WELK RESORTS RENEWS AFFILIATION AGREEMENT WITH INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL
Miami, Florida – March 6, 2008 – Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services, announced it has renewed its master affiliation with Welk Resorts. The agreement includes Welk’s five existing properties, as well as future development. Construction is currently underway at three new Welk resorts, including Welk Resorts Mountain Villas in Escondido, California; Timber Ridge Lodge at Welk Resorts Branson; and Welk Resorts Cabo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the company’s first property outside the U.S.
On the campus of Lawrence Welk Resort Villas and Villas On The Greens in Escondido, the company is adding onto its flagship and largest property with the introduction of its third vacation-ownership resort, Mountain Villas. The initial phase of the complex is scheduled to open this Spring and, on build-out, will have 148 two-bedroom, two-bath lock-offs, and a 9,000 square-foot zero-entry, lagoon-style pool, 120-foot waterslide, splash pad, and owner’s lounge overlooking the 18-hole executive length Fountains Golf Course. This will bring the Welk Resorts San Diego campus to 870 vacation ownership keys, the largest in San Diego County.
In Missouri, the new rustic-style Timber Ridge Lodge at Welk Resorts Branson is situated against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. Phase one of this 363-unit resort features 28 two-bedroom lock-offs, a full-service hotel, as well as amenities that include a restaurant, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, splash pad, kid’s club, fitness center, and world-class entertainment at the 2,200-seat live theater.
Welk Resorts Cabo will consist of 204 one- and two-bedroom units, as well as penthouse units, overlooking the Sea of Cortez with direct access to a cove beach. Phase one, which will include two of the five planned timeshare buildings, a recreation center, preview center, and restaurant, is slated to open in 2009.
“We are proud to expand our relationship with Welk Resorts, as it embarks on these exciting new projects,” said Craig M. Nash, chairman and chief executive officer of Interval International. “This well-respected developer is known for providing excellent service and amenities at its properties, which translates to memorable resort stays for our members.”
“The decision to once again choose Interval as our exchange partner was based on the extremely positive experience we have enjoyed over the past few years,” commented Jon Fredricks, president of Welk Resorts. “We value the quality of its global network and the consistency that is evident in the level and scope of Interval’s services to our owners.”
Further reinforcing the value of ownership, all new purchasers at Welk Resorts will become individual members of Interval International, as well as Interval Gold®, the premier membership program. This entitles them to enjoy an extensive menu of benefits, including discounts on resort Getaways, access to a personal concierge service available 24 hours a day via phone and e-mail, complimentary Hertz #1 Gold® membership, and worldwide hotel and dining discounts provided by best-in-class hospitality and travel industry vendors. Interval Gold members have the opportunity to exchange their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval’s worldwide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and spa vacations.
About Interval International
Interval International is a leading provider of exchange, travel, and leisure services to resort developers and vacationers worldwide. Based in Miami, Florida, the company has been a pioneer and innovator in serving the vacation ownership market for more than 30 years. Today, Interval has a network of over 2,300 resorts in excess of 75 countries and offers its clients and nearly 2 million member families high-quality products and programs through its 28 offices in 17 countries. Interval is part of IAC, which owns and operates more than 60 diversified brands in sectors being transformed by the Internet, online and offline. Other IAC companies include Ask.com, HSN, LendingTree, Match.com, and Ticketmaster.
About Welk Resorts
Founded in 1955 by the late entertainment icon Lawrence Welk, Welk Resorts remains today a privately held, family-owned company. Based in San Marcos, California, the company has developed and/or operated more than 1,100 luxury vacation units, villas and hotel rooms in San Diego; Maui, Hawaii; the Palm Desert area; Branson, Missouri; and Cabo San Lucas. The company is well on its way to re-branding the Welk name, by providing gracious, personalized service, more owner and guest options and experiences with more flavor and appeal for all ages, while retaining the trust and identity most closely associated with its name.
