Save $100 On Conference Registration for your Vacation Rental Management Company
April 1, 2013 –Don’t miss out on the chance to improve your property management company, meet and learn from other property managers, and provide valuable training for your team. Whether it is customer service, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, marketing, sales, accounting, human resources and more, the Vacation Rental Managers Association Regional Conferences can help you increase rentals, improve operations and acquire more homeowners into your program.
Not a VRMA member? We are happy to offer a $100 discount to our non-member readers! Simply enter our coupon code(INTEL) when you register online to save $100 off the non-member rates.
And this year, each Regional Seminar will offer more hours of programming than ever before, including “train-the-trainer” sessions to give supervisors, mid-level managers and department leaders the tools they need to ensure excellence in their areas.
A special executive-level track provides owners and general managers with the specific information and resources they need to be more effective in this ever-changing industry.
The education, best practices and networking opportunities are sure to help your company and employees improve operations, increase sales and boost your bottom line.
VRMA Intel is a proud member of the VRMA, and we hope you’ll join us at one of the upcoming Regional Seminars:
VRMA Western Seminar http://www.vrma.com/?Western
April 8-9, Westin Westminster
Westminster, Colorado
VRMA Eastern Seminar
April 22-23, Savannah Riverfront Marriott
Savannah, Georgia
Not a VRMA member? We are happy to offer a $100 discount to our non-member clients! Simply enter our coupon code(INTEL) when you register online to save $100 off the non-member rates. (VRMA members still receive the best rates.)
For more 2013 educational opportunities for vacation rental managers…
RealTimeRental Vacation Rental Software Announces Payment Technology Partnership with VacationRentPayment
March 05, 2013 —RealTimeRental Vacation Rental Software, the leading cloud-based software provider to professional vacation rental managers, announced today a new technology partnership with VacationRentPayment, the leading payment processing provider for the vacation home rental industry.
This strategic partnership provides RealTimeRental customers with a turnkey solution to accept credit cards and eChecks for online vacation rental payments by utilizing VacationRentPayment’s robust payment processing technology. Payments can be processed directly by a reservationist in the RealTimeRental software or online by travelers on a self-service basis.
“We are excited to partner with RealTimeRental,” said Matt Golis, CEO of VacationRentPayment. “By using VacationRentPayment, clients will be able to seamlessly integrate online payments with RealTimeRental’s vacation rental workflow for booking reservations, as well as its industry-leading trust accounting system for tracking payments and other transactions.”RealTimeRental is currently the vacation rental software solution for over 200 of the industry’s premier vacation rental management companies, providing services to over 135,000 vacation rental properties across North America and processing over $600 million dollars per year.
The addition of VacationRentPayment to the RealTimeRental (RTR) service provides multiple benefits:
- Cost Savings: VacationRentPayment will offer RTR customers industry low flat-rate pricing and eCheck acceptance. No more tiers based on the types of credit cards used by travelers, or other hidden costs. The pricing is truly “what you see is what you get”—enabling property managers to budget their expenses with greater confidence and predictability.
- Save Time: The VacationRentPayment/RTR partnership automates the online payment process so clients can focus on more important activities instead of the time-consuming, inefficient process of collecting checks and processing cards through a terminal for rental payments.
- Maximize Bookings: VacationRentPayment’s online payment options make the vacation rental process easier and vastly more competitive with the hotel booking experience travelers are accustomed to, allowing vacation rental managers the ability to quickly and easily process credit cards, debit cards and eChecks online through their RealTimeRental software to book a reservation.
- Payment Security: Secure credit card data with tokenization technology to mitigate your PCI compliancy risk.
“RealTimeRental is continuously striving to provide our customers with the most complete rental management software in the industry to streamline their administrative processes and maximize bookings,” said Sherry Tomasso, Co-Founder of RealTimeRental. “In that vein, we selected VacationRentPayment as our partner for online payments because of its strong reputation for providing the most advanced and secure payment processing technology in the market. We look forward to a great partnership with VacationRentPayment for many years to come.”
About RealTimeRental
RealTimeRental (RTR) is the leading web-based Vacation Rental Property Management System, designed for the professional manager, serving more than 135,000 vacation rental homes and properties in North America. For more information please visit http://www.RealTimeRental.com.
About VacationRentPayment
VacationRentPayment (powered by YapStone Inc), offers the most innovative and integrated online payment solution to the property management industry. Dedicated to providing the best combination of cost savings, simplified accounting, and superior technology, YapStone is the leader in online payment processing solutions for specialized vertical markets. YapStone’s payment service processes billions of dollars annually, with an on-demand platform that offers Web-based and mobile payment processing and seamless integration to its clients’ accounting systems and websites. YapStone has been recognized in Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies for the past 4 years and was most recently named to Forbes’ List of America’s 100 Most Promising Companies.
Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates Celebrates 45th Anniversary In Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Kitty Hawk, NC – February 2013 — Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates, one of the original and most widely respected real estate sales and vacation rental companies on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is celebrating their 45th anniversary in 2013. Family owned and operated since 1968, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates offers more than 550 vacation rentals as well as a full-service real estate agency in the Outer Banks through their office in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Joe Lamb Jr., Founder of Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates, had this to say about the company he founded reaching this milestone, “My wife, Ann, and I started renting cottages in 1968 at the 11.5 milepost on the “Beach Road”. During the last forty five years I have seen our company, the vacation rental business, and this beach change tremendously. The beach was one of the only attractions for visitors. The rental season was limited to the summer months of June, July and August. Today, with more travelers finding the off-season appealing, our rental season starts full swing by Memorial Day and now runs well into October. Our community too, has embraced the off-season traffic. Stores and restaurants are open and there are so many exciting events being held which support our community education foundations and support service groups. One of the things that being in the vacation business for years has taught me is that folks from all over the world think of our community as their own. They love to come here to participate in local events and show their support. They share an important part of their lives with us by coming back year after year and make us a small part of their family, we are extremely proud that they allow us to share in these special times.”
