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Timeshare Owner's Next Vacation
Timeshare owners know the true value of their vacations – a lifetime of priceless memories! And today's timeshare owners are planning to spend even more time and money on their future vacations.
In fact, 86% of timeshare owners plan to spend as much or more time on their vacations and 84% plan to spend just as much or more money on those vacations, according to the 2018 Owners Study, conducted by Leger for the ARDA International Foundation (AIF).
Here's a few highlights from the study that gives a glimpse into the next vacation plans of today's timeshare owners:
With guaranteed vacations each and every year, timeshare owners are looking to increase their invaluable time with family.
For more information on the Owner's Study and other research studies on the timeshare industry, visit www.arda.org/foundation.
Click the the image below to download the infographic.]]>
According to the State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study 2018 Edition conducted by EY for the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), the timeshare industry is on the rise. With eight straight years of sales growth and a high average occupancy rate, the industry shows promise for a bright future.
Here are some highlights from the study:
• Sales volume rose from $9.2 billion in 2016 to $9.6 billion in 2017, nearly a four percent increase and more than 26 percent increase since 2013.
• Average occupancy rate was more than 81 percent, compared to a 65.9 percent hotel occupancy rate. Higher occupancy rate extends benefits beyond the resort itself and into the local surrounding markets and communities such as spending at local restaurants, purchasing groceries for the fully-equipped in-unit kitchen, and purchasing gas for rental cars.
• Rental revenue increased from $1.9 billion in 2016 to $2.3 billion in 2017, a 20 percent increase.
• There were 1,570 timeshare resorts in the U.S., representing approximately 205,100 units.
• About 72 percent of timeshare units are two bedrooms or more and the average unit size is over 1,000 square feet.
• The average sales price was $22,180 per interval.
• The average maintenance fee was $980, remaining relatively flat with only a one percent increase over 2016.
Other interesting facts from the study were:
• Thirty-four percent of resorts are beach resorts, making them the most common type of resort.
• Island resorts had the highest occupancy rate of nearly 90 percent.
• Florida had the highest number of timeshare resorts with 373.
• Nevada had the largest resorts with 249 units on average.
For more details from the study, check out the Timeshare in 2018: Paradise Found infographic and for a copy of the full State of the Industry study, visit www.arda.org/foundation.]]>
A new industry body aimed at representing the timeshare industry in Asia Pacific has been officially formed.
Incorporated in Singapore in May 2018, the Asia Pacific Resort Development Organisation (APRDO) is the first overarching organisation in Asia Pacific to support and promote the timeshare industry in the region, provide a framework that fosters innovation and regulation in the industry and ensures that business practices are being conducted to the highest ethical standards.
The organisation has set forth the following key objectives:
Founding members of the new organisation include representatives from businesses across the timeshare industry, who will determine the strategy, working policy and code of ethics of the organisation.
The executive committee of the organization includes –
"APRDO is designed to be a strong, professional organisation that will be both effective in representing its Members and be a respected voice in advocating for the continued success of the timeshare industry", says Bill Minnock, President of APRDO. "Through APRDO, we can build even greater consumer awareness and confidence in timeshare as a viable alternative to traditional vacation products."
For more information on APRDO or on becoming a member, please contact Jonathan Mills at firstname.lastname@example.com or any of the executive committee members.]]>
With nearly 1,800 attendees representing 35 different countries from all facets of the timeshare and vacation ownership industry, ARDA World 2018 provided industry professionals the opportunity to come together to learn and share in best practices, and discover new ideas. Five days of meetings, educational sessions, exhibitions and fun gave attendees the chance to strengthen partnerships, while also making new connections.
ARDA World hosted an impressive line-up of speakers and entertainers – including keynote speaker, Robert Stevenson who inspired attendees on how to be among a high-performance culture and stay relevant in today's technologically-accelerated business economy.
The Meet the Leaders general session offered up valuable insights from some of today's industry leaders on topical issues ranging from the impact of industry consolidation to the impending secondary market.
New to ARDA World this year, the Sales and Marketing Leaders general session took a look at how marketing and sales paradigms within the timeshare industry is shifting as new technologies continue to arise, a new generation of owners come onto the scene and continued enhancements to the overall customer experience.
The Lion's Den once again intrigued attendees as a group of bold start-ups presented their digital innovations and business plans to a panel of judges – the "Lions" of the timeshare industry. The Lion's winner turned out to be Safely Stay, whereas Beyond Pricing was the People's Choice winner.
On the final night of convention, the ARDA Awards Gala celebrated the industry's best and brightest in categories that recognized professional excellence, outstanding sales and marketing accomplishments, product design, advertising and staff. View the winners here.
Click here to view the Facebook Album for ARDA World 2018.
|Mark your calendars for ARDA World 2019 in Orlando!
ARDA World 2019
April 7-11, 2019
Hilton Orlando
Orlando, FL
The Lion's Den at ARDA World 2018
Wednesday, May 9th from 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas NV
Open to all ARDA World attendees
Back again by popular demand, The Lion's Den will take a look at a group of bold start-ups as they present their digital innovations and business plans to our panel of judges – the "Lions" of the timeshare industry. Modeled after the television show Shark Tank, this session will be judged by high profile CEOs and executives from Disney Vacation Club, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Vacatia, and Westgate Resorts.
This year our contestants include:
|Don't forget to download the ARDA World App! And be sure to add the Meet the Leaders session to your schedule so you don't miss it.
Download it here!
Meet the Leaders General Session
Meet the Leaders Session at ARDA World 2017
Tuesday, May 8th from 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas NV
Open to all ARDA World attendees
Gain insights from industry leaders on topical issues that range from the impact of industry consolidation to the impending secondary market in this robust general session called Meet the Leaders.
Let's quickly meet this year's panel:
MAURIZIO BISICKY, Chief Operating Officer – Anantara Vacation Club
Mr. Bisicky was named Chief Operating Officer of Anantara Vacation Club in October 2017 after serving as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and as Chief Commercial Officer. He led the turnaround of the organization in 2016 and has focused on strengthening the global Anantara Vacation Club team and its operational performance, while pursuing and delivering on new business opportunities. With an international background in manufacturing, finance and hospitality, Mr. Bisicky has held senior positions with key players in the vacation ownership industry in Europe and the Middle East.
MICHAEL FLASKEY, Chief Executive Officer – Diamond Resorts
With more than twenty years of senior leadership experience in public and privately-held companies Mr. Flaskey has a key focus on growth-oriented companies within the vacation ownership industry. Prior to becoming Diamond's CEO, Flaskey held the position of Chief Operations Officer from November 2016 to March 2017, of EVP and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer from 2014 to 2016, and of EVP of Sales and Marketing for North America from 2010 to 2014. Through his tenure, Diamond Resorts has achieved record growth both organically and through strategic acquisition integration. Mr. Flaskey is also key in creating many strategic ambassadorial alliances with world-famous artists and athletes. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Diamond Resorts Invitational, a nationally-televised, PGA Champions Tour-sanctioned Professional-Celebrity golf tournament.
JON FREDRICKS, President & Chief Executive Officer – Welk Resorts
Grandson of the late Lawrence Welk, Mr. Fredricks became President of Welk Resorts in 1999 and has led the company to realize unprecedented growth by fostering profitable expansion projects and organic corporate development. Fredricks' leadership has guided the strategic direction of his team, setting the company on pace to achieve over $225 million in annual revenues, with more than 55,000 owners who vacation in over 1,200 shared ownership villas. Prior to becoming President, Mr. Fredricks was the General Manager of Welk Resort Branson and Vice President of Welk Real Estate.
TOM NELSON, President & Chief Executive Officer – Holiday Inn Club Vacations
Mr. Nelson transitioned to President and Chief Executive Officer of Orange Lake Resorts in August 2017. He joined the company as Chief Financial Officer in 2003, adding president to his duties a decade later. He has overseen the tremendous business and financial growth of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations brand through its strategic alliance with IHG, as well as the acquisition of Silverleaf Resorts. Nelson brought significant corporate strategy, leadership, operations, finance and venture capital experience to Orange Lake Resorts through his career with Arthur Andersen, having created and led the company's Global Strategy Consulting business. Prior, Mr. Nelson served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Edify Corporation, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SRI International's European venture subsidiary.
|Don't forget to download the ARDA World App! And be sure to add the Meet the Leaders session to your schedule so you don't miss it.
Download it here!
2017 was a strong year for the timeshare industry with $9.2 billion in revenue in the U.S. and $19.7 billion globally. Even amidst several natural disasters that threatened the vacation experience in various locations, our industry showed its resilience to adversity by contributing $79.5 billion to the U.S. economy and $147 billion worldwide. With over 500,000 jobs in the U.S. and about 1.3 million globally, the timeshare industry is truly the backbone to several communities around the world. And with 9.2 million timeshare owners in the U.S. who spent $6.6 billion in local communities, we can rest assured that our industry continues to strengthen businesses big and small.
Our Government Affairs team continued to advocate on behalf of policies, allowing for the vitality and growth of the industry while protecting owners. Our State Affairs team experienced big wins in Florida and South Carolina and our Federal Affairs team focused on ADA reform and successful Tax Reform.
We connected through strong member events in order to collaborate on the unique opportunities ahead through ARDA World in New Orleans, our regional events throughout the country, and our Fall Conference that focused on the economic and political issues facing our industry.
We continued to tell our industry story through our core value propositions of options, space and the value of vacationing. And we will continue to share that story by incorporating ARDA International Foundation's (AIF) research and market intelligence.
Looking forward to 2018, we aim to enhance the reputation of timeshare, introduce a new generation of consumers to our product, strategize global expansion, and shut down fraud on our consumers.]]>
Diversity, inclusion, mentoring, and philanthropy are just some of the core topics that ARDA-WIN focuses on – and those core topics showed up in strong, interactive sessions at the 2018 annual meeting on January 18-19. The event focused on programming that was ripped from the headlines of some of today's overwhelming movements and real-world issues greatly effecting women.
The ARDA-WIN group also raised over $4,420 and brought together a truckload of donations for the local Orlando charity, One Heart for Women and Children.
If you are interested in being a part of ARDA-WIN, the group holds "WIN Wednesdays" every fourth Wednesday of each month in various locations throughout the US. Click here to find a location nearest you.
Learn more about ARDA-WIN by visiting http://www.arda.org/win/.]]>
By Howard C. Nusbaum, President
Regulatory issues are directly tied our industry's success. And while this side of the business may not seem as exciting or fun as sales and marketing or resort operations, I believe it truly is.
During a conference I recently attended in Spain, there were many discussions that mirrored the same challenges and opportunities that are shared at ARDA gatherings. However, due to the regulatory structure that has been in place in the United States for 35-plus years, I find that the U.S. industry has tools to better address some of these issues, with the fire-power of codified law. As such, our product structures, owners, and governing HOAs are protected – leading to a more vibrant marketplace conducive for growth.
Don't get me wrong—not every regulation and rule makes sense, despite its original intention. But from a macro perspective of growth and paths of opportunity, our regulatory regime has done more for our consumers' confidence and safety, which has fostered a more robust commercial enterprise for everyone in the business. And these laws and structures have become the hinge around which the industry has turned for the better.
You wouldn't play a game that didn't have rules, and you wouldn't want to try to run a business without the certainty offered by these laws and regulations. ARDA and ARDA-ROC are committed to continuing to support good legislation and regulatory oversight. We will also oppose laws or any part of the rule-making process that we believe do not enhance our consumers' experiences or our industry ability to flourish within that platform.
ARDA, through its awesome State & Federal Affairs teams and their partners, will continue to monitor activity at all levels of government to ensure that dangers are defeated and positive bills come to fruition as law.
So, as you can see, change is constant on these fronts. But we remain prepared, so each time that something new pops up for our teams to address, they handle it with the intentions of the owners in mind, keeping the life-blood pumping for success all around—both now and well into the future.]]>
Every autumn brings an air that is crisp and filled with a sense of change and each autumn the ARDA Fall Conference takes a look at the past year as it prepares for the upcoming new year. This year, industry leaders came together in positive synergy to look at 2018 and the endless possibilities that it holds. This air of positivity was strongly felt throughout the conference halls, in the courtyard, around dinner tables and even overflowing into the city streets of Washington DC. It helped to fuel our industry workshops and meetings during the conference, as we begin to develop key strategies that will lay the foundation for our industry's continued growth. This year's program took a deeper-dive into the economic and political environments that surround our business and the initiatives that help to drive our industry forward. Here are a few highlights:
Interval International kicked off Fall Conference with it's opening night reception.
ARDA Trustees mingled during the Trustee Foundation Dinner at the Kreeger Museum hosted by First American Title Insurance Company.
ARDA-ROC Legislative Luncheon special guest speaker A.B. Stoddard shared insightful analysis of recent mid-term elections and key forces at work in the overall political landscape.
ARDA president and CEO, Howard Nusbaum gave the State of the Industry address, which included panelists (L-R) Robb Webb of Baker & Hostetler; Robert Spottswood of Spottswood Companies; Don Harrill of Holiday Inn Club Vacations; and Mark Wang of Hilton Grand Vacations.
Keynote speaker former Chief Economist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Martin Regalia dispelled some of the mysteries of the U.S. economy (sponsored by Fidelity National Timeshare).
RCI hosted a luminous closing reception to celebrate another successful Fall Conference.
Chairman's League Breakfast (sponsored by Resort Travel & Xchange) speaker Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of The Cook Political Report and Columnist for the National Journal, shared his thoughts on political pundits and what to expect for the 2020 election.
To see more photos from the event, view our Facebook Album.
Check out all of ARDA's upcoming events here.]]>
Legacy properties have very different needs than a resort that is in the active sales phase. Lead generation and sales tools are no longer the priority, but finding ways to drive rental revenue, make investments in the resort, and protect your property become the new focus areas.
To ensure the property continues to flourish, there are four key business services that should be in place. If the list looks overwhelming without the in-house expertise needed, there's no reason to worry. There are plenty of companies that can provide these services.
#1 – Gain Control of Inventory
One unique challenge facing legacy resorts is gaining control of inventory. Legacy resorts face common issues like aging owners, increasingly delinquent maintenance fees, and the "Sunset Clause" that will come into effect over the next few years.
In these situations, it's important for legacy properties to work with professionals who can handle these issues and obtain deeds back from delinquent owners.
#2 – Maintain Revenue Streams
With timeshare sales no longer happening onsite at legacy resorts, maintaining cash flow requires rental revenue. To optimize the revenue your property can generate, it's essential to make sure the right unit is reaching the right person at the right time—and most importantly, at the right price.
When this is done properly results include growing revenue and occupancy, increasing efficiencies, and enhanced reporting and forecasting.
#3 – Invest in Your Property
When investing in your property, a good starting point is gathering feedback from your owners and rental guests. That way, you know what will have the most significant impact on traveler experiences.
After reviewing feedback, it's time to prioritize needed renovations and invest where you see fit.
#4 – Protect Your Property
While it's never a happy exercise to imagine what could go wrong at your property, insurance is essential to keeping resorts running smoothly and mitigating risk. Legacy resorts need to be mindful of their insurance coverage while also being mindful of budget.
By Sharon Scott, RRP
It is probably going to be necessary for those of us currently in authority to break existing paradigms and restructure current procedures if we are to engage this generation. We need to rethink the way we do things currently. We need to deconstruct and then reconstruct our organizations to eliminate hierarchical, top down methods.
How then are we to recruit our resorts' future leaders?
Do things "their way."
Engaging millennials in the leadership process begins with making the resort experience an important ingredient in their lives. Part of our resort's ethos must be one of fun—supporting experiential travel younger owners can enjoy with their peers. Attract them with events and activities to which millennials can relate.
Do a little research to see what millennials are buying, using individual expenditure reports to follow their interests. The results may pleasantly surprise you, as there are beginning to be more and more millennials with money to spend on fun.
Give them connectivity.
Once millennials begin vacationing at a timeshare resort, they will expect a level of service that, frankly, many of us just don't offer. They want to stay connected to the internet at all times, but they also want to stay connected to the greater community.
Make them feel they're part of it. Solicit their opinions; seek their counsel.
Leverage their sense of purpose.
