We’ve led and shaped the travel industry for 50 years, and we're not slowing down! From our first office opening to celebrating our 50th anniversary, take a look-back at some of the key milestones which have helped to re-shape vacation ownership for more than 3.5 million members around the world.
read more
Travel has changed a lot in 50 years — gas was 50 cents a gallon in 1974 and flying was still something of a luxury. These then-fledgling getaways have only gotten better with age.
As a business leader and philanthropist, Christel DeHaan’s contributions to tourism and education have made a global impact. Today, we celebrate the many accomplishments of the co-founder of RCI and founder of Christel House International.
Find incredible vacation opportunities at the last minute. One member's cancellation might turn into the dream vacation you never thought possible!
close
contents
RCI Magazine is published quarterly by RCI. ©2024 RCI, LLC. All rights reserved. CORPORATE OFFICE 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kylee Krizmanic PROJECT EDITORS Allison Vancura, Jess Hoffert GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ruby Pierce CONTRIBUTING WRITER Gary Thompson COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth RCI EDITORIAL TEAM Anna Reinert, Leslie Johansen, Jenny Rains To Our Subscribers: The annual subscription cost of RCI Magazine is $109USD or $143CAD for RCI Weeks® members and $134USD or $176CAD for RCI Points® members. Send your renewal together with your name, address, telephone number, email address, and RCI member ID to: RCI Magazine Subscriptions, P.O. Box 2099, Carmel, IN 46082-2070. For address changes, subscription inquiries, or cancellations, call an RCI Travel Guide. RCI Weeks members, please call: United States: 317-805-8000 or 800-338-7777 Canada: 800-338-7777 (English) 800-527-5219 (French) RCI Points members, please call: United States: 317-805-9941 or 877-968-7476 Canada: 877-968-7476 (English/French) No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from RCI, LLC (or its affiliates). RCI Magazine® and Design and RCI® and Design are trademarks of RCI, LLC (or its affiliates), and are registered in countries throughout the world and may not be used without permission. For editorial and advertising inquiries, email magazine@rci.com. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial advertising matter and accepts no responsibility for advertising content or the damage tht may arise from these advertisements. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the return or unsolicited manuscripts or art. Unsolicited manuscripts and art will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage and envelope. In no event shall such material subject this magazine to any claim for “holding fees” or similar charges. Merrill #022022400.
Travel means the world to you, and you mean the world to us. In this issue, we explore where we've been and where we're going. Here’s to 50 more years of going everywhere together.
50 Must-Visit Destinations > The Legacy of RCI Co-Founder Christel DeHaan > Then and Now: Timeless Attractions > Our Journey Together > Which of these Dream Trips Would You Take? >
issue contents
One-stop travel has been RCI’s domain since 1974. Expert RCI Travel Guides are here to support you and serve as your go-to resource for planning, booking, and more. So, where to next?
Unlock exclusive deals on cash vacations — no exchange needed. Choose 7-night resort getaways with significant savings, often for less than the cost of a hotel.
Save more on all major cruise line vacations — with prices that can't be beat. Plus, get up to $1,500 in onboard spending on nearly every sailing.
Try it Now
Learn more
In honor of RCI’s 50th anniversary, here’s a list of 50 must-visit destinations from around the world. Add them to — or cross them off — your vacation bucket list.
50 Must-Visit Destinations >
Which of these Dream Trips Would You Take? >
Then and Now: Timeless Attractions >
The Legacy of RCI Co-Founder Christel DeHaan >
If you could venture anywhere in the world, where would you go? Choose your dream vacation, and we’ll reveal the winning destination in our next issue!
Our Journey Together >
1974
2024
WELCOME TO THE YEAR OF MORE
learn more
It’s been 50 years and we’re only just getting started. To continue the celebration, learn more about RCI's 50th anniversary.
