A Guide to RCI Affiliation
Contents: Introduction
3
RCI® Affiliation Guidelines
4
RCI® Weeks
4
RCI Points®
4
Minimum Unit Guidelines
5
Definitions of Units
5
Definitions of Occupancy
5
Unit Requirements
6
Guest Services
7
Physical Guidelines
7
Hotel Unit
7
Studio Unit
8
One/Two Bedroom Unit or Larger
9
Resort Recognition Program
10
Explanatory Notes on Application
11
Contacts
12
Project Information
14
Recreational and Service Facilities, Guest Services, Check-in Options
15
Detailed Unit Information, Unit Amenities
16
Checklist of Affiliation Documents
17
Image Submission Guidelines
18
Video Submission Guidelines
23
Contents
2
Introduction Thank you for your interest in affiliating with RCI®. Since 1974, RCI has been at the forefront of the vacation ownership industry and a driving force for growth within timeshare. With more than 4,000 affiliated resorts in 100 countries, we are the world’s largest vacation exchange network and a leading global provider of products and services to the vacation ownership industry. Our mission is to work with you, our affiliate, to deliver memorable vacation experiences to your owners. For more than 35 years, RCI has worked closely with our affiliated resort clients to unlock the full potential of vacation ownership. We provide unprecedented product and service offerings as well as unparalleled support - from initial concept to sell-out – to help our affiliates achieve their business goals. For RCI, the affiliate relationship is more than a way of doing business, it is the foundation of our enterprise. As a growth partner to affiliates, our long-term strategy employs a strict discipline in delivering high-quality, reliable vacation exchange services to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our global affiliates and members. In doing so, RCI helps to fulfill the timeshare proposition on behalf of developers in active sales, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), resort management companies and hoteliers worldwide - opening a world of vacation possibilities to timeshare purchasers and providing the ultimate timeshare owner experience. Maintaining high standards of quality and excellence is the cornerstone of our business. As a result, RCI can help you develop business plans to attract and retain owners and increase owner satisfaction. Again, thank you for choosing RCI. We look forward to working with you to fully understand your unique business needs and deliver customized services that help reduce costs, increase closing rates, enhance loyalty and drive strong and sustained growth, year after year.
Introduction
3
RCI ® Affiliation Guidelines RCI offers two reservation options to resort affiliates. Both RCI® Exchange Systems offer vacation owners the chance to exchange for resort destinations and leisure product choices in more countries than any other exchange service.
RCI® Weeks RCI Weeks is RCI’s traditional exchange program that allows RCI subscribing members to deposit a week into the RCI Exchange System and in return receive a week based on RCI’s value-for-exchange principles. The Exchange Vacation can be for a different date and location than the Vacation Week they own. Resort locations and dates are subject to availability – but to confirm a vacation, members follow three easy steps. 1. Deposit: Members, or their resort, deposit a week with RCI. Members may maximize their trading power by depositing early. 2. Request: After a week is deposited, the member can start planning their Exchange Vacation. The sooner they deposit and make a request, the more opportunities they may have to find a match. 3. Confirm: RCI may be able to confirm a member’s choice as soon as they request it. If the vacation they want isn’t available, they can enter an ongoing search. If a match is found, the member is notified that the Exchange has been confirmed.
RCI Points® RCI Points is the first Global Points-based Exchange System. It strives to meet members’ demands by offering more flexibility to customize their vacation plans. Members can choose where they want to go, when they want to go, what size accommodations they need and how long they want to stay, subject to availability and the number of RCI Points the member has available for exchange. It is a service designed to fit our vacation owners’ changing lifestyles. RCI Points provides flexibility by allowing members to use their vacation ownership for more than just one vacation accommodation, such as: Choice of Unit Size Duration Choice – RCI Points-affiliated resorts offer daily and/or split-week stays Number of Units Ability to borrow or save RCI Points from one year to the next Ability to transfer RCI Points from one member to another or combine RCI Points Reservation options: RCI Points: members redeem RCI Points for reservations at an RCI Points Affiliated Resort. Points Partners: members can use RCI Points to access travel benefits beyond traditional vacation ownership offerings such as car rental, airline tickets, vacation packages, cruise packages and much more. RCI Weeks: weekly exchanges are still available through RCI Weeks, all under one RCI subscribing membership.