Today, Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates professionally manages over 550 vacation homes, townhomes and condominiums in such popular areas of the Outer Banks such as Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, South Nags Head and north to Southern Shores and Duck. These rental properties range from oceanfront to soundfront on what is known as the Northern beaches of North Carolina. Their extensive selection allows for a satisfying and memorable vacation for any family.
Dan Hardy, President and General Manager of Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates, credits their success to the personal relationships they have formed over 45 years with homeowners and vacationers, “We have been a leader in the real estate industry for over 45 years, and have built a solid reputation by establishing great relationships with our clients and they appreciate the personal attention our staff offers.”
While specializing in property management and vacation rentals, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates also features a full service real estate agency dedicated to making the purchase or sale of Outer Banks property an efficient and professional experience. Their realtors, who are known for their personal touch, have experience and knowledge in residential, commercial and investment properties throughout the Outer Banks. Tim Moore, Broker-In-Charge is celebrating his 10th year with Joe Lamb Realty. He commented about his experience, “I began my career 30 years ago in a busy office with over 50 agents, in Fredericksburg, VA. Here at Joe Lamb I found an easy, relaxing, family–style business environment that I love. We are always accessible to address the needs of our clients and assist them in any way we can to make their real estate transactions pleasant, seamless and enjoyable.”
After 45 years Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates is a cornerstone in the community and is proud of their home. It is very important that they give back to their community through sponsorship and volunteerism for local charity and fundraising efforts. This year, they are an accommodations sponsor for a variety of sporting events, community sports competitions and fishing tournaments, as well as supporting many community foundation programs and events.
Since 1968, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates has built a solid reputation and has established many long and mutually beneficial relationships by providing their clients a friendly staff, hands-on service and management committed to excellence. Open seven days a week, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates offer clients the ease of contacting the team at their convenience. They can be contacted toll-free at 800-552-6257 or locally at 252-261-4444. You can also visit their user-friendly website, which features real-time online bookings at www.JoeLambJr.com.
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About Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates
Celebrating their 45th year, Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is a family-owned and operated real estate and vacation rental management company founded in 1968 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. They feature over 550 vacation homes throughout the Outer Banks of North Carolina as well as a full service real estate agency. Joe Lamb Jr. and Associates is located at 4607N. Croatan Highway in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. They can be reached via telephone: toll-free at 800-552-6257/locally at 252-261-4444; via email at info@JoeLambJr.com or via the web at www.JoeLambJr.com or www.JoeLambRealty.com. This press release was submitted by Visual Data Systems on behalf of Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates.
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For More Information:
Dan Hardy, President
Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates
252-261-4444
HomeAway CEO on Pricing: “We now have a new pricing structure that allows people to choose how they want to perform on the site.”
Feb. 27, 2013– HomeAway CEO Brian Sharples sat down with Emily Chang on Bloomberg West and discussed pricing, eCommerce and Airbnb.
New Vacation Rental Survey Reveals Why Homeowners “Go with a Pro”
Indianapolis, Ind., February 27, 2013 – Forthcoming research reveals the primary reasons second homeowners seek the services of a vacation rental professional versus handling on their own, according to PhoCusWright’s first look into the growing industry since 2008: A Market Reinvented: The U.S. Vacation Rental Landscape, 2013. According to the survey, which will be available in the second quarter of 2013, industry professionals receive nearly half of the market’s total demand despite a supply of just 42 percent.
Reports from the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA), the industry’s professional trade group and a sponsor of the study, indicate that members have been experiencing a steady uptick in bookings year over year. For example, January 2013 analytics data by the VRMA together with Navis Research, LLC points to a more than 15 percent growth in bookings last month versus the same time last year, and a nearly nine percent rise for the next six months.
Following is a first-look at key survey insights courtesy of the industry authorities at the VRMA (www.vrma.com):
THE RISE OF THE PROFESSIONAL
More than half of the vacation rental market’s total rental revenue now goes to industry professionals, up from 43% in 2007. For vacation rental professionals this translated to a more than $11.6 billion marketplace in 2012. The total U.S. vacation rental industry is expected to reach $25.8 billion by 2014.
TOP REASONS HOMEOWNERS ‘GO WITH A PRO
Rather than personally handling reservations, marketing, maintenance and more, many homeowners choose to partner with an area property management company to handle the legwork, even when the home is not rented. This translates into a more convenient experience, and more rental bookings for a higher potential investment return, among other top five reasons:
1. Convenience – they handle everything
2. They bring in bookings
3. The property is too far away from where I live to manage)
4. I don’t have the time to market on my own
5. They provide a good value
SATISFACTION WITH SERVICES:
When asked to rate the services of the vacation rental professional that manages their property, homeowners were most likely to be satisfied with:
1. The type or quality of guests it brings into your rental property
2. The volume of bookings it delivers
3. The price at which it offers your rental property
4. The customer service provided to you, the homeowner
5. Tie: Maintenance and upkeep of your rental property; and the amount of time you spend managing your property and the management company
MORE
For more information, visit www.vrma.com or www.phocuswright.com. Members of the VRMA receive proprietary pricing of 25 percent off the new survey.
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About the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)
Founded in 1985, the VRMA is the international, professional trade association of the vacation rental property management and hospitality industries. Membership includes hundreds of vacation rental professionals and associate suppliers across the world, representing tens of thousands of vacation rental homes, condos and villas available to travelers through its Discover Vacation Homes initiative. For more information, visit www.vrma.com.
About A Market Reinvented: The U.S. Vacation Rental Landscape, 2013
PhoCusWright’s A Market Reinvented: The U.S. Vacation Rental Landscape, 2013 is a national survey of 1,072 qualified vacation rental guests, 826 vacation rental homeowners and 192 vacation rental management companies. The report presents a comprehensive view of the current vacation rental landscape in America and identifies key trends that will continue to shape this category.
HomeAway, Airbnb and TripAdvisor Team up to Fight Short-term Rental Restrictions
Feb. 26, 2013 –As the fight to legalize vacation rentals heats up in many prominent cities, rental proponents welcome the presence of the newly formed Short Term Rental Advocacy Center (STRAC). HomeAway, TripAdvisor, Flipkey and Airbnb teamed up to launch this organization in response to requests from users and local policymakers across the country.
