 0758; www.ba.com) has four nights’ b&b at the four-star Rodina hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria, at £348 per person (saving £31 plus children aged 2-12 stay free) departing Heathrow in August.
Three nights’ b&b at the three-star St George Hotel in Prague costs £199 per person (saving £45) with Cities Direct (01242 536900; www.citiesdirect.co.uk). The offer includes return flight departing from Manchester on August 12.
Seven nights’ b&b at the three-star Hotel Neptun in Porec, Croatia, costs £414 per person (saving £100) through Holiday Options (0844 477 0452; www.holidayoptions.co.uk). The price includes return flight departing from Gatwick on August 9.
Seven nights’ b&b at the four-star Hotel Serpina in Bodrum costs £374 per person (saving £90) with Thomson (0870 550 2555; www.thomson.co.uk). The offer includes return flight departing from Cardiff on August 17.
Inghams Villas (020 8780 7778; www.inghamsvillas.co.uk) has self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment in Rab, Croatia, available for departures on August 16. The offer price is £546 per week for up to four people (saving £90), excluding flights. Quote reference HR3700.301.2 when booking.
The Travel Holiday Shop (0141 416 3137; www.travelholidayshop.co.uk) has a seven-night Turkish gulet cruise for £249 per person (saving 13 per cent) available for arrivals on August 15. The offer includes full board, but excludes flights.
NORTH AFRICA
It will be hot here during August, but if you like that then this is the choice for you. Voyages Jules Verne (0845 166 7003; www.vjv.co.uk) and Sovereign (0871 200 6677; www.sovereign.com) offer a range of holidays across the region.
Club Med (08453 676767; www.clubmed.co.uk) has seven nights’ full board at its resort in Agadir, Morocco, available for arrivals on August 30. Offer excludes flights and costs £399 per person (saving £91).
Seven nights’ half board at the five-star Marriott Beach Resort in Taba Heights, Egypt, costs £625 per adult and £489 per child (saving £168 for a family of four) when travelling from Gatwick or Manchester on August 9, 16 or 24. Book through Peltours (020 8371 5200; www.peltours.com).
One Off Places (01494 881196; www.oneoffplaces.co.uk) has b&b at the four-bedroom Riad Merstane in Marrakech available throughout August. The offer price is £756 for seven nights, including a 20 per cent discount.
Travel Republic (020 8974 7200; www.travelrepublic.co.uk/Deals) has seven nights’ b&b at the three-star Sindbad Hotel in Hammamet, Tunisia. The offer costs £645 including return flight departing from Gatwick on August 13.
Sovereign (0871 200 6677; www.sovereign.com) offers four nights for the price of three at the five-star Riad Lotus Ambre Hotel in Marrakech for £519 per person. The price includes breakfast and return flight departing from Luton on August 18.
A 14-day tour of Egypt, including a seven-night Nile cruise, is available from World Discovery (01306 888799; www.worlddiscovery.co.uk) for £645 per person (saving £100) during August. The offer includes all excursions, breakfast, seven lunches and seven dinners. Flights from the UK are not included.
Four nights’ b&b at the Al-Andalus Hotel in Tripoli costs £809 per person through The Classic Traveller (0800 988 5843; www.theclassictraveller.co.uk). The offer is available for departures from Heathrow on August 5.
Mark Warner (0871 703 3944; www.markwarner.co.uk) offers half board at its beach resort in Dahab, Egypt, for £695 per person (saving £100). The price includes all activities and return flight departing on August 28.
Kuoni (01306 747008; www.kuoni.co.uk) has three nights’ b&b at the four-star Le Méridien Pyramids in Cairo for £580 per person (saving £160). The offer includes KLM flights departing from Heathrow on Mondays and Wednesdays between August 11 and 20.
The Classic Traveller (0800 988 5843; www.theclassictraveller.co.uk) has a seven-night, full-board Nile cruise aboard the MS RA I for £499 per person (saving £110). Return flight is included, departing from Gatwick on August 25.
LONG HAUL
Sales of long-haul holidays remain brisk, despite fuel surcharges, but operators such as Tropical Sky (0870 907 9605; www.tropicalsky.co.uk), Virgin Holidays (0871 222 5825; www.virginholidays.co.uk) and Kuoni (01306 747002; www.kuoni.co.uk) all have late package deals. If you prefer to book travel and accommodation separately, Hotel Club (0871 811 1377; www.hotelclub.net) and www.cheapflights.co.uk are good options because of their worldwide coverage.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star ClubHotel Riu Garopa in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, is available with Portland Holidays Direct (0870 500 2200; www.portlanddirect.co.uk) for £580 (saving £100 per person). Based on two sharing and includes flight departing Gatwick on August 29.
Seven nights’ room only at the four-star Kona Coast Resort in Hawaii costs £798 per person (a saving of £266), based on two sharing a villa. The price includes flights from Heathrow to Hilo, via Chicago and Honolulu, departing August 25. Book through Expedia (0871 226 0808; www.expedia.co.uk).
Somak (020 8423 3000; www.somak.co.uk) has 14 nights’ half board at the three-star Kinondo Beach Retreat in Kenya available for £749 per person (saving over 20 per cent). This offer includes return Monarch Airlines flight departing from Gatwick on August 25.
ITC Classics (01244 355527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers eight nights’ b&b in a three-bedroom villa at the five-star Ritz-Carlton Bahrain for £989 per person, including three free nights, flights and transfers. Valid for travel until September 30.
Hayes & Jarvis (0871 664 0246; www.hayesandjarvis.com) has five-nights’ b&b at the five-star Shangri-La Al Waha hotel near Muscat, Oman, for £599 per person (saving 25 per cent). Departs Heathrow on August 10.
TransIndus (020 8566 2729; www.transindus.com) has a 16-day Southern Grandeur group tour to South India for £1,898 per person (saving £100) departing Heathrow on August 9. The tour covers Tamil Nadu, Mysore, Coonoor, Cochin, Kerala and Periyar and includes accommodation and most meals.
Carrier (0161 491 7630; www.carrier.co.uk) offers 14 nights’ full board for the price of seven at Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius for £2,190 per person (saving £845) based on two sharing a Superior River View room. Valid for travel before August 21 and includes flight from Heathrow.
First Choice (0871 664 9011; www.firstchoice.co.uk) has 14 nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star SuperClubs Breezes in Costa do Sauipe, Brazil, for £849 per person (saving £410). Return flight is included departing from Manchester on August 21.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star LaSource in Grenada is available from singles holiday specialist Friendship Travel (0871 200 2035; www.friendshiptravel.com) for £1,399 per person (saving £300). Valid for travel before August 31 and includes transfers and flights from Gatwick.
Pure Luxury (0844 472 0100; www.pureluxuryholidays.co.uk) offers seven nights’ half board at the five-star One & Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives for £2,489 (saving £270). Includes a free night and return flight between August 11 and September 30.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/2464650/50-last-minute-summer-holiday-bargains.html
There are still bargains, even with the poor sterling-euro exchange rate, which makes holidays in the eurozone more expensive, and the gloom surrounding the economy, which has increased demand for holidays at home. As visitors stay away from eurozone destinations, so operators are dropping prices to fill empty rooms. In the UK, people are booking late, forcing operators to flush them out with deals.
UNITED KINGDOM
Britain’s three main visitor organisations all have lots of information on last-minute deals: Enjoy England (020 8846 9000; www.enjoyengland.com), Visit Scotland (0845 225 5121; www.visitscotland.com) and Visit Wales (0870 830 0306; www.visitwales.com). Also see www.monsterfamilyfun.com.
BookDirectRooms (0845 121 1523; www.bookdirectrooms.com) has a 30 per cent discount sale in August on a wide selection of b&bs.
The six-bedroom Old Vicarage in Lee, Devon, is available from Marsdens Cottage Holidays (01271 813777; www.marsdens.co.uk) for arrivals on August 23. Rental for seven nights is £1,725 (saving £425).
B&b at the four-star Mercure Holland House in Bristol costs £78 per room per night (saving £109) when booking with Superbreak (0871 222 3055; www.superbreak.com). The price is valid for Monday to Thursday stays in August.
The four-star Cavendish Hotel (020 7930 2111; www.thecavendishlondon.com) in St James’s, London, has a “Sizzling Summer Offer” of £138 per room per night (saving £256.95) in a Classic Double Room with breakfast. The price is valid for stays of two nights or more until August 31.
Self-catering in a Scandinavian-style lodge at Kingsdown Holiday Village (01304 361205; www.kingsdownpark.net) in Kingsdown, Kent, costs £594 (saving £50) for a week’s stay taken before August 23.
Hotel Club (0871 811 1377; www.HotelClub.co.uk/latedeals) has three nights’ b&b in a double room at the four-star Best Western Cromwell Hotel in South Kensington, London, for £105 per room per night (saving £145) until August 9.
Hill View House, near Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight, is available with Red Funnel Holidays (0844 844 9988; www.redfunnel.co.uk) for £1,522 per week (saving £450) until the end of August. The five-bedroom property sleeps 10 and the price includes return ferry travel for a car and passengers.
Condor Breakaways (0845 230 3241; www.condorbreaks.com) offers three nights’ b&b for the price of two in the three-star Ambassadeur Hotel near St Helier, Jersey, until August 31. The offer includes ferry crossings and costs £239 per person, based on two sharing.
Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa (0845 458 0905; www.handpicked.co.uk) in Cheshire is offering Sunday stays in August for £99 per person (saving £50). Offer includes two spa mini-treatments and a three-course dinner.
The Four Seasons Hotel in Perthshire (01764 685333; www.thefourseasonshotel.co.uk) has a “Happy Mondays” offer available throughout August. Book one night’s dinner, bed and breakfast on Sundays or Tuesdays from £79 per person and stay the Monday night free.
EUROZONE
Unfavourable exchange rates have affected bookings in these areas and in response many tour operators and villa owners are offering late deals to encourage visitors. The downturn in the Spanish property market has also had an impact, which means that great deals are available on villas.
There is also more flexibility on dates and the number of nights you can stay, useful because it allows you to book your accommodation around the cheapest flight offers, which are usually midweek. See www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.estepona-villas.com, www.interhome.co.uk and www.holiday-rentals.co.uk for more deals.
Villa La Ginestra, a three-bedroom property near Castellina, Tuscany, which sleeps up to eight, costs £1,889 (saving £661) for the week starting August 16 through Citalia (0871 664 0253; www.citalia.com).
Five nights’ half board at Hacienda de San Rafael, a country inn in Seville, costs £844 (saving £145 per person) through Kirker Holidays (020 7593 2283; www.kirkerholidays.com). Available until August 27 and includes one free night, car hire and return flight.
Seven nights’ half board at the four-star Hotel Falesia in Acoteias, Portugal, costs £472 per person (saving £150) through Portland Holidays Direct (0870 500 2200; www.portlanddirect.co.uk). Includes return flight from Glasgow on August 14.
