Interval International, a subsidiary of Interval Leisure Group, unveiled this week the addition of the Gardenia Resort, located in the town of Hurghada on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, to its vacation exchange network. The timeshare resort, which is scheduled to open in 2011, will be located between the Red Sea’s sand beaches and a popular hub of Hurghada nightlife.

Though Hurghada was a small fishing village not one decade ago, it has quickly become one of the most popular beach settings on the Red Sea. Receptive to an array of tourists, the local airport now serves about 60 cities across Europe and the Middle East. While snorkelers and divers may enjoy the town’s famous offshore reefs, many other tourists enjoy sailing, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing or surveying the area’s exotic flora and fauna at the Marine Biology Museum. "Today, we’re seeing that Egypt in general and the Red Sea in particular are proving more and more popular as year-round destinations," said Darren Ettridge, Interval International’s vice president of resort sales and services for the Middle East. "With the addition of this notable resort to our network, Interval will be better able to cater to the increased demand."

Membership with Interval International gives timeshare owners the option to use their vacation intervals at any affiliated timeshare resort around the world. As many American consumers buy timeshares closer to home, vacation exchange networks allow them to stay at timeshares in Hawaii, Malaysia or Egypt for a small additional fee. RCI, another major player in vacation interval swaps among timeshare owners, provides a second network of affiliations from which vacationers may choose their ideal destination.

The annual American Resort Development Association (ARDA) conference will be held this week in Washington DC, drawing attention from executives, developers and consumers throughout the timeshare industry. ARDA is a trade association for the resort and vacation ownership industry. Based in the nation’s capital, the organization was established in 1969 to engage local, state and national governments in discussion of regulatory issues that may foster growth and enhance consumer confidence in vacation ownership. Today, the group includes more than 1,000 corporate members that are experienced in shared ownership interests and leisure real estate. The fall conference offers educational and networking opportunities to an array of timeshare industry professionals. This year, the Examiner reports, ARDA celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Offering services to timeshare owners, ARDA plays a large role in consumer advocacy through the Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC), which lobbies government officials on legislation that may enhance the vacation experience for timeshare owners. As recently as July 2009, the organization’s promotion of a bill before the Florida House of Representatives spared timeshare owners in the state from paying taxes on timeshare exchange transactions. "For 40 years, ARDA has worked with federal and state government officials in support of legislation to protect consumers. The value of our industry rests in the continued trust of our owners and members," ARDA’s CEO Howard Nusbaum told the Real Estate Channel.

Most notably, ARDA’s fall conference will provide a forum for timeshare exchange company Interval International to present the findings of its recent report, Future Timeshare Buyers: 2009 Market Profile. According to the report, a total of 2.3 million households say they are interested in purchasing some form of vacation ownership during the next two years.

The Disney Vacation Club recently held its annual condominium association meeting where it was announced that two Disney timeshares are getting an upgrade. The Old Key West Disney timeshare is scheduled for a full makeover with all new refurnishing and Disney’s Saratoga Spring is upgrading one of it’s pool into an aquatic wonderland.

The Paddock area pool at Saratoga Springs Disney timeshare is going to be completely renovated and transformed from a leisure pool into a feature pool. The new Saratoga Spring pool will include a zero-entry 3,300 sq. ft. pool that will be about three times larger than the current pool with a 146-ft. water slide, as well as a hot tub and a bigger deck with more chairs to relax and soak up the sun. These plans also include a 1,200 sq. ft. children’s interactive aquatic playground that will keep the kids entertained for hours and a quick service poolside restaurant that will serve burgers, fries, and drinks.

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is one of the most popular Disney timeshares of the Disney Vacation Club. This Orlando timeshare is an equestrian-themed lakeside country retreat that reflects the charm of the New York town of Saratoga Springs on 65 acres of lush landscaping. The Paddock pool is one of the four pools at Saratoga Springs and will soon offer a great alternative to the High Rock Springs feature pool.

The guest rooms and timeshare villas of Disney’s Old Key West Resort are scheduled for a major renovation that will bring forth a luxurious setting full of style and elegance. The timeshare villas will receive in addition to the renovations, twin-size sleeper chairs in the living room that will be able to accommodate an extra guest.

This project will include substantial upgrades including fresh coats of paint, new carpets, refinished wood floors, new blinds and drapes, and new upholstery for the sofa and love seat. The fully-equipped kitchen will be receiving granite countertops and new cabinet hardware. Even refurnishing will be replaced, which will include new ceiling fans and new lamps in bedrooms and living room, as well as brand new flat screen televisions.

The Old Key West Disney timeshare offers a sun-soaked hideaway that emulates the whimsical charm of the Florida Keys. This resort bring forth a tropical Key West atmosphere full of vibrant colorful landscaping, shimming waterways, and bungalow styled villas.

