Marriott International announced a plan to split the company’s businesses into two separate, publicly traded companies. Marriott International expects to spin off its timeshare and fractional operations and development business as a new independent company through a special tax-free dividend to Marriott International shareholders in late 2011.

Leading destination club Ultimate Escapes Inc. has just added a new Elite Club residence within the Lungarno Suites in Florence, Italy. The new property overlooks the magnificent arch of the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge across the Arno River. With this acquisition Ultimate Escapes makes a significant addition to its portfolio of luxury properties and further widens the options for its members to choose the perfect destination for a memorable getaway.

The Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club has announced a lower priced invitation to join the largest equity-based destination club in the industry. Membership provides access to a portfolio of private homes and villas in the most sought after destinations around the globe, for less than the cost of a typical down payment on a comparable second home. This limited-time offer, expiring March 31, 2010, offers prospective members the chance to buy into the Club as an equity member for 40% less than the initial membership pricing. Annual dues remain the same, and all Club benefits apply.

Two of the leading residence funds on either side of the Atlantic have just announced a strategic alliance. Equity Estates Fund is the biggest and fastest growing North American equity based residence fund, while The Hideaways Club is the leader of the pack in Europe. Their tie up creates the largest global portfolio of equity based fractional residences, offering owner members nearly 30 vacation homes in 23 stunning locales across the world.