What’s a newsletter without news? So we’ve put together a round-up of all the latest vacation ownership industry news.

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Club Wyndham South Pacific launches YouTube travel channel

Club Wyndham South Pacific has launched its travel channel Club Wyndham TV on YouTube, featuring various videos providing travel inspiration and tips.

From top things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand, to road trip ideas in Tasmania, the channel offers viewers weekly content to help them plan trips to enjoy their holidays to the fullest.

“We are excited to share holiday inspiration with both our club members and interested travellers. Our resorts are in some of the world’s most scenic locations. We are delighted to provide tips on exciting spots and activities in those holiday destinations,” said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of International Operations, Wyndham Destinations.

Cameron House wins prestigious award

Cameron Houses has won Best Family Hotel in the prestigious The Times and The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay Guide. 

The hotel and resort, which recently reopened after major renovations, has put the family experience at the heart of all they offer. From babies to teenagers, there is something for everyone. There is an excellent choice across accommodation and restaurants with children’s menus, spacious bedrooms and suites featuring children’s bunk areas. 

There is also the brand-new Cameron Leisure Club, complete with a waterslide and two swimming pools. And an extensive seasonal activity program. Coming soon is a new state-of-the-art cinema where families can snuggle up to watch all the classic favourites! 

The Crane Resort opens on-site PCR covid testing laboratory

After close collaboration with Barbados’ Public Health Laboratory, The Crane Resort has opened the Barbados COVID Lab, the first COVID lab associated with a hotel in the Caribbean.

The lab, which features state-of-the-art PCR instruments, was established following WHO guidelines for PCR testing facilities. As a result, guests of The Crane Resort and other island visitors, ex-pats and citizens, can have their PCR tests processed within hours. 

LaTour adds hotels to Merlin Classic Software

LaTour Hotels & Resorts has uploaded two hotels in Mexico to the Merlin Classic Software system. El Serafin in the historic centre of Santiago de Querétaro is an eight-bedroom boutique hotel. Sister hotel Casa Cid de Leon is a 13-bedroom boutique hotel in the heart of historical Oaxaca.

Both hotels are linked through Merlin to SiteMinder for OTA bookings.

Merlin’s operation manager Sonja Mathews explained: “This is very exciting for Merlin as we move into this hotel sector of the hospitality industry. Hoteliers can choose online integration with no PMS or front desk functionality with SiteMinder. Alternatively, they can take the full Merlin package including rate plans, all front desk functions, and back-office including housekeeping, maintenance and accounting.”

‘Tis the season for Hallmark at Club Wyndham

Club Wyndham, one of the largest vacation clubs in the US, has partnered with Hallmark Channel to capture the magic of their Countdown to Christmas. Three custom-designed suites have been created at Club Wyndham’s resorts, all inspired by the backdrops of Hallmark’s seasonal movie line-up.

• Classic Hallmark Channel Christmas at Club Wyndham Midtown 45 (New York City);
• Snowy Mountain Christmas at Club Wyndham Resort at Avon (Vail); and 
• Country Christmas at Club Wyndham Nashville (Nashville).

Styled by Hallmark’s head of design, each one-bedroom suite creates the trademark moments of a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie:

• Festive décor throughout with wrapped presents under the tree
• Fully equipped kitchens for Christmas cookie making
• Ornament crafting station and a Christmas scent machine
• Hot cocoa station and gingerbread house kits
• Hallmark Channel holiday movie collection
• Floor-to-ceiling backdrop from a Hallmark Channel movie scene
• Unique festive experiences specific to their chosen destination
• Keepsake gift basket

Each of the Countdown to Christmas Holiday Suites sleeps up to four guests. Reservations open from 9:00 a.m. on November 1. The two-and-three-night stays begin from November 12 through January 1. Rates start at $295 per night*.

To take an interactive tour of the themed suites and to book a stay, visit ClubWyndham.com/HallmarkSuites.

Travel + Leisure Co. social responsibility pledge

Travel + Leisure Co. has published its 2020-2021 Social Responsibility Report detailing the company’s strategy to make a positive impact on the world in four social responsibility focus areas: 

• Inclusion and diversity;
• Environmental sustainability;
• Philanthropy; and 
• Ethics and human rights.

In the latest report, the company highlights some crucial milestones already achieved, including:

• Reaching previous water withdrawal goals six years ahead of projection;
• Establishing the Travel + Leisure Charitable Foundation and Eatonville Scholarship Program to promote educational excellence within the Eatonville community;
• Establishing a goal to increase diverse representation at the Director-and-above level across the organization, re-igniting the Global Inclusion & Diversity Council, and expanding associate-centric Diversity Resource Groups worldwide;
• Developing the “We’ll Be Ready” return-to-worksite plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of its global associates, owners, members and guests. 

Absolute World Group chooses cryptocurrency partner

Absolute World Group has partnered with Centric to offer customers across their four brands the opportunity to make payments in Centric Swap (CNS) and Centric Rise (CNR).

Centric is a dual-token digital currency and decentralized blockchain protocol built on sound economics. The dual-token model rewards adoption with a fixed hourly yield and stabilizes over time as it self-regulates token supply to meet ongoing changes in demand.

Absolute World’s CEO, Bryan Lunt, said: “Like other companies, we’ve previously considered integrating cryptocurrency. The massive volatility always kept us away. We saw Centric’s unique approach to solving volatility in the crypto space and knew we’d discovered something truly special. After speaking with their team, we concluded Centric is the real deal.”

Karma Group announces new Andalusian hotel 

Karma Group has announced its latest acquisition in Andalusia, Spain. Set within a state forest in the Sierras, Karma La Herriza will comprise 30 large suites, restaurants, bars and an outdoor pool with mountain views. The estate is currently undergoing renovations and will open in Easter 2022 as the Group’s first operating property in Spain.

John Spence, chairman and founder of Karma Group, commented: “Having a resort in Spain is a true pleasure for Karma and myself given the history of my time in this magnificent country. I know all members and guests will truly love this property.”

The addition of Karma La Herriza will bring Karma Group’s impressive portfolio to over 40 hotels, with 35 currently operating in 11 countries, six under development and excitingly more resorts to be announced.

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