“As short-term rentals grow in popularity, some communities are asking questions about how to regulate the industry,” said STRAC spokesman Tim Doyle. “As leaders in the short-term rental marketplace, we want to make sure all stakeholders, but most importantly our customers, have a reliable source of information to contribute to this important discussion.”
The need for this type of combined effort is evidenced by short-term rental bans in Anna Maria, Seal Beach, Austin, parts of New York City, Chicago and many other areas throughout the country. While many members of the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) have been working individually to fight short-term rental restrictions in their communities and with their peers, a concerted nation-wide effort has been, until now, elusive. The STRAC has potential to be a highly effective clearinghouse for resources to help residents legalize and legitimize vacation rentals in their communities.
“The VRMA is indeed aware of this new group, and fully supports its vital goal of helping communities to fairly define, facilitate and regulate vacation rental hospitality,” said Steve Trover, president of the VRMA. ” This is an ever-important issue that will boost local tourism economies and better promote industry collaboration and integrity. We are currently evaluating how we will be officially involved with the group, but as an industry, we continue to strongly advocate for developing standards that not only benefit vacation rental professionals, but the traveling public and tourism community at large.”
Recently, Airbnb came under fire in New York for allowing illegal vacation rentals to be posted on their site. Local authorities often use these listing sites to identify illegal or non-tax-paying vacation rental owners. This collaboration by Airbnb, Flipkey, HomeAway and TripAdvisor demonstrates their commitment to the long-term sustainability of the short-term rental industry.
Bookt Launches HolidayRentPayment for European Vacation Rental Market
HOLLYWOOD, FL, February, 2013 – Bookt LLC, a pioneer in online marketing and cloud-based technology solutions for vacation rental managers around the globe, today announced an expanded partnership with YapStone and the European inauguration of InstaManager’s Integrated Online Payment Solution with YapStone’s HolidayRentPayment – the most experienced and innovative online payment solution available in the holiday rental industry.
“The international opportunity for ePayments in travel is huge,” said Rob Käll, CEO of Bookt. “Our clients throughout the EU have been clamoring for this service and this partnership lets us offer our InstaManagers the best rates, free setup, and solid integration.” Käll added, “We have been working successfully with YapStone in the USA and now we can implement this innovative solution for InstaManagers in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and United Kingdom.”
“HolidayRentPayment helps InstaManagers maximize bookings, increase occupancy and improve cash flow as the rental funds are immediately and securely deposited directly into their bank account,” says Matt Hoffman, Bookt’s VP of Vacation Rentals. “And, by giving guests the payment option they desire – using a reward-type credit card – the guests feel better about the money they spend when bookings are tied to rewards, and our users report better guest conversion rates.”
“Bookt offers a superior technology for holiday rental managers,” said Matt Golis, CEO of YapStone. “Our deep integration with Bookt solves a number of problems for our shared clients, like making it easy and seamless for them to perform bulk charges on due invoices, issue refunds, and immediately collect rent from an online booking.” Golis added, “We look forward to continuing to work with Bookt to help holiday rental managers around the globe increase their bookings and streamline their back-office operations through integrated ePayments.”
YapStone is Bookt’s Preferred Provider for online payments in the United States, Caribbean and now Europe. HolidayRentPayment provides industry low rates and payment processing for Visa Worldwide, MasterCard and Carte Blue in US Dollar, GBP and Euro currencies. InstaManager’s Integrated Online Payment Solution with HolidayRentPayment is a free upgrade for all current EU InstaManagers and comes standard for all new European InstaManagers in the $1 Switch.
About Bookt
Bookt is a leader in cloud based services for the lodging industry. Our vacation rental manager clients, called InstaManagers, compete on 6 Continents and in 85+ Countries with Millions of Vacation Rental Nights Booked via the Bookt system. Bookt’s cloud based platform directly drives revenue, manages resources, and provides business control for savvy lodging companies worldwide. More info is available at www.instamanager.com or contact info@bookt.com. Here are some global InstaManager User Reviews.
About HolidayRentPayment
A division of YapStone International Ltd., HolidayRentPayment is the most experienced and innovative online payment solution available in the holiday rental industry. Whereas traditional payment providers take a generic, one-size-fits-all approach to all industries, HolidayRentPayment’s solution was purpose-built for the holiday rental market, with a sophisticated yet flexible platform, designed to adhere to the unique business requirements of this dynamic and rapidly growing industry. HolidayRentPayment is focused on providing holiday rental property owners the best combination of total cost savings, robust security, and superior technology.
Mobile Hospitality App provider Glad to Have You partners with corporate housing technology leader
Software Answers, the leading technology provider for the corporate housing market, announces a partnership with Glad to Have You, the leading provider of guest management and mobile solutions for the hospitality industry.
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, February 21, 2013 — Software Answers, the leading provider of technology solutions for the corporate housing industry, today announced a partnership with Glad to Have You, the leading provider of mobile guest management solutions for the hospitality industry, to bring the latest in mobile technology and guest management services to the extended-stay hospitality market.
This partnership will provide Software Answers’ world-wide list of corporate housing providers with the hospitality industry’s first fully integrated, fully mobile-enabled guest management system. “We are thrilled to be offering the latest mobile technologies to our growing list of clients. Glad to Have You’s integrated platform enables us to bring a new level of guest service and overall guest experience to the corporate housing market. We are proud to be leading the way in raising the bar for our industry,” says Christopher Couture, Vice President of Software Answers.
Guests staying at properties using Software Answers’ OSCAR solution in combination with the Glad to Have You platform will now have all the information they need right at their fingertips … from check-in codes, to directions, to the best in local recommendations. “In addition to empowering the efficiency of our clients’ operations, this new integrated platform will connect the guest with our clients like never before. Corporate travelers are busy, and the bottom line is this technology makes life a little easier for them, which in turn makes our clients happy,” said Couture.
