classic holiday club : classic escapes

Timeshare Industry of Australia and Jetstar work to relieve NZ emergency workers with a rugby feast on the Gold Coast
The Australian timeshare industry, and Jetstar joined forces in a major collaborative partnership with NZ Rugby League in a trans-Tasman effort, to support disaster affected communities and those helping to rebuild people’s lives across Queensland and in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Timeshare Industry, with the majority of its companies headquartered on the Gold Coast and Jetstar, alongside the National Rugby League, New Zealand Rugby League and the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans, with support from the Queensland Government, has assisted 250 fans from Christchurch to travel to the Gold Coast, to be part of a unique Rugby League “double header” on the weekend of 6-8 May 2011.

For the first time, the Gold Coast hosted a Rugby League Test between Australia and New Zealand on Friday May 6th, followed by the NRL clash between the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans and New Zealand Warriors on Sunday May 8th May, at Skilled Stadium, Robina.

Jetstar assisted in bringing 250 fans from Christchurch – which was to be the original venue for the match – to the Gold Coast free of charge, and they stayed on for the NRL match on Sunday.
When looking for accommodation for the fans, Jetstar knew it was a big ask for 250 fans for three nights, on a weekend. The Australian Timeshare Holiday Ownership Council, (ATHOC) the governing body of the timeshare industry was approached, and immediately swung into action, contacting its member Companies to garner support.

Companies such as Dial An Exchange, Classic Holidays, Accor Vacation Club, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific and Interval International responded in 3 hours with enough apartments to assist, despite having recorded record occupancy levels over the summer of 2010/11.

The flight and accommodation partnership specifically targeted emergency crews and their families in Christchurch, allowing them the opportunity for a unique sporting holiday experience on Queensland’s Gold Coast. The fans were housed in one and two bed-roomed self-contained apartments, thanks to the might and spread of the timeshare industry that boasts myriad resorts and hotels across Australia and New Zealand. The welcome relief for fans will include emergency service personnel, Police, Fire, Ambulance and Defence services and Volunteers who have assisted in the rebuilding of Christchurch.

“We are a formidable group of accommodation providers, and the fact that so many Members immediately agreed to help with accommodation for this event, shows the depth of empathy felt for the people who have suffered through al these disasters,” said Laura Younger. General Manager of ATHOC.
“As part of the Vacation Ownership community based on the Gold Coast we are proud to be able support such a worthwhile cause,” said Craig Wood CEO of Accor Vacation Club.
Says Francis Taylor CEO, Dial An Exchange, “There’s nothing like a game of Rugby bring out the ‘Anzac Spirit’ that has bound our nations since our early history. It’s in that spirit that we gladly supported this fantastic effort.

And Ramy Filo CEO, Classic Group adds, “We are humbled to be able to help our friends in Christchurch. You’ll recover and regrow from this tragedy and we know it will make you stronger. You have our support.”

Sean Farquhar of Interval International says, “”Interval International was delighted to play a part in bringing a little joy into the lives of these rugby fans at such a difficult time.”

“This industry initiative is one we supported wholeheartedly and were pleased to offer accommodation to Christchurch fans to help ease some of their recent pressure and make their Gold Coast visit very memorable”, said Barry Robinson, CEO and Managing Director Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific

ARL Chief Executive, Mr Geoff Carr, said: “These games provided a stage to honour the courage and spirit of all those people whose lives have been affected by the floods, Cyclone Yasi and the Christchurch earthquake.”

New Zealand Rugby League Chief Executive, Mr Jim Doyle, said the entire Test week was memorable for both its historic significance and for the chance to provide a little cheer for some people from Christchurch and Queensland. The Queensland Government gave its support to send a clear message that the state is back in business as a sporting and tourist destination and thousands of interstate and overseas visitors took advantage of special ticket packages for the double-header weekend.

classic holiday club : classic escape