The timeshare industry has been around for over fifty years and has been undergoing significant changes and growth. This market consists of timeshare resorts, fractional ownership, and exchange programs. Timeshare owners enjoy access to thousands of resorts worldwide, providing a variety of amenities such as laundry, dining rooms, and multiple bedrooms.
A recent study from the ARDA International Foundation showed that sales in the United States reached a new high of $10 billion in 2006. The report also revealed that a large majority of respondents were optimistic about the timeshare industry’s recovery. They expect that it will continue to grow substantially during the forecast period.
The timeshare industry is gaining popularity as people seek out more luxurious vacations and have the opportunity to vacation on a regular basis. Although, the cost of timeshare ownership may turn off some, the industry has many other benefits.
For example, timeshares are popular with a millennial population, offering added perks. Unlike hotels, they provide a variety of in-room facilities such as fully equipped kitchens and laundry. Many of these resorts are located in popular international destinations, allowing vacationers to travel to assorted locations.
Some of the larger timeshare companies are taking note of this industry’s growth. One of the largest is Travel + Leisure, previously known as Wyndham Destinations. Its executives reported that their revenue increased 12% in the third quarter of 2018. Their stock is down 30% so far this year.
Another notable achievement of the timeshare industry was its ability to survive the financial crisis. In 2010, the industry recorded sales of $6.5 billion. That’s more than double the amount from 2007. During this time, it employed 26,696 people.
Today, the industry is dominated by larger branded companies such as T+L and Marriott Vacations Worldwide. These companies have helped the industry gain more credibility and consumer acceptance. At the same time, smaller independent companies have struggled to cope with the changing economic environment.
The timeshare industry has shown consistent growth in the past five decades. This growth has been driven by factors such as inflation, political unrest, pandemics, and economic recessions. But, it also has faced criticisms. Consumer protection agencies and governing bodies imposed stricter regulations and increased enforcement. Lastly, the timeshare industry has had to overcome the threat of online resale sites such as Airbnb and TripAdvisor.
Overall, the timeshare industry has proven itself to be a worthy investment. While some people complain about the maintenance and maintenance fees involved, others prefer the security of having a place to call home during their vacations. As the economy recovers, the demand for new timeshare-vacation clubs will also grow. However, a recent survey showed that most Americans are excited about vacationing again.
A large portion of this success was attributed to the growth of social sharing. More and more people are using the Internet to share their vacations, which in turn, increases the demand for timeshares. Moreover, the emergence of large branded companies has made the timeshare industry an attractive prospect for affluent consumers.