News Releases

The agreement with two-time winner of the Daytona 500 introduces a new dynamic to Events of a Lifetime^® and enhances vacation experiences for members, owners and guests

NOV. 3, 2016 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts International^®, a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, brings its cutting-edge Events of a Lifetime^® program to the race track and proudly announces an agreement and new alliance with legendary race car driver, Michael Waltrip.

As a part of the agreement, Waltrip will make personal appearances at Diamond Resorts’ increasingly popular Events of a Lifetime, which deliver exciting vacation experiences that are truly unique and memorable. Diamond Resorts members and owners will have the opportunity to enjoy premium seating at races in Daytona Beach, Florida, Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona. In addition to hosting a meet and greet and signing autographs, Waltrip will also provide members and owners with a behind-the-scenes tour of the race track, pit row and Fox broadcast facilities.

“I am proud to be associated with Diamond Resorts, a company that is passionate about delivering unique and memorable vacations that bring families together,” says Waltrip. “I’m looking forward to meeting the Diamond Resorts members and owners, helping them create some incredible memories and showing them a great time out on the race track; that’s what vacations are all about.”

Joining the ever-expanding roster of celebrity ambassadors, Waltrip introduces an exciting, new entertainment venue to Events of a Lifetime. He is the first professional race car driver to represent Diamond Resorts alongside a roster of high-profile celebrities including country music stars Colt Ford and Jana Kramer, baseball Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson and Gaylord Perry, professional baseball player Bud Norris, PGA touring professionals Brian Gay, Brittany Lincicome and John Cook, Super Bowl XXVI MVP Mark Rypien and war veteran Chad Pfeifer.

“We are pleased to welcome Michael to our ambassador team and introduce the exciting world of stock car racing to our Events of a Lifetime program,” says Michael Flaskey, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Diamond Resorts International. “Michael is an icon in the automotive racing industry and our members and owners are going to be thrilled at the opportunity to meet him. These are the kinds of unique experiences that set the Events of a Lifetime program apart and provide the unforgettable vacations that our members and owners deserve.”

About Michael Waltrip

Professional race car driver Michael Waltrip is a two-time winner of the prestigious Daytona 500, having won in 2001 and 2003. Waltrip’s career spans more than 30 years; he posted more than 130 top 10 finishes on NASCAR’s premier Sprint Cup series, including four career race wins. He scored 11 wins and more than 105 top 10 finishes in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and even has a win in NASCAR’s Camping World Truck Series division. As an owner, Waltrip founded Michael Waltrip Racing, a team which competed in several of NASCAR’s divisions, and spent nine years as a full-time multi-car team in Sprint Cup, claiming seven wins and finishing runner-up in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship in 2012 with driver Clint Bowyer.

His dynamic personality, razor sharp wit and intricate knowledge of all sides of the industry have made him one of the top analysts on “NASCAR on FOX” where Waltrip is a pre-race and in-race analyst on the Sprint Cup team, and an in-booth color analyst for Fox’s Xfinity and Camping World Truck series broadcasts. Waltrip has raced all over the world, competing in several sports cars events, including the 24 Hours of LeMans, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and events in Japan, Dubai and Europe.

Waltrip’s book “In the Blink of an Eye” spent 11 weeks on the New York Times best seller list in 2011. The book is a poignant story about his struggles to become a race car driver all the way to a minute-by-minute account of the day in which he broke a 462-race losing streak by winning the sport’s most prestigious event, the Daytona 500, only to find out that his boss, his owner, his best friend and the man who gave him a race winning car, Dale Earnhardt, died in a horrific crash off turn four at the same moment Waltrip took the checkered flag. Waltrip became even more recognizable to the general population after cameo appearances in a few television series shows, and as a participant in Season 19 of Dancing With The Stars, where Waltrip lasted eight remarkable weeks.

About Diamond Resorts International^® 

Diamond Resorts International, with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™

Diamond Resorts International manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life^®over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

Diamond Resorts International® Events of a Lifetime^® delivered once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for members to attend the unveiling of the Gaylord Perry statue at San Francisco’s AT&T Park

AUG. 15, 2016 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts International^® (NYSE: DRII), a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, delivered a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience for members to attend the statue unveiling and special tribute to baseball Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry at San Francisco’s AT&T Park on Saturday, August 13 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a private luncheon with Perry on Sunday, August 14.

