The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

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Timeshare Industry Study Shows $69 Billion Economic Impact

(WASHINGTON D.C.) -- A recently released economic impact study of the timeshare industry highlights the key economic and fiscal impacts on the U.S. economy in 2009, according to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). Developed in conjunction with Ernst & Young, the report shows that the U.S. timeshare industry generated an estimated $69 billion of economic output.

This economic output is comprised of 465,800 full- and part-time jobs, more than $22 billion in income and nearly $8.4 billion in total taxes.

"The contribution of the timeshare industry on local economies goes beyond the resort footprint," said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and chief executive officer. "In addition to sales and corporate operations, development of new resorts and renovation projects, it also includes the impact of expenditures from vacationers during timeshare stays."

The study highlights private-sector benefits, such as jobs and income, and tax contributions as an important revenue sources for federal, state and local governments. The timeshare industry produces significant amounts of individual income tax and employment tax at the federal level and contributes to property tax, sales tax and occupancy tax revenue for state and local governments.

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Trinity Design & Construction Enters Hospitality Market

(ORLANDO,FL) -- A new project management company has entered the hospitality industry called Trinity Design & Construction Group. Led by construction industry veteran, David Knight, Trinity is positioning itself to become one of the top renovation project management solutions for the lodging and timeshare segments.

Trinity ensures every project is delivered to the approved scope, budget and schedule.

"Accountability will be the fundamental factor in our success," said Knight, president and managing partner with more than 25 years of experience. "Through our management expertise and established relationships with strategic partners, our clients will benefit from this collaborative, environmentally-conscious and cost-effective approach."

Knight's experience is extensive. He began his career working for city planning and economic development offices in Phoenix and Springfield, Mo. His primary focus was the planning and implementation of multi-million dollar downtown and commercial redevelopment initiatives. Later, he joined Butler Rosenbury and Partners in Springfield where he provided local and national clients with planning and development services for commercial and industrial projects.

Most recently, Knight  worked at Marriott Vacation Club International (MVCI - timeshare division for Marriott International, Inc.) for more than a decade, where he served in a variety of capacities leading efforts in resort planning and design; renovation services oversight; condominium association (COA) board negotiations; Marriott joint venture and executive operating committee meeting coordination; and project and financial asset management.

Trinity has strategic partners ranging from architectural and interior design to procurement, warehousing and construction. One such partner is Frazee, Inc., a general contractor with over 30 years invested in hospitality renovation construction.

"We understand the importance of having a strong project management team to coordinate the various service providers," said Clark Frazee, president. "Over the years, David has demonstrated the ability to successfully manage and collaborate across disciplines. Aligning ourselves with Trinity Design & Construction Group supports our goals to deliver the best in client service."

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