The timeshare industry is a popular option for vacationers and offers them access to a number of resorts in various locations across the world. While some resort developers have been criticized for their aggressive sales and marketing practices, the industry has seen a significant resurgence in recent years as key players in the hospitality sector have professionalized its operations.
Despite the economic downturn, the timeshare industry has a strong consumer base and is expected to continue its growth trajectory. The main reason why this market is growing is that people are increasingly willing to travel and take advantage of the many destinations available to them.
Another reason is that the millennial generation is becoming more aware of travel and the importance of having a place to stay during their vacations. Moreover, with more and more websites like Airbnb offering affordable luxury rentals, people are looking for ways to save on vacation costs.
In the United States, the vacation ownership (timeshare) industry accounted for $92 billion in direct and indirect spending in 2005. It also created 91,300 jobs and generated $2.4 billion in wages.
According to ARDA, in the US there are more than 1,600 timeshare resorts with over 4.1 million households. These numbers are up from the 2005 figures and show that the timeshare industry has a positive impact on the economy.
The primary factors that drive the industry’s growth are the availability of flexible reservations, a broad range of amenities and perks, and unique experiences at resort properties, such as guided jungle tours, Super Bowl tickets, and cruises. In addition, a high satisfaction rate among owners continues to make the industry attractive.
Unlike hotels, timeshares offer owners the ability to exchange their vacation week for other weeks at other similar resorts around the world, which helps them offset the cost of owning a timeshare. This is a powerful incentive for consumers to buy a timeshare and use it as frequently as possible, particularly when the economy is in bad shape.
This is one of the reasons why more and more people are choosing timeshares over traditional hotel resorts. The benefits of owning a timeshare are obvious and the fact that they can use their units in a variety of ways makes it easier for them to fit their vacation into their busy schedules.
However, there are still several challenges in the timeshare industry. First, it is expensive to run a business in this field. The costs of finding customers, retaining and training employees, and ensuring a consistent customer experience are significant. In addition, the regulations in individual states can impede marketing efforts.
Second, the industry is being attacked by disreputable third-party exit companies. These companies are scheming to get disgruntled or remorseful owners to stop making mortgage payments and paying maintenance fees.
While the industry has taken steps to combat this problem, it is still facing serious challenges in the secondary market. The industry is suing these companies and lobbying lawmakers and regulators to create policies that would ensure the industry’s integrity and credibility.