Archives for 2021

Host of LPGA Champions-Only Tournament Offers Guests Unique Experiences Like Private Events with Annika Sörenstam, Brian Gay & Nate Lashley at Resorts Across the Country

MAR. 4, 2021 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announces exclusive Golf Getaway packages for travelers looking to hit the links during their next vacation. Known for hosting the LPGA’s most unique professional golf tournament, Diamond is bringing the action to their resorts across the country. Diamond members also have special access to exclusive events with golf stars, including Annika Sörenstam, Brian Gay, Nate Lashley, Blair O’Neal and Brittany Lincicome throughout the year.

The limited-time Golf Getaway package is available at Diamond-managed properties in Sedona (travel through Nov. 24, 2021) and Orlando (travel through June 30, 2021), including Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club, The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort, Sedona Summit, Bell Rock Inn and Los Abrigados Resort & Spa. Guests can book this 3-night Golf Getaway package until April 30, 2021, for travel through the dates specified above. The package includes spacious accommodations at the resort of their choice and two rounds of golf. Each package will also include access to resort amenities, including pools and fitness centers at select properties. Diamond’s condo-style accommodations are perfectly suited for social distancing and feature multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, dining and living areas, home offices and in-suite laundry.

“It has been incredible to see the popularity of golf skyrocket in recent years, especially among younger generations,” said Mike Flaskey, CEO of Diamond Resorts. “We’ve seen this trend first-hand at our properties and with the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions. This year’s tournament was the most-watched season opener in 12 years and ratings have grown 10 percent year-over-year. Golf is the perfect way to stay active, get outdoors and have fun, and we are proud to offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences to novices and pros alike!”

According to the National Golf Foundation, rounds of golf played are up nearly 50 percent this winter compared to 2019, and up significantly over the entire year as players flock to the socially distant sport.

Known for providing its members with unforgettable entertainment experiences, Diamond Resorts has resumed private events under strict safety protocols. In January, the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions opened the LPGA season in Orlando. Throughout the year, Diamond members will have special access to reserve spots at upcoming events with Diamond Celebrity ambassadors like country music stars Jana Kramer, Colt Ford, Cole Swindell, and sports legends like Michael Waltrip and golf greats.

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 DiamondResorts.com or follow @DiamondResorts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, visit DiamondLPGA.com and follow @TheVacationDR on Twitter and Instagram. Join the social conversation with #DiamondLPGA.

MEDIA CONTACT
Anna Sczepanski
diamond@goldin.com
646-660-8646 

Upcoming Episodes Feature Exclusive Interviews with Country Music Legends and Diamond Resorts CEO Mike Flaskey

FEB. 16, 2021 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) — Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announces the premiere of the latest installment of their “Moments with Diamond” video series.

“Moments with Diamond” initially launched in 2019, featuring exclusive, behind-the-scenes interviews with celebrities from the sports and entertainment industries. This year, the series kicks off with interviews from country music legends Toby Keith, Travis Tritt, Lee Brice, Cole Swindell, Colt Ford and Randy Houser.

“We had a blast filming the latest series of ‘Moments with Diamond’ and can’t wait to share some very special moments with viewers,” said Diamond Resorts CEO Mike Flaskey. “From diving into country music icon Toby Keith’s military efforts to hearing about the latest music from Travis Tritt before anyone else, this series is truly unique and jam-packed with some of country music’s biggest stars.”

Diamond hosts hundreds of live member-exclusive events each year to carry out their mission of providing unparalleled vacation experiences. For the last two years, the company’s flagship event, the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, has provided members a chance to be a part of a live audience during a “Moments with Diamond” film session while Flaskey speaks with some of their favorite sports, entertainment and music celebrities. Past Moments with Diamond mini-series have featured MLB Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, former star of ABC’s “The Bachelor” Ben Higgins, 2-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip and 8-time LPGA champion Brittany Lincicome.

