American Resort Development Association

11/20/2020

Thanksgiving Greetings: ARDA Inside Look - Issue 10

Thanksgiving Greetings from all of us at ARDA!

Issue 10 announces the arrival of the Fall edition of Developments Magazine where we celebrate stories of the talent, teams, and leadership who deliver vacation experiences.

What will it take to get "Back to Normal?" Mark your calendars for the next ARDA Live Series, we'll be discussing hospitality trends with a review of the Back-to-Normal Travel Barometer Study.

The government affairs team is excited about the launch of an award winning software for government relations and online advocacy. Click below to check out the highlights!

11/09/2020

ARDA CEO, Jason Gamel says timeshares have bounced back first after economic crises, and could do so again... Tune in to The Conversation on Hawaii Public Radio today to hear more

https://www.facebook.com/133463630051490/posts/3703510659713418/?d=n

Today on The Conversation:

- Interview with Congressman Ed Case
- American Resort Development Association CEO Jason Gamel says timeshares have bounced back first after economic crises, and could do so again
- via Honolulu Civil Beat: Swimmers and fisherman clash at Ala Moana Beach
- 1,500-page book covers the history of surfing

Listen live at 11 a.m. on HPR-1 and streaming on hawaiipublicradio.org

10/23/2020

ARDA Live | ARDA

ARDA is proud to launch our virtual series - ARDA LIVE! Don't miss our first session featuring a conversation with key industry leaders, focusing on the return to timeshare vacations.

10/21/2020

Rutledge Announces $500,000 Judgment Against Owner of Fraudulent Timeshare Exit Company

Many thanks to Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge for standing up for timeshare owners and protecting them from unscrupulous timeshare exit companies. Timeshare Owners should always check with their developer or management company first to talk about their ownership options before trusting any-third party who charges up-front fees. Owners can visit www.responsibleexit.com for free or low cost exit resources.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ARAG/bulletins/2a70281

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge today announced a judgment against Bart Bowe, co-owner of Bentonville, Arkansas-based Real Travel, LLC. Real Travel and its owners, Bowe and Brian Scroggs, charged consumers exorbitant fees but did not deliver on their guarantees to help cons...

10/15/2020

ARDA Inside Look - New Virtual Event Series

Introducing our new virtual event series, ARDA Live! Where we’ll be addressing the safe return to timeshare vacations with industry experts.
Issue 9 also touches on the 2020 election, and our efforts to reach a deal that would provide further COVID relief through the extension and expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program.
Wondering about traveler sentiment during the pandemic? The AIF has been participating in the Back-to-Normal Barometer Study since April. Click below to check out the highlights!

10/01/2020

ARDA Inside Look - Issue 8 | ARDA

ARDA Inside Look - Issue 8
The Timeshare Industry Today

09/18/2020

ARDA Inside Look - Issue 7 | ARDA

ARDA Inside Look - Issue 7
Membership Renewal 2021

09/08/2020

Let's Go There!

ARDA is proud to be a part of the collective strength of the travel industry, alongside brands and organizations from airlines to hospitality, resorts, bookings, car rentals, theme parks, national parks, and nearly every city in between. The Let’s Go There Coalition and campaign is a new industrywide effort to inspire Americans to do what is existing, safe and productive: make plans to travel.

Want to join us and get involved? Visit ustravel.org/LetsGoThere
#timeshare #vacation #travel #hospitality

08/27/2020

ARDA Inside Look - Issue 6 | ARDA

ARDA Inside Look - Issue 6
The Timeshare Industry Today

08/24/2020

Colorado Division of Real Estate warns of timeshare scams

Timeshare owners should always proceed with caution whenever they receive an unsolicited call, email, or mailer with an offer that is too good to be true. See the most recent warning from the CO Division of Real Estate: https://bit.ly/2YtPp5w

In the current version of the scam, timeshare owners are cold-called, mailed or emailed solicitations from an unlicensed business entity purporting to be a full-service property management company, real estate brokerage or title and escrow company that lists and sells timeshares.

07/29/2020

Timeshares are doing their part in Florida’s economic recovery

Timeshares are doing their part in Florida's economic recovery.

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/352976-timeshares-are-doing-their-part-in-floridas-economic-recovery

07/14/2020

BBB Warning: Consumers lost thousands of dollars to timeshare exit company, Square One Development Group, Inc.

Consumers should use extreme caution when doing business with Square One Development Group and their related entities! Another reason never to pay up front fees to exit a timeshare.

https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22723-consumers-tell-bbb-they-lost-thousands-of-dollars-to-timeshare-exit-company-square-one-development-group-inc

Consumers from across America tell Better Business Bureau (BBB) they have lost thousands of dollars to a St. Louis area timeshare exit business.

