Thought Leader Takeaways
Roger Dow, U.S. Travel Association
Renovation Boom Reverberates During Pandemic
Your digital source of industry news, from Interval International 4•2021
From the Ground Up
Balancing Sustainability With Safety at Breckenridge Grand Vacations
GREEN SCENE
Resorts in the Spotlight and New Affiliations
Inside Interval
New Roles, Business Moves, and More
In the News
Short Takes Are on the Rise
Trends in Travel
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BEFORE
NEW LOBBY
Quiet. Slow. Deserted. Words — one might think — to describe a resort during a period of closure or drastically reduced occupancy. But for many resorts affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the opposite was true. A cacophony of hammers, drills, saws, and other power tools echoed on properties that, while shy of guests, were visited by construction workers putting a new face on units, amenities, and common areas. Indeed, many properties took advantage of forced closures and restrictions to jumpstart, step up, or wrap up planned renovation projects. The result? Once owners and guests began returning, they were delighted with contemporary updates — and resort staff were thrilled that their guest experiences weren’t disrupted by the impediments of an “under-construction” environment.
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Capitalizing on Down Time, Resorts Embrace Property Makeovers
Project WOW, a major renovation, was well underway at the beginning of the pandemic in March. Lucky for The Christie Lodge, construction workers were already on-site and working, so when the lockdown was ordered, they were allowed to continue a unit gut and rebuild. The project was completed by July 31, a good five months before schedule.
The Christie Lodge
Vail, colorado
New Bedroom
before
New Bathroom
Fringe benefit: No complaints about construction noise!
Virtually every Westgate property saw some sort of project completion during the pandemic, reports Jared Saft, chief business officer. Delays in receiving materials due to manufacturing challenges had minimal impact on schedules because Westgate’s supplier partnerships are extremely diversified. And Saft is proud that no work affected the vacation experience for the owners who did stay at any of the properties.
Unit refreshes: Westgate Vacation Villas in Kissimmee, Florida; Westgate Leisure Orlando
Westgate resorts
new bathroom Westgate vacation villas
Resort renovations: Westgate New York City; Westgate Branson Lakes at Emerald Pointe in Missouri; Westgate Blue Tree Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida
New Bedroom Westgate New York City
New living room Westgate Branson Lakes at Emerald Pointe
Full-scale overhauls: Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort in South Carolina completed a massive US$20 million parking garage project, an overhaul of public spaces, and a refresh of more than 50 percent of the units.
Morritt’s Tortuga Club, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands The update cycle is every seven years, according to Chris Butcher, director of sales. But Morritt’s Tortuga Club took advantage of downtime to redo the primary pool, renovate the restaurant kitchen, and refresh the units in the Chiswick building.
Other properties also made progress on renovations during periods of shutdown and restrictions:
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean The resort actually completed extensive work in March, which included the dive shop, main pool, sundeck, restaurants, and 40 studio units, renovated with soft goods, hard goods, appliances, flooring, ceiling, windows, and lots more.
Royal Savoy Resort, Funchal, Portugal Resort project director Isabel Cristina reports making the most of the closures by stepping up a renovation that had originally been slated for 2021. “It worked out well and the company was able to do more than was originally projected," she said.
Costa Linda Beach Resort, Aruba, Dutch Caribbean According to resort manager Luigi Heredia, the lockdown was “a brief reprieve from the operational pressure of managing a resort with in-house members and guests,” which allowed them to tackle several projects, including the pool, water tanks, and unit upgrades.
What’s new: The vacation ownership units were rebuilt from top to bottom: walls, ceilings, wood flooring, cabinetry, countertops, storage, shelving, appliances, and more. Safety precautions: Pandemic restrictions limited the number of workers to one per room.
New Kitchen
New Living Room
From crisis to opportunity: Resort closure in March enabled construction of more than 30 units at a time and allowed storage of materials in open units and the empty parking garage.
Pièce de résistance: A new outdoor water park opened to guests in March 2021 at Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa in Orlando, Florida.
Using Inspirational Messaging to Encourage Travel Planning
Consider this: With many Americans having set aside their vacation plans amid the global health crisis, simply thinking about future travel plans is enough to create happiness, even joy. This surprising find, culled from a happiness research survey, was just the answer sought by the Let’s Go There Coalition, a collaboration formed last year by the U.S. Travel Association and joined by more than 75 industry-based organizations, to build a messaging campaign with a singular goal in mind — encouraging a safe return to travel. In this interview, Roger Dow, USTA president and CEO, talks about the national initiative, its success, and the future for travel.