“We are also very excited about joining with Software Answers to bring these products to the corporate housing, serviced apartment, and apart-hotel industries worldwide. Software Answers is the industry leader in this market, and the seamless integration of our two products creates an incredible opportunity for us to improve the overall experience for corporate travelers,” says Jason Sprenkle, co-CEO of Glad to Have You. “Corporate housing companies will operate more smoothly, and guests will have better, easier access to the information and services they need.”
About Glad to Have You
Glad to Have You’s platform provides hospitality management companies with a best in class content management system in the cloud paired with an easy to use mobile solution for guests. The solution aims to allow companies to more efficiently manage their guest and property information, while providing guests with an easier, more informed and overall more enjoyable travel experience. Each guest receives the pre-arrival, property, and area information they need automatically, along with all of the details they need for their specific stay – when to arrive, where to park, auto generated check-in info and lock codes. Even specific details unique to each guest like wireless codes, television instructions, etc. The platform also provides instant two-way communications with guests, detailed analytics, and a robust and fully integrated marketing platform to increase guest loyalty. It’s a concept based on giving guests what they need, when they need it, and how they want it. For more information visit Glad to Have You.
About Software Answers
Hundreds of corporate housing companies in over ten countries use Software Answers’ OSCAR property management system for their properties and day to day operations. For over eighteen years, the OSCAR platform has continued to provide the most comprehensive solution for corporate housing, serviced apartment, and apart-hotel management businesses. OSCAR is the only completely integrated, easy to operate, reasonably priced reservation and accounting system designed specifically for industries with unique property management requirements. For more information visit Software Answers.
Pro Resort Housekeeping hosts Laundry/Linen Seminar in Charlotte for vacation rental managers
On March 11-12, 2013, industry expert Steve Craig of Pro Resort Housekeeping is hosting an educational opportunity for vacation rental managers and vacation ownership resorts. The event will be at the Holiday Inn -Charlotte Airport and will include topics such as:
- Everything you ever wanted to know about linens: terry and sheet construction, terminology, current manufacturing, durability,
pound weights, and more - How to research linens, bid linen purchases, order, and properly receive the shipment
- Factors which contribute to linen loss and effective ways to reduce losses
- Fundamental vacation rental linen systems
- How to compute and maintain pars throughout the year.
- Fundamental linen measures every company needs: rag logs, inventory methods and productivity measures
- How to get the most from contract linen suppliers and chemical vendors
- Tips for managing an in-house laundry operation
- How to make money and control homeowner linens
- Best practices for distributing linens to housekeepers and getting them back from the properties.
- How to maintain QA and who should maintain QA
In addition, Tuesday afternoon the conference moves (transportation provided) to the Electrolux North America Headquarters where Electrolux Professional Laundry and Professional Kitchen will host an exceptional lunch prepared in the Electrolux Demonstration kitchens where international chefs train North American chefs how to fully utilize the advanced features of Electrolux Professional cookware. After lunch, you are treated to demonstrations of the Electrolux Professional laundry equipment to include a labor-saving flatwork ironer operated by a single person.
An afternoon training on allocating laundry dollar expenses will be conducted by Kim Shady, Vice President of Sales for Laundrylux, the North America sales and support team for Electrolux Professional Laundry Equipment, followed by details of how those expenses can be affected by each of the following areas: selecting the right equipment, laundry design, staffing recommendations and maintenance tips. This session will help those who already have a laundry and provide a guide for those who wish to consider one.
Laundry & Linen Seminar Details
When: March 11 and 12, 2013
Time: 9am to 4:15pm both days
Location: Holiday Inn Charlotte Airport. 704-394-4301. They have guaranteed an $89 rate. Free shuttle from the airport.
Cost: $225 first person ($200 each additional person), includes continental breakfasts and lunches.
Agenda: This seminar is for managers of all departments, especially those involved in any way with linens or housekeeping.
Register: Save slots via email to proresort@aol.com and then send check to:
Pro Resort Housekeeping
5611 Gulf of Mexico Dr #201
Longboat Key, FL
Or pay online at www.proresort.net
Space is limited to 40 attendees. Must be registered and paid by March 4.
Topics to be covered and the order of sessions is as follows:
Monday March 11, 2013
9am: Continental (included in fee)
- “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Linens.” Terry and sheet construction, terminology, current manufacturing, durability, pound weights, and more.
- “Buying Linens” How to research linens, bid linen purchases, order, and properly receive the shipment.
- “Shrinkage, the Bane of Our Industry.” An examination of all the factors that contribute to linen loss and effective ways to reduce these expensive losses
- “Fundamental Vacation Rental Linen Systems” and the Pros and Cons of each.
- “What Constitutes a Par?” How to compute pars. How many pars do each of you need (because different systems have different requirements)? How to maintain pars throughout the year.
Lunch as a Group. (included in fee)
- “Fundamental Linen Measures Every Company Needs.” Rag Logs, inventory methods, productivity measures. Sample documents provided!
- “Dealing with Contract Linen Suppliers” Whether or not you own or rent. What to expect, how to get the most from what they provide and what they do.
- “Dealing with Chemical Vendors.” Tricks to make sure they are not wasting your resources.
Tuesday March 12, 2013
9am Continental (included in fee)
- “Tips for Managing an In-House (on premise) Laundry Operation.” Washing, drying, folding, storage. How to maintain productivity.
- “Homeowner Linens.” How to make money and control these items so losses do not occur and you have those embarrassing incidents with property owners
- “Linen Pack Making and Distribution” Best practices for distributing linens to housekeepers and getting them back from the properties.
- “Quality Assurance-Putting it All Together.” How to maintain QA, who should maintain QA, educating your property owners, control over your rental guests(?)
Lunch and afternoon training at Electrolux North America Headquarters.
- Demonstrations of the Electrolux Professional laundry equipment to include a flatwork ironer to be operated by a single person to save labor.
- Where your laundry dollar expenses should be allocated.
- How laundry expenses can be affected by each of the following areas: selecting the right equipment, laundry design, staffing recommendations and maintenance tips. Session will help those who already have a laundry and provide a guide for those who wish to consider one.