Those of us who have long retained the authority to operate our companies and associations in ways that have been proven successful in the past may feel resentful, as the "new kids" dispassionately dismiss time-honored processes.
Nationally-acclaimed political columnist and author of New York Times best-seller, Applebee's America, Ron Fournier says "they are purpose-driven, having learned at an early age just how fragile life can be in the post-9/11 world." He argues they are impatient and demanding because they grew up with the Internet, which taught them they could command change and choice simply by typing.
If we want to attract millennials' hearts and minds, HOAs need to first get them invested in the concept of being part of the resort's family by providing vacations they will find desirable. After you earn their buy-in, then provide them with leadership opportunities.]]>
By Mark Wang, ARDA Chairman
Resort operations and HOAs are the proverbial yin and yang of our customers' on-property experiences. Resort teams are focused on the qualitative vacation experience—delivering lifelong memories—while our HOA teams are focused on the quantitative, fiscal stewardship to ensure the properties meet or exceed our owners' expectations in a sustainable way.
Fortunately, the people who make up our resort operations teams are nothing short of extraordinary. They know our owners and guests personally, care about their requests and concerns with passion and personalization, and treat them like friends and family. When we say timeshare is truly home away from home, it's these special team members who walk the talk.
Our industry is all about memorable vacation experiences, and they make that concept a reality every day for thousands of people from all over the world, which is not easy.
To complement the passion and dedication of those who serve our owners during their vacations, it takes unwavering commitment to consistent, high-quality customer service from those who manage our homeowners' associations—from annual meetings and ongoing Board Member relations to annual billing and all the hard work in between.
This area of our industry continues to evolve as we find new opportunities to keep owners aware and informed faster to increase engagement and satisfaction with their purchase.
Through the tremendous success of these two teams there are still challenges facing our industry, including getting board of directors' participation from the Millennial generation.
Going forward, I challenge us all to consider how we can take engagement to the next level and elevate our appeal to younger generations, as we work to make our industry as great as possible.]]>
By Nicole Beal
In just four short years, ARDA LEAPS has built a reputation for being the industry's top leadership development program. The mission statement of LEAPS is: "To develop and educate through a well-rounded and multi-faceted curriculum, future leaders committed to serving ARDA and the shared vacation ownership industry."
The program has evolved through each year of its existence, and the possibilities for what a participant can do with the experience are endless. A variety of skill-building activities and experiences offer mutually beneficial rewards to both the individual and his/her organization and then the industry overall.
Graduates of the program have created results that speak for themselves, using their unique projects, fresh ideas and inspiration to fuel change in a variety of sectors throughout vacation ownership.
An individual's leadership attributes are developed and enhanced in this program through working with other industry up-and-comers to create the future of ARDA. While everyone comes to the program with their own expertise, working together provides a glimpse into each division of timeshare and vacation ownership. At every turn, the LEAPS program immerses the participant in thoughtful and rich representations of the industry.
With this knowledge and leadership comes progression from the LEAPS participants. They are given tools that allow them to unleash previously untapped potential within their organizations and throughout the broader industry. Participants have secured elevated positions and promotions as a result of their participation, while their organizations have realized the benefit of expanded education and training, fresh ideas, and renewed motivation as an outcome of the program. Progression as an after-effect of LEAPS is felt at an individual, organizational and even industry-wide level.
Serving on committees, speaking at ARDA World and regional conferences, contributing to industry publications, hosting webinars, and promoting groups such as WIN and TIYP are just some of the ways that LEAPS participants and graduates can serve.
For more information about the program, please contact Darla Zanini, RRP, EVP of the AIF (email@example.com) or see www.arda.org/leaps. Perhaps you could be selected for next year's class!
See the full story here!
By Mark Wang
Experiential Travel is a hot topic, not just in the timeshare industry, but across all segments of travel and tourism. Consumers today are focusing a good portion of their discretionary income to focus on experiences instead of material possessions, which is great news for our industry.
Consumers no longer want to simply travel to a location and stay put, but would rather create memories through experiences no matter where they vacation. In my opinion, we have many opportunities to make the most of this growing interest.
Our communities of owners can refer and recommend to each other activities, restaurants, and so much more, which emphasizes the inherent value of being a timeshare owner versus a rental guest. They enjoy belonging to a group with others of similar interests and sharing their experiences, including their photos and videos, with one another. Part of their overall travel experience includes the enjoyment of the peer-to-peer sharing and excitement of planning their vacations with the help of other owners.
This also creates a great opportunity for the timeshare industry. We can use this to grow the overall digital experience of travel planning and sharing of experiences and memories during and after the vacation itself, which actually prolongs the feelings of excitement and overall satisfaction
Our resorts also create a ton of added value when we consider the many potential partnerships with other providers that can add to a holistic experience for our owners—from jeep rentals and hiking guides to white-water rafting hosts and tasting tours (to name a few). We have endless possibilities when we consider all the ways we can increase the breadth of our owners' experiences!
With this in mind, I challenge us all to never stop learning and to stay laser-focused on the continual discovery of what makes our customers love our product and maximize their ownership.]]>
By Howard Nusbaum
Creating a great vacation experience goes beyond just the sticks and bricks of our timeshare resorts, especially when it comes to our next generation of consumers: millennials.
The interesting trend I'm seeing with millennials is that they are becoming cultural trailblazers for older and newer generations. Consumers today are broadly catching on to the notion that experiences make you happier and are as valuable—if not more—than buying fancy things.
So how can operators of timeshare resorts and clubs capitalize on this trend as they interface with owners, exchangers, and renters? According to the professional ad/marketing industry, here are three tips for creating meaningful experiences:
Tip #1: You don't need to create large-scale, complex experiences to get add to your marketing and delivery of experiences. Keep it simple and real; talk less about the facility and more about the benefits of the overall resort experience.
Tip #2: Don't overuse technology. Most people are only interested in sharing their vacation through social media—they have the tools, all you have to do is offer an experience worth sharing.
Tip #3: Don't hide behind the "they won't want to spend their dollars on that" mentality. Study after study shows people are ready and able to pay for enhanced experiences and if it is free, they won't value it as much.
We are in the business of creating memories, so offering an array of experiences is a natural fit for our consumers. Once that is in place, then let them also organically share and market it for you.
And don't forget to share them with the ARDA communications team and VacationBetter.org.]]>
By Todd Schulte
Marketing of timeshares performs best when it is closely aligned with the unique interests, preferences, and needs of prospects. That means that the unique array of experiences your timeshare property offers—whether on-site or nearby—can be the basis for improved focus in your marketing.
By doing this you'll know who to market to and what to emphasize. And equally important, you'll know who not to market to and what not to emphasize. Great brands understand that they can't be everything to everybody.
Applying this to timeshare, it's highly unlikely that any given property is the best for golfing, and watersports, and culinary activities, and ecotourism, and extreme adventures, and…well, the list goes on. But if you determine what your strongest attractions and amenities are and then concentrate and customize your marketing to prospects who truly value those experiences, you will improve your odds of moving them to the next step on the path to purchase.
So how do you know what experiences people value most?
The best way is to work with a third-party data partner, who can reveal what your sales leads (as well as thousands of other prospects) actually spend their money on year after year, across a wide range of consumer spending categories.
Partnering with a third-party data provider offers clear insight into the priorities, spending patterns, and loyalty patterns of your prospects in ways that your own in-house data likely can't reveal.
There is currently more data available to marketers to use in their promotions than ever before. With so much data available to timeshare marketers, there's no reason not to become a truly data-empowered one. With the right partner and a willingness to invest in some testing and validating, the return on investment for every marketing dollar can be substantially better, resulting in closing more sales and booking more guests.
Read the full story here!]]>
By Howard Nusbaum
It's summer time, which for millions of Americans means vacations. And for our industry, this means show-time as we deliver on the dream of better vacationing for our consumers. That is if they take their earned vacation time.
There is good news on that front. Project: Time Off found that Americans are now using more vacation time than they have in the past decade, according to their latest report The State of American Vacation 2017. This is, of course, great news for our industry.
Even with American travel being up, our ARDA advocates have remained busy this past legislative season trying to ensure this trend continues. I'd like to share some State Affairs advocacy successes and recognize the achievements and progress our advocates have made on your behalf.
It was a busy year around the country, with bills and issues in dozens of states and jurisdictions, which tallied up an impressive list of successes. For example, in a recent Florida win, legacy resorts will now have more tools at their disposal, such as more achievable extensions to timeshare plans and important product definitions now memorialized in state law.
In South Carolina, we passed a successful piece of legislation that helps timeshare owners and their HOAs stay safe from transfer and resale scams. And in Hawaii, we were able to protect consumer privacy by protecting the integrity of timeshare owners' lists.
Looking to the Caribbean region, we mitigated onerous tax issues on behalf of timeshare owners in the USVI, while also working diligently on behalf our owners and industry in Puerto Rico and St. Marten. These are just a few of the successes that our State Affairs team have accomplished in the past year.
With these successes, we hope to make vacationing with timeshare better for each and every one of our consumers. We want to make sure that vacation usage continues to rise, while preventing any obstacles that could interfere with your vacations. So, go take your vacation this summer, I know I am looking forward to soaking up a wonderful summer right alongside our consumers!]]>
Since its inception, ARDA has been well-known for tremendous advocacy efforts for the timeshare industry and consumers, stemming from ARDA's foundation of legislative and regulatory procedures.
To provide even more consumer focus, the ARDA-Resort Owners' Coalition (ARDA-ROC)—an alliance of more than 1.6 million timeshare owners, developers, and resort managers—works to advocate for public policy positions that protect the interests of individual timeshare owners, preserve the integrity of vacation products, and enhance the vacation purchase.
Unfortunately, wherever a market exists, deceptive or fraudulent activity can also be present. The same is true for the timeshare resale or secondary market – but our team is working endlessly to protect our owners.
ARDA and ARDA-ROC consistently work to ensure that the vacation ownership experience remains preserved and protected through robust advocacy efforts with state and federal governments, as well as providing industry education to the media, financial advisors, members, owners, other associations, and consumers across the globe.
While ARDA and ARDA-ROC continuously work with legislative and regulatory agencies to protect against frauds and scams, it is important to remind our consumers to be equally as vigilant. This means researching any company in the secondary market and being on the lookout for these six red flags:
For more information on ARDA and ARDA-ROC efforts in resale legislation, owner protections and ways to stay vigilant against fraud, visit www.arda-roc.org.]]>
Every two years, we have the unique opportunity to welcome a new ARDA chair, a leader with fresh perspective and guidance to the strategic direction of the Association and the core nature of our work.
Change brings so many components to it: expectation, excitement, a sense of adventure, questions and perhaps uncertainty. Developments Magazine sat down with our new ARDA Chair, Mark Wang, president & CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations, to get a sense of his vision and plans for these next two years. Here are some of the key things discussed during that sit down:
Mark has been an entrepreneur from a young age, building companies and developing teams with this inspiring sense of the possible. He spent 26 years in Hawaii selling vacations, stating, "I started several companies and helped struggling resorts succeed. I learned all aspects of this business—sales and marketing, management, finance and operations."
He's used these lessons from his past to rise to his current role where he leads over 8,000 exceptional team members for a company that is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
As for what his top priorities are as Chairman, Mark says:
"There are three top objectives I want to focus on, especially in the first year. First and foremost, continue to support advocacy as the number-one core strength of ARDA. I've been involved with ARDA for almost 35 years, and at the state level in Hawaii I saw how strong ARDA could be, protecting both developers and owners. As a second priority, I see great opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, so I want to explore how to bring best practices and perhaps our AIF research tools to strengthen that region for growth. And my final priority would be to address exit programs and public perception, which are often inter-connected. First, we should consider owners who enjoyed the product for many years but now have a need for a soft landing. We can also enhance the overall image of timeshare, which is currently being tarnished by the tremendous activity targeting owners to 'get out of their timeshare.' We know owners love our product, and we need to protect our owners and our industry's reputation."
Overall, Mark adds, he is grateful to Howard Nusbaum and the entire team at ARDA for this opportunity to collaborate on the goals and objectives outlined in ARDA's Strategic Plan.
Here's to ARDA's new Chair and the success of our industry—the best is yet to come!
To learn more about Mark, read his full sit down in this month's issue of Developments.]]>
By Jenny Davlin
One of the best parts about being a member of ARDA is our community. Whether you focus on the regulatory and advocacy aspect or find value through AIF research and education, the ARDA community belongs to all members. And there was no better sense of this community spirit than at this year's ARDA World 2017.
Everywhere you looked, there was greatness being shown by our members.
They tirelessly volunteered, attended meetings, and contributed to the core work of task forces, committees, and councils. The Awards Gala recognized and celebrated many of the exceptional people, products, and passion in the industry. And the remarkable speakers and top-notch parties created an environment where every ARDA member in attendance benefited, learned, and laughed.
There is a common belief among our members that change brings positive opportunities for our timeshare owners and our businesses, and there were some significant changes during this ARDA World. We said good-bye to the outstanding leadership of past Chairman Weisz and welcomed Chairman Wang who will guide us for the next two years. Our foundations are strong and growth continues—all positive signs for our members.
We want to thank you for your membership and continued support! Our team continues to value your feedback and appreciates your contributions. We look forward to seeing many of you at our regional meetings, Fall Conference and other events.]]>
Three Resorts Score Top Awards
By: Kathryn Mullan
At this year's ARDA Awards Gala, three different resorts won the ACE Project of Excellence Award, which recognize some of the front-runners in today's vacation ownership resorts. Broken into three distinct categories—Domestic, International Large Developer and International Small Developer—each winning resort is truly one of a kind.
Let's take a closer look at each of these three winners:
Domestic Project Winner: RiverWalk Resort on Loon Mountain (InnSeason Resorts)
RiverWalk Resort on Loon Mountain sits at the edge of a mountain river, settled around an old New Hampshire paper mill. The land it was developed on encompasses a rich part of the Loon Mountain community history. What has emerged on this land is a luxuriant resort with fractional suites, a penthouse level, a full-service spa, state-of-the-art game room, luxury owners' club, a shuttle to Loon Mountain, and a short drive to many of White Mountain's natural wonders and attractions. Every unit features spectacular mountain views. The resort also features several amenities that are firsts in the area: a commercial winery called "7 Birches" on premises, and an indoor/outdoor swimming pool that is engineered to convert to an ice skating rink during the winter. RiverWalk Resort on Loon Mountain is an award-winning lodge that blends history, natural beauty and a vacation experience into one.
International Large Developer Winner: Marriott Vacation Club at Surfer's Paradise—Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.
Located in Queensland, on the Gold Coast of Australia, Marriott Vacation Club at Surfer's Paradise has quite the story to tell. To start, the developer acquired a hotel that was not having much success and turned the top eight floors into exquisite timeshare villas—all in only nine months (from conception to opening day). The game plan was simple: to retain eight floors of this beautiful, yet somewhat tired property and convert to 88 Vacation Ownership Villas with top-notch amenities. They re-landscaped the exterior and installed a saltwater lagoon pool that has friendly fish that hang around with the swimmers. They put in floor-to-ceiling glass so the guests may fully view the mountains, the Nerang River, and the Pacific Ocean. The décor throughout reflects the history of the region, while still being simple, crisp, light and playful. They even redesigned the lounge and made it open air. Overall, this Surfer's Paradise is a true project home-run and has been successful among owners, guests, and shareholders alike.
International Small Developer Winner: Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort by Karisma
Located on one of the world's top 10 beaches, Riviera Maya's Maroma Beach, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma offers both beautiful accommodations and innovative touches. These bungalows are Mexico's first over-the-ocean suites, featuring glass floors over the bright turquoise water. With these 30 bungalows, guests create memories that feel more like dreams. Inside each of these huts is their own private infinity pool, indoor Jacuzzi, glass bottom floors, and a personal ladder right into the Pacific Ocean for when they want to go for a dip. Each guest is also pampered with an on-site spa, world class restaurant, and customized beach picnics creating what feels like a utopia. Personalized services run the gamut from 24-hour room service, exclusive beach beds, customized beach picnics, and full butler service on-demand. The core beauty of this resort is also in its sustainability and eco-friendliness. During development, they used all native materials to construct the units, and the base of each bungalow serves also as an artificial reef to encourage activity and growth of marine life. Overall, it is truly a remarkably beautiful and eco-friendly resort that is well deserving of this ACE Award. Each of these winners have truly remarkable resorts that are bringing new innovations and ideas into the timeshare industry. May they inspire many more great works that we will celebrate at next year's awards night!