Planos Holidays (01373 814200; www.planos.co.uk) offers self-catering at Villa Begonia, a two-bedroom property near Lakka, on the Greek island of Paxos, for £2,950 per family of four (saving £370). Includes return flight from Gatwick on August 11.
Scott Dunn (020 8682 5000; www.scottdunn.com) has seven nights at Moliets in Aquitaine, France, for £4,185 for a family of four (saving £1,200) for the week commencing August 27. The price includes a chef and food for five days, but not flights.
Interhome (020 8780 6629; www.interhome.co.uk) offers seven nights at a villa with private pool and sea view in Calpe, Spain, for rent during August costing £789 (saving 33 per cent). The property sleeps six guests and flights are not included. Quote reference ES9730.107.1 when booking.
Seven nights’ half board at the three-star Hotel Berna in Limone, Italy, costs £369 per person (saving £204) when departing on August 13 from Stansted. Book through Inghams (020 8780 4454; www.inghams.co.uk).
Self-catering in a three-bedroom villa in the Ardeche, France, costs £548 per property (saving £150) for one week’s stay in August. Book through VFB Holidays (01452 716840; www.vfbholidays.co.uk) quoting reference GAU.07.
B&b at the three-star Vime Byron Hotel in Venice costs £63 per room per night (saving £155) for arrivals before August 9. Book with Hotel Club (0871 811 1377; www.hotelclub.co.uk/latedeals).
Voyages Jules Verne (0845 166 7035; www.vjv.com) offer seven nights’ b&b at Vila Camacho near Funchal, Madeira, for £355 (saving £40) with return flight departing on August 24.
EASTERN EUROPE AND TURKEY
If you are looking for cheap summer sun with plenty of culture and beautiful beaches, this area is perfect, but it’s worth spending time choosing accommodation if you want to avoid the busier resorts. Helpful sites include www.specialplacesinturkey.com,
www.turkishplaces.co.uk, www.fregatatravel.co.uk and www.cottagestocastles.com.
Thomson (0871 230 2800; www.thomson.co.uk/cruise) offers a full-board, 12-night Baltic cruise on the Thomson Celebration for £749 (saving £550 per person), based on two sharing an inside cabin. The ship departs from Harwich on August 5 and ports of call include Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Warnemünde as well as Stockholm and Kalundborg for Copenhagen.
Singles’ specialist Friendship Travel (0871 200 2035; www.friendshiptravel.com) has availability at Villa Aurora in Turkey during August. Seven nights’ half board costs £599 per person (saving £59), including return flight departing from Gatwick.
Vino Cottage (sleeps six) in the Goricko National Park, Slovenia, is available from One Off Places (01494 881196; www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=228) for arrivals between August 16 and 23. Cost is £320 for one week (saving 20 per cent).
James Villa Holidays (0800 074 0122; www.jamesvillas.co.uk) has self-catering at Caner villa in Bodrum, Turkey, for £676 per adult, based on four sharing (saving £115). Includes return flight from Stansted on August 11.
BA Holidays (0844 493 0758; www.ba.com) has four nights’ b&b at the four-star Rodina hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria, at £348 per person (saving £31 plus children aged 2-12 stay free) departing Heathrow in August.
Three nights’ b&b at the three-star St George Hotel in Prague costs £199 per person (saving £45) with Cities Direct (01242 536900; www.citiesdirect.co.uk). The offer includes return flight departing from Manchester on August 12.
Seven nights’ b&b at the three-star Hotel Neptun in Porec, Croatia, costs £414 per person (saving £100) through Holiday Options (0844 477 0452; www.holidayoptions.co.uk). The price includes return flight departing from Gatwick on August 9.
Seven nights’ b&b at the four-star Hotel Serpina in Bodrum costs £374 per person (saving £90) with Thomson (0870 550 2555; www.thomson.co.uk). The offer includes return flight departing from Cardiff on August 17.
Inghams Villas (020 8780 7778; www.inghamsvillas.co.uk) has self-catering in a two-bedroom apartment in Rab, Croatia, available for departures on August 16. The offer price is £546 per week for up to four people (saving £90), excluding flights. Quote reference HR3700.301.2 when booking.
The Travel Holiday Shop (0141 416 3137; www.travelholidayshop.co.uk) has a seven-night Turkish gulet cruise for £249 per person (saving 13 per cent) available for arrivals on August 15. The offer includes full board, but excludes flights.
NORTH AFRICA
It will be hot here during August, but if you like that then this is the choice for you. Voyages Jules Verne (0845 166 7003; www.vjv.co.uk) and Sovereign (0871 200 6677; www.sovereign.com) offer a range of holidays across the region.
Club Med (08453 676767; www.clubmed.co.uk) has seven nights’ full board at its resort in Agadir, Morocco, available for arrivals on August 30. Offer excludes flights and costs £399 per person (saving £91).
Seven nights’ half board at the five-star Marriott Beach Resort in Taba Heights, Egypt, costs £625 per adult and £489 per child (saving £168 for a family of four) when travelling from Gatwick or Manchester on August 9, 16 or 24. Book through Peltours (020 8371 5200; www.peltours.com).
One Off Places (01494 881196; www.oneoffplaces.co.uk) has b&b at the four-bedroom Riad Merstane in Marrakech available throughout August. The offer price is £756 for seven nights, including a 20 per cent discount.
Travel Republic (020 8974 7200; www.travelrepublic.co.uk/Deals) has seven nights’ b&b at the three-star Sindbad Hotel in Hammamet, Tunisia. The offer costs £645 including return flight departing from Gatwick on August 13.
Sovereign (0871 200 6677; www.sovereign.com) offers four nights for the price of three at the five-star Riad Lotus Ambre Hotel in Marrakech for £519 per person. The price includes breakfast and return flight departing from Luton on August 18.
A 14-day tour of Egypt, including a seven-night Nile cruise, is available from World Discovery (01306 888799; www.worlddiscovery.co.uk) for £645 per person (saving £100) during August. The offer includes all excursions, breakfast, seven lunches and seven dinners. Flights from the UK are not included.
Four nights’ b&b at the Al-Andalus Hotel in Tripoli costs £809 per person through The Classic Traveller (0800 988 5843; www.theclassictraveller.co.uk). The offer is available for departures from Heathrow on August 5.
Mark Warner (0871 703 3944; www.markwarner.co.uk) offers half board at its beach resort in Dahab, Egypt, for £695 per person (saving £100). The price includes all activities and return flight departing on August 28.
Kuoni (01306 747008; www.kuoni.co.uk) has three nights’ b&b at the four-star Le Méridien Pyramids in Cairo for £580 per person (saving £160). The offer includes KLM flights departing from Heathrow on Mondays and Wednesdays between August 11 and 20.
The Classic Traveller (0800 988 5843; www.theclassictraveller.co.uk) has a seven-night, full-board Nile cruise aboard the MS RA I for £499 per person (saving £110). Return flight is included, departing from Gatwick on August 25.
LONG HAUL
Sales of long-haul holidays remain brisk, despite fuel surcharges, but operators such as Tropical Sky (0870 907 9605; www.tropicalsky.co.uk), Virgin Holidays (0871 222 5825; www.virginholidays.co.uk) and Kuoni (01306 747002; www.kuoni.co.uk) all have late package deals. If you prefer to book travel and accommodation separately, Hotel Club (0871 811 1377; www.hotelclub.net) and www.cheapflights.co.uk are good options because of their worldwide coverage.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star ClubHotel Riu Garopa in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, is available with Portland Holidays Direct (0870 500 2200; www.portlanddirect.co.uk) for £580 (saving £100 per person). Based on two sharing and includes flight departing Gatwick on August 29.
Seven nights’ room only at the four-star Kona Coast Resort in Hawaii costs £798 per person (a saving of £266), based on two sharing a villa. The price includes flights from Heathrow to Hilo, via Chicago and Honolulu, departing August 25. Book through Expedia (0871 226 0808; www.expedia.co.uk).
Somak (020 8423 3000; www.somak.co.uk) has 14 nights’ half board at the three-star Kinondo Beach Retreat in Kenya available for £749 per person (saving over 20 per cent). This offer includes return Monarch Airlines flight departing from Gatwick on August 25.
ITC Classics (01244 355527; www.itcclassics.co.uk) offers eight nights’ b&b in a three-bedroom villa at the five-star Ritz-Carlton Bahrain for £989 per person, including three free nights, flights and transfers. Valid for travel until September 30.
Hayes & Jarvis (0871 664 0246; www.hayesandjarvis.com) has five-nights’ b&b at the five-star Shangri-La Al Waha hotel near Muscat, Oman, for £599 per person (saving 25 per cent). Departs Heathrow on August 10.
TransIndus (020 8566 2729; www.transindus.com) has a 16-day Southern Grandeur group tour to South India for £1,898 per person (saving £100) departing Heathrow on August 9. The tour covers Tamil Nadu, Mysore, Coonoor, Cochin, Kerala and Periyar and includes accommodation and most meals.
Carrier (0161 491 7630; www.carrier.co.uk) offers 14 nights’ full board for the price of seven at Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, Mauritius for £2,190 per person (saving £845) based on two sharing a Superior River View room. Valid for travel before August 21 and includes flight from Heathrow.
First Choice (0871 664 9011; www.firstchoice.co.uk) has 14 nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star SuperClubs Breezes in Costa do Sauipe, Brazil, for £849 per person (saving £410). Return flight is included departing from Manchester on August 21.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star LaSource in Grenada is available from singles holiday specialist Friendship Travel (0871 200 2035; www.friendshiptravel.com) for £1,399 per person (saving £300). Valid for travel before August 31 and includes transfers and flights from Gatwick.
Pure Luxury (0844 472 0100; www.pureluxuryholidays.co.uk) offers seven nights’ half board at the five-star One & Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives for £2,489 (saving £270). Includes a free night and return flight between August 11 and September 30.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/2464650/50-last-minute-summer-holiday-bargains.html
Budget airlines to drop routes as oil price bites
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Passengers face longer drives to airports and less convenient schedules as airlines either cut back how often they fly or remove unprofitable destinations completely.
Budget carriers Ryanair and easyJet have announced cuts to destinations in Spain and Eastern Europe while British Airways is expected to deliver cuts to its own timetables as early as the end of this week.
Ryanair on Monday announced its profits had plunged 85 per cent and blamed the record oil price for nearly doubling its fuel bill.
The situation for airlines could become even more bleak if the slowing economy, coupled with rising food, energy and fuel bills, leads passengers to cut back on air travel.
Ryanair has said it will temporarily stop flying to seven airports including Basel, Budapest, Palma and Valencia this winter, while easyJet has also said routes from Stansted to Almeria and Valencia will stop.
The airline will also cut tickets prices to make sure it does not end up flying planes that are not full.
