The public’s astonishing infatuation with cruising has caused a building boom in the cruise industry that stretches the limits of imagination. It becomes mindboggling when you consider the cost of a large ocean-going cruise ship will range from $400 Million up to $1 Billion (that’s a B, folks!). And there are no less than 30 of these vessels under firm contract and planned for launches beginning this year through 2012.

When you first think of cruising the Caribbean you think of a large ship, fine dining, entertainment, shopping and land excursions in locations such as St. Lucia, Sint. Maarten, Antigua and so on. You don’t think of a 10 berth catamaran, your own crew and chef, just eights guests, no fixed itinerary, dinner with the captain every night, swimming with turtles, deserted islands and beaches worthy of films like Pirates of The Caribbean, sleeping under the stars and drinking cocktails in the water as the sun sets These are just a few of the attractions that the TradeWinds experience offers to members and guests.

If you’ve dreamt of owning a house abroad, but have so far been held back for financial reasons, or want a touch of luxury but can’t quite afford it, fractional ownership could be your answer.
It’s one of the main buzzwords in the property world right now and hails from the US, where it’s already successful, [...]

Significant Step In International Expansion
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services, and Southern Sun Hotel Interests (Proprietary) Limited (“Southern Sun”), a leading hotel group in the region, today announced they have entered into a long-term, exclusive affiliation agreement. This includes Southern Sun’s six existing Lifestyle Resorts, representing one of the largest vacation ownership [...]

While timeshare and fractional developers across America complain about the lack of available financing, a wobbly economy and general financial uncertainty heading into 2009, one of the travel industry’s better-kept secrets is that the timeshare and fractional side actually sees things looking up.  The launch of ICE — a revolutionary in-room concierge and back-end monitoring [...]

WorldMark Santa Fe becomes company’s third resort in the state
Wyndham Vacation Ownership is now welcoming guests to WorldMark Santa Fe, the company’s newest resort property in the Southwest. Operating within the company’s WorldMark, The Club portfolio, the 32-unit, boutique-style resort offers owners a quiet retreat in the center of the city. WorldMark Santa Fe marks [...]

Timeshares Lead Again, Airlines and Car Rental Sectors Improve; Market Metrix Announces Third Quarter YTD 2008 Hospitality Index Results
Despite economic pressures to reduce staff and services, hotel customer satisfaction for the third quarter remained flat (-0.1), maintaining near record levels for the industry according to the most recent results of the Market Metrix Hospitality Index(TM) [...]

Family Involvement Leads to an Arsenal of Prestigious Awards and Repeat Visitation

In a time when major brands dominate the hospitality scene, it is refreshing that a rare gem like Bermuda’s most award-winning hotel, The Reefs, continues to be family-owned and operated. The Reefs’ President David Dodwell has been with the property for 35 years, and now a new Dodwell generation joins him at the helm. David Dodwell, Jr., a recent graduate of the prestigious Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, is now on board as Director of Rooms.

The father-son team, …

Sicilian Resort Joins Quality Exchange Network

Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services, has announced the affiliation of Villaggio Cala La Luna situated on the small island of Favignana just off the west coast of Sicily, Italy. 
The development which was completed in May 2008 comprises of 70 units, with a mix of studios, one- and [...]

Located in Mexico’s Most Exclusive Beach Community, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort Features Latin America’s First Remede Spa, World-Class Cuisine, Three Infinity Pools with Private Cabanas, Two Jack Nicklaus Golf Courses, State-of-the-Art Fitness Facilities, a Private Beach Club, Tennis Courts and the Signature St. Regis Butler Service
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) [...]