|
Started some 30 years ago in the French Alps,
vacation ownership started out with the idea of being able to
exchange one’s vacation accommodations with someone else’s. While
not everyone could afford that second home at the beach, by owning
just a segment of that home, or condo, it now came within most
people’s reach. Add an exchange organization to implement trading
your beach for someone’s mountain and bingo, you’ve got an industry!
By locking in the purchase price of
accommodations, vacation ownership (timesharing) helps to ensure
future vacations at today’s prices at luxurious resorts with
amenities, service and ambiance that rival any of the world’s
top-rated vacation destinations. The reasons for purchasing most
frequently cited by current timeshare owners are the high standards
of quality accommodations and service at the resorts at which they
own and exchange, followed by the flexibility offered through the
vacation exchange opportunities and the cost effectiveness of
vacation ownership. Nearly one-third of vacation owners purchase
additional intervals after experiencing ownership. This trend is
even stronger among long-time owners; 41.2 percent of those who have
owned eight years or longer have purchased additional intervals
within that time.
Vacation ownership offers consumers the
opportunity to purchase fully furnished vacation accommodations for
only a percentage of the cost of full ownership. For a one-time
purchase price and payment of a yearly maintenance fee, purchasers
own their vacation either in perpetuity or for a predetermined
number of years. Owners share both the use and costs of upkeep of
their unit and the common grounds of the resort property.
Each condominium, or unit, of a vacation
ownership resort is divided into weeks, which are sold separately.
The weeks are priced according to a variety of factors, including
size of the unit, resort amenities, location and season.
Unlike a hotel room or rental cottage, which
require payment for each use with rates that usually increase each
year, ownership at a timeshare property enables vacationers to enjoy
a resort, year after year, for the lifetime of their ownership.
Timeshare ownership offers vacationers an opportunity to save on the
escalating cost of vacation accommodations over the long term while
enjoying all the comforts of home in a resort setting.
Truly a home away from home, vacation ownership
provides the space and flexibility to suit the needs of any size
family or group. While most vacation ownership condominiums have two
bedrooms and two baths, unit sizes range from studios to three or
more bedrooms. Unlike hotel rooms, there are no charges for
additional guests. Also, unlike hotels, most units include a fully
equipped kitchen with dining area, washer and dryer, linens, stereo,
televisions, VCR and more.
Timeshare resort amenities rival those of other
top-rated resort properties and may include swimming pools, tennis,
Jacuzzi, golf, bicycles and exercise facilities. Others feature
boating, ski lifts, restaurants and equestrian facilities. Most
timeshare resorts offer a full schedule of on-site or nearby
sporting, recreational and social activities for adults and
children. The resorts are staffed with well-trained hospitality
professionals, with many resorts offering concierge services for
assistance with visiting area attractions.
You purchase your week of timeshare. You may
use your own resort each year, or you may use a different resort in
a different location each year. Your choice, each year. Go to Disney
World this summer, take off skiing in Utah next winter, see London
the following spring, and watch the leaves turn in New England in
the fall.
The timeshare industry is the fastest growing
segment of the travel industry world-wide. More than three million
households own vacation intervals at nearly 4,500 resorts located in
81 countries. Vacationers around the world are turning to vacation
ownership resorts as their preferred travel destination, with
timeshare owners hailing from 174 countries. North America remains
the global leader with nearly half of all the resorts and
approximately two million owners. Europe is the second most dominant
region for vacation ownership, with approximately 22 percent of
owners worldwide and more than 1,000 resorts.
The growth rate has been explosive. For the
past nine years, the number of timeshare owners has increased each
year. And look who’s involved: Disney, Marriott, Hyatt, Ramada
Suites, Fairfield Properties, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean
Cruise Line (yes, you may now trade your timeshare for a cruise!).
And the list goes on and on.
Timeshare resorts are everywhere. From all over
the Caribbean, the U.S., Mexico, Europe, The Far East,
China…everywhere you can imagine.
We handle resales of timeshares for
individuals as well as handle developer close-outs. So what’s a
developer close-out? From time to time we are in the unique position
to handle blocks of timeshares directly from a resort’s inventory.
This may be a resort that is almost sold out, and the salespeople
have moved on. Or it may be a brand new resort that wants to get the
word out fast. It may be a resort in the middle of it’s sales phase
that wants more exposure. Whatever the reason, we may be able to
negotiate wholesale prices for blocks of weeks. The resort has no
overhead, marketing expenses or commissions on these weeks. We can
then pass on very significant savings to you, the public.
Now, I am certain a number of questions have
arisen. Please jot them down and call me at 800-555-1353 and
we can discuss your questions and design a vacation ownership
package that’s right for you.
Special
Search Form
|