Owners`Connection - Wyndham Vacation Rentals

Owners’ Connection
Winter 2013
Enhancing your ownership experience
Building Momentum in 2013
Expanding opportunities for you
W
e had a fantastic 2012, gaining extraordinary momentum as we continue
to grow Wyndham Vacation Rentals® into a world-class brand.
We’ve seen the coming together of some of the best names in U.S.
rentals—ResortQuest®, The Resort Company®, Bahama Bay®, Caribe Cove® as well as
a standout collection of properties in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, such as Legacy
Mountain Resort®, Majestic Mountain Vacations, Sherwood Forest Resort®, Sugar
Maple Cabins®, The Preserve Resort® and Gatlinburg Cabins Online®.
Most recently, we’ve welcomed two additional vacation rental businesses: Oceana
Resorts® and Kaiser Realty. These great companies bring more than 1,500 additional
units to our growing Wyndham Vacation Rentals portfolio, which now surpasses the
100,000 property mark worldwide—a very impressive milestone!
An expanding portfolio means increasing vacation opportunities not only for our guests, but also for our
homeowners. In this issue, read how the new Wyndham Home ExchangeSM
program is a way for you to discover for yourself the incredible range
of vacation opportunities you’ll find in our portfolio, available when you
exchange weeks at your vacation property.
Speaking of exciting vacation opportunities, ski season is here! Read about
We’ve been focusing
our collective efforts on
top strategies
our presence in the top U.S. ski destinations and all the great things we’re
doing to accommodate ski enthusiasts so that they’ll return again and again.
As our business continues to grow, read about how we’ve been focusing our collective efforts on top strategies
including enhancing our website, creating technological initiatives that help add value to all of our vacation rental
properties, and implementing our Program United initiative to further help us to become one company, one brand.
These are just some of the new ways we’re leveraging our brand to benefit you and your fellow homeowners.
Together, we can look forward to some great new developments in 2013.
in this issue
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership.
President’s Message
p. 1
FEATURE: Top U.S. Ski Destinations
p. 2
Promoting Our Business
p. 5
Property Spotlight: Black Bear Lodge
p. 6
Bob Milne
In the News
p. 7
President, Wyndham Vacation Rentals North America
Marketing Updates
p. 8
Owner Advantage
p. 9
Our Growing Brand Family
p. 10
Renovation Updates
p. 12
©2013 Wyndham Vacation Rentals
1
Feature Article: Our Presence in Top U.S. Ski Destinations
S
Meeting the demand with a sensational selection of accommodations
ki is a very important part of our business,”
says Bob Milne, president, Wyndham Vacation
Rentals North America, “and with the winter
ski season in full swing we’re working to provide an
amazing experience for guests and owners alike.” To
meet the demand of the thousands of visitors who
flock here each winter, Wyndham Vacation Rentals®
offers a wide selection of vacation rentals in top U.S.
ski resort destinations including Sun Valley, Park City
and throughout Colorado in Aspen, Beaver Creek,
Breckenridge, Keystone, Steamboat Springs and Vail—
all of which offer some of the best ski terrain in the country.
Skiers enjoy a sensational selection of accommodations, from comfortable and economical studio
units, to large, luxurious private homes. Amenities like
fully equipped kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers
offer much-welcomed convenience, and great features
like gas or wood-burning fireplaces and private decks
with hot tubs add a touch of luxury after a day on the
slopes.
“Many of our properties even offer storage space for
ski equipment, heated underground parking and some
amazing mountain views,” says Bill Anderson, vice
president, Western U.S. operations. In addition, ski
lovers of all abilities have opportunities to enjoy ski-in/
ski-out lodging, fabulous après ski amenities, and onsite ski shops that offer equipment fittings.
Skiers enjoy a sensational
selection of accommodations,
from comfortable and
economical studio units,
to large, luxurious private
homes
2
Aspen, Colo.
Beaver Creek, Colo.
This mecca for skiers of all levels has also been the
Our inventory here includes world-class luxury lodging,
site of internationally televised extreme winter sports
private residences in Beaver Creek and Arrowhead,
competitions attracting audiences from around the
as well as ski-in/ski-out options. Visitors also take
globe. The Inn at Aspen offers ski-in/ski-out access to
advantage of the upscale alpine village featuring heated
Buttermilk Mountain and its highly regarded Children’s
sidewalks, après ski, fine dining, boutique shopping, Ski School. And when the sun goes down, the nightlife’s
and more.
just beginning, with plenty of off-mountain fun in the
charming downtown area.
