ORLANDO, FL– The second day of the annual Vacation Ownership Industry Conference kicked off today with a panel of industry leaders who offered some of their opinions and predictions for the 600 attendees. Moderated by American Resort Development Association (ARDA) president/CEO Howard Nusbaum, the panel included Jonathan P. Fredricks, president, The Welk Resort Group; Craig M. Nash, CEO, Interval International; Kemil A. Rizk, director, The Royal Resorts; Stephen Rushmore, president, HVS Shared Ownership Services and Stephen R. Weisz, president, Marriott Vacation Club International. Overall, the executives were in agreement that the forecast for the vacation ownership industry looks very bright. “I really dont see any wall in sight, theres lots of growth left,” said Weisz. One important factor to timeshares flourishing has been its improved perception by consumers. “About 25 years ago, there was a negative public opinion about timeshare. Now, the attitude is definitely more positive, especially among Generation X. That bodes well for the future,” said Nash. The panel touched on the growing presence of condo-hotels and fractionals and their benefits. “In resort areas and cities, condo-hotels are a very good investment,” said Rushmore. “If you want to build four- or five-star hotels in those areas, many arent feasible without some kind of residential component.” The experts also pegged some areas for growth in the coming years. “The U.S. continues to grow and there is tremendous opportunity in Mexico,” said Nash. “Over the next five to 10 years, China and India are going to be huge,” added Nash. The panel was also in agreement that the vacation ownership industry is still broad enough to offer opportunity to both branded companies and independents. “A brand definitely helps to create credibility,” said Fredricks, “But there are a number of independents with very high sales. That is proof they can still be very successful.”
