JUMP TO CONTENT

Our History

Over 40 Years of Innovation, Passion, and Growth

From a Single Resort to a National Icon

Westgate Resorts began in 1982 when David Siegel, built a modest 16-unit property in Orlando, Florida. This property later became known as Westgate Vacation Villas. Since then, Westgate has grown into one of the largest privately held resort developers in the U.S. and one of the largest privately held companies in Central Florida. Over the past four decades, we have expanded nationwide, creating unique vacation destinations. Our commitment remains the same—to provide unforgettable experiences and a lifetime of cherished memories for our Owners and Guests.

Key Milestones

Timeline

1982

Westgate Resorts begins its journey when sales at Westgate Vacation Villas begins. The property is aptly named for its location one mile west of the gate of Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

1995

Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort opens, featuring 500 feet of sandy beach and the only fishing pier on Miami Beach.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

1996

The opening of Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando marks a significant expansion, offering luxurious accommodations and exceptional amenities.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

1997

Westgate Towers Resort and Westgate Leisure Resort open just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort. Harbour Beach Resort opens within walking distance of Daytona Beach Pier. CFI/Westgate becomes one of the largest privately held corporations in Central Florida.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

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.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

2000

Westgate expands to popular vacation destinations, including the Smoky Mountains and Myrtle Beach, broadening our reach and appeal.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

2001

Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort opens in Las Vegas, and the Westgate Foundation is formed to support local communities.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

2002

Westgate adds new locations, including Westgate Blue Tree Resort, Westgate South Beach Oceanfront Resort, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, and Westgate Park City Resort & Spa.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

2003

Westgate Palace Resort in Orlando and Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia, open.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

2004

Westgate Branson Lakes Resort and Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort open in Hollister, Missouri, and Mesa, Arizona.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

2006

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort and Westgate Branson Woods Resort open in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Branson, Missouri.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

2008

The Wild Bear Falls Water Park opens at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

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.

Drafts Burger Bar and Edge Steakhouse

2013

Westgate Resorts is named one of Central Florida’s "Best Places to Work" by the Orlando Sentinel. Westgate Park City Resort & Spa receives seven "Best of State" Awards.

Best Places to Work award

2014

The acquisition of the historic Las Vegas Hilton, rebranded as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, signifies a major entry into the Las Vegas market.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

2014

Westgate acquires the historic Cocoa Beach Pier, and Westgate Resorts is named the Best Place to Work among "Mega" companies by the Orlando Business Journal.

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino

2015

Westgate Park City Resort & Spa is awarded the AAA Four Diamond Rating, and Shipwreck Island Water Park opens at Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center Resort.

AAA Four Diamond Rating

2016

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort opens one mile from Cocoa Beach Pier. Wild Bear Inn opens in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, featuring Wild Bear Tavern.

Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort

2018

Westgate New York Grand Central opens near Grand Central Station, featuring Tudor City Tavern in partnership with Stella Artois.

Westgate New York Grand Central

2020

Villa Italiano Chophouse opens at Westgate Town Center Resort, and Southern Comfort Restaurant opens at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.

Villa Italano Chophouse and Southern Comfort Restaurant

2021

Treasure Cove Water Park opens at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa.

Treasure Cove Water Park

2022

River Ranch Cattle Company Chophouse & Bar opens at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. Los Amigos Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar opens at Westgate Town Center Resort. Westgate Resorts celebrates its 40th anniversary and launches the World of Westgate (WOW) Loyalty program. Westgate wins seven ARDA Awards.

River Ranch Cattle Company and Los Amigos Mexican Grill

2023

The WOW Loyalty program reaches over 250,000 members. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is named the top glamping destination by USA Today. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino celebrates Barry Manilow’s debut of its inaugural themed suite.

WOW Loyalty program and Westgate Las Vegas Resort

2024

Jim Gissy is appointed Chief Executive Officer at Westgate Resorts.

Jim Gissy appointed CEO

2025

Westgate Resorts adds VI Resorts and its more than 40 destinations its management portfolio, embarking on its first international expansion in Mexico and Canada, as well as significantly increasing its footprint on the West Coast of the United States, including Hawaii.

Jim Gissy appointed CEO

Today

With over 20 resort destinations nationwide, Westgate Resorts continues to celebrate over 40 years of excellence, creating cherished memories for guests from all over the world.

a customer ordering from someone on a desktop computer

post-block

Post Block

Woman experiencing job burnout
Coping With Job Burnout: Three Ways to Recover

Teaser

General Career Insight

Content Type

Blogs

Publish date

06/18/25

Summary

We all work to live, but sometimes it feels as if we live to work, and for many, that can cause serious job burnout, regardless of one's work ethic or position. We’re here to discuss coping with

Teaser

We all work to live, but sometimes it feels as if we live to work, and for many, that can cause serious job burnout.

Read more
WGR Security officer patrolling a resort.
Securing Your Stay: A Look into Hotel Security Jobs at Westgate Resorts

Teaser

Resort Operations and Activities

Content Type

Blogs

Publish date

06/05/25

Summary

Picture your dream vacation, and you might picture yourself relaxing in a beautiful hotel room in a scenic resort, but you might not think about what goes on in the behind-the-scenes operations t

Teaser

Guests are looking for a home away from home where they can unwind while feeling safe and secure. That's where our security jobs come in.

Read more
Recruiter sorting through pile of Resumes
3 Reasons Why Your Resume Stands out For the Wrong Reason

Teaser

General Career Insight

Content Type

Blogs

Publish date

06/05/25

Summary

When looking at a resume, a hiring manager decides whether they like your resume within six to eight seconds: you must make an impression almost immediately! The resume’s goal is to stand out and

Teaser

Looking to revamp that resume? Find out what not to do!

Read more
Westgate corporate employee smiling at his desk.
How To Become An Invaluable Employee: Our Top Tips

Teaser

General Career Insight

Content Type

Blogs

Publish date

05/23/25

Summary

No one’s position is guaranteed or secure per se, in terms of being entitled to it; you have to make a case for why you belong there in that role, at that job, and the case isn't a one-time prese

Teaser

There are many ways you can become incredibly valuable to your boss and co-workers!

Read more
Westgate Sales Team in front of a body of water, talking, smiling
How to Stand Out in a Sales Interview

Teaser

Sales and Marketing

Content Type

Blogs

Publish date

05/19/25

Summary

Hotel jobs at Westgate offer an exciting opportunity to be part of a dedicated team When it comes to landing your dream job in sales, it's not just about selling yourself—it's about showcasing th

Teaser

When it comes to landing your dream job in sales, it's not just about selling yourself.

Read more
Search

Browse Jobs