Contact your RCI Account Executive for more detailed information regarding RCI Weeks and RCI Points Affiliation criteria.
RCI Affiliation Guidelines
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Minimum Unit Guidelines Timeshare
Small and Boutique Developments – a minimum of 10 well-maintained units in a desirable vacation destination. Medium and large developments, i.e., 100 units and above – a minimum of 20% of total inventory.
Whole Ownership or (Fractional Ownership)
A business model will be completed by RCI based on the number of units and/or owners.
RCI Definitions of Units Bedroom
A sleeping room separate from the living room with 4 walls, a solid door, and closet.
Hotel
One room with sleeping accommodations only.
Studio
One room with combined living and sleeping area. Kitchen facilities and dining and living areas must seat the maximum number of occupants. If applicable, matching table service to accommodate maximum number of occupants.
1, 2 or 3 Bedroom or greater
Unit with bedrooms separate from the living room. Kitchen facilities and dining and living areas must seat the maximum number of occupants. If applicable, matching table service to accommodate maximum number of occupants.
RCI Definitions of Unit Occupancy RCI has established two occupancy levels for each unit accepted into the RCI Exchange System(s):
Maximum Occupancy
Refers to the total number of persons a resort unit will accommodate, including children.
Maximum Occupancy Criteria
Square Footage: Minimum 85 square feet per person. Bed Structure: All bed structures must be permanent. Rollaway beds and beds in hallways are not considered permanent structures. Bunk beds are not recommended. Bathroom Access: All Guests must have easy access to the bathroom(s).
Private Occupancy
Refers to the total number of persons a resort unit will accommodate, based upon two persons per private sleeping area, including children.
Private Occupancy Criteria
Square Footage: A minimum of 150 square feet for the first occupant; a minimum of 100 square feet for each additional occupant. Bed Structure: All bed structures must be permanent. Rollaway beds and beds in hallways are not considered permanent structures. Bunk beds are not recommended. Bathroom Access: Bathrooms must be accessible without intruding on any Guest’s sleeping area. Unit Structure: All walls and doors must be permanent and solid. Sleeping Areas: No more than two adults can sleep in each area.
RCI Affiliation Guidelines
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RCI Unit Requirements RCI has established the following minimum requirements for each resort unit accepted into the RCI Exchange System(s):
Square Footage
Each unit must meet the minimum square footage requirement as outlined in the maximum and private occupancy criteria.
Bathroom
Recommended each bath have a commode, sink, shower and bathtub. 1.0 (full): sink, commode, shower and bathtub .75 (three-quarter +): sink, commode and bathtub .7 (three-quarter): sink, commode and shower .5 (half): sink and commode
Kitchen
Recommended kitchen equipment should include a stovetop, oven, sink, refrigerator,dishwasher, and a microwave. F: Full Kitchen: includes full-size refrigerator, stovetop, sink, and a full-size oven M: Mini-Kitchen (limited kitchen): includes the same basic appliances as a full kitchen but they may be smaller than standard size P: Partial Kitchen: does not feature all the basic appliances found in a full kitchen N: No Kitchen
Unit Interiors
Well maintained: Cabinets Case goods (end tables, dressers, etc.) Counter tops Floor coverings Lighting Upholstery Wall coverings Wall dĂŠcor and accessories Window coverings
RCI Affiliation Guidelines
6
Resort Guest Services for All Unit Types Required
Easily accessible check-in area Emergency services (non-medical) available 24 hours Housekeeping prior to check-in Laundry facilities on-site (preferred) or within 5 miles Well-marked and lighted walkways, buildings, unit exteriors and roadways
RCI Physical Guidelines for Affiliation by Unit Type Hotel Unit* Required
Alarm clock/clock radio Appropriate heating/cooling/ventilation Telephone Television
Additional Recommended
(Minimum 1 of the following) Balcony, terrace, patio or lanai Cable TV/satellite Hi-speed internet access Iron/ironing board available Oversized tub or shower Stereo Video recorder/player or DVD
Bathroom
If maximum occupancy is 4 people or less, the unit must include one full bathroom.