This year, the video series begins with an interview from country music artist and “Class of ‘89” legend Travis Tritt, who recently joined Diamond’s roster of celebrity ambassadors. Flaskey sat down with Tritt at his first #DiamondLIVE concert at the House of Blues in Orlando, Fla. to learn more about the country superstar. The video interview with Tritt is available now here.

Stay tuned for upcoming installments releasing this month with country artists Toby Keith, Colt Ford, Cole Swindell, Lee Brice and Randy Houser, filmed in front of a live audience of Diamond members at the 2021 Tournament of Champions in January.

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
diamond@goldin.com

Newly Released Documents, Including Statements from Dozens of Vacation Owners, Illustrate Pattern of Deception by So-Called Timeshare Exit Companies & Attorneys

JAN. 27, 2021 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) — Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, announces the filing of additional claims in its lawsuit against Pandora Marketing (d/b/a Timeshare Compliance), Intermarketing Media (d/b/a Resort Advisory Group), Slattery, Sobel & Decamp, Del Mar Law Group, Carlsbad Law Group, Sean Slattery, McCroskey Legal, Unlock Legal, and Miranda McCroskey. The additional claims are based on newly-released documents, including dozens of statements from timeshare owners that illustrate a nationwide scam to deceive consumers out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

According to the new legal filing by Diamond Resorts, Timeshare Compliance and Resort Advisory Group lure timeshare owners into paying large upfront fees in exchange for so-called timeshare “exit” services. By advertising a “legal method” and the services of lawyers, the Defendants are able to charge huge fees—sometimes exceeding $100,000. In reality, the companies and the law firms they partner with fail to deliver any legitimate service. Instead, they only mislead timeshare owners into breaching their timeshare contracts, which results in foreclosure and a negative impact on the owners’ credit history.

Diamond’s complaint presents direct evidence of this scam, including dozens of testimonials from consumers and messages saved on Resort Advisory Group and Timeshare Compliance’s customer relationship management system.

For example, one timeshare owner states that he believed a group of timeshare lawyers would litigate the cancellation of his timeshare contract. As a result, he retained Resort Advisory, and paid an “exit” fee of over $70,000. Later, he discovered that the attorney was paid only $700 to send “exit” letters, and none of the remaining money was used for litigation, negotiation, or any other legal services.

Another victim of the scam documents her personal experience with Resort Advisory Group:

“We have come to realize that RAG kept us in the dark about the fact that the lawyer was not providing the services RAG promised. The financial consequences that have resulted from RAG’s ‘services’ are far worse than what we would have suffered by simply stopping timeshare payments and waiting for our credit to plummet….We owe more than $120,000 in credit card debt attributable to RAG, which includes the money we paid for RAG’s bad acts and its lawyers.”

Other timeshare owners state that they frequently receive no updates from the Lawyer Defendants regarding the progress of their case. One Diamond Owner left the following message:

“I just tried phoning you with questions on this retainer as I have thoroughly read the contract. I’m VERY wary of this and am wondering if I have been ‘duped’ again by Timeshare Compliance?…. You don’t answer the phone # you e-mailed me. I’m beginning to wonder if this is another scam….”

Notes logged in Resort Advocacy Group’s customer relationship management system document frequent customer complaints about their plummeting credit scores such as, “He began the call by stating we are a FAT SCAM …. He has been in the dark since he started with us. His credit score has been completely destroyed—went from an 800 down to a 600s….”

“It is absolutely despicable to hear how vacation owners have been scammed by these nefarious companies,” said Mike Flaskey, CEO, Diamond Resorts. “We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our members from being misled by these companies and will aggressively pursue every avenue to hold these companies to account.”

In addition to this case, Diamond Resorts has pursued more than 15 actions in courts across the country against numerous companies marketing themselves as third-party exit companies.

While the vast majority of members enjoy their vacation ownership, Diamond Resorts also understands that life circumstances can change and provides options for members seeking to safely modify or leave their vacation ownership behind. To learn more about red flags and report possible fraudulent third-party exit activity, visit TimeshareCancellationAwareness.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.

