Resort Trades Redesign 2026
For nearly four decades, Resort Trades has been the definitive voice of the vacation ownership and travel club industry, keeping resort professionals informed, connected, and inspired. Now, as the publication approaches its 40-year milestone, Resort Trades Media Group is embarking on an ambitious refurbishment of both its print and digital platforms, reaffirming its role as the trusted hub for timeshare and resort development news.
Beginning January 2026, readers will see a completely refreshed Resort Trades—a cleaner, more contemporary design that’s easier to read and share. The publication will shift from its current super-tabloid format to a streamlined, standard size, with upgraded paper stock and enhanced visuals. The makeover preserves the magazine’s approachable editorial style while aligning its presentation with the expectations of today’s executives and marketing professionals.
Behind the redesign lies a simple goal: to make every page—and every digital touchpoint—more valuable to readers and advertisers alike.
“Our commitment is to help resort professionals stay ahead of trends, and help advertisers stay in front of them,” says Publisher Sharon Scott Wilson, RRP. “The new design will reflect the sophistication of the industry we serve.”
This refurbishment goes far beyond layout. Resort Trades Media Group now operates as a full omni-channel platform, reaching the industry’s most influential decision-makers wherever they get their news:
Together, these platforms form what the editors call “The Resort Trades Cycle of Content.” A story may debut in print, gain additional exposure in the weekly eMagazine, appear as a banner or highlight online, and even evolve into a YouTube interview (not to mention consistent, long-term, recaps in social media) — maximizing visibility for advertisers and editorial contributors alike.
The timeshare and vacation ownership market is a small pond—but it’s full of very big fish. With fewer than 1,600 resorts nationwide generating $14 billion a year in sales and rentals, this niche is powered by a concentrated network of high-level professionals who know one another and rely on trusted industry media.
Resort Trades remains the only independent B2B publication serving this community through both mailed print and digital channels. Advertisers aren’t just buying ad space—they’re joining a respected ecosystem that amplifies their brand message across multiple platforms.
As Wilson explains, “Every client’s message is echoed through our digital channels, newsletter features, LinkedIn updates, and sometimes even YouTube interviews. It’s integrated marketing that delivers real engagement.”
Recent metrics back that up:
While advertisers benefit from broader reach, readers will enjoy a sharper editorial focus in 2026. Core departments such as Faces & Places will continue to deliver insider updates from across the resort world—minus the “gossip column” feel but with all the personality that makes the section irresistible.
Regular columns will expand coverage of innovation, leadership, finance, sustainability, and technology, reflecting the evolving needs of resort developers, HOA boards, and management teams worldwide.
Resort Trades will also spotlight cross-industry trends—from hospitality technology to real-estate investment, reflecting the increasing overlap between vacation ownership and mainstream travel sectors.
Industry professionals are invited to contribute story ideas or thought-leadership articles that educate and inform resort executives. Non-promotional features can be submitted to Sharon@SharonINK.com.
For suppliers, service providers, and consultants—from finance to furnishings—the most effective way to stay visible is through a combination of advertising and sponsored content. Contact Marla Carroll (Marla@thetrades.com, 931-484-8819) to explore custom packages that integrate print, digital, and video exposure.
Founded in 1987 alongside its sister publication Golf Course Trades, Resort Trades was one of the first industry media brands to embrace digital distribution. Today, it stands alone as the only full-service news resource in the industry consistently publishing monthly print issues while expanding across web, video, and social media.
The upcoming refurbishment is more than a facelift—it’s a reaffirmation of purpose: to connect, inform, and champion the professionals who keep vacation ownership thriving.
“Our readers have trusted us for nearly forty years,” says Wilson. “This transformation ensures we’ll continue to earn that trust for the next forty.”
The Resort Trades Media Group, based in a small Southern town in Tennessee, was launched in 1978 as a resource directory to assist timeshare resort operators in resort development, management, and administration. Its editorial content soon expanded to provide not only resources for products and services, but also well-researched, relevant articles for career professionals involved in the vacation ownership industry. The Group produces a monthly print/digital magazine, a weekly eMagazine, a news-oriented website, and social media messaging integration. Contact Marla@TheTrades.com; 931-484-8819; ResortTrades.com.
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