BELLEVUE, Wash., May 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Timeshare Exit Team, the industry leader in finding a path out of consumers’ unwanted timeshares, is urging timeshare developers to show compassion for owners struggling with medical and financial hardships during the worst pandemic in more than a century, and provide immediate relief to those in need.

The need for consumers to exit their timeshares is more relevant now than ever, yet their ability to exit is stifled by red tape put up by the timeshare industry – or even worse, new deceptive practices aimed at making more sales in the guise of COVID-19 relief:

• In a dazzling display of insensitivity and greed, Orlando Sentinel reported that an executive at Westgate Resorts “offered to use coronavirus relief money from the federal government to give short-term jobs to travel bloggers to write stories promoting the company’s resorts.”
• Diamond Resorts sent out an email to customers in April stating that they’ve “identified ways to provide financial relief to members through refinancing options,” but the true purpose of the solicitation becomes clear in the email’s fine print: “This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting timeshare sales.”
• In Wyndham Destinations’ Q1 earnings call, CEO Michael Brown said that the developer will have to focus more on “owner sales” to keep earnings afloat amid COVID-19 – in other words, pushing upgrades on existing members.

“The way timeshare developers are treating their customers right now, in the middle of an unprecedented medical and economic crisis, is downright cruel,” Brandon Reed, Timeshare Exit Team founder and CEO, said. “We’re seeing so many businesses throughout the country put their profits aside and reach out to help consumers, but developers are still demanding the payment of sky-high maintenance fees and refusing to reimburse consumers who are unable to travel. Americans need help, but instead of taking this opportunity to help their customers, the timeshare industry has largely decided to throw them to the curb.”

“It’s also worth noting that out of the 100,000+ timeshare owners who have come to Timeshare Exit Team seeking relief from their timeshare, the vast majority of them are over 65 years old,” Reed added. “They’re being left to decide between continuing to pay for a timeshare they cannot use because they don’t feel safe traveling, or to feel pressured into traveling despite the health risks because of what they’re paying. It’s infuriating and unacceptable.”

Below is a sampling of recent Tweets from timeshare owners frustrated with developers’ policies amid COVID-19:

“@RCI_Timeshare we have a vacation booked, but the resort and amenities are now closed due to #Covid_19. Why are you not allowing us to cancel or reschedule without huge penalties? This is absurd.” – @imsowilde

“Don’t book with Diamond Resorts. They refuse to refund our cruise during COVID-19. My husband is immunocompromised. Do not purchase a timeshare with them.”- @independentpup

“@RCI_Timeshare needs to meet the times and address this situation. Not allowing members to change dates due to #coronavirus is archaic. Terrible customer service. My mother is stuck now and has been a loyal customer for over 20 years. @WLWT @WCPO @Local12 @FOX19” – @chrislenhof

In response to pleas like these, Timeshare Exit Team founder Brandon Reed sent two open letters to major industry players, including one pledging to work directly with the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) on finding a path out for frustrated consumers and another urging ARDA’s Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC) to join them in championing consumers, which is their stated mission. Sadly, neither of these letters received a response.

There have been some encouraging signs, including Disney Vacation Club committing to extending the life of points at risk of being lost due to the COVID-19 closure, while temporarily limiting members’ ability to borrow future points. Timeshare Exit Team has outlined few specific areas that it recommends as a starting point for helping timeshare owners in distress:

• Waive fees associated with rescheduling vacations or rolling over points to the following year
• Extend timeframes for point usage without penalties
• Reduce management fee profit margins for developer-managed resorts
• Offer truly responsible exits without excessive fees or upgrade sales pitches for owners facing financial or medical issues caused by COVID-19

To those who have followed the timeshare industry for years, their latest actions – or inaction – amid COVID-19 unfortunately should not come as a large surprise. In a lengthy feature, Forbes.com recently highlighted comments from Ken McKelvey, chair of the American Resort Development Association-Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC), which claims to fight for timeshare owners.

“The best thing we can do with exit (is) judicial foreclosure, ruin the credit and enforce the contract,” said McKelvey, according to minutes from the industry’s ARDA World conference in April 2019. “Each developer should have an exit strategy office with (their) call center, also can be opportunity to upsell. Only 40-50% (of owners) actually exit after reaching the office of exit.”