By: Howard C. Nusbaum, President
A favorite quote of mine comes from famed management consultant, educator and author Peter Drucker, who said "management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." And ARDA has been blessed with a continuing line of leaders who are all about "doing the right thing."
Using the excitement and high energy from this year's ARDA World, we are excited to keep the momentum of strong leadership going with the torch passing to Mark Wang (President and CEO of Hilton Grand Vacation) as our new Chair. One of the great benefits of this rotation of leaders every two years is the ability to bring fresh perspectives while maintaining important continuity—keeping our association and mission lean and relevant for today's world.
Mark is the latest in a line of impressive leaders who have held this role, and I am looking forward to working with him as we jump into the various programs and work initiatives.
There will not be one beat missed during this transition time as Mark has already had a head start on several of these programs. In fact, he helped lay the groundwork for many of our programs as the Chair of the ARDA Strategic Taskforce—a group of industry leaders who created our association's roadmap and plan for the next three years.
Mark was instrumental in shaping the vision for that group and has a great energy and enthusiasm for the task ahead. I've also personally had the privilege of working with Mark for nearly two decades, as he was active in ARDA-Hawaii when I first came to ARDA. His experience at this state committee level (along with his role in a global company) makes Mark the right leader for this crucial time at ARDA.
He has already begun to make his imprint in ARDA under his new role, spending the day with our team in DC in late May. With his drive and leadership, I'd say we are off to an awesome start!]]>
We are happy to share the latest research from our State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study 2017 Edition. It shows the strength and resiliency of the timeshare industry after another year of growth in 2016. Here are a few of the highlights.
In 2016:
There were some other interesting facts as well:
For more details, check out our infographic and for a copy of the full State of the Industry Study, visit www.arda.org/foundation.]]>
According to the newly released 2016 Worldwide Shared Vacation Ownership Report from the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) conducted by Oxford Economics and Leger, the international timeshare industry is a dynamic industry that spans the globe, and this extensive survey of shared vacation ownership resorts worldwide has once again revealed the industry to be formidable in size, diverse in makeup and optimistic about its future.
With over 5,300 shared vacation ownership resorts in 121 different countries around the world and comprised of more than 527,000 units, the global timeshare industry has become an economic force that is diverse and steadily rising in ownership:
An Economic Force:
Steadily Rising Ownership:
The success of the shared vacation ownership resorts around the world have led to an even more promising future. The shared vacation industry is on pace to add 91 new properties in 2017 and beyond, which will add nearly 7,300 total units for new investors to enjoy the timeshare industry, no matter where they are located.
For more details, see ARDA's infographic and for a copy of the full study, visit www.arda.org/foundation.
Since its inception, ARDA has been well-known for its tremendous advocacy efforts for the timeshare industry and consumers. These efforts stem from ARDA's foundation of legislative and regulatory procedures that protect consumers, which were established in the early 1980s. Even before those laws and regulations took effect, the industry saw the importance of having rules and standards to govern themselves by, and took appropriate steps to regulate their own business endeavors. By laying that groundwork, the industry created a product in which consumers are protected and a competitive industry platform was established. This consumer-led approach has built a loyal customer base of more than nine million timeshare owners in the United States alone.
To provide even more consumer focus, the ARDA-Resort Owners' Coalition (ARDA-ROC) – an alliance of more than 1.6 million timeshare owners, developers and resort managers – was established to advocate for public policy positions that protect the interests of individual timeshare owners, preserve the integrity of vacation products, and enhance the vacation purchase. This alliance has enabled ARDA-ROC to unite owners in support of legislative and regulatory policies that empower the timeshare industry to continue to provide high-quality vacation products that remain accessible and affordable to consumers.
Over the years, ARDA and ARDA-ROC have worked together on numerous pieces of legislation that help protect the consumer, as well as allow the vacation ownership industry to flourish. Recently, the ARDA and ARDA-ROC Government Affairs team has experienced a couple of "big wins" with Florida and South Carolina legislation.
Florida has been a leader in the development of timeshare as a vacation option since the industry's earliest days. The state has been a bellwether for advancements to the industry's product, structure and regulation, especially when dealing with lifecycle issues for older resorts.
Dozens of legacy resorts in Florida, and a corresponding estimated 300,000 owners, have timeshare plans that are set to expire within the next few years. In many cases, little or no guidance has been made available to these resorts to continue operation, or simply transition into the next phase of their lifecycle.
The ARDA and ARDA-ROC Government Affairs team worked with government leaders in the state to provide legislation that supports sustainable tools for legacy resorts and their owners. Signed into law on May 23, 2017, the new legislation will allow timeshare Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) to effectively manage terminated resorts, provide reasonable processes for older resorts to continue to thrive, and clarify the property rights of timeshare owners.
South Carolina
Timeshare owners in South Carolina felt the need for better consumer protections against deceptive companies, especially within the secondary market. Owners that have fallen victim to these companies are defrauded out of thousands of dollars for services that were never completed. Scams in the timeshare secondary market not only hurt owners, but owners' associations and damage the credibility of the entire industry as well.
The ARDA-ROC Government Affairs team won the battle for greater protections for South Carolina timeshare owners on May 22, 2017. The new law addresses the deceptive business practices of fraudulent companies by creating a clear standard of business conduct for resale companies in the state, as well as establishing increased contract requirements, escrow protections, and enforcement provisions for offenders.
This win adds to ARDA-ROC's history of success in resale and transfer legislation. ARDA-ROC has also introduced, passed, or supported resale and transfer company legislation in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Continued Advocacy
ARDA and ARDA-ROC continue to make advocacy for owners and the industry a top priority and work tirelessly to ensure that the vacation ownership product and the competitive landscape it is within remain protected.
For more information on ARDA and ARDA-ROC's Government Affairs wins, visit www.arda.org/government-affairs.]]>
In the quest for younger buyers, let's remind them that timeshare was the original sharing economy product.
As the market opportunity for new buyers shifts to younger millennials, it may be time to capitalize on what they already know and embrace: the sharing economy. Timeshare is the original product in today's popular sharing economy. This phenomenon is defined as an economic model in which individuals are able to borrow or rent assets owned by someone else. Some of the sharing economy brands that might pop into your head right away are Uber, Lyft or Airbnb – but none of these businesses can say they were the first.
Not only was the timeshare industry the first but it also remains the best shared economy product in the hospitality industry. According to Gail Mandel, president and CEO of Wyndham Destination Network, "Travelers booking through peer-to-peer listing sites (like Airbnb or HomeAway) have virtually no guarantees about what they will find upon arrival, who their hosts are, and if the properties meet safety and cleanliness standards"
In fact, a recent study by Hotel News Now revealed that 67.6% of users don't trust renting a room in someone else's house. Of course, this isn't the case with timeshare—our resorts pride themselves on providing guests the highest quality services and luxurious amenities. Timeshare brands have built strong reputations through reviews, photos, complete information, responsive platforms and a coherent and steady on-line presence.
And now with timeshare owners becoming younger (30% of new owners are millennials), a sharing economy is something they can relate to, helping change the perception of what a "normal" timeshare owner may look like. The timeshare and exchange model is actually quite appealing to millennials, which makes sense when you think about the fact that they are more interested in travel and experiences than past generations and are already so comfortable with different sharing economy businesses, according to Mandel.
Focusing on the new generation of timeshare owners through something that they are already very familiar with can help to attract new, younger families to invest in timeshare. And with using the clear advantages the industry has over peer-to-peer rentals timeshare can capitalize even further on being in the shared economy – which it has been doing ever since the beginning.
By Peter Roth
Data is an essential ingredient in any intelligent discussion, and thanks to the work of the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), I believe our industry has the right data to continue to shift away from old industry perceptions and tell our real story.
The Shared Vacation Ownership U.S. Report: 2016 Edition was a study conducted by AIF that gave us a compelling set of data that allows us to tell our story through the experiences of more than 9.2 million owners. Using the data found in this study we can counter many "myths" our industry might carry from its past. Let's take a look at six different "myths" we were able to debunk with this research:
Myth #1: Timeshare owners are mostly from an older generation.
Fact: 67% of timeshare owners are between the ages of 18 and 54, and 41% are ages 35-54. Only 33% of owners are over 55, and only 3% are older than 75.
Myth #2: Timeshare owners are from lower income brackets.
Fact: In general, the incidence of timeshare ownership increases with household income. Approximately 6.9% of the U.S. population owns timeshare, and 10.9% of those owners have $100K+ of annual household income (compared to 5.3% earning under $50K annually).
Myth #3: Retirees make up the largest group of timeshare owners.
Fact: Only 19% of timeshare owners are retired as compared to 67% either hold a fulltime job or are self-employed.
Myth #4: Timeshare owners are not highly educated.
Fact: This could not be further from the truth. 42% of timeshare owners have a college degree and 21% hold a graduate degree—with only 12% having a high school degree or less.
Myth #5: Most timeshare owners want to get out of their contract.
Fact: 70% of owners would recommend timeshare ownership, and nearly three quarters would recommend their home resort to others, based upon their experience.
Myth #6: All timeshare owners disliked the buying experience.
Fact: More than seven out of 10 recent purchasers (71%) found their buying experience to be excellent or good.
It is important for individual brands and industry members to weave these facts into their stories to discredit the old "myths" of our industry.
According to the 2017 Alamo Rent A Car Family Vacation Survey, U.S. workers are feeling more guilt than ever before about planning and taking their vacations. It seems as if the health benefits associated with vacations aren't enough to get people vacationing -- but what if vacations we a part of something bigger, like helping sustain the U.S. economy?
This is what the 34th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (May 7-13) hopes to accomplish through uniting communities nationwide to celebrate what travel means to American jobs, economic growth and personal well-being, while also showcasing the impact of travel to policymakers, business leaders and local media.
Let's take a closer look at just what the travel industry supports:
The travel industry is an indispensable source of American jobs—jobs that cannot be outsourced.
Travel workers have helped shape travel to be one of America's strongest industries.
Vacations (or leisure travel) plays a huge in making up the travel industry as a whole.
And we know that timeshare is an important component of these numbers!
Be sure to take part in this year's Travel and Tourism Week, so that you can be a part of the celebration for what this means to our industry. Encourage your followers and owners to participate by calling on elected officials and supporting travel-friendly legislation that impacts our local, state and national economies.
Two years can go by in a blink of an eye, but I can honestly say that I've enjoyed every moment of serving as your Chairman. Through that relatively short period of time, our industry has grown, prospered, changed, and weathered some interesting times. All in all, it has been an amazing period of unprecedented evolution and growth.
As an industry, we have truly come of age over the past two years and are now being seen as a significant player not just in the hospitality world but also as a business that offers a diverse portfolio of services and revenue streams. We are a unique industry with passionate owners and associates who are extremely engaged in making the most out of enjoyable vacations around the world.
The quality of our physical products has never been better, and the level of amenities and services are amazing too. And what we are doing collectively to drive innovation and create unique owner and guest experiences is pretty astounding—this is why our owners love us!
And as we look to the next two years, I am so pleased that Mark Wang will now assume this honored position and create his own legacy that will only build on this tremendous momentum. I rest easily, knowing that the organization is in good hands with his capable leadership!
Thank you all for your amazing support during my term—it truly has been an honor to serve you.
-- Steve Weisz
According to the newly released 2016 U.S. Shared Vacation Ownership Consolidated Owners Report from the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), the timeshare industry remains healthy, showing that owners have become increasingly engaged with their timeshare and the timeshare lifestyle, while the industry continues to attract new buyers.
With 9.2 million households in America already owning a timeshare, the timeshare industry still continues to attract new owners for three core reasons:
The current make up of timeshare owners also revealed how diverse owners are:
Owners are also highly educated, with about 63% having at least a four-year college degree. The median household income for timeshare owners is $81,311, much higher than the median household income of $54,000 for the U.S. on average. With this higher income, owners are spending a varying amount of money to purchase their timeshares:
Once purchased, owners are loving their properties, with seven out of 10 owners saying they would recommend timeshare ownership based upon their experience. In addition, a large majority (77%) of timeshare owners took a vacation at a timeshare resort during 2015, a very promising sign headed into the future.
The report was conducted by Leger and commissioned by the ARDA International Foundation. For more details, see ARDA's infographic and for a copy of the full study, visit www.arda.org/foundation.
At ARDA World 2017, we passed the torch of leadership from Steve Weisz, who just finished his stellar two-year term as ARDA Chairman, to the new Chairman Mark Wang. During this period of transition, I want to take the time to share the heartfelt appreciation we are all feeling for everything Steve Weisz has done for ARDA and our members in his impressive turn as leader.
In the last two years under his very capable hands, ARDA faced head-on all the challenges of a consolidating industry with a disciplined strategy to navigate the shifting components and implement key changes to remain nimble. And with his focused leadership, we have developed a new strategic plan that will guide our association through the rest of this decade.
In short, he has left your association stronger and on a more sustainable path, in light of the changes that consolidation and new business models have meant for ARDA and vacation ownership as a whole.
On a personal note, it has been an honor and a pleasure to work with Steve—I truly feel I am a better executive for the experience. I look forward to seamlessly moving forward with Mark Wang in our strategic plan process, as Steve also had a hand in making sure that succession plan would be smooth and ready to deploy.
So we say a heartfelt thank-you to Steve for all that he has given to our association – we are grateful, and I am proud of all we have achieved together during this time and that I can truly call you a friend.
-- Howard C. Nusbaum
ARDA World 2017 is quickly approaching, so it is time to decide what sessions you are going to attend while in New Orleans. As it is every year, there will be plenty of sessions that are informative, educational and even fun.
Let's take a look at a few:
These are just some of the many sessions happening at this year's ARDA World Convention, and to make things easier for attendees we have the ARDA World App., which allows you to set-up your own schedule, read more about every session and receive the latest updates before and during convention. So, download the ARDA World App for your iPhone, Android, Blackberry or Windows Phone to stay up on the very latest, and be sure to visit www.arda.org/convention. We'll see you next week!]]>
ARDA World is quickly approaching, so it's time to for you to decide what events, sessions and meetings you want to attend. One of the most popular and informative sessions from previous years will be returning this year -- the Meet the Leaders general session, sponsored by Baker & Hostetler LLP. This is open to all attendees. Our panel of industry leaders will address topical issues ranging from the impact of industry consolidation to the secondary market – in what will surely be a robust discussion.
Let's meet this year's panel:
Don Harrill, CEO - Holiday Inn Vacations Club
Mr. Harrill has been Chief Executive Officer of Holiday Inn Club Vacations since 2005, leading the organization to years of consecutive record growth and becoming a key voice within the timeshare industry. He arrived to Holiday Inn Club Vacations with more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, eight of those at the helm of industry-leading timeshare organizations Trendwest Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations Company.
Serge Rivera, President & CEO - ILG Vacation Ownership
Mr. Rivera was just named President & CEO of ILG Vacation Ownership in November 2016. As President & CEO his responsibilities include leading the vacation ownership development, marketing, sales, and resort operations for the recently acquired Vistana Signature Experiences, as well as for Hyatt Vacation Ownership. Prior to joining ILG, Rivera was most recently president of The Americas for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
Robert Spottswood, President - Spottswood Companies, Inc.
Mr. Spottswood is president and founder of Spottswood Companies, Inc., which has grown to become one of the leading real estate development, property management and hospitality businesses in the Florida Keys. Since 1992 Spottswood Companies has been responsible for the development of the Hyatt Vacation Club, Hyatt Sunset Harbor Resort, Hyatt Beach House Resort, Hyatt Windward Pointe Resort and many other hotels and resorts in the area. Today, Spottswood has grown his company to be one of the Keys' largest private employers.
Mark Wang, President & CEO - Hilton Grand Vacations
Mr. Wang is President of Hilton Grand Vacations. Prior to joining the company, Wang co-founded PAHIO Resorts in Hawaii and served as its president for six years. He later formed Grand Ownership Resorts, Ltd., a consulting company that developed a successful vacation ownership program at The Bay Club on the Big Island of Hawaii, a resort now managed by Hilton Grand Vacations.