07/06/2020

ARDA | Safely and Responsibly Exit Your Timeshare

Attorney General Schmitt (MO) files another lawsuit against unscrupulous timeshare exit companies. Owners beware of doing business with third parties who want up-front fees to exit your timeshare! Owners should visit www.responsibleexit.com to learn more.

https://ago.mo.gov/home/news/2020/07/06/missouri-attorney-general-files-suit-against-timeshare-exit-companies

ARDA provides useful information for owners to safely and responsibly exit their timeshares. Begin today by reviewing available resources.

07/06/2020

ARDA Inside Look - Issue 5 | ARDA

ARDA Inside Look - Issue 5
The Timeshare Industry Today

As timeshare resorts begin to reopen across the United States, we are reminded once again of the resiliency of our product. A recent Florida Politics article summed it up nicely: “Timeshares hold key advantages over other forms of lodging: the prepaid nature of the product gives owners motivation ...

06/30/2020

Summer 2020 welcomes back our owners and guests as resorts re-open and the enjoyment and fun returns.

06/29/2020

How Do I Get Rid Of My Timeshare In A Pandemic?

Many thanks to Christopher Elliott for including ARDA in his recent article regarding the timeshare industry. Timeshare owners should always talk to their developer or management company first about their ownership options!

"If owners are having financial troubles paying their timeshare mortgage, they should reach out to their developer for help," says Jason Gamel, CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA)”

https://lnkd.in/dze5SES

Many Americans have lost their jobs after the COVID-19 outbreak. Unable to pay their monthly maintenance fees or mortgage, they're wondering: How do I get rid of my timeshare in a pandemic?

06/10/2020

Congratulations, Westgate Resorts!

Westgate Resorts is proud to share that we have won three American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Awards for 2020. This industry-wide annual Awards Program honors the very best people, place, communications pieces, and strategies within the vacation ownership industry. Westgate Resorts won awards in the three categories below:

- ACE Philanthropy Award, to David Siegel, our Founder, CEO & President, for the creation of Victoria Siegel Foundation and efforts to raise awareness of the nation’s illegal drug and opioid crisis.
- Resort General Manager, Large Developer to Carlos Brador of Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort for his incredible leadership and success.
- Technology Project, to our Westgate Owner Account Management (OAM) Website for its innovative structure and convenient ease-of-access to our Westgate timeshare owners.

Join us as we congratulate these well-deserved recipients! → resort.to/ARDA2020

06/08/2020

ARDA Inside Look - Issue 4 | A Tribute to Christel DeHaan

ARDA Inside Look
Issue 4 | A Tribute to Christel DeHaan
The Timeshare Industry Today

06/06/2020

RCI

We, at the American Resort Development Association, extend our sincerest and deepest sympathies to the family of Christel DeHaan and the Christel House International organization. We will never forget her contributions to the timeshare industry and for her making the world a better place through Christel House.

On behalf of the entire RCI family around the world it is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Christel DeHaan — Co-Founder of RCI, philanthropist, community leader, Christel House International Founder and Board Chair. We are comforted to learn that she was surrounded by her beloved family, and our heavy hearts are uplifted by the memories of her remarkable life.

After co-founding RCI, the world’s largest timeshare exchange company, in 1974, Christel went on to found Christel House International in 1998. Christel House helps children around the world break the cycle of poverty, realize their hopes and dreams, and become self-sufficient, contributing members of society. The two organizations remain forever connected through her enduring vision and compassion.

Her legacy is remarkable in its diversity — and her ability to truly change the world for the better is something that inspires us all. Christel’s personal philosophy was “to care, to share, to make a difference.” Thank you Christel for the mark you have left on so many of us.

A message from RCI President, Olivier Chavy: https://bit.ly/3eUSama

06/04/2020

ARDA Award Winners Announced! The ARDA Awards program is key to our mission as we endeavor to honor the best people, places, communications pieces and strategies within the vacation ownership industry. This year, more than ever, it is important to highlight the achievements. The winners for the 2020 ARDA Awards Program are now available. Please join ARDA in congratulating each one of our finalists and winners.

https://www.arda.org/2020-arda-awards-program-winners-announced

05/28/2020

Timeshare Safe Welcome | ARDA

ARDA and ARDA-ROC are proud to announce the Timeshare Safe Welcome Guidelines. The timeshare industry and its world class hospitality companies are committed to the cleanliness of its resorts and the safety of employees and guests. These best practices are just some of things we are doing as we welcome you back on vacation!

