INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS AWARDS TO CURAÇAO'S COMMISSIONER OF TOURISM
Miami, FL, July 26, 2006 — Interval International presented the Honorable Gerrit Schotte, Commissioner of Economic Affairs and Tourism, with a plaque last week to recognize the government of Curaçao for encouraging investment in the tourism sector and for its support of the vacation ownership industry.
"At this time, Curaçao offers numerous investment opportunities and these will further increase in the coming years. The greatest growth is expected to be in sectors such as hospitality and tourism that leverage our comparative advantages and focus on high value-added services catering to international market," commented Schotte. "Vacation ownership, in particular, has a significant and positive impact on our economy, so it makes sense to support its growth. Interval International should also be commended for advancing our destination's name to a global audience through its members."
"With its expanding tourism infrastructure and its ongoing focus on education, culture and eco-tourism, Curaçao offers a unique vacation opportunity. The local government's investment in the tourism sector has resulted in an increased number of visitors to the island every year," said David Callaghan, Vice President of Resort Sales and Service for Interval International. "Today, Curaçao attracts the sophisticated tourist who is seeking an enriching cultural experience in addition to sun, sand, and sea."
"The 2007 Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference that will be held locally next May represents an excellent opportunity to showcase Curaçao's tourism product and attract additional investment to the sector," added Callaghan. "Interval is pleased to be a Platinum Sponsor of this important event."
Curaçao has a rich and diverse history, which explains the international flavor of its culture and why the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated the island a World Heritage site. Its European style, rich heritage, extraordinary natural setting, and beautiful secluded beaches attract numerous visitors to the island. The wide range of activities and attractions available includes a vibrant nightlife, year-round music festivals, gourmet restaurants, casinos, exclusive shops and boutiques, and exciting water sports. The architecture of the capital city of Willemstad recalls the quaint designs of Amsterdam with 17th and 18th century Dutch colonial buildings.
About Interval International
Interval International, a leading vacation ownership exchange company, is celebrating 30 years of quality and innovation. Interval has a global network of more than 2,000 affiliated resorts in over 75 countries, and serves its developer clients and in excess of 1.8 million member families through 28 offices in 19 countries. The company provides a variety of services and year-round travel-related benefits to enhance members' vacation experiences. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Interval International is part of IAC, which operates leading and diversified businesses in sectors being transformed by the Internet, online and offline. Other IAC companies include Ask.com, Citysearch, Entertainment Publications, HSN, LendingTree, and Ticketmaster.
As a Strategic Partner of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) and a Board Member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Education Foundation, Interval has been a long time supporter of the tourism industry in the Caribbean. Interval is committed to understanding the unique needs of the Caribbean region and providing products and programs tailored to this market.
