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2014 proved to be a momentous year
for Interval International, with consider-
able activity in Latin America and posi-
tive developments in other world
regions, including Asia, the Caribbean,
South Africa, and the U.S. In addition,
Interval hosted Shared Ownership
Investment Conferences in locations
from Lima, Peru, to Bangkok, Thailand,
attracting receptive crowds eager to
look into opportunities in the vacation
ownership sector. The conference held
at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach had
the highest attendance since 2008,
which bodes well for the industry.
One of the most significant events
for Interval International was the return
of David Gilbert in the role of president.
After a two-year hiatus, he’s back with
renewed enthusiasm for the company
and its mission: “Interval has aspired to
provide the highest-quality and best-
value services to our industry partners
and our consumer members from day
one,” says Gilbert. “And it is the commit-
ment of our team to continue that
endeavor. That is the secret to our ongo-
ing success as we approach our 40th
anniversary of serving the industry.”
With several major affiliations in
2014, the company’s international pres-
ence has extended its reach. Among
the most recent affiliations are major
developers in Asia, the Caribbean, and
Mexico.
Anantara Vacation Club, with six
resorts in four countries and an owner
base of 5,000, is part of Anantara
Hotels, Resorts & Spas, with properties
across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
“The quality of the resorts is exceptional
and they are located in markets that are
underserved from a vacation ownership
standpoint,” notes Gilbert.
In the Caribbean, Divi Resorts
Group brings 35,000 owners who’ve
enjoyed vacations at the company’s
nine resorts since it launched its right-
to-use timeshare product in 1981. “All of
Divi’s resorts are in the Caribbean,” says
Gilbert, “which is the number-one inter-
national vacation destination for our
U.S. resident members.”
And in Mexico, Palace Resorts —
celebrating 30 years of success — is
one of the largest vacation ownership
developers in the region, with 11 prop-
erties, including their newest resort in
Montego Bay, the Moon Palace
Jamaica Grande. “They’re a pioneer of
the all-inclusive product,” says Gilbert,
“which our research shows is highly
desired by our members.”
What Interval’s global growth
means, says Gilbert, is that “members
will have expanded options in some of
the world’s most highly desirable vaca-
tion destinations.”
Means for supporting this expan-
sion include investing in technology that
enhances clients’ sales, marketing, and
operations efforts, as well as broaden-
ing awareness of industry opportunities
via the Shared Ownership Investment
Conference. “We are planning a number
of events globally that will provide
potential new entrants the information
and access to the resources they need
to successfully become part of our
industry.”
As Gilbert considers his responsibili-
ties as president of Interval International,
supporting the team that has maintained
the company’s position as the quality
vacation exchange network is his top
priority. “As we continue to channel
resources into technology, education,
and products and services for our devel-
oper partners around the world,” he
concludes, “we are well-positioned to
succeed with that.”
AFFILIATIONS
David Gilbert
reflects on
Interval
growth and
his new role
as president.
David Gilbert
REACH
Global