Kitchen (if applicable)
(Minimum 1 of the following) Coffee maker Microwave Microwave/convection oven combo Room service Service or wet bar
*Hotel units only accepted in targeted destinations. Contact your Account Executive for more details.
RCI Affiliation Guidelines
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Studio Unit* Required
Alarm clock/clock radio Appropriate heating/cooling/ventilation Telephone Television
Additional Recommended
(Minimum 1 of the following) Balcony, terrace, patio or lanai Cable TV/satellite Hi-speed internet access Iron/Ironing board available Oversized tub or shower Stereo Sweeper/vacuum Video recorder/player or DVD Washer & dryer in the unit
Bathroom
Maximum occupancy is 4 people or less, the unit must include one full bathroom.
Kitchen (if applicable)
(Minimum 4 of the following) Dishwasher Microwave Microwave/convection oven combo Oven Refrigerator (any size) Room service Sink Stove top
* Studio units only accepted in targeted destination. Contact your Account Executive for more details.
RCI Affiliation Guidelines
8
One/Two Bedroom Unit Or Larger Required
Alarm clock/clock radio Appropriate heating/cooling/ventilation Telephone Television
Additional Recommended
(Minimum 2 of the following) Balcony, terrace, patio or lanai Cable TV/satellite Hi-speed internet access Iron/Ironing board available Oversized tub or shower Stereo Sweeper/vacuum Video recorder/player or DVD Washer & dryer in the unit
Bathroom One Bedroom
If maximum occupancy is 4 people or less, the unit must include at least one full bathroom. If maximum occupancy is more than 4 people, the unit must include one full bathroom, and at least one additional bathroom of any size.
Bathroom Two Bedroom
If maximum occupancy is 6 people or less, the unit must include one full bathroom, and at least one additional bathroom of any size. If maximum occupancy is more than 6 people, the unit must include one full bathroom, and at least one additional bathroom with a commode, sink and shower.
Kitchen (if applicable)
(Minimum 4 of the following) Dishwasher Full-size refrigerator Microwave Microwave/convection oven combo Oven Room service Sink Stove top
RCI Affiliation Guidelines
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Resort Recognition Program Working in association with resort affiliates, RCI is committed to strengthening the resort timeshare industry by ensuring that timeshare owners enjoy quality vacation experiences. Toward that end, we have sought to affiliate resorts that adhere to high standards of product quality and service delivery. To honor those resort affiliates who consistently exceed these high standards and who provide exceptional vacation experiences to both owners and exchange guests, RCI has created three distinguished awards. A select number of RCI affiliated resorts are recognized as RCI Gold Crown Resort® properties. These resorts have attained excellence in resort accommodations, hospitality and member experience. Each resort receiving the RCI Gold Crown Resort award has met quality and service requirements based on both RCI Subscribing Member Comment Card ratings and an evaluation of resort facilities, amenities and services. Recipients of this award for superior quality and exceptional service have met standards in five RCI Subscribing Member Comment Card categories and each resort facilities category in the evaluation. Performance in each of the Comment Card categories is compiled over a 12-month period. Resorts meeting these standards then undergo a facilities evaluation. RCI Gold Crown Resort facilities and Guest Services Criteria may differ from affiliation requirements. Affiliates should contact their RCI Account Executive to discuss specific details. RCI Subscribing Member Comment Card Criteria Check-in/Check-out Hospitality Resort Maintenance Unit Maintenance Unit Housekeeping
Resort Facilities Criteria Resort Amenities Guest Services Unit Amenities/Interiors Resort Maintenance