Steve Weisz, President & CEO - Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Mr. Weisz is President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation. As president of Marriott Vacation Club International, he has led the vacation ownership division and oversaw three brands under the Marriott Vacation Club International umbrella, including: Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. He has over 39 years of experience in the industry with Marriott.
With all of these great, knowledgeable leaders, The Meet the Leaders general session is something you do not want to miss! Be sure to put it in your schedule of events for 10:30-11:30 am Tuesday, March 28.
As an integral part of the industry, the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) has a full slate of activities planned for the 2017 ARDA World Convention. With a new location, this year in New Orleans, Louisiana, it is the perfect time for AIF to try some new and exciting ideas at convention.
First, we'll be recording the Fundamental Timeshare Sessions to refresh the on-line "Timeshare 101" education offering now available at www. aifeducates.org. So, for the industry professionals who can't attend Convention, they will now have access to this great information that will aid in their professional development and career advancement.
In addition, we have a few events planned:
On Sunday, March 26, the current LEAPS (Leadership Education Action Progression and Service) class will graduate at an invitation-only reception. The incoming LEAPS class members will also make their debut at this reception and ARDA LEAPS alumni, who now number more than 60, are also invited. The 2016-2017 LEAPS class will be presented during one of the general sessions, and their class project was also a new idea: a video showcasing the vacation ownership industry as a great place to begin and spend a career
Make sure to plan to attend as many AIF events as possible at this year's ARDA World Convention, you'll get to experience some new things while also participating in some of your old favorites.
An Interactive 'Digital Meets Travel' Pitch Competition
Wednesday, March 29,
2017 from 10-11:30 am
Celestin Ballroom, The Hyatt Regency
Open to all ARDA World attendees.
This year, ARDA World will be bringing back one of its most popular events from last year, The Lion's Den, sponsored by Vacatia. Modeled after Shark Tank, you'll watch as a select group of six bold start-ups present their digital innovations and business plans to our panel of judges—the Lions of the timeshare industry—including three high profile CEOs and executives of Disney, Welk Resorts and Vacatia.
Our contestants include:
Our judges will evaluate the companies and, following a live audience vote, a winner will be announced! They'll gain massive exposure to members of the timeshare industry, feedback on their innovations, and it's all happening live at ARDA World 2017!
Join us and cast your vote live alongside the judges!
By Kathryn Mullan
I was fortunate enough to sit-down with Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOCVB), to discuss what the attendees of ARDA World 2017 can expect from the great city of New Orleans, as well as what the city has to offer to the timeshare industry.
Here's part of our interview:
Is there anything special you'd like to say to the attendees at ARDA World 2017?
Stephen Perry: Whether this is your first time to New Orleans or you're a regular visitor, be sure to bring your sense of adventure and get ready to explore our historic, culturally rich and truly authentic city.
And while there are endless things to do in our renowned French Quarter, I encourage you to explore our other unique neighborhoods—from the Bywater to the Garden District, the Warehouse District to Uptown, every neighborhood has a story to tell. The Crescent City is not only the birthplace of jazz, it's a one-of-a-kind destination, with award-winning cuisine in our 1,400+ restaurants, a rich history seen in our architecture, world-class museums, neighborhood tours, steamboat rides, and other memorable attractions and experiences.
What role does timeshare play in the New Orleans hospitality industry?
SP: Every visitor has a valued impact on our economy and helps support the nearly 80,000 New Orleanians directly employed by the hospitality industry. The options presented through vacation rentals, timeshares and other diverse accommodations make New Orleans even more appealing for families, groups and extended stay visitors. A timeshare is a great way to get to know the city and experience it like a local. As New Orleans continues to attract more visitors each year, alternative accommodations have become an increasing segment of the hospitality industry.
What, if anything, does New Orleans do to work with and support new timeshare projects?
SP: The NOCVB works closely with hotel and vacation properties to continue developing the best accommodations and offerings for our visitors. As visitation continues to grow—particularly from international markets—we will continue to support new projects that expand our inventory of available accommodations.
There has never been a better time than now to visit and discover the sights, sounds and flavors that make New Orleans so unique!
You can read the full interview in the recent February Developments Magazine – see it here.]]>
By Charlene Small, ARDA
By definition advocacy means fervently supporting or recommending something—an organization, idea, industry—you name it. ARDA has not only embodied advocacy through countless legislative and regulatory successes for years but has also taken its advocacy efforts beyond state governments and Capitol Hill to the media, financial advisors, members, owners, other associations and consumers across the globe.
This full-bodied advocacy method is needed more than ever, as we build a robust industry in today's global economy.
Planting the Seeds
ARDA's advocacy efforts stem from the foundation of legislative and regulatory procedures that protect consumers, which were established in the early 1980s. Even before those laws and regulations took effect, the industry saw the importance of having rules and standards to govern themselves by and took appropriate steps to regulate their own business endeavors. By laying that groundwork, the industry created a product in which consumers are protected, and a competitive industry platform was established.
Building Relationships
Creating strategic partners is a key advocacy tool to building a prosperous industry. Associations like ARDA create the platform that brings the right people together to solve problems and develop innovations.
Whether it is helping to establish a regional timeshare association in Asia, collaborating with TATOC on best practices in Europe, working alongside government officials and developers in St. Maarten on timeshare legislation, or simply acting as an ambassador for the industry, ARDA's diverse advocacy efforts impact many constituencies around the world.
Global Insight: Local Impact
Today's global economy urges the removal of geographic borders, making the barriers to business relatively limitless. In fact, ARDA's vision for the future of the timeshare industry concentrates on doing just that. ARDA aims to take the global insights we gain from our strategic partners, such as sister organization the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) and other organizations around the globe, to create even more advocacy efforts at local levels—wherever "local" may be.
Timeshare's Bright Future
Our industry provides the chance to experience a different culture, learn a little bit more about the world, and come back refreshed and enriched from the experience. And the greatest part about using timeshare for these experiences is that our products offer enough space for everyone in the family to comfortably enjoy the trip, a world of options for destinations to travel, and the value of knowing that they have a pre-paid vacation every year.
Especially now, with nearly $20 billion in total sales worldwide and timeshare in 121 countries, it's an exciting time to be advocating for the industry on a global scale.
ARDA-WIN to Focus on People with Disabilities in 2017
By Judy Kenninger
Rarely has an ARDA World session stirred its audience like the 2016 Lion's Den program, when representatives from tech start-ups pitched their ideas a la Shark Tank. One of the entrepreneurs featured, Benedict Jones, was developing a website with property ratings for an audience he's a part of: travelers with disabilities.
The inspiration for Trekkable.co, Jones' company, was in the difficulties Jones faced travelling in a wheelchair. At times, he has had to switch properties because the only accessible room was already sold to another guest.
Jones' story resonated with Sarah King, executive vice president, human resources, Wyndham Vacation Ownership. "As leader of the ARDA-WIN Committee's Diversity and Inclusion Content Group, I saw this as an important constituency for our group to reach out to," said King. "After getting the group's buy-in, we've made this our focus area for 2017."
Jones was the keynote speaker at ARDA-WIN's Orlando regional meeting (Thursday and Friday, January 26-27, 2017), where the group assisted with a forum on the topic at the upcoming ARDA World convention in New Orleans.
According to King, opening our hearts and doors to people with disabilities is not just the right thing to do from a moral perspective; it's also the right idea for our businesses.
To learn more about Jones and strategies to help with the inclusion of travelers with disabilities be sure to check out the January edition of Developments Magazine and join us at this year's ARDA World to learn more about this topic and much more!
Another ARDA World Convention is on the horizon – our first one in New Orleans! Register for this March 26-30 event by February 27th to get a discount. It will be a great opportunity to dive in head first and take advantage of everything our annual meeting has to offer. Whether you are with an exchange company, a developer, a management company, a financial institution or a law firm, there is something for everyone during this great event!
What's Happening at ARDA World 2017
Three innovative and engaging General Sessions
Dedicated Marketplace hours: Tuesday, 11:30 am-2:30 pm and Wednesday, 11:30 am-2:00 pm
Over 25 educational sessions covering the latest industry trends and best practices
Evening Sessions
It just isn't ARDA Convention without the signature events that make our annual gathering so legendary, it's also the world-class parties! Here are a few for you to start thinking about:
Poker Tournament, sponsored by TrackResults Software, with proceeds going to Send Me on Vacation: Sunday, March 26, 8:00-11:30 pm
All-attendee Welcome Party hosted by RCI: Monday, March 27, 7:00-10:00 pm
Interval International's Party with a cause at The Saenger Theatre, $40 presale/$50 at the door: Tuesday, March 28, 9:00 pm
ARDA Awards Gala & Entertainment: Wednesday, March 29, 7:00-10:00 pm
Why should YOU be there?
So, make sure you are at ARDA World 2017 this year in New Orleans, Louisiana. Register here.
By Geri Bain
With change comes opportunity. That's certainly the view of the six industry leaders that we had the chance to talk with for their perspectives on where vacation ownership is headed in 2017. These leaders were selected because of their innovation and ability to change with the times. With each industry titan we discussed successes, challenges and the overall outlook heading into 2017. Here are some key points from our interviews.
Jon P. Fredricks, president & CEO, Welk Resorts says consumer desires are changing more rapidly than ever. Fortunately, the timeshare industry thrives on change and has been meeting the new needs of consumers through diverse product options.
David C. Gilbert, president, Interval International has a positive outlook for the future, saying that the timeshare industry has seen increases in sales in the U.S. for the last several years and, with the addition of new resorts being built, he anticipates that will continue.
Mitchell Imanaka, managing principal, Imanaka Asato had similar sentiments as Gilbert, stating the slow and measured recovery of the economy, coupled with a low interest rate environment, has set the stage for greater demand, which will drive increased development activity.
Gordon Gurnik, president, RCI thinks that the timeshare industry will also grow internationally because, globally, the feeling that vacationing is essential to well-being and success is more pervasive than ever. And timeshare is well-positioned to provide that guaranteed vacation, year after year.
Ken Potrock, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club believes the industry needs to continue to push for a higher standard of customer care so that the focus stays on the great benefits that vacation ownership provides.
Find out what else these insightful leaders had to say in our discussion about the upcoming year for the timeshare industry in the recent January edition of Developments.]]>
From the inauguration of our new president to welcoming a Republication majority in the U.S. House and Senate, 2017 is set to be an extraordinary year—filled with potential of tremendous impact on not only our nation but also our industry. We spoke with our federal and state government affairs teams to get their take on how the recent historical elections may impact the timeshare industry, as well as any key advocacy efforts they plan to focus on in this new year.
Let's take a look at some snippets from what our legislative team had to say about how the timeshare industry as a whole and some of their new advocacy efforts.
Robert Clements
Last year I set out to build strong relationships with attorneys general, as well as other regulatory and enforcement agencies in our key states. This year, I intend to continue those outreach and relationship building efforts throughout the country. Through these relationships, I plan to provide these groups with a greater understanding of the current state of timeshare and the positive and negative issues that may affect the industry.
With the 2017 legislative sessions about to start around the country, we'll continue to monitor legislation and work with our members to advocate for their legislative needs.
Chris Stewart
The 2016 election results were surprising across the country, when compared to expectations set by the polls. Beyond the presidential level, many economists and politically-seasoned forecasters predicted gains by Democrats in several down-ticket races. Clearly, that didn't happen. However, after the election, the new members of Congress will help to reduce the concerns regarding new taxes.
Justin Vermuth
While our 2017 goals are still being finalized, they can fit in two general buckets. The first bucket looks at breaking down the impediments that members have while attempting to do business in a timely and efficient manner. For example, if registration approvals are taking too long in a state, then we brainstorm on what can be done to get the agency the right tools or resources to help expedite the process.
The second bucket concentrates on timeshare owner protection. This includes utilizing our new staff resources to consult with enforcement officials on implementing some of the great consumer protection tools we have already passed in Massachusetts, Florida, Colorado, to name a few. Also, dealing with the termination dates that are approaching for legacy resorts. And of course, there are always tax issues to contend with.
Kevin Riley
With regard to ARDA's key legislative priorities in 2017, there is reason to be fairly optimistic that the composition of the incoming administration—as well as Congress—will be more receptive to the issues plaguing businesses across our nation, including those that affect our industry and its members.
The ARDA Federal Affairs team will continue its efforts with the new Congress to support legislation that will better align this agency with its governmental counterparts and install much-needed oversight and transparency.
ARDA's outreach to legislators will continue in 2017, and we are hopeful that this administration will not hinder our efforts, as we are joined by a broad coalition of businesses from across the nation
Find out what else our legislative team had to say about how the recent election will impact our industry in this month's Developments Magazine.]]>
On January 31st Project:Time Off is hosting its first national "Plan for Vacation Day" encouraging Americans to declare their vacation days for the rest of the year…at the start of the year. National Plan for Vacation Day encourages families to sit down together and map out their vacation plans for the coming year. This is a great concept that we believe many timeshare owners embrace already.
Why is planning so important?
In our culture of packed schedules, hyper-connectivity and work martyrdom, American workers are in serious need of a break. But as a whole, Americans leave 658 million vacation days unused each year!
We understand the value of vacation time for our relationships, personal well-being, and professional success. Yet, 51% of Americans skip out on planning, which is the single-most important step workers can take to ensure they are using their vacation time each year.
The power of planning is evident. Individuals who plan are more likely to use all of their time off, take more vacation days at once and report greater levels of happiness in every category measured. In-depth research proves that the Americans who take time to plan ahead are happier with their health and well-being, their financial situation, their marriage, and even their overall mood. Research also shows that simply having something to look forward to—like a vacation—improves happiness.
Why don't workers take time off?
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of employees report that they hear nothing, mixed messages, or discouraging messages about taking time off, which leads to them choose not taking any vacation. Yet, 80 percent of employees said if they felt fully supported and encouraged by their boss, they would be likely to take more time off.
It is clear that workers who plan reap the rewards:
It's time to start being intentional about how we spend our days. Americans need a wake-up call to take back their calendars and #PlanForVacation.
ARDA has supported, and will continue to support, this initiative – I encourage you to ask yourselves how you can engage with your owners to assist them with planning for their time off. Remember that happy owners are our industries best advocates.
By Howard C. Nusbaum, RRP, President & CEO ARDA
It's already mid-January – how are your resolutions coming along? If you're anything like me, it may be better to take on a resolution that won't be painful and offers a big ROI: becoming more engaged in ARDA and your industry.
Hopefully, you have seen the ARDA "Proud" ad, featuring three strong actions: "Protect, Connect, and Affect." These three simple words stand for various ways ARDA can enhance both the overall industry community and your personal career and business at the same time.
ARDA works to help enhance and protect our industry through government affairs at the local, state, and federal level. As a member, you participate in this important work through one of the many ARDA advocacy-related committees.
Another key mission of ARDA is connecting each of you through meetings and events. Helping us plan an educational forum or participating in a networking event at Convention, Fall Conference, or a regional meeting are easy ways to dive into a community of resources. It may be a journey that leads to a new business partner or just the chance to share a best practice or even solve a problem.
And finally, get your hands in the clay with us and actually affect the industry you work within. Again, committees are a great starting place, as are various volunteer opportunities with the AIF or a similar outreach program. I encourage you to be selfish and have a vested interest—be involved in a way that helps your business, fills a need, plugs a hole, or just rounds out your career.
So, in 2017 become more involved in ARDA and see a great return on your investment of time. Start today by registering for ARDA World in New Orleans registration opened December 1. Happy New Year!]]>
By Odilia Guiant, Senior Vice President, ResortCom International
If you are like most developers today, your goal is to deliver on the promise of your product, provide great vacation experiences, and create brand loyalty. Your success is based on and measured by customer satisfaction. A major factor in delivering and staying competitive in the industry is the ability to handle your customers with ease throughout their entire membership lifecycle. Your infrastructure of systems and people is paramount in the daily execution of every touch-point.
So, what system should you choose? With so many software options in the marketplace, the decision becomes a difficult one. What about servicing companies—do you use them or not?