Breckenridge and Keystone, Colo.
Vail, Colo.
As the second-largest ski mountain in North America,
Vail offers plenty of snow and sunshine, along with
Consistently ranked among the most popular vacation
world-class dining, shopping and nightlife. Rental
destinations in North America, these bustling Colorado
properties here include one- to five-bedroom luxury
hotspots boast more than 300 Wyndham Vacation
condominiums, boutique-style hotel rooms, and ski-in/
Rentals® offerings, with accommodations ranging from
ski-out options. At the Lion Square Lodge, renovations
convenient ski-in/ski-out condos to private homes, to
continue and are slated for completion later this year.
peaceful townhomes and condos full of amenities.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Steamboat Springs, Colo.
This legendary ski destination is home to our exclusive
Skiers of all abilities flock to this destination, which
condo and vacation home inventory, featuring all the
this year celebrates its 50th Anniversary season. Our
comforts of home in a European-style mountain retreat.
Steamboat Springs vacation rental inventory includes
Bald and Dollar Mountains offer downhill skiing, Nordic
premium ski-in/ski-out condos and spacious townhomes
sports, tubing and more.
just blocks from the ski lifts. Adding to the fun are an
array of downtown shops and restaurants, art galleries,
spas and more.
T H E S U N D A N C E F I L M F E S T I VA L
Each January Park City hosts the Sundance Film
Festival, which showcases thousands of independent
films from around the world. As an Official Lodging
Provider for the event, Wyndham Vacation Rentals
offers numerous accommodations within walking distance of the festival
theaters and venues, including the Filmmaker Lodge, Sundance House
and the iconic Egyptian Theatre.
3
PARK CITY, UTAH
Wyndham Vacation Rentals® boasts a large collection of private homes and condos in all of Park City. Guests
visiting this area, known as one of the nation’s most popular ski regions, can choose from a range of condos, luxury
townhomes, and ski-in/ski-out lodging.
Park City Mountain Resort
Named the #4 Ski Resort in North America by readers of SKI Magazine
in 2013, this ski destination offers gentle slopes for beginners on up to
world-class terrain parks and even the legendary Superpipe. In addition
to great skiing, there’s plenty of family fun and entertainment including a
world-renowned sports park that offers adventurous visitors a chance at
bobsledding, skeleton or luge. Convenient to recreation and activities, all
Wyndham Vacation Rentals properties, including Copperbottom Inn and
Town Pointe, are located near the resort. A free, citywide shuttle system
allows for easy access to neighboring resorts and their attractions, and to
downtown restaurants, shops and entertainment.
Downtown Park City, Utah
The Canyons Resort
Ranked #10 by SKI Magazine’s 2013 survey of the Top 30
Resorts in Western North America, this ski region boasts the
longest terrain park in Utah and an “orange-bubble” quad-lift
with heated seats—the only one of its kind in North America.
In addition to great accommodations at Sundial Lodge and
Red Pine, just a mile from the Utah Olympic Park, Bear Hollow
Village features some townhomes with private hot tubs and
gourmet kitchens.
Skiers of all levels flock to these popular resorts.
Deer Valley Resort
Named the #2 Ski Resort in North America by readers of SKI Magazine, this ski destination offers a range of
Wyndham Vacation Rentals luxury condos, townhomes and exclusive vacation rental homes, all with convenient
ski access and some located directly on a ski trail. Those with ski-in/ski-out access include Empire Pass with
luxury townhomes at Arrowleaf, where just outside their doors, guests can hop on the Silver Strike Express
chairlift—the fastest way to step into skis, get on the lift, and arrive on the slopes. Nearby, the Ironwood
property is just steps from the Northside Express high-speed quad lift and minutes by ski to the new Lady
Morgan Express chair. And the prestigious Mont Cervin Plaza offers seven spectacular ski-in/ski-out vacation
rentals in the heart of the exclusive Silver Lake Village.
4
PROMOTING OUR BUSINESS
The art of the deal: Guests are loving our promos!
Last fall, Wyndham Vacation Rentals® featured Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals,
where vacation-loving visitors to our website were encouraged to start planning their
dream beach or ski vacations early. “Our Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals were a
huge hit and are great avenues for promoting our business,” said Jessica Kornacki, vice president,
sales & marketing, Wyndham Vacation Rentals North America.