Both airlines are also sending fewer flights to some existing destinations.
This winter, Ryanair will cut 14 per cent of its flights from Stansted, with flights to Rome down by a fifth and to Glasgow by nearly a third, while easyJet has said it will cut capacity at the same airport by 12 per cent.
Andrew Fitchie, an airlines analyst at Collins Stewart, said other airlines would follow, with the business climate predicted to become "much worse".
He said: "The are all basically saying the same thing and it's going to be a logical progression."
"This industry has never seen the stresses like it's seeing right now or like it's going into. It's seen some shocks before, but never anything like this and it's going to be messy."
A spokesman for BA said it would announce capacity cuts in the next few weeks. He said: "At the moment we are looking in the region of reducing our capacity over the winter season by about three to five per cent – although we are still working through the exact details."
Bmi, Britain's third largest airline, said it was currently "reviewing" its winter schedule.
Even though oil has dropped to around $125 a barrel from a high earlier this month of $145, airlines are still struggling to break even.
Announcing Ryanair's latest results, Michael O'Leary, chief executive, said the airline's fuel bill rose 93 per cent to £289.6m (367 million euros) in the three months to June 30, and grew from 36 per cent of its operating costs to almost half.
However, Mr O'Leary said Ryanair would cut ticket prices if necessary to ensure it was not flying half empty planes.
He said: "We now believe that our average fares for the year may fall by as much as 5 per cent if European airfares plunge this winter.
"Ryanair will lead this downward pricing at a time when most of our competitors are hoping to raise fares and fuel surcharges."
Mr Fitchie said "Ryanair is directly in the path of the current economic storm. Its demand is made up of leisure traffic, much of which is highly discretionary short break holidays – the leisure segment most vulnerable to economic squeeze.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/2465970/More-budget-airlines-to-drop-routes-as-oil-price-bites.html
Budget carriers Ryanair and easyJet have announced cuts to destinations in Spain and Eastern Europe while British Airways is expected to deliver cuts to its own timetables as early as the end of this week.
Ryanair on Monday announced its profits had plunged 85 per cent and blamed the record oil price for nearly doubling its fuel bill.
The situation for airlines could become even more bleak if the slowing economy, coupled with rising food, energy and fuel bills, leads passengers to cut back on air travel.
Ryanair has said it will temporarily stop flying to seven airports including Basel, Budapest, Palma and Valencia this winter, while easyJet has also said routes from Stansted to Almeria and Valencia will stop.
The airline will also cut tickets prices to make sure it does not end up flying planes that are not full.
Both airlines are also sending fewer flights to some existing destinations.
This winter, Ryanair will cut 14 per cent of its flights from Stansted, with flights to Rome down by a fifth and to Glasgow by nearly a third, while easyJet has said it will cut capacity at the same airport by 12 per cent.
Andrew Fitchie, an airlines analyst at Collins Stewart, said other airlines would follow, with the business climate predicted to become "much worse".
He said: "The are all basically saying the same thing and it's going to be a logical progression."
"This industry has never seen the stresses like it's seeing right now or like it's going into. It's seen some shocks before, but never anything like this and it's going to be messy."
A spokesman for BA said it would announce capacity cuts in the next few weeks. He said: "At the moment we are looking in the region of reducing our capacity over the winter season by about three to five per cent – although we are still working through the exact details."
Bmi, Britain's third largest airline, said it was currently "reviewing" its winter schedule.
Even though oil has dropped to around $125 a barrel from a high earlier this month of $145, airlines are still struggling to break even.
Announcing Ryanair's latest results, Michael O'Leary, chief executive, said the airline's fuel bill rose 93 per cent to £289.6m (367 million euros) in the three months to June 30, and grew from 36 per cent of its operating costs to almost half.
However, Mr O'Leary said Ryanair would cut ticket prices if necessary to ensure it was not flying half empty planes.
He said: "We now believe that our average fares for the year may fall by as much as 5 per cent if European airfares plunge this winter.
"Ryanair will lead this downward pricing at a time when most of our competitors are hoping to raise fares and fuel surcharges."
Mr Fitchie said "Ryanair is directly in the path of the current economic storm. Its demand is made up of leisure traffic, much of which is highly discretionary short break holidays – the leisure segment most vulnerable to economic squeeze.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/2465970/More-budget-airlines-to-drop-routes-as-oil-price-bites.html
EU threats of action over visa waiver
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The European Union is threatening retaliatory action against Singapore and the US if they continue to refuse to extend visa waivers to all EU member states, according to a European Commission report released on Wednesday.
The EU has managed to secure visa-free travel for all its citizens to three additional countries: Israel, Malaysia and Paraguay.
No progress has been reported with Japan, Panama, Singapore or the US since the release of the last Commission report in September of 2007.
The Commission is suggesting that retaliatory measures be taken if Singapore does not grant full reciprocity to all EU citizens within a reasonable period. It did not elaborate, however, on the exact time period or the measures that might be taken.
With regard to the US, the Commission is threatening to propose restoring visa requirement for US nationals holding diplomatic or service passports, beginning 1 January 2009, if no progress is seen.
US citizens can currently travel visa-free to all member states of the EU, but nationals of 12 EU states still need to secure visas for entry to the US.
“It is unacceptable that nationals from some third countries can benefit from visa-free travel to the EU whilst some of our fellow EU citizens can’t travel visa-free to those countries,” commented the European Commission’s vice president, Jacques Barrot, who has responsibility for freedom, justice and security affairs.
The European Commission is making significant progress in its dialogues with Australia and Canada in regard to a visa waiver programme. In addition, negotiations between the EU and Brazil are underway regarding a waiver for short-stay visas.
ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm
http://www.asap.co.uk/news/eu-threatens-retaliation-over-visa-waver-refusals-5633267.html
The EU has managed to secure visa-free travel for all its citizens to three additional countries: Israel, Malaysia and Paraguay.
No progress has been reported with Japan, Panama, Singapore or the US since the release of the last Commission report in September of 2007.
The Commission is suggesting that retaliatory measures be taken if Singapore does not grant full reciprocity to all EU citizens within a reasonable period. It did not elaborate, however, on the exact time period or the measures that might be taken.
With regard to the US, the Commission is threatening to propose restoring visa requirement for US nationals holding diplomatic or service passports, beginning 1 January 2009, if no progress is seen.
US citizens can currently travel visa-free to all member states of the EU, but nationals of 12 EU states still need to secure visas for entry to the US.
“It is unacceptable that nationals from some third countries can benefit from visa-free travel to the EU whilst some of our fellow EU citizens can’t travel visa-free to those countries,” commented the European Commission’s vice president, Jacques Barrot, who has responsibility for freedom, justice and security affairs.
The European Commission is making significant progress in its dialogues with Australia and Canada in regard to a visa waiver programme. In addition, negotiations between the EU and Brazil are underway regarding a waiver for short-stay visas.
ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm
http://www.asap.co.uk/news/eu-threatens-retaliation-over-visa-waver-refusals-5633267.html
Southwest Airlines shows profit despite fuel costs
Sunday, July 27, 2008
By carefully hedging its fuel purchases, Southwest Airlines has managed to continue to show profit while its rivals are grounding flights.
The budget carrier is on track this fall to become the busiest airline at LAX and also at three other airports in southern California – in the midst of soaring fuel prices and competitors cutting capacity.
Southwest is enjoying the benefits of its successful strategy of buying oil at lower prices, and has been able to contain its expenses while others are struggling to limit losses.
By the use of long-term fuel contracts, the carrier locked in its fuel prices last year based on crude oil prices at $51 a barrel, well below the most recent price of $126 this past week.
During the second quarter of 2008, Southwest paid $2.19 per gallon for jet fuel, on average, compared the $3.51 price that most of the rest of the airlines were paying.
Largely due to this fuel-price hedging, the airline reported a 15% increase in its profits for the second quarter, and was the only US carrier reporting a profit during the period.
As a result of this practice, while others are drastically cutting service, Southwest is holding steady and gaining a bigger share of flights in the region.
www.southwest.com
http://www.asap.co.uk/news/southwest-becoming-busiest-airline-at-southern-california-airports-5633272.html
The budget carrier is on track this fall to become the busiest airline at LAX and also at three other airports in southern California – in the midst of soaring fuel prices and competitors cutting capacity.
Southwest is enjoying the benefits of its successful strategy of buying oil at lower prices, and has been able to contain its expenses while others are struggling to limit losses.
By the use of long-term fuel contracts, the carrier locked in its fuel prices last year based on crude oil prices at $51 a barrel, well below the most recent price of $126 this past week.
During the second quarter of 2008, Southwest paid $2.19 per gallon for jet fuel, on average, compared the $3.51 price that most of the rest of the airlines were paying.
Largely due to this fuel-price hedging, the airline reported a 15% increase in its profits for the second quarter, and was the only US carrier reporting a profit during the period.
As a result of this practice, while others are drastically cutting service, Southwest is holding steady and gaining a bigger share of flights in the region.
www.southwest.com
http://www.asap.co.uk/news/southwest-becoming-busiest-airline-at-southern-california-airports-5633272.html
Emaar Hospitality Group plans for timeshare market
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Emaar Hospitality Group LLC, a business subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, announces plans to enter to the timeshare market, led by the growing demand from tourists for spacious and personalised luxury accommodation in the city.
A regional pioneer in the fast-growing tourism segment, Emaar Hospitality Group will soon unveil its timeshare roster encompassing serviced residences and custom-designed resorts in Dubai.
Emaar Hospitality Group also plans to expand its timeshare business to other countries in the region too, where the company is currently developing master-planned communities with hospitality & leisure components. These key timeshare markets will include Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, Egypt and Indonesia.
Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties PJSC, said: "The timeshare market in Dubai is poised for exponential growth with booming inbound tourists driving the demand for spacious accommodation that hotels cannot fully meet."
Originally a European concept, timeshare is a generic term to describe a business model where a property owner sells ‘time-slices' of property to customers. Timeshare projects are projected to generate nearly four times returns compared to traditional real estate, Buy-to-use-and-let and fractional ownership.
Legal framework being developed by Dubai Government for the timeshare concept in Dubai will significantly assist the industry, adding to the vast range of hospitality elements already on offer within the bustling city.
Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, explained: "A recent survey by NorthCourse Research Firm reveals that Dubai, followed by Sharm El Sheikh and Makkah, is the most preferred timeshare location in the Middle East region. Emaar Hospitality Group is pioneering the move to this promising market, which also brings in the benefits of guaranteed room revenues and assured occupancy post-opening to resorts that we are planning exclusively for timeshare business."
The World Tourism & Travel Council projects tourist arrival of 14 million by year 2015 to the UAE. Further powering the tourism growth is the investments in new airports and hospitality infrastructure.