All Disney timeshare renovations are scheduled to begin in Spring of 2010.

The Marriott Vacation Club recently held its grand opening of their newest timeshare property in Rivera Beach on January 15th of 2010. The 19-story Marriott Oceana Palms resort is Marriott’s 50th timeshare resort and it’s located on Singer Island, just steps away from the ocean on Florida’s gold coast.

The Marriott Oceana Palms timeshare resort is the second timeshare property on Singer Island and the 12th timeshare resort in Florida. Marriott is expecting to open another Florida timeshare, The Marriott’s Lakeshore Reverse, in Orlando sometime during this year.

The opening of this new Marriott timeshare could provide a tourist boost in Rivera Beach and to the county of Palm Beach. The president and chief executive of the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jorge Pesquera, said, “This is a renaissance of Singer Island. It adds another option to the Rivera Beach/Singer Island corridor, which used to be very significant for tourism.”

The first phase of the timeshare resort is called the Palm Beaches and features a 19-story tower with 91 villas, 75 of which are now available. The timeshare villas offer over 1,100 square feet of space with a fully-equipped kitchen and all the luxuries of home, as well as spectacular ocean views.

The Marriott Oceana Palms resort amenities include a full-service restaurant, a fitness center, a spa, and even a climbing wall for the kids. The resort also offers a zero-entry pool with a waterslide and a children’s Splash Zone that will keep the kids entertained for hours.

Marriott is currently planning the second phase, which will be another 19-story tower that will bring the total number of units to 169.

Even though timeshare sales are struggling, Marriott is very hopeful. “We felt the demand was there, and this beachfront location was a great opportunity,” said James Woelbern, director of public relations for Marriott Vacation Club, which is based in Orlando.

Woelbern won’t disclosure any numbers, however he said that the interest in this new timeshare resort is already strong and said its “exceeding our expectations.” He also said that the other Marriott timeshare resort on Singer Island, Ocean Pointe, timeshare units “have been sold out” for several years.

The Marriott Oceana Palms had more than 55% of their rooms booked for the grand opening and the resort is expecting to have over 80% capacity in just one week after opening their doors.

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts has recently announced the name of their newest resort development in Hawaii- Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai’i. In addition to naming their Hawaii timeshare, Disney has also released a new website, www.DisneyAulani.com, to offer an inside peek to their highly anticipated first stand-alone family destination resort that is currently under construction on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu.

Disney wanted the name of the resort to capture the essences of the rich history and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. “We want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling – and its roots are here in this land,” said Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President, Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re so grateful to the local Hawaiians who led us to the discovery of this name, and our goal is to live up to its meaning.”

Joe Rohde also shared that the meaning of the word Aulani translated from the Hawaiian language to English means, “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.”

The new Disney timeshare will be situated on 21 acres of oceanfront property in the Ko Olina Resort & marina development. The resort is planning on having 360 guest rooms and 481 two-bedroom equivlant Disney timeshare villas.

Just like other Disney timeshares, this resort will offer incredible amenities for the whole family, from incredible restaurants to unique activities for the kids. The resort will include pools and hot tubs that will face the sunset, a lagoon to snorkel, and a river suitable for a tube floating that will run through a specially creating volcano outcropping, as well as a variety of kid’s club programs.

The Disney timeshare resort also plans to have an 18,000 square-foot luxurious spa, two restaurants, a 14,545 square-foot conference center, and a 48,685 square-foot for outdoor venues, which will be perfect for weddings.

“We are looking forward to welcoming guests to Aulani to share the fun, immersive family vacation experiences Disney is known for combined with the beauty and culture of Hawaii,” said Djuan Rivers, Vice President, Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawaii.“We are turning to the Hawaiian culture for inspiration in everything we are doing at Aulani, and we hope our guests will not only enjoy the Disney experience, but will also embrace the unique culture of Hawaii and its diverse people.”

The Palm Beach Post has recently reported that Attorney General Bill McCollum has filed a lawsuit against a Palm Beach Gardens based company due to alleging deceptive trade practices involving the business of timeshare resales. The lawsuit was filed on January 19th of 2010 in the Palm Beach County Court.

American Marketing Group LLC targeted timeshare owners by using telemarketers to entice them, telling them that they have a buyer that is very interested in buying their timeshare property. The company then requested from the timeshare owner a hefty upfront fee for the title and deed transfer. The company also promised the timeshare owner that their timeshare will be sold within 120 days, and if the timeshare was not sold within the 120 days, they would guarantee a full refund of the entire upfront fee.

However, the contracts the company provided were completely different from what timeshare owners agreed to over the phone. The contracts never said anything about providing a refund. The company telemarketers made false promises over the phone, just to get the upfront fee from the timeshare owner.

