Have you considered how powerful smart phones really are? Yes, they enable us to be available if someone needs us. Yes, they keep us connected to email.  They also capture our memories and share them instantly.

New data from a Ypartnership/Harrison Group survey of American travelers show that nearly a third of all cell phones in the U.S. now are so-called smart phones.

Many cell phone users are using this mobile device to take pictures and record video.  Although people have been taking pictures and recording video for some time now they haven’t been doing so on a device that allows immediate upload for the world to see!

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The J.D. Power and Associates 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study has been released revealing the top features guests seek when traveling. One of the most critical features is wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi).  In fact, a recent survey of 2000 travelers by American Express found that 77 per cent of Americans intend to stay connected while on vacation via Internet, phone, social media and other channels. The motivation is social, not business. Only 14 percent said they would stay connected for work.

Read more on Why Wi-Fi? and let us know what your resort is doing to accomodate your owners needs.

For more ideas, timeshare software updates and industry news, please check back with us here, at SPI Timeshare Software’s blog.

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What motivates people to buy is generally something that appeals to them emotionally and meets their needs.  Emotional drivers can be everything from convenience, love or enjoyment; to ego, peer pressure, guilt or greed.  Your client may even be moved by a combination of factors. To understand what emotions are going to drive their decision to buy a week, rent a unit or exchange into your resort, you have to ask questions and try to understand the client’s needs.

Think about the person who buys a Mercedes instead of a Hyundai. A Hyundai is a very reliable and practical car, and has a 100,000-mile warranty. However, a Mercedes, also a great car but costly, obviously fulfills an emotional need that out-weighs practicality and price.

When was the last time someone tried to sell you something? I know you probably critiqued everything subconsciously. Did they touch on all your emotional drivers? Did they even ask you questions?  Did you buy?

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Industry reports are showing an increase in travel and, hopefully, your resort is feeling the effects.  Lots of check-ins, more sales, increased food and beverage revenues and busy ancillary facilities; all the more reason to know what motivates your busy team. In this post, What makes your team tick? SPI Timeshare Software shares 5 tips to achieving employee satisfaction that in turn will help resorts profit from higher customer satisfaction, lower turnover and greater returns on investments.

For more ideas, timeshare software updates and industry news, please check back with us here, at SPI Timeshare Software’s blog

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We all know the importance of going green and reducing our carbon footprint, not just on Earth Day, either.  The world is focusing on cleaning up its act in everything from conserving water, to reducing the need for paper and to recycling. Most recently, many of us have seen the necessity of doing something to create a cleaner planet in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. But the timeshare industry has a long-standing history of being a strong advocate for the environment.

We heard a few weeks ago that Bluegreen Corporation, based in Boca Raton, Florida, has recently been honored by Cintas Document Management with the 2010 Environmental Award in recognition of its efforts for environmental conservation for its shredding of document records and recycling program.

Back in April, Matt Brosious, VP Sales at SPI Timeshare Software wrote a series of ‘going green’ posts for the SPI Blog. These articles described how the use of an owners website in your timeshare software positively impacts not only the environment by reducing a resort’s need for paper but also saves money. He also reminded us of the importance of using energy efficient appliances throughout the resort.

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SPI Timeshare Software’s Gordon McClendon writes about the ideas that came out of the ARDA New England meeting held this summer in Providence, RI. One especially inspiring session pooled the minds of more than 130 industry professionals to brainstorm ideas to address issues affecting older resorts. Learn more about what they came up with at Managing maturing resorts – ideas from ARDA New England Meeting.

For more ideas, timeshare software updates and industry news, please check back with us here, at SPI Timeshare Software’s blog

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Think back 10 years. Do you remember using the Internet for travel? Most of us got our travel information from a trusted travel agent or tour books. The idea of searching for information on the Internet was somewhat taboo.  The pictures seemed generic, if available at all, and who knew what to trust. Not anymore. We have come a long way, baby!

Today, the Internet is packed full of great pictures, detailed information and travel reviews. TripAdvisor is one of the largest sites out there with “over 35 million trusted travel reviews and opinions.” Ten years ago when Steve Kaufer launched TripAdvisor, he wanted to provide insight from the masses rather than from one resource. The wisdom of the crowd provides both negative and positive feedback. This allows the reader to make an educated decision based on unbiased information. Although there may be some not-so-trustworthy reviews out there, the weight of the crowd should be able to drown those out.

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Google is moving fast, almost as fast as you can Google “travel”.  We have seen a lot of press indicating that Google is on its way to establishing itself in the online travel world. However, it hasn’t been made exactly clear what they intend to do. Over the last couple of months Google has hired the creative team behind the online travel guide, Ruba, plus they just acquired ITA Software, Inc., a travel search firm.

According to Bloomberg News, PhoCusWright analyst Joe Buhler says Google has some interesting ways to utilize the data they have collected over the years in travel searches. Hmmm? What does it all mean?

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School is out, the days of the “staycation” are over and people are traveling!   “Leisure travel demand is alive and well. Consumers will be traveling this summer, though they are shortening their stays and expanding searches for the best value,” says Mike Kistner, chief executive officer of Pegasus Solutions.  In our post School’s out for summer SPI Timeshare Software reviews what some resorts are doing to capture the interest of family travel.  We would love to hear your ideas. Please share them here or on our Facebook Fan Page.

For more ideas, timeshare software updates and industry news please check back with us here, at SPI Timeshare Software’s blog.

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As the American Resort Development Association (ARDA)’s consumer Web site, www.VacationBetter.org, has been saying for quite some time, when your owners or prospective guests are feeling a little ‘off,’ they should plan a vacation! According to the post, “Your Prescription for Good Health: Take Two Weeks and Call me in the Morning,” planning a vacation is better than an apple a day.  “Recent research shows that the long-term benefits associated with taking regular vacations contribute to better health, relationships and job performance,” the article reports.

According to researchers from the Netherlands, vacationing has a profound effect on a person’s overall and continuing happiness. The research, as published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life, showed that the largest boost in happiness comes from the simple act of planning a vacation. In the study, the effect of vacation anticipation boosted happiness for eight weeks.  Once the vacation is over, that level of happiness returns to baseline levels for most people.

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