Industry leader Exclusive Resorts sent a second communication to its members following Saturday’s article in The Wall Street Journal. The statement issued on August 5th covered three major points (click here for full text; 13.3KB PDF):

• “Exclusive Resorts has long-standing procedures to ensure we can repay all of our refundable member deposits.”
• “Our business at Exclusive Resorts has never been stronger.”
• “We have long been at the forefront in developing and pushing for more consumer protection in the industry.”

The Journal reported 2,200 members for Exclusive Resorts – tremendous growth for the club since reaching the double-millenium milestone in early June. Helium Report estimates Exclusive Resorts added more than 100 members July, a strong indication of continued interest in the destination club concept.

The addition of 200 members in two months is particularly impressive when most of its competitors have just reached the “century club” milestone (100 members). We expect many of these new Exclusive Resorts members joined in anticipation of the club’s prices increases on August 1.

Given the extensive coverage of Tanner & Haley’s bankruptcy by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and even Helium Report, it’s worth noting the successes in the destination club industry as well. Clearly, Exclusive Resorts holds the pole position in that respect. An $800 million real estate portfolio is strong evidence to support the claim.

While Exclusive Resorts might not be able to maintain its 100-member-a-month pace given the recent disruption in the industry, we may very well be announcing their 3,000th member this time next year. At the least, there are 874 prospects, many of whom have the financial means to join a new club while pursuing refunds at Tanner & Haley.