Future Looks Bright for Timeshare

The outlook for the timeshare industry is decidedly sunny, according to the latest AIF (ARDA International Foundation) annual benchmark study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The report, which analysed the financial performance of the timeshare market in the USA, highlights a consistently robust track record within this growing holiday and leisure sector.

The study, which focused on an industry subset of 40 companies comprising 298 timeshare resorts in active sales, showed that companies posted a healthy 14.3 per cent growth, on average, during 2006.

The findings reveal that the industry subset has reported $5.8 billion in USA originated sales (net) while average net sales per active report were $19.6 million.

Howard Nusbaum, President and Chief Executive Officer of ARDA (American Resort Development Association) said: "This latest research demonstrates that the industry's financial performance remains on track with satisfying the growing popularity and consumer demands for vacation ownership."

While many timeshare companies continue to sell timeshares based on ownership of weeks at specific resorts, points-based products, such as Club La Costa's Vacation Club, which allows owners enhanced flexibility – such as choice of dates, resorts and upgrades – are rapidly rising in popularity, with points-based sales accounting for 42.3 per cent of holidays in the US, with 57.7 per cent of holidays sold as weeks.

Although timeshare sales are strongest during the third quarter (July to September), Club La Costa's Resort Director Richard Fletcher, says there's a shift towards year-round bookings, with many CLC owners opting for "holidays between holidays", such as mid-week or weekend breaks at one of the Club La Costa's three UK luxury flagship resorts, Duchally Country Estate near Gleneagles and Hustyns and Trenython, both in Cornwall.

Richard Fletcher commented: "Short breaks are great value holidays for families. We've seen a significant increase in bookings at our UK resorts as members want to use their Vacation Club points to squeeze in a quick holiday after summer and before Christmas, or perhaps for a special celebration like a wedding anniversary."

Major hospitality brands such as Starwood Hotels, De Vere, Hilton, Marriott and Disney are enjoying unprecedented success with their shared vacation ownership divisions, while major players such as Butlins and Club La Costa – one of the original founders of the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe, an industry organisation that works to raise standards and protect consumers' rights – are leading the way in Europe.

Club La Costa owns 22 resorts in Europe and is currently expanding into Turkey and other Mediterranean locations. Its exclusive Club La Costa Yacht Club will be in the Red Sea region from mid-December until the spring for a new winter sailing season following the success of its Mallorca-based Yacht Club this summer.

For more information on Club La Costa visit www.clublacosta.com

For more information on ARDA or AIF visit www.arda.org

For more information on OTE visit www.ote-info.com