When the 120 days expired, no refunds were provided and customers started to get anger. Then in November of 2009 the Attorney General’s Economic Crimes Division in West Palm Beach began an investigation into the company due to the numerous complaints.

According to spokeswomen, Sandi Copes, the Attorney General’s Office received about 80 complaints concerning the deceptive trade practices involving this company. The Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida has received 107 complaints from this company that has an “F” rating with them.

The lawsuit is brought against the company and its owner William Biossat. The lawsuit seeks to have a permanent injunction on the company to prohibit them from engaging in any type of timeshare resale business in the state of Florida or out of the state involving Florida businesses and residents. The lawsuit also requests a full restitution to all their victims, as well as civil penalties and reimbursement for the costs and fees of the investigation.

A new survey from AAA, a travel and auto group, indicates that more people will travel this Memorial Day weekend than last year at the same time.

According to Reuters, the company predicts some 32.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home during the three-day weekend, up from 31.9 million last year.

This represents an increase of 1.5 percent, and the company attributes the rise to lower gasoline prices and good bargains on lodging and other travel deals.

American travelers' responsiveness to great value packages is also good news for the timeshare industry.

Vacation ownership is traditionally one of the best value travel options because it offers many years of vacations at top-quality resorts at today's prices. In addition to that, owners can enjoy home-like amenities and spacious interiors that allow them to invite friends or extended family.

Experts have said this is the reason why timeshares have weathered the economic storm better than many other sectors of the economy, and they project vacation ownership may help pull the tourism industry out of the recession.

With the faltering economy and tight budgets, it is easy to think about forgoing or delaying a vacation. However, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) stresses vacations are a necessity, not a luxury.

ARDA has written about the so called Guilty Vacation Syndrome (GVS), and how the organization's efforts are making people more aware of the need to take a break and rejuvenate, even when the economy is bad.

"People with 'Guilty Vacation Syndrome' must put their health first," says Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO.

"There has been substantial research affirming the physical and mental benefits of taking time to get away and recharge. And in stressful times like these, it's even more important," he adds.

If the guilty feeling stems from the tighter budget this year, timeshare vacations may be a good option.

By purchasing vacation ownership, the buyer locks in the price of many years of vacation at a top quality resort at today's price.

In addition to that, timeshares offer a range of other benefits – such as home-like amenities, including a kitchen where family meals can be prepared – that deliver further vacation savings.

The Walt Disney Company has purchased 15 acres at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and plans to build a resort there.

The National Harbor hotel would have 500 rooms, and be part of the $4 billion, 300-acre mixed-use project already developed in Prince George's County, according to Gazette.net, an online Maryland community newspaper.

"National Harbor offers an array of entertaining activities for regional visitors, but it is also a family-friendly base camp, from which visitors can explore the stirring sights and inspirational stories of our nation's capital," says Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, quoted by the news source.

"We believe National Harbor has the unique opportunity to offer a new level of family-friendly hospitality," he adds.

Meanwhile, Walt Disney's timeshare arm known as the Disney Vacation Club has several developments in the pipeline.

They include a resort with 350 hotel rooms, 480 timeshare units, an 18,000-square-foot spa and an 8,000-square-foot conference center which is currently under construction in Hawaii and is expected to open in October 2011.

As 2009 rolls on, front office executives in the timeshare industry continue to express delight with high occupancy rates and consumer approval ratings. Industry officials ranging from vacation club CEOs to Howard Nusbaum, president of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), are indicating that the performance of vacation ownership markets has far surpassed expectations for the fiscal year. Nusbaum told Hotels Magazine reporters that the timeshare sector is better equipped than most to endure an economic downturn. He added, "With our industry’s emphasis on new efficiencies and improvements to our business model, we will come through the current downturn and be ready to meet the expectations of customers."

Research on timeshare payments for the second quarter of 2009 shows that 90 percent of timeshare owners were current on monthly payments, constituting a modest increase over the preceding quarter. Further data compiled by Smith Travel Research shows that the use of exchange programs which give timeshare owners the ability to swap resort intervals for a new timeshare location has remained strong, according to Hotels Magazine. This data, paired with an 80 percent occupancy rate among timeshare units and an 86 percent product approval rate in 2009 demonstrate that owners continue to be satisfied with their timeshare purchases. By comparison, hotels have reported only 60 percent occupancy rate over the same interval.

These statistics have raised spirits among the timeshare developers and owners. James M. Lewis, president of the Disney Vacation Club told the news source, "At Disney, we have confidence in vacation ownership. In fact, we’re enlarging our footprint outside of the Orlando area by the opening of our newest resort in California and developing one in Hawaii."

Some timeshare providers are responding to low real-estate prices and changes in market demand by providing timeshare owners and prospective buyers with more options for shared ownership vacation intervals. Consequently, leaders in the timeshare industry are seeing a myriad of opportunities for business growth and new development.

