Press Release: Interval International
MIAMI, FL -- April 12, 2000 -- Interval International, the Quality Vacation Exchange Company, has become a Premier
Partner of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the internationally recognized authority on travel and tourism
in the region. With a commitment to the region spanning more than a decade, Interval is pleased to have the opportunity
to work with PATA to promote, develop and support the travel and tourism industry. Due to its expertise in timesharing,
one of the fastest growing segments of the travel and tourism industry, Interval has been asked to present the
first-ever seminar on timesharing to PATA members. The seminar, which is included as part of the 49th Annual PATA
Conference in Hong Kong from April 30 through May 4, will include timeshare experts from Asia and the United States.
Interval's prominent role with PATA underscores the company's commitment to, and belief in, the region as an important
market for travel and tourism. It also supports the company's goals of maintaining its position as the quality
leader in the vacation ownership industry, increasing its global network of resorts, and expanding the timeshare
market around the world. Interval supports PATA's objectives of nurturing growth through research, education, public-private
initiatives, and the bringing together of industry professionals to share ideas and explore opportunities for the
future.
"Interval has maintained a presence in the region for more than 10 years," said M. Rickliffe Choate,
Interval International's Managing Director, Asia Pacific. "During this period, we committed substantial resources
to establish the groundwork for the development and acceptance of the timeshare concept. No doubt, the region's
economic downturn presented challenges to all of us in the industry. However, as regional recovery continues, we
believe great opportunity exists and that the countries in this region will play a key role in the global growth
of vacation ownership."
The Asia Pacific region plays a leading role in world tourism and offers virtually unlimited potential, with an
abundance of attractions, a vast diversity of landscapes and cultures, mountains and islands, beaches and tropical
forests, and unsurpassed hospitality. After suffering setbacks during 1998 as a result of the Asian economic crisis,
travel and tourism recovered in 1999.
According to the World Tourism Organization, travel to the region by non-residents, and travel within the region
by residents, improved significantly in 1999, and additional growth is predicted for 2000. Specifically, WTO predicts
a surge in demand for inbound travel to the region from long-haul markets, notably Europe and North America.
"There are many incredible resorts and urban hotels whose accommodations and amenities offer a world-class
holiday experience. As owners and operators explore alternatives to enhance occupancies and revenues, we believe
they will find the timeshare concept very viable. Among other things, timesharing enhances traditional hospitality
products by increasing repeat visitors, increasing occupancy even during non-peak seasons, and enhancing tourism
expenditures," Choate said. "We look forward to serving as a resource for PATA members."
Recognized as the quality leader, Interval is the exchange company of choice for global hospitality brands, including
Carlson's hotel brands, Disney, Four Seasons, Hyatt and Marriott, and as well as leading independent developers.
The company's balanced network consists of world-class resorts in destinations around the globe offering vacation
owners a wide range of amenities and attractions.
Particularly responsive to the emerging needs of the industry, Interval serves as a complete vacation ownership
resort resource, offering its developer clients a range of services, including customized product design, sales
and marketing programs and materials, internal and external exchange program design and execution, and operations
and systems support. Through its strategic alliance with HVS International, the world's leading independent hospitality
consulting firm, Interval clients can obtain market and financial feasibility studies, including property analyses,
area overviews and competitive analyses, appraisals and valuations, and market research focused on industry-specific
topics.
Interval International has served the vacation-ownership industry since 1976, offering innovative products and
leading the industry with the highest level of quality, service and value. Interval has attracted leading independent
and brand name developers to its network, which now includes approximately 1,800 resorts in over 70 countries.
Interval serves more than one million member families worldwide through 31 offices in 23 countries.
Since 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association has provided a networking and educational platform for the public
and private sectors of Pacific Asia travel and tourism. PATA is the recognized authority on Pacific Asia travel
and tourism. PATA's membership includes nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, 76 airlines and cruise
lines, some 2,000 companies and organizations, and 17,000 individuals in 78 Chapters worldwide.
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Contact: Christina Wells
(305) 666-1861, Ext. 7267
cwells@interval-intl.com or
Ellen Yui
(301) 270-8571
ellenyui@starpower.net