The statue honors and memorializes Gaylord Perry as one of the greatest baseball athletes to ever play the game. Perry was drafted in 1958 by the San Francisco Giants, where he played the first 13 years of his career. He pitched in the major leagues from 1962 until 1983 and played for eight different teams over the course of his 22-year baseball career. During that time, Perry accumulated 314 wins, 3,534 strikeouts, and a 3.11 earned run average. This five-time All-Star was the first pitcher to win the Cy Young Award in each league, winning it in the American League in 1972 and in the National League in 1978. Soon after, in 1982, Perry became the fifteenth member of the 300-win club. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.

“To have had the opportunity to play the greatest game in the world, in a great city like San Francisco, and with some of best teammates to ever play the game is a privilege in itself,” said baseball Hall of Famer Perry. “It’s an honor to be recognized in this way and to forever be a part of the San Francisco Giants legacy. I am pleased to have been able to share and celebrate this momentous occasion with our members and owners at Diamond Resorts International.”

Immediately following the statue unveiling, and as part of the Events of a Lifetime^® opportunity, members and owners were escorted into the stadium to enjoy the game. The following day, the vacation experience continued as members and owners attended a private luncheon with Perry and participated in a Q&A with the Hall of Famer.

This was one of the many exclusive, Events of a Lifetime^® that Diamond Resorts International provides to its members throughout the year. Events include VIP dinners, exclusive concerts, tickets to major sporting events and live shows and performances. Joining Perry among the ever-expanding roster of Diamond Resorts celebrity ambassadors are country music stars Colt Ford, Joe Don Rooney and Jana Kramer; baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson; professional baseball player, Bud Norris; PGA touring professionals Brian Gay, Brittany Lincicome and John Cook; Super Bowl XXVI MVP, Mark Rypien; and war veteran, Chad Pfeifer.

“We applaud and congratulate Gaylord on his lifetime of achievements in baseball; we are very proud that Diamond Resorts could be a part of this historic event and a well-deserved tribute to his success,” said Michael Flaskey, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Diamond Resorts International. “It is a privilege to be associated with Perry, who continues to contribute to many memorable vacation experiences for our members through our Events of a Lifetime around the country.”

About Diamond Resorts International^® 

Diamond Resorts International (NYSE: DRII), with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™

Diamond Resorts International^® manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life^® at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

MAY 11, 2016 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Happy cheers erupted in the audience at CBS’s Emmy Award-winning THE TALK on Friday, May 6, as the hosts announced that Diamond Resorts International^® was giving away 275 vacations in honor of Mother’s Day.

Studio audience and online winners, a total of 275, were given a 3-day, 2-night getaway at any one of the 92 participating properties in the Diamond Resorts portfolio. For mothers in the audience, or others wishing to honor their moms, it was a great, unexpected and very welcome surprise.

“Bringing families together on vacation is a wonderful way to reconnect,” said David Palmer, President and CEO, Diamond Resorts International^®. “And everyone here at Diamond Resorts believes in the power and value of vacations to create life-long memories and nurture our humanity. They are essential to well-being. That is the power of vacations, and sharing it with your mom at one of our resorts is a great way to create some priceless family memories.”

The vacation giveaway from Diamond Resorts culminated a week-long “Fantastic Finds” feature on THE TALK, in honor of Mother’s Day.

CBS’s Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show THE TALK (broadcast weekdays 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EST; 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PST) features a panel of well-known news and entertainment personalities discussing current events, pop culture, contemporary issues, family, celebrity and the trending topics of the day. The daily one-hour series is co-hosted by Aisha Tyler, Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood.

For more information about THE TALK, tune in weekdays or visit www.cbs.com/shows/the_talk/.

For more information about Diamond Resorts International® visit www.diamondresorts.com.

About Diamond Resorts International^®

Diamond Resorts International (NYSE: DRII), with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™

Diamond Resorts International manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life^® at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

APRIL 21, 2016 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – For Diamond Resort International^®, socially responsible outreach has long been a key component of its corporate mission. In 2016 these efforts will be in effect both locally in Nevada and in its resort communities around the world.