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

Three-Night Private Concert Series Brings Country Music Superstars to LPGA and Celebrity Golf Tournament

JAN. 11, 2021 (ORLANDO, Fla.) — Diamond Resorts^®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, is thrilled to welcome an electrifying lineup of country music’s biggest stars to the stage in a private live concert series during the 2021 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions presented by Insurance Office of America.

The tournament’s sponsors and invited guests — along with a dream roster of nearly 50 celebrity players — will be treated to three nights of exhilarating, outdoor and socially distanced live shows.

On Saturday, January 23, the concert series will conclude with a highly anticipated performance by worldwide music superstar and Billboard Country Artist of the Decade honoree, Toby Keith. Keith will perform a variety of songs from his extensive library of music, spanning 19 studio albums and five compilation albums. Over his legendary, award-winning career, Keith has amassed an impressive 61 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including 32 No. 1 hits.

The week’s lineup will feature six of country music’s most popular entertainers, including newly announced Diamond Celebrity ambassador and Grammy Award-winning country artist Travis Tritt, Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Cole Swindell, multiple ACM and CMA Musical Event of the Year Award-winning artist Lee Brice, ACM and CMA Award-nominated artist Randy Houser, and former professional golfer turned country rapper Colt Ford.

Night one of the live music series will kick off the tournament on Tuesday, January 19, featuring special performances by  legendary country music chart-toppers Travis Tritt and Lee Brice. Then, on Thursday, January 21, celebrated singer-songwriters Randy Houser and Cole Swindell will ignite the crowd of invited guests. Colt Ford will join Toby Keith for the Saturday night performance, gracing the stage with yet another country music chart-topper.

The three buzzing nights of live country music are part of the tournament’s unique entertainment format. The concerts will be hosted under an open-air tent at Diamond’s Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club, and in accordance with all local safety guidelines. Occupancy will be strictly limited and the spacious stage and venue buildout will allow attendees to maintain safe social distancing while enjoying the performances. Additional safety protocols, including, but not limited to, a mandatory mask policy and temperature checks will be enforced by trained security staff.

The Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions marks the start of the official 2021 LPGA Tour season. The annual event invites top professional competitors from women’s golf to play alongside both entertainment and pro-athlete celebrities. This year’s celebrity guests include former star of ABC’s “The Bachelor” Ben Higgins, NBA champion Ray Allen, World Golf Hall of Famer and Diamond Resorts Celebrity ambassador Annika Sörenstam, MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz, comedian Larry the Cable Guy, actor and comedian Brian Baumgartner and many more.

“We are thrilled to bring a world-class concert lineup to Orlando once again for the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions,” said Diamond Resorts CEO and Tournament Founder Mike Flaskey. “These exclusive performances are a big part of what makes our annual event such a unique and memorable experience, and we look forward to a safe and socially distanced week of private live concerts with some of country music’s biggest stars.”

The tournament has raised nearly $4 million in past years through silent and live auctions. Fans can bid on exciting auction prizes virtually this year from exclusive vacation packages to one-of-a-kind signed sports memorabilia and more. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Diamond Resorts International Foundation, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization that benefits underprivileged communities, military veterans and those in need. To browse auction items and make a bid, visit the auction website HERE.

A total of 43 LPGA professionals have qualified to play in this year’s tournament, including Brittany Lincicome, Brooke Henderson, Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie West, Jin Young Ko, Danielle Kang and defending champion Gaby Lopez. LPGA champion commitments will be announced closer to the tournament date. The LPGA champions will play 72 holes of stroke play for $1.2 million in official prize money, while the roster of sports and entertainment celebrities will compete for their own $500,000 purse using a modified Stableford format.

The 4-day tournament will be televised live on Golf Channel from January 21-22 and on Golf Channel and NBC from January 23-24. 

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 DiamondResorts.com or follow @DiamondResorts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To learn more about the tournament and get a behind-the-scenes look, visit DiamondLPGA.com and follow @TheVacationDR on Twitter and Instagram. Join the social conversation with #DiamondLPGA.

Media Contact:
Mike Stommel
Lucky Break PR
Mike@LuckyBreakPR.com