Welcome to the year of more
There’s a reason we light up when sharing upcoming vacation plans or reminiscing about a favorite trip. Travel shapes the way we live. It allows us to glimpse life in other corners of the world, connect with one another and new surroundings, and appreciate the beauty in every adventure. For more than 50 years, RCI and its extensive travel network has helped members like you revel in the joy of travel. We’ve celebrated the road-trippers, cruise-lovers, frequent fliers, and family vacationers as they’ve made more dots on the map. Much has changed in five decades, and we’re reflecting on milestones and memories in this special issue through an interactive timeline, member stories, messages from beloved destinations, and more. Through it all, you’ve been a constant. Here’s to 50 more years of passionate travel.
A Letter from RCI
Disney World anchors numerous variations on a theme park. Orlando is a family favorite, but it’s not just for kids — there’s serious shopping, golf, and ecotourism amid the subtropical climate.
Vegas is the world’s largest adult theme park, a place to indulge in lights, luck, luxury, and losing inhibitions. Yet for all the neon, LEDs, and concrete, you’re never far from natural beauty.
White-sand beaches, clear Caribbean water, and tropical sun await in this country on the island of Hispanolia. For a quaint and quiet escape, head to the fishing village of Las Galeras for access to some of the country's most scenic beaches and world-renowned diving spots.
South Beach nightlife and Everglades ecology exemplify the city’s diverse spectrum of settings. A walkable section of Miami Beach features the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the United States.
Across Lake Worth Lagoon from Palm Beach, West Palm is home to rich and famous residents, plus a wealth of boutique shopping, fine dining, Broadway-quality entertainment, and art.
A relatively new city on the edge of the Everglades, Weston offers lush landscapes and an upscale lifestyle that revolves around golf, tennis, and spas. It’s close to Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
The coastal towns of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum all draw visitors to this picturesque piece of land between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Splendid beaches and Mayan ruins abound.
Stretching along Banderas Bay and backed by the towering Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta promises a classic coastal getaway, blending spectacular scenery with small-town atmosphere. Snorkel, stroll, sip, and salsa to your heart’s content.
Pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and dramatic desert landscapes soothe and stun at the southern tip of Baja California. Cabo San Lucas and neighboring San José del Cabo are renowned resort towns.
Art lovers and thrill seekers bring cachet to this Pacific coast town with miles of sunny shore. Stroll the endless malecón — an oceanfront promenade — and find galleries, theaters, and shops in the Centro Histórico neighborhood.
The city that never sleeps never loses its appeal. Only the Big Apple has such historic boroughs and neighborhoods, trendsetting culture, and iconic attractions like Times Square, Broadway, and Central Park.
It’s a big city and a beach town — a dream destination for generations of travelers seeking sunshine, surf, and Hollywood glamour. World-class art, architecture, and restaurants put on quite a show too.
East of Los Angeles, the desert oasis and long-time celeb hangout caters to golfers, shoppers, and fans of midcentury modern architecture. It’s also one of the world’s most LGBTQ-friendly destinations.
Consistently perfect weather makes it easy to enjoy miles of beaches and explore vibrant shopping, dining, and nightlife districts. Balboa Park is a must-see — this 1,200 acre gem contains gardens, museums, and the famed San Diego Zoo.
Leave your heart by the Bay after falling in love with the scenery, cuisine, and history. Rites of passage: riding a cable car and cruising by boat beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
The City of Light is for lovers — of exquisite food, art, architecture, and fashion. The world-renowned landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre.
It’s steeped in tea and tradition, yet royal and ancient sites such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London coexist comfortably with newer and avant-garde attractions like Tate Modern art gallery.
Where pioneers once roamed between the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountains, modern explorers discover caverns, craft beverages (this is underrated wine country), and charming country towns filled with treasures and hospitality.
The glorious Grand Strand beckons with 60 miles of shoreline, 14 culture-rich beach communities, elite golf courses, and more than 2,000 restaurants to satisfy every craving, including Low Country cuisine.
