The Discovery Club Celebrates Its Second Anniversary and Continued Success Even During Tough Economic Times and Responds To Client Demands For Financing Options

Date: February 9, 2009

In an economic climate that has seen many destination clubs struggle and some fold, the Discovery Club is growing and gaining attention for the success it has seen since its inception two years ago when this unique destination club was launched.

The value of offering members owner-like access and privileges to the world’s finest collection of hotels, resorts and travel experiences, paired with the model that the club has been developed upon continues to attract connoisseurs of savvy investments and world-class travel.

The Discovery Club is an innovative luxury travel destination club model that offers value and security for the luxury traveller. Partnering with luxury destination properties around the world rather than owning them, means that the cost of maintaining properties and the risk associated with changes in the real estate market, are not borne by Discovery Club members, unlike many other destination clubs.

"The Discovery Club provides all of the benefits of ownership without any of the responsibilities and associated risks. Our members tell us that they truly enjoy the hassle free culture of the club. The Discovery Club is all about luxurious destinations provided with a deep commitment to personalized service. The world is at their fingertips and this is something our members get great satisfaction out of," explains Kevin Walker of Walker Hospitality.

The Discovery Club experience
Some of the most sought-after properties around the world are included in The Discovery Club’s travel catalogue. Members enjoy luxury vacations and extraordinary travel experiences. For this they pay a one-time membership fee and an annual administration fee. They may never pay for a hotel room or travel experience again.

Dedicated Member Service Representatives ensure personalized travel planning. Existing members continually recognize the commitment to highly customized and professional service as one of the strongest features of the Discovery Club.

As a lifestyle purchase, the Discovery Club is in a class of its own. Offering up to 25 hotel nights per year or more, or a combination of once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities, the Discovery Club is perfect for the passionate traveller who likes the comfort and tradition of going back to favourite destinations, but also loves the thrill of exploring new corners of the world.

The model allows members to exit from their membership two different ways, which provides flexibility which is often missing in these programs. Under this unique model, a membership can even be willed to the next generation for years more of memorable travel experiences.

As demand for luxury travel continues to be high, distinguished Discovery Club members are discovering why this is the smartest way to travel.

Responding to a demand from clients for a financing option
The Discovery Club owes much of its success to the ability of owners and hospitality veterans, Kevin and Shawna Walker of Walker Hospitality, to read the marketplace and innovate as they see trends and changes in the needs of luxury travellers.

The Walkers have recently announced that as part of its second anniversary celebrations and in response to the current economic downturn, The Discovery Club is offering financing for new memberships.

"Many people we talk to want to join the club, but are hesitant to disturb their other investment funds until some recovery is experienced. They have been looking for a financing option through traditional sources, but of course banks and traditional lenders seem to be hesitant to loan funds to even their best customers. We decided we would set up and provide this lending opportunity," explains Kevin Walker.

The financing program allows members to enjoy the full benefits of membership right from day one. With this financing option, a new member will make a down payment equal to approximately 22 per cent of the purchase then make payments monthly over the next ten years. Annual payments are equal approximately to what sophisticated travellers pay for vacations each year. In ten years, the membership is paid in full and the privilege of membership goes on for life.

Participants in this financing program will need to apply through a normal credit application approval system. A limited number of memberships will be available under this financing program.

"It is a remarkable opportunity that probably would never have been offered but for the current difficult economic environment, and of course because of the success and the financial strength of the Discovery Club itself," says Walker.

About the Discovery Club
Owned by Walker Hospitality, The Discovery Club offers members owner-like access to the worlds finest hotels and resorts. In addition, members can indulge in first-class travel and once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as private aircraft, luxury train travel or even a journey to the Arctic Circle. With a one-time purchase of $175,000 and an annual administration fee, Discovery Club Gold Members have unparalleled access to exclusive holidays selected from the club’s extensive collection of international affiliates.

Featured affiliates include, select Fairmont Hotels; including the Kea Lani in Maui, the Orchid on Hawaii’s Big Island and the Fairmont St. Andrews in Scotland. Other affiliates include the Scottsdale Princess, Pan Pacific Hotels in Vancouver and Whistler, the Four Seasons Dublin, and the Rome Cavelari Hilton, to name just a few.

For more information, visit: www.discoveryclub.ca or call (250) 598.4556 ext 7121 or 1.800.668.7758 or email bneufeld@discoveryclub.ca.