INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL PRESENTS RECOGNITION AWARD TO ST. MAARTEN’S COMMISSIONER OF TOURISM
Miami, FL, December 11, 2007 — Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services and an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI), presented the Honorable Roy R. Marlin, Commissioner of Tourism, St. Maarten, with a plaque to recognize the government’s support of the tourism and vacation ownership industries during a special ceremony held last week at the Oyster Bay Beach Resort.
“We are pleased to acknowledge the tremendous efforts that the government and the people of St. Maarten have made to encourage the growth of tourism and the popularity of vacation ownership,” said David Callaghan, vice president of resort sales and service for Internal International. “With its rich blend of French, Dutch, and Caribbean traditions, the island is a leading vacation destination that offers visitors a diverse culture, superior accommodations, beautiful beaches, and gourmet cuisine.”
“The tourism industry in St. Maarten experienced some growth in 2007 and next year we expect further growth fueled by stronger occupancy numbers, increasing length of stay by the average visitor, and expansion in arrivals from most of the country's major markets,” commented Commissioner Marlin. “This sector is the keystone of our economy and we are thankful to Interval for its long-standing assistance in advancing our destination’s name to a global audience.”
The Caribbean has proven itself to be a very popular destination among current and prospective owners of the vacation ownership product. The results of Interval’s 2006 U.S. Membership Profile reveal that two-thirds of Interval’s U.S. members report a desire to visit the Caribbean during the next two years. Also, according to the findings of the Future Timeshare Buyers: Market Profile 2007, a study that offers unique insights into the vacation habits, preferences and intentions of leisure travelers who are interested in owning vacation time, the Caribbean is one of the preferred international destinations for prospective timeshare owners.
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.
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 more than 2,200 resorts in 79 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.