The barrier island built its reputation on tennis and golf, but now flaunts the family friendliness and environmental consciousness of its blissful beaches; sea marshes; and groves of oaks, pines, and palmettos.
Trace the steps of America’s founders in Colonial Williamsburg, the restored downtown of Virginia’s one-time capital. The site faithfully re-creates Colonial life and honors legends like Patrick Henry and George Washington.
Everyone ought to experience the United States of America's capital, not just for the government buildings, monuments, and museums, but also for the restaurants, boutiques, and clubs that make the city a cultural hub.
The Pilgrims landed here in 1620, and today’s travelers make pilgrimages to the idyllic New England they imagine — red-striped lighthouses, white-winged sailboats, deep blue waters, and lobster rolls.
This gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a charming town on its own, full of country flavors (like ham and moonshine) and Appalchian arts and crafts. Dollywood is nearby.
There’s more to the Capital of Country Music (and Tennessee) than the Grand Ole Opry, honky-tonks, and hot chicken. Discover a trove of historical treasures and acres of beautiful natural settings.
This is Red Rock Country, a land of auburn mesas, towering cliffs, and seemingly endless desert. Some say the stunning landscapes emit spiritual energy. They for sure inspire hikers, artists, and chefs.
Best-in-class spas, shopping, and dining attract worshipers of sun and warmth to resort life in the Sonoran Desert. The cactus climate and mountain terrain foster memorable hikes and rounds of golf too.
It's all about the water. Take a boat tour of the sandstone cliffs that first drew tourists to this region, and dive into water park thrills via towering slides and wave pools.
The Poconos are a natural playground year-round. Summer means wilderness hikes and whitewater rafting, while winter blankets the mountains with powder for skiing, tubing, and snowmobiling. Cozy up in a cabin anytime.
Pick an island, any island — like the Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Oahu — or hop between them. This biodiverse paradise boasts beautiful beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, and mountains, plus a couple active volcanoes.
There’s more to this Caribbean island than alabaster beaches and aqua blue water. If you can tear yourself away from the sand, join a Jeep tour through Arikok National Park, which covers more than 20 percent of the island. In Oranjestad, Aruba's capital, hop on a trolley to see colorful Dutch Colonial architecture and high-end shops.
Come to this Spanish archipelago in the North Atlantic for elemental landscapes featuring tropical beaches, laurel forests, and dormant volcanoes. There are seven islands to experience, each with its own distinct character. On Lanzarote, volcanic eruptions paved the way for a robust natural wine scene; they also formed to the rocky, lunar-like terrain at nearby Timanfaya National Park.
Mediterranean beaches, flamenco dancers, tapas bars, olive groves, classic art, and architecture – it’s all you’ve pictured, plus the latest in lodgings and nightlife. Capital city Madrid and cosmopolitan Barcelona vie for top billing. In Madrid, Museo Nacional del Prado is a cultural institution, as is the National Palace, one of the largest palaces in the world. Barcelona dazzles with breathtaking landmarks by Antoni Gaudí, the famous La Boqueria market, and divine tapas restaurants.
Whether it’s the northern lights, midnight sun, or more than 100,000 lakes, Finland is blessed with natural marvels. Helsinki, the capital, is a hotbed of saunas, architecture, and museums. At the heart of the city, the Kiasma’s vast collections of contemporary art enchant visitors of all ages.
One glimpse of white-sand beaches, blue-green waters, and limestone cliffs tells you this Andaman Sea island is worth an hour plane ride from Bangkok. The cuisine and culture reflect Buddhist influences.
The country’s smallest state, on the Arabian Sea coast, is big on beaches (like Calangute and Baga), tangy seafood, and ornate architecture of the past. Fontainhas is a Heritage Zone.
Luxury resorts and wild bushveld are never far away in this region of rolling maize fields and golden sunflowers. The Pilanesberg Game Reserve shelters lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
It’s a real sampler of South African delights: beaches, game reserves, the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, elite golf courses, fertile fishing spots, and an intriguing mix of African, European, and Indian cultures.