About Timeshare Exit Team
Timeshare Exit Team is the industry leader in helping people exit their unwanted timeshares. Understanding this hardship, Timeshare Exit Team started in 2012 with one goal in mind: help consumers find financial and emotional freedom from their timeshare situation. To date, it has helped more than 21,000 timeshare owners exit their timeshare contracts. For more information, please visit https://timeshareexitteam.com.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/timeshare-developers-are-throwing-consumers-to-the-curb-amid-covid-19-crisis-timeshare-exit-team-warns-301060201.html

SOURCE Timeshare Exit Team

MCLEAN, Va., May 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is supporting hospitality professionals during the coronavirus pandemic and is preparing the industry for recovery. HSMAI is proud to announce the Education & Knowledge Scholarship Program, an initiative that provides discounts and scholarships for HSMAI educational resources and certifications.

“We must remain focused on supporting our colleagues as we navigate uncharted territory,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO of HSMAI. “By investing in hoteliers’ education, we are investing in the future and recovery of the hospitality and tourism industry. It is a privilege to serve those who serve. HSMAI has an important role to play in educating and shaping future leaders, who must be more resilient and resourceful than ever before.”

CHBA DISCOUNT
In partnership with Russell Partnership Technology, HSMAI offers the Certified in Hospitality Business Acumen (CHBA certification) which is a well-respected e-learning certification course that is recognized by hospitality leaders in more than 40 countries. The curriculum focuses on developing business acumen skills and strategic thinking.

This program is now open to individual industry professionals, allowing them to proceed through the course at their own pace without an instructor while still benefiting from the experience of using its hotel simulation. HSMAI is offering a 50% discount on its Individual CHBA (a total savings of $347.50) through July 31, 2020. Learn more about earning a CHBA certification.

CERTIFICATION SCHOLARSHIP
Over the next three months, HSMAI University is providing a limited number of Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME) and Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer (CHDM) certification scholarships for members impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. HSMAI will award two Americas members a complimentary certification on the last day of each month. This opportunity is open to HSMAI professional members whose careers have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

HSMAI is also providing two certification scholarships to each of its chapters to be awarded locally.

STUDY GUIDES FOR HSMAI MEMBERS
To elevate the HSMAI membership community, every HSMAI Americas member will receive a free digital copy of the CRME and CHDM study guides.

RO2WIN
RO2Win Revenue Optimization e-Course is a multimedia online program. This e-course is a great tool for anyone interested in hospitality who wants to understand revenue management at a deeper level. RO2Win presents concepts and tactics in an engaging format, using animations and in-depth interviews with experts.

HSMAI RO2Win is now being offered at $49 for HSMAI Americas members (a total savings of $250) through July 31, 2020. RO2Win is also available to nonmembers at the regular rate.

HOTEL DIGITAL MARKETING ESSENTIALS SERIES
The HSMAI Hotel Digital Marketing Essentials Series offers digital marketers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of hospitality digital marketing concepts, tools, and techniques. The six-week-long live collaborative experience is led by Dan Wacksman, CHDM, and Holly Zoba, CHDM. HSMAI offered a COVID-19 Relief Scholarship Class that provided 50 scholarships of up to 100% of the course cost for hoteliers who wanted to develop their skills but could not cover class costs due to cutbacks and layoffs.

The next regular Hotel Digital Marketing Essentials Series is June 22-July 27 and September 14-October 19. Delve into the series and find out how to master hospitality digital marketing.

HSMAI INSIGHTS TRIAL SUBSCRIPTION
Every week, the HSMAI Insights newsletter shares with its members thought leadership on hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue optimization as well as customer insights, industry news, and trends. HSMAI is now offering a free 60-day subscription to HSMAI Insights to all non-member hospitality professionals.

HSMAI GLOBAL CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
In each issue of Insights, HSMAI features articles from its Global Coronavirus Resources Center. This resource is an accumulation of HSMAI insights, customer insights, and tools for hospitality professionals who are navigating the changing industry landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this initiative, HSMAI has produced six Confronting Coronavirus Webinars that provide thought leadership on how hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals can overcome challenges and prepare for what is ahead. All six webinar recordings are now available online.

As a united community, HSMAI remains hospitality strong. HSMAI is proud to provide unparalleled education, thought leadership, and encouragement for hospitality sales, marketing, and revenue optimization professionals before, during, and after the coronavirus pandemic.