BGV Maintains Environmental Commitment Amid the Pandemic
Breckenridge Grand Vacations hasn’t lost sight of its environmental commitment, although pandemic protocols have posed challenges to some of its programs. With contagion concerns, the resort’s restaurants, bars, and coffee shops have switched to tossable dishware, cups, and cutlery for use by diners. Emily Kimmel, the company’s sustainability coordinator, admits that while compostable, the materials do not break down at an altitude of 9,600 feet (2,926 meters). “But by using compostables rather than plastic, it’s the lesser of two evils,” she notes. Other changes, including the availability of face masks and hand wipes, add to the throwaway problem. But most of BGV’s environment-friendly practices are unaffected, and some changes have brought positive results. While not a situation that the resort wants to see continued, the COVID-19 crisis has challenged BGV to look more closely at ways to further reduce its environmental footprint. “This has proven to be a learning opportunity as far as sustainability is concerned,” says Kimmel. “We’ve hired someone who is responsible for tracking our efforts to see where we have the greatest opportunity for energy savings. The pandemic hasn’t exactly been a ‘down’ time for us.”
Breckenridge Grand Vacations
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Resorts: Gold Point Resort, Grand Colorado on Peak 8, Grand Lodge on Peak 7, and Grand Timber Lodge
Product: Deeded seasonal weeks, fixed and floating
Website: breckenridgegrandvacations.com
Fast Facts
The BGV Shines using the PURO UV light cleaning system means less use of harsh chemical cleaners in the units.
The units are supplied with bulk bath amenities.
The resorts still do not offer straws.
Housekeeping has stopped mid-stay refreshing and replenishing towels, which reduces resources.
Recycling containers are available in the units and in common areas.
Guests, staff, and restaurants can still participate in the food scrap composting program.
Restricted capacity has also lowered the use of electricity, gas, and water.
New Roles
LORI GUSTAFSON
JOHN GELLER
Business Moves
Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Welk Resorts, one of the largest independent timeshare companies in North America, for approximately US$430 million. The acquisition is expected to close early in the second quarter of 2021. Welk operates a portfolio of eight upper upscale vacation ownership resorts. MVW intends to rebrand all Welk resorts as Hyatt Residence Club resorts once obtaining all necessary approvals. “Welk's premier resorts are in highly desirable vacation markets, including San Diego, Breckenridge, Lake Tahoe, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and will be a nice addition to our footprint,” says Stephen P. Weisz, CEO of MVW. “The acquisition will expand Hyatt Residence Club's geographic presence while providing substantial future growth opportunities.”
Sirena del Mar by Welk Resorts
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Mountain Villas at Welk Resorts
Escondido, California
Northstar® Lodge by Welk Resorts
Lake Tahoe, California
Welk Resorts Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California
Passages
Carl G. Berry, an industry pioneer with more than 50 years in shared ownership, died Nov. 21, 2020, after a long illness. In 1966, he became an independent real estate developer specializing in the new field of fractional properties. He developed resorts in a number of locations, and his projects included The Manhattan Club and San Francisco Suites. His company, California Resorts, was one of the nation's leading consulting groups for urban and resort-based timeshares and fractional ownerships. Berry also led other successful companies, including Resort Development & Advisors, The World’s Finest Resorts, and Star Resort Group. Prior to his death, he served as managing director of resort development for LandMarkers Development Group. He was active in the Urban Land Institute and American Resort Development Association, where he served as chairman in the 1980s.
Arne M. Sorensen, 62, the third CEO in the history of Marriott International and the first head of the company without the Marriott surname, passed away on February 15 after a near two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. As president and CEO, Sorensen, who joined Marriott in 2012, is perhaps best known for growing the company’s various holdings and properties, especially with the company's US$13 billion merger with Starwood Hotels & Resorts five years ago. Sorensen was also noted as a dedicated, forward-thinking leader who pushed for Marriott to become more diverse, inclusive, environmentally aware, and supportive of other national and global issues.
“Carl Berry was legendary for his vision, his integrity, and his entrepreneurial spirit,” says Jeanette E. Marbert, president and CEO of Interval International. “While he will be missed, his presence and impact on our industry will remain.”
Carl G. Berry
Arne M. Sorensen
“I had the pleasure of knowing Arne, both in his role as CEO as well as his leadership of the Marriott Finance and Accounting organization,” says Stephen P. Weisz, CEO of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. “He was an outstanding business leader, a consummate professional, and a good friend. He will be missed by many.”
A longtime Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW) associate and executive, John Geller was promoted to company president at the start of 2021. In addition to overseeing its vacation ownership segment, Geller, who joined MVW in 2005, also continues to serve as the company’s chief financial advisor, managing the finance and accounting, human resources, and information technology departments.
President, MVW
alexis ralph
A new addition to the MVW family, Lori Gustafson was named the company’s executive vice president and chief brand and digital strategy officer in November 2020. Gustafson, who previously worked for Wyndham Destinations and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, is responsible for shaping MVW’s global brand footprint, as well as using digital innovation to drive growth and customer satisfaction.
Executive vice president and chief brand and digital strategy officer, MVW
Interval International vice president of business development for Latin America
ALEXIS RALPH
Alexis Ralph recently joined Interval International as vice president of business development for Latin America. Based in Mexico City, he’ll be responsible for leading growth of Interval’s Latin America footprint. Ralph, with more than 18 years of experience, was previously Accor’s vice president of development for Mexico, Central America, and Cuba, shaping strategic partnerships and supervising company growth in those markets.