Thousands of coral reefs lie below the tranquil waters of the world’s lowest-lying nation, an island chain in the Indian Ocean. In North Malé Atoll, the man-made island Hulhumale exudes a commercial atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and water sports. An hour-and-a-half ferry ride from Malé, Thulusdhoo is a surfing paradise.
Beaches and seafood abound in this compact, affordable country between Spain and the Atlantic. Varied terrain includes both coastline and mountains studded with castles. Lisbon, Europe’s sunniest capital city, captivates with a thriving culinary scene and hilly, tile-adorned neighborhoods.
It’s a vibrant, joyous, colorful country, especially during Carnival. Rio is graced with beautiful beaches watched over by the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Revel in the glamor of the Leblon neighborhood by day, then venture to the Lapa neighborhood for an evening of samba music, dancing, and barhopping.
An island, country, and continent, the land down under is vast and varied. Must-sees include the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, Uluru (a rock monolith), and cosmopolitan cities Sydney and Melbourne.
Carved out by prehistoric ice rivers, the park features several of its namesake ice masses, plus alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls, and dazzling lakes. Drive at least part of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic route engineered to blend in with its mountain backdrop.
Deep in the heart of Texas, between San Antonio and Fredericksburg, discover rich history, small-town hospitality, and a thriving food and wine scene. It’s also the place President Lyndon B. Johnson called home.
Surrounded by beaches and mountains on Canada’s western edge, the city is a design-forward, health-conscious metropolis rich in global flavors and the Indigenous cultures of the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people.
It’s a Caribbean island shared by France and The Netherlands. The north side, St. Martin, is known for fine dining and party beaches. The south side, St. Maarten, boasts lively casinos and clubs.
Where Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, frolic on 20 miles of sand and surf near shops, restaurants, and amusement parks. Stroll the 3-mile Virginia Beach Boardwalk, or bike the parallel path.
The Midwest's biggest city is a skyscraper-shrouded escape for fans of pro sports, jazz and blues, and deep-dish pizza. Shop the Magnificent Mile and explore Millennium Park, along with the city’s colorful neighborhoods.
Highly walkable, Beantown is delightfully Colonial and contemporary. Clam chowder and Irish pubs? Check. Cutting-edge cuisine and luxe cocktail bars? Yes. It’s the city of Paul Revere, the Kennedys, Beacon Hill, and Fenway Park.
The highest peaks in the regal Rocky Mountains soar to more than 9,000 feet, creating a winter wonderland for skiers and nirvana for nature-lovers year-round. Hike or bike scenic trails to alpine lakes.
Christel DeHaan personified the American Dream, becoming a successful entrepreneur by working hard and making the most of opportunities — then leveraging that success to help others. Born in Germany during World War II, Christel left home at age 16 to work as a nanny in London, where she learned English. Christel emigrated to the United States in 1962, starting typing and ironing services in Indiana before eventually cofounding Resort Condominiums International (RCI), the company that pioneered vacation exchange and became the industry leader. Under her direction, RCI grew into a global enterprise, with offices in 38 countries and more than 4,000 employees. Christel sold RCI in 1996 and pondered how to use proceeds from the sale to make a lasting impact. In 1998, she founded Christel House International, a public charity that helps children in poverty around the world become self-sufficient. It starts by meeting basic needs, then provides quality education, character development, career planning, and eventually, job placement. Christel chose the charity’s locations as a way of giving back to countries that played a significant role in her commercial success. The same qualities that helped Christel succeed in the business world — wisdom, compassion, common sense, dedication to excellence, and drive to improve — guided her philanthropy. Christel House is widely recognized as a charity operating with the highest degree of accountability and effectiveness. By covering all of the organization’s administrative and fundraising expenses, Christel assured donors that 100 percent of their donations went to programs benefiting students. And thanks to her careful planning, the work of Christel House will continue to be supported through funding from the Endless Success Foundation, an organization created by her estate. It was Christel’s wish that all the charity’s general and administrative expenses be covered in perpetuity. This means all donor investments will continue to directly serve Christel House students. Christel was also generous to the arts in Central Indiana, and served on numerous local and national boards. Her accomplishments in the corporate, educational, and philanthropic sectors earned her numerous awards and recognition. She received three honorary doctorate degrees — from Marian College (now Marian University), the University of Indianapolis, and the University of Nottingham, England, where she established a tourism and travel research institute. At the institute’s dedication, Christel was presented to Queen Elizabeth II. But for all her accomplishments, Christel would have told you her greatest legacies are her three children: sons Keith and Tim, and daughter Kirsten.