Many developers task their executives with finding a cost-effective solution that covers the majority of the business needs today. More than a solution, however, the focus should be geared toward finding a "strategic partner" that can scale your business growth plans, who understands your priorities and the demands of the vacation industry.
Mega-hospitality giants may rely on in-house IT departments to develop and maintain customer engagement systems, while small- and mid-size companies often reach out to third party providers to shore up portions of their platform. A viable vendor should be able to provide a suite of components and/or the entire system as a solution.
Ultimately, great emphasis should be placed on finding a partnership and collaboration rather than engaging a third party vendor who simply provides the services requested. And sometimes, cheaper is not always better.
To gain more knowledge on making the right expense choices and to learn about choosing the right partner and building and maintaining relationships with them be sure to read the full article in the November/December 2016 edition of Developments.]]>
By Steve Weisz
There's no doubt that the world of technology is extremely broad, and that it's been woven into our day-to-day lives in countless ways. Consumers now have capabilities at their fingertips that not long ago would seem futuristic at best and something you would only see in the movies.
Therein lies a difficult challenge for our industry. Innovations in technology have created a higher standard of expectation that you're constantly measured by. I am sure that you have heard something like:
"Why don't you have an app to do that?"
"How come I can't just do that online?"
"I should just be able to do that on my phone."
If your organization doesn't address issues such as these, you run the risk of becoming irrelevant in the eyes of the everyday consumer.
But even if you do address today's requests, you get into playing a game of catch-up. This is because customer needs evolve as quickly as technology develops new applications. Now, more than ever, companies need to invest an increasing amount of time and resources just to stay current and often have to forget about trying to be cutting edge.
From a business perspective, technology has been game-changer, where advancements have given us amazing capabilities and efficiencies that have allowed our industry to grow in vast and exciting ways. Inventory management, cost and performance tracking to complex databases where customer profiles, and vacation habits and preferences are at our fingertips. These have all moved us into a new generation that has created revenue channels and efficiencies that just 10 years ago would not have been possible.
If you are like me, you may find that the notion of embracing technology can often be daunting, but there's no turning back now. I encourage you to look for your own ways on how to leverage it in amazing new ways!]]>
By Peter Roth, ARDA
As our industry continues to develop solutions for owners who believe their vacation ownership does not match their present vacation plans, it is important to educate consumers about the exit process and provide them with the resources to make an informed decision. As we all can attest, the fraudulent misdeeds of companies targeting many owners—especially senior citizens—have added a layer of confusion with regard to our product.
While our industry leaders, ARDA-ROC, and ARDA State Affairs staff rigorously work with state and local law enforcement agencies to enact stricter consumer protections, it is virtually impossible to control the actions of all bad players scamming our owners. However, because those actions affect the entire industry, we can help share a consistent set of guiding principles for a safe resale process across the industry.
ARDA provides resale tips to help navigate consumers through the exit process, which can be found on ARDA-ROC.org. We also make the information available to owners who call our customer service portal directly with inquiries, to regulators, and to other state agencies—as well as the media.
To learn about the eight resale tips read this month's issue of Developments magazine or to view the latest consumer advisories that include some of the most recent resale scams, visit our timeshare resales resource center.]]>
By Phil Nix & Chris Folsom
The vacation ownership industry continued to expand through 2015 with reported revenue growth of 8.2 percent, a higher rate than both 2013 and 2014. In addition, Deloitte's research for the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) indicates the U.S. vacation ownership industry has grown at a relatively strong pace, as it continues to withstand the turbulence observed in the broader economy.
The growth is a positive sign for the Timeshare Industry, but there are more numbers to dive into using AIF's Financial Performance 2016: A Survey of Timeshare & Vacation Ownership Companies.
The results of the Financial Performance survey are a measure of 2015 calendar year performance as reported by timeshare company respondents. The results below are a summary of selected key metrics that AIF believes provide an overview of the vacation timeshare industry in the United States.
For a more detailed look at this report be sure to visit or read about it in this month's edition of Developments.
By Kathryn Mullan
They say that you're stronger together, and there's power in numbers. This is a core principle of ARDA—how we have built our advocacy groups and likewise grown our entire membership base over the last 45 years. This is even truer at the state level, with various Committees doing awesome work around the country on behalf of the vacation ownership industry.
The state of Virginia is one of the best examples of this principle in action. A local group of developers and vendors came together in the early 1990s, as one of the earliest state group prototypes—banding together on common interests to help build a healthy environment for both development and owners. In 1994, they decided to organize in a more official way and founded the Virginia Resort Development Association, Inc. (VRDA), a Virginia non- stock company.
During the 22 years of VRDAs existence, there have been many accomplishments and key points of work—namely, the writing and frequent updating of the Virginia Real Estate Time-share Act and its related regulations.
As with most things, there comes a point in time where trends in the industry— namely, consolidation—drive change, and the current VRDA is now considering a dissolution of the association and a shift to an ARDA-Virginia State Committee. If the VRDA Board approves this action at its upcoming December meeting, this change will take effect on January 1, 2017. ARDA State Affairs Director Justin Vermuth will become the lead contact for the Committee (as staff liaison)—working closely with local lobbyists, developer/management/ exchange companies, and vendor/owner groups with interests in this state.
Developments sat down with both Philip Richardson and Justin Vermuth to discuss these pending changes, as the VRDA turns the final page of its book and opens to new opportunities. Pick up this month's installment of Developments to find out what they had to say about VRDA's lasting legacy and where they plan on taking VRDA next.
By Steve Weisz, President/CEO of Marriott Vacations Worldwide & Chairman of the Board of Directors, ARDA
In what is surely considered one of the most unique (or bizarre) political seasons in some time, it serves to remind us just how much politics and the mechanisms of government can impact our timeshare industry.
The contributions that ARDA provides in the forming and managing of regulatory and legislation issues is a never-ending task. From taxation and consumer protection to state-by-state guidelines, the laws that are voted in place can have an enormous impact in our efforts to grow and thrive in development, management, and the sale and marketing of our products. Politics, politicians, and policy are a complicated and ever-changing landscape, to say the least.
Working on behalf of the millions of vacation owners is ARDA-ROC, which serves as the constant voice and first line of defense to the federal, state, and local legislative entities that could pass laws that may negatively impact ownership and the ability to enjoy the vacation time that they have purchased. ARDA-ROC also serves as a constant educational platform for policymakers, so they may better understand the uniqueness and complexities of timeshare.
Shaping the industry for a bright and prosperous future could simply not be done without the collaborative relationship we have with lawmakers and influencers that stand on both sides of the political aisle. From attorneys general, legislators, and even governors, it is extremely important to make sure we stay ahead of the issues and have the important cooperative relationships that benefit us as a whole.
As an industry, we must collectively continue to be consumer advocates against unfair taxation, resale scams, and other undermining factors that can affect our fiscal health—while, at the same time, embracing regulations that provide confidence to consumers that they can put their trust in the products we offer.
(Click here for this column and more content from the October 2016 Developments. ).]]>
By Charlene Small
Timeshare owners get it. They know that owning a timeshare means a guaranteed once-in-a-lifetime vacation at least once a year, every year for as long as they want to take it. Owners know that the experiences and memories they gain on these vacations with their families and loved ones far outweigh any negative perceptions or influences.
Ensuring that timeshare ownership continues to be preserved, protected and enhanced is a complex task that the American Resort Development Association Resort Owners' Coalition (ARDA-ROC) is proud to take on.
Empowered by timeshare owners, ARDA- ROC effectively influences legislation that strengthens the timeshare industry, giving owners countless memorable experiences. In order to preserve and protect vacation ownership, ARDA-ROC focuses its advocacy on four main pillars of legislation.
Resale and transfer legislation: ARDA-ROC helps protect owners from falling victim to scams by introducing or assisting in passing pro-consumer legislation, allowing owners to safely and gracefully exit their timeshare ownership. These legislative efforts continue to protect owners by holding accountable those companies that use deceptive business practices in an attempt to defraud owners.
Timeshare owner privacy laws: ARDA-ROC ensures that the owner's privacy is always protected by enacting responsible privacy laws that withhold personal information from being shared with third parties for commercial purposes, unwanted solicitation, or fraudulent activity.
Transient accommodations tax (TAT): ARDA-ROC strongly opposes any effort to impose an accommodation tax on the use of a timeshare unit by an owner or exchange guest. Timeshare owners already pay a number of taxes and fees related to their purchase and ownership obligations. Adding an additional tax like TAT, when owners want to extend their vacation experience beyond their home resort, would ultimately put limits on the owner's vacation ownership.
Non-judicial foreclosure: ARDA-ROC saves HOAs time and money by supporting non-judicial foreclosure laws that enable the trustee of a timeshare to conduct a foreclosure sale outside the court system.
Using these four main pillars, ARDA-ROC has championed owners' interests for their timeshare on every regulatory and legislative level for more than 25 years! As future generations begin to enjoy the sharing economy, timeshare ownership will continue to be a valued community that must remain preserved, protected and enhanced.
By Jess Hoover, Sustainability Coordinator & Hilary Chu, HR Director (Breckenridge Grand Vacations)
We who work in the vacation industry are fortunate to help create memories and experiences that touch the lives of our owners, guests, employees, and communities. Because vacation ownership is frequently passed down through generations, we also have an incredible opportunity to showcase sustainable ideas and practices designed to ensure that these experiences continue well into the future.
The impacts of resort sustainability are far-reaching. Businesses with strong sustainability ethics set examples for other companies in their industries, their communities, their customers, and their employees. Sustainability makes business sense, too. Increasingly, consumers report supporting businesses with established sustainability programs.
Moreover, adopting environmentally friendly behaviors, such as recycling and decreasing energy usage, are often cost beneficial. These behaviors foster habits that employees can take from work to their communities and homes. And, of course, sustainability is important for maintaining the vitality of the local environment.
It is important to make sustainability fun and engaging by celebrating events like Bike to Work Day and Earth Day with employees and guests on property. Consider creating resort activities that relate to sustainability issues.
When starting your sustainability program, map out how your efforts will fit in with your company's larger mission, culture, resort, and community—aligning strategically along key paths of change. Your leadership team should understand not only how sustainability can be practiced at your resorts but also its role at the department level. Challenge your departments to think of what actions they can take to reduce their overall impact.
As with any new program or initiative, it is always good to walk before you run. And once you've made some impactful changes, be sure to share them!
For the full article on this important topic, see this month's Developments Magazine.]]>
By: Steve Weisz, ARDA Chairman and President/CEO Marriott Vacations Worldwide
We sadly have a society of "work martyrs" that rationalize that it isn't practical, easy, or "safe" to take time off and enjoy it as we should. Some see it as a fear of being replaced, the thought of a mountain of work that will await their return, or even worse, that a company or management culture doesn't encourage it.
ARDA has proudly partnered with the U.S. Travel Association and their PROJECT: TIME OFF initiative, and I think the findings are nothing short of staggering. On the bright side, imagine the untapped opportunities that are out there for all these people who are getting paid to go on vacation! Who better to help them get there than us—companies that are in the vacation business?
Unlocking this earned vacation time isn't an easy task, and unfortunately, the trend is getting worse—with paid time of usage decreasing in the last 15 years from 20.3 days to 16.2 days.
While it may not be easy, it is possible. Changes in employee and employer mindsets are critical to reshape the perceptions and misconceptions as well as create and embrace a balance work-life culture where the reward for hard work is simply some "you" time. PROJECT: TIME OFF has made some great strides to bring this issue to the forefront and created some amazing campaigns that I encourage you to check out.
By Catherine Reynolds
Timeshare owners often choose to vacation in their same "spot" year after year for good reason…they consider their resort a home away from home. For long-time owners, countless memories have been created on vacations over the years, creating a special bond between them and their home resort.
But what happens when it's not as easy to handle the burdens of traveling and ownership? Time is inevitable and aging owners typically experience a change in circumstances over the years between likewise aging spouses, children and grandchildren, finances, health issues and other life changes.
In addition, the resort itself must stay healthy as it matures. A property that is struggling financially and becomes unable to maintain its quality can lead to owners becoming displeased with their experience and ultimately the resort.
Thankfully, resorts can use several tools to help mitigate some of these "age old" issues.
Set the stage for the next generation - If your property is still offering the classic week-for-week exchange option to your guests, you likely aren't offering the level of flexibility the next generation of owners' want and need. A flexible points program offering nightly stays and reward benefits are a great way to it the needs of the next generation.
Engage your owners - Keeping your owners engaged with the property is imperative to keeping them as owners. When owners only visit for a few days out of the year, it's very easy for a resort to be out of sight and out of mind. Setting up a consistent communication with owners can help keep their attention.
Make it easy and safe for your owners to pay their maintenance fees - There is a wide range of billing services available to assist a property with maintenance fee collections. Providing the ability to submit payments easily via your resort website is ideal.
Maintain and upkeep the property for future owners - Where possible, focus on updating the look and feel of the units and facilities. Even small improvements, like painting and keeping common areas clean, can make a world of difference.
Provide a robust rental program - If annual travel and budgets are issues for your owners, then providing them with a successful and reliable rental program will allow them to keep their ownership and return to the resort when they are able.
Have a collections solution in place that you can stand by - Many services, such as Blackwell Recovery, use a soft approach to collections and will work with owners to find a payment plan that its an owner's needs.By keeping owners in the loop through communication and making the vacation ownership responsibilities simple, aging owners are more likely to keep up with their timeshare responsibilities. ]]>
Timeshare Companies Demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility
Many of the top timeshare industry leaders have impressive social responsibility programs –creating positive impacts on their communities, supporting diversity/inclusion and the various cultures in which they operate, which enhances the lives of their employees and protects the environment.
These "doing good" initiatives are by no means unique in our industry, nor are the corporate social responsibility efforts limited to specific programs. In addition to providing great environments for owners, guests and employees, many timeshare companies have strong corporate cultures that support charitable works, environmental stewardship, and other positive efforts.
By the very nature of the vacation business we are in, we make a positive impact on owners, members, and guests. In 2016, we are proud that so many are providing some of the most innovative and impactful programs around—all focused on ways to enhance the lives of their employees, families, and the communities and environment in which they live and work.
This month's Developments highlights WyndhamVacation Ownership and Holiday Inn Club Vacations for their ability to make an overall difference in the community. Holiday Inn Vacations' Heart Travels program shows a history of charitable giving, volunteering, and social responsibility that have been hallmarks of the company for decades. While, Wyndham Vacation Ownership fosters a culture of wellness throughout the workplace.
Take a few minutes to read about these two examples and then stay tuned to see which companies are profiled in next month's issue of Developments.]]>
The timeshare industry is perfectly positioned to be the MVPs of Wall Street through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. One aspect of CSR that has the potential to drive results is having a wellness strategy that is aligned with the values of the organization, something Wyndham Vacation Ownership does exceptionally well.
Organizations with a strong commitment to wellness promote greater employee productivity. The Integrated Benefits Institute found that when a company commits to wellness it had employees who were actively engaged in their work, spent greater time working, produced fewer errors, and greater concentration.
At Wyndham Vacation Ownership, for example, health coaches have been instrumental in establishing a wellness culture. According to Kristin Kubas, vice president of benefits at Wyndham Worldwide: "Health coaches are set up to have the same services across the business and are the best option when the population is not large enough for a full service clinic. In addition to the benefits of lifestyle coaching, these coaches have contributed to the overall wellness program through education and promotion, further fostering the culture of wellness within each location. The benefits of health coaches far exceed the cost savings by impacting our most valuable resource, our employees."
The timeshare industry serves society by providing experiences that impact societal wellness. Embracing the purpose and potential of our business to positively impact the lives of our people and community creates shared values, and ultimately impacts organizational performance. By aligning our values with wellness, we are attracting and creating opportunities for our consumers, employees, and our companies to achieve its fullest potential. One might say that is a win-win-win situation!
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Caring and giving back are part of the Holiday Inn Club Vacations culture. Today, it is symbolized by its new Heart Travels program.
Holiday Inn Club Vacations launched its Heart Travels program companywide in 2016. This embodiment of the company's ongoing journey features three corporate pillars chosen to fulfill a goal of "caring wholeheartedly." These pillars are Children and Families, Environmental Causes, and Disaster Relief Efforts. Within each are corporate-level programs and charities the company has elected to emphasize.
