ORLANDO, Fla., - August 13, 2002 - As trend-setting baby boomers become grandparents, many are buying up vacation timeshares as a way to assure spending quality time with their grandchildren.

As deeded property, vacation ownership provides an added benefit to grandparents: owners can will vacations to their families forever. A free “Introductory Guide to Vacation Ownership” developed by industry leader Marriott Vacation Club International is available on www.iGrandparents.com.

iGrandparents.com co-founders Richard Anthony, Sr. and wife Marlene have owned their vacations with Marriott since 1994. The couple has 15 grandchildren, ranging in age from four to 20 years.

“We bought a week for each of our five children, so we can host each family’s vacation now and leave a legacy for them later by passing it on,” said Anthony. “We get lots of hugs from happy grandkids who love their vacations.”

These ‘grandboomers’ are not alone. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) estimates over four million U.S. families own at least one week of vacations. Of those, over 68 percent are 50 years or over.

According to ARDA President, Howard Nusbaum, “Roomier accommodations and the flexibility to exchange for other destinations add to the appeal.”

Interval International, the Miami-based vacation exchange company, has a global network of more than 1,900 resorts in 75 countries. “Wherever owners choose to go each year, the spacious condominium-style accommodations at our affiliated member resorts provide a real home away from home,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Craig M. Nash.

The 2002 National Leisure Travel Monitor, conducted by Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown/Yankelovich Partners, reports that approximately one third of all leisure travelers in America are grandparents. Of those, 35% took at least one trip with their grandchildren during the last 12 months, up from 29% in 2001.

Those who want to sample the family-friendly accommodations offered by vacation ownership resorts can take advantage of Marriott Vacation Club rental packages to Orlando, Fla. this fall. Two-bedroom, two-bath villas sleep up to eight guests and feature roomy living and dining areas, private balconies and a kitchen.

A four-day/three-night package for $457 includes two SeaWorld tickets and a “Family History Starter Kit.” Offer is valid until December 20, 2002 and available exclusively through www.iGrandparents.com or by calling 800-VILLAS-9 (800-845-5279). Reservations are subject to availability and commissionable to travel agents.

Marriott Vacation Club International, a division of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR), is the recognized innovator and leader in vacation ownership worldwide. The first branded hospitality company to enter the industry by nearly a decade, Marriott continues to expand with an extensive and diverse portfolio of resort destinations for its vacation owners and guests around the globe.

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