ARDA presents the Timeshare Safe Welcome: Industry guidance for promoting the health and safety of the timeshare industry.

05/27/2020

The Coalition for Responsible Exit is a place to get contact information for several timeshare developers who offer free exit programs or other relief programs that can be tailored to meet a timeshare owner's needs. ⁣

Please check out responsibleexit.com to learn more.

⁣

05/26/2020

Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Holiday Inn Club Vacations is committed to giving their guests the vacation experiences they'll love and a safe stay they can trust. Learn more about their new program, Safe Travels.

We are committed to giving you vacation experiences you’ll love and a safe stay you can trust. That means we’re doing a lot of extra cleaning, giving you even more space to spread out, and sharing ways that everyone can do their part to safely enjoy our resorts.

Learn more about our new program, Safe Travels: https://bit.ly/2Zqzwy9

05/21/2020

Welk Resorts

Welk Resorts

Wishing everyone a joyful #CasualFriday from many of our #WelkStrong team members working from home!

👉 TELL US (fill in the blank): One positive thing I've enjoyed about working from home has been _________________.

We'll start: More time with our furry new "coworkers". 🐾
Your turn, Go! 👇

05/21/2020

Wyndham Destinations

Last week, Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek associates delivered dozens of cookies to hospitals in Orlando as a sweet treat in honor of National Nurses Week. Thank you to all the nurses for going above and beyond.

05/21/2020

ARDA is thankful for all our members who continue to give back to the community in these unprecedented times. #thankfulthursday #throwbackthursday

We have an exciting mask-making update to share! During week two of donations, we provided 900 masks to Embrace Families and 1,181 masks to Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital in Utah. Thank you to all of our team members who have helped create and donate over 3,500 masks since we started this program! ❤️ #WestgateCARES

Westgate Resorts Foundation

05/20/2020

COVID-19 Resources | ARDA

ARDA has organized a number of key resources that you and your organization might need in order to navigate the complex landscape which has been created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Check back, as the list changes frequently.

ARDA has organized a number of key resources that you and your organization might need in order to navigate the complex landscape which has been created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This information includes local, state and federal resources. Please check back frequently, as we expect the list to grow...

05/19/2020

Learn more about Holiday Inn Club Vacations Safe Travels and find details about Resort Re-Openings Updates.

Now more than ever, we are committed to giving you vacation experiences you’ll love and a safe stay you can trust. As we prepare to re-open Resorts on a staggered basis, we're introducing Safe Travels, a new program that “checks the boxes” on the higher safety standards we’ve all come to expect. We’re doing lots of extra cleaning, giving you even more space to spread out, and sharing ways that everyone can do their part to safely enjoy our resorts.

Learn more about Safe Travels here: https://bit.ly/2Z6l3XP
Find more details about Resort Re-Openings Updates here: https://bit.ly/2Z96VNM

05/14/2020

ARDA Inside Look - Vol. 2

ARDA INSIDE LOOK
Issue 2 - May 14, 2020
The Timeshare Industry Today

05/12/2020

ARDA is deeply saddened by the loss of industry pioneer and leader, George Donovan.

Follow the link to read the full in memory of George F. Donovan https://www.arda.org/memory-george-f-donovan

05/11/2020

Wyndham Destinations announced enhanced resort cleaning protocols developed in partnership with Ecolab.

05/08/2020

ARDA Staff WFH

The world has changed over the past months. Even though we are not at the ARDA offices, we continue to work hard every day for our members. Until we are able to return to our offices, we hope this gives you a little glimpse into our daily lives.

05/07/2020

Every year we come together at ARDA World to network, learn and share memorable experiences. This week would have commemorated ARDA’s 51st ARDA World, our team missed each and every one of our members dearly but we are looking forward to the future when we can come together again. #throwbackthursday

05/05/2020

Wyndham Destinations

Although we can’t meet in person, we can stay connected, unified and supportive of each other from afar, rallying around the #SpiritOfTravel. #traveltuesday.

Like so many things right now, vacations are on pause, but we’re looking forward to the future. When the world hits play and the time is right to travel again — we’ll be ready. #WyndhamDestinations #WYND

05/04/2020

NTTW 2020 - The Spirit of Travel

The coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency is having an unprecedented impact on the travel industry and the entire economy. Now more than ever, the travel and tourism community must come together, support each other and remind our country that even through the most difficult times, the Spirit of Travel cannot be broken. #nationaltravelandtourismweek

National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition for the U.S. travel community, and this year we are celebrating the spirit of travel.