Excess timeshare inventory finds another outlet into the vacation rental space.
ResortRentals.com Bringing Solutions to Secondary Timeshare Market
Feb 2, 2013, EXETER, NH — VacationOwnership.com and SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, timeshare resale and vacation ownership innovators, in affiliation with ResortRentals.com, announces the soft launch of a new product the company describes as revolutionary in vacation booking and timeshare rental. Launching in February 2013 as a beta site, ResortRentals.com will offer the solutions the secondary market has been seeking. ResortRentals.com will provide consumers a simple and reliable way to book affordable weeklong luxury vacations. For the timeshare industry, ResortRentals.com will provide a groundbreaking approach for individual owners, HOAs (Homeowner Associations), resale companies and management companies to both effectively monetize timeshare and concurrently promote the timeshare product to a whole new market of vacationing consumers.
Developed to be more competitive than the OTAs (online travel agencies), ResortRentals.com will feature vacation resort rentals at prices set by the owners, at prices no other online travel service currently offers or can match and guarantee. ResortRentals.com will utilize the types of SEO (search engine optimization) technology proven effective by SellMyTimeshareNOW.com in aggregating an inventory of more available timeshare rentals and inquiries than any other known secondary market company. Partnering with leading timeshare exchange providers the inventory will be cleaned and scrubbed and the bookings secure. ResortRentals.com will deliver a new concept in booking vacation accommodations, while eliminating the consumer risk associated with renting from other by-owner websites.
VacationOwnership.com and SellMyTimeshareNOW.com CEO Jason Tremblay says, “We are tremendously excited about our new partners and being able to bring this technology to consumers and to the timeshare and vacation ownership industry. For vacationing families, ResortRentals.com will be the most affordable way to book a vacation — and not just any vacation but one that puts you and your family in the spacious, condo-style accommodations of timeshare with multiple bedrooms, kitchen and dining areas and other valued resort amenities.
“For timeshare owners, ResortRentals.com will mean an easy, reliable way to rent out your timeshare any year you don’t plan to use it yourself, helping to offset the cost of annual timeshare maintenance fees; providing the guest the opportunity to choose later to become owners, turning the site into a marketing tool for by-owner and broker facilitated resales.”
Tremblay adds, “For the timeshare industry as a whole, there is simply no better way to showcase the roomy, amenity-rich vacation venues of timeshare than by getting families into the resorts first on a no-obligation, rental vacation. ResortRentals.com will deliver to the Resorts/Associations an opportunity to inspire the next generation of timeshare owners by introducing vacation ownership to a whole new market of internet-savvy consumers who are already accustomed to booking their travel online.”
Describing ResortRentals.com as disruptive and innovative, Tremblay explains that ResortRentals.com will utilize the SellMyTimeshareNOW.com and VacationOwnership.com position as leaders in organic-driven internet search to drive the discounted timeshare resort rental offerings to the forefront of online vacation booking. Our partners will provide the critical next step (known in the timeshare industry as “cleaning and pressing”) of ensuring the usability of the deposited timeshare weeks, delivering consumer confidence that each week’s availability will be there when booked and when they arrive.
TripRental.com Announces Completion of Series A Funding from Private Investors
Vacation Rental Managers Association member takes next steps toward streamlining a fragmented marketplace.
February 01, 2013, Chicago, IL —TripRental.com, a budding startup in the vacation rental marketplace, has announced its completion of Series A funding of $500,000 from private investors. This positions TripRental.com as a successful travel start-up that is in high demand.
TripRental.com, a startup online marketplace of vacation rentals, has completed it’s first round funding of $500,000 from private investors. One of the many private investors, Vaughn Moore, who also served as an invaluable member of TripRental.com’s board of advisors, said, “I am excited to invest in a company with a fresh advertising idea for the vacation rental industry, and looking forward to watching and sharing in its growth and success. It was an easy decision for me to expand my investment in TripRental.com and I am pleased to lead the Series A investment.” Vaughn is the President of AIT Worldwide Logistics and a 17-year logistics industry veteran.
Series A funding is where a company receives its first significant round of venture funding by investors. Stock is sold to investors in exchange for investment. This is a critical stage for new companies.
By completing the Series A funding investment, TripRental.com strives to build a strong sales team across the country, expand product development and offerings, while continuing to increase traffic and subscriptions to the site with high quality content and marketing.
TripRental.com caters to all that are looking for vacation rentals. By completing a highly successful 30 day launch, the company has seen a huge demand in high vacation states, such as Hawaii, California, Florida and Colorado as well as international vacation destinations such as the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Europe. With this huge growth, TripRental.com has strategically placed key sales executives to its corporate leadership team, signed property managers across the United States and in nine different countries. With the vacation rental market at an all-time high and only trending upward, they have only scratched the surface. TripRental.com is also a member of the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA.com) where they are plugged into the vacation rental management industry.
About TripRental.com
Triprental.com strives to operate as THE online listing service for vacation rental owners and property managers to advertise their properties online. With the use of proprietary tools and services, TripRental.com aims to generate even more rental bookings for rental owners and property managers in an easy and cost-effective way. In turn, this provides travelers a simple and safe way to find the perfect vacation rental on an easy-to-use website that hosts an extensive selection of vacation homes. If you are looking to rent your dream vacation rental or are looking to rent out your vacation rental property, find us online at http://www.triprental.com/ or contact Joe Sickles, Director of Business Development, at 1-866-826-5252 ext. 302.
Pegasus’s Montemurro named Vacation Storebuilder’s COO
Vacation Storebuilder names Mike Montemurro COO, ramping up for continued growth.
Feb 4, 2013, Chicago, IL —Vacation Storebuilder, provider of a Software-as-a-Service ecommerce platform for the vacation rental industry, announced today that Mike Montemurro has joined its leadership team as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Used by both individual owners and property management companies, Vacation Storebuilder deploys and manages branded webstores for vacation rental properties quickly and easily by automating digital marketing and increasing web bookings.