Resorts that provide outstanding vacation experiences for RCI exchange guests receive the RCI Silver Crown Resort® award. Each resort receiving this distinguished designation has met quality and service standards. Selection is based on ratings from RCI Subscribing Member Comment Cards submitted by members after their vacations. Resorts receiving the RCI Silver Crown Resort award have demonstrated a consistent, impressive record of satisfying RCI guests and have met the standards in each of the five categories of evaluation. Comment Card data in each of these categories is compiled over a 12-month period for each affiliated resort to determine eligibility for this award.* RCI Subscribing Member Comment Card Criteria Check-in/Check-out Hospitality Resort Maintenance Unit Maintenance Unit Housekeeping Resorts that deliver outstanding customer service and hospitality to exchange guests receive the RCI Hospitality award. Resorts achieving this designation have received high scores in the Check-in/Check-out and Hospitality categories. Resorts receiving the RCI Gold Crown Resort award or RCI Silver Crown Resort award are not eligible for this award. Performance data in the two categories are compiled over a 12-month period for each affiliated resort to determine eligibility for this award.* RCI Subscribing Member Comment Card Criteria Check-in/Check-out Hospitality * A minimum of 15 Comment Cards within the 12-month period is used for measurement. If less than 15 Comment Cards are received during the 12-month period, a measurement over 24 months will be taken.
Resort Recognition Program
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Explanatory Notes on Application for Resort Affiliation See page 2 of the Application
Resort Name
The legally registered name of your resort.
Address
The complete physical address and shipping address of the resort, including city, state, zip code and country. We cannot ship UPS or overnight to a P.O. Box.
Telephone and Fax
The resort’s telephone and fax numbers, including international code. Note: the address and telephone numbers given here will appear on the exchange confirmation and resort information sheets.
E-mail Address
The business e-mail address of the resort.
Resort Website Address
The Website address of the resort site.
Corporate Entity Name
The legally registered name of the corporate entity, if relevant.
Address
The complete physical address and shipping address of the Corporate office if different from the resort address, including city, state, zip code and country. We cannot ship UPS or overnight to a P.O. Box. This address will be used for legal notifications as appropriate.
Telephone and Fax
The telephone and fax numbers, including international code.
Sales/Resale Entity Name
The name of the sales/resales entity, if relevant.
Address
The complete physical address and shipping address if different from the resort address, including city, state, zip code and country. We cannot ship UPS or overnight to a P.O. Box. This address will be used for legal notifications as appropriate.
Telephone and Fax
The telephone and fax numbers, including international code.
Management Company Name
The legally registered name of the management company if relevant.
Address
The complete physical address and shipping address including city, state, zip code and country. We cannot ship UPS or overnight to a P.O. Box. This address will be used for legal notifications as appropriate.
Telephone and Fax
The telephone and fax numbers, including international code.
Explanatory Notes on Application for Resort Affiliation
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Contacts
See page 3 of the Application
Developing Entity
The legally registered name of the entity that owns or has full control of the resort. Typically, the entity will be a corporate, limited partnership, or limited liability company.
Officer signing contract
The legal name of the authorized officer signing the contract.
Business title
The individual’s business title (e.g. officer of the corporation, limited partner, managing partner, etc.).
E-mail address
The business e-mail address of the officer signing the contract.
Mailing address above
Indicate if same as the resort, corporate, sales/resale office or management company. This address will be used for legal notifications as appropriate.
Owner Association
The legally registered name of the owner association for the resort. (This should be listed in the resort’s legal condominium documents.)
Officer signing contract
The name and title of the authorized person signing the contract (e.g. officer of the corporation, partner, managing partner, etc.)
Mailing address and Shipping address
Indicate if same as the resort, corporate, sales/resale office or management company.
Management Company Contact
The name of the individual responsible for the resort.
Business title
The individual’s business title.
E-mail address
The business e-mail address of the management company contact.
Mailing address and Shipping address
Indicate if same as the resort, corporate, sales/resale office or management company.
Resort Manager
The name of the resort manager.
Business title
The individual’s business title.