"Dubai is one of the few destinations that offer the three main attractions preferred by timeshare owners - golf, beach and city-life. Emaar Hospitality Group's timeshare properties will, therefore, appeal to a wide range of holidaymakers not only from the Middle East but also from Europe, a key feeder market for Dubai's tourism industry," said Mr Dardenne.
Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets such as hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, polo and equestrian club, recreation clubs, and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Marinas.
http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080722163/Latest/Emaar-Hospitality-Group-Plans-to-Enter-Timeshare-Market.html
A regional pioneer in the fast-growing tourism segment, Emaar Hospitality Group will soon unveil its timeshare roster encompassing serviced residences and custom-designed resorts in Dubai.
Emaar Hospitality Group also plans to expand its timeshare business to other countries in the region too, where the company is currently developing master-planned communities with hospitality & leisure components. These key timeshare markets will include Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, Egypt and Indonesia.
Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties PJSC, said: "The timeshare market in Dubai is poised for exponential growth with booming inbound tourists driving the demand for spacious accommodation that hotels cannot fully meet."
Originally a European concept, timeshare is a generic term to describe a business model where a property owner sells ‘time-slices' of property to customers. Timeshare projects are projected to generate nearly four times returns compared to traditional real estate, Buy-to-use-and-let and fractional ownership.
Legal framework being developed by Dubai Government for the timeshare concept in Dubai will significantly assist the industry, adding to the vast range of hospitality elements already on offer within the bustling city.
Mr Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group, explained: "A recent survey by NorthCourse Research Firm reveals that Dubai, followed by Sharm El Sheikh and Makkah, is the most preferred timeshare location in the Middle East region. Emaar Hospitality Group is pioneering the move to this promising market, which also brings in the benefits of guaranteed room revenues and assured occupancy post-opening to resorts that we are planning exclusively for timeshare business."
The World Tourism & Travel Council projects tourist arrival of 14 million by year 2015 to the UAE. Further powering the tourism growth is the investments in new airports and hospitality infrastructure.
"Dubai is one of the few destinations that offer the three main attractions preferred by timeshare owners - golf, beach and city-life. Emaar Hospitality Group's timeshare properties will, therefore, appeal to a wide range of holidaymakers not only from the Middle East but also from Europe, a key feeder market for Dubai's tourism industry," said Mr Dardenne.
Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets such as hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, polo and equestrian club, recreation clubs, and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Marinas.
http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080722163/Latest/Emaar-Hospitality-Group-Plans-to-Enter-Timeshare-Market.html
Holidays at risk- passport strike backlog
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Holidaymakers could be forced to cancel or delay their travel plans after a three-day passport office strike left a backlog of at least 150,000 applications, it has been warned.
Unions said that it could take most of August to clear the mounting pile of paperwork with staff now embarking on a prolonged work-to-rule action in protest over pay.
The three-day stoppage, which affected seven regional passport offices across Britain and several smaller interview offices, came at the end of a 10-day period of civil service action – the biggest for several years.
It came at one of the busiest times of the year for applications as tens of thousands of families prepare to travel abroad at the start of the English school summer holidays.
While many families on pre-booked holidays will be unaffected because of passport validity checks when they placed their reservations, independent travellers and those taking last-minute breaks are likely to be worst hit by any backlog.
The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) moved to reassure travellers that it could clear the current workload within days and said it had only 140,000 applications now in its system.
But the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) insisted its estimate of 150,000 applications stacking up was "conservative" and could grow as post turned away by offices swamped with applications added to the pile.
The union warned that a work-to-rule action by its 2,900 members within the service would affect its operations until the end of the summer and hamper efforts to clear any backlog.
Members are angered at a below-inflation pay offer for most staff within the IPS with around a third set to receive no increase at all.
A spokesman defended the decision to press ahead with industrial action at a time when families could be worst hit.
"There was ample time to reach an agreed settlement, indeed that is what we wanted to do," a spokesman said.
"The disruption caused is very regrettable, our members take strike action very much as a last resort but they felt over the last three days that enough is enough, when you have got some of them on £13,000 or £14,000 but effectively taking a pay cut."
A spokesman for the IPS moved to reassure travellers that any backlog would be cleared quickly.
"We have around 140,000 applications in the system at the moment which is entirely typical for this time of year - the peak holiday period," he said.
"We normally process around 115,000 applications a week, so our current workload is six days worth of work.
"As our customer service target is to turn around passport applications in three to four weeks, we are very comfortably in that target."
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "The unprecedented action over the last 10 days has demonstrated the need for the Government and employers to start dealing with the issue of below-inflation pay and the impact that real term pay cuts are having on hard working families.
"The action taken is not one taken lightly and should be seen as a last resort by a work force facing unprecedented cuts to their standard of living. "
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) urged travellers to ensure their passports were up to date before planning a holiday and to make the most of off-peak times when applications can be processed in as little as a week.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2460287/Holidays-at-risk-as-passport-strike-backlog-hits-150,000.html
Unions said that it could take most of August to clear the mounting pile of paperwork with staff now embarking on a prolonged work-to-rule action in protest over pay.
The three-day stoppage, which affected seven regional passport offices across Britain and several smaller interview offices, came at the end of a 10-day period of civil service action – the biggest for several years.
It came at one of the busiest times of the year for applications as tens of thousands of families prepare to travel abroad at the start of the English school summer holidays.
While many families on pre-booked holidays will be unaffected because of passport validity checks when they placed their reservations, independent travellers and those taking last-minute breaks are likely to be worst hit by any backlog.
The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) moved to reassure travellers that it could clear the current workload within days and said it had only 140,000 applications now in its system.
But the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) insisted its estimate of 150,000 applications stacking up was "conservative" and could grow as post turned away by offices swamped with applications added to the pile.
The union warned that a work-to-rule action by its 2,900 members within the service would affect its operations until the end of the summer and hamper efforts to clear any backlog.
Members are angered at a below-inflation pay offer for most staff within the IPS with around a third set to receive no increase at all.
A spokesman defended the decision to press ahead with industrial action at a time when families could be worst hit.
"There was ample time to reach an agreed settlement, indeed that is what we wanted to do," a spokesman said.
"The disruption caused is very regrettable, our members take strike action very much as a last resort but they felt over the last three days that enough is enough, when you have got some of them on £13,000 or £14,000 but effectively taking a pay cut."
A spokesman for the IPS moved to reassure travellers that any backlog would be cleared quickly.
"We have around 140,000 applications in the system at the moment which is entirely typical for this time of year - the peak holiday period," he said.
"We normally process around 115,000 applications a week, so our current workload is six days worth of work.
"As our customer service target is to turn around passport applications in three to four weeks, we are very comfortably in that target."
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "The unprecedented action over the last 10 days has demonstrated the need for the Government and employers to start dealing with the issue of below-inflation pay and the impact that real term pay cuts are having on hard working families.
"The action taken is not one taken lightly and should be seen as a last resort by a work force facing unprecedented cuts to their standard of living. "
The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) urged travellers to ensure their passports were up to date before planning a holiday and to make the most of off-peak times when applications can be processed in as little as a week.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2460287/Holidays-at-risk-as-passport-strike-backlog-hits-150,000.html
Travelzoo reaches one million UK subscribers
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Holiday deals site Travelzoo has reached one million subscribers in the UK.
The site sends out Top 20 and Newsflash emails to its bank of subscribers, flagging up the best holiday deals on the internet.
These include deals from airlines, tour operators, train companies and cruise lines. Travel agents, including Querty Travel in Woking and Gill's Cruise Centre in Cardiff, also advertise their deals through the service.
The number of subscribers has increased by 29% or 230,000 new subscribers in the last 12 months.
Clicks to the Travelzoo Top 20 newsletter indicate that subscriber interest has increased. For the first six months of 2008, average weekly clicks were 340,733, up from 243,158 for the first six months of 2007.
A Travelzoo survey has shown that 36% of subscribers say they booked a travel offer featured in the Travelzoo Top 20 newsletter in the year to May 31, 2008, up from 18% when compared to the same survey in 2006.
The survey also revealed that purchases were highly incremental, as 50% of subscribers said that they had not decided on a destination or dates before receiving the Travelzoo Top 20.
Travelzoo Europe managing director Chris Loughlin said: "Travelzoo is able to generate significantly more incremental demand for travel advertisers. As the UK economy has slowed, we have seen subscriber demand for special offers increase."
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/18/28225/travelzoo-reaches-one-million-uk-subscribers.html
The site sends out Top 20 and Newsflash emails to its bank of subscribers, flagging up the best holiday deals on the internet.
These include deals from airlines, tour operators, train companies and cruise lines. Travel agents, including Querty Travel in Woking and Gill's Cruise Centre in Cardiff, also advertise their deals through the service.
The number of subscribers has increased by 29% or 230,000 new subscribers in the last 12 months.
Clicks to the Travelzoo Top 20 newsletter indicate that subscriber interest has increased. For the first six months of 2008, average weekly clicks were 340,733, up from 243,158 for the first six months of 2007.
A Travelzoo survey has shown that 36% of subscribers say they booked a travel offer featured in the Travelzoo Top 20 newsletter in the year to May 31, 2008, up from 18% when compared to the same survey in 2006.
The survey also revealed that purchases were highly incremental, as 50% of subscribers said that they had not decided on a destination or dates before receiving the Travelzoo Top 20.
Travelzoo Europe managing director Chris Loughlin said: "Travelzoo is able to generate significantly more incremental demand for travel advertisers. As the UK economy has slowed, we have seen subscriber demand for special offers increase."
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/18/28225/travelzoo-reaches-one-million-uk-subscribers.html
Owners perspective magazine
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Owners Perspective Magazine Gives Sneak Peak At First Edition For Timeshare & Fractional Owners.
Since it was first announced two months ago that Perspective Magazine, was to bring out a version for not just timeshare owners, but owners and potential owners of all shared leisure products nothing short of a frenzy of excitement has occurred with Owner Forums around the globe discussing the possible content and recommending it to friends and key industry players pro-actively supporting the new publication by promoting it to their members.
Well now the company responsible, Perspective International Ltd have just released a sneak peak at what to expect from the first edition...
President & CEO, Paul Mattimoe commented: "The first edition will be released online sometime between 1st & 8th July, but the exact date is a secret!"
Why we asked, "Well, because in one of the features in the publication there are 25 free timeshares offered to the first 25 callers - and we don't mean a promotional week of accommodation, we mean 25 actual timeshare memberships - all registered subscribers will be emailed at the same time on one of the days, they then have to find the article and call the number as fast as they can."
He continued, "But that's just a bit of fun, you can also expect reviews of new affiliated timeshare resorts, high end fractional properties, owner related news, and features on the rental and resale markets, burning questions from readers about the industry and products, more offers and competitions and much more."
The first five editions of Owners Perspective Magazine will be available online only as the magazine is shaped by feedback from readers, before also being launched in print in January 2009.