These opportunities have lead JPMorgan analysts to choose Wyndham Worldwide Corp., a worldwide leader in timeshare sales, as a top stock pick for the 52nd consecutive week. The financial advisors selected Wyndham because of its appealing price, solid balance sheet and improving cash flow, Forbes reports. One analyst, Joeseph Greff, predicted that the stock, which hit a year high price at $16.64 on Wednesday, will grow to $21 imminently. Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Wyndham will convert wholesale ownership projects across the country into timeshares as part of its expansion project. Patrick Scholes, an equity research analyst at FBR Capital Markets & Co. told the news source, "Converting a whole ownership project into a timeshare project allows the whole pizza pie to be broken up into affordable slices."

Meanwhile, Vacation exchange company, RCI is experiencing parallel expansion, reporting a growth in resort affiliations in 2009 in areas suggested by the U.S. Travel Agency. A representative from the company explained that the economic downturn creates a situation in which hotels are glad to designate rooms for timeshare ownership because the arrangement will guarantee them money and leave them with fewer rooms to rent out. The shared ownership arrangement further ensures that since timeshare owners have already purchased their long-term vacation accommodations, they are very likely to travel in spite of the economy.

Travel columnist John de Graaf has asked vacationers to begin considering their hard work and productivity in the office as offering the opportunity for leisure time and relaxation in addition to purely monetary gain. His two-part argument claims that entitlement to vacation time is based on the merit Americans gain by spending long hours at work, and that a pattern of holiday breaks produces a catalog of health benefits.

"People are being asked to do more at work, learn new technologies and respond to them more immediately," says Dr Sarah Speck, a heart specialist and director of the Center for Cardiovascular Wellness in Seattle. She adds that the pressure to perform at work has resulted in less time for relaxation, a reduction in quality time with family members and a lack of balance in one’s life. "In cardiology, what we know now is that stress is as important a risk factor for developing heart attacks and stroke has having uncontrolled blood pressure or being medically obese."

Furthermore, a poll of 500 voters in Washington State demonstrated that 87 percent of respondents believe vacations help prevent health problems and exhaustion, a total of 57 percent say they increase worker productivity and 55 percent agree they lead to lower healthcare one word costs. Howard Nusbaum, president of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) has noted the ways in which buying a timeshare interval may help Americans manage their vacation time and produce significant health benefits. "It’s proven that taking two weeks, or whatever you can, to break away from the daily grind will go a long way in promoting both physical and mental health," he commented.

The vast stretch of beaches along the South Carolina coast, known as the Grand Strand, will appear rejuvenated when families who own timeshares in Myrtle Beach return for their scheduled vacations. Last month, the Robert Edge Parkway dedication ceremony unveiled a completed Main Street Connector which offers a pristine view of the seascape and a newly minted gateway that greets travelers arriving to North Myrtle Beach, according to the Myrtle Beach Sun News. Furthermore, Horry County leaders say that renovating popular shopping areas and stretches of local highway will bring safety, charm and ease of travel to timeshare owners into a region already distinguished by its peaceful allure.

Construction has already begun on a new leg of S.C. route 31, which will connect routes 544 and 707. Local officials told the news source that the Myrtle Beach area has depended on its transportation systems for commerce and safety, and insisted that the new construction will make travel easier for tourists while creating a more united and aesthetically pleasing picture of the Grand Strand, a destination recommended by the American Society of Travel Agents. Aside from accentuating the area’s picturesque qualities and reducing the stresses of traffic, the new roads provide a direct course inland, should a hurricane hit the coast.

Meanwhile, tourists returning next year will notice a new mile-long boardwalk which will stretch along the Atlantic coast and transform the look of the area’s popular beachfront shops. The construction of the new attraction began on Tuesday and will likely be completed by winter’s end. The comprehensive revitalization efforts should bring more visitors to the area, which, despite the recession, did not experience tourism losses over the summer. One campground director, Barb Krumm, told The State Newspaper, "Our July [occupancy] numbers were the highest ever."

A survey of 2,200 travelers by Yahoo! Travel and National Geographic Traveler ranked Myrtle Beach the second most popular U.S. beach with visitors. Those drawn to the sun and excitement of Myrtle Beach may wish to shop for timeshares on the resale market at Timeshares Only.

Last week, property owner Robert Fleeting held a meeting to discuss plans to redevelop the Coral Reef Hotel timeshare units in St. Petersburg, Florida. The developer described a proposal which would cost $60 million and produce a 248-unit, 12-story twin-tower hotel, the St. Petersburg Times reports. Fleeting initially drew up the refurbishment plans two years ago, when city development concerns terminated the project. However, since the city enacted new voter- and state-approved land development regulations, the property owner is poised to restart development of the coastal site, which measures 4.28 acres. Fleeting estimates that construction will begin within 10 months, during which he will gain financing, secure city approvals and win participation from a major hotel to operate the facility after it is rebuilt.