About HSMAI
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) is committed to growing business for hotels and their partners and is the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth. The association provides hotel professionals and their partners with tools, insights, and expertise to fuel sales, inspire marketing, and optimize revenue through programs such as the Adrian Awards, HSMAI ROC, Marketing Strategy Conference, and Sales Leader Forum. Founded in 1927, HSMAI is a membership organization comprising more than 5,000 members worldwide, with 40 chapters in the Americas Region. Connect with HSMAI at hsmai.org, HSMAI Facebook, HSMAI Twitter, and HSMAI YouTube.

SOURCE HSMAI

ALBANY, Ore., May 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Oregon automotive shoppers that are looking for an eco-friendly and affordable choice for the compact SUV segment would be hard-pressed to find a better option than the wonderful 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric. The 2020 Kona Electric greatly impresses, with its eye-catching design, a state-of-the-art electric powertrain, quick acceleration, a comfortable and well-equipped interior, and a wealth of advanced technologies. Hyundai of Albany, a dealership with a reputation for excellent customer service, now offers the 2020 Kona Electric.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric has an eye-catching look, with its powerful stance, a sleek profile and premium features like active grille shutters and LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights. The interior of the Kona Electric is quite sophisticated, with a horizontal design theme that permeates the cabin. The cabin is also quite spacious, with a generous amount of headroom and legroom for each seating position.

The Kona Electric comes equipped with a state-of-the-art electric powertrain, which features a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. Gas stations are a thing of the past with the Kona Electric. It has estimated efficiency ratings of 132 city/108 highway MPGe. The electric range of the Kona Electric is an estimated 258 miles. Using a Level-III quick charge, the Kona Electric can reach an 80% charge in less than one hour. The Kona Electric is also very fun-to-drive, with its electric powertrain delivering a torque output of 291 pound-feet of torque for quick acceleration.

The Kona Electric offers many useful connectivity and multimedia technologies. This includes a user-friendly infotainment system with either a standard 7.0-inch or an available 10.25-inch color touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, HD Radio, SiriusXM Radio, the 8-speaker Infinity premium audio system, and Blue Link LTE-powered connectivity.

For more information about the Kona Electric and other models and services at Hyundai of Albany, Oregon car shoppers are encouraged to visit the dealership’s website at http://www.hyundaiofalbany.com or call (541) 967-9105.

Hyundai of Albany is located at 2425 Santiam Hwy SE in Albany.

SOURCE Hyundai of Albany

STRASBOURG, France, 14 May 2020 /PRNewswire Policy/ — Labels will show fuel efficiency, wet grip, external rolling noise as of 2021

Estimated to save 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions

Potential to create €9 billion turnover in manufacturing

The new labelling scheme for car and truck tyres aims to increase consumer awareness on fuel savings, improve safety and decrease noise pollution.

Under the new rules adopted on Wednesday as already agreed with the Council of Ministers, the labelling will have to inform consumers about the tyre’s fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise.

In the future, information on mileage, abrasion, retreaded tyres and on snow and ice grip will be added to the labels. Mileage and abrasion performance data would be included when a testing method becomes available. The abrasion of tyres during use is a significant source of micro-plastics, which are harmful to the environment.

The new labelling scheme would also apply to heavy-duty vehicles (so-called C3 tyres), which are currently not covered by EU labelling requirements.

Labels must be clearly visible to consumers, be on display in all situations where tyres are being sold, including online, and should provide a QR code for easy scan.

Quote

Rapporteur Henna Virkkunen (EPP, FI) said: “The updated tyre label is a simple but efficient tool, contributing to safer and cleaner mobility by encouraging changes in consumer behaviour. The regulation ensures that consumers receive clear, relevant and comparable information when choosing their tyres.

Particles released from tyres account for the majority of the micro plastics in the environment. The regulation addresses this pressing issue by including the parameters of mileage and abrasion into the scope as soon as suitable testing methods become available.”

Next steps

The text will be published in the Official Journal in the coming weeks. It will be applicable from 1 May 2021.

Background

The new labelling scheme could lead to a reduction of 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and to an increased turnover of €9 billion in manufacturing. The new regulation on the labelling of tyres will repeal and replace the 2009 Tyre Labelling Regulation once it enters into force.

