Our History
Through the vision, persistence and resourcefulness of David A. Siegel and his team, Central Florida Investments, Inc. (CFI) has become the largest privately-owned corporation in the Central Florida area. Founded in 1970 as a real estate development firm, CFI now operates dozens of other businesses in addition to Westgate Resorts including: hotels, restaurant, retail, destination spas, insurance, magazines, real estate, travel services, and internet companies.
From a tiny orange grove and the dream of a man working out of his garage, Westgate Resorts and its parent company, Central Florida Investments (CFI), have grown into the largest privately-owned timeshare company in the world, employing over 10,000 around the United States. The company has expanded outward from its original resorts in Central Florida to include resorts at exciting family-friendy destinations nationwide from Daytona Beach, Florida to Park City, Utah; Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Las Vegas, Nevada; Williamsburg, Virginia to Branson, Missouri and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
1970
David Siegel founded Central Florida Investments, a real estate firm, working out of his family garage.
1982
The Westgate Family of Resorts is born when Westgate Vacation Villas starts sales one mile from Walt Disney World® Resort with 16 villas.
1995
Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort opens featuring 500 feet of sandy beach the only fishing pier on Miami Beach.
1996
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa opens in Orlando and becomes one of the largest timeshare resorts in the world. CFI publishes the first issue of I Love Orlando Magazine, and David Siegel is recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Florida.
1997
Westgate Towers Resort and Westgate Leisure Resort open just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, Harbour Beach Resort opens within walking distance of the world-famous Daytona Beach Pier, and CFI/Westgate Resorts becomes one of the largest privately help corporations in Central Florida, as well as one of the region's largest employers.
1999
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park opens in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Westgate Town Center Resort opens near Walt Disney World® Resort.
2001
Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort opens in Las Vegas, and the Westgate Foundation is formed to serve local communities and support Team Members in need.
2002
The Westgate Family of Resorts adds three new locations in Florida, Westgate Blue Tree Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Westgate South Beach Oceanfront Resort in Miami Beach, and Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, an authentic dude ranch near Lakes Wales, as well as Westgate Park City Resort & Spa in Utah.
2003
Two new properties open, including Westgate Palace Resort in Orlando and Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia.
2004
Two new resorts, Westgate Branson Lakes Resort and Westgate Painted Mounain Golf Resort, open in Hollister, Missouri, and Mesa, Arizona. CFI publishes first issue of I Love Las Vegas Magazine.
2006
Two new resorts, Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort and Westgate Branson Woods Resort, open in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Branson, Missouri.
2008
The indoor/outdoor Wild Bear Falls Water Park opens at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.
2012
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa opens two new dining concepts, Drafts Burger Bar and Edge Steakhouse, Drafts Sports Bar & Grill opens at Westgate Vacation Villas Resort.
2013
Westgate Resorts is named one of Central Florida's "Best Places to Work" by the Orlando Sentinel. Westgate Park City Resort & Spa receives an unprecedented seven "Best of State" Awards.
2014
Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino opens, Westgate acquires the historical Cocoa Beach Pier in Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Westgate Resorts is named the #1 Best Place to Work among "Mega" sized companies by the Orlando Business Journal.
2015
Westgate Park City Resort & Spa is awarded the coveted AAA Four Diamond Rating, and Shipwreck Island Water Park opens at Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center Resort.
2016
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort opens one mile from the Cocoa Beach Pier. Wild Bear Inn opens in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and features Wild Bear Tavern, serving authentic German fare.
2018
Westgate New York Grand Central opens near Grand Central Station in Midtown East NYC and features Tudor City Tavern in partnership with Stella Artois.
2020
Villa Italiano Chophouse opens at Westgate Town Center Resort, and Southern Comfort® Restaurant opens at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.
2022
River Ranch Cattle Company Chophouse & Bar opens at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, and Los Amigos Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar opens at Westgate Town Center Resort. Westgate Resorts is honored with the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Awards in seven major categories. The World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty program is launched, and Westgate Resorts celebrates its 40th anniversary of creating amazing vacation memories for its Owners and Guests.
Executive Leadership Team
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