The Coral Reef Hotel was originally built in 1963, but closed in 2004 when Fleeting, a Scotland native, purchased the property and announced plans to tear down and rebuild the structure. The new building will feature 1,000-square-foot-units which include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen. Two other resort timeshare buildings will be adjacent to the new structure.

The development announcement adds to fruitful year for timeshare owners in Florida. In the spring, the Florida House of Representatives passed a tax-related bill which gave relief to avid vacationers in the state. The bill, HB 61, ensures that timeshare owners will not pay taxes on timeshare exchange transactions, and allows timeshare developers to offer debt-cancellation products. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) had been advocating for the proposition which would secure the interests of Florida timeshare owners. Florida became the third state to pass legislation of this kind, making it an attractive market for those interested in buying a timeshare.

Group RCI, a company that facilitates vacation exchanges through its network of associated resorts, has 388 affiliates in Florida alone, including 90 Orlando Timeshares. To shop these timeshares on the resale market visit Timeshares Only.

While American consumers continue to think of innovative ways to make their dollars last, experts in the vacation industry have noted how the timeshare resale market provides a high value for families sticking to vacation budgets. An unknown enterprise to many travelers, timeshare resales allow buyers to save money by sharing ownership of a vacation home with other users and by granting access to a secondary market which typically features lower prices.

According to Geoff Klein, a timeshare industry marketing director, timeshare resales typically sell for 60 percent to 80 percent below retail prices. The expert also notes that in the secondary market, buyers are not exposed to the high-pressure promotions or presentations; rather, the majority of vacation intervals can be purchased online. According to Klein, "Many buyers stated that if it hadn’t been for the low resale prices and extra amenities that a timeshare provides, such as kitchens and a larger living space, they wouldn’t have been able to vacation as much as a family."

In interviews with timeshare owners, the marketing director asked consumers to expound upon their vacations and compare their timeshare accommodations with hotels. He concluded that "owners were quite enthusiastic about their experiences, and especially about the price point that timeshare resales provide." Correspondingly, studies conducted by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) demonstrated that about 85 percent of the 4.3 million U.S. timeshare owners are satisfied with their purchase. In fact, according to Klein, repeat buyers account for 25 percent of sales in the timeshare industry.

According to Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA, "The steady, impressive growth in the timeshare sector is a direct indication of strong consumer satisfaction and demand, underscoring that vacation ownership is fast becoming the preferred travel choice of today and in the future." To shop timeshares on the resale market, visit Timeshares Only.

Package offers guests $500 in savings for four or more nights at flagship Orlando resort

Holiday Inn Club Vacations, the timeshare brand created as a strategic alliance between IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world’s largest hotel group, and timeshare industry leader Orange Lake Resorts, is offering a special “One-Year Anniversary” vacation package at the brand’s flagship resort in Orlando, Fla., with an average savings of $500 for a four-night stay.

In honor of one year in operation with the Holiday Inn family of brands, guests are invited to experience a resort-style vacation that’s perfect for families of all sizes. The package includes:

two-bedroom villa with full kitchen and dining area for the price of a one-bedroom villa

$250 resort credit, which can be applied to a host of amenities onsite, including restaurants, miniature golf, The Hippo waterslide, lazy river tube rental, championship golf courses and more

waived resort fees

The special One-Year Anniversary package provides an incredible value for families looking to enjoy a resort-style vacation. All six Holiday Inn Club Vacations resorts provide more room for families to spread out and relax in spacious studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites and villas with full kitchen and dining areas. The resorts encompass a wide variety of on-site amenities and activities including pools, golf, tennis, skiing, shopping, restaurants and more, offering fun for every member of the family.

The brand’s flagship property in Orlando, located next to Walt Disney World Resort, was established in 1982 by Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson. Other resort locations include Lake Geneva, Wis., Panama City, Fla., Brownsville, Vt., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Gatlinburg, Tenn.

A new female mayor and more luxury timeshare resorts complete with first class facilities are just part of the move towards a new six star Costa del Sol - ours and Mr. Cowell's to enjoy all year round.

As Britain freezes, Spain’s St. Tropez still hogs the top spot as Europe’s winter sun getaway. But it’s not just the sun that makes Marbella an all-time timeshare favourite. . . The sun may be the star of the show, but there’s more to Marbella than the sand and sangria cliché. Fiona Klonarides writes about our love affair with the Spanish village that could.

Marbella’s Cinderella story goes something like this: once upon a time, about fifty years ago, a small fishing village transformed itself into one of the sunniest, most sophisticated seaside towns in Europe. (And everyone who visited holidayed happily ever after . . .)