1942-2020
Founder, Christel House International
Co-Founder, RCI
Learn more about Christel House and discover how your gift can help change lives.
Learn more about Christel House and discover how your gift can help change life outcomes.
Travel has changed a lot in 50 years — gas was 53 cents a gallon in 1974 and flying was still something of a luxury. These then-fledgling getaways have only gotten better with age.
As 1974 began, Walt Disney World had been open less than three years, and SeaWorld had just made its initial splash in December 1973. The two theme parks ignited Orlando’s transformation into a world-class vacation destination, drawing millions of visitors, employing thousands of people, and sparking an explosion of development. Hotels, restaurants, and stores popped up near the parks, and roads were built and expanded to carry all the new traffic. Orlando quickly became one of the most popular places in Florida to live, with a metro area population of about 500,000. Even the sports world got in on the action, as the World Football League, which debuted in 1974, included the Orlando-based Florida Blazers.
Orlando is called the Theme Park Capital of the World. Walt Disney World Resort encompasses the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. SeaWorld Orlando has sister parks Discovery Cove and Aquatica, while Universal Orlando Resort beckons with Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay water park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. LEGOLAND Florida celebrates the little bricks with rides and a water park. Beyond the theme parks, Orlando is known for first-class shopping, golfing, dining, and top-notch entertainment. The metro area’s population exceeds 2.5 million, and the sports scene is bigger than ever — the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the area’s first major-league franchise, are still successful and popular after more than 30 years.
Experience a little Orlando magic for yourself with trip ideas from RCI.
Ready for a Vegas vacation? You’re in luck — discover more inspiration from RCI.
The tradition of A-list shows continues — only the headliners have changed (except for Wayne Newton and Donny Osmond, who still perform on the Strip). And everything else is bigger and brighter. The original MGM Grand Hotel is now Horseshoe Las Vegas, and the current MGM Grand has been open more than 30 years, with a basic room rate around $280. Though the Strip is still the nerve center, the city’s older downtown section has been revived as the Fremont Street Experience. If you’re not into gaming, you can enjoy thrilling theme park rides, elaborate displays of lights and fountains, restaurants branded by famous chefs, posh spas, and quirky museums.
In 1974, the MGM Grand was the newest hotel, having opened in December 1973 with a performance by Dean Martin. A piece in The New York Times from the era noted you could get a double room there for $28. Meanwhile, Siegfried and Roy were just making a name for themselves on the Strip with illusions and tiger taming. The Strip had only recently become the place to be, supplanting downtown, which was branding itself as Casino Center. And the streets were not nearly as packed with buildings and people as they are today. Other Vegas headliners from 1974: Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Wayne Newton, Liberace, and The Osmonds.
Use your RCI benefits for a mountain of amenities at Massanutten.
Massanutten is one of the premier all-season resort destinations on the East Coast. Its 6,000 acres encompass ski slopes, hiking and mountain biking trails, two golf courses, a bike park, water park, family adventure park, spa, and 12 on-site dining options. Hotels and condos accommodate both weekend getaways and weeklong vacations. Guests can stay in the resort’s mountain area near the Massanutten ski area or in the valley, close to the Massanutten WaterPark®. The resort’s master plan calls for more housing units, plus retail development, an active 55+ community, and a pedestrian promenade for residents, resort guests, and visitors.