For more information visit http://www.ownersperspective.com or email readers@ownersperspective.com
http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080717160/Latest/Timeshare-Industry-Magazine-Ready-to-Launch.html
About Perspective International Ltd
A PR & Media company for the timeshare, fractional and shared ownership industry, specializing in brand and business development, promotion of products and services and recruiting via its B2B publications and services; and now provides branding and marketing opportunities to consumers through two new B2C products.
Since it was first announced two months ago that Perspective Magazine, was to bring out a version for not just timeshare owners, but owners and potential owners of all shared leisure products nothing short of a frenzy of excitement has occurred with Owner Forums around the globe discussing the possible content and recommending it to friends and key industry players pro-actively supporting the new publication by promoting it to their members.
Well now the company responsible, Perspective International Ltd have just released a sneak peak at what to expect from the first edition...
President & CEO, Paul Mattimoe commented: "The first edition will be released online sometime between 1st & 8th July, but the exact date is a secret!"
Why we asked, "Well, because in one of the features in the publication there are 25 free timeshares offered to the first 25 callers - and we don't mean a promotional week of accommodation, we mean 25 actual timeshare memberships - all registered subscribers will be emailed at the same time on one of the days, they then have to find the article and call the number as fast as they can."
He continued, "But that's just a bit of fun, you can also expect reviews of new affiliated timeshare resorts, high end fractional properties, owner related news, and features on the rental and resale markets, burning questions from readers about the industry and products, more offers and competitions and much more."
The first five editions of Owners Perspective Magazine will be available online only as the magazine is shaped by feedback from readers, before also being launched in print in January 2009.
For more information visit http://www.ownersperspective.com or email readers@ownersperspective.com
http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080717160/Latest/Timeshare-Industry-Magazine-Ready-to-Launch.html
About Perspective International Ltd
A PR & Media company for the timeshare, fractional and shared ownership industry, specializing in brand and business development, promotion of products and services and recruiting via its B2B publications and services; and now provides branding and marketing opportunities to consumers through two new B2C products.
Ryanair ground aircraft
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Ryanair cuts flights for more than one million passengers
Ryanair will ground aircraft and cut flights this winter in a move that will lose it up to 1.5 million passengers, most of them at Stansted.
The low-cost carrier will ground eight aircraft at Stansted out of a fleet of 36 and operate 250 flights per week fewer from the airport, costing it 900,000 passengers. The aircraft will be grounded from November to March.
Ryanair blamed an increase in charges at Stansted, which now total £10 per passenger, but conceded the high price of oil was also a factor.
The airline also blamed high airport costs for its decision to ground four aircraft at Dublin for the winter season, cutting 150 flights and 500,000 passengers.
The carrier gave the same reason for closing seven of its bases in continental Europe for six weeks. The bases at Palma in Majorca, Valencia in Spain, Basel in Switzerland, Budapest (Hungary), Krakow and Rzeszow (Poland) and Salzburg (Austria) will close from November 4 to December 19.
Ryanair said it had sought and failed to win reductions in charges at all the airports at which it is cutting services.
Chief executive Michael O’Leary hit out at Stansted and its owner BAA in particular, saying: “We hope the Competition Commission will call for the break up of BAA.”
The UK Competition Commission is due to report next month on whether BAA’s ownership of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted distorts the market.
A spokesman for Stansted said: “Many airlines reduce services in the winter. The aviation industry is coping with the challenges of a global economic downturn. Surely this is a time for the industry to pull together.”
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/18/28229/ryanair-cuts-flights-for-more-than-one-million-passengers.html
Ryanair will ground aircraft and cut flights this winter in a move that will lose it up to 1.5 million passengers, most of them at Stansted.
The low-cost carrier will ground eight aircraft at Stansted out of a fleet of 36 and operate 250 flights per week fewer from the airport, costing it 900,000 passengers. The aircraft will be grounded from November to March.
Ryanair blamed an increase in charges at Stansted, which now total £10 per passenger, but conceded the high price of oil was also a factor.
The airline also blamed high airport costs for its decision to ground four aircraft at Dublin for the winter season, cutting 150 flights and 500,000 passengers.
The carrier gave the same reason for closing seven of its bases in continental Europe for six weeks. The bases at Palma in Majorca, Valencia in Spain, Basel in Switzerland, Budapest (Hungary), Krakow and Rzeszow (Poland) and Salzburg (Austria) will close from November 4 to December 19.
Ryanair said it had sought and failed to win reductions in charges at all the airports at which it is cutting services.
Chief executive Michael O’Leary hit out at Stansted and its owner BAA in particular, saying: “We hope the Competition Commission will call for the break up of BAA.”
The UK Competition Commission is due to report next month on whether BAA’s ownership of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted distorts the market.
A spokesman for Stansted said: “Many airlines reduce services in the winter. The aviation industry is coping with the challenges of a global economic downturn. Surely this is a time for the industry to pull together.”
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/18/28229/ryanair-cuts-flights-for-more-than-one-million-passengers.html
Timeshare owners ordered to pay up
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Macdonald hotels, Scotland's largest independent hotel chain, has ordered 3000 owners of timeshare properties to pay a disputed utilities bill or be cut off. The group has told the owners of the Loch Rannoch development they have a week to pay the disputed £450,000 bill or the power and water to the exclusive lodge complex will be cut. The dispute arose after the members committee wrested management control of the complex away from Macdonald Hotels, however, the hotel chain continued to supply utilities to the site from July 2003 until May 2008 when it presented a bill for £451,352. The management committee eventually agreed to pay £177,819 on the understanding it was accepted as payment in full, something Macdonald did not accept. Committee member and director of Timeshare Management Services which now manages the development, Edward Monks said: "We paid for the electricity but we paid it under the condition they accepted the cheque as the settlement of the liability between us and them. They owe the club some management fees but they refuse to accept that condition." (The Scotsman)
Hawaii Timeshares in Demand on Hot 100 Timeshare
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Hawaii timeshares confirm their strength as a vacation destination preference with a strong showing on the just released Sell My Timeshare Now Hot 100 list. The timeshare advertising and marketing company, a global leader in timeshare resales and timeshare rentals, publishes an annual list of the timeshare properties advertised by them that receive the greatest number of offers to buy or rent.
Many of the earliest timeshare resorts established in the U.S. were in Hawaii, so it is appropriate that today, nearly 40 years later, Hawaii still dominates the top spots on the Sell My Timeshare Now timeshare resale and timeshare rental Hot 100 list. In the top ten spots on the list, Hawaii timeshares claimed four: Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas in second place on the list; Diamond Resorts Ka'anapali Beach Club in fifth place; Marriott's Maui Ocean Club timeshares in sixth; and the Ko Olina Beach Club timeshares, new to the top ten list this year, claiming the tenth spot.
This year's Hot 100 list is based on a record number of offers to buy timeshare or rent timeshare, placed through the Sell My Timeshare Now website, with a total of 48,532 offers placed on the Top 100 properties in 2007. Overall, the list reveals consistency among the leaders at the top, with this year's top eight all appearing in last year's list. Notably, WorldMark by Wyndham, multi-destination timeshares have jumped from seventh, to claim the top spot at number one. Among WorldMark by Wyndham's more than 60 worldwide resorts are four in Hawaii: Kapaa Shore; Valley Isle in Lahaina; Kihei; and Kona in Kailua-Kona.
Hawaii timeshare's dominance of the list does not end in the top ten. Other Hawaii timeshares placing high on the list include: Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas North timeshares, ranked 21; the Sands of Kahana Vacation Club timeshares, ranked 24; Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaii Village, ranked 29; and Marriott's OceanWatch Villas timeshares, ranked number 33.
Jason Tremblay, CEO of Sell My Timeshare NOW says, "With more than 5,400 timeshare resorts worldwide to choose from, it says a lot about how much vacationers love Hawaii, that over 27 percent of the timeshare resales and timeshare rentals on the top third of our list are located in Hawaii."
The top ten in-demand timeshare resales and timeshare rentals from the Sell My Timeshare Now Hot 100 list are:
1. WorldMark by Wyndham, (Multi-Destination)
2. Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.
3. Orange Lake's West Village, Orlando, Florida U.S.A.
4. Marriott's Aruba Surf Club, Palm Beach, Aruba
5. Diamond Resorts Ka'anapali Beach Club, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.
6. Marriott's Maui Ocean Club, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.
7. Marriott's Newport Coast Villas, Newport Coast, California U.S.A.
8. Harborside Resort at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
9. Manhattan Club, New York, New York U.S.A.
10. Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club, Oahu, Hawaii U.S.A.
Sell My Timeshare Now's Director of Sales, Rosanne Luba, explains, "Many people want to know which timeshare resales and timeshare rentals other timeshare owners are buying. They ask us because they are interested in exchange or in resale value. This list makes it easy to see what consumers are asking for when it comes to name as well as location. "
Timeshares sales climbed 6 percent over 2006, with sales totaling $10.6 billion in 2007, according to a new study of the U.S. vacation timeshare industry conducted by Ernst & Young, LLP. The survey encompasses 628 timeshare resorts throughout the country, showing sales up 66 percent since 2003 and an average resort size growth of 32 percent.
As of January 1, 2007, there were 1,641 timeshare resorts in the United States. The total number of weekly equivalent intervals owned was approximately 6.5 million and new owners increased to 4.7 million owners.
“The continued growth of the timeshare industry in today’s economy is a direct indication of strong consumer satisfaction and demand. Vacation ownership, with its flexibility and spacious accommodations, continues to be a preferred travel choice for American families,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO.
The number of timeshare units in the United States, as of January 1, 2008, was 180,158, with 8,000 newly constructed units built in 2007. Respondents expect continued growth with around 8,000 new units built in 2008.
Average occupancy was over 80 percent in 2007, including nearly 70 percent who were either owners or exchange guests and more than 10 percent who were renters and/or marketing guests.
Florida, California and South Carolina have the most resorts representing 39 percent of all U.S. timeshare resorts. Florida continues to lead the nation with the most resorts (23 percent), the largest resorts and the greatest sales volume. California houses 9 percent of timeshare resorts in the U.S. followed by South Carolina at 7 percent. The remaining states, grouped in regions, reported the following representation of U.S. resorts: Mountain (18 percent); Northeast (11 percent); Pacific (9 percent); South Central (9 percent); and the Midwest and South Atlantic (both 8 percent).
Beach resorts are the most common primary designation of resorts (24 percent), and country/lake resorts second (16 percent). Golf (8 percent) is the most often available amenity nearby and/or onsite and other vacation experiences noted include National/State parks, spa resorts, and historic sites.
Two-bedroom units continue to represent the most common size (61 percent), followed by one-bedroom (24 percent), three bedroom or larger (9 percent), and studio units (7 percent). The average price of a timeshare interval sold was $19,216.