In January, celebrating Steamboat Springs’ 50th Anniversary season, a
Golden Anniversary Sale offered savings of up to 45 percent along with
hot springs or snow tubing passes. And a “Hundred Hour Sale” to all ski
destinations yielded an impressive booking result. Says Kornacki, “This
is the first time we’ve made this offer for ski destinations and we’ve seen
some great results: 40 percent booked online, and we had success across
all ski areas in the West.” These promotions encourage vacationers to take
advantage of the best that our North American regions have to offer, and are a great way to promote our business, drive transactions and Steamboat Springs celebrates its 50th season.
drive rentals.
Below is just a sample of what we have offered on wyndhamvacationrentals.com:
Orlando, Florida
d
Stay three nights an
pay for only two!
Alabama
Ski Destination Deals
Save up to 30% off vacation
rental accommodations plus
receive discounted lift tickets,
and free night stays.
Gulf Coast
Arrive Sunday
and save 15%
Good for threeor four-night
stays.
ResortQuest Ski and Snowboard Rentals
Why lug skis? Guests opt for ease
Skiers traveling to Summit County, Colo. who’d rather not deal with the cost of flying their skis out to the
mountains are enjoying a better option. Wyndham Vacation Rentals guests can leave skis at home and rent
ski and snowboard equipment, on site and ready to go.
Shop locations at the River Mountain Lodge and Tyra II in Breckenridge, as well as one in Keystone, make
it possible for guests to pick up a wide selection of top-of-the-line, name-brand ski and snowboard rental
equipment. The Breckenridge location offers guests one free ski rental per reservation. Adding to the
convenience, a complimentary guest shuttle takes guests to and from the ski shops, so customers avoid the
hassle of extra driving and parking.
5
PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT: Black Bear Lodge
Rustic splendor reminiscent of classic western lodges
L
ocated in the Deer Valley Resort area, in the heart of the mid-mountain Silver Lake Village, Black Bear Lodge
offers guests a sophisticated mountain retreat with plenty of ski runs. Just across the street from the slopes,
the Deer Valley resort features more than 100 runs and 2,000 acres of mostly groomed, intermediate terrain,
and spectacular chairlift views. Skiers of all levels appreciate the miles of beginner ski tracks for those just starting
out, and black diamond runs for those seeking a challenge.
In addition to on-site ski and snowboard rentals,
delivery and tuning, added bonuses for guests include
a ski lift loop shuttle and complimentary overnight ski
check at the base—eliminating the need to lug gear.
Other luxuries include Kleenex boxes at each of the
21 lifts, free overnight ski storage, ski valets to grab
your skis from the car, three cafeterias, a lounge and a
sit-down restaurant, a ski school, two rental shops and
two signature stores.
To stay at Black Bear Lodge is to be immersed in
rustic splendor. A four-story log exterior and interior
log accents are a perfect complement to natural
stone fireplaces in each unit and custom furnishings
in leather and sumptuous fabrics. Vaulted ceilings and
Black Bear’s four story log exterior is an elegant complement to the
surrounding mountain views.
additional windows on the top floor give a spacious,
airy feeling as well as some of the best views in the
building.
“With its warm log interiors and river rock fireplaces,
this cozy property is reminiscent of classic western
lodges,” says Jason Schnaitter, ResortQuest Park City
General Manager. “Black Bear Lodge fits in well with
our other managed properties in the heart of Deer
Valley’s Silver Lake Village.”
Guests enjoy views of Deer Valley Resort’s runs and
the surrounding mountains from balconies, decks, or
patios, many of which also include private hot tubs for
added après-ski relaxation. After a dazzling day on the
slopes, guests can take advantage of the community
Guests enjoy rustic log accents as well as natural stone fireplaces
in each unit.
heated outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness room and BBQ area.
And when it’s time to explore the village offerings, it’s just a short walk (or guests can take the private shuttle) to
shopping and great restaurants, with a total of eight of Utah’s best restaurants in the surrounding area.
6
WYNDHAM VACATION RENTALS® IN
THE NEWS
Here’s just a sampling of some of the latest headline-grabbing news from Wyndham Vacation Rentals…
Fodor’s
Celebrate Hilton Head Magazine
November 30, 2012: “Expert Tips for Your Next Vacation Rental”
November 2012: “Now is
the Time to Spruce up Your
Vacation Rental Home”
Citing Wyndham Vacation Rentals as holding the
“motherlode” of vacation offerings in the U.S., this article
highlighted several of our property destinations including
the Smoky Mountains, Vail, Charleston and Sun Valley.
