Bill Heinecke's Anantara Starting Vacation Ownership Unit

Posted: 01 Nov 2010 | 6:00 am

Leading Thai Group Minor International is ramping up the launch of the shared ownership focused Anantara Vacation Club.

Initially focused in the Phuket and Koh Samui markets, expansion within Asia Pacific is planned.

Minor got their first taste of success in the vacation ownership (timeshare) sector when they partnered with global giant Marriott in Mai Khao at Marriott's Phuket Beach Club. This was later divested and many industry analysts had tapped the Thai group to entered the marketplace.

Given Anantara's expanding international footprint with hotels, and mixed used projects the move looks to be a natural opportunity.

In Phuket the playing field has been traditionally dominated by Laguna Holiday Club, Marriott Vacation Club International and the most recent growth spurred by Bryan Lunt's Absolute Group. This year has seen West Sands also roll out a Vacation Club with a number of executives from Marriott's Phuket operation.

As the US economy melted down two years ago, MVCI Asia which had been gearing up to expand was put on the back burner back of domestic issues at home. Wyndham Vacation ownership with its Asia Pacific operation headquartered out of Australia has seen that market saturated and has been unable to leapfrog into Asia.

ACCOR has had several starts and stops from its Australian forays.

With Minor's considerable cash reserves expect the Anantara to gain market traction fast, given their existing inventory of quality resorts.

EDITORS NOTE: It has come to our attention the email sent to our readers had incorrectly spelled Bill Heineckes name, and wish to thank your readers for swiftly bringing this to our attention. Indeed to error is...well you know, not good).

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