ORLANDO At a luncheon held here at the Marriott World Center during the 2001 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Conference, Ken May, Resort Condominium International s (RCI) CEO shed some light on projects being undertaken by the company this year as well as future plans.
May had three major announcements, indicating the company s initiatives in three different areas of its business. First, May introduced Alain Granger, who has been appointed to the position of chairman/CEO of Latin America and the Caribbean for RCI. Granger most recently was with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.
Next, May mentioned the newest company to be added to RCI s exchange program, Interwest Vacation Club. He noted that this alliance would add an additional 10,000 members to RCI s roster.
Finally, May discussed rci.com s recent addition of instant transaction capability to its website. Through the new service, members are given access to special prices and packages, which can also be accessed by the general public but not at the same rates. Furthermore, May said that the website will be beefing up its Resort Reservations Network feature.
Going forward, May stressed the fact that RCI will be expanding beyond timeshare and that the company s website will feature 11 different links, some of which will offer B2B information gathering options including RCI Market Links and RCI Market Intelligence provided by Ragatz Associates, a company that researches and publishes studies regarding issues and trends in the industry.
Following the recent introduction of our new look and new logo, we are also looking to introduce new products and to expand beyond timeshare into other areas of travel and leisure products. Our marketing alliance with I.C.E. Gallery allows us to offer cruises and other products that we did not previously offer and we will continue to seek out similar alliances, said May. (4/24/01)Kelly Wayne