Blessed with better weather than the rest of Europe, and, as the saying goes, with something for everyone, it's hard to think of another Mediterranean destination that ticks so many boxes. Marbella lovers are seduced by its mix of simple, sophisticated and Spanish: dip your toes into the warm sand and tuck into a plate of fried fish at a child-friendly café, or splash out on late-night sushi and cocktails by the bar while you play spot-the-celebrity.

The next morning, it’s a double café con leche on the terrace – in your T-shirt. The sun may be the star of the show, but there’s more to Marbella than the sand and sangria cliché. With more golf courses per head than anywhere else in the world, it’s a putter’s paradise, and with two marinas – Marbella and Puerto Banus – close by, it’s a natural mecca for the haves and have-yachts.

Sports, shopping, history, enchanting villages. . . it has it all. And if that’s not enough, there’s tax-friendly Gibraltar and mystical Morocco "next door". For an eagle eye view of billionaire villas and their deep blue pools, hike up Marbella's famous La Concha Mountain – or see the coast from a hop-on, hop-off catamaran as you head from Marbella to Puerto Banus for lunch at Picasso’s where Ferrari owners and families mingle over thin-crust pizza.

Just behind are the shops, and close by is El Corte Ingles, packed with glossy leather bags, good food and designer dresses, an emporium of Spanish style. At dusk, there’s nowhere more magical than “Orange Square” (Plaza de los Naranjos) Marbella’s 15th century original old town. Candle-lit restaurant windows beckon along cobbled streets lined with boutiques and galleries which are a joy to get lost in.

Dinner might be tapas . . . or Swedish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai or Indian? Then a late-night pit-stop for hot chocolate and churros (deep fried doughnuts) by the main square as the bells of St. Mary’s Church chime midnight.

Perhaps we love Marbella because she’s whatever we want her to be: stylish, uncomplicated, historic, contemporary, fast, slow, sophisticated, easy-going. A buzzing jet-set destination or a sunny, beachy breathing space worlds away from old Blighty’s grey skies? So when the temperature is 12 degrees but 21 degrees sounds better, Marbella calls.

For us, Marbella’s a short hop away, a sunny playground open 365 days a year. For Marbella, a new female mayor and more luxury timeshare resorts complete with first class facilities are just part of the move towards a new "six star Costa del Sol" - ours and Mr. Cowell's to enjoy all year round.

Holiday Systems International Responds to the Economy with Consistent Growth

Throughout the dark days of the recession and this country’s recent efforts toward a slow recovery, Craig Morganson, founder and CEO of Holiday Systems International (HSI), along with his dedicated staff, have proven that one company can play a significant role in stimulating the economy, both nationally and internationally. Through the innovative leadership and global thinking of Mr. Morganson, HSI has exhibited bright and steady signs of economic health and optimism, and has become not only a leader in the Vacation Ownership service industry and travel services industry, but a catalyst for economic recovery.

As a result of sensible product & service development, HSI has been able to continue its steady but controlled growth, while Las Vegas, Nevada otherwise experiences the highest unemployment rate in the nation. In the midst of cautionary spending, the multitude of satisfied HSI customers continues to grow while they continue to enjoy the guaranteed best rates on Hotels, Cruises, Tour Packages, Sports Travel and Resort Lodging. HSI customer loyalty is at an all-time high due to a proven business model and the tremendous need for the savings offered by HSI.

When asked about HSI’s continued success, Mr. Morganson replied:

“The nation is experiencing the worst economy of my lifetime. Growing a company, any company, in this economic climate takes clear direction and extreme dedication to the principles that have made one successful. For HSI, that success has come in part from state-of-the-art technology, products with real value to the end user, a true commitment to our business partners and a continued focus on customer service. While other companies are simply hoping the economy improves, HSI’s approach is to offer the products and services that are most needed DURING this economy.”

The feedback received from HSI’s business partners demonstrates that HSI’s success is in fact translating into success for their businesses as well. During these economic times, many of HSI’s partners are seeing fewer and fewer customers. Consequently, it is more important than ever to operate with higher efficiency. As a result of the availability and utilization of HSI’s products and services, those partners are reporting as much as 26% higher efficiency over last year, in spite of the sluggish economy. This is a clear demonstration that the effectiveness of HSI’s products and services modifications are in sync with the needs of today’s economic climate.

About Holiday Systems International

Holiday Systems International (HSI) was founded in 1993 by still President and CEO, Craig Morganson. Mr. Morganson is a long-time Trustee Member of ARDA and is a leader in the Vacation Ownership industry. HSI provides cutting-edge technology, high-end exclusive products and has a 16-year history of delivering the industry’s best customer service.

