Review, Rethink, Renew Your Timeshare Resort Business

Every year – and this year in particular – people ask, “Is the timeshare industry dying?” Ever since I joined the ARDA staff as Director of Membership in 1989, the timeshare industry’s demise has been prophesized. But guess what? This year will be the Best Year Yet!

Here’s why:

• 1 – A downward spiral in the economy. People still need to vacation (yes, need). Buying an interest in a timeshare regimen is still their best bet if they use it regularly.
• 1 ½ — A resurgence in COVID, plus downward spiral in economy. Again, owning a timeshare week means you have a prepaid vacation. And the precautions timeshare resorts took in 2020 prove they’re the best bet for safety. Not to mention, there’s no need to go out to close-packed restaurants when you’ve got a kitchen right there.
• 2 – Tightening controls in product management. Legacy projects are getting either disbanded or improved, while the three big developers are performing well with great existing, as well as new, resort properties.
• 3 – Lower cost of sales & marketing. Jason Tremblay, with Envie Holdings/Seychelle Marketing, tells us, “Digital marketing including Zoom and VR (virtual reality) presentations, plus social media, promise to reduce the costs of marketing considerably.”
• 4 – Resorts need to utilize the great #LoveMyTimeshare toolkit. Our satisfied customers are the best salespeople in the world. Use them!

Take a look at Margit Whitlock’s advice before you refurbish (or even just spruce up) your resort. While you’re at it, we recently were asked about Fiberbuilt Umbrellas and Cushion Jordan Beckner’s Resort Trades Learning Center event:

“Hi Sharon, Hope all is well with you. A few months ago, there was a webinar that highlighted a vendor that provides pool umbrellas with USB chargers, among other items.I can’t seem to locate that webinar or the vendor. Would you be so kind to forward the contact information? Thank you so much.”

For many, the end of summer and the beginning of autumn is a time to review budgets, hold HOA meetings, and plan for the coming fiscal year. Regardless of whether your budget is diminutive or expansive, you’re going to be great! So get out there with your team and strategize for a stellar year!