The year began with the Diamond Resorts Invitational benefiting Florida Hospital for Children. The event’s silent and live auction raised $503,000 in net proceeds, with the help of more than 70 sports and entertainment celebrities in attendance. Specifically, the money will benefit the hospital’s Walt Disney Pavilion — a 155 specialty-bed, full-service facility served by the largest panel of pediatric specialists in Orlando, along with a highly trained pediatric team that includes nurses and child life specialists.

“As a global hospitality company, it’s important for Diamond Resorts to show our appreciation and support for our communities across the globe by donating our time and resources to organizations that are making a difference,” said David Palmer, Diamond Resorts International President and CEO. “Giving back is an essential part of our company culture. Because of this, our team members are encouraged to volunteer their time however they can, giving them an opportunity to help improve the communities in which they work and live.”

Initiatives planned for 2016 include involvement with Give Us Time, Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, Virginia Gentleman Foundation, and United Way of Southern Nevada Women’s Leadership Council, and as well as with local food banks and non-profit community organizations across the U.S.

In effort to assist Give Us Time, an organization in Bulgaria that helps military families spend precious time together through donated vacations, Diamond Resorts team members from the United Kingdom volunteer to go to Bulgaria to help assist the soldiers to and from their activities and spend time on the ski slopes teaching them to ski.

Diamond Resorts also partners with the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to providing financial support to non-profit organizations whose activities benefit residents of the Sea to Sky Corridor, with an emphasis on children, youth and family programs.

In October, Diamond Resorts team members in the Virginia Beach area will participate in the Virginia Gentleman Foundation’s 7th annual JT Walk to help raise funds for the National ALS Society. To date, Diamond Resorts has donated $500,000 to the cause.

And for the fourth consecutive year, in partnership with the United Way of Southern Nevada’s Women’s Leadership Council, Diamond Resorts will host their annual Women’s Fall Suit Drive to help women in Las Vegas shelters prepare for career opportunities. In 2015, the drive collected 12,300 items of new and gently-used professional attire for distribution. As the administrator of the Diamond Resorts Crisis Fund, the United Way of Southern Nevada also helps identify volunteer opportunities and provide programs such as Vita (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), which is a program that provides free tax assistance for eligible people in our communities including Diamond Resorts team members. If qualified, this program can offer FREE tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers at Vita sites. In addition, individuals may be eligible to receive credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits that they might not otherwise have been aware of.

The company also provides relief efforts when natural disasters strike in resort communities. When Hurricane Odile hit Mexico in 2014, the Diamond Resorts International Foundation (DRIF) was there, providing over $100,000 in disaster relief to Diamond Resorts Cabo Azul Resort team members as well as others in the San José del Cabo community.

About Diamond Resorts International^®

Diamond Resorts International (NYSE: DRII), with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™

Diamond Resorts International manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life^® at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

Daily, Supervised Activities for Children in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

APRIL 11, 2016 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Beginning the week of March 21, kids can join in on a Buccaneer Treasure Hunt, cannonball contests, boogie board races and more at the new Camp Tortuga kids camp at Cabo Azul Resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, a Diamond Resorts International^® property. Chock full of entertaining events, turtle arts and crafts, fun educational activities and lots of time in a brand new, dedicated children’s pool complex, Camp Tortuga promises to be the most popular place for kids to be this summer. Not to mention a welcome respite for parents, who can relax and enjoy some adult-only vacation time at this gorgeous resort.

“At Diamond Resorts, we are in the business of delivering unforgettable vacation experiences to our members, owners and guests. With this in mind, we are excited to introduce Camp Tortuga, which is sure to provide many opportunities for families to create priceless memories that will last a lifetime,” said David Palmer, President and CEO, Diamond Resorts International.

Available seven days per week for kids ages 4 through 12, Camp Tortuga offers half-day sessions twice per day, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and then from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, as well as an evening session from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Monday and Thursday. For the low, introductory cost of $10 per session per child, Cabo Azul Resort’s littlest vacationers will be delighted by the range of activities. Different themes each day, such as “Humpback Whales,” “Pirate Day,” Fiesta Friday,” and “Musical Mexico,” will keep campers engaged while they learn about Mexican culture, indigenous animals and the surrounding environment.

Plenty of playtime is also included in the new Niños Pool, which features a twisty, swirly water slide, plenty of shallow areas, water spray features and colorful nighttime lights. And that’s not all. Supervised water games such as “Walk the Plank for the Parrot” and “The Cabo Azul Water Bucket Relay,” as well as “Gator Races” and “Hula Hoop Contests” are all part of the fun. Outside the pool, kids will work together on world map puzzles, learn about items from around the world, write letters to international pen pals and much more.

In addition to scheduled activities, each camper will be delighted to receive a backpack, a Camp Tortuga tee-shirt, a turtle craft, a Camp Tortuga wristband and a daily snack. Registered guests can make arrangements in advance or sign-up right on-property at the Main Pool towel desk. Special complimentary admission is available during the opening week.

About Diamond Resorts International^®

In addition to scheduled activities, each camper will be delighted to receive a backpack, a Camp Tortuga tee-shirt, a turtle craft, a Camp Tortuga wristband and a daily snack. Registered guests can make arrangements in advance or sign-up right on-property at the Main Pool towel desk. Special complimentary admission is available during the opening week.

Diamond Resorts International manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life^® at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

APRIL 4, 2016 (ORLANDO, Fla.) – As a result of funds raised at the recent Diamond Resorts Invitational, Diamond Resorts International^® presented a check for $503,000 today to Florida Hospital for Children. The proceeds were raised at the annual event’s Champion’s Gala and auction at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Florida on January 16, 2016.

“Year after year, Diamond Resorts International exceeds our expectations and continues to provide tremendous support through proceeds raised at their Champion’s Gala and auction at the invitational,” said Marla Silliman, Senior Executive Officer, Florida Hospital for Children. “We are honored to accept this generous donation as it will further our commitment to saving children’s lives and improving their health.”

The nationally televised, 54-hole, celebrity golf tournament delivered more than just daily entertainment on the course. The Diamond Resorts Invitational was a week-long, full-scale, multidimensional vacation experience consisting of activities for all ages, family-friendly excursions, dinner parties and headline concerts featuring performances by Colt Ford, Jake Owen and Huey Lewis and The News.

Over the past three years, the golf tournament has raised more than $1.7 million for Florida Hospital for Children.

“The Diamond Resorts Invitational is a special event for us because we get to showcase what we do best by delivering unforgettable vacation experiences, while taking advantage of this opportunity to give back to the local community,” said Michael Flaskey, Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Diamond Resorts International®. “We couldn’t imagine doing this for a more deserving organization than Florida Hospital for Children, and we hope this contribution aids the hospital in its vital, life-saving mission.”

About Diamond Resorts International^®

Diamond Resorts International (NYSE: DRII), with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™

Diamond Resorts International manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life^® at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

Events of a Lifetime^® introduces a new and exciting private concert series featuring country music artists Colt Ford and Jana Kramer

MARCH 16, 2016 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – As champions of happier and healthier living through the power of vacations, Diamond Resorts International (DRII) continues to deliver on its promise of providing unique and exciting vacation experiences to its members and owners by introducing the 2016 concert series through Events of a Lifetime^®.

The concert series will kick off on March 16 in Orlando, Florida at Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club, and then will continue through November. The series will include live, acoustic performances by country music artists and Diamond Resorts Celebrity Ambassadors Colt Ford and Jana Kramer. Ford and Kramer will each do separate private performances at various Diamond Resorts destinations across the U.S. The series will culminate with an evening of full, live shows by both artists in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to Michael Flaskey, Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Diamond Resorts International, “We are pleased to offer these amazing vacation experiences to our members and owners through Events of a Lifetime. It is these types of events that set us apart in the hospitality industry. We pride ourselves in innovation as we continually strive to conceptualize unique events, and then execute to perfection. We have no doubt that this concert series will be an unforgettable experience for our members and owners.”

About Diamond Resorts International^®

Diamond Resorts International (NYSE: DRII), with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™

Diamond Resorts International manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life^® at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.