Archives for 2019

Leading Vacation Ownership Company Experiences Significant Member Growth Across All Age Groups

AUG. 28, 2019 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announces that millennials now make up the company’s fastest-growing membership demographic. While the company is experiencing significant growth among all demographic groups, millennial membership has outpaced all other groups with an average of 25% growth year over year for the last five years. Millennial membership has doubled since 2009 and now comprises 12% of Diamond Resorts members

The growth follows industry trends, as recent research indicates that millennials invest more in their vacations compared to any other demographic, with 33% of millennials willing to spend $5,000 or more on a vacation. Millennial consumers, aged between 25 and 38, value unique vacation experiences and are passing these values onto their children and the younger Generation Z.

Among the unforgettable experiences offered by Diamond Resorts are intimate beachside concerts by platinum-selling artists such as Cole Swindell, Lee Brice and Jana Kramer, and premier seats to sporting events and culinary tours. With an innovative points system, members can personalize their vacation experiences and get the most out of their timeshare ownership. Diamond continually expands its offerings to meet changing preferences and makes data-driven decisions to enhance experiences and put members first.

“Millennials value exclusive and personalized experiences, and they are really embracing the amazing events we offer our members that cannot be found on a typical vacation,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. “We understand that this generation values flexibility and we want millennials to be able to vacation with us consistently and enjoy all the benefits of a Diamond Resorts membership.” 

In response to increased demand from millennials, Diamond is testing various short-term ownership products that offer exclusive member opportunities and quality vacation options with a shorter time commitment. Diamond is dedicated to providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences and flexibility to all of its members, and the company has found that customers who buy the short-term product often choose to extend their vacation ownership.

In addition to notable growth from the millennial sector, Diamond experienced across the board membership growth over the past five years, with all other demographics growing by 16% year over year. With more than 400,000 members, Diamond Resorts provides its members, owners and guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation and enjoy memorable and meaningful experiences. 

To learn more about Diamond Resorts, visit DiamondResorts.com.

About Diamond Resorts

Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

AUG. 26, 2019 (GAFFNEY, S.C.) – Brian Forbes, a student-athlete at Limestone College, was today awarded the Gaylord Perry Scholarship, which will fully cover his college costs this academic year. The award was made possible through the institution’s partnership with Diamond Resorts.

Named in honor of the head coach who started Limestone College’s baseball program, the Gaylord Perry Scholarship is awarded annually by the school’s Scholarship Award Committee to one or more members of the Saints baseball team. Perry, a Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, attended the inaugural scholarship presentation inside Limestone’s Hall of Fame Room, along with Tony Walker from Diamond Resorts.

A native of Rocky Point, NY, Forbes is a member of the Saints baseball team who transferred to Limestone after recently graduating from Herkimer County Community College. Last season, he was named an NCAA Division III First Team All-American. Participating in the Junior College World Series, Forbes ranked 32nd in the nation with a batting average of .433. He finished fourth in the nation with 15 home runs and ranked sixth nationally with 66 runs batted in.

As part of its internship program with Limestone, Diamond Resorts is providing an annual gift to fund scholarships to be awarded to one or more members of the baseball program, as selected by the Scholarship Committee.

Currently a junior, Forbes will also be eligible for the scholarship’s consideration next year.

Perry was inducted into the Limestone Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. And along with Walker, Diamond Resorts Chief Executive Officer Mike Flaskey was a member of Perry’s first baseball team at Limestone in 1988. Flaskey was inducted into the Limestone Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Diamond Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announced in January a new professional internship program at Limestone. The program, which is open to all juniors and seniors, offers students the opportunity to get on-the-job training via semester-long internships.

To date, 20 students have been selected to participate in the internship program, with 13 who joined the Diamond team over the summer and seven who will intern this fall. The student interns can gain experience in a number of different areas, such as quality assurance, sales, human resources, and global support, among others.

In addition, one student was selected as the winner of the Diamond Marketing Mentorship Program (DMMP), which is a nine-month, rigorous apprenticeship designed to prepare young graduates for a potential position of Marketing Manager (or comparable) at a Diamond Resorts Marketing & Sales location. The DMMP offers more intense training than the regular internship and in addition to preparing the young graduates for a position in their chosen field, DMMP is meant to position them as leaders.

