Vacatia’s President, Michael Burns, To Open The 2014 ARDA World Resale Forum
(TRAVPR.COM) FL - April 3rd, 2014 -
Burns cites trusted, online marketplace as critical tool for next-generation buyers and sellers
Most U.S. timeshare owners report enjoying their ownership interest, but they have questions and concerns when it comes time to sell. At ARDA World 2014, Vacatia (vacatia.com) President Michael Burns will take part in the “How Associations Are Selling Their Owned Inventory” expert panel, discussing ways that associations can find new owners and, in turn, shore up resort finances – making a win-win situation for all parties.
This year’s Resale Forum, sponsored by Vacatia, will focus on developing best practices for legacy resorts, in terms of a viable resale program. Industry experts are invited to come together to build a resale program that most resorts can easily implement. This is a chance for exchange company representatives, title companies, resale organizations, financial providers, legal entities (and more) to share their expertise and develop a solid program, while employing best practices that all industry segments can support.
“We are entering the period of “Timeshare 2.0," said Burns. "We have seen the emergence of marketplaces and the so-called 'sharing economy' bringing together customers and providers in air and car travel, lodging, and even event tickets. It’s time for buyers and sellers in the timeshare market to benefit from similar innovation, embracing the choice, information, transparency, convenience and cost- savings that can come from a trusted, online platform."
San Francisco-headquartered Vacatia is a trusted, transparent and easy-to-use marketplace to buy and sell timeshares online, and Burns is a respected industry veteran. He started in the timeshare industry as the president and COO of Vacation Internationale; which was co-founded by his father in 1974, who pioneered the points-based timeshare structure (which is used throughout the industry today). Burns was a member of the senior management team that led Marriott into the timeshare business in the mid 1980s. He was the first executive hired to create Disney's timeshare model in 1989 and served as vice president and general manager for nearly eight years before returning to Vacation Internationale. Burns then founded and was president of Private Residence Resorts, which specializes in boutique fractional properties, including Les Saisons in Sun Valley and Hearthstone in McCall, Idaho. He has participated in a variety of consulting and partnership roles in several fractional resorts throughout North America and is recognized as one of the leading experts and innovators in the field. Burns is a Trustee member of the American Resort Development Association and a frequent speaker and panelist at shared ownership conferences.
The ARDA World 2014 Annual Convention & Expo, to be held April 6-10 at the Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, is one of the premier annual gatherings for timeshare professionals around the world. The “How Associations Are Selling Their Owned Inventory” session also will include John Lee of the Christie Lodge Owners Association and Andrew Gennuso of Great Destinations, and will be moderated by Interval International’s Michelle DuChamp.
More than 3,000 attendees from over 35 countries will meet at ARDA World 2014 in Las Vegas to learn, network and share best practices. Key opportunities to connect with leaders from hundreds of companies include receptions, forums and networking events. The event is one of the most comprehensive ways for timeshare professionals to stay up on trends and best practices, with more than 40 educational sessions spanning the spectrum of the industry's top products, issues and trends.
About Vacatia.com
Based in San Francisco, Vacatia.com is the new online marketplace for shared vacation ownership. Vacatia addresses the vital need for greater transparency, convenience and liquidity in today’s timeshare and fractional ownership markets. It offers consumers, brokers, agents, developers, homeowner associations and resort managers a new and better way to connect, negotiate and transact in the timeshare and fractional ownership resale market. Vacatia.com is powered by an unparalleled team of proven innovators and senior executives from the vacation ownership, travel, real estate, hospitality and e-marketplace sectors.
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