Timeshare, or vacation ownership, is a type of shared use real estate program that allows members or owners to visit a resort at certain times throughout the year. Whether a member chooses to own their share of the property in perpetuity, or they purchase a lease or Right to Use (RTO) program that allows them to use the property over a certain number of years, timeshares continue to be a popular form of vacation ownership for millions of travelers.
While some people believe that the timeshare industry has a poor image, it remains a thriving business. In 2021, sales of timeshares grew by 4% over the previous year. This is an impressive figure that shows the positive trend that timeshare products are experiencing in the hospitality sector.
This growth is being attributed to a number of factors. One of the most important factors is increased travel spending. Another factor is the growing popularity of timeshares among millennials and generation X. This generation is known for preferring unique and flexible experiences. As a result, they are driving the growth of the timeshare industry.
However, the timeshare industry faces many challenges, including the need to provide better consumer protection. In addition, the industry needs to improve its marketing and branding to make it more appealing to consumers. Additionally, the industry should also focus on reducing costs.
In the past, the timeshare industry was plagued with issues such as poor marketing and high-pressure tactics. As a result, some consumers were mistreated and ended up going out of their contracts or selling their shares. Fortunately, private groups such as Timeshare Exit Team and TimeShatter are helping to protect consumers and ensure that the timeshare industry is held to high standards of professionalism.
The industry also struggles with the high cost of developing and maintaining resorts in vacation destinations. This is particularly true for smaller independent developers who may not have the capital or resources to compete with the big brands in the industry. In addition, the industry must constantly address changing consumer demands and competition from the booming Airbnb market.
Although the timeshare industry has a long way to go, it is continuing to grow at an impressive rate. The industry is expected to reach a value of $10.5 billion in the next 10 years. This is a significant increase from the $4.9 billion that it sold in 2020. This is a positive sign for the future of the industry, and it indicates that it has the potential to expand even further.
The fall is a critical time for the timeshare industry, as it is when most companies begin their annual maintenance fee billings. This is an important statistic that reflects the overall health of the industry and should be taken into consideration by prospective buyers. In order to stay competitive, timeshare companies need to offer a variety of digital bill presentment and payment options that include credit cards and ACH. Additionally, they need to provide a convenient method of making payments, such as through IVR. This can help them save money on postage, printing and call center personnel.