E-mail address
The business e-mail address of the resort manager.
Mailing address and Shipping address
Indicate if same as the resort, corporate, sales/resale office or management company.
Marketing Products Order (eStore) contact
The contact person at the resort who will be ordering and receiving marketing products from RCI.
Business title
The individual’s business title.
E-mail address
The business e-mail address of the eStore marketing products order contact. (required to use on line ordering system)
Mailing address
Indicate if same as the resort, corporate, sales/resale office or management company.
Explanatory Notes on Application for Resort Affiliation
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Sale/Resale Company Contact
The name of the contact person at the sales/resale company.
Business Title
The individual’s business title.
E-mail address
The business e-mail address of the sales/resale company’s contact.
Mailing Address
Indicate if same as the resort, corporate, sales/resale office or management company.
Key Contact Name
The key contact person at the resort who will provide all operational and set-up details about the resort to RCI.
Business Title
The individual’s business title.
E-mail address
The business e-mail address of the key contact.
Mailing Address
Indicate if same as the resort, corporate, sales/resale office or management company.
Explanatory Notes on Application for Resort Affiliation
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Project Information
See page 4 of the Application
Complete this section using the terms that most closely describe your resort.
Timeshare
The purchase of the exclusive use of the unit for a weekly interval.
Whole Ownership
The purchase of the exclusive use of the unit for the whole year.
Club
Resorts operating on a club system.
Fractional Ownership
The purchase of the exclusive use of the unit for specified periods of the year.
Odd/Even
The purchase of exclusive use of the unit for weekly intervals only for the odd or even years.
Ownership Types
Indicate the type of ownership: Fixed Unit – Purchase of the same unit each year Fixed Week – Purchase of the same week each year Fixed Dates Floating Unit – Purchase of a unit type each year Floating Week – Purchase of a unit for a varying period of the year Points – Purchase of a package of points to exchange for accommodations Indicate if the resort is a new development or a conversion project: Number of weeks for sale Number of weeks sold to date and if any have already been sold Date resort is open for sales
Other Resorts Affiliated with RCI
Indicate Yes or No. If Yes, indicate the name(s) and locations of the resort.
Other Exchange Company
Indicate Yes or No. If Yes, indicate the following: Name of exchange company Expiration date of contract Notice period you have given the exchange company
ARDA American Resort Development Association:
The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has nearly 1,000 corporate members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). Its mission is to foster and promote the growth of the industry and to serve its members through education, public relations and communications, legislative advocacy, membership development, and ethics enforcement. Indicate Yes or No to membership. Indicating Yes to receiving additional information about ARDA authorizes RCI to provide basic contact information for your affiliation to ARDA.
Explanatory Notes on Application for Resort Affiliation
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Recreational and Service Facilities Facility Codes
See pages 5, 6 of the Application
X = If facility is currently available on-site. XE = If rental or resort equipment is currently available on-site. NB = If facility is located within 1/2 mile. M = If facility is located miles from the resort, indicated distance in number of miles, e.g., 8M. Please note—all distances are measured from the resort’s check-in area. Do not state that a facility is on-site simply because a Guest can reserve it on-site. On-site refers to activities that are actually performed on-site.
Availability
Provide code for each application facility, using either the Currently Available or Proposed for the Future column (Future Available Date must be provided).
Specific Details
Some facilities require additional specific details. Please provide requested information in that column.
Guest Services
See page 7 of the Application
Guest Services
Check the box for Guest services available at the resort.
Exchange Guest Check-In Options
See page 7 of the Application
Check-in Day
The day or days of the week that Guests may arrive at your resort.
Check-in Time
Indicate the time of day exchange Guests may check-in, using a 24-hour clock.
Location
Indicate the location where the exchange Guests should check-in. Give specific instructions if the location is not on-site at the resort.
Late Check-in Instructions
Give specific instructions, if applicable, for Guests arriving after check-in times.
Closed/Maintenance Weeks
List the week(s) the resort is closed for maintenance or not available to exchange Guests.