Ninety-nine percent of respondents are affiliated with Interval International and/or Group RCI exchange networks. Thirteen percent of respondent have a self-administered program, generally in addition to an affiliation with one of the two major exchange companies.
Resorts have added sophistication to the way owners can buy timeshare intervals. Many offer increased flexibility for owners to customize their vacation needs by offering “points” instead of just selling one week per year. Points owners can break up or extend vacation weeks, travel during various times of the year and/or stay in various unit sizes at a range of locations. About two-thirds of respondents offer intervals of the traditional weekly variety, and 56 percent offer some form of points-based product.
http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080709154/Latest/Hawaii-Timeshares-in-Demand-on-Hot-100-Timeshare-List.html
Many of the earliest timeshare resorts established in the U.S. were in Hawaii, so it is appropriate that today, nearly 40 years later, Hawaii still dominates the top spots on the Sell My Timeshare Now timeshare resale and timeshare rental Hot 100 list. In the top ten spots on the list, Hawaii timeshares claimed four: Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas in second place on the list; Diamond Resorts Ka'anapali Beach Club in fifth place; Marriott's Maui Ocean Club timeshares in sixth; and the Ko Olina Beach Club timeshares, new to the top ten list this year, claiming the tenth spot.
This year's Hot 100 list is based on a record number of offers to buy timeshare or rent timeshare, placed through the Sell My Timeshare Now website, with a total of 48,532 offers placed on the Top 100 properties in 2007. Overall, the list reveals consistency among the leaders at the top, with this year's top eight all appearing in last year's list. Notably, WorldMark by Wyndham, multi-destination timeshares have jumped from seventh, to claim the top spot at number one. Among WorldMark by Wyndham's more than 60 worldwide resorts are four in Hawaii: Kapaa Shore; Valley Isle in Lahaina; Kihei; and Kona in Kailua-Kona.
Hawaii timeshare's dominance of the list does not end in the top ten. Other Hawaii timeshares placing high on the list include: Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas North timeshares, ranked 21; the Sands of Kahana Vacation Club timeshares, ranked 24; Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaii Village, ranked 29; and Marriott's OceanWatch Villas timeshares, ranked number 33.
Jason Tremblay, CEO of Sell My Timeshare NOW says, "With more than 5,400 timeshare resorts worldwide to choose from, it says a lot about how much vacationers love Hawaii, that over 27 percent of the timeshare resales and timeshare rentals on the top third of our list are located in Hawaii."
The top ten in-demand timeshare resales and timeshare rentals from the Sell My Timeshare Now Hot 100 list are:
1. WorldMark by Wyndham, (Multi-Destination)
2. Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.
3. Orange Lake's West Village, Orlando, Florida U.S.A.
4. Marriott's Aruba Surf Club, Palm Beach, Aruba
5. Diamond Resorts Ka'anapali Beach Club, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.
6. Marriott's Maui Ocean Club, Maui, Hawaii U.S.A.
7. Marriott's Newport Coast Villas, Newport Coast, California U.S.A.
8. Harborside Resort at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
9. Manhattan Club, New York, New York U.S.A.
10. Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club, Oahu, Hawaii U.S.A.
Sell My Timeshare Now's Director of Sales, Rosanne Luba, explains, "Many people want to know which timeshare resales and timeshare rentals other timeshare owners are buying. They ask us because they are interested in exchange or in resale value. This list makes it easy to see what consumers are asking for when it comes to name as well as location. "
Timeshares sales climbed 6 percent over 2006, with sales totaling $10.6 billion in 2007, according to a new study of the U.S. vacation timeshare industry conducted by Ernst & Young, LLP. The survey encompasses 628 timeshare resorts throughout the country, showing sales up 66 percent since 2003 and an average resort size growth of 32 percent.
As of January 1, 2007, there were 1,641 timeshare resorts in the United States. The total number of weekly equivalent intervals owned was approximately 6.5 million and new owners increased to 4.7 million owners.
“The continued growth of the timeshare industry in today’s economy is a direct indication of strong consumer satisfaction and demand. Vacation ownership, with its flexibility and spacious accommodations, continues to be a preferred travel choice for American families,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO.
The number of timeshare units in the United States, as of January 1, 2008, was 180,158, with 8,000 newly constructed units built in 2007. Respondents expect continued growth with around 8,000 new units built in 2008.
Average occupancy was over 80 percent in 2007, including nearly 70 percent who were either owners or exchange guests and more than 10 percent who were renters and/or marketing guests.
Florida, California and South Carolina have the most resorts representing 39 percent of all U.S. timeshare resorts. Florida continues to lead the nation with the most resorts (23 percent), the largest resorts and the greatest sales volume. California houses 9 percent of timeshare resorts in the U.S. followed by South Carolina at 7 percent. The remaining states, grouped in regions, reported the following representation of U.S. resorts: Mountain (18 percent); Northeast (11 percent); Pacific (9 percent); South Central (9 percent); and the Midwest and South Atlantic (both 8 percent).
Beach resorts are the most common primary designation of resorts (24 percent), and country/lake resorts second (16 percent). Golf (8 percent) is the most often available amenity nearby and/or onsite and other vacation experiences noted include National/State parks, spa resorts, and historic sites.
Two-bedroom units continue to represent the most common size (61 percent), followed by one-bedroom (24 percent), three bedroom or larger (9 percent), and studio units (7 percent). The average price of a timeshare interval sold was $19,216.
Ninety-nine percent of respondents are affiliated with Interval International and/or Group RCI exchange networks. Thirteen percent of respondent have a self-administered program, generally in addition to an affiliation with one of the two major exchange companies.
Resorts have added sophistication to the way owners can buy timeshare intervals. Many offer increased flexibility for owners to customize their vacation needs by offering “points” instead of just selling one week per year. Points owners can break up or extend vacation weeks, travel during various times of the year and/or stay in various unit sizes at a range of locations. About two-thirds of respondents offer intervals of the traditional weekly variety, and 56 percent offer some form of points-based product.
http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080709154/Latest/Hawaii-Timeshares-in-Demand-on-Hot-100-Timeshare-List.html
More Europeans head to UK on holiday
Saturday, July 12, 2008
More Europeans are flocking to the UK to take advantage of the weak pound, according to lastminute.com.
New figures collated from its website reveals that the favourable exchange rate means visitor numbers are up 20% year on year for the months of July, August and September.
Lastminute said it is seeing a significant double figure increase in German tourists visiting the UK since 2007. In particular, Edinburgh is proving a firm favourite with the German tourists.
French visitors to the UK have increased by nearly 10% with the airports of Cardiff, Southampton, Birmingham and Manchester all showing double digit increases in French passengers.
UK domestic holiday bookings on lastminute.com are also up by 14% year on year.
Lastminute.com UK managing director John Bevan said: “The UK’s popularity this summer is amazing. The UK appears to be the place to be for all of Europe’s nationalities.
“Traditionally an expensive destination for European tourists, the UK’s in-resort price competitiveness has improved dramatically due to the fall of the Pound against the Euro.
“This has played a major part in the UK’s increased popularity amongst European tourists.”
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/11/28168/more-europeans-head-to-uk-on-holiday.html
New figures collated from its website reveals that the favourable exchange rate means visitor numbers are up 20% year on year for the months of July, August and September.
Lastminute said it is seeing a significant double figure increase in German tourists visiting the UK since 2007. In particular, Edinburgh is proving a firm favourite with the German tourists.
French visitors to the UK have increased by nearly 10% with the airports of Cardiff, Southampton, Birmingham and Manchester all showing double digit increases in French passengers.
UK domestic holiday bookings on lastminute.com are also up by 14% year on year.
Lastminute.com UK managing director John Bevan said: “The UK’s popularity this summer is amazing. The UK appears to be the place to be for all of Europe’s nationalities.
“Traditionally an expensive destination for European tourists, the UK’s in-resort price competitiveness has improved dramatically due to the fall of the Pound against the Euro.
“This has played a major part in the UK’s increased popularity amongst European tourists.”
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/11/28168/more-europeans-head-to-uk-on-holiday.html
EC to ban bargain air fares online
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The European Commission is ready to ban airlines and other travel companies from advertising bargain fares that do not include all non-optional charges, a move that will end the era of the advertised £9.99 fare.
Members of the European Parliament approved the move yesterday following the agreement of EU member governments. All taxes, fees and charges will have to be included in fares from the end of the year.
The move will pull the rest of Europe into line with the UK, where the Office of Fair Trading has overseen a similar regulation since May last year. Travel agents’ and tour operators’ association ABTA has enforced the rule on the travel trade.
However, the OFT has allowed some airlines considerable leeway. Ryanair did not comply with the instruction to include all non-optional charges in fares until February this year.
At the same time, airlines have introduced a range of “optional” charges for items that were previously included in fares - such as charges for baggage and airport check-in - meaning passengers still find it difficult to judge the final cost of a fare from the advertised price.
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/10/28157/ec-to-ban-bargain-air-fares-online.html
Members of the European Parliament approved the move yesterday following the agreement of EU member governments. All taxes, fees and charges will have to be included in fares from the end of the year.
The move will pull the rest of Europe into line with the UK, where the Office of Fair Trading has overseen a similar regulation since May last year. Travel agents’ and tour operators’ association ABTA has enforced the rule on the travel trade.
However, the OFT has allowed some airlines considerable leeway. Ryanair did not comply with the instruction to include all non-optional charges in fares until February this year.
At the same time, airlines have introduced a range of “optional” charges for items that were previously included in fares - such as charges for baggage and airport check-in - meaning passengers still find it difficult to judge the final cost of a fare from the advertised price.
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/10/28157/ec-to-ban-bargain-air-fares-online.html
Timeshare Associaion: TATOC Conference 2008
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Embracing change was the theme of the conference and this was certainly evidenced by a new logo, a new mission statement and a new resort accreditation process (RAP) for member resorts has meant that TATOC has now announced its presence as the Timeshare Association (Timeshare Owners and Committees.)
The conference was held this year in the north of England at the Park Hotel, Stretton Nr Warrington and was very well attended by both members and industry suppliers. Dial an Exchange, ICE, Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket, RCI and II and Diamond Resorts International ® were just a few of the companies who gave of their time not only in sponsoring the conference but also their expertise and experience through networking and well attended workshops.
Marty Kandel the President of European Operations for Diamond Resorts International ® in his speech stated that “I am pleased to have been invited to address the TATOC conference which has provided DRI with a unique opportunity to underscore our presence in Europe and substantiate our commitment to exceeding best practices in the vacation ownership industry.”
With its vibrant logo and new website TATOC is opening its doors to welcome different types of membership. Not only are resort committees welcomed but now individuals can also become members even if their own resort is not a member. There will also be a new category for industry professionals and companies. Formerly, the Association primarily targeted “sold out” clubs, but now resorts who are still in the selling phase can become members.