These renewed efforts have resulted in greater social responsibility awareness throughout the entire resort network. Plus, there has been a steady rise in volunteer hours and donations. However, none of this would have been possible without the passion of its leaders and team members—and a culmination of a long journey—that began decades ago.
Children and families have always been an important part of the culture of Holiday Inn Club Vacations. In fact, having a greater purpose than simply business success is what drove Kemmons Wilson to open the first Holiday Inn hotel. Over 30 years agon, Wilson partnered with his friend, Henri Landwith, and Orange Lake Resort to help support children with life-threatening illnesses by founding Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Florida. And it is still operating today!
That close, 30-year partnership continues to weave into the fabric of Holiday Inn Club Vacations. More than $2 million of support has been given by the company. Plus, it remains a beloved cause among team members who have volunteered countless hours throughout the years.
These many efforts and the rapid growth of Holiday Inn Club Vacations prompted the company to formalize its enduring culture of caring. The goal is to help drive new focus toward giving back while trying to exemplify always doing the right thing.
Guests and owners alike are looking for things to do
while they are on vacation, and our timeshare resorts are always looking for
new ways to fill those needs. Activity programming is essential in providing a
dynamic and fresh experience for guests—whether they are on a preview tour,
visiting as an exchanger, or
returning as an owner. In fact, recent research shows a direct and positive
relationship between owner/guest satisfaction with on-site resort activities
and overall timeshare vacation satisfaction. In other words, if those staying at the timeshare resort are
satisfied with the activities, they are more likely to be satisfied with their
overall vacation experience. Unfortunately, the reverse is true as well.
Students enrolled in the Masters of Hospitality Management program at the University of Central Florida set out on a quest to identify activities, preferences, and motivations of timeshare guests. In partnership with several area timeshare resorts, the students worked to identify unique, overarching themes related to activities programming, preferences, and motivations. Here were some of the key findings.
Of the nearly 400 timeshare guests participating in the survey, 72% reported being either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the activities programming offered at the resort. The results of the research reveal five predominant activities in which timeshare resort owners and guests typically participate: aquatics, relaxing, eating/dining, reading, and games.
With the activities they participated in ranked accordingly, the participants then shared their motivation for each activity. This was a critical research component, as understanding individuals' motivation for the activity can help programming staff develop events that are truly satisfying. Motivations vary by the activity, with four main motivations: to feel good, get in shape, be entertained, and learn something.
Survey participants were also asked to identify up to three activities they would like to see offered. The responses included live entertainment shows/ music, culinary instruction, and games (trivia, bingo, etc.). This study found that activities are not only an essential but critical component for timeshare resort vacations when looking at overall satisfaction. So planning around this factor is essential to meeting the needs of your guests.
Read the entire article in this month's Developments magazine.]]>
By Darla Zanini
Executive VP, ARDA International Foundation (AIF)
August 9, 2016
Timeshare, once again, has made a significant impact on the U.S. economy. A few key highlights are as follows:
• $79.5 billion in consumer and business spending
• 511,000+ full- and part-time jobs
• $28.1 billion in salaries and wages
• $10.2 billion in tax revenue
Spending by timeshare owners and guests during timeshare stays was estimated at $10 billion in 2015—with $3.4 billion spent onsite at resorts, and $6.6 billion spent offsite in communities where timeshare resorts are located.
This data is based on the AIF 2016 Economic Impact study conducted for us by Ernst & Young. For more details, check out our infographic and for a full copy of the Economic Impact Study, please contact me at email@example.com.
As an industry, timeshare companies collectively send millions of people on incredible vacations every year. They can recharge their batteries, spend quality time with family and friends, and just relax and have fun.
But for the kids who attend Christel House, "summer vacation" has a completely different meaning. It means the possibility of not having enough to eat, staying home alone and unsupervised while their parents work, and being exposed to drugs and violence in unsafe neighborhoods. It's a far cry from the holidays that timeshare owners are accustomed to, but with the help of our industry friends and supporters, Christel House students were provided a safe alternative this year.
While we all know the importance of this for the kids, it is not cheap. This summer, with the help of the timeshare industry, $22,000 was raised for this year's program through e-mail and text donation campaigns. This generosity will truly make a difference in the lives of many children!
Christel House is a global charity that transforms the lives of impoverished children around the world—breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sufficient, contributing members of society. This is accomplished through robust K-12 education and a strong character development program, complemented with regular health care, nutritious meals, guidance counseling, career planning, family assistance, and college/career support.
For more information, please visit www.christelhouse.org.]]>
By Charlene Small
On June 23 2016, the world watched with wide-eyes as British voters gave a referendum that would result in Britain's exit from the European Union (hence, the term "Brexit"), catapulting the world into a new era. Now as Brexit starts to unfold, only one thing is certain – uncertainty.
Brexit will be a long process, with experts stating that it will not be for several years before the effects of this movement is truly felt. But this unprecedented event does have a lot of industries wondering what comes next and how to prepare for it. Particularly, the travel and tourism industries are beginning to prepare for a significant change. With close ties to Britain and tourism making up the bulk of its income, the Caribbean is one region that is weighing its options, as it will undoubtedly feel the effects of Brexit.
In fact, the Caribbean, particularly Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and Caicos Islands, must consider a bevy of potential outcomes. Brexit could create possible complications on the flow of trade and development. It will greatly reduce the region's ability to influence policy issues in Europe, which was traditionally dependent on Britain's seat at the "European table". It will create a range of new obstacles for the United Kingdom's (U.K.) territories and former dependencies overseas. Finally, Brexit will mean a tremendously long period of uncertainty as Britain's foreign, trade and development policy begins to reshape.
One immediate impact of Brexit is the value of the British Pound. Since the vote, it has become twelve percent less valuable, a 31-year low. This will limit the purchasing power of the U.K.'s middle class, which will ultimately result in a much slower growth rate for the Caribbean region. The decreased value of the Pound has also impacted travel in the U.K., slowing down tremendously in what is typically the busiest season of the year.
Understandably travel from the U.K., especially to regions overseas, will be hit hard and many of the freedoms British travelers have enjoyed could be under scrutiny. One such freedom to be tested is the European Open Skies agreement, which saw the introduction of low-cost airlines to Britain's repertoire of jet-setting world travel. Travel regulations will indeed need to be examined, to determine which laws will remain and which will be phased out.
Perhaps one of the Caribbean's largest concerns (especially for the English-speaking nations and territories) is the loss of their biggest advocate in the European Union. Without the British voice, the Caribbean may face a long road to regain the political position they currently have.
As more of the terms of Brexit are revealed, focus is again brought to the need for the Caribbean to increase economic resiliency in tourism by focusing their efforts on long-term, sustainable planning and investment positions. The Tourism industry in the region must assess how much the U.K. is involved currently, get to know the individuals that are involved, continue to diversify their economies, and ensure collaboration between industry and governments are restored in order to preserve their economic well-being.
Nothing is certain as this movement begins. In fact, Brexit terms include a two-year window of leaving conditions, which doesn't begin to touch on rebuilding conditions. The Caribbean, just like a large portion of the world, must begin to weigh all of its options, as well as start to make new connections in the European Union in order to monitor legislative activities and ensure its interests are protected.
But "GVS" Affects Every Worker, Not Just Millennials
What is GVS?
Guilty Vacation Syndrome, or GVS, now affects a growing percentage of the American population. GVS is the nagging urge to cancel or delay vacation, due to guilt. With vacation-shaming growing in offices across the world, there has been a surge in diagnoses of GVS. Workers feel that despite wanting a vacation, they shouldn't take one.
In fact, findings from the 2016 Alamo Family Vacation Survey show 59 percent of Millennials reported feeling a sense of shame for taking or planning a vacation, while 41 percent those 35 or older felt those same symptoms of GVS. Nearly half (47 percent) of all workers surveyed said they felt a sense of shame or guilt at their workplace for taking time off to go on a vacation. What's more, two-fifths (42 percent) of those think their co-workers are seriously shaming them – not just joking. And nearly half (47 percent) said they've felt the need to justify to their employer why they're using their vacation days.
Of those who reported having unused paid vacation days, two-fifths (40 percent) said they left five or more vacation days unused in 2015! A full week of work left on the table simply because workers do not want to deal with the guilt associated with taking a vacation. Recent research from Project: Time Off shows that an astounding fifty-five percent of Americans didn't use all of their time off in 2015 and sixty-five percent say that their company discourages, sends mixed messages, or says nothing about taking personal time off.
Vacations are supposed to be a source of relaxation and family bonding, yet people still feel like a vacation will hurt their work-life. It's time to change that mentality and cure Americans of their GVS ailment.
We believe that everyone needs to learn to shed the guilt of taken well-earned time off. We all know the benefits of regular vacationing. And being able to prepay for a vacation should help people ignore that nagging pain that tries to tell them not to go on vacation.
By Darla Zanini, Executive VP, ARDA International Foundation (AIF)
July 6, 2016
We are happy to share the latest research from our State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study 2016. It shows that the timeshare industry enjoyed substantial growth in 2015. Here are a few of the highlights.
When comparing 2015 to 2014:
• Sales volume increased by nine percent, to $8.6 billion, the second largest increase since the recession – our sixth straight year of growth!
• 1,547 timeshare resorts in the United States, representing about 200,720 units
• Average resort size was 130 units
• The average sales price was $22,240
• Occupancy increased two percent, up to almost 80 percent (compared to a 66* percent hotel occupancy rate).
There were some other interesting tidbits as well:
• Beach resorts are the most common type of resort
• Theme park resorts have the highest occupancy
• Florida has the most resorts—24% of the national total
• Nevada has the largest average resort size—230 units on average
• Hawaii has the highest occupancy rate for a region, at 86.7%
For more details, check out our infographic and for a full copy of the State of the Industry Study, please contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
*STR Monthly Hotel Review: December 2014, Smith Travel Research.
by Geri Bain
Some innovations are so quickly adapted that it's hard to imagine they weren't always part of our lives— and like the popular children's book, The Giving Tree, they keep finding new ways to serve.
Here are three driving trends that promise to keep morphing, offering new and unimagined benefits for years to come.
1) Tapping Consumer Analytics. Customers increasingly expect companies to "know" them as individuals with unique preferences and provide them with highly specific services and offerings. There are many ways to gain this information, including predictive analysis (PA) and other services through online travel-booking services. Ultimately, businesses can no longer afford to market to consumers on a "mass market, one message fits all" basis. It's critical to learn each customer's wants, needs, lifestyle, and more—including where they vacation and what activities they want to pursue—to serve them the way they expect.
2) Going Green. Sustainable practices are good for the bottom line and the environment. They also add a feel-good factor for guests, employees, and the community. In a recent TripAdvisor survey, 85 percent of travelers said that traveling green made them feel more positive about their trips. This shows green practices are the new normal, and travelers expect suppliers to embrace sustainable practices that minimize their impact on the environment. In addition to cost savings, sustainable practices can provide authentic connections to the destination.
3) Marketing Branded Lifestyles. Some brands convey an image that resonates deeply with travelers. Armani hotels in Dubai and Milan invite guests to live the life of understated elegance that is a signature of the Armani brand. And Hard Rock Hotels extend the hip, music-themed restaurants into a vacation (and vacation club) experience. This is critical because aligning with the right brand can be a great way to tap into its followers and its image and create a focal point for everything from design and amenities to marketing.
These three trends promise to remain important in the timeshare industry for many years to come. Keeping up with how each will be vital for timeshares in order to meet the changing needs of the consumers. Read the entire article about driving trends in this month's Developments.]]>
By Howard Nusbaum, President and CEO, ARDA
This year marks two huge anniversaries for two companies that have made an outstanding impact in the timeshare industry. There are a few milestone markers around the industry this year but none as auspicious as that of Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO) marking its 50th anniversary and Interval International, celebrating its 40th anniversary.
WVO is a company that truly represents the pioneer spirit of the early days. WVO's President & CEO, Franz Hanning says: "Anytime you look back over 50 years, you're going to see peaks and valleys—it's not always been a smooth path or an easy road. But to be where we are now looking back from this vantage point, it's pretty overwhelming. Our company has changed people's lives—the lives of our owners, our associates, and probably my life more than anyone else's. It's been a total rewarding career for me, built on relationships and friends—core people who have been critical to our overall success."
But WVO isn't the only one celebrating this year…so is Interval International. The Miami, Florida-based industry pioneer remains an innovator in serving the vacation ownership market, and today its exchange network comprises approximately 3,000 resorts in more than 80 nations. Through offices in 16 countries, Interval offers high-quality products and benefits to resort clients and approximately two million families who are enrolled in its membership programs. That's quite an achievement for a company that started with just three employees and one affiliated resort.
The timeshare industry would not be where it is today if it wasn't for these two different companies and what they each have done over the previous decades. We want to be one of the first to wish each of these two companies a happy anniversary this year—thank you for building our industry into what it is today! To learn more about them, read our entire articles about Interval International and Wyndham Vacation Ownership in this month's Developments magazine.]]>
By: Simon Jaworski and Lance Henik of Leger
You are never going to be able to design one ideal timeshare that meets the needs of everyone. However, with the help of the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) and utilizing the insights garnered from its recent Next Generation research, you might be able to move a little closer to this goal. With this research, it has been found that four core factors account for more than half of all decisions made among both Millennials and Generation X'ers when it comes to purchasing a timeshare property. Let's take a look at these factors.
Factor #1: Commitment/Cost Balance.
The most important features, accounting for one-third of all decisions, are related to commitment. Both current timeshare owners and non-owners alike mentioned that the "length of contract" (the number of years they were willing to use the property) and the "interest rate" (a long term financial cost commitment implication) attached to this purchase were the two most significant factors.
In spite of the importance of the length of contract and interest rate, there are, of course, two core cost factors for purchasing a timeshare that cannot be overlooked. When these traditional barriers to entry, the "overall price" and "annual fees," are added into the equation, these four features collectively account for the majority of a potential timeshare owner's decision-making process.
Factor #2: Sleeping Capacity.
After the key financial aspects, the size of the lodging is also an important factor, with "sleeping capacity" as a key feature. This has increased relevancy and appeal with the younger age groups, specifically Millennials, who want to vacation with larger groups of friends—more so than any of the previous generations of vacationers.
Factor #3: Exchange.
Next on the list of priorities is exchange. The positive impression and need for a product that allows both options for an internal and external exchange is definitely held in greater need by older Gen X'ers, especially when compared to Millennials who may not be fully aware of the benefits of exchanging their timeshare (a clear educational opportunity!).
Factor #4: Exit Strategies.
Although a hot topic within timeshare right now, "Exit Strategy" showed slightly lower importance when compared to the exchange feature. The discussion of this topic is not only relevant but it also has merit— particularly to potential new entrants, as non-owners are definitely more intrigued by the potential for a buy-back option. If positioned correctly, the option to buy back a timeshare could lead to an extra layer of security that potential buyers often crave before signing any legal documents.
So, what key conclusions can we draw from this study? Non-owners tend to be more sensitive to price than owners, flexibility is key in the sales process, and those who sell timeshare should strongly consider a wide product portfolio. Read more about this study in the May/June 2016 issue of Developments magazine]]>
How do you stand out, rise above the noise, and get your organization's voice heard online? Having successfully guided the growth of digital businesses his entire career, Jonathan Perelman - the head of digital initiatives at ICM Partners and a former executive at BuzzFeed and Google – knows how to do it right. And as the keynote speaker, he shared his words of wisdom with every attendee at the opening General Session at ARDA World 2016 sponsored by RCI.
Perelman believes that "content is king but distribution is queen – and she wears the pants." Pulling from his extensive experience at some of the world's most successful and influential brands, he showed the audience how to tell their story in a genuine, authentic, and meaningful way that generates word of mouth marketing at Internet scale. With great energy and stage presence, he broke down the tactics and mindset that propelled Buzzfeed from a small blog to a cultural phenomenon read by millions of people the world over.
Perelman not only addressed how to create shareable, social content but also offered insights into how to maximize reach and impact. By respecting the platform you're using (Twitter is about timelines, Facebook is about feelings) and creating content that appeals to emotion, he offered great tips for creating content that people want to consume and share.