Noting the rising popularity of the vacation rental market,
and the affordability, convenience, amenities and value
of rental stays, the article also featured a quote from our
own Bob Milne, president of Wyndham Vacation Rentals,
North America. Print circulation: 525,815.
The New York Daily News (one of the top five newspapers
in the country)
December 3, 2012: “Colorado’s
Breckenridge-Beaver Creek
Area is an Outdoor Paradise”
This article focuses on the
unique aspects of Wyndham
Vacation Rentals, including
services such as daily cleaning
crews and catering. Print circulation: 605,677;
online visits: 6,298,100.
The New York Times
Here, homeowners
looking for ways to
maximize future
revenue learned that
kitchen renovations
had among the
highest return on
investment. They
also read about
recently released
survey data which indicated that one
of the top reasons a consumer would choose a vacation
rental over a traditional hotel room is for the kitchen. Print circulation: 47,000.
Broadcasts reaching millions
In November 2012, a Cyber Monday “satellite media tour”
featured spokesperson Janna Robinson (a.k.a., “The
Chic Geek”). The broadcast aired on 229 radio and TV
programs and included messaging on Wyndham Vacation
Rentals while also promoting several of our Cyber Monday
deals—all with a total audience exposure of 8,302,924.
Highlights of the extensive coverage also appeared in
New York Daily News, FoxNews.com, and BostonHerald.
com, which also listed last fall’s Black Friday Deal.
December 5, 2012: “36 Hours in Steamboat Springs, Colo.”
The “If you go” section features Trailhead Lodge, a
Wyndham Vacation Rentals property in Steamboat, Colo.
Print circulation: 1,586,757.
7
MARKETING UPDATES: Revenue Management Going Online
Getting maximum occupancy at the right price
T
o get the best rates possible for your property,
the Wyndham Vacation Rentals® Revenue
Management Team has developed a system
to help make pricing and marketing decisions. By
combining analytics, or the study of data trends, with
Some of the revenue management and
analytics techniques we use include:
•
(e.g., weekends) when demand increases and
our revenue management strategies, such as how far
in advance consumers book, and pricing patterns of
our competitors, we can identify and target inventory
supply shrinks, and prices should be increased.
•
Creating additional demand by creating added
value (e.g., a $100 gift card) or a price discount if
that isn’t filled, and ultimately add value to the vacation
rental properties.
Identifying inventory pockets or specific days
demand does not materialize as expected.
•
Tracking locations and dates searched on our
“With the revenue management system in place,
website, as well as the geographic location of the
we are able to maximize booking channels with our
consumer performing the search, and using the
data to tailor offers to potential customers.
online travel partners including Expedia, Travelocity
and Orbitz, all of which have the brand recognition,
•
Working closely with the marketing team to
multimillion-dollar marketing, and an established
identify the right audience and message to add
ability to reach the widest section of consumers,” says
value to the vacation rental properties.
Scott Swinford, vice president, revenue management,
Wyndham Vacation Rentals North America. “Through
these combined efforts, we are working to drive
increased occupancy for our owners.”
Online Destination Videos
We’re continually updating our website with destination videos.
Currently visitors can view their choice of these five locations:
Click on these links for web
page access to videos.
Hilton Head
Alabama
Delaware
Delaware
Northwest Florida
Charleston Islands
Hilton Head
Coming soon: Orlando, Florida,
Steamboat Springs, Colorado and
Park City, Utah.
Charleston Islands
8
O wner A D V A N T A G E
Great benefits and opportunities
for you, the homeowner
The Mayan Palace in Acapulco is just one example of the
thousands of properties available for exchange.
Dream Vacation Opportunities for Homeowners
This past December, Wyndham Vacation Rentals® announced the launch of the Wyndham Home ExchangeSM
program. This program allows owners of vacation rental properties to trade weeks at their vacation home
property for access to accommodations at more than 4,000 RCI®-affiliated resorts around the world, subject
to availability and your accessible Points balance.
You can now deposit with RCI your choice of up to 5 weeks from your vacation property. Each deposited
week is then converted to Points that you can use to exchange for stays within the exchange system.
The program has been met with great success in Europe, and at press time already 5,460 out of the current
unit base of 6,941 U.S. homeowners (79 percent) have enrolled. The homes that owners are depositing into
the RCI exchange system are seeing strong demand by the millions of RCI subscribing members looking
for unique products, locations and vacation destinations never before offered, making it a win-win for our
owners and RCI members alike. The Wyndham Vacation Rentals brands currently eligible for this program
are ResortQuest® by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, The Resort Company® by Wyndham Vacation Rentals,
Bahama Bay® and Caribe Cove®. Oceana Resorts®, Smoky Mountain Property Management Inc.®, and Kaiser
Realty are expected to join the program in 2013.
OwnerNet® Website
Putting our technology to work for you
When it comes to staying organized, it helps when you can find
everything in one place. To put all the information you need right
at your fingertips, we recently introduced OwnerNet®, a new online portal that makes it easy for Wyndham
Vacation Rentals homeowners to stay current with the latest industry news, including helpful links to owner
benefits and programs, monthly financial statements, reservations reporting and more. Plans to offer
OwnerNet access to owners with The Resort Company are currently in the works.
OwnerNet can be found in the Owner Services section on WyndhamVacationRentals.com, where you can
simply click on the Owner Services tab. Once there, you’ll find handy features including a Central Messaging
Center, Online Statements, Owner Bookings Calendar, and Owner Benefits.
9
OUR GROWING BRAND FAMILY
Now more than 100,000 vacation rental properties around the world
W
yndham Vacation Rentals® recently added some great new companies to our North America portfolio.
Beginning last summer, Smoky Mountain Property Management Inc. joined our family, and at the start
of 2013, we welcomed Oceana Resorts® and Kaiser Realty. “As established leaders in vacation rentals, each of these companies shares our passion for delivering top-quality
vacations with outstanding customer service,” says Bob Milne, president, Wyndham Vacation Rentals North
America. In addition, this new inventory significantly increases the selection of accommodations we offer in some
of the most desirable destinations.
Smoky Mountain Property Management, LLC Eastern Tennessee
Located in the highly sought-after Smoky Mountain region of eastern Tennessee, Smoky Mountain Property
Management, LLC, adds to our portfolio more than 400 upscale, one- to twelve-bedroom luxury cabins.
Representing one of the most popular mountain vacation markets in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville,
Smoky Mountain Property Management Inc. features such well-established brands as Legacy Mountain Resort®,
Majestic Mountain Vacations, Sherwood Forest Resort®, Sugar Maple Cabins®, The Preserve Resort® and Gatlinburg
Cabins Online®.
Legacy Mountain Resort
Sherwood Forest Resort interior
As established leaders in vacation
rentals, each of these companies
shares our passion for delivering
top-quality vacations with the
very best customer service
The Preserve Resort
10
Oceana Resorts® Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Complementing our existing ResortQuest®
offerings in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Oceana Resorts’
accommodations add more than 1,000 luxury,
oceanfront rental properties to this highly
popular market that attracts more than 14 million
visitors each year. Oceana Resorts has earned a
Camelot by the Sea,
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
reputation for providing quality vacations and
excellent service, bringing more than 25 years of
experience in family, golf, and group vacations to
Wyndham Vacation Rentals®.
This new inventory significantly
increases the selection of
accommodations we offer in
some of the most desirable
destinations
Some properties feature amenities like sparkling
ocean-view pools.
Kaiser Realty Coastal Alabama
Wyndham Vacation Rentals is expanding its portfolio throughout the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas of
coastal Alabama. Bringing with it 30 years of experience, Kaiser Realty offers a quality portfolio of more than 450 condominiums and single-family homes, increasing our rental offerings along the pristine beaches and
sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Kaiser Realty properties include The Lighthouse condominiums in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
The Lighthouse Penthouse #3 features 4 bedrooms and
4 bathrooms.
11
RENOVATION UPDATES: Lion Square Lodge
Vail, Colorado
The South Building project has been completed and doors opened on November 20, 2012. The building’s new
exterior now matches that of the North Building, which was recently renovated for $30 million. Upgrades to the
South Building include:
Before
• New roof, snow guards and chimney work
• 52 thermal solar panels to supplement domestic hot water
• 2 new elevators
• Freshly painted exterior
• Stone work
• External railings
In the lobby area, upgrades include new computers and furnishings, and many
new common area doors were replaced to accommodate updated fire codes.
Other upgrades include a renovated sauna, remodeled units, and the addition of
new lodge rooms.
Currently, the $11 million East Building project in the Vail Mountain ski yard is in
progress. Completion is targeted for later this year and will include a new exterior,
added square footage to all units, five new elevators, a new roofline, and $4 million in interior unit renovations.
After
Kutuk Completes Renovations Exterior updates to this Steamboat Springs, Colorado resort were recently completed.
All of the exterior siding is new.
12
New enclosed garage as well as new arrival/departure area
for all Owners and Guests.