ARDA Awards Honor Brands, People, and Products that Showcase the Highest Level of Excellence in the Industry
The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is committed to highlighting the brands, people and products that serve as symbols of excellence in the timeshare industry and exemplify our commitment to providing incredible owner experiences and giving back to local communities. As part of that effort, the ARDA Awards Program recognizes the best in the industry in categories that include Marketing & Sales, Management & Administration, Advertising, Promotion & Communications and Resort Design. The ARDA Circle of Excellence (ACE) division honors those who have attained the highest level of excellence in the resort industry.
This year’s award winners were announced at ARDA’s 2023 Spring Conference, Timeshare Together: Leaders and Innovators, at the Hilton Orlando on April 19 during a special awards ceremony and celebration that closed out the annual event.
Travel + Leisure Co. was recognized with the 2023 ACE Diversity & Inclusion Award for creating a workplace where all team members can experience the same feeling of belonging by prioritizing diversity and inclusion in everything the company does. Travel + Leisure Co. develops and advances diverse leaders and prioritizes diversity and inclusion throughout their hiring and retention strategies, including the development of an inclusive interviewing curriculum for leaders and the launch of a Passport to Belonging onboarding program. The company also features a Global Inclusion and Diversity Council to provide a steady source of new insights and evolving strategies and created six Diversity Resource Groups to ensure associates have access to a community of advocates and allies where professional development and education opportunities abound. The ACE Diversity & Inclusion Award honors this diverse and inclusive culture Travel + Leisure has thoughtfully cultivated.
The J.D. Power Certification Team at Holiday Inn Club Vacations received the 2023 ACE Innovation Leadership Award for their unwavering passion for discovering the most effective ways to provide exceptional customer satisfaction and experiences. The team worked for more than two years to complete an exhaustive, multi-phased assessment and demonstrated exceptional performance at each phase to complete the evaluation and earn the timeshare industry’s first recognition from J.D.Power for providing “An Outstanding Customer Service Experience.” This certification not only speaks to this team’s dedication to ensuring their owners and guests always have a wonderful experience but also to the timeshare industry as a whole and its commitment to going above and beyond.
Courtney “CoCo” Robicheaux, director of global product development at RCI, took home the 2023 ACE Emerging Leader Award in recognition of her work designing the products and experiences that will define the future of timeshare. In each role she has held within the timeshare industry, Courtney has demonstrated an exceptional talent for executing ambitious projects on a global scale, leading the creation of 15 regional and global products, 19 co-brands, and multiple regional partnerships, generating over 330,000 enrollments and more than $13 million in revenue — all in just the last year. Additionally, she has helped develop niche travel clubs and programs for diverse groups. It’s clear Courtney is a leader to watch in the years ahead.
Marriott Vacations Worldwide’s David Calvert was honored with the 2023 ACE Employee of the Year Award. David is a 15-year hospitality veteran and committed champion for the Marriott Vacations Worldwide brand, its products and its programs. In 2022, David led customer positioning development and messaging for Abound, one of the largest and most complex initiatives in the company’s 40-year history. His unwavering positivity and dedication to nurturing relationships help to energize and empower his team to continually deliver exceptional results. David’s track record of innovation and exceptional performance make him an instrumental part of the company and make him more than deserving of this recognition.
HGV Serves of Hilton Grand Vacations was recognized with the 2023 ACE Community Service and Philanthropy Company Award for its deep investment in leveraging its global presence to impact communities worldwide. HGV Serves powers employees to volunteer throughout the year and provides generous financial support to numerous philanthropic efforts across the globe, including $308,000 in matching donations to the American Red Cross, $100,00 to the USO, $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity and $150,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, just to name a few. The company has also established the Clean the World Soap Recycling Program as a brand standard at U.S. properties and launched a #30for30 Campaign, hosting 30 volunteer and philanthropic events in local communities as part of its 30th-anniversary celebrations. Through these and other initiatives, HGV Serves of Hilton Grand Vacations has demonstrated a passionate commitment to supporting local communities and causes.
Because of the importance the timeshare industry places on giving back, ARDA also recognized an individual with an ACE Community Service and Philanthropy Award, Wanda Thompson of the El Cid Resorts Foundation. Wanda engages directly with employees and their local communities to ensure the foundation is focused on meeting the most pressing needs of those it was created to serve. She has helped implement a wide range of educational programs, from onsite classes for employees and their families to college scholarships and vouchers for school uniforms and supplies. She has also helped develop a diversity and inclusion program to match community members with special needs to jobs at El Cid Resorts. Wanda’s compassion, generosity and tenacious commitment to improving the lives of others make her an inspiring example for our industry and an obvious recipient of this year’s award.
Club Wyndham Atlanta, a Wyndham Destinations property, received the 2023 ACE Project of Excellence Domestic Award. This property has created a stunning, contemporary take on the timeshare model in the heart of Atlanta and is the first vacation club resort property to open its doors in the area. A 22-story urban oasis overlooking Centennial Olympic Park with upscale urban retreat and casual luxury accommodation options and an exciting collection of dining and retail experiences, this property sets an extraordinary new standard for the entire hospitality industry.
The Beach Resort Sesoko, a Hilton Club by Hilton Grand Vacations, took home the 2023 ACE Project of Excellence International Award. The first timeshare resort in Okinawa, Japan, the 140-unit property overlooks a half-mile of white sand beach and beautifully captures panoramic views of the region’s deep red sunsets. The resort pays careful homage to Okinawa’s rich heritage and the diverse beauty of Sesoko, delivering a truly unique and engrossing beach resort experience for owners and guests. The breathtaking location and captivating design further cement this award winner as a visionary leader in the global timeshare industry.
A complete list of 2023 ARDA Award winners can be viewed here.
Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners, and thank you for all that you do to make the timeshare industry the best that it can be!