Press Release
CANCÚN, Mexico (June 26, 2000) - Interval International, The Quality Vacation Exchange Company, today announced
that it has signed a multi-year strategic alliance agreement with the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA).
Under the terms of the agreement, Interval and CHA will work together on issues relating to the support and growth
of the tourism sector in the region. The alliance recognizes that tourism is the pivotal industry in the economy
of the region, in terms of employment and positive economic impact. This long term agreement represents a commitment
on Interval's behalf to support the initiatives and objectives of the Caribbean Hotel Association. Specifically,
financial resources will be provided to support the educational, environmental and promotional objectives of CHA.
"This alliance simply formalizes what has always been a strong and important relationship between Interval
International and CHA," said Paul Rishell, president for the Americas, Interval International.
He added, "Vacation ownership brings significant economic benefits to the Caribbean region. In partnering
with CHA, we will jointly endeavor to assist Caribbean hoteliers in identifying potential synergies and opportunities
which exist within the timeshare sector."
"CHA is proud to announce its formal alliance with Interval International. They have long proven their commitment
in developing Caribbean tourism. With Interval's thorough knowledge of the Caribbean market, and a strong desire
to provide real guidance, this alliance will surely benefit our membership," said John Bell, CHA director
general and chief executive officer.
Acknowledging the fact that Interval works with leading independent resort developers and international hospitality
companies including Royal Resorts, Marriott, La Cabana, Hyatt, Coral, Disney, Four Seasons, Carlson and Starwood,
Mr. Bell further added, "In recognizing the growth of this sector and the fact that Interval is a regional
and global leader in providing exchange services, we have selected Interval as the preferred vacation exchange
network of CHA."
Prior to signing this agreement, Interval was a Platinum Sponsor of the last two Caribbean Hotel Industry Conferences
(CHIC) and the last two Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conferences held in the Dominican Republic and
Barbados. Interval International also provides an annual donation to the CTO Education Foundation in support of
Caribbean tourism education for the youth of the region.
Interval International, The Preferred Vacation Exchange Company of the Caribbean Hotel Association, has served
the vacation ownership industry since 1976, offering innovative products and leading the industry with the highest
levels of quality, service and value. Interval's reputation for superior products and services has attracted leading
independent and brand-name developers to its network, which now includes approximately 1,800 resorts in more than
75 countries. Interval serves its developer clients and consumer members through 30 offices in 22 countries.
Beyond exchange, Interval offers a range of services to its current roster of Caribbean resort developer clients,
and new entrants into the vacation ownership industry, including program design, sales and marketing support, reservations,
travel and financial services.
The Caribbean has proven itself to be a popular destination amongst current and potential owners of the vacation
ownership product. According to the results of Vacation Ownership 2000 (VO2000), a benchmark study sponsored by
Interval International and conducted by Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown, the Caribbean was ranked by U.S. respondents
as the number one foreign travel destination of interest among consumers considering a timeshare purchase.
This finding reinforces a separate study of Interval International United States-based members, conducted by Simmons
Market Research, which also ranked the Caribbean as their number one choice in foreign travel destinations, with
vacation owners nearly four times more likely to visit the region than the average U.S. traveler.
As an allied member of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and a board
member of the Caribbean Latin American Action (C/LAA), Interval has been a long-time supporter of the tourism industry
in the Caribbean. Interval is committed to understanding the unique needs of the Caribbean region and providing
products and programs tailored to this market.
For more information about Interval International, contact David Callaghan, director of business development, Interval
International at 6262 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143; telephone 305-925-7061; fax: 305-667-4495; E-mail: dcallaghan@interval-intl.com.
# # #
CONTACT: Marlene Oliver
(305) 666-1861
moliver@interval-intl.com
Richard S. Kahn
(516) 594-4100
Richard@Kahn-Travel.com