Montemurro joins the growing company to lead product development, deployment and support operations for the cloud-based vacation rental ecommerce platform. He will ensure scalable and effective delivery of the technology to meet increasing demand, targeting the unique needs of individual owners and managers of vacation properties and resorts.
“Mike is a hospitality reservations and distribution technology veteran. His breadth and depth of experience working in the consumer travel and ecommerce space will be invaluable as we keep pace with market demand and deliver our next set of products to market,” said Sunil Aluvila, President and Chief Executive Officer at Vacation Storebuilder. “We have generated a tremendous amount of momentum with our platform, and Mike is best equipped to help scale our business as we expand market coverage and enhance functionality.”
Montemurro, who was most recently Senior Vice President of Product Management Strategy at Pegasus Solutions, a travel technology and services company, said, “Throughout my 20-year career, I’ve led product development and strategy for global enterprises as well as start-ups in the converging worlds of digital marketing and distribution. Vacation Storebuilder is at the center of this convergence for a large, untapped market, and I look forward to helping vacation property owners and operators reach consumers directly while making the search and booking process a richer and more seamless experience.”
Editor’s note: Montemurro worked closely with the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) on the Switch project and represented the VRMA Switch at several conferences.
Montemurro has helped guide the product and distribution vision for multiple travel industry leaders. At Pegasus Solutions, he was responsible for all aspects of product development across reservations, distribution, hotel representation and financial services product lines. Before Pegasus, he led the Reservations and Distribution business at TravelClick, establishing its product leadership in the hotel central reservations and web booking engine space with iHotelier and iStay. He also headed the distribution product business for Galileo International, managing numerous Global Distribution System products and services.
The vacation rental and ownership industry generates more than $25 billion annually in the United States and $85 billion globally, having more than 6 million vacation property owners, 1.5 million managed properties and thousands of resorts in the US alone.
About Vacation Storebuilder
Vacation Storebuilder provides a robust SaaS-based ecommerce platform for the vacation rental property industry. Its easy to use cloud-based technology helps sellers, from private owners to global management companies, deploy, market and manage branded webstores for one or many properties. Integrated with leading property management systems, the platform offers property content, inventory, pricing, digital marketing tools and online booking to drive and convert online bookings. For information, visit www.VacationStorebuilder.com.
Trader talks up HomeAway value and “economic moat” it has created
January 28, 2013 — HomeAway, Inc. (AWAY), is the #1 worldwide leader in online vacation rentals. In June, 2011, Francis Gaskins, editor of the IPODesk.com warned subscribers to stay away from AWAY, opining that the IPO price of $27.00 was too high, the company’s organic internal growth rate of 30% was too low, and that a whopping 81% of the proceeds were actually bailing out insiders.
Notwithstanding Mr. Gaskins’ well thought-out opinion, the stock popped nearly 40% on opening day when it rose to $37.80, and for the next few months it traded well above the IPO price before reaching a high of $45.00 and crashing to $20.00 in December, 2011. So, who was right, and who was wrong about the IPO is really a question of timing.
It’s my view that the company has matured, it’s growing nicely, and the economies of scale are becoming visible and impacting on earnings. I believe investors should take a look at AWAY, which closed at $23.23 on 1/25/2013.
Overview
Based in Austin,Texas, AWAY was an early entry into the fast-growing consumer market trend of vacationers going online to book vacation rentals from private owners of homes, condos and cabins. The company generates income from listings they sell to property owners on an annual subscription basis. The 5 Tier subscriptions are payable annually in advance to AWAY, and they range in cost from $349.00 to $999.00, depending upon the upgrades selected and number of sites the listing will appear on.
Once a subscription is paid, the subscriber can set up the listing site which includes photos, pricing, a calendar showing the availability of the property, and all the information needed for a vacationer to make a booking. It’s a very attractive proposition for property owners (like myself) looking for extra income to cover property taxes and carrying costs of second homes.
Since the concept really works for all parties (property owners and vacationers alike), some 720,000 property owners in 168 countries have already subscribed to AWAY’s program. As a customer myself, I’m delighted with the results.
The HomeAway portfolio includes…Read More >>
HomeAway Revenue Growth
2008 82,000,000
2009 120,000,000
2010 168,000,000
2011 230,000,000
HomeAway Adjusted EBITD
2008 24,800,000
2009 30,600,000
2010 43,200,000
2011 66,800,000
HomeAway Free Cash Flow
2008 34,000,000
2009 32,000,000
2010 51,000,000
2011 64,000,000
Van Pelt’s Conclusion: For all of the reasons stated above, I suggest that investors watch this stock. If it dips lower to its technical support level of around $20.00, I’ll be a buyer. I’m comfortable with what the company has accomplished since going public. I understand it’s business model and I’ve experienced it as a customer. Lastly, it meets the definition of Warren Buffett’s “Economic Moat” which, theoretically, makes the company more valuable.
Anna Maria commissioners maintain short-term rentals illegal
ANNA MARIA –January 25, 2013 Years of pent-up frustration regarding the construction and abuse of vacation rentals in Anna Maria residential neighborhoods was turned loose at Anna Maria City Hall Thursday night.
City officials responded by voting to mandate enforcement of existing restrictions on short-term rental properties.
Dozens of residents flooded City Hall, some forced to crowd the doorway of the building just to hear the discussion. Others peeked through windows from outside the building.
One after another, residents raised their hands to voice their displeasure with the growing dilemma of short-term rentals bringing unwanted and abundant noise, cars and people into the community. The residents said the tourism rush is ruining the quality of life in Anna Maria.
City of Anna Maria short term rental ordinance
“I hate what I’ve seen happen to this community,” said Commissioner Dale Woodland.
“It’s about time the city showed some leadership and put their money where their mouth is and get this done,” said Commissioner Gene Aubry.
Resident Richard Penn said a house on his block was advertised to sleep 10 people. Another resident, Jill Morris, said within one block of her neighborhood, two new homes are being constructed while another is undergoing renovation. A sign across the street from her home reads “5 bedroom, 4 bathrooms.”