Ultimately, we were able to all learn from Perelman's talk that day, specifically regarding creating and sharing content in today's modern age of social media. And if there was one thing Perelman wanted the audience to take away from his speech it was that in regards to content, 'if it doesn't spread it's dead'.]]>
One of the most exciting, and well-received sessions of this year's ARDA World was the new Lion's Den Session sponsored by Crystal Lagoons. Modeled after Shark Tank, The Lion's Den was an interactive pitch competition where six bold start-ups present their digital innovations and business plans to our well-credentialed panel of judges -- the Lions of the timeshare industry —including four high profile CEOs and executives of Disney, Marriott, Wyndham and Crystal Lagoons. The criteria for the judges were based on five different areas: technical innovation, business model innovation, potential market impact, competitive advantage and the quality of the presentation.
The six confident contestants that took on our panel of judges included:
Proxce – A secure and seamless hotel check-in experience.
Rented - A world-class marketplace for competitive short-term rentals.
Tansler – A reverse auction, one round of bids approach to home rentals.
Trekkable – A booking solution for the 30 million people with mobility challenges.
Alice - Guest experience and operational management on one platform.
Voyat - Hotel guest connection via the most effective retention engine.
These six contestants were each given six minutes to present in front of the judges and audience and then four minutes to respond to the Lions' questions. These ten minutes on the stage by each company was used to determine a People's Choice award winner voted on by the audience and an Innovator of the Year award determined by the four judges.
The Innovator of The Year Award Winner: Trekkable
The first Innovator of the Year Award winner, as voted on by the panel of judges, was Trekkable and its founder and presenter Benedict Jones. During the presentation Jones' spoke about Trekkable's main goal, which is to help create a booking solution for the 30 million people with mobility challenges. Jones is one of the 30 million people with mobility challenges which allowed him to communicate the struggles he goes through every single time he travels. Through his personal stories he was able to convey the difficulty each and every one of those 30 million people go through when trying to book a room when it is time for them to travel. Jones talked about how "Trekkable exists to change this situation" through capturing ratings of specific properties through the lens of accessibility…enable anyone with mobility concerns to know what kind of experience they can expect up-front. No longer will a person be 'booking blindfolded' not knowing what to encounter when arriving. Because securing a room that fits their needs should not cost extra time, effort, and expense. Trekkable is an amazing story looking to fix a problem that currently exists in the travel industry and their founder Benedict Jones was extremely excited to win the first ever Innovator of the Year Award.
The People's Choice Award Winner: Rented
Rented.com's CEO Andrew McConnell took the stage of the Lion's Den to discuss the company's goals and objectives and how Rented is trying to redefine rentals, by building a world-class marketplace for competitive short-term rentals, while also repositioning today's ideas on property management contracts and fees. All with an innovative and hungry team. He stated that because of Rented, thousands of homeowners are renting their homes "the smarter way" and demonstrated this by having customers across 17 countries, 38 states, and 312 cities. McConnell's presentation about a new short-term competitive rentals website was enough to earn him and his company, Rented, the first People's Choice Award. Hear from Andrew McConnell after learning of his win.]]>
ARDA World is quickly approaching, and with so many great opportunities and experiences offered it is time to decide which of these are the "can't miss" events. One of the most popular sessions from previous years, the CEO Session, will be making its highly anticipated return again this year. In this session our CEO panel will be addressing topical industry issues ranging from the impact of industry consolidation, the secondary market and generational demographics on our business through a robust discussion regarding managing and enhancing digital relationships.
ARDA World is quickly approaching, and with so many great opportunities and experiences offered it is time to decide which of these are the "can't miss" events. One of the most popular sessions from previous years, the CEO Session, will be making its highly anticipated return again this year. In this session our CEO panel will be addressing topical industry issues ranging from the impact of industry consolidation, the secondary market and generational demographics on our business through a robust discussion regarding managing and enhancing digital relationships.
Let's meet this year's panel:
Fredricks has been the President of the Welk Resort Group since 1999 and CEO since 2014. The company has more than 1,600 employees and 1,077 vacation units across its portfolio. Fredricks has led the award-winning hospitality company during its greatest period of growth and expansion.
As President and Chief Executive Officer of Wyndham Vacation Ownership, He is responsible for the world's largest developer and marketer of flexible, points-based vacation ownership products. He oversees all management, operations, strategic planning and growth initiatives, and leads a worldwide staff of more than 17,000 employees.
Harrill has been Chief Executive Officer of Holiday Inn Club Vacations since 2005, leading the organization to years of consecutive record growth and becoming a key voice within the timeshare industry. Don arrived to Holiday Inn Club Vacations with more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, eight of those at the helm of industry-leading timeshare organizations Trendwest Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations Company.
Potrock began his career with Disney as VP of Marketing for Disney Cruise Lines in 1995 and has taken on various roles in the company since. He is currently Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club & Adventures by Disney since 2013.
Wang is President of Hilton Grand Vacations. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Wang co-founded PAHIO Resorts in Hawaii and served as its president for six years. He later formed Grand Ownership Resorts, Ltd., a consulting company that developed a successful vacation ownership program at The Bay Club on the Big Island of Hawaii, a resort now managed by Hilton Grand Vacations.
With this great group of leaders, you do not want to miss this session! Be sure to put it in your schedule of events for 4:00-5:00 pm on Tuesday, May 3rd.]]>
As you probably know, ARDA's annual convention is quickly approaching. This year we have a great mix of informative sessions with fun activities, like the annual golf tournament. It is important to partake in some of the extracurricular activities, but one of the main reasons you are coming is for the informative, educational sessions.
The Educational Sessions offer a large range of information on industry and business topics. They begin on Monday and then run in waves through Tuesday and Wednesday. There are a lot of options to choose from. Here's a sampling of a few you may want to check out:
With 35 different Educational sessions, it is important to find and plan which ones are best for you. Check out the full schedule here.
This year we have two exciting and educational speakers, Jonathan Perelman and Curt Cronin. They come from different backgrounds but both have helpful insights for our industry.
Jonathan Perelman will be the keynote speaker for the opening general session taking place Tuesday, May 3rd between 10:30 am – 12 pm, while Curt Cronin will be speaking at the Breakfast of Champions Thursday, May 5th beginning at 8 am. You won't want to miss them!
Perelman was Former Vice President of BuzzFeed Motion Pictures and Former Global Lead for Industry Relations at Google. Currently, he is the head of digital initiatives at ICM Partners. He knows how to stand out, rise above the noise, and get your organization's voice heard online. Pulling from his extensive experience at some of the world's most successful and influential brands, he shows audiences how to tell their story in a genuine, authentic, and meaningful way that generates word of mouth marketing at Internet scale. With great energy and stage presence, he breaks down the tactics and mindset that propelled Buzzfeed from a small blog to a cultural phenomenon read by millions of people. Read more about Jonathan Perelman here
Cronin spent over 16 years as a Navy SEAL where he was deployed thirteen times and spent more than four years overseas. In that time, living and working in an environment where milliseconds made the difference between life and death and winning and losing, he honed his talent as a catalyst for transformation and rose to lead the nation's premier SEAL assault force. Curt's experiences as a SEAL reinforced his fundamental belief that the competitive edge for any organization in the information age is neither technology nor information, but the unparalleled power of an aligned team.
Curt's passion is to engage each person, team, or organization's highest aspirations, and help them connect to the "hero within." He has counseled organizations including AIG, Disney, HP, and the Miami Dolphins, and is an expert at maximizing human potential and synthesizing the strengths of a team to create unprecedented results in any context. This is a ticketed event so make sure to get your tickets ahead of time, and you can read more about Curt Cronin here.
In partnership with Phocuswright, ARDA presents:
An Interactive 'Digital Meets Travel' Pitch Competition
May 4, 2016 from 9:30-11 am
Grand Ballroom, The Diplomat Hotel
Open to all ARDA World attendees.
This year, ARDA is bringing a new, exciting and interactive pitch competition to its general session! Modeled after Shark Tank, you'll watch as a select group of bold start-ups present their digital innovations and business plans to our panel of judges—the Lions of the timeshare industry—including three high profile CEOs and executives of Disney, Marriott and Wyndham.
Our brave contestants include:
Our judges will evaluate the companies and, following a live audience vote, a winner will be announced! They'll gain massive exposure to members of the timeshare industry, feedback on their innovations, and it's all happening live at ARDA World 2016!
Join us and cast your vote live alongside the judges!
Limited lodging is still available, reserve your hotel room before the group rate ends on April 11th.
We hope to see you there!
Just a couple of years ago, Brazil was the darling of the global economy. Today, Brazil is facing some tougher times through political turmoil, a high inflation rate and a high unemployment rate. Marcos Agostini, Interval International's senior vice president of resort sales and business development for Latin America, has confidence that what has come down will eventually go back up, saying he is "positive the tourism sector will expand in 2016."
There are many factors contributing to Brazil's rebound. First, there's the drop in value of the Real—Brazil's currency—which is less expensive for in-bound international visitors. It also makes Brazilian real estate more attractive to investors. Brazil is also set to host the 2016 summer Olympics, providing positive exposure to the country. With a population of more than 200 million and an important middle class, there's widespread opportunity for development.
Considered one of the world's most bio diverse places, Colombia has a lot to offer—with Caribbean and Pacific beaches, scenic Andean mountains, and cosmopolitan cities for shopping and dining. However, Colombia is often generalized as an unsafe travel destination due to its past, but improved security has already resulted in a boom in tourism, and continuing this could clear the way for the industry to grow exponentially.
In 2010, just 2.6 million travelers visited Colombia, but in 2014, that figure almost doubled to 4.9 million, according to ProColombia, the government's tourism promotion agency. It hopes to welcome 6 million visitors ready to spend $6 billion by 2018. Timesharing is poised to attract its share of travelers, both domestic and international, says Agostini. "We're very excited about Colombia. The infrastructure has improved, and we're finally seeing investments come to fruition."
Read more in Developments.]]>
By Tomas Acevedo, ARDA State Affairs
It's been more than a year since the Obama administration announced new rules easing trade and travel restrictions against Cuba, as part of the move toward normalizing relations with the country. Since that time, Americans have been able to travel to the island, provided the trip serves a religious, educational, humanitarian, journalistic, or other approved purpose. In fact, U.S. airlines are now allowed to fly scheduled routes to Cuba for the first time in decades, yet Americans still can't travel to Cuba purely for travel's sake.
It's clear that Americans want to visit Cuba now—with its still frozen-in-time culture—before it loses its old-world charm. According to the travelhorizons survey released by marketing services firm MMGY Global, 46 percent of travelers from the United States who are likely to visit a Caribbean destination during the next two years would be willing to change their vacation plans to go to Cuba instead. And 19 percent of U.S. adults said they would consider taking a vacation to Cuba during the next two years.
Further, the American Society of Travel Agents estimates that more than 500,000 American cruise travelers would visit Cuba within the first two years—with another one million leisure travelers coming by air. Cuba is ready for business to increase in their travel and tourism space, where they see a lot of opportunity for growth.
And with all the buzz around this island, it's only a matter of time before we're talking timeshare there, too. Cuba doesn't currently have timeshare legislation in the country, but with Meliá Vacation Club selling a travel club-type product in the country, it demonstrates they're open to this new form of business in the travel sector. It'll likely still take some years—and fully lifted sanctions—before the timeshare sector starts to build a footprint in Cuba, but for those with interest in the area, now is probably a good time to start registering company trademarks and logos, to be at the ready when the time comes. To learn more about the potential of timeshares in Cuba, read the full article in the February Developments.
Don't miss our jam-packed schedule of events while you are attending ARDA World this May 1-5, 2016 in Hollywood, Florida. Mark your calendars for these important events:
• Sunday, May 1: AIF Open Golf Tournament
• Monday night, May 2: Opening reception in the Exhibit Hall
• Monday night: All Attendee Welcome Party, sponsored by RCI
• Tuesday morning, May 3: Keynote speaker, sponsored by RCI
• Tuesday night: Interval International's Party with a Cause (at LIV nightclub, Fontainebleau hotel)
• Wednesday night, May 4: Awards Gala with presenting sponsor, American Express
• Thursday morning, May 5: Breakfast of Champions, sponsored by Hilton Grand Vacations
• Monday is Key Constituent Day again! This is the day for ARDA's most engaged and involved members—don't miss important Committee, Council, Taskforce, and Forum meetings.
• Monday also features two targeted educational programming tracks: HR and Fundamentals sessions.
• Our keynote speaker is on Tuesday morning (10:30 am-12:00 pm). It's Jonathan Perelman, former Vice President of BuzzFeed Motion Pictures & former Global Lead for Industry Relations at Google. He will discuss the future of digital marketing.
• "Meet the Leaders" General Session is on Tuesday (4:00pm-5:00pm).
Get all the very latest at www.arda.org/convention, and see you soon in sunny south Florida!
ARDA World 2016, ARDA's annual convention, is just over a month away. Now's the time to make sure you are registered and your travel arrangements and hotel are set. Taking place May 1-5, 2016, in Hollywood, Florida, this year's event will be held at the prestigious Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa. This area offers some great things to do!
Hollywood, Florida, is served directly by Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), 20 minutes from the host hotel. In addition, Miami International Airport (MIA) is also a great option, only 30 miles away from the Diplomat…and it suits more international arrivals.
The Diplomat Resort & Spa is the event host hotel. You can make your reservation by calling the hotel directly at (954) 602-6000. To obtain the group room rate of $249 per night, please reference ARDA World.
Hotel accommodations are also available at the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Hotel, located just a short two-block walk from the Diplomat Resort and Spa. To make your room reservations, please call (954) 454-4334 ext. 208 to obtain the group room rate of $209 per night.
Registration for ARDA World 2016 has been going fast, so make sure to book your spot now by visiting www.arda.org/convention for details.
Of course, we'd love for you to attend every ARDA event, but we can't expect you not to enjoy the beautiful town of Hollywood, Florida as well. Known for its beautiful stretch of sandy paradise nestled between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood, FL has a little something for everyone.
Hollywood's Beach features a one-of-a-kind oceanfront promenade called the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk, which stretches nearly two and a half miles along the Atlantic. If the beach isn't your place, historic downtown Hollywood offers shopping with quaint sidewalk cafés, brick-lined walks, and six blocks of unique boutiques, shops, art galleries, and dozens of excellent restaurants.
Get all the very latest at www.arda.org/convention, and see you soon in sunny south Florida!
by Kevin Riley, ARDA Federal Affairs
Every year, more than 20 million foreign visitors travel to the United States through the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows for citizens of 28 program-partner countries to visit for up to 90 days without having to obtain visas. According to the U.S. Travel Association, 40 percent of foreign visitors to the US come via the VWP each year. This is clearly an important program to our industry and the broader travel industry, and ARDA has fought hard to defend its integrity over the years while also supporting legislation that would strengthen national security requirements.
Bipartisan legislation introduced last year called the Jobs Originated Through Launching Travel (JOLT) Act of 2015 would reform the VWP's participation criteria to reinstate the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) authority to waive the visa refusal requirement if a country meets all other VWP requirements. The legislation would also enhance security measures, increase the number of participating countries, and allow Canadian citizens over 50 years old to remain in the US for up to 240 days a year. The JOLT Act estimates it would boost the US economy by $100 billion over the next decade and create 700,000 jobs.
However, this program has received increased Congressional scrutiny following the terrorist attacks in Paris. In a preemptive move, the White House announced changes to the VWP to immediately enact a number of security enhancements. Despite these changes, legislation was introduced called the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 to help DHS identify and stop terrorists with Western passports from entering the US. The bill incorporated many of the security parameters that ARDA advocated be included in the JOLT Act. The bill passed and was included in the end-of-year omnibus package.
While ARDA applauds Congress for passing such reform measures, we are still working to address components that would disrupt travel to the US and have a detrimental economic impact. To learn more about these efforts and more details on the legislation, read the full article.
by Catherine Reynolds, RCI
In terms of travel and tourism, China is leading the race! Over the last two decades, the volume of international trips by Chinese travelers grew from 10 million (in 2000) to 83 million (in 2012), and domestic tourism reported 3.3 billion trips in 2013, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). When you consider that travelers from China are the top source of tourism spending in the world, it's no wonder that travel industry leaders are focused on this hotspot.
