Good Decisions Begin with Good Data

ARDA International Foundation’s research library continues to help vacation ownership professionals understand their industry—and where it’s headed next.

Every successful business relies on good information. For the vacation ownership industry, one of the most valuable sources of objective research is the ARDA International Foundation (AIF). Its growing library of studies has become an indispensable resource for resort executives, developers, HOA board members, consultants, suppliers, lenders, and others seeking reliable data to support better business decisions.

In an industry where consumer preferences, economic conditions, legislation, and travel habits continue to evolve, reliable research has never been more important. While experience and intuition remain valuable, today’s leaders increasingly rely on objective data to help guide everything from budgeting and staffing to capital improvements and long-term strategic planning.

That is precisely the role of the ARDA International Foundation (AIF).

As the research arm supporting the vacation ownership industry, AIF sponsors independent studies that examine the trends, economics, demographics, consumer attitudes, and operational realities affecting shared ownership. Over the years, the Foundation has built one of the industry’s most comprehensive collections of research, helping professionals better understand both their customers and the marketplace they serve.

A Library of Industry Knowledge

One of the Foundation’s most valuable resources is its online research library.

The site serves as a central repository for dozens of reports covering virtually every aspect of vacation ownership. Visitors can explore studies on:

• Consumer purchasing behavior
• Owner demographics
• Owner satisfaction and usage patterns
• Exchange participation
• Resort operations
• Economic impact
• Industry performance
• Market trends
• Historical industry data

Whether you’re preparing next year’s budget, presenting to an HOA board, developing a marketing strategy, or simply trying to understand broader industry trends, the research library offers credible information that supports informed decision-making.

The reports are also valuable when explaining the industry’s economic importance to local communities, legislators, regulators, lenders, and prospective business partners.

New for 2026

Among the newest publications is the 2026 State of the Vacation Ownership Industry and Economic Impact report, one of the Foundation’s flagship annual studies.

The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of today’s vacation ownership industry, combining operational data collected from developers and management companies with independent economic analysis.

Readers will find updated information on:

• Industry sales performance
• Resort inventory and owner demographics
• Consumer usage trends
• Economic contributions of the vacation ownership industry
• Employment supported by the industry
• Payroll and tax revenue generated
• Market growth and historical comparisons
• National and regional industry statistics

For resort executives, the report provides benchmarking information that can help place their own operations within the broader marketplace. For board members, it offers valuable context for understanding industry-wide trends. Suppliers and consultants can better understand the markets they serve, while developers and investors gain insight into the industry’s continuing economic significance.

Download the 2026 State of the Vacation Ownership Industry and Economic Impact Report

An Investment in Better Decisions

Research rarely generates headlines, yet it quietly influences many of the industry’s most important decisions. Reliable data helps organizations anticipate change, identify opportunities, understand their owners, and communicate with greater confidence.

As vacation ownership continues to mature and evolve, the work of the ARDA International Foundation remains an important investment—not only in research itself, but in the long-term health and credibility of the industry.

For anyone whose career touches vacation ownership, the Foundation’s research library is well worth bookmarking.

About Resort Trades Media Group

Resort Trades’ print and digital editions are distributed on the 5th of each month. To subscribe to the free Resort Trades Weekly eMagazine, visit https://resorttrades.com/subscribe/. Call or write Marla Carroll for advertising information at 931-484-8819, .

For enquiries, contact Sharon Scott Wilson, RRP, publisher of Resort Trades Media Group. Sharon curates and writes articles covering trends and opportunities in the vacation ownership and resort development sectors, helping industry professionals strengthen relationships with their owners and guests. Idea for an article? Visit her on LinkedIn.