Explanatory Notes on Application for Resort Affiliation
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Detailed Unit Information
See pages 8, 9 of the Application
(attach additional sheets if needed)
Unit Information Unit Number
The actual unit number. How you want RCI to identify each unit. A maximum number of eight characters are allowed.
Unit Type
2 BR, 1 BR, Studio, Hotel, etc. Use the codes listed at the top of the chart.
Max/Occupancy
Maximum and private occupancy. (The proposed occupancy should be completed by you and subsequently approved by RCI.)
Square Footage
Interior size of the unit in square feet.
Date Available
Date unit will be available for occupancy.
Check-in Day
The day(s) check-in is allowed for the specified unit.
Kit/Kitchen:
Type of kitchen in the unit. Use the codes listed at the top of the chart.
Bath:
Type of bathroom(s) in the unit. Use the codes listed at the top of the chart.
Bed Structure:
Type of bed(s) in the unit. Use the codes listed at the top of the chart.
Air Conditioning:
Indicate “X” if Yes.
Carpet
Indicate “X” if Yes. Specify if, at minimum, the living room and bedrooms are carpeted.
Garbage Disposal
Indicate “X” if Yes. Specify if a garbage disposal is in the unit.
Fireplace
Indicate “X” if Yes. Specify only if the fireplace is functional and NOT solely for decoration.
Washer/Dryer
Indicate “X” if Yes. Specify if a washer/dryer is located in the unit.
Dishwasher
Indicate “X” if Yes. Specify if a dishwashing machine is located in the unit.
Microwave
Indicate “X” if Yes.
Handicapped Accessible
Indicate “X” if Yes.
Unit Amenities See page 10 of the Application Unit Amenities
Use the codes X = All Units, S = Some Units.
Explanatory Notes on Application for Resort Affiliation
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Checklist of Affiliation Documents Items to be submitted for Affiliation:
Complete and signed Application for Resort Affiliation Check payable to RCI for the affiliation fee Multi-media representation of resort (see image and video submission guidelines)
Checklist of Affiliation Documents
17
Image Submission Guidelines RCI® recommends a minimum of 10 images. Where possible, these should be taken by a professional photographer. Submitted images should be of RCI affiliated phases and units. Ideally they should not include people, vehicles, power lines etc. Artist renderings or collages will only be used where a development is not yet complete. Exterior (2-3 images)
These should be exterior pictures of the resort and should ideally show the building(s) where most guests check-in or would be staying.
Interior (3-4 images)
Can include living room/dining room combo, kitchen, bedroom (1 image of each bedroom type is recommended), bathroom.
On-site Amenity (4-5 images)
Can include pool (1 image of each pool property is recommended), exercise room, playground, tennis courts or any other resort-owned, on-site amenity.
Area Amenities/Attractions (1-2 images)
Additional Images which reflect the amenities/attractions available in the area. Be sure to label each image. Submission of these images is optional as they may not be utilized.
Note: the more images submitted the greater impact the property may have on potential customers
Preferred
Acceptable
Image type
Digital
Digital ONLY
Submission by
CD or DVD
File Format
RGB TIFF or RGB JPEG Format
RGB TIFF or RGB JPEG Format ONLY
Proportion
Landscape format
Landscape format ONLY
Resolution/size
300 dpi (dots per inch) at 6.75 x 9 in
300 dpi (dots per inch) at 3.75 x 5 in
Adjust your digital camera to the highest picture quality setting, which will achieve the highest resolution Submission Process: Please submit images to your RCI Servicing Team
Please include your resort name, resort ID and contact information with the images. For additional information please contact your RCI Servicing Team
Image Submission Guidelines
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Help us to help you get the best for your development Below are a few guidelines and tips which will help you take and supply quality images for inclusion in any of our relevant marketing material with the aim of maximizing the visual impact your property will have on potential customers.