Each student will have an assigned mentor and will either be based at a Diamond Resorts property – with some locations including Orlando, Palm Springs, Hawaii and Virginia Beach – or headquartered at one of the company’s corporate offices. Successful completion of the internship will not only earn students a full semester’s worth of credits, but they will also be guaranteed a position with Diamond Resorts after graduation.

ABOUT DIAMOND RESORTS
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

To learn more about Diamond Resorts, visit www.DiamondResorts.com.

Legislation to Bolster Vacation Ownership Options and Bring Local Jobs to North Carolina

AUG. 13, 2019 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, applauds North Carolina lawmakers for unanimously passing North Carolina Senate Bill 590. The new legislation will expand vacation ownership and fractional ownership options for travelers looking to experience the increasingly popular tourist markets of North Carolina, while simultaneously bringing incremental jobs to the state.

In partnership with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, Diamond Resorts advocated for the new real estate licensing law for timeshare sales. The new law modifies the real estate licensing requirements for timeshare salespeople. Formerly, all timeshare sales professionals were required to obtain a North Carolina real estate brokerage license. Under the new law, timeshare sales executives who are working for a developer, or an affiliate of the developer, and selling developer-owned inventory no longer need to be licensed. The bill passed the North Carolina Senate 45-0, as well as the North Carolina House on a vote with 107-0, showing bipartisan support and zero opposition. Governor Roy Cooper signed it into law Friday, August 9, 2019.

“As tourism in North Carolina continues to grow, we wanted to make sure that our members have the best options for vacation ownership in what has become a hugely popular destination for many families,” said Mike Flaskey, CEO of Diamond Resorts. “We’re incredibly pleased to have partnered on this bill and to see it passed without opposition. We plan to invest heavily in what we see as a growing tourism destination in North Carolina, with a variety of vacation options, including the Great Smoky Mountains and best in class beach destinations.”

Diamond’s current vacation ownership properties in North Carolina include Beachwoods Resort in Kitty Hawk and Fairway Forest Resort in Sapphire Valley.

“This bill originally opened up some opportunities to expand real estate education,” said Jeff Malarney, Chairman of the NCREC. “The NCREC was pleased to be able to collaborate with Diamond Resorts to introduce legislation that brings timeshare sales in line with vacation rental and property management employees. It’s a win for the tourism industry in North Carolina.”

With this legislation, Diamond Resorts will expand its search for talented team members, continuing to grow the company’s footprint in North Carolina. “The economic impact to North Carolina from this legislation being passed will be monumental,” said Flaskey. “This forward thinking is not only a win for North Carolina, but also the entire vacation ownership and fractional ownership industries. We look forward to continuing to contribute to the local economies where our members have unforgettable vacation experiences.”

With over 400,000 members and a network of vacation destinations across the globe, Diamond Resorts provides members, owners and guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation and enjoy memorable and meaningful experiences. Among the unforgettable experiences offered by Diamond Resorts are intimate beachside concerts by platinum-selling artists such as Cole Swindell, Lee Brice and Jana Kramer, and premier seats to sporting events and culinary tours. With an innovative points system, members can personalize their vacation experiences and get the most out of their timeshare ownership. Diamond continually expands its offerings to meet changing preferences and makes data-driven decisions to enhance experiences and put members first.

To learn more about Diamond Resorts, visit DiamondResorts.com.

About Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

Florida Court Rules That Lawsuit Can Proceed Against Newton Group and DC Capital Law Firm LLP

AUG. 5, 2019 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announces that a Florida federal court has allowed its lawsuit against DC Capital Law Firm LLP and a group of so-called “timeshare exit companies” known as the “Newton Group” to proceed.

Diamond’s lawsuit accuses the firms, along with Defendant, US Consumer Attorneys, PA of false advertising, unfair competition, and tortious interference with contracts between Diamond and its members. The ruling found that Diamond’s claims of false advertising are consistent with the pleading requirements under the Lanham Act, and that the Complaint meets the applicable standard to allege fraud under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 9(b). The Court’s decision to deny the Defendants’ Motions to Dismiss also allowed Diamond to file an amended Complaint, which will allege additional examples of false and misleading advertising by DC Capital and the Newton Group.

“We will continue to do everything in our power to combat deceitful timeshare exit companies that prey on our members,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond. “We want to reemphasize that many of these firms are not acting in the best interests of owners; rather, they are setting out to take advantage of them for their own gain. Though the vast majority of our members love their vacation experiences with us, when life circumstances arise, we urge our members to speak to us directly regarding transitioning out of vacation ownership in a safe and legal manner.”