In 1971, investors announced plans for a resort in Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. It would be named Massanutten — after the nearby mountain where Gerald T. Hopkins had opened a health resort called Rockingham Springs in 1875. His great-grandson, J.L. Hopkins, was inspired to create Massanutten in the same area, envisioning a resort community where people could escape the city and live, ski, hike, and relax in a parklike setting. The next year, crews cleared six slopes and completed a multi-level parking area. After five nights of snowmaking, the ski area officially opened on February 10, 1973. Tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool were also added that year, followed by hundreds of housing units. Within time, J.L. Hopkins’ vision would come to be.
Start charting your cruise with help from RCI.
Arison’s $1 investment has grown into one of the world’s most popular and profitable cruise lines. Everyone recognizes the Fun Ships with their iconic red-white-and-blue “whale-tail” funnels. Carnival was the first cruise line to advertise on network TV (in commercials starring a singing Kathie Lee Gifford). More recent innovations include onboard breweries and aerial rides, and the first IMAX Theatre at sea. Today, Carnival is investing in more sustainable cruising practices, such as reducing single-use plastic items, cutting water usage, and powering ships with alternative fuels. In 2021, as the company neared its 50th anniversary, it introduced its first ship powered by liquefied natural gas. The vessel has a special name: Mardi Gras.
Launched by entrepreneur Ted Arison in 1972 with a single used ship, the converted transatlantic ocean liner Mardi Gras, Carnival aimed to make cruises less stuffy, more fun, and more accessible for average people. The maiden voyage started inauspiciously: Carrying just enough fuel to sail from Miami to San Juan, Mardi Gras ran aground on a sandbar outside South Beach. While the crew tried to free the ship, the passengers partied, plied with food and drinks. Lesson: If the passengers are happy, the ship doesn’t have to move. In 1974, Arison bought full ownership of still struggling Carnival for $1 in cash — and assumed $5 million in debt.
click to reveal
Photo courtesy of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Courtesy of Carnival.
1974 Christel and Jon Dehaan establish RCI, then Resort Condominiums International, Inc. With its first office in Indianapolis, Indiana, facilitating exchanges among 453 of our first members.
1980
1983 We make the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing privately-owned U.S. businesses.
1985 We welcome our 1,000th affiliated resort. RCI Perspective (also known as RCI Ventures®), a magazine for the timeshare industry, launches.
1990
1991 We establish our RCI Gold Crown Resort quality recognition program.
2000
2000 RCI Points, the first global points-based exchange program, launches.
1998 Christel DeHaan, co-founder of RCI, establishes Christel House, which becomes RCI’s charity of choice.
CONTINUE
2020
2020 With a fresh look and feel, RCI relaunches as The New Shape of Travel, strengthened by the addition of hotels, car rentals, and activities to its portfolio. Members can now search and book hotels alongside resorts, and use their trading power or points to reduce the price, with additional discounts for RCI Platinum members.
2021 RCI adds Capital Vacations Club to Exchange Portfolio. RCI Announces Integration with Viewpoint PMS.
2010 We transform vacation exchange for RCI Weeks members with the unveiling of trading power transparency. RCI delivers a new level of benefits through the RCI Platinum-membership tier.
2010
2008 RCI unveils its first “green” directory, recognizing affiliated resorts with sustainability practices.
2009 RCI welcomes it’s 4,000th affiliated resort.
2005
2000 RCI Points®, the first global points-based exchange program is launched.
back
2004 RCI celebrates 30 years of great vacations with 3 million subscribing members.
2002 RCI launches the world’s first luxury exchange program, now called The Registry Collection.
2018 ARN, a leading travel technology provider, is acquired.
2011 RCI introduces RCI Presenter into resort sales centers to help enhance and energize the conversations about exchange.
