Travel + Leisure Co. Shines with 18 ARDA Awards, Including ACE Philanthropic Honor
In a significant acknowledgment of its contributions to the vacation ownership industry, Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) proudly announced that it has been awarded a total of 18 accolades at the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Spring Conference held on March 28, 2025. Among these prestigious awards, the company received the highly esteemed ARDA ACE Philanthropic Award for its impactful initiatives surrounding the Wyndham Championship.
1. Celebrating Philanthropy at the Wyndham Championship
The company's commitment to social responsibility was exemplified through its sponsorship of the Wyndham Championship, in collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts under the Wyndham Rewards umbrella. The partnership culminated in a historic, multi-year philanthropic initiative aimed at enhancing the golf tournament experience while honoring the Greensboro Six—a group whose bravery played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of segregation and golf in North Carolina.
In 2023, Travel + Leisure Co. took the initiative to commission a mural at Gillespie Golf Course, the venue for the tournament. This mural was unveiled at the 2024 Wyndham Championship and serves both as an educational tool for visitors and a lasting tribute to those who fought against racial injustice. The mural's presence is expected to inspire future generations and promote awareness of the historical changes brought about by the Greensboro Six.
2. Leadership Insights
Michael Brown, president and CEO of Travel + Leisure Co., expressed pride in the recognition and the company’s achievements at the ARDA Spring Conference. He stated, “The ARDA Spring Conference creates an annual opportunity for our industry to unite, celebrate our shared achievements, and honor the incredible contributions of our teams and individual associates.” The 18 awards, alongside 61 finalists, underscore the company’s commitment to its mission of putting the world on vacation while cultivating hospitality with heart.
3. Employee Engagement and Culture
In addition to its philanthropic accolade, Travel + Leisure Co. also secured the Employee Engagement Campaign Award for its innovative One Heartbeat Initiative. This campaign was designed to bridge alignment across Resort Operations, Sales, and Marketing by fostering collaboration and recognizing teams that exemplify partnership. Not only did the initiative enhance employee morale and contribute to a stronger workplace culture, but it also resulted in notable improvements in guest experience scores. Given its success, the company is now planning to operationalize the initiative across other areas of the organization.
4. Acknowledging Excellence Across Departments
Travel + Leisure Co. was recognized across various categories, highlighting the outstanding efforts of its teams, projects, and individuals within the company’s Vacation Ownership and Travel and Membership segments, as well as corporate initiatives. Noteworthy awards included:
Marketing & Sales
- Sales Management Leader: Larbi Lamzouri
- Sales Team: Club Wyndham Clearwater Beach Sales Team
- Salesperson: In-House: Robert Brown; Traditional Line: Lucas Domingos de Oliveira
- Sales Verification Loan Officer/Quality Assurance Officer: Doug Wafer
- Sales Trainer: Toby Pennington
Management & Administration
- Business Administration or Operations Team: Club & Association Governance
- Legal and Regulatory Manager: Sharonda Wolfe
- Owner/Customer Relations Manager: Brad LaPaglia
- Human Resources Professional: Terri Vagi
- Cross Functional Team: Compass Intranet Launch Team
- Training and Development Team: Resort Operations Training Team for the Playbook Project
- Activities Program Team: Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Activities Team
- Housekeeping Manager: Laura Quintero
Advertising, Promotion, & Communications
- Digital Magazine: RCI Magazine
- Video: Travel + Leisure Co. PGA Ad Spot
- Employee Engagement Campaign: One Heartbeat Initiative
5. Conclusion
Travel + Leisure Co.'s impressive haul of 18 awards at the ARDA Spring Conference reflects not only its commitment to excellence in vacation ownership and travel but also its dedication to social responsibility and employee engagement. As the company continues to innovate and uplift the travel experience, it sets a benchmark for the industry, reinforcing its mission to put the world on vacation.
For more information about Travel + Leisure Co. and its offerings, visit their official website at www.travelandleisureco.com.