Diamond continues to fight to protect its members from the disturbing rise of “timeshare exit companies” and the associated attorneys that charge timeshare owners thousands of dollars in upfront fees, but are unable to deliver on their promises. These companies employ fraudulent tactics like false and deceptive advertising to influence consumers to take action, often leaving them in financial peril.

This news comes days after Diamond obtained a preliminary injunction against a variety of Missouri-based third-party companies, including Exchange Points, PR Rewards, VMG Resorts, Kyle Brown and Vacation Management, that Diamond alleges prey on and scam vacation owners. Diamond also recently was awarded a permanent injunction against Castle Law Group PC, its principals and related entities, after the Tennessee court disbarred Judson Wheeler Phillips, former senior partner with Castle Law.

About Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

Media Contact
John Eddy
212-319-3451, ext. 648
john@goldin.com

Missouri-Based Companies Sued for Preying on Timeshare Owners Through False Advertising

JULY 29, 2019 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announces it has succeeded in obtaining a preliminary injunction against several third party companies based in Missouri. Diamond’s lawsuit against Exchange Points, PR Rewards, VMG Resorts, Kyle Brown and Vacation Management is the latest in the company’s efforts to protect its customers from the disturbing rise of third-party companies that prey on, and attempt to scam, timeshare owners.

The companies are accused of defrauding Diamond Resorts customers by falsely claiming to be associated with Diamond and then charging fees to unlawfully “rent” Diamond vacation points on their behalf.

The case – Diamond v. Exchange Points, et al., which was filed the United States District Court of Nevada – was brought in response to a scheme by defendants in which they are alleged to have:

• Engaged in an advertising campaign that falsely suggested an affiliation with Diamond Resorts designed to trick members into turning over control of their vacation points.
• Rented out the use of Diamond Resorts points to their own customers by falsely presenting themselves as authorized distributors of vacation stays at Diamond Resorts properties.
• Charged members a substantial up-front fee for the “service” of renting out their vacation ownership points, even though Defendants have no authorization to do so.

“Our members love their vacation ownership so we’re very concerned that they are being targeted by fraudulent companies,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. “We’re taking reselling and exit scams very seriously because they hurt our members who are being charged big fees and only receive empty promises.”

In a ruling on July 18, the Federal Court in Las Vegas denied the defendant’s motion to dismiss and granted Diamond’s request for a preliminary injunction against several of the defendants. This preliminary injunction prevents the defendants from engaging in any further advertising that suggests an affiliation with Diamond, or suggests that defendants are authorized managers of Diamond Resorts points, or have authority to use Diamond Resorts points to book vacation stays for their customers.

This court order follows a previous ruling earlier this month in Diamond’s suit against Nashville-based Castle Law Group PC, its principals and related entities. That order bars Castle Venture Group and William Michael Keever from communicating with any Diamond Resorts timeshare owners. The Supreme Court of Tennessee previously disbarred Judson Wheeler Phillips, former senior partner with Castle Law, for misleading and defrauding timeshare customers. In addition to these cases, Diamond Resorts has pursued twelve lawsuits against numerous companies marketing themselves as timeshare exit companies and obtained permanent injunctions in seven suits.

About Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

Unscrupulous Timeshare Exit Companies Prey on Timeshare Owners By Charging Excessive Upfront Fees and Failing to Deliver on Promises

JULY 11, 2019 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announces it has won a lawsuit filed against a group of so-called “timeshare exit companies” including Nashville-based Castle Law Group PC, its principals and related entities.

Diamond has taken an aggressive stance to protect its customers from the disturbing rise of unscrupulous companies that charge timeshare owners thousands of dollars in upfront fees but do not deliver on their promises to help members transition out of vacation ownership. These fraudulent companies often leave customers in financial peril, with additional debt and damaged credit histories.

The lawsuit, filed in a Tennessee federal court, has resulted in a final permanent injunction order against remaining defendants William Michael Keever and Castle Venture Group. The order bars these defendants from communicating with any Diamond Resorts timeshare owners and it will cease operations. This follows a previous ruling by the Supreme Court of Tennessee that resulted in permanent injunctions against Castle Law and Judson Wheeler Phillips, former senior partner with Castle Law, and the disbarment of Phillips, for misleading and defrauding timeshare customers.

