Group RCI, provider of non-hotel leisure accommodations, announced they would be hosting their first Leisure Real Estate Symposium in India. As reported by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), India is expected to be the third fastest growing country in the world in travel and tourism demand over the next ten years.

That growth potential, coupled with the 19.8% increase in the number of Indians living in India with financial assets of more than US$1 million, vs. 6.5% growth worldwide*, are important factors that lead to the selection of India as the venue for the Group RCI 2007 Leisure Real Estate Symposium: India, Riding the Wave of Growth.

Day one of the event will feature Peter Giamalva, president of NorthCourse Leisure Real Estate Solutions, who will lead an educational forum offering attendees information from the ground up on the development of various leisure real estate models, including: fractionals, destination clubs, condo-hotels and traditional timeshare.

In addition, profit models for each of the various areas will be presented and discussed. Closing out the day, will be a panel discussion of the latest information on legal issues of developing in India. The event also provides participants with ample opportunities for networking and the development of strategic business partnerships.

Day two of the event will open with a key note address from Kenneth May, chairman and chief executive officer of Group RCI, stressing the importance of aligning development plans with the Indian government’s strategic objectives of positioning tourism as a national priority and expanding India’s competitiveness as a tourist destination.

“The market for leisure real estate, continues to grow globally and should gain further momentum over the next few years,” said Kenneth May. “In particular, India and Asia are showing some of the greatest potential for growth. The success that our clients have had in developing shared ownership leisure properties in India has led us to believe that there is tremendous value in showcasing India as a country, not just as an attractive destination for tourists but also as an opportunity to explore new formats in the leisure real estate space.”

*as reported in the Total Tourism India study, by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)