“The increase in membership is pivotal for the future growth of the Association and for TATOC to carry out its mission statement “to safeguard and enhance the timeshare holiday experience for existing and prospective users and to be the voice of owners.” said its Chief Executive, Harry Taylor.
“We have also extended the Board of the Association bringing in experience and expertise which we need to for the Timeshare Association to achieve the full potential in the 21st century”
In the Chairman’s Statement David Eastburn was clear in his vision for the future
“Since I became Chairman I have felt the driving need to make TATOC more proactive and in particular, to remedy the public perception of timeshare as generated by a hostile and nearly always uninformed press.”
In order to address the issue of the media and also raise the profile of TATOC Jennie Thompson as director on the board of TATOC has been given the specific responsibility to deal with the media.
“Having worked within the timeshare industry for many years in a variety of professional fields I am still passionate about the industry” says Jennie. “I believe the role that TATOC has is so important, as it represents the backbone of the industry, the consumer. It is our intention to build up constructive relationships with not just fellow industry bodies but also various media representatives in order that we can all strive get the positive message across about timeshare.”
The reaction to the 2008 AGM and conference has been swift and complimentary.
“ This is where I feel TATOC comes in, bringing together all sides of the industry, large or small, person or persons, all looking to the future for a common goal on unity, fairness and transparency…”
John Woodward, Cromer Country Club
“…..both Gary and I felt that it was the best conference so far, very professional. TATOC seems to be going from strength to strength…..”
Phil Watson, Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket.
“I would like to congratulate you with an excellent TATOC conference and I was very pleased to see the positive response to the new TATOC. I am looking very much forward to continuing our excellent cooperation."
Peter Vandermark
“Best ever conference. The future looks good for consumers”.
Dennis Corbett, Sunset Bay Tenerife
“Our workshops seemed to be very well received by the people that attended. I would like to find out how we can work with TATOC going forward…………..”
Louise Knott ICE Gallery
With these positive messages and support it bodes well for the future of both the Association and the industry.
http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20080702149/Latest/Timeshare-Associaion-TATOC-Conference-2008.html
Judge Orders US Airline to Stand Trial for Crash
Thursday, July 03, 2008
British Airways Concorde comes in for landing at Boeing Field in Seattle, 5 Nov 2003
A French judge has ordered Continental Airlines and five individuals to stand trial on charges arising from the crash of an Air France Concorde that killed 113 people in 2000.
The defendants include two employees of the U.S. carrier, two employees of Aerospatiale, the company that made the supersonic Concorde, and a French aviation official. All are charged with manslaughter.
The Concorde crashed in flames shortly after takeoff from Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport on July 25, 2000, killing all 109 people on board and four on the ground.
French investigators said a strip of metal that fell off a Continental jet shredded one of the Concorde's tires as it sped down the runway toward takeoff. Debris punctured the swept-wing plane's fuel tanks, triggering a fatal fire within seconds.
Continental has pledged to fight any charges in the case, which is expected to go to trial next year. The employees named in the case are the airline's chief of maintenance and a mechanic. Also charged are two men who held senior positions in the Concorde design program for the British-French consortium Aerospatiale, which is now part of EADS aerospace group, and the former director of technical services at the French civil aviation authority (DGAC).
The crash in 2000 was a factor in the subsequent decision to remove all Concorde jets from service three years later. The first commercial passenger plane to fly faster than the speed of sound, the Concorde was flown by Air France and British Airways from 1976-2003.
http://voanews.com/english/2008-07-03-voa14.cfm
A French judge has ordered Continental Airlines and five individuals to stand trial on charges arising from the crash of an Air France Concorde that killed 113 people in 2000.
The defendants include two employees of the U.S. carrier, two employees of Aerospatiale, the company that made the supersonic Concorde, and a French aviation official. All are charged with manslaughter.
The Concorde crashed in flames shortly after takeoff from Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport on July 25, 2000, killing all 109 people on board and four on the ground.
French investigators said a strip of metal that fell off a Continental jet shredded one of the Concorde's tires as it sped down the runway toward takeoff. Debris punctured the swept-wing plane's fuel tanks, triggering a fatal fire within seconds.
Continental has pledged to fight any charges in the case, which is expected to go to trial next year. The employees named in the case are the airline's chief of maintenance and a mechanic. Also charged are two men who held senior positions in the Concorde design program for the British-French consortium Aerospatiale, which is now part of EADS aerospace group, and the former director of technical services at the French civil aviation authority (DGAC).
The crash in 2000 was a factor in the subsequent decision to remove all Concorde jets from service three years later. The first commercial passenger plane to fly faster than the speed of sound, the Concorde was flown by Air France and British Airways from 1976-2003.
http://voanews.com/english/2008-07-03-voa14.cfm
TUI Travel, Thomas Cook can weather downturn
Thursday, July 03, 2008
The mergers which created Europe's two biggest travel firms, TUI Travel Plc and Thomas Cook Group Plc, have given both groups the flexibility to cope with the consumer downturn.
The two operators together account for nearly half of the package holidays sold throughout Europe and around two-thirds of holidays sold in Britain, giving them a market dominance which is enabling them to drive through the price rises and capacity cuts necessary to maintain profit margins.
Yet their shares have been dogged by fears they are facing the sort of cyclical downturn which devastated some of their predecessors, as well as rising fuel costs and a strong euro which is making holidays in continental Europe more expensive.
Both companies' shares have fallen by over 30 percent since the enlarged groups re-listed on the London Stock Exchange last year.
That left TUI Travel trading at around 9.1 times forecast earnings for 2008, with Thomas Cook at 9.2 times, compared with a price-earnings ratio for the FTSE All Share Travel & Leisure Index of 7.9, according to Reuters data.
However, last year's deals, in which TUI Travel was created from the tie-up of TUI AG's travel division and First Choice, while Thomas Cook was formed in June following the merger of Arcandor's travel unit and MyTravel, have transformed the dynamics of the marketplace.
"The tour operating industry has gone through a radical shift whereby two major players have practically doubled their scale to dominate the pan-European landscape," said Citigroup analyst Heidy Rehman.
The trend has enabled both companies to tightly control capacity, knocking out product lines which were either unprofitable or less profitable than others.
Thomas Cook cut capacity by 9 percent for summer 2008 while TUI Travel took out 12 percent of its offering for the season. As a result, both were left with about 20 percent less holidays left to sell at the start of the summer.
With fewer holidays left to sell, the two major operators have been able to avoid the deep discounting traditionally offered on late bookings.
Average selling prices for TUI Travel's holidays have been 6 percent higher this year, while for Thomas Cook, the increase has been 5 percent.
PRICE RISES
Both companies will need to further raise prices and cut capacity ahead of summer 2009 to reduce the instances of unsold holidays, improve load factors, and support price rises for the remaining holidays being sold.
Dresdner Kleinwort analyst Tim Ramskill expects TUI Travel to cut capacity by a further 12 percent in 2009, with Thomas Cook taking out a further 5 percent.
He also reckons both groups are targeting price rises of 9 to 10 percent based on an analysis of 2009 brochures and estimates 8 percent price increases will be needed to maintain margins.
The test for TUI Travel and Thomas Cook will be whether consumers are prepared to accept such rises as household budgets are stretched.
"So far, the new business models have demonstrated their robustness. The real test is likely to be in the next financial year when weakening consumer demand will test business model flexibility," said Credit Suisse analyst Peter Hyde.
Senior executives at both groups have repeatedly emphasised the resilience of the package holiday industry.
They have argued that consumers are reluctant to sacrifice their annual holidays even when household budgets are tight and would rather cut back spending on other discretionary purchases such as eating out or taking weekend breaks.
However, during the economic downturn of the early 1990s, the number of British holidaymakers travelling abroad fell by around 2.5 percent, according to government statistics.
Many tour operators fell victim to the slowdown -- the biggest of which was International Leisure Group, which went bust having been Britain's second-biggest operator.
As well as cutting capacity, TUI Travel and Thomas Cook have the flexibility to adapt their product offering to sell fewer holidays to expensive euro-denominated countries such as Spain and Portugal and more in non-Euro countries such as Egypt and Turkey, which are rapidly growing in popularity.
The challenging nature of the market is also likely to throw up more opportunities for the "big two" to extend their domination of the market through acquisitions as smaller independent operators are squeezed out of the industry
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7627608
The two operators together account for nearly half of the package holidays sold throughout Europe and around two-thirds of holidays sold in Britain, giving them a market dominance which is enabling them to drive through the price rises and capacity cuts necessary to maintain profit margins.
Yet their shares have been dogged by fears they are facing the sort of cyclical downturn which devastated some of their predecessors, as well as rising fuel costs and a strong euro which is making holidays in continental Europe more expensive.
Both companies' shares have fallen by over 30 percent since the enlarged groups re-listed on the London Stock Exchange last year.
That left TUI Travel trading at around 9.1 times forecast earnings for 2008, with Thomas Cook at 9.2 times, compared with a price-earnings ratio for the FTSE All Share Travel & Leisure Index of 7.9, according to Reuters data.
However, last year's deals, in which TUI Travel was created from the tie-up of TUI AG's travel division and First Choice, while Thomas Cook was formed in June following the merger of Arcandor's travel unit and MyTravel, have transformed the dynamics of the marketplace.
"The tour operating industry has gone through a radical shift whereby two major players have practically doubled their scale to dominate the pan-European landscape," said Citigroup analyst Heidy Rehman.
The trend has enabled both companies to tightly control capacity, knocking out product lines which were either unprofitable or less profitable than others.
Thomas Cook cut capacity by 9 percent for summer 2008 while TUI Travel took out 12 percent of its offering for the season. As a result, both were left with about 20 percent less holidays left to sell at the start of the summer.
With fewer holidays left to sell, the two major operators have been able to avoid the deep discounting traditionally offered on late bookings.
Average selling prices for TUI Travel's holidays have been 6 percent higher this year, while for Thomas Cook, the increase has been 5 percent.
PRICE RISES
Both companies will need to further raise prices and cut capacity ahead of summer 2009 to reduce the instances of unsold holidays, improve load factors, and support price rises for the remaining holidays being sold.
Dresdner Kleinwort analyst Tim Ramskill expects TUI Travel to cut capacity by a further 12 percent in 2009, with Thomas Cook taking out a further 5 percent.
He also reckons both groups are targeting price rises of 9 to 10 percent based on an analysis of 2009 brochures and estimates 8 percent price increases will be needed to maintain margins.
The test for TUI Travel and Thomas Cook will be whether consumers are prepared to accept such rises as household budgets are stretched.
"So far, the new business models have demonstrated their robustness. The real test is likely to be in the next financial year when weakening consumer demand will test business model flexibility," said Credit Suisse analyst Peter Hyde.
Senior executives at both groups have repeatedly emphasised the resilience of the package holiday industry.
