NEWH - April 2004 - (Page 46)

what to expect... from the vacation ownership industry profiling: Ken MacGregor, Ricca Newmark Design by: Nancy Bohnett I have learned over time, the hottest commodity is one’s personal time. As technology develops daily to assist and ease our lifestyles and work load, all of us struggle with not having enough time. Everyone needs to plan ahead, banking on a personal get-a-way with family, friends or just themselves. Our expectation of this time generally evokes an emotion of pleasure with relaxation and continued return visits. We all are aware of the saying: “Life has two guarantees: death, and taxes.” Our personal expectation when it comes to traveling is to be assured relaxation and a level of accommodations that match our time off. For many years, brand hotels assured the quality of standards and expectations with each visit. Currently, we are entertaining many different types of hospitality accommodations, of which Timeshare/Fractionals are the guarantee. The guarantees of traveling are generally: noisy kids, bad restaurants, lumpy beds, and crowded airplanes. Now, the hospitality industry is trying to correct the painful and less pleasurable, as well as reduce the guest’s stress. So the question most commonly asked: “Who does not share expectations of relaxation and pleasure when it comes to personal travel?” Thus the growth of the Timeshare and Fractional Market in Hospitality. Colorado Hotel and Lodging Conference at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, at which I heard Ken McGregor from Ricca Newmark Design speak on the direction of the Vacation Ownership Industry. With Ken’s experience in hospitality over the years, he shared his outlook on the expectations of travelers today. In the gaming industry, we used to say, “They came with desires to see the unexpected, and to spend the egg money”. One might take that to the next level with all the luxuries and daily stimulus that now awaits a vacationer. Designers today are challenged with facilitating the guest with constant stimulation and comfort. Timeshares do a lot of research with each property, appealing to that specific owner. The locations are different, so are the owners. All properties follow the trends of the residential market, entertaining greater detail and luxury. The “holiday home” is appealing to the owner with good design and amenities. The achievement of a nontypical and non-branded looking space generates the residential quality, allowing one to really believe they are at a home away from home... and all the daily activities. The owners look for comfort and luxury during their stay, which most often is displayed with the interior furnishings I recently attended the 46 Photo courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Club One finds the continued success in their vacation with each visit, and their expectations met with fine attention to accommodating ones daily needs. These vacations tend to leave the owner relaxed and very satisfied, proving their direction to invest with Timeshares. The owner also is scheduled to take time off each year, and this, with the consistency of the vacation, assures personal satisfaction. Ritz Carlton Golf Club & Spa, Jupiter, FL

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - April 2004

NEWH - April 2004
President’s Letter
Calendar of Events
Contents
From the Editor
Hospitality News
In Memory - Thomas R. Durkan, Sr.
Top Hotel Developers - John Q. Hammons
On the Road Again
HD Expo at a Glance
Surviving HD
Did You Know
Exclusive Lifestyle by Design
If It Were Easy
The Best of Time
Talk About Fast Track
What to Expect From the Vacation Ownership Industry
A Look Back in History
The New Direction for Timeshares in Europe
Confronting the Disabilities Myth
Furnishing Today’s Timeshare
Art - The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Showcase Projects
Design Education Today
Designer Profile: Esther Dunbar-Cullum
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
Top Awards
From Across the Pond
Spotlight On...
Tips on Specs
Window Treatments 101
Hot New Products
We Want Your Projects
Bios

NEWH - April 2004