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Original Message:
Re: Marriott Going to Point Syst (by Mark S.):
j227 wrote:This is extremely helpful. I was under the false impression that “trading” inventory was separated. I thought that Marriott was taking all the unsold unit weeks from II’s inventory and was using them in the points/Destinations program. I thought this was one possible advantage of joining the points/Destinations program. That is, under a “standard” ownership type in the points/Destinations program you could access Marriott’s unsold unit weeks 12 months out. Until reading your message I believed that these unsold Marriott unit weeks would not be available to II members and while you can make a similar request for the same unit through II you would have to wait until a Marriott week owner made a matching deposit with II. If the statement, “the inventory they have access to (for trading whole weeks) is identical” is accurate, both II and the points/Destinations program draw from the same inventory. Therefore, for trades of one week, there is essentially no difference in trading opportunities. This is extremely important point to consider in evaluating the points/Destinations program.Somehow my last message got sent before it was complete so I will try again. Subject is inventory.My understanding after talking with several Marriott people is as follows. 1. There are three inventory bins. 2. The bins are - Property owner weeks. Those who own deeded property at specific locations. - Points weeks. From property owners who trade for points. From new owners who purchased points. - Whole weeks which are traded thru II. These come from property owners who turn their week over to II or property owener who have joined the Destinations Program and wish to trade their week for a full week at another location.(Without using points.)
What has been confusing is that those who wish to trade a whole Marriott week for another whole week at another Marriott can do this thru their the Marriott Destinations Program person BUT that person works with II to complete the transaction. If someone does not belong to the new Destinations Program, then that person has to deal with II directly BUT the inventory they have access to (for trading whole weeks) is identical.
I have recommend to Marriott that they put this explanation in writing on their website so eveyone has access to how this works.
It is not my position that I am obsolutely correct. It is my positon that I have talked with several Marriott people who gave me the same answer. So, I hope this is helpful.