For the 26 investors in Gavin McClurg's business, dividends include swimming alongside humpback whales in Polynesia, surfing 19-foot waves off the coast of Indonesia and paragliding in Palau. McClurg, 37, is the founder and chief executive of Offshore Odysseys, a five-year-long, around-the-world surfing, diving and photography expedition aboard a 57-foot, $1.2 million catamaran named Discovery.

This is no charter boat; it's a floating time-share resort. Each share (plus variable expenses) entitles an owner to one annual 10- or 14-day cruise and a piece of the boat. This month's destination: the Mergui Archipelago near Burma, a remote area for kiteboarding (that is, balancing on a fiberglass board and steering a kite that rips the rider across the water at 30mph). In addition to arranging the trips and navigating the boat, McClurg handles all repairs, catches lobster for dinner and, if necessary, wrangles with inhospitable local officials. The Discovery hosts up to six guests and runs trips 198 days a year; McClurg uses downtime for maintenance and sailing to the next spot.

It's good work if you can get it--even better if you don't have much startup capital. "I'm not good at raising money or selling anything," says McClurg. "But people were falling over themselves. They thought: 'I need to do this. My life's going by.'"

McClurg grew up in Lake Tahoe, Calif., where his father developed real estate and his mom ran trips for corporations. He spent a year as a backup on the U.S. Ski Team before getting sidelined with a torn ACL in his left knee at 17. A few years later his father bought a 52-foot Ron Holland sailboat named Saoirse (Gaelic for "freedom"). On one of their first offshore voyages, from Vancouver to Santa Barbara, Calif., they met 75mph winds and capsized. "When we made land, I checked into a hotel for two days and slept," says McClurg. "That's when I fell in love with sailing."

After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder, McClurg floated from job to job, including stints as a commercial salmon fisherman in Alaska, a wilderness firefighter in Oregon and an Outward Bound instructor in the Pacific Northwest. In 1999 McClurg bought his father's boat for $250,000 (Dad loaned 80%) and left for the South Pacific two years later. He spent the next five running charters in spots like Polynesia, New Zealand and off the coast of Sumatra. When he'd get low on cash, he'd return to the U.S. to bartend and fight fires. Burned out and tired of being broke, McClurg sold the boat, paid off the loan and headed back to the States. "I knew I wanted to keep sailing, but I didn't want to sell charters every week," he says.

A larger, more seaworthy vessel would require serious cash. That's where the time-share model comes in. There are 615 shares. Investors ponied up $20,000 or $30,000 per share, and five own more than one. Bruce Marks, a retired anesthesiologist from Perth, Australia, has eight, and Scott Wisenbaker, an ex-vice president at Goldman Sachs ( GS - news - people ), has six. Shareholders also pay an annual $4,100 or $5,730 per share to cover operating expenses, and another $45 per day for food and beverages. That adds up to about $250,000 in annual fees. Of that, $135,000 is split among McClurg, a chef and a first mate (who during year one was McClurg's girlfriend, Jody MacDonald); $85,000 covers maintenance; and $12,000 goes toward insurance.

McClurg fills out the guest schedule according to each owner's first, second and third travel-date preferences. If a cabin isn't reserved, McClurg will sell it as a charter for $6,000 or $7,900 per trip. (He's booked through the end of 2010.) McClurg pockets $59,000 in salary as Discovery's captain; he and MacDonald--the company's cocreator and creative director--together earn an additional $18,000 for administering the business. He hopes to sell the boat after 2011 for $750,000, which would make his 15% stake worth $112,500. He'll get another $37,500, per the time-share contract, for completing the five-year expedition. With virtually no personal expenses, at the end of the voyage McClurg hopes to have netted roughly $500,000 after taxes. "We're not tycoons, but it's a nice lifestyle," he says. "We've got only two years left, and I don't want it to end."

When he had sold just 30% of the total shares, McClurg struck an endorsement deal with Pure Action Sports Worldwide, maker of Best kiteboarding gear. Pure Action Chief Executive Ian Huschle agreed to provide kites, lines, harnesses, boards and a cash contribution in exchange for lead sponsorship of Discovery's expedition, which McClurg named "Best Odyssey." McClurg also agreed to give Huschle promotional footage from the trip. "If we were to collect that on an annual basis it would cost us far in excess of what it costs for the sponsorship," says Huschle. McClurg later lined up 17 other sponsors, including gin paragliders, Aviso surfboards and Teva sandals. They are all paying in kind.

It wasn't all smooth sailing. While McClurg and MacDonald trawled for investors, they rented a room in a friend's house for $250 a month and shared a bicycle and borrowed cars to get around. McClurg couldn't afford to pay a lawyer to draft contracts, so he tweaked a Learjet lease contract he had found on the Web. "I copied it and inserted 'boat' where it said 'plane' and sent it to [my lawyer], who reworked it," he says. To discourage potential suits, McClurg incorporated in Nevis, a regulatory nest in the Caribbean: "If there's a problem, the owner has to sue me through Offshore Odysseys in Nevis, where they would have to pay $25,000 [cash deposit] just to file it."

