Ushering in the Start of Summer

Today officially marks the start of summer.??For many families – including mine – this time of year signals the start when we take to the skies, or the roadways, to unplug, relax, recharge, reset, and reflect.?

According to a recent?report?from 德勤 , it’s going to be one busy summer.

• Half (50%) of Americans surveyed say they will take a leisure vacation (involving a stay in paid lodging) up from 46% in 2022 and 41% in 2021.
• Additionally, vacationers plan on squeezing in more trips (3.1) this summer compared to last year (2.3 in 2022).
• Also, 44% of those surveyed plan to take long vacations (7-13 nights).

It’s good news, not just for family-friendly travel vacation companies like? Holiday Inn Club Vacations , but for every vacationing soul. Vacations make us happier and healthier, both physically and mentally.??We know this intuitively, and countless studies show that vacations help us reduce stress while increasing our creativity, resiliency, and productivity*.??This is especially true when new travel experiences get us out of our routines (and mental ruts), opening our eyes and minds.

Today also happens to be the one-year anniversary since it was announced that I would be stepping into my role of President and Chief Executive Officer at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, and I can say that the last year has certainly been a journey that has included many highlights and big milestones, including:

In August 2022, Holiday Inn Club Vacations?marked its 40th anniversary. Founder?Kemmons Wilson, who also founded the Holiday Inn chain of hotels, opened Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, Florida. At its opening in August 1982, the resort – known as Orange Lake Country Club – was 372 acres in size and included 32 villas. Once heralded as the largest vacation ownership resort in the world, the property now spans over 1,100 acres and with more than 2,400 villas.?Four decades on, our portfolio continues to grow.

In September 2022,?Holiday Inn Club Vacations became the first timeshare company to earn?J.D. Power Certification for Outstanding Customer Service Experience. To earn this recognition, the company had to undergo a rigorous review process, including a detailed evaluation of our policies, practices, and procedures and primary research where we had to meet cross-industry customer satisfaction benchmarks from recently serviced customers. This certification was especially gratifying for the team because we?believe in the power of delivering an end-to-end customer experience that is seamless, hassle-free, and consistently exceptional, and this recognition validates our ability to do just that.

Last month (May 2023), we?announced?our acquisition of four stunning?resorts?in the Mexican Caribbean from Royal Resorts, marking our first international expansion in our 40+ year history.??What makes this so exciting is what it means for our owners and Club members—more amazing opportunities and diverse experiences to #GoFurther, spending time in one of the world's most breathtaking and sought-after travel destinations.??Without question, the journey that led to this news was a true team effort that has touched every part of our organization.??

And our company growth continues in the United States as well, including a new 16-acre, oceanfront resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina that is expected to welcome Club members and guests in April 2024.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was spot on when he said,?“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,”?and what a journey it has been. As proud as I am of all we’ve accomplished in the last 12 months, I’m especially looking forward to the road ahead.?I remain so fortunate to work side-by-side with passionate, talented professionals, especially our new team members in Mexico, who share my vision, and continue to breathe life into our company mission to be the most loved brand in family travel.

As you and yours embark on your adventures this summer season and beyond, embrace and enjoy the journey, wherever it may lead.

*?The Importance of Taking Vacation Time to De-stress and Recharge