This week at its annual industry conference, the American Resort Development Association honored the legacy of David Siegel, founder and executive chairman of Westgate Resorts, for his contributions to the timeshare industry by presenting him with the ARDA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Siegel established Westgate Resorts in 1982 with its first property on an orange grove he owned in Kissimmee, Fla., and it has since become the largest privately held timeshare company in the world and one of the largest resort developers in the United States. Today he's built an empire of more than 13,500 rooms at 22 resorts across the United States. Over 40 years, Siegel built Westgate Resorts into the largest private employer in Central Florida.
In his remarks to the conference, he said: "For the last 43 years of my life I have lived and breathed the industry as both a developer and as a timeshare owner. I have always believed in the power of vacations to make families happy and that is why I have dedicated my life to this industry. I am so proud of our Westgate Resorts Team and I celebrate this recognition on their behalf. As we turn this industry over to the next generation, I have more hope than ever that not only will timeshare grow, but it will thrive."
During his career, he received an honorary doctorate from Florida A&M University, ARDA's ACE Philanthropy Award, and Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year for the State of Florida. In 2013 he was inducted into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame by the University of Central Florida.
Siegel is the husband of Jacqueline and father of 13 children, 12 grandchildren and step grandchildren. Representing the Siegel family, Jacqueline said: "We are proud of David, the entire Siegel family, and all of the Team Members at Westgate Resorts who helped establish not only Westgate Resorts, but the foundation of the timeshare industry, which continues to thrive today. We thank ARDA for honoring David's important and lasting contributions to the industry and to the important philanthropic mission that meant so much to all of us."
On the philanthropic front, Siegel turned the tragic passing of his 18-year-old daughter Victoria into a movement focused on ending the drug epidemic. He is responsible for lobbying the United States Congress to sign the CARA Act, which unlocked significant funding for the life-saving drug naloxone. He also lobbied to ensure that June 6, the day of Victoria's passing, is nationally recognized as National Naloxone Day and that buildings around the country are lit purple in her honor.
As an Army Veteran, Siegel has donated more than 28,000 complimentary vacations to members of our armed services as a thank you for their service to our country.
"David is a visionary of the timeshare industry, and his relentless drive has helped shaped the timeshare industry as we know it today," said Jason Gamel, ARDA president and CEO, during his remarks at the award presentation. "Over a 40+ year career, his company has sold billions of dollars in vacation ownership – all driven by the belief that luxury should be accessible to all. We appreciate and honor his service to the industry and to society."
The company is continuing its growth journey as it recently announced the acquisition of Vacation Ownership Sales, the sales, marketing and management company of VI Resorts, the largest owner-led vacation ownership company in the US with a portfolio of more than 44 new destinations as well as a new strategic partnership with Choice Hotels. Westgate has also announced that it is opening two new attractions and experiences this summer with the River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort in Lake Wales, Fla., and the Mystery Funhouse Arcade Experience at Westgate Town Center in Kissimmee, Fla.