They have argued that consumers are reluctant to sacrifice their annual holidays even when household budgets are tight and would rather cut back spending on other discretionary purchases such as eating out or taking weekend breaks.
However, during the economic downturn of the early 1990s, the number of British holidaymakers travelling abroad fell by around 2.5 percent, according to government statistics.
Many tour operators fell victim to the slowdown -- the biggest of which was International Leisure Group, which went bust having been Britain's second-biggest operator.
As well as cutting capacity, TUI Travel and Thomas Cook have the flexibility to adapt their product offering to sell fewer holidays to expensive euro-denominated countries such as Spain and Portugal and more in non-Euro countries such as Egypt and Turkey, which are rapidly growing in popularity.
The challenging nature of the market is also likely to throw up more opportunities for the "big two" to extend their domination of the market through acquisitions as smaller independent operators are squeezed out of the industry
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7627608
Tips To Evade Deceptions In Timeshare
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
It is very much possible ending up in a hoax or cheat in timeshare as with any kind of investment. A fraud or a scam can prove destructive for you both economically and emotionally. It may take a while for you to pull through from its recoil.
Those of you who have previously been a prey of these tarnished rackets and scams can be aware of the pain that they have experienced and gone through. That dream holiday that you may have been planning since a long time ended up being a nightmare for you. But if you think you are the first person to have been scammed, hold on there are many other people who have been the victim of this devious behavior.
To experience many famous vacation spots, timeshares is the safest ways. How about a private expedition to the geological wonders of the world? How about that romantic escape in a beach resort? Sounds thrilling, but these are one of the marketing strategy exercised by the scammers to tempt people into thinking about buying a timeshare.
In reality this is their initial victory in setting a surprise attack for you. This does not mean that every timeshare company who uses this scheme would be a scammer. The real meaning of that is to be alert and not get hasty about it in the first go. Always think and rethink before making a judgment on buying a timeshare.
Selecting the right timeshare company is one of the important measures. As a guideline, always go with large, well recognized timeshare companies who have been in the business for ages. In this approach you’ll be familiar with their history very well and their status in the market. They are less prone to con a person than a new or a small company. This is relevant when it comes to the resale of your timeshare property.
Most of the times you can stay away from these scammers, in marketing techniques by the catchy style which easily raises red flags. It usually starts by an invitation to a timeshare presentation. They proffer you a present if you attend the presentation which may look posh, but in fact is not. Sometimes they may also notify you that you have won a gift and you can claim it by attending the free seminar.
And then if once you have attended the presentation you are a victim to their gimmick, they begin using pressure advertising methods and they won’t allow you go out except they have you sign something just like dealers selling second-hand cars, who say “we will sell you this car with this much discount, if you purchase it today”. They may say the property is only 5 minutes stroll from the coastline but in reality it possibly will turn out to be 15-20 minutes away from the beach.
At times the property might not be alike as they portrayed in their presentation taking benefit of the fact that no one would go to Florida or Carolina to observe the property themselves prior to buying it. And in several exceptional cases the property might not even exist at all. What we discover from this is to read the fine printed lines in the invitation if you receive one. By no means ever surrender to their pressure strategy and say no to sign any kind of document.
Firstly you notice that all guarantees and promises verbally made are fulfilled and a much healthier. It will be good if it is to check by a lawyer before signing any bond or documents. Do your groundwork before buying a timeshare by researching the market values in the location you are purchasing. And also inquire for contact numbers of the earlier clients. Make certain you call them and find out all you wish to know in relation to the company and their properties.
http://www.timeshare-investment.com/tips-for-timeshare/52-Tips-To-Evade-Deceptions-In-Timeshare.html
Those of you who have previously been a prey of these tarnished rackets and scams can be aware of the pain that they have experienced and gone through. That dream holiday that you may have been planning since a long time ended up being a nightmare for you. But if you think you are the first person to have been scammed, hold on there are many other people who have been the victim of this devious behavior.
To experience many famous vacation spots, timeshares is the safest ways. How about a private expedition to the geological wonders of the world? How about that romantic escape in a beach resort? Sounds thrilling, but these are one of the marketing strategy exercised by the scammers to tempt people into thinking about buying a timeshare.
In reality this is their initial victory in setting a surprise attack for you. This does not mean that every timeshare company who uses this scheme would be a scammer. The real meaning of that is to be alert and not get hasty about it in the first go. Always think and rethink before making a judgment on buying a timeshare.
Selecting the right timeshare company is one of the important measures. As a guideline, always go with large, well recognized timeshare companies who have been in the business for ages. In this approach you’ll be familiar with their history very well and their status in the market. They are less prone to con a person than a new or a small company. This is relevant when it comes to the resale of your timeshare property.
Most of the times you can stay away from these scammers, in marketing techniques by the catchy style which easily raises red flags. It usually starts by an invitation to a timeshare presentation. They proffer you a present if you attend the presentation which may look posh, but in fact is not. Sometimes they may also notify you that you have won a gift and you can claim it by attending the free seminar.
And then if once you have attended the presentation you are a victim to their gimmick, they begin using pressure advertising methods and they won’t allow you go out except they have you sign something just like dealers selling second-hand cars, who say “we will sell you this car with this much discount, if you purchase it today”. They may say the property is only 5 minutes stroll from the coastline but in reality it possibly will turn out to be 15-20 minutes away from the beach.
At times the property might not be alike as they portrayed in their presentation taking benefit of the fact that no one would go to Florida or Carolina to observe the property themselves prior to buying it. And in several exceptional cases the property might not even exist at all. What we discover from this is to read the fine printed lines in the invitation if you receive one. By no means ever surrender to their pressure strategy and say no to sign any kind of document.
Firstly you notice that all guarantees and promises verbally made are fulfilled and a much healthier. It will be good if it is to check by a lawyer before signing any bond or documents. Do your groundwork before buying a timeshare by researching the market values in the location you are purchasing. And also inquire for contact numbers of the earlier clients. Make certain you call them and find out all you wish to know in relation to the company and their properties.
http://www.timeshare-investment.com/tips-for-timeshare/52-Tips-To-Evade-Deceptions-In-Timeshare.html
Cruise Lines announces further supplement hike
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is increasing its fuel supplement for cruises booked in its new 2009/2010 first-edition brochure from tomorrow.
The new charge is £4 per person per night for the first two passengers in a cabin, up to a maximum of £80 per cruise, and £2 per person per night for third and fourth passengers in the cabin, up to a maximum of £40 per person per cruise. It applies to all new bookings made from July 1 and is up from £3.50 per passenger.
This applies to all cruises featured in the cruiseline's Worldwide 2009/2010 first-edition brochure, with the exception of cruises that also feature in the 2008/2009 third-edition brochure, which have maintained a £5 per person per night supplement, announced last month.
Cruises in the 2008/2009 third-edition brochure, for bookings up until April 16 next year, maintain a higher £5 charge compared to £4 for 2009/2010 cruises as a result of calculating the cost of fuel in a different way, said a spokeswoman.
At the launch of the new 2009/2010 brochure marketing director Nigel Lingard said the whole industry was challenged by "fuel prices that are exponentially growing". Fuel costs have continued to increase - the cost of oil currently stands at US $142 a barrel.
This is the fourth change announced on fuel by the cruiseline. It introduced a £2.50 supplement in December last year across all cruises. This was then increased to £3.50 on May 1, and for 2008/2008 third-edition brochure cruises it was increased to £5 on June 10.
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/06/30/28046/fred-olsen-cruise-lines-announces-further-fuel-supplement.html
The new charge is £4 per person per night for the first two passengers in a cabin, up to a maximum of £80 per cruise, and £2 per person per night for third and fourth passengers in the cabin, up to a maximum of £40 per person per cruise. It applies to all new bookings made from July 1 and is up from £3.50 per passenger.
This applies to all cruises featured in the cruiseline's Worldwide 2009/2010 first-edition brochure, with the exception of cruises that also feature in the 2008/2009 third-edition brochure, which have maintained a £5 per person per night supplement, announced last month.
Cruises in the 2008/2009 third-edition brochure, for bookings up until April 16 next year, maintain a higher £5 charge compared to £4 for 2009/2010 cruises as a result of calculating the cost of fuel in a different way, said a spokeswoman.
At the launch of the new 2009/2010 brochure marketing director Nigel Lingard said the whole industry was challenged by "fuel prices that are exponentially growing". Fuel costs have continued to increase - the cost of oil currently stands at US $142 a barrel.
This is the fourth change announced on fuel by the cruiseline. It introduced a £2.50 supplement in December last year across all cruises. This was then increased to £3.50 on May 1, and for 2008/2008 third-edition brochure cruises it was increased to £5 on June 10.
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/06/30/28046/fred-olsen-cruise-lines-announces-further-fuel-supplement.html
Package holidays down because of holiday homes
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The traditional package holiday is seeing a downturn because of the growth of people investing holiday homes, says a new report.
The survey commissioned by Foreign Currency Direct studied the intentions of Britons investing in property abroad and found those with holiday homes overseas are taking more business away from the traditional package holiday.
It revealed that overseas homeowners visit their property on average five times per year, 1% of people visit between one and 10 times per year, 8% visit once per month and 20% allow friends and family to use their property free of charge. A further 17% rent out their property for a fee.
The report suggests that the growing number of holiday homes owned by Brits abroad is stealing the march from package holidays, already hit in recent years by low cost air travel and internet bookings. The report suggesting that holidaymakers are looking for a 'home from home' holiday for their annual break.
Foreign Currency Direct chief executive Peter S Ellis, said: "We're increasingly money-rich, time-poor, so there has been significant growth in demand for short breaks rather than 7/14 holidays - which is perfectly suited for those with or using holiday homes - as opposed to package holidays."
Research was undertaken online by YouGov amongst a representative sample of 2,000 people in April 2008.
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/01/28049/package-market-in-downturn-because-of-holiday-homes.html
The survey commissioned by Foreign Currency Direct studied the intentions of Britons investing in property abroad and found those with holiday homes overseas are taking more business away from the traditional package holiday.
It revealed that overseas homeowners visit their property on average five times per year, 1% of people visit between one and 10 times per year, 8% visit once per month and 20% allow friends and family to use their property free of charge. A further 17% rent out their property for a fee.
The report suggests that the growing number of holiday homes owned by Brits abroad is stealing the march from package holidays, already hit in recent years by low cost air travel and internet bookings. The report suggesting that holidaymakers are looking for a 'home from home' holiday for their annual break.
Foreign Currency Direct chief executive Peter S Ellis, said: "We're increasingly money-rich, time-poor, so there has been significant growth in demand for short breaks rather than 7/14 holidays - which is perfectly suited for those with or using holiday homes - as opposed to package holidays."
Research was undertaken online by YouGov amongst a representative sample of 2,000 people in April 2008.
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2008/07/01/28049/package-market-in-downturn-because-of-holiday-homes.html
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