Interval International, a leading provider of vacation services and an operating business of IAC, concluded its fourth Vacation Ownership Investment Conference – VOIC 2008 – by underscoring its commitment to the industry’s development in the Middle East.

“We have identified the Middle East as having high potential for vacation ownership growth; intraregional tourism is flourishing and more international tourists are discovering the wide variety of tourism opportunities in the Middle East. It is only natural that timeshare will flourish here as it has across the globe,” said managing director, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Interval International, David Clifton.

“At VOIC this week we have focused on fundamentals and major changes to the industry. The objective has been to help participants to learn more about the various aspects of this mainstream hospitality product,” he added.

VOIC 2008 also saw in-depth debate on the implementation of new vacation ownership regulations, approved by Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in time for the event.

A panel discussion, lead by vice-president of Government Affairs, Interval International, Tom Bell provided an outline of what the new regulations contain and what this will mean for developers, marketers and the consumer.

Over 160 industry professionals attended the two-day educational and networking event at Arabian Court, One&Only Royal Mirage, making it the most subscribed to VOIC edition to date.

The two-day programme saw seminars delivered by industry chiefs from Hyatt Vacation Ownership Inc., Starwood Vacation Ownership, Arabian Falcon Holidays, Dubailand, Marriott Vacation Club International and Preferred Hotel Group.

In addition, interactive panel discussions took place, with key participants including Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Commission for Tourism, Jumeirah Living, Emerald Vacation Club and Dubai Vacation Club.

The overall consensus from delegates and industry experts was that the Middle East presents a huge growth opportunity area for vacation ownership. – TradeArabia News Service