In 1997, a visionary group of resort developers and RCI inked a blueprint for an independent body – an association with a purpose and an agenda – keeping in mind the nascent profile of timeshare in the country and the constructive role that could be played by developers to grow the industry.
Importantly, to work hand-in-hand with both promoters and consumers in the industry. This was how the foundation was laid for the All India Resort Development Association (AIRDA).
Today we have 26 committed members under the AIRDA banner – who are united in the cause of promoting a body that believes in ethics, transparency, and fair value to the customer.
Our member committee represents a cross-section of players in the timeshare industry – small, medium, and large – some of them with one resort location and others with over 4000 resorts. And irrespective of the size of operations, each one of them stands united behind the core objectives of AIRDA. An association that is re-defining the organized sector of timeshare in the country.
Vacation Ownership Advisor is a one-of-a-kind enterprise in the timeshare industry. The company was started with the primary goal of assisting timeshare customers, vacation club owners, and travel reward members of all companies and brands worldwide. From an end-customer perspective, Vacation Ownership Advisor helps owners better understand, use, and maximize the value of their ownership.
For this feature, we got an update from Jonathan Stoker on the Best Consumer Product award at the recent GNEX Conference, in Miami.
“Greetings to all our avid readers and esteemed industry colleagues on the AIRDA network! Thank you for featuring us in your February 2024 edition of World of Travel. We shine a spotlight on an innovative force within the timeshare sector – Vacation Ownership Advisor (VOA), heralded for its exceptional contributions at the recent GNEX Conference in Miami.”
At the heart of VOA lies a unique mission: to empower timeshare owners, vacation club members, and travel enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to leverage their ownership fully. VOA’s dedication to enhancing the vacation ownership experience has not only garnered widespread acclaim but also clinched the prestigious title of Best Consumer Product at GNEX, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence.
This feature interview was done with Sandeep Mehta – Managing Director, Ananta Oorjaa Enterprise Private Limited. Sandeep is also Honorary Treasurer at AIRDA.
Sandeep talks to us about the dynamic transformation of vacation ownership models, and the growing need to change and adapt to modern lifestyles of younger audiences and customers.
Once traditionally perceived as a fixed vacation ownership model, timeshare is now undergoing a transformative shift to cater to the preferences of a younger demographic. Traditionally, timeshare involved purchasing a fixed week at a resort property for a specified duration each year. However, in today’s dynamic landscape, alignment with the gig economy and the flexibility-seeking professionals becomes crucial. These are individuals who prioritize adaptability, freedom, and personalized experiences.
As the sands of time continue to shift, timeshare providers are reimagining their offerings. Instead of rigid structures, they now offer flexible points-based systems, allowing users to customize their vacations. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a remote work retreat, or an extended escape, timeshare is evolving to meet the diverse needs of its audience.
In the ever-evolving landscape of travel and hospitality, timeshare has emerged as one vacation ownership format that offers many advantages. And with the emergence of timeshare, we find another growing target market for timeshare – Millennials, a generation known for their love of travel and experiences.
Millennials are those born between 1981 and 1996 – a diverse group with wide-ranging interests, and one common “passion for travel.” They value experiences over material possessions, and they seek out authentic, personalized travel experiences. They are also digital natives, comfortable with using technology to plan and book their travels.
But how does timeshare fit into this picture? Timeshare can cater to the preferences of Millennials, offering a unique blend of flexibility, comfort, and value for money.
For Millennials, timeshare offers a way to satisfy their wanderlust using a vacation format that comes with many benefits. It offers the flexibility to explore new destinations, the comfort of a home away from home, and the assurance of high-quality accommodations.
RCI is a leading timeshare exchange company that operates in the vacation ownership industry. It provides a platform for timeshare owners to exchange their owned weeks with other resorts within the RCI-affiliated network.
Timeshare exchange companies act as intermediaries, matching resort owners looking to vacation elsewhere with suitable exchange options. RCI works by allowing its members to deposit their owned timeshare weeks into the exchange pool, and based on availability and a trading system, they can then choose a week at another affiliated resort. Members can then choose from available options within the RCI network for their vacation, providing flexibility and variety in destinations.
Deposit your week into the “vacation pool,” then browse through a large listing of available resorts. Think of it as a search index of beachy getaways, mountain retreats, and everything in between. Once you find your dream destination, book it, pack your bags, and say goodbye to vacation déjà vu!
At Rosetta, we are resolute in our commitment to reducing our environmental impact. By embracing sustainable practices and continually seeking innovative solutions, we strive to make a positive difference in the world around us.
Our commitment to environmental stewardship is heartfelt and ingrained in every aspect of our operations. We believe that it is our responsibility to safeguard the planet for the well-being of present and future generations.
