Reaching Timeshare Professionals…Is It Worth It?

A Small Pond Full of Very Big Fish

Let’s face it—on paper, accessing a market that serves fewer than 1,600 timeshare resorts in the U.S. might not seem like a big win. I get it. In a world obsessed with viral reach and broad exposure, “niche” can sound like “niche-market Siberia.”

But before you swipe left on the idea, hear me out. This isn’t your average niche.

This is a $14-billion-a-year, high-trust, high-transaction, relationship-driven industry packed with some of the smartest, savviest, most strategic professionals you’ll ever meet. (And I say that with deep love—and a little PTSD from sitting through some of the more, shall we say, lively industry conference panels.)

Let’s start with the hard numbers, because even dreamers like a good fact check.

According to the latest report commissioned by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), timeshare sales in 2023 hit $11 billion—a full recovery from pre-pandemic levels. In the same year, rental revenue reached a record $3 billion, thanks to the growing demand for flexibility and points-based products that let people customize their vacations like a Spotify playlist.

That’s a lot of money changing hands in a sector people think of as “niche.”

Niche Media for A Niche Market

And who’s driving that revenue? It’s not just the front desk staff or the happy families in matching vacation T-shirts. It’s the decision-makers—the executives, developers, marketers, finance experts, and consultants behind the scenes who are shaping the future of leisure travel. Those are the people who read their FREE copies of Resort Trades magazine, download the digital version, or tune into the weekly eMagazine. (Go ahead…sign up to stay current. It’s free!)

In fact, we’re the only regularly published, independent media dedicated to this unique tribe. And when I say “dedicated,” I mean full-on, monogrammed towels and anniversary dates level of dedication. For more than 30 years, we’ve been hand-delivering print editions to 6,000+ subscribers and emailing our digital weekly to over 8,000 readers—all industry professionals.

And guess what? They open our emails. A lot.

Our email open rate is 33%, which in digital terms is like hitting a home run while juggling flaming torches. Our click-through rate is a solid 2% and rising. (Just ask our readers—we track everything but whether they read us in their bathrobe. Which, for the record, we fully support.)

Now, here’s the secret sauce: Resort Trades isn’t just about display ads. When you advertise with us, you’re joining a media family that believes your message matters. We don’t just take your ad and call it a day. We:

• Post your press release on our website
• Feature it in our weekly eNewsletter
• Share it on LinkedIn and other social media
• Sometimes even turn it into a YouTube interview—at no charge

That’s right. If your story has value for the industry, we’ll record, edit, and publish a professional video interview on our YouTube channel, all part of the package. I’d challenge you to find another trade media brand—anywhere—that offers that kind of service.

As for editorial opportunities, we’re a big believer in content that educates, informs, and elevates the conversation. Want to submit a thought leadership piece? Great! Want a sponsored article? We can do that, too. Either way, we work with our advertisers to make sure their message gets the attention it deserves.

Let’s also talk about our Member Directory—a powerful marketing tool in its own right. A listing here isn’t just a digital business card. It’s an SEO booster, a credibility builder, and a budget-friendly way to stay in front of industry professionals all year long. It’s the marketing equivalent of a well-placed billboard on a resort executive’s daily commute.

Still on the fence? Here’s what industry leaders have to say:

“I never miss reviewing the latest copy of Resort Trades magazine. It’s rare to find a monthly publication dedicated to such a powerful, eager-to-learn audience.”
—Jim Madrid, CEO, Madrid Partners

“Reading Resort Trades has often been informative and inspiring. I encourage others in the vacation ownership industry to subscribe.”
—Nigel Lobo, COO, Grand Pacific Resorts

Now, I may be biased—I mean, I am the publisher—but I’ve seen firsthand the relationships that form, the deals that close, and the partnerships that grow out of a well-placed ad or a single article in our pages. We’re not just selling ad space. We’re opening doors.

So, if you’re ready to get in front of the real decision-makers—the people building the resorts, financing the purchases, training the sales teams, and steering the future of vacation ownership—Resort Trades is your place.

In a sea of big, anonymous digital platforms, we’re the trusted corner café where the insiders hang out. You might call it a niche. We call it a community—one that buys, sells, innovates, and leads. And we’d love to help you become a bigger part of it.

Let’s talk.

Contact: Marla Carroll, Marla@thetrades.com; 931-484-8819
🌐 ResortTrades.com