Resort Community Connections: Linda Beltran’s Inspiring Leadership Journey at Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Resort Trades Publisher Sharon Scott Wilson, RRP, kicks off the “Resort Community Connections” series with an in-depth conversation with Linda Beltran, VP of Corporate Communications at Holiday Inn Club Vacations. This series is part of the magazine’s mission to highlight the personal stories of professionals shaping the vacation ownership industry. Sharon was prompted to reach out to Linda after reading an insightful article by Marie Albiges for Women Leading Travel & Hospitality, which showcased Linda’s incredible career journey.

Sharon: Linda, it’s wonderful to have you as the first guest for our “Resort Community Connections” series! After we reprinted your previous interview, so many people were inspired by your story. I’m eager to dive a little deeper into your personal journey and how it’s shaped your leadership in the industry. Let’s start with your career path. How did you find your way into the vacation ownership industry?

Linda: Thank you, Sharon! I’m so happy to be here. My career path has been a bit unconventional, and it’s funny because, like many in this industry, I didn’t start off aiming for vacation ownership. My journey began in public relations and communications, working across various industries, including technology, live entertainment, and hospitality. I found myself gravitating toward roles where building relationships and having a servant-leader mentality  were essential. When the opportunity at Holiday Inn Club Vacations came up, it felt like the perfect fit because this industry is all about connection, hospitality, and community.

Sharon: It’s amazing how so many industry leaders, like yourself, come from different backgrounds and find such a home in vacation ownership. Can you share a bit about your early years and what inspired you to pursue a career in communications?

Linda: I’ve always been drawn to storytelling. Growing up, I loved writing and was fascinated by the way stories could impact people’s emotions and decisions. I’m originally from a small town, so community and connection were central to my upbringing. As I entered the professional world, I realized that communication—whether through storytelling, media relations, or brand messaging—had the power to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. That’s been a guiding principle throughout my career, and it’s what led me to focus on corporate communications.

Sharon: How did your early experiences shape your leadership style and approach at HICV?

Linda: I learned early on that empathy and collaboration are key. One of my first major roles in communications was during a crisis situation. I was working for a hotel company at the time, and the experience taught me how vital it is to listen, respond with transparency, and put people first. It’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career. At HICV, I’m constantly thinking about how our communications—whether internal with employees or external with guests and owners—can foster trust and a sense of community. I think being open to feedback and empowering others is crucial, and I try to lead with that in mind.

Sharon: That focus on community seems to really align with HICV’s brand. As you’ve grown in your role, how has your personal journey influenced your work in the vacation ownership space, particularly as a woman in a leadership position?

Linda: It’s been a rewarding experience, and I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who have supported me along the way. Being a woman in leadership, especially when I lived in Japan and worked in a culture that is historically male-dominated, has come with its challenges, but it’s also been an opportunity to pave the way for others. I’ve always believed in the importance of representation—seeing people who look like you in leadership roles makes a difference. My personal journey has made me passionate about diversity and inclusion, not just in terms of gender but in all aspects of our business. I want to create an environment where everyone feels seen and heard.

Sharon: That’s such a powerful mission, and it’s evident that you bring that personal passion into your work. You’ve mentioned before how storytelling plays a big role in your approach to communications. How has your own story influenced how you connect with stakeholders at HICV?

Linda: My story has helped me connect with people on a deeper level. I’ve moved around a lot in my career, from different industries to different cities (and countries), and I’ve always valued the power of building relationships. When I think about our guests, owners, and employees at HICV, I see them as part of a broader community. Many of our guests return to the same resorts year after year, and they develop strong emotional ties to these places and the people they meet there. My personal experience of seeking connection and belonging in different places has shaped the way I approach our communications strategy. I always aim to make people feel like they’re part of something bigger.

Sharon: It’s clear that your journey has given you such a strong foundation for the work you do. Looking back, what’s been one of the most pivotal moments in your career that helped shape the leader you are today?

Linda: One pivotal moment was early in my time at Holiday Inn Club Vacations. I was involved in launching a major acquisition effort, and it was a huge project that required coordination across multiple departments and a lot of internal and external communication. The process pushed me to grow as a leader, and a learner—it wasn’t just about getting the messaging right, but also about integrating myself on the fly while also motivating a team, ensuring alignment, and dealing with the inevitable challenges along the way. It taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a clear vision.  That experience really solidified the way I approach large-scale projects and team-member support.

Sharon: That must have been an incredible learning experience. Finally, Linda, as we wrap up, what advice would you give to others in the industry who are early in their careers, especially those who may not have started in vacation ownership but are considering it?

Linda: My advice would be to remain curious and open to new opportunities. This industry is unique in that it’s constantly evolving, and there are so many different pathways you can take. If you’re passionate about building relationships and creating meaningful experiences for others, there’s a place for you here. And don’t be afraid to take risks—sometimes the biggest growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Lastly, always prioritize connection, whether it’s with your team, your guests, or the larger community. Those relationships are what make this industry so special.

Sharon: Thank you so much, Linda. Your journey is truly inspiring, and I know our readers will be just as captivated by your story as I am. We’re so excited to feature you as the first in our “Resort Community Connections” series.

Linda: Thank you, Sharon! It’s been a pleasure, and I can’t wait to see the amazing stories that come out of this series.

Stay tuned for more personal stories and insights from leaders across the vacation ownership industry in upcoming issues of Resort Trades.