CLUTTERED VIEW: CARS, LARGE WHITE BOX IN DRIVE WAY, TOWELS HANG OVER BALCONY RAILING, UNSWEPT DRIVEWAY, TREE OBSCURES BUILDING VIEW, OVERCAST REMEDIES: Remove cars. Be sure the area is clean and clear of anything that would clutter, distract from or obstruct the subject. Look in front of, to either side of and behind the subject if appropriate. Take a variation of shots at differing angles as this will provide us with maximum flexibility to use images. Shoot on a sunny day. PERSON IN VIEW, POOR LIGHTING, LAYOUT LACKS INTEREST, SHOT TOO TIGHT REMEDIES: No one in photo. Bring in additional lighting. Shoot multiple exposures. If “Auto” setting gives poor result, use “Manual” and shoot your best guess. Then shoot a few exposures above & below your best guess. Compare and send us the image with the best exposure. Take a variety of shots at differing angles. Step back for a wider view as this will provide us with maximum flexibility to use images.
OBSTRUCTION: POLE DISRUPTS VIEW, POOR LIGHTING, SHOT TOO TIGHT REMEDIES: Take a variety of shots at differing angles. Step back for a wider view as this will provide us with maximum flexibility to use images. Use sunlight to illuminate the subject. Be sure the area is clean and clear of anything that would clutter, distract from or obstruct the subject. Look in front of, to either side of, and behind the subject if appropriate.
Image Submission Guidelines
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Below are six examples of highly effective images. The two landscape shots feature bright, clear skies, a generous but not too wide property view, and enough foreground details to convey the beauty of the property. The two interior photos portray the accommodations without over-emphasizing any one aspect, balancing available light with furnishings, dÊcor, and even a glimpse of the room’s view. Balance is also an important feature at poolside, where sky, grounds, and the pool itself are showcased equally, blending together effortlessly to convey comfort and elegance.
Image Submission Guidelines
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Set the scene and tell the story: Make the shot inviting by ensuring that the property is as presentable and attractive as possible. It is important to provide shots that clearly deďŹ ne the property as a whole and not on individual items or features unless they are outstanding. Similarly with external features such as pools, an individual shot may be useful, but you may wish to highlight the proximity of the pool to the property. In this case a shot capturing both maybe more helpful. See below for examples of acceptable images.
E
I
E
I
E
I
O
O
A
A
RCI recommends a minimum of 10 images, a greater number in all categories is preferred.
E I O A
Image Submission Guidelines
= Exterior = Interior = On-site Amenity = Area Amenity/ Attractions
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Keep in mind before you shoot: EXTERNAL SHOTS: Take a variety of shots at differing angles and distances, which will provide us with maximum flexibility when using the images. Try to minimize the impact of scrubby foregrounds by taking shots from other angles, and try not to have too much foliage in the front of your image. Allow plenty of “breathing space” around a shot (such as sky or landscape). We can always crop it out if required, but we can’t put back what has already been cropped out. Try to photograph when the weather is good. A sunny day is best.
INTERNAL SHOTS: Try to take at least one representative image of each room type on the property. Take a variety of shots at differing angles as this will provide us with maximum flexibility to use images. Be prepared to have additional lighting for poorly lit spaces. When shooting in a poorly lit space, shoot multiple exposures. If “Auto” setting gives poor result, use “Manual” and shoot your best guess. Then shoot a few exposures above and below your best guess. Compare, then send us the image with the best exposure. Watch out for reflections on mirrors and windows, especially when using a flash.