By October 2006, nine months into their hunt, McClurg and MacDonald had raised $840,000 of the $1.2 million they needed for the boat--but their own stash had dwindled to $200. They e-mailed Bruce Marks, the Australian anesthesiologist, who agreed to shell out for two more shares. "I knew Gavin, and I wanted the trip to happen," says Marks, 47. McClurg borrowed $50,000 from an uncle and the remaining $250,000 from Randy Campadore, a family friend and shareholder.

On the water there are plenty of unforeseen obstacles. In 2007, along a familiar stretch of the British Virgin Islands, from Anguilla to Anegada, Discovery's keel whacked a reef in the middle of the night. The boat started taking on water, forcing McClurg and his four guests to motor 11 miles to the nearest port. "I was worn out, and we were a little offtrack," admits McClurg. "It was quite humbling."

Ten days at sea requires good on-deck chemistry. Though he needed their money, McClurg made sure to vet all potential owners by having them fill out a 25-question survey about their sailing experience, temperament and tastes. Says McClurg: "I turned down maybe a half-dozen applicants, usually because I could tell our way of travel was a little too aggressive for their comfort level."

Odyssey guests have swum across the equator (on the way to the Galápagos Islands), paraglided 2,500 feet above Tahiti and scaled palm trees in Haraiki, part of French Polynesia, to harvest fresh coconut for rum drinks. When night falls they dine on fresh seafood they have caught and play cards. The loser of one popular game has to do a "forfeit," such as singing "Puff the Magic Dragon" at the top of the mast, drinking beer through a snorkel and even swimming in shark-infested water.

And when the voyage is complete? McClurg aims to expand his time-share model to a fleet of four boats serving specific regions, such as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Still, traces of the rudderless job-hopper remain. "We're really not planners, and for Jody and me to plan something that was five years long was epic," says McClurg. "I'm still pinching myself all the time."

Breckenridge Grand Vacations is to use online feedback system CustomerCount to monitor and measure both guest and resort experiences.

Kit Armour, general manager at Breckenridge Grand Vacations, said that Mobius Vendor Partners (MVP), which created the system, has a solid understanding of the timeshare model, providing companies with flexibility in use of the tool.

Breckenridge Grand Vacations runs three resorts: Gold Point Condominiums, Grand Timber Lodge and Grand Lodge on Peak 7.

The CustomerCount program was originally created for timeshare organisation RCI and works by collating and measuring consumer feedback via branded, customised surveys.

It looks to track the reservation, sales and vacation experiences, and will most likely help companies in the industry in their efforts to offer better services to timeshare owners.

MVP provides a variety of services, including business planning, financial analysis, market research as well as relationship management.

It says it provides experienced executives and looks to maintain unions with others whose key skills may be needed on other projects.

A rebound in issuance of timeshare asset-backed securities in 2009 shows the sector may be "on the road to a robust recovery," said Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.

Issuance of such ABS passed the $1 billion mark in 2009, easily topping the 2008 total, which plunged to just more than $600 million. Volume in 2009 still lagged far behind the record of $1.77 billion in 2007.

"The comeback in volume is even more remarkable because it is happening amid declining sales, diminished property values, and higher consumer delinquencies for timeshares," said S&P analyst Weili Chen.

The ratings service said timeshare securities are one of the few asset classes demonstrating "strong investor demand and resilient credit performance" without government support and despite recessionary conditions.

Most U.S. consumers view a timeshare as a discretionary purchase, and timeshares have seen weakness amid the global economic crunch. Sales fell some 30% last year, said Chen, a record decline for the industry. But S&P said the increase in delinquencies and defaults since September 2008 "has been relatively modest, and we believe preliminary signs indicate that the worst may be over."

Those heading off to timeshare resorts this year will face tighter security checks at airports. Prime Minister Gordon Brown revealed that the use of full-body scanners will be brought in gradually.

He told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show that the equipment is already on order following the failed bomb plot at Christmas.

"We will do everything in our power to tighten up security," Mr Brown said.

BAA, which owns several airports in the UK, added that the scanners will be introduced as soon as practical.

"It is our view that a combination of technology, intelligence and passenger profiling will help build a more robust defence against the unpredictable and changing nature of the ¬terrorist threat to aviation," a spokesman explained.

All passengers are advised to get to the airport several hours before their flight is due to depart to allow plenty of time to get through the security checks.

Restrictions on liquids in hand baggage are still in place and electrical items to be taken into the cabin must be screened separately.