RCI signs on Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point as its first points-based affiliated resort in the Philippines
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RCI signs on Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point as its first points-based affiliated resort in the Philippines
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Category: Asia Pacific - Philippines - Industry economy
- New brands / Affiliations
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2008-07-08
RCI, the world leader in timeshare exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies (NYSE: WYN), today announced the launch of its first points-based affiliated resort in the Philippines. RCI entered into an agreement to sign on Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point – the company’s 18th affiliated resort in the Philippines, which will be part of the RCI® global network of over 4,000 affiliated resorts in nearly 100 countries.
This new vacation ownership offering is a 20-year points-based Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point Vacation Ownership membership. Under the corporate arrangement between Thunderbird Resorts and RCI, members of Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point Vacation Ownership will be issued Thunderbird Resorts Vacation Points that can be converted to RCI Points. The RCI Points program will allow Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point Vacation Ownership members access to the RCI exchange network which consists of over 4,000 RCI affiliated resorts around the world. Thunderbird Resorts Poro Points Vacation Ownership members also will be provided with a personalized reservation service via a designated toll-free line and email, which is provided by RCI as part of its back-office support.
Situated on a peninsula across 650,000 square meters in Poro Point, San Fernando City, Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point is a Mediterranean-style hotel with suites overlooking the breathtaking South China Sea. In addition, it also offers an exciting combination of a casino, a convention center and commercial center along with a nine-hole par 36 golf course, as well as access to a private beach. It offers 10 vacation ownership units furnished with modern amenities including a walk-in closet, spacious bathroom, cable flat screen television, surround sound speakers, iPod docking stations, hi-speed wireless internet, and mini-kitchenette facilities.
In addition, Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point Vacation Ownership members can also indulge in membership benefits at the newly-opened luxury five-star Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point of VIP check-in at the resort and complimentary use of the golf course. Members will also be given the opportunity to enjoy special rates at all Thunderbird resorts worldwide, and the exclusive "Thunderbird Vacation Club" discount privileges at selected restaurants and bars.
“We are delighted to work with Thunderbird Resorts to offer our members an innovative vacation exchange option in the Philippines,” said Winnie Ding, chief financial officer of Group RCI, Asia Pacific. “The addition of a third Points-based resort to the Asia network is in line with our plan to offer our members added ease and flexibility to transact and exchange through RCI Points. Vacation owners of Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point can exchange their Thunderbird Resorts Vacation Points for RCI Points and enjoy a wide array of holiday options including resort and villa accommodations or cruises. This is our 18th affiliated resort in the Philippines and it’s a further testament of our commitment to one of Asia’s fastest growing destinations.”
The collaboration with Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point comes at a time when RCI is focused on expansion in the Philippines. According to the Department of Tourism, the Philippines showed a CAGR of 7 percent in tourist arrivals over the period of 2000-2006. Based on World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2007-2016 Annualized Real Growth in Visitor Exports (international visitors’ spending) Report, the Philippines is predicted to be one of the fastest growing destinations at 5.7 percent.
“Choosing RCI was an easy decision as it is the world leader in timeshare and vacation exchange. They have the expertise and an end-to-end suite of services to help us establish our vacation ownership offering and provide a differentiated proposition to potential buyers. At the same time, the RCI brand is a well respected vacation exchange brand that has more than 30 years of history and a strong global presence. Being part of the RCI affiliated resort network means that we can reach out to almost 4 million members, and this will certainly benefit our resort,” said Peter Lesar, president, Thunderbird Resorts, The Philippines.
Thunderbird Resorts is one of the fastest growing businesses in Latin America, offering customers dynamic, themed and integrated resort venues anchored by casinos. It has two operations in the Philippines which will serve as a platform to the entire Southeast Asian market.
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