RCI SPONSORS VACATION OWNERSHIP ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH AFRICA CONFERENCE
World’s largest vacation exchange company reaffirms its commitment to the region where it has been operating for almost 30 years
Johannesburg (June 10, 2011) – RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced that Dimitris Manikis, vice president of business development Europe, Africa and Middle East (EMEAI), RCI, facilitated an intriguing panel discussion about the growth of the region’s shared ownership industry at the recent Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa (VOASA) Conference held in Durban.
“The growth in the vacation ownership industry in South Africa comes from understanding the new vacation owner – someone who wants more diversity in experience from their traditional timeshare,” said Manikis. “Owners are increasingly looking to bank their days and book online, and are searching for an exchange provider who can deliver a wide range of both local and international destination options and diverse experiences.”
RCI was a platinum sponsor of the event, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the region it has been servicing for 29 years from the days of rudimentary sales decks to today’s marketplace of sophisticated niche-shared ownership and dynamic vacation club models.“RCI has been investing in South Africa since 1982 and is a founding member of the vacation ownership industry in South Africa, having proudly facilitated the industry’s growth and success now for almost 30 years,” said Sean Lowe, managing director of EMEAI, RCI.
RCI supports and powers exchanges of 12 highly successful Clubs in South Africa and facilitates exchanges and rentals for a quarter of a million African citizens. “The new market encompasses the rest of Africa,” added Manikis during a synopsis of the discussion where he noted that RCI already facilitates exchanges and rentals for African citizens in Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique and Zambia.
“The vacation ownership products available in South Africa are world class and Africa is definitely not left behind when it comes to international standards,” commented Manikis.
To honor the achievements of the industry, RCI erected a large wire model of a Baobab tree, which is traditionally regarded as a symbol of prosperity and in particular abundance in the African culture. It was made by a community of artisans using traditional African wire works methods and is displayed at RCI’s regional Johannesburg office.
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RCI
RCI is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange with over 4,000 affiliated resorts in approximately 100 countries. RCI pioneered the concept of vacation exchange in 1974, offering members increased flexibility and versatility with their vacation ownership experience. Today, through RCI® Weeks, the traditional week-for-week exchange system, and RCI Points®, the industry’s first global points-based exchange system, RCI provides flexible vacation options to its 3.8 million RCI subscribing members each year. RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals and the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN). For additional information visit our media center or rciaffiliates.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Maria Vieira
+27112580063
maria.vieira@rci.com
Steven Alessandrini
(973) 753-8278
steven.alessandrini@rci.com