“I’m very concerned about the size of that house given the size of the houses on my street,” she said.
A first reading for a proposed revision to city zoning regulations prompted the huge crowd. The revision aimed to limit the number of cars that can park on a property based on the number of bedrooms. Under the new revision, homes with one or two bedrooms would require two parking spaces while three-bedroom homes would be limited to three spaces. Three bedrooms or more would require one additional parking space for each two bedrooms or fraction thereof.
The residents said the revision wouldn’t solve the problem.
“Parking is not addressing the elephant in the room,” Morris said. “Many of us don’t want mansions on our island. This parking issue is trying to shrink the elephant down. Many of us do not want these large houses. This is not how Anna Maria has been in the past.”
One resident suggested the city create a regulation that stipulates any home with five bedrooms or more be categorized as a motel and that families who move to the city file a variance if they require such a house.
Bob Carter, who has lived in the city for seven years, suggested the city pass a moratorium to cease all permits to build new homes on the island.
“Certifications will roll in as word gets out about us talking about this,” Carter said.
Commissioner Chuck Webb informed the board that short-term rentals are already prohibited in Anna Maria, but the rule hasn’t been enforced. Webb, an attorney, found the prohibition in the city’s comprehensive plan and zoning code. The plan and code require that all land-use elements be compatible with residential zones and a short-term rental is illegal. Webb then made a motion to force the city to enforce the code. The motion was passed, 4-1, and was met with resounding applause from the audience.
Starting today, the city will begin resubmitting land use category forms to pre-existing property owners to clarify the intentional use of the property. Nonconforming properties will be subject to city enforcement.
Blalock Walters attorney Scott Rudacille, who said he represents property owners in Anna Maria, cautioned the board.
He referred to a lawsuit filed against the City of Venice challenging the constitutionality of its interpretation to categorize short-term vacation rentals as commercial properties that can’t exist in residential zones. He said the lawsuit has cost the city millions in litigation fees.
But commissioners and residents said they weren’t afraid of a lawsuit.
“We’re talking about losing our long-term residents,” said Commissioner John Quam.
A second reading of the revision to the city zoning regulations regarding parking is scheduled for Feb. 14.
Read the ordinance
By NICK WILLIAMS — nwilliams@bradenton.com
Nick Williams, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-748-0411 ext. 7049. Twitter:@_1NickWilliams
Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/25/4365457/anna-maria-officials-get-an-earful.html#storylink=cpy
FlipKey gives travel predictions for 2013
10 Travel Predictions for 2013
Posted by: Dan Weisman
Welcome to 2013! We’re looking forward to a year of great vacations filled with new experiences, relaxing amenities, and memories that will last a lifetime. To get ready for the new year here at FlipKey, we’ve gathered insight from 2012, and we’re making a resolution to provide helpful tips to travelers looking to book a trip in 2013. Here’s a look at some trends that we expect to continue over the next twelve months.
1. Vacation Rentals Will Continue to Provide High Quality Accommodations
We broke down the reviews on FlipKey and learned that a majority of properties earn four and five star reviews. In fact, 80% of properties earn an average rating of four stars and higher. In 2013 we plan to continue helping travelers find the best rentals in the world.
2. Vacation Rentals Will Offer all the Comforts of Home… And Then Some
The top amenities offered by vacation rentals are the conveniences that make a vacation as comfortable and easy as life at home. In 2013, we expect to see WiFi continue to climb the ladder as a must-have amenity.
Wyndham to lay off 18 ResortQuest employees
FORT WALTON BEACH, January 23, 2013 — ResortQuest’s parent company will lay off 18 local employees starting next month in an effort to “streamline” operations.
Employees in ResortQuest’s finance and marketing departments were notified last week that their positions were being eliminated. Steve Alessandrini, director of public relations for Wyndham Worldwide Exchange & Rentals, said some of the positions will be relocated to the company’s corporate headquarters in Parsippany, N.J.
“This difficult but necessary decision was made in an effort to create a more streamlined and efficient operation to better serve our homeowners and guests,” Alessandrini wrote in an email to the Daily News.
Wyndham Worldwide announced its purchase of ResortQuest, the largest vacation rental agency in Northwest Florida, in September 2010. At the time, ResortQuest had a portfolio of roughly 6,000 vacation rentals. Read more>>
Matt Landau: “Why I Cancelled My Hotel Reservations In Favor Of A Vacation Rental”
January 23, 2013 –By Matt Landau
Dave McCormick is like a lot of people. As the Owner of Pro Kitchen Gear, Dave travels a lot. And whether for business or pleasure, he has been a hotel traveler all his life. He’s always liked the standardization, the amenities, and the comfort in knowing precisely what he was booking prior to arrival. As a matter of fact, he used to work for Sheraton a number of years ago. So to say Dave was opposite to a vacation rental traveler would not be an exaggeration. Until recently that is…
I wanted to profile Dave because I think it really helps vacation rental owners to understand this type of personality in order to better cater to his needs. You see, Dave has always chosen hotels for his travel needs, but this past trip to Hawaii, he opted for a vacation rental and, in his own words, “the experience completely converted me.” If you haven’t read my free guide, How To Steal Hotel Guests (Nicely), then this is precisely what we’re talking about.
“Typically,” Dave told me, “with hotels, you have everything in one spot such as a fitness center, a bar, a place to eat. From that point of view, it is very nice to have those things under one roof.” Of course, as vacation rental owners, we can’t really accommodate ALL these things (anyone have a full gym and room service?!?!). But as Dave continues, by offering up things like recommendations, day passes to local gyms, and introductions to locals, we can basically make up for it.
“I figured, if I am able to find a vacation rental that has these amenities (at least some of them) I’m better off going with a rental. After all, there aren’t many locals that hang out in hotel bars for the great scene or to meet their friends,” Dave says, which is to say, a vacation rental compensates in many ways.
You can tell that Dave kinda wanted to switch to a vacation rental and forgo some of the conveniences of hotel travel. So I asked him what were the real concrete reasons he was happy he stayed in a rental.