Several factors have fueled this significant growth: rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the relaxation of government restrictions on foreign travel. In fact, the Chinese government has a five-year plan focused on the travel and tourism market and aims to double leisure spending to $886 billion (5.5 trillion yuan) by 2020.
This is all excellent news for the vacation ownership industry! The percentage of qualified households that own a timeshare rests at less than 0.3 percent, making for a nearly 20 million household opportunity (ARDA's International Foundation 2013 World Wide Shared Vacation Ownership Report). Timeshare development in the region is growing and poised for a supportive business environment—given the government's direction to develop new business models for the travel industry.
The only challenge continues to be China's few vacation days offered to workers. However, that, too, is slowly changing. The government adopted new regulations in 2008 offering more public holidays and paid annual leave. And, as the needs of China's travelers are growing, the vacation ownership industry stands ready to create luxurious vacation experiences for a new class of world travelers.]]>
By Kathyrn Mullan, ARDA
February 19, 2016
ARDA World 2016 is going to be chock full of informative sessions, networking activities and personal growth opportunities. We hope you are planning to join us from May 1-5 in Hollywood, Florida, for what's sure to be another big, exciting convention for our industry!
There are a few important deadlines we want to be sure are on your calendar:
February 19, 2016
Early-bird registration ends today! You can save $400 simply by signing up early.
March 4,
Deadline for attendee list inclusion; Last day to cancel registration
April 11,
Hotel cut-off for discount room rate (Diplomat $249/night; Crowne Plaza $209/night)
Register today!
And read about all of the 2016 ARDA World events and activities in the February issue of Developments Magazine!
-- Peter Roth, ARDA Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Industry Relations
The March 2016 issue of Consumer Reports delves into whether timeshare vacations are a good value. They examine the costs of vacationing at the Disney World Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando, Florida from two perspectives: renting and owning. They find that after a certain number of years, owning a timeshare pays off.
Read the full Consumer Reports article.
In a sister article, "The Timeshare Comes of Age," Consumer Reports reviews the changes our industry has seen through the years, including becoming more consumer-friendly and transparent. Looking at the demographic shift to younger families, the article quotes Howard Nusbaum and makes the case for what to consider when buying.
As you know, Consumer Reports serves consumers through unbiased product testing and ratings, research, journalism, public education, and advocacy. This kind of unbiased assessment of timeshare is a testament to the product our industry already knows and loves for better vacationing.
by Steve Weisz, ARDA
January 13, 2016
What a year it has been—with events and circumstances happening around the globe that truly left us speechless at times. We've witnessed the unimaginable peaks and valleys that often happened in just the blink of an eye. People showed us their character and some just showed us they're characters. A memorable year with continuous hopes for promise as we start 2016.
As I look back, I think how recent announcements of acquisitions will have a profound effect on the growth and opportunities in hospitality for the next generation. Consolidation and strategic alliances certainly led the way with the industry showing a strong resurgence of performance and activity we haven't seen in years.
These are a promising indictor of things to come. We're in a financially healthy business environment, with great leaders and entrepreneurs that continue to show the spirit of what got us where we are today.
I encourage all of you to show your own spirit of enterprise and innovation and create a legacy that will be remembered by tomorrow's leaders and redefine our industry for the future!
For more on what's happening in 2016, please see the January Developments!
By Kathryn Mullan, ARDA
December 21, 2015
There are four trends for our industry to watch as we transition out of 2015 and enter the New Year. Identified as some of the biggest drivers of change in travel by Skift Megatrends, it's clear that some key consumer and tech changes that are playing out in this space will be influencers on vacation ownership as well.
Trend #1: Hospitality Driving Innovation in Travel
The hospitality industry—hotels, vacation rentals, and the sharing economy—is seeing the power of mobile as consumers self-serve their preferences, check-in models are re-tooled, and the experience of the resort/hotel extends beyond the physical and into the natural and cultural surroundings.
Trend #2: The Rise of the Boutique Destination
Local and authentic resorts that are based on unique and niche experiences are growing. Smaller destinations are finding ways to market their unique attributes to today's traveler.
Trend #3: Mobile Pay and Wearable Technology
It's all about reaching consumers where they are—and they are with their mobile devices! The entire process of travel as a journey requires technology to support it.
Trend #4: Travel Brands Reimagined as Lifestyle Connoisseurs
Millennials and Gen Xers are looking for deeper connections and a way to fit into the overall lifestyle a brand offers. Creating that lifestyle is becoming more and more important.Read more about these trends and more in the November/December 2015 issue of ARDA's Developments magazine!
by Kathryn Mullan
In this month's Developments, we explore key concepts and new initiatives on the front lines of vacation ownership: sales and marketing. We know that understanding your target audience and finding the best approach to reach them has been an established practice by the best of our industry's teams for years.
But in today's world of savvy travelers, we must also look for innovative ways to help future guests along the path of discovering their preferences and how vacation ownership can fit into that journey.
For ARDA, we have utilized VacationBetter.org and implemented a sophisticated online listening initiative as a platform for finding out what motivates today's travelers and prospective timeshare owners. We ask consumers "What kind of traveler are you?" in an online quiz to better understand their travel preferences but also to help them understand what they want from the perfect vacation. Today, it's increasingly about choices and options and gathering information before making a travel decision—or purchase!
Many developers are customizing their sales and marketing approaches to co-create a vacation experience with the owner-guest that continues well beyond the sales table to check-in and during the on-site stay. Helping future guests understand their vacation preferences helps customize a vacation product that meets their needs. And developers must create experiences at resorts—amenities, programs, activities—that enhance the vacation for the owner based on their preferences.
Read more about specific consumer data pointsfrom ARDA and innovative programs that developers are undertaking.
By Judy Kenninger
In an article for this month's Developments, I talked to three timeshare developers about how their companies work to improve owner satisfaction. One common theme I heard was examples of departments and business units working seamlessly together as a team. In a comparison to how a crew team must work together to move the boat as one body (and thus win the race), departments in our industry that serve as touch-points to owners also must utilize a shared approach to engage owners from the sales room to a lifetime of vacations.
Following conversations with Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV), Holiday Inn Club Vacations (HCV), and Welk Resorts (Welk), here are five ways to ensure that the consumer's experience is consistent in every owner interaction. They are parallel to key training components of successful rowing teams.
At the end of the day, our industry is always striving to make the owner experience better. And sharing best practices, lessons learned, and different perspectives across different departments will ensure success along the various points of an owner lifecycle.
By Howard Nusbaum, President, ARDA
For many traveling families, summer vacations have a lasting impact on childhood memories. For parents, building vacation memories with our kids is an important touchstone – it is shared family time that creates emotional bonds and special memories for the entire family. And most adults look back on their earliest vacation memories with affection. To get the other side of the story, U.S. Travel's Project: Time Off Coalition recently held a few focus groups that poll kids, asking what they think about their parent's travel habits.
This comes on the heels of multiple surveys and research indicating that many Americans don't use all of their vacation days each year—that's 429 million people, to be exact! It is a trend that has put up alarming numbers over the past decade despite evidence proving that vacations are good for your relationships, job performance, mental stamina and overall health. The Project: Time Off Coalition has launched several initiatives to buck this trend, and we're hopeful the focus groups will lead to better understanding the disconnect between needing a vacation and actually taking one.
With only two weeks left of the official summer season, many of you are either stealing away to enjoy the last few precious days or are already looking back on your vacation with fondness and longing. I invite you to take the #vacationpledge and share a favorite memory about what keeps you traveling every year!
"Who Killed Summer Vacation?"
"Life In A No-Vacation Nation."
"Americans Leave Paid Vacation Days on the Table Each Year."
These are headlines that have dominated news coverage over the last several months. And the statistics are just as depressing: 429 million vacation days unused, $224 billion in unused vacation liability on the U.S. private sector, the average U.S. worker takes almost a week less vacation per year today than they did between 1976 and 2000. However, we are also seeing what our industry and others in the broader travel industry are doing to change the American mindset that vacations aren't just a luxury but a necessity. From commissioning research and studies to launching advertising campaigns and program initiatives, hospitality leaders everywhere are making the commitment to help change the way vacation is viewed in this country.
In the August feature story of Developments, Geri Bain explores what timeshare owners have known for years: vacations are good for you. "Vacation On My Mind" shares some of the quantifying research illustrating the various benefits of vacationing—including the role that timeshare owners are playing to help buck the vacation deprivation trend. While we've known for years that the pre-paid nature of our products ensure that owners actually take their vacations, we are now learning that the benefits owners gain from vacationing far outweigh the price paid for a vacation. Slowly but surely we are starting to see other leisure-impacted industries taking note of the effect vacationing has on lifestyle, productivity, relationships and health.
Read the full article here and take the #VacationPledge with us.
by Kathryn
Senior Editor, Developments Magazine
July 20, 2015
After seven long years of absorbing existing inventory, the industry is seeing a substantial up-tick in new construction. That is why this month's Developments issue on Construction & Design is such a welcomed topic!
This month's magazine explores design trends for the hospitality industry, as well as resort amenities and services that travelers have come to expect and use to measure their vacation. These trends and travel preferences have grown at lightning speed over the past several years. As a result, timeshare developers are making more frequent investments in resort design that incorporate sustainability features and high-tech amenities than just a few short years ago. And the additional investment is paying off.
Guests want—and rely on—connectivity while on vacation. And while resorts now offer Wi-Fi capability throughout properties, resorts are also looking for ways to offset energy consumption and employ more energy efficiencies through sustainable measures, such as more efficient lighting sensors, multiple-unit charging stations, and multi-media viewing capabilities through smartphone devices (among other offerings). Additionally, indoor and outdoor design and resort construction features more recyclable and sustainable materials than ever before and from manufacturers and businesses that are eco-friendly themselves—a factor that is important to many owners and prospects. Today, more resorts are committed to sourcing sustainable materials for new build and renovation projects. Read more in Christine Blank's feature article.
Sustainability measures are also being undertaken by resorts through programs and initiatives that inspire owners and guests to take active part. Wyndham Vacation Ownership, for instance, has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation for the last five years via a planting-tree program that invites owners to offset their carbon emissions when traveling on vacation. From as little as $2 a day (tax-deductible) during their stay, owners and guests can have a donated tree planted in one of the nation's state or national forests; these trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide, as well as purify the air and clean the Earth's water supply. WVO has already received positive feedback from participating owners, who are passionate about green programs. See full details in Lesley Harris's July article.
If you haven't had a chance, explore the latest issue of Developments!
July 15, 2015
We are happy to share the latest research from our State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study 2015. It shows that the timeshare industry enjoyed steady growth in 2014. Here are a few of the highlights.
When comparing 2014 to 2013:
There were some other interesting tidbits as well:
For more details, check out our infographic and for a full copy of the State of the Industry Study, please contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
[1] STR Monthly Hotel Review: December 2013, Smith Travel Research.]]>
Our industry attracts some of the brightest talent and passionate workers who choose this business because they love it—and it shows! One such example is Brittany Reinbolt. During the summer months, she provides housekeeping services on MasterCorp's elite A-Team, earning her enough money to train and compete on the U.S. national bobsled team during the winter.
Brittany's dedication and work ethic as an athlete carries over into her work for MasterCorp. And in return for her hard work and passion, the company supports her pursuits toward an Olympic dream by allowing her the flexible schedule she needs to train. Resorts rely on hardworking and outstanding individuals to ensure the best vacation experience for guests, and many of our resorts turn to MasterCorp's A-Team when clients require extra personnel for resort openings, management transitions, and training missions.
Brittany's story is one of many exceptional employees in this industry, and we are lucky to have them! Read Brittany's full story.
By Kathryn Mullan, ARDA
June 24, 2015
"ARDA awards its highest honor to both a domestic and an international resort."
The ACE Project of Excellence Award is ARDA's most prestigious award, honoring resorts that are leading examples of vacation amenities and the ultimate owner experience. The award has gotten so competitive that this year, ARDA awarded this accolade to both a domestic and an international resort.
On April 15, ARDA was proud to award the domestic ACE Project of Excellence Award to Hyatt Ka'anapali Beach, a Hyatt Residence Club Resort, and the international ACE to Novaispania Los Cabos (an RCI affiliate, developed by the Pueblo Bonito Resort Group). "We are proud to present these ACE Project of Excellence Awards to two truly deserving winners, as great examples of amazing development throughout the world," said Catherine Lacey, RRP, vice president of meetings and member administration, ARDA.
There are some key similarities between this year's winners; both offer a slice of ocean- front paradise, stunning views and design elements, as well as exquisite concierge service. Here's a glimpse into these award-winning properties.
Hyatt Ka'anapali Beach
Almost every one of the 131 units looks out on Hawaii's spectacular Ka'anapali Beach. The others? They have to settle for a view of the mountains of Maui. The grounds are lush with native plants. The outdoor dining offers views of both the ocean and the infinity pool. And in every direction, the grounds unfold as an exotic adventure. Of course, the story of Maui itself is a magical one. And it's told throughout the property in the handiwork and craftsmanship of many local artists. With all the amenities and attention to detail, it's easy to see why this Hyatt resort was a deserving winner of this ACE award!
Novaispania Los Cabos
The world of this resort invites you to step away from the bustle of nearby Cabo San Lucas and everyday reality to rest and relax—rest the spirit, body, and mind and take in the beauty of enchanted gardens under waterfalls, all in Old World comfort. From the resort's villas, there is the option for an indoor/outdoor kitchen, a private infinity pool, and a master bedroom that overlooks the ocean. A personal chef prepares your evening meal or you may have cocktails and dine at one of the many fine restaurants on property. This resort is proof that the market for luxury and world-class amenities is not endangered but growing, just like the resort itself and the employment it is bringing to the Cabo residents and the region as a whole.
These two resorts exemplified what it means to be an ACE award winner, and have set the bar high for future winners. Read the full story in the latest June issue of Developments.]]>
-- Peter Roth, ARDA VP Marketing & Communications
What has happened to vacation? Or as the Time Magazine asked "Who Killed the Summer Vacation?" Our recent survey results show that it's definitely not the timeshare owner!
In fact, an impressive one-third of timeshare owners have taken four or more vacations in the last three years alone. This is quite telling when compared to non-timeshare owners--only 18% have taken four or more vacations in the last three years. With today's hectic lifestyle it is becoming even more important for people to get away and experience a relaxing vacation.
Furthermore, timeshare owners say they experience a happier, more relaxing time while away. When compared to non-owners, timeshare owners experience more happiness in each of the seven distinct vacation lifecycle phases, from planning the vacation to the first day all the way to the afterglow that the vacation leaves when it's over.
A better vacation experience with timeshares comes from the ease of planning, spacious accommodations, and the choice of resorts all over the world. To find out on how you can experience more and happier vacations, check out VacationBetter.org!
There are many alternatives to traditional hotel stays when it comes to vacationing today. Of course, timeshare is one and vacation home rentals is another. At HomeAway, we decided to see if we can marry the two and provide yet another alternative for today's travelers.
Beginning in 2012, we engaged a number of vacation ownership industry leaders—including Westgate Resorts and Wyndham Worldwide—to distribute their inventory on HomeAway to gauge the demand of timeshare-style accommodations from HomeAway travelers. Traveler demand showed a very strong initial surge, and we knew we could create a synergy within the industry.
Our relationship with ARDA was initiated at the same time. HomeAway is an ARDA Trustee member, and we provide front-line support in the legislative and regulatory arena as well.
I believe we will see more resort developers and suppliers testing the waters of the vacation rental market for their unused and unsold properties. I also believe that we will see further distribution of these properties not only on our sites but on third party sites (like Expedia) as well. High-quality visibility and increased exposure is essential in this competitive environment, and so we have partnered with key vacation ownership professionals to ensure we're offering the best accommodations for our travelers. And moving forward, we are looking for even more synergies between our approaches!
To read more, please see the recent April/May 2015 of Developments magazine.
by Peter Roth
VP, Marketing and Communications
Shifting the perception of timeshare as a viable—and beneficial—way to travel is integral to our strategic conversations at ARDA. From a Marketing and Communications standpoint, how we communicate with our key audiences and stakeholders is equally as important as what we communicate. In other words, integrating data and facts into compelling materials is essential in communicating effectively in