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WASHINGTON, October 20, 2009 -- As part of an industry effort to promote the power of travel during National Travel and Tourism Week in May, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) launched the Bring Your Vacation to Life photo and story contest. Contestants were asked to share a memory of a timeshare vacation that impacted their family, health, or enjoyment of life.
American Express gift cards were awarded to first- and second-place photos and one first-place story. The highest award went to Sally Lessig for the photo Al Relaxing and the story Thru the Years. Second-place photo prizes were awarded to Alexis MacDonald for Lexie & Dan Love Myrtle Beach and to Tracy Dunn for For My Next Act.
ARDA recognizes the need for vacations and the long-term benefits associated with taking regular vacations that contribute to better health, relationships, and job performance. In these tough economic times, the large number of entrants reflected the real value of timeshare ownership and how pre-paying for future vacations, guarantees that owners get away at least once a year.
According to ARDA, timeshare owners continue to travel to their timeshare destinations. The ARDA International Foundation (AIF) reported occupancy rates are at 81.6% in the
State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study, 2009 edition.
Owners are encouraged to share their stories, photos, and videos by visiting
www.VacationBetter.org/Vacation-Scrapbook.
About VacationBetter.org
The American Resort Development Associations (ARDA) on-line resource informs consumers of the importance of vacations and the overall health and wellness benefits of enjoying one regularly and economically through timeshare.
VacationBetter.org gives vacationing families and consumers a way to learn about traveling better with vacation ownership.
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