2016 RCI Livestream, the industry’s first virtual sales tool, is launched.
2022 RCI Celebrates 10th Year of Annual Green Awards. RCI Resort Recognition Program 30 Year Anniversary.
2024 We celebrate our 50th anniversary. For 50 years, we’ve been your trusted travel companion, working to give you a sense of home when you’re miles from it. We’ve championed five decades’ worth of milestones, memories, and experiences to bring you closer to the ones you hold dearest. Thank you for the opportunity to expand our horizons together. Here’s to making more dots on the map.
1974 Christel and Jon DeHaan establish RCI, then Resort Condominiums International, Inc. With its first office in Indianapolis, Indiana, facilitating exchanges among 453 of our first members.
1975 First resort directory published, and first member newsletter released. 236 exchanges confirmed.
1976 We open our first office outside the U.S. – in Mexico.
1977 London office opens. Endless Vacation® magazine debuts.
1986 We confirm more than 300,000 exchanges.
1989 We surpass 1 million member families.
1994 We celebrate our 20th anniversary and now employ 3,400 associates in 54 offices in 26 countries.
1996 RCI.com launches. HFS, eventually renamed Cendant, purchases RCI.
1998 Christel DeHaan establishes Christel House, which becomes our charity of choice.
1999 Twelve million people take a timeshare vacation, and over half — an estimated 7.5 million — are with RCI. We confirm more than 2.7 million exchanges.
2002 We launch the world’s first luxury exchange program, then A&K Registry, now The Registry Collection® program.
2004 We celebrate 30 years of great vacations with 3 million RCI subscribing members.
2008 We unveil our first ‘green’ directory, printed with FSC certified paper. RCI.com introduces enhanced online search capabilities. We welcome our 4,000th affiliated resort.
2009 RCI TV is launched, the first online video network of its kind in the industry.
2011 RCI announces the winners of its first annual RCI Green Awards, which celebrates RCI affiliated resorts that actively engage in sustainable practices. To determine industry leaders in sustainability, RCI partners with GreenCircle Certified to assess and rate all resorts that choose to enter the awards program.
2012 The Registry Collection programme celebrates its 10th anniversary. RCI content surpasses 1 million views on YouTube.
2014 We celebrate our 40th anniversary.
2018 Wyndham Destinations debuted as a pure-play timeshare and exchange business on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WYND) after Wyndham Worldwide completed a spin-off of its hotel company.
2021 Wyndham Destinations acquires the Travel + Leisure brand and renames itself Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL), the new parent company of RCI. RCI introduces OptiREZ, providing resorts with essential insights, analytics, and tools to unlock maximum revenue potential and deliver results with little to no cost or effort on the part of the HOA or resort management. RCI is honored at the ARDA (American Resort Development Association) Spring Conference with the prestigious ACE Excellence in Customer Service Award in recognition for its agile response and sustained support of RCI members and affiliates through the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023 RCI is recognized with two industry awards, the Social Media Campaign award for the RCI Insiders Facebook Group at the ARDA (American Resort Development Association) Spring Conference, and the GNEX Vacation Industry Award for the Best Integrated Marketing Campaign.
!
Tour of historical sites and museums throughout Europe
If you could venture anywhere in the world, where would you go? Choose your dream vacation from the options below, and we’ll reveal the winning destination in our next issue!
Road trip to hike through national parks across the United States
Culinary tour of Japan, China, or another Asian country
Beach getaway to Mexico or the Caribbean
vote
Cast your vote below!
A specialty cruise in Alaska or the Mediterranean
A nature-filled escape to Hawaii
A meditative retreat to California, Arizona, or New Mexico
A safari in Kenya, Uganda or another African country
Start planning your next European getaway.
go
Start planning your next National Parks road trip.
Start planning your next Asian culinary adventure.
Start planning your next beach getaway.
Start planning your next African safari adventure.
Start planning your next warm-weather retreat.
Start planning your next escape to Hawaii.
Start planning your next specialty cruise.
