Lisa P.
Peaceful, Worshipful, Joyful
- Joined
- Aug 27, 1999
- Messages
- 2,372
Here's a link to an interesting post on TUG's bulletin boards, regarding points-based timeshares. If you are a TUG member, you may have seen it already. If not, you can register for free to access the bulletin boards, then look at this thread. I'm choosing not to quote it directly as the author asks this in her signature.
http://www.tug1.net/tugbbs1/Forum20/HTML/000592.html
It shows that the first timeshare points program was Hapimag in Switzerland in 1963. There have been other European programs. 1977 saw the intro of a U.S. points-based timeshare program. WorldMark and Fairfield opened theirs in 1989. Disney and Hilton followed with the first ones to offer "branded" points programs.
Other U.S. programs have included Peppertree, RDI, Hyatt, Intrawest, Sunterra, Marriott, Vac. SuperClub, Great Vacations, Westin, Island One, Shell. More exist in Thailand, Mexico, South Africa, Indonesia and other locations.
RCI was involved in either the design, set-up or servicing of Disney Vacation Club at one point (among other points-based programs).
RCI now has their own points-based program, which utilizes timeshare resorts from around the world, and which enables owners to use RCI Points for various unit sizes, lengths of stay and times of year at any participating resort in their RCI Points system, as well as for car rentals, airfare, hotel stays and cruises. That program is growing rapidly. Just as it's not usually economical to use DVC points for non-DVC resorts, these options usually amount to little more than a nice way to use up RCI Points which would otherwise expire. There are rumors of II going the same way in the future.
One thing is certain, the timeshare industry is changing. Disney is part of that. RCI Points may even currently be used to book stays at Disney Resort hotels. I found this TUG thread interesting and hope you do too. Enjoy the read!
http://www.tug1.net/tugbbs1/Forum20/HTML/000592.html
It shows that the first timeshare points program was Hapimag in Switzerland in 1963. There have been other European programs. 1977 saw the intro of a U.S. points-based timeshare program. WorldMark and Fairfield opened theirs in 1989. Disney and Hilton followed with the first ones to offer "branded" points programs.
Other U.S. programs have included Peppertree, RDI, Hyatt, Intrawest, Sunterra, Marriott, Vac. SuperClub, Great Vacations, Westin, Island One, Shell. More exist in Thailand, Mexico, South Africa, Indonesia and other locations.
RCI was involved in either the design, set-up or servicing of Disney Vacation Club at one point (among other points-based programs).
RCI now has their own points-based program, which utilizes timeshare resorts from around the world, and which enables owners to use RCI Points for various unit sizes, lengths of stay and times of year at any participating resort in their RCI Points system, as well as for car rentals, airfare, hotel stays and cruises. That program is growing rapidly. Just as it's not usually economical to use DVC points for non-DVC resorts, these options usually amount to little more than a nice way to use up RCI Points which would otherwise expire. There are rumors of II going the same way in the future.
One thing is certain, the timeshare industry is changing. Disney is part of that. RCI Points may even currently be used to book stays at Disney Resort hotels. I found this TUG thread interesting and hope you do too. Enjoy the read!
