Press Release: Vacation Club & Resort of Hershey
July 19, 2002
HERSHEY, PA - Located in the rolling hills of Hershey, PA (home to Hershey Foods and the Great American Chocolate
Bar) Vacation Club & Resort of Hershey has re-opened under its new name, bringing a "taste" of ChocolateTown
to the world. Formerly known as Great Vacations Resort, the luxury vacation ownership resort located within walking
distance of HersheyPark®, has completed its renaissance. The only timeshare resort in the area, just 40 minutes
from Gettysburg and the Lancaster/Amish area, "We deliver something in Hershey that you can't find anywhere
else …the history, the chocolate factory, HersheyPark®, and a brand new arena featuring first-class entertainment/sports,
year round." says Jay Lloyd, Resort Manager. Within 3 hours driving time of several major east coast cities
including Washington, D.C., New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, upstate New York and New Jersey, Hershey hosted
4.1 million visitors in 2001. An increase to 5 million is projected for 2002.
Donald Cappetta, a successful Hershey businessman for over 30 years, took the reigns with his partners in March,
2002, proceeding to raise the bar on what a family resort should be. A new Sales/Marketing staff was brought in
as well as new Resort Management. "We are fortunate to have one of the Top Rated Family Destinations in the
World" said Don Cappetta. "The vacation experience we provide and our level of service can compete with
anyone and our goal is to be one of the top vacation ownership resorts in the world. Our family summertime activities
include a Free Welcome Barbecue along with a magic show (where's the chocolate rabbit??) plus sweets, treats and
surprises at the pool", he continued. Among the many improvements/additions are picnic areas/tables, a running
track, children's playground, a train observation deck and a sand volleyball court. Plans to add two new buildings
with lock-out units, new check-in area, an indoor/outdoor pool and lounge area are slated for 2004.
The resort has achieved an RCI Gold Crown Rating every year since the original opening in February, 1998. "The
RCI Comment Card Scores remain outstanding, averaging 4.7 and 4.8 across the board" said Jay Lloyd, Resort
Manager. The resort has recently affiliated with Interval International, who will handle all new vacation buyers.
Current owners have the option of remaining with RCI or switching to I I. Exceptional vacation experiences will
continue to be the standard for all exchange guests.
Al Jones, a successful industry veteran, is the Resort Sales and Marketing Director. "We are a family resort
and do not believe in the old high-pressure sales tactics used by most competitors," says Al. "Our resort
and the vacation experience at Hershey sells itself. We offer floating time with Deeded Ownership except Antique
Auto Week in October (which is fixed and brings 300,000 car enthusiasts to Hershey for one of the largest car shows
in the U.S). Our prices and ownership options compete with anyone in the world!"
Each of the 24 units feature approximately 1200 square feet of luxurious "living" space. All units have
2 bedrooms, 2 baths, Full Kitchen, Washer/Dryer, Queen-size sofa sleeper and 46" Big Screen TV with VCR and
Stereo.
In addition to weekly owner usage and exchange, the resort also offers mini-vacation packages and nightly rentals
for those desiring a smaller "taste" of Chocolate Town. Information and rates can be accessed through
the resort's website www.hersheyvacations.com.
----------------------------------------
Contacts: General Resort Info/Inquiries: info@hersheyvacations.com or (717) 534-2003