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At its annual industry conference, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) honored David Siegel, Founder and Executive Chairman of Westgate Resorts, with the prestigious ARDA Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition celebrates Siegel’s extraordinary contributions to the timeshare industry and his enduring legacy as a pioneer in vacation ownership.
Siegel launched Westgate Resorts in 1982, starting with a single property on an orange grove in Kissimmee, Florida. Under his leadership, Westgate has grown into the largest privately held timeshare company in the world, with 22 resorts and over 13,500 rooms across the United States. Over the past four decades, Siegel has built Westgate Resorts into the largest private employer in Central Florida, shaping the landscape of the hospitality and vacation ownership industries.
“For the last 43 years, I have lived and breathed this industry as both a developer and a timeshare owner,” said Siegel. “I have always believed in the power of vacations to bring families happiness, which is why I have dedicated my life to this business. I am incredibly proud of our Westgate Resorts team, and I share this recognition with them. As we pass the torch to the next generation, I am confident that timeshare will not only continue to grow but thrive.”
Throughout his career, Siegel has earned numerous accolades, including 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’s wife, Jacqueline, spoke on behalf of the Siegel family, expressing their pride in his accomplishments and the team at Westgate Resorts. “David’s vision helped establish not only Westgate Resorts but also the foundation of the timeshare industry as it stands today. We are grateful to ARDA for recognizing his lasting contributions and for celebrating his commitment to both the industry and the philanthropic causes that are so important to our family.”
Beyond business, Siegel has devoted his efforts to philanthropy, turning personal tragedy into a mission to combat the opioid epidemic. Following the passing of his 18-year-old daughter, Victoria, he championed legislative efforts that led to the passage of the CARA Act, unlocking critical funding for naloxone, a life-saving drug. He also played a key role in establishing June 6 as National Naloxone Day, ensuring nationwide awareness and support.
A U.S. Army veteran, Siegel has also demonstrated his gratitude to the military community by donating over 28,000 complimentary vacations to service members and their families.
“David is a visionary whose relentless drive has shaped the timeshare industry into what it is today,” said Jason Gamel, ARDA President and CEO. “Over four decades, his company has generated billions in vacation ownership sales, all fueled by his belief that luxury vacations should be accessible to everyone. We honor his dedication to the industry and his commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.”
Westgate Resorts continues to expand, recently acquiring Vacation Ownership Sales, the sales, marketing, and management company of VI Resorts—adding 44 new destinations to its portfolio. The company has also partnered with Choice Hotels and is set to unveil two exciting new attractions this summer: River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort and the Mystery Funhouse Arcade Experience at Westgate Town Center in Kissimmee.
For more information about Westgate Resorts and its industry-leading innovations, visit westgateresorts.com.