Here are some of the green initiatives we have implemented at Rosetta-Sakleshpur:
Introducing eco-friendly materials and processes Our design plans for the resort prioritize energy efficiency at every stage. This includes construction practices that specify the use of eco-friendly materials and processes. Our careful selection of rooftop tiles is a good example of this – keeping the resort cool in summer and warm in winter.
With a scientifically-driven approach to minimize the environmental impacts associated with construction and design, we have also introduced changes right across the supply chain. One good example of this is reducing the distance traveled to procure construction materials and other related inputs – which means “sourcing local”, or as close to local as possible.
Ayurveda is an ancient system of traditional medicine that has been practiced in India for centuries. It is based on the premise that health and wellness are achieved when the body, mind, and spirit are in a state of harmony and balance.
Ayurveda works around a holistic approach to health and well-being – based on traditional treatments such as Panchakarma, Rejuvenation Therapy, and Marma Therapy. Panchakarma is a cleansing therapy that involves the use of oils, herbs, and other natural ingredients to detoxify the body and work towards holistic health. Rejuvenation Therapy helps to revitalize the body and mind, and Marma Therapy is used to treat chronic illnesses.
A vacation is a good time to start on your wellness path A vacation is a good time to explore a wellness plan because you will be in a relaxed frame of mind to start experiencing the benefits. Here are some spiritual aspects of Yoga and Ayurveda that you can explore if you have a wellness center at your resort, or if you can find one nearby.
For this interview, we are in conversation with Dhanraj Mulki – currently working with Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited as the General Counsel & Company Secretary. This feature has brief extracts from that conversation on sustainability and environmental initiatives at Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL).
At MHRIL, how do you visualize the ecological balance at different project locations?
At MHRIL, we are deeply committed to adopting responsible business practices and implementing various initiatives. These include measuring the carbon footprint, conserving biodiversity, promoting energy conservation, utilizing renewable sources, practicing water conservation, and waste recycling. These green initiatives align with the company’s larger mission of fostering “Good Living, Happy Families.”
Keeping this mission in mind what are MHRIL’s long-term goals?
Mahindra Holidays is committed to carbon neutrality by 2040 – making it India’s first hospitality company in India that has signed both RE100 and EP100 – global campaigns led by The Climate Group aiming to achieve 100% renewable energy usage by 2050, and double energy productivity by 2030.
Picture this: You’ve eagerly planned your dream vacation. Your itinerary is set, your bags are packed, and you’re looking forward to getting away for a few days. And then the unexpected happens – an accident, illness, a lost passport, or a flight cancellation – leaving you stranded, helpless and looking for assistance.
This is where travel insurance comes into play, to offer protection and cover for travel-related contingencies – enabling timely assistance and financial reimbursements in times of need. Travel insurance helps you cover various elements of risk and acts as a safety net for unforeseen events.
Travel insurance is not an unnecessary expense – it is about future-proofing your vacation – especially if you are traveling as a family with little children. Think of travel insurance as your silent travel companion – ready to provide support and be there in the background to ensure peace of mind.
In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find the time to factor in health and wellness. But with a little planning, we can at least make a beginning – let’s start with our vacations. This basically means getting some exercise, eating healthy foods, and learning new ways to take care of ourselves.
Vacations are a great way to escape the stress points of everyday life. So you need to work towards switching to a relax-and-recover mode – your fitness and activity planners at the resort will help you do just that.
There are many different types of health and wellness holidays available – right from yoga retreats and spa vacations, getaway trips planned by health experts, to adventure trips promoted by outdoor activity professionals. No matter what type of health and wellness holiday you choose, you will come back feeling refreshed and energized.
On a vacation, it is also useful to engage in activities that you enjoy. Make some time to relax and enjoy your vacation. Take a painting class, listen to music, find a yoga class, get a massage, or just read a book.
Get plenty of rest. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and plan your days to include breaks and naps. Prioritize sleep – aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night to keep your body and mind refreshed.
Suresh S. Patel of Neonz Resort & Club joins us for a Q&A session that outlines the fast-changing eco-friendly landscape at the club. He shares updates with us on the changing eco-friendly landscape in and around their project location – effort that is making a huge difference in the lives of employees and local communities that also stand to benefit from these initiatives. Neonz Resort & Club is a member of the All India Resort Development Association (www.airda.org).
NEONZ RESORT & CLUB, an RCI Gold Crowned five-star resort situated in the heart of peaceful countryside and serene farmland in Central Gujarat, INDIA.
Suresh sees his projects in India going beyond commercial focus points, where community support gets the benefit of planned project implementation and follow-through. Take for example his concern to provide easy access in the areas of health and recreation: this is aimed at a fast-growing younger generation in Charotar.
Another personal mission was to promote growth in nearby rural areas and create jobs for young job seekers. To achieve this, he is setting up training facilities in the areas of skill building and development.
In this interview, he talks about his team at Neonz Resort taking small steps towards being eco-friendly at the resort, and their efforts at meeting CSR commitments outlined for the year.
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