“We wanted to live like a local. We wanted to feel like we were coming home every day and…More>>
About Matt Landau
Matt is the founder of vacationrentalmarketingblog.com Vacation Rental Marketing site and VRLeap – two online resources for vacation rental owners and managers. He is also a columnist for HomeAway and FlipKey, the world’s two largest vacation rental marketplaces.
All Star Vacation Homes Announces Appointment Of Chief Business Development Officer
CELEBR
ATION, Fla., Jan. 22, 2013 —All Star Vacation Homes, the hospitality leader for vacation home property management and marketing, has appointed Brooke Pfautz as Chief Business Development Officer. Pfautz will direct all aspects of business development including growing the All Star brand through the recruitment and selection of new homes, and will lead All Star’s inventory expansion in existing and new markets. As a member of the All Star Executive Team, he will contribute his expansive knowledge of the vacation rental industry to locate new opportunities and establish partnerships. Additionally, Pfautz and the Business Development Team will work side-by-side with Purpose Built Vacation Homes™ to connect investors to All Star’s Guest-Influenced™ new-construction vacation homes and the All Star management program.
“With Pfautz’s goal-oriented talent and innovation, he plays a key role within All Star, fulfilling the company’s vision to provide a vacation home experience like no other with the acquisition and development of luxury high-end vacation homes,” said Steve Trover, CEO of All Star Vacation Homes.
Pfautz joins All Star with more than 13 years of leadership and entrepreneurial experience building businesses in the vacation rental and financial services industries. He founded Vantage Resort Realty (Ocean City, Maryland) and served as President and CEO. During his tenure there, he led the company to a growth of more than 450 vacation rental properties in four years and an annualized growth rate for reservations of 105 percent per year in his last two years. His other previous ventures in the financial services sector include founding FedDirect Student Loans, a national student loan financing company, and First Commonwealth Funding, which he built into one of the largest mortgage banking operations in Baltimore.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to direct business development for All Star Vacation Homes,” Pfautz said. “I look forward to a bright future working alongside the All Star team.”
Pfautz holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Finance from East Carolina University. He has been an active member of the Vacation Rental Managers Association and Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and former member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. A licensed real estate agent in Maryland and Delaware, Pfautz has also previously been a member of the National Association of Realtors, Maryland Association of REALTORS® and Coastal Association of REALTORS®.
About All Star Vacation Homes
All Star Vacation Homes brings its passion for high standards and hospitality to elevate the vacation home industry to new levels. Since it was established in 1998, All Star has set a solid foundation in the competitive Orlando landscape and has emerged as a market leader. As the company expands this success into other high demand travel destinations, All Star implements its unique formula of Personalized Service, Quality Home Care, Proven Marketing, Strategic Location and Guest-Influenced Experience to fulfill its vision of creating a vacation home experience like no other.
Currently, All Star represents more than 250 homes, condos and town homes in Kissimmee/Orlando, Fla. near Walt Disney World® Resort. By popular demand of its guests, All Star has recently expanded into Captiva Island, Fla. For more information, visit www.AllStarVacationHomes.com or call 1-800-396-1173 .
The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach adds 137-unit Summit Beach Resort to portfolio
Panama City Beach, FL – January 2013 / Hospitality 1ST / The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach is proud to announce the management acquisition of The Summit Beach Resort, an exciting beachfront resort, and all of its amenities. As one of the largest Gulf-front resorts with the best values in Panama City Beach, The Summit is a prime location for a fun-filled getaway!
“The Summit Beach Resort is unlike any of the other Resort Collection properties and a great addition to our collection,” said Mike Stange, chief operating officer of The Resort Collection. “This property has a fun attitude with great value that many vacationers, sports teams, and families look for when deciding on a place to stay in Panama City Beach.”
The newly acquired property offers 137 gorgeous one-, two-, and three-bedroom units that all afford spectacular panoramic views of the beautiful Gulf waters. But that’s not all. The Summit Beach Resort offers guests two swimming pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, restaurant and tiki bar, gift shop, and much more for their perfect vacation along the activity-packed Gulf of Mexico.
The Summit Beach Resort is ideal for vacationers traveling in large numbers, such as family reunions, sports teams, and religion-based groups. With spacious layouts and private balconies in each beautifully furnished condo, large outdoor pools and activity areas, and a private expanse of pristine white sand beach, guests will never want to leave. This is the ideal resort destination for those seeking an unparalleled value, and is within walking distance to all the excitement Panama City Beach has to offer!
The Resort Collection will be the on-site management company for The Summit Beach Resort and will direct daily operations for the rental program and facilities. Its robust staff of 350 is thrilled to acquire the new property and further enhance the reputation of offering an unrivaled vacation to guests. The property management company, with a 25-year history, has club and HOA management divisions that represent five additional beachfront resorts, a championship golf course, a shopping center and a real estate organization. The Resort Collection has plans for exponential growth through the addition of more units and the upgrading of existing services. Their devoted management team is on-site for any requests or questions guests may have.
For more information on The Summit Beach Resort, please visit SummitBeachResort.com.
About The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach
The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach includes the family-friendly Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort, the intimate Majestic Beach Resort, the luxuriously appointed Emerald Beach Resort, the relaxing Long Beach Resort, the exclusive En Soleil, the excitement-filled Summit Beach Resort, Edgewater Beach Realty, and the Shoppes at Edgewater—all properties managed by The Edgewater Beach Resort Management, Inc. The Resort Collection boasts more than 1000 full-service Gulf-front suites and golf villas, 100,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor meeting space, multiple retail shops, boutiques, eateries, coffee shops, fitness centers, an outdoor basketball court, luxurious pools, a 9-hole executive golf course, and 27 holes of championship golf at the Hombre Golf Club on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. For information on The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, call 866-203-1164, or visit www.ResortCollection.com.
Contacts:
Ainsley Rogers
Marketing and Public Relations Director
Cornerstone Marketing & Advertising, Inc., 850-231-3087
Paul Wohlford
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach, 850-235-4977
