The timeshare industry is an increasingly popular way for people to have access to luxury accommodations and other amenities. Timeshares are a form of vacation real estate, which can be owned or rented and can be passed down to a successor. Generally, timeshares offer multiple bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. They are sold in intervals or on a point system. Some resorts offer rental programs as well.
The timeshare industry has had a successful run over the past few decades, and is expected to continue growing. While a lot of attention has been focused on the industry during the Great Recession, it has remained resilient. In fact, in the first two years of the crisis, the sector actually saw growth. During the period, sales in the United States grew to $10 billion.
There are a few major players in the timeshare industry, including Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Travel + Leisure, and Hilton Grand Vacations. These companies all sell timeshares and provide a service for customers to trade their timeshare week for other weeks in the future.
The timeshare industry has experienced some major changes over the past few decades. More hotels are becoming resorts and offering timeshare packages, and new technologies have created a more attractive product. However, the timeshare industry still faces some challenges. A number of issues with owners and lessees, as well as a lack of regulation, are among them.
As of the end of the second quarter of 2019, there were more than 5,000 resorts in the world. Of these, a total of more than 1,600 are located in the United States. Approximately 47% of the resorts are affiliated with an exchange company. Another 37% are affiliated with online travel agencies, and approximately 46% use online reservations systems to book timeshares.
Despite some industry controversies, the timeshare industry has maintained a strong presence in the global economy. It has also remained relatively stable over the last few years, averaging 7.5 billion dollars per year between 2000 and 2009. And while the industry is likely to face some temporary setbacks, its growth is expected to accelerate.
One reason is that the industry has been able to build a favorable image over the years. This is thanks to the use of marketing and other tactics. Other factors include the emergence of health and wellness travel and the growth of technology.
For example, there is an increasing emphasis on health and wellness, and more travelers are looking to use timeshares to help them achieve this goal. Furthermore, business travel is another major trend. Several major hospitality brands have stepped up their game and created more appealing offerings.
While the timeshare industry is facing some challenges, it remains a viable option for consumers, particularly those looking for a reliable, predictable vacation. With more and more people looking to travel more often, and with the need for more upscale accommodations, the timeshare market has more room to grow.
Although the timeshare industry has been struggling during the Great Recession, it is showing signs of strength. In fact, the ARDA International Foundation released a study in 2007 predicting that timeshare sales would rise 81% over the next five years.