MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2012--
Interval International, a prominent worldwide provider of vacation
services and an operating business of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq:
IILG), and Welk Resorts, a well-established leader in the vacation
ownership industry, today announced the renewal of their master
affiliation agreement. The multi-year contract extends the relationship
established in 2004 and comprises six existing properties in four
sought-after markets, as well as future development.
“Our commitment to excellence is seen in everything we do at our
resorts, beginning with the design and amenities to delivering the best
service to our owners,” said Jon Fredricks, president of Welk Resort
Group. “Renewing our partnership with Interval ensures that we will also
be able to continue providing industry-leading programs and benefits to
members, including the opportunity to exchange their vacations through
Interval’s renowned resort network to some of the most highly demanded
destinations around the world.”
“We’ve greatly enjoyed working with Jon and the Welk team, who are among
the most respected professionals in the shared ownership industry,”
added Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of
Interval Leisure Group. “We’re very proud to enhance our relationship
and offer our members many more years of exceptional experiences at the
outstanding Welk locations.”
The resort portfolio includes Welk Resort San Diego, where it all began
in 1964 with legendary bandleader Lawrence Welk’s purchase of hundreds
of undeveloped acres in Southern California. Today’s high-quality
vacation community spans 450 acres and contains three projects: Welk
Resort Villas, Villas On The Greens, and Mountain Villas. Designed in a
low density, suburban style, the flagship resort offers one- and
two-bedroom units with high-end features and finishes, each with golf
course or mountain views. Owners appreciate an array of on-site
amenities: rounds of golf on two 18-hole courses, both listed on Golf
Digest magazine’s list of “Best Places to Play”; five recreation
centers with pools, water slides, and splash pads; tennis courts; and a
restaurant, market, and deli. True to Welk’s entertainment heritage,
visitors can also take in live Broadway-style shows at the 300-plus seat
theater.
Welk Resorts Desert Oasis is situated just north in Cathedral City,
adjacent to Palm Springs. The luxurious one-bedroom villas are
well-appointed, with garden or poolside views. Guests can choose from a
range of top-of-the-line amenities, such as swimming pools and a fitness
facility, as well as the championship Cathedral Canyon Golf and Tennis
Club.
The rustic-style Lodges at Timber Ridge is nestled in the picturesque
countryside in Branson, Missouri, also known as the “Live Music Show
Capital of the World.” Its two-bedroom lock-off units are constructed of
rough-hewn timber and decorated with an Ozark Mountain theme. This
family friendly destination has an on-site entertainment complex with
retail stores, a 2,200-seat live performance theater, along with a
restaurant, and the “Splash-a-Torium” recreation center with
indoor/outdoor pool, indoor waterslide, and play area.
The latest addition to the Welk family of resorts is its first outside
the United States: Welk Resorts Cabo – Sirena del Mar in Cabo San Lucas,
Mexico. Set on a 65-foot bluff on the tip of the Baja California
peninsula, the property was built in tiers so that each elegant unit has
panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez. On-site amenities include two
pools, a swim-to bar and cascading decks with wall water features,
fitness center, restaurant, and access to a private beach cove.
Welk Resorts will continue to enroll new vacation owners as
Interval Gold® members of Interval International. Members
have the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other
resorts in Interval’s worldwide network, as well as the ability to
relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and
spa vacations. They also enjoy an extensive menu of Gold benefits,
including discounts on resort Getaways, ShortStay ExchangeSM,
a personal concierge service available 24/7 via phone and e-mail,
complimentary Hertz #1 Gold® membership, and special offers
at hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets worldwide.
About Welk Resorts
Founded in 1955 by Lawrence Welk, the late entertainment icon, Welk
Resorts is one of the most respected independent brands in the vacation
ownership industry today. Welk remains a privately held, family-owned
company led by President Jon Fredricks, who is the grandson of Lawrence
Welk.
Fredricks has established the Welk Resort group of properties as top
vacation destinations. With more than 20 years of experience in
hospitality, real estate, and finance, he has helped the company realize
unprecedented growth by fostering profitable expansion projects and
internal corporate growth. The company has developed and/or operated
more than 1,100 luxury vacation units, villas, and hotel rooms in San
Diego; Maui, Hawaii; the Palm Desert area; Branson, Missouri; and Cabo
San Lucas. The corporate offices are located in San Marcos, California.
The mission of the company, “Our family creates vacation memories to
cherish for a lifetime,” is reflective of the strong company values that
promote both tradition and family. For more information, please visit www.welkresort.com.
Welk Resorts can also be found on Facebook
and Twitter (@welkresorts).
About Interval International
Interval International operates membership programs for vacationers and
provides value-added services to its developer clients worldwide. Based
in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in
serving the vacation ownership market for 35 years. Today, Interval has
an exchange network of approximately 2,600 resorts in over 75 nations.
Through offices in 15 countries, Interval offers high-quality products
and benefits to resort clients and approximately 2 million families who
are enrolled in various membership programs. Interval is an operating
business of Interval Leisure Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: IILG), a leading
global provider of membership and leisure services to the vacation
industry.
Interval International, 6262 Sunset Drive, Miami, FL 33143 U.S.A.
www.intervalworld.com
www.resortdeveloper.com
Note to Editors: Photo available upon request.
Source: Interval International
Interval International
Chris Boesch, 305-666-1861 ext. 7267
Chris.Boesch@intervalintl.com