New Option for Micro-cations
Effects of the global health crisis have certainly had an impact on how, where, and when travelers vacation. As populations continue to be more comfortable with drive-to destinations, the appeal of shorter trips is bound to grow, as the “micro-cation” trend was gaining traction before the pandemic. Based on site booking data, Tripadvisor reported for the past fall that 55 percent of travel bookings were for only two to five nights; 36 percent were for one-night trips, often booked less than a week in advance. Other studies show that taking a long weekend can also help alleviate stress. So whether you call it a micro-cation, mini-travel, or a condensed holiday, members eager to add short-stay trips to their vacation calendar can now take advantage of Interval International’s newest avenue for shorter vacations — Getaways of less than seven days. Interval has long offered ShortStay Exchange® vacations. Now, those taking advantage of Getaways — an option not requiring exchange — can enjoy even shorter experiences.
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Booking window up to 24 hours before departure
Spacious, affordable resort accommodations
Worldwide availability
Variety of unit sizes
Host of on-site amenities
Interval Community Members Call Out Desire for Shorter Getaways
“If things clear up with the virus, I may just do a shorter road trip around Labor Day, if possible. I may take a few short, two-to-three-day trips to hit some bucket list stops that I can easily drive to: some new national park units and Gerald Ford’s home in Grand Rapids.”
— Community member ‘The Gipper’
More Findings From TripAdvisor
54%
are more likely to consider road trips, compared with before the pandemic.
61%
are more likely to consider outdoor or nature trips.
68%
say that safety and cleanliness of establishments are important when traveling locally.
Hallmarks of Interval Getaway Vacations
Something’s always happening at Interval International: from affiliations and renewals to recognitions and awards to the launch of new benefits and enhancement of existing programs. Keep up to date on news about Interval and the activities that support its members and resort partners.
Resort Spotlight Grand Matlali Residence Club at Mountain Bay Located in Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico, Grand Matlali Residence Club at Mountain Bay was recently welcomed into Interval International’s global exchange network. The resort is the vacation ownership portion of Grand Matlali Hills Resort & Spa. Developer Armando Véjar Cortés is a Mexico-based businessman and attorney who ventured into vacation ownership development after more than four decades in the automotive and real estate self-financing sectors. Through his company, Inmobiliaria Calidon, S.A. de C.V., construction at Grand Matlali remains in motion, including 100 new units planned for May. Just north of Daytona Beach, the resort offers spacious one- and two-bedroom units with full kitchens and scenic views. Whirlpool tubs, two outdoor pools, and shuffleboard are just some of the on-site features. Within five miles, there’s golf, tennis, and racquetball, as well as horseback riding, boating, and fishing. Plantation Island Resort Ormond Beach, Florida This central Oregon property is in an evergreen forest above a stretch of Oregon coastline that was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1778. Guests are surrounded by natural wonders, including tide pools teeming with life and resident harbor seals. Local gray whales and, occasionally, migrating Orcas can be spotted. Vacation Internationale - The Inn at Otter Crest Depoe Bay, Oregon The resort is located in the village of Angel Fire in majestic Moreno Valley, amid the Rocky Mountains. Nestled in the woods, each of the 15 stand-alone cabins features a kitchen and fireplace. Outdoor activities abound nearby, including skiing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, golf, and tennis. Angel Fire Cabin Share Phase 1 Angel Fire, New Mexico NEW affiliationS NEW affiliations NEW affiliations Your digital source of industry news, from Interval International < BACK Tap to Watch Video
Resort Spotlight
Grand Matlali Residence Club at Mountain Bay
Located in Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico, Grand Matlali Residence Club at Mountain Bay was recently welcomed into Interval International’s global exchange network. The resort is the vacation ownership portion of Grand Matlali Hills Resort & Spa. Developer Armando Véjar Cortés is a Mexico-based businessman and attorney who ventured into vacation ownership development after more than four decades in the automotive and real estate self-financing sectors. Through his company, Inmobiliaria Calidon, S.A. de C.V., construction at Grand Matlali remains in motion, including 100 new units planned for May.
Just north of Daytona Beach, the resort offers spacious one- and two-bedroom units with full kitchens and scenic views. Whirlpool tubs, two outdoor pools, and shuffleboard are just some of the on-site features. Within five miles, there’s golf, tennis, and racquetball, as well as horseback riding, boating, and fishing.
Plantation Island Resort Ormond Beach, Florida
This central Oregon property is in an evergreen forest above a stretch of Oregon coastline that was discovered by Captain James Cook in 1778. Guests are surrounded by natural wonders, including tide pools teeming with life and resident harbor seals. Local gray whales and, occasionally, migrating Orcas can be spotted.
Vacation Internationale - The Inn at Otter Crest Depoe Bay, Oregon
The resort is located in the village of Angel Fire in majestic Moreno Valley, amid the Rocky Mountains. Nestled in the woods, each of the 15 stand-alone cabins features a kitchen and fireplace. Outdoor activities abound nearby, including skiing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, golf, and tennis.
Angel Fire Cabin Share Phase 1 Angel Fire, New Mexico
NEW affiliationS
NEW affiliations
Tap to Watch Video