Checklist: Does your photography meet these requirements? TECHNICAL: Digital image (not prints, slides or negatives) Be sure to label each image Provide images via CD or DVD (email acceptable) RGB TIFF or RGB JEPG format (not CMYK) 300 dots per inch (no smaller) No verticals, landscape only Dimensions 6.75” x 9” landscape or larger preferred (3.75” x 5” acceptable, no smaller) Quantity provided: minimum of 10 images, a greater number in all categories is preferred AESTHETICS: (The quality of the image and its representation of the subject.) Area is clean and free of clutter, debris or anything distracting from the image subject. Images should not include people, vehicles, power lines etc. Provide a variety of shots of the subject from differing angles and distances. The photos are well lit, not over exposed (too much light) or under exposed (too little light). The exterior subject is shot on a sunny day. The interior shot is well lit. No reflections from glass or mirrors such as a camera flash or anything distracting from the image subject. CONTENT: Exterior Shots (minimum 2-3 images, more preferred): These should be exterior pictures of the resort and should ideally show the building(s) where most guests check-in or would be staying. Interior Shots (minimum 3-4 images, more preferred): Can include living room/dining room combo, kitchen, bedroom, (1 image of each bedroom type is recommended), bathroom. On-site Amenity (minimum 4-5 images, more preferred): Can include pool (1 image of each pool on property is recommended), exercise room, playground, tennis courts or any other resort-owned, on-site amenity. Area Amenities/Attractions (minimum 1-2 images, more preferred): Additional images which reflect the amenities/attractions available in the area.
Image Submission Guidelines
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Video Submission Guidelines The RCI Online Resort Directory RCI.com and other RCI Web channels also feature resort videos. Featured resorts must submit at least one video that is appropriate for Web distribution. All videos will be reviewed in accordance with the standards and guidelines outlined below. All videos must display resorts in a concise and vivid manner, satisfying each of the following points: Resort Exterior (min 10 sec; max 60 sec) —Edifice, street view and main grounds of the resort. This footage should show the building(s) where guests arrive and are welcomed by resort staff. Resort Interior (min 5 sec; max 30) —Interior of the main entrance, foyer, reception desk and/or check-in area. Unit Exterior (min 5 sec; max 30) —External façade or entrance for a typical RCI guest unit. Unit Interior (min 20 sec; max 60 sec) —Bedrooms and living quarters of a typical RCI guest unit. This may include living room/dining room combo, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Room views should be featured, such as a balcony view of the ocean or pool. Amenities and Activities (min 20 sec; max 60 sec) —The beach, pool, spa, BBQ area, exercise room, playground, tennis courts, restaurant/dining areas or any other resort-owned, on-site amenity. Area Attractions (optional) —Amenities/attractions available in the immediate or surrounding area. Only include attractions that are on or near resort grounds and available to RCI members.
Please include your resort name, resort ID and contact information with the videos.
Video Submission Guidelines
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Special Tips and Considerations All videos should be good quality (“prosumer” or higher) and display steady camera footage (i.e., shot with a tripod). We strongly recommend using a high quality camera, good lighting and following professional production practices. Videos should not include footage of people, vehicles or artist renderings of the resort. Avoid scenery suggesting poor weather, such as cloudy/windy skies, rough surf, or trees blowing in the wind. Maintain static shots whenever possible; i.e., do not zoom in/ out the camera during shots. Use of cuts from different angles often produces better results than zooming/panning. Due to the global audience of RCI, the use of audio voice-overs or narration is discouraged. When necessary, videos should contain either closed captions or a link to an external transcript. If a transcript is provided, the contact information for the transcript author/provider must be included with the video. The video will be streamed to RCI members (aka “video on demand”) so that the content may be viewed almost in real-time. After the video is viewed, no copy or file of the video will remain on the viewer’s computer. The media player skin design will be designed by RCI. The design will support multiple languages, but otherwise will not be user configurative. Video footage must comply with all applicable state and federal laws for intellectual property rights, including copyright and trademarks.
NOTE: The information here does not apply to “Panoramic Tours” or “Virtual Tours”. These are specialized technologies and are not the subject of this document. Submission Process: Please submit images to your RCI Servicing Team.
Please include your resort name, resort ID and contact information with the videos. For additional information please contact your RCI Servicing Team
Video Submission Guidelines
VIDEO ENCODING FORMAT • FLV (preferred) • VP6 • H.264 • MPEG-4 ASP • Sorenson H.263 DELIVERY FORMAT • CD, DVD or URL RESOLUTION AND SIZE: • Size: 360x240, 3:4, 16:9 • Data rate: 400 • Frames: min. 10 fps • On2 VP6 • Files must be under 5MB
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