Copyright European Union, 1995-2020

SOURCE European Parliament

STRASBOURG, France, 14 May 2020 /PRNewswire Policy/ — Labels will show fuel efficiency, wet grip, external rolling noise as of 2021

Estimated to save 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions

Potential to create €9 billion turnover in manufacturing

The new labelling scheme for car and truck tyres aims to increase consumer awareness on fuel savings, improve safety and decrease noise pollution.

Under the new rules adopted on Wednesday as already agreed with the Council of Ministers, the labelling will have to inform consumers about the tyre’s fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise.

In the future, information on mileage, abrasion, retreaded tyres and on snow and ice grip will be added to the labels. Mileage and abrasion performance data would be included when a testing method becomes available. The abrasion of tyres during use is a significant source of micro-plastics, which are harmful to the environment.

The new labelling scheme would also apply to heavy-duty vehicles (so-called C3 tyres), which are currently not covered by EU labelling requirements.

Labels must be clearly visible to consumers, be on display in all situations where tyres are being sold, including online, and should provide a QR code for easy scan.

Quote

Rapporteur Henna Virkkunen (EPP, FI) said: “The updated tyre label is a simple but efficient tool, contributing to safer and cleaner mobility by encouraging changes in consumer behaviour. The regulation ensures that consumers receive clear, relevant and comparable information when choosing their tyres.

Particles released from tyres account for the majority of the micro plastics in the environment. The regulation addresses this pressing issue by including the parameters of mileage and abrasion into the scope as soon as suitable testing methods become available.”

Next steps

The text will be published in the Official Journal in the coming weeks. It will be applicable from 1 May 2021.

Background

The new labelling scheme could lead to a reduction of 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and to an increased turnover of €9 billion in manufacturing. The new regulation on the labelling of tyres will repeal and replace the 2009 Tyre Labelling Regulation once it enters into force.

Copyright European Union, 1995-2020

SOURCE European Parliament

ATLANTA, May 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Jim Ellis Automotive Group is launching a group-wide At-Home Memorial Day Savings Event – a comprehensive digital event where customers can shop online for their new vehicle. From May 20, 2020 to May 25, 2020, all 18 Jim Ellis family-owned and operated dealerships will offer their Memorial Day sales online via the Jim Ellis Express Way. The group will also be donating a portion of every sale of all new or pre-owned vehicles to the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB).

In response to the challenges that COVID-19 has brought to automotive industry and its customers, the company is offering the unique opportunity for those in Atlanta and surrounding areas to shop for their new car virtually. This platform allows new car prospects to take advantage of the significant holiday savings, while providing the means to practice social distancing by shopping from home. With the Jim Ellis Express Way, prospective customers can compare and choose from thousands of vehicles, schedule at-home test drives, configure financing, have their vehicles delivered to their house and more. This is especially advantageous for those who are currently homebound or do not wish to shop in-store.

The onset of the current pandemic has created severe food shortages for communities throughout Georgia, and with over 30 million Americans unemployed, food security will continue to be one of the greatest challenges faced in the upcoming months. ACFB has seen a 30-40% increase in demand for food assistance since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proceeds of the Jim Ellis At-Home Memorial Day Sales Event will greatly help to support ACFB’s emergency food distributions and the 1 in 7 Georgians who are food insecure.

“This campaign is just one small way we can do our part as an organization to help out those in need”, said Stacey Ellis-Hodges, Vice President of the Jim Ellis Automotive Group. “With our At-Home Memorial Day Savings Event, we can serve the mobility needs of Atlanta, safeguard our customers and allow them the opportunity to give back while they shop. We are especially excited to partner with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, a wonderful organization who is working hard to fight hunger in communities affected by the pandemic.”

There are 14 brands under the tutelage of Jim Ellis Automotive Group: Alfa Romeo, Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. During the At-Home Memorial Day Savings Event, each respective dealership will offer special incentives for their new and pre-owned car inventory. You can shop the At-Home Memorial Day Sales Event by visiting http://www.jimellis.com and selecting a brand of your choice.

About Jim Ellis Automotive Group

Jim Ellis Automotive Group has been serving the Atlanta area since 1971, starting with Volkswagen as the flagship brand. The group has expanded to 14 brands and 18 dealerships covering Atlanta, Buford, Kennesaw, Marietta and McDonough. Visit them online at http://www.jimellis.com.