“Alongside our prior legal victories, this injunction represents another step in our continued fight to stop reprehensible companies from preying upon our customers,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. “We’re very honored that the vast majority of our members love their vacation ownership because it allows them to spend more quality time with their families. But we also recognize that when life circumstances change, some members may want to transition out of their ownership. We want to ensure that our customers looking to transition from timeshare ownership will work directly with us to do so in a safe way.”

Diamond Resorts remains committed to protecting its members from unscrupulous timeshare exit companies, which not only hurt vacationers but also often break the law. In addition to this case, Diamond Resorts has pursued 12 actions in federal courts across the country against numerous companies marketing themselves as timeshare exit companies. Diamond has obtained permanent injunctions in an additional seven lawsuits.

About Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

The program reaffirms the company’s commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable initiatives within the tourism industry

JUNE 6, 2019 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announced today it has partnered with Audubon International to increase awareness of green initiatives within the industry. As such, Diamond has joined Audubon’s Green Lodging program to ensure all of the company’s North American resorts have implemented environmental best practice standards.

The Green Lodging Program was launched after stakeholders from industry, government and the environmental community identified “best practices,” which are reviewed periodically to ensure leading practices and technologies define environmental leadership in the program.

“It is an honor for us to join Diamond Resorts to form this strategic alliance,” said Christine Kane, Chief Executive Officer of Audubon International. “As a leader in both the hospitality and tourism industries, their commitment to put environmentally sustainable management practices at the forefront of their operations will have an immediate and positive impact on sustainability efforts.”

Diamond has already made strides to implement environmentally friendly practices at its resorts around the globe. Many of the company’s properties are switching to paper or biodegradable straws to reduce the use of single-use plastics and numerous resorts have planted sustainability gardens to encourage guests to use fresh grocery products.

The company also regularly holds interactive and informative campaigns to encourage guests to recycle and educate them on how to properly dispose of their waste.

As part of the Green Lodging Program, Diamond’s goal is to demonstrate their team’s commitment to water quality, water conservation, waste minimization, resource conservation, and energy efficiency.

“Being environmentally conscious means more than just reducing our footprint; it means forming new partnerships to identify ways to further contribute toward our commitment to our customers and the Earth,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. “The health of our communities is a priority for us at Diamond Resorts and this collaboration further reaffirms our focus on reducing our footprint for a better tomorrow.”

To learn more about Diamond Resorts, visit www.diamondresorts.com.

Audubon International
Audubon International is a not-for-profit environmental organization that creates environmentally sustainable environments where people live, work, and play. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, technical assistance, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs in the recreation, hospitality and community development sectors. For more information, visit www.auduboninternational.org.

About Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

New affiliate property and sales center to become available in June 2019

May 31, 2019 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – hotel BLUE in Myrtle Beach is the newest resort to become available to Diamond Resorts^® members. The beautiful beachfront property located along South Myrtle Beach will join three other Diamond Resorts affiliate properties in Myrtle Beach: Dunes Village Resort, Marina Inn at Grand Dunes and Peppertree Ocean Club.

Based on the growing interest of Diamond Resorts members in the popular vacation destination, the company will also be opening its first sales center in Myrtle Beach on June 3, 2019. The sales center will be initially located at Bali Bay Resort, 701 South Ocean Boulevard.

“Myrtle Beach is a destination that offers many things our customers want: great weather, beautiful beaches, family-friendly environments and fantastic golf courses,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. “With so much interest in the market, we’re thrilled to be partnering with these spectacular properties to offer our members even more access to the best vacations in the world. And with our new sales center, we will have the ability to share our exciting vacation options with even more people.”

Diamond Resorts will also be opening numerous activity desks in Myrtle Beach, offering all vacationers information about local activities, and the ability to book them at a discounted rate. The initial three desks will be located at hotel BLUE, Atlantic Palms Hotel and Captain’s Quarters.

About Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

To learn more about Diamond Resorts visit www.diamondresorts.com.

Limestone students to intern with Diamond Resorts this summer and fall

May 13, 2019 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Less than three months into the launch of a new partnership with Limestone College, Diamond Resorts^® – a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries – is seeing tremendous interest in its new professional internship program.

The program, which is open to all juniors and seniors, offers Limestone students the opportunity to get on-the-job training via semester-long internships.

