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Re: Marriott Going to Point Syst (by Erman C.):

Greetings all,

It seems the subject of MVCI "skimming" seems to frequently blossom as the major issue with the Destination Exchange Program. I am a multiple Marriott weeks owner and owner of dozens of other timeshares and Marriott has generally taken the same approach that others have in implementing their version of a flexible points exchanges system. Marriott has actually taken the high road by leaving all existing MVCI options for use and exhange available to existing owners. Note: Other companies have for the most part eliminated other options for their properties that moved to points. I've spent direct face-to-face discussion time with the master sales staff of serveral Marriott properties since 20 June to "understand" the points disparity.

The bottom-line is that in order for Marriott Destinations Exchange program to work it must recognize the reality that by allowing points exchanges to range from 1 day to as many days as your points can buy, there will be days lost as may will book weekends at the expense of days during mid-week. In the industry this is called "breakage" it is a lost day to Marriott that in a week-to-week exchange does not occur since all exchanges are for seven days for a seven day exchange. Look back at your vacations and you'll likely remember that in many cases your schedules did not allow you to use all seven days of your weeks vacation. Many of us are forced to "lose" one or more days to fit our travel and personal/work schedules. Marriott must account for this in their points system. You may use your points received to book three different weekends at three locations for a total of six days. Six vs seven may seem like you've been shortchanged, but look at the flexibility you have received and consider the loss of weekdays Marriott not be able to rent.

I know this seems complicated, but it really is very simple. I suggest that if you want a seven day vacation for your seven day timeshare then do in internal Marriott or II weeks exchange. You'll be happy and Points process will never impact you. If you should want some travel flexibility (number of days, locations, etc) then that year consider the Destinations option. You get the best of both worlds.

Enjoy your vacations!

Erman C.