About The Atlanta Community Food Bank

The Atlanta Community Food Bank works to end hunger with the food, people and big ideas needed to ensure our neighbors have the nourishment to lead healthy and productive lives. Far too many people in our own community experience hunger every day, including children, seniors and working families. Through nearly 700 nonprofit partners, we help more than 755,000 people get healthy food every year. Our goal is that all hungry people across metro Atlanta and North Georgia will have access to the nutritious meals they need when they need them. It takes the power of our whole community to make that possible. Join us at ACFB.org.

SOURCE Jim Ellis Automotive Group

HONG KONG, May 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® is pleased to announce that three properties from the brand’s distinguished collection have been recognized on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Hot List, one of the hospitality industry’s most esteemed annual awards lists that honors the best newly opened and renovated properties around the world. Rosewood Hong Kong in Hong Kong SAR, Rosewood Miramar Beach in California and Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands are featured among only 73 other properties as the greatest hotels and resorts in the world to open in the last year, as decided by the firsthand experiences and reviews of the magazine’s accomplished editorial team. The full list of properties on the 2020 Hot List can be found here.

This year marks the third consecutive year in which Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has had multiple properties featured on the highly respected Hot List. Rooted in a guiding philosophy of A Sense of Place®, wherein the location, history, culture and sensibilities of a destination are woven into the holistic identity of its respective hotel, Rosewood has always been committed to providing bespoke experiences and personalized services. The brand’s continued recognition on the list is a testament not only to this steadfast commitment, but also to its conception and execution of a selective global growth strategy that aims to provide today’s travelers with the authentic adventures that they are seeking in myriad locations worldwide.

“In the midst of an unprecedented time for travel, we are incredibly humbled to have three of our collection’s new properties honored by Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Hot List,” said Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. “Targeted growth and development have been at the forefront of Rosewood’s strategy over the past year, which saw monumental openings in some of the most exciting and intriguing destinations around the world. With each launch, we were determined to enrich the hospitality landscape with projects that are at once original and timeless, encouraging exploration among all who visit. While the world may currently be on pause, we look forward to welcoming guests back to experience the splendor of these properties and the rest of the Rosewood collection when the time is right.”

Since opening, the Rosewood properties featured on the 2020 Hot List have redefined ultra-luxury hospitality in each of their respective regions. Situated in the heart of the dynamic Victoria Dockside district on the shores of Victoria Harbor, Rosewood Hong Kong has quickly become a grand icon for the city and a stunning example of the brand’s future vision. Occupying 43 floors of the neighborhood’s most stunning new landmark, the hotel offers 413 expertly appointed accommodations, eight dynamic dining options and unparalleled amenities and services, from the Manor Club executive lounge to the newly launched holistic wellness concept, Asaya.

Rosewood Miramar Beach, set within the picturesque Montecito community and drawing inspiration from the beautiful surrounding homes and grand estates, beautifully embodies the brand’s signature residential style. Marking milestones for the community and Southern California at large, Rosewood Miramar Beach opened as the first ultra-luxury resort in the region to offer guestrooms directly over the sand. Along with unrestricted access to one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in California, the resort provides a range of exquisite experiences and services to guests and locals alike, with 161 elegant guestrooms and suites, seven restaurants and bars, two thoughtfully designed pools and Sense, A Rosewood Spa®.

Following a four-year closure and comprehensive renovation, Rosewood Little Dix Bay recently made its highly anticipated return, bringing a new age of luxury to the British Virgin Islands. Originally founded by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller over half a century ago, the legendary resort has been completely revived and redesigned while staying true to its identity as a leading example of ecotourism. Inspired by the barefoot luxury lifestyle and nautical qualities of the destination, the resort exudes a transcendent sense of ease and serenity, inviting guests to feel immediately at home. The secluded location among 500 acres of pristine private beachfront and breath-taking flora and fauna serves as the ideal backdrop for a paramount Caribbean getaway, complete with dedicated butler service and ample instances of surprise and delight for every guest.

About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® manages 28 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 16 countries, with 18 new properties under development. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand’s A Sense of Place® philosophy to reflect the individual location’s history, culture and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong. For those who wish to stay a little longer, Rosewood Residences offer a distinct opportunity for ownership or rent in extraordinary destinations within the brand’s wide-ranging portfolio.

For more information: rosewoodhotels.com
Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram WeChat @RosewoodHotels

SOURCE Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, L.L.C