At its annual industry conference this week, 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 celebrated Siegel’s profound impact on the timeshare industry over the years.

Siegel founded Westgate Resorts in 1982, starting with a single property on an orange grove in Kissimmee, Florida. Since then, the company has grown into the world’s largest privately held timeshare business and one of the biggest resort developers in the United States. Today, Westgate boasts more than 13,500 rooms across 22 resorts nationwide, and Siegel has made it 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.”

Throughout his remarkable 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 Florida. In 2013, the University of Central Florida inducted him into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame.

David Siegel is the proud husband of Jacqueline and father of 13 children, 12 grandchildren and step grandchildren. Representing the Siegel family, his wife 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.”

Siegel’s philanthropy is equally notable. In the wake of the tragic death of his 18-year-old daughter Victoria, Siegel spearheaded efforts to combat the drug epidemic. His advocacy played a crucial role in the passage of the CARA Act, which secured funding for the life-saving drug naloxone. He also worked tirelessly to establish June 6, the day of Victoria’s passing, as National Naloxone Day, with buildings nationwide lighting up in purple to honor her memory.

A proud Army veteran, Siegel has donated over 28,000 complimentary vacations to military personnel as a token of appreciation for their service.

“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.”

Westgate Resorts continues to expand under Siegel’s leadership, recently acquiring Vacation Ownership Sales, the sales and marketing arm of VI Resorts, the largest owner-led vacation ownership company in the U.S. With a portfolio of 44 new destinations, this acquisition bolsters Westgate’s presence. Additionally, the company has announced the opening of two exciting new attractions this summer: the River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort in Lake Wales, Florida, and the Mystery Funhouse Arcade Experience at Westgate Town Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

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