Sandton Expo highlights interest in shared vacation ownership

Source: whizz@words

Mac van der Merwe, CEO of Zorgvliet Private Residence Club (ZPRC), says economic challenges in the leisure industry mean that shared vacation ownership is becoming a paramount method of acquiring aspirational vacation time. Experiences at the recent Sandton Property Expo underline this.

In 4.5 days at this Expo ZPRC received 81 solid leads, which could be divided into very distinct categories of interest. “People who attended the Sandton Expo were decision-makers who understood the very special, five-star lifestyle on offer. Forty per cent of the leads we generated were from foreign individuals and 60% from South Africans. The South Africans comprised 40% black professionals - mainly women - and 20% white men.”

Foreign interest came from all over the world, including the UK, USA, Belgium, France, Mali and Congo. Adds Van der Merwe: “In general, we find that the overseas folk want access to the Big Five and the best wines offered by our Ka’Ingo game reserve and Dinkweng Safari Lodges, with Zorgvliet Wine Estate as both a destination and provider of award-winning wines. The younger buyers are interested in the King George for its access to golf (it is adjacent to Kingswood Golf Estate) and all the experiences of the Garden Route.”

“The fact that shared ownership is a lifestyle investment that you are making for your family – that your children can inherit – is a great drawcard. Our launch pricing is very reasonable, especially for foreign investors but also for locals - a week per year in perpetuity at the King George Hotel costs R66,000 and at Zorgvliet Wine Estate from R72,000. At Dinkweng Safari Lodges (three bed, three bathroom with own pools) the cost is from R96,000, and at Ka’Ingo private reserve, R72,000; for that week you own a portion of a game reserve – the Big Five, the wines, and all the five-star facilities that go with it. Buyers who own at one of the destinations in the ZPRC can exchange for time at any of the others.”

ZPRC’s recently announced affiliation with US-based Interval International means that ZPRC owners can now also enjoy exchange opportunities at over 2400 Interval resorts in more than 75 countries.

Van der Merwe says South Africa is on the global radar screen, international interest is on the increase, and the ZPRC value proposition is attracting tourism and investment alike. “Private residence clubs focus on aspirational lifestyle benefits and flexible offerings. The global village is now available at a fraction of the price to the discerning holiday-maker - from wine estate living to game safaris and pristine international resorts. We are certainly piquing interest – and are currently finalising ZPRC sales with six individuals and have 40 strong prospects.”

He is currently visiting the Marriott resort (Interval affiliate) in Phuket, Thailand. “They are very keen on our products being available for exchange for their members as well. They also feel that South Africa is becoming a destination which more people are interested in visiting. ZPRC is offering extremely attractive value proposition related to other international destinations.”

For booking and enquiries contact Hettie de Lange 082 268 4559 or summercourt@mweb.co.za; see also zorgvliet