“As a graduate of Limestone College, this program is very dear to my heart,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. “I look back and think about how blessed I was to have the opportunity to attend a beautiful school with great professors, and how all of that shaped who I am today. What I learned on the athletic field playing baseball for Limestone and in the classroom, I apply every day in my current role as Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. My colleagues and I are thrilled to be able to engage with Limestone students on this important level.”

To date, 20 students have been selected to participate in the internship program, with 13 who will join the Diamond team for the summer semester and seven who will intern this fall. The student interns, who are either in their junior or senior years, can gain experience in a number of different areas, such as quality assurance, sales, human resources and global support, among others.

In addition, one student has been selected as the winner of the Diamond Marketing Mentorship Program (DMMP), which is a nine-month, rigorous apprenticeship designed to prepare young graduates for a potential position of Marketing Manager (or comparable) at a Diamond Resorts Marketing & Sales location. The DMMP offers more intense training than the regular internship and in addition to preparing the young graduates for a position in their chosen field, DMMP is meant to position them as leaders.

Each student will have an assigned mentor and will either be based at a Diamond Resorts property – with some locations including Orlando, Palm Springs, Hawaii and Virginia Beach – or headquartered at one of the company’s corporate offices. Successful completion of the internship will not only earn students a full semester’s worth of credits, they will also be guaranteed a position with Diamond Resorts after graduation.

“Limestone is very fortunate to have graduates like Mike Flaskey who want to give back to their alma mater,” said Dr. Paul LeFrancois, Chair of the Division of Business and Professional Studies. “The partnership between Limestone and Diamond Resorts offers benefits to both organizations with the focus on providing students with a unique learning experience. That experience will enable Limestone student interns to apply the concepts they have learned in the classroom, work directly with professionals in their fields of study, and have a job offer upon graduation.”

About Limestone College

Limestone College is an accredited, independent, coeducational four-year liberal arts institution founded in 1845 and located in Gaffney, South Carolina. The mission of Limestone is to educate students from diverse backgrounds in the liberal arts and selected professional disciplines. In a nurturing, supportive environment, students are challenged to become critical thinkers and effective communicators who are prepared for responsible citizenship, successful careers and graduate study.

To learn more about Limestone College visit www.limestone.edu

About Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.

Industry Sees Rise in Unscrupulous Third Party Companies Preying on Timeshare Owners

May 8, 2019 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announces it has reached a settlement with Orlando lawyer Austin Aaronson and his law firm Aaronson, Austin, P.A.

The settlement ends a Diamond Resorts lawsuit against Aaronson that accused the firm of intentionally making false statements to encourage Diamond Resorts members to breach agreements with the vacation ownership company.

Having already defeated a motion for summary judgment, in which the Court denied Aaronson’s contentions that Diamond Resorts’ claims fail as a matter of a law and that “a reasonable jury could find that [Aaronson’s] Advertisements deceived or are likely to deceive the viewers of [Aaronson] Advertisements and this deception influenced or is likely to influence their timeshare purchasing decision,” the lawsuit became the first of its kind to reach the trial stage.

The lawsuit was filed after Diamond Resorts commenced efforts to protect its members from a disturbing new rise of unscrupulous companies – marketing themselves as “timeshare exit companies” – that prey on timeshare owners. These fraudulent companies charge owners thousands of dollars in upfront fees but don’t fulfill on their promises, leaving customers deeper in debt and with damaged credit histories.

“We’re very concerned about members being preyed upon by third parties, often through scare tactics. This is a very positive outcome that will help protect our members,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. “The vast majority of our members love their vacations but we also know that sometimes life’s circumstances can change. If any of our members want to transition or modify their vacation ownership, we work to help them in a safe way.”

In addition to this settlement, Diamond Resorts has pursued 12 additional actions in federal courts across the country against numerous companies marketing themselves as timeshare exit companies and attorneys. So far, Diamond has obtained permanent injunctions in seven lawsuits, and one exit attorney has been disbarred. Just last month, a federal bankruptcy judge appointed a trustee to oversee a bankrupt timeshare exit company, stating that “the business of the debtor appears to be engaged in substantial fraud and dishonesty” and “the Debtors, despite being paid substantial upfront fees from timeshare owners, have minimal cash in their bank accounts and have insufficient reserves to cover potential 100% ‘guarantee’ claims they made to thousands of timeshare owners.”

Diamond Resorts members can visit more than 400 resort properties worldwide and enjoy unforgettable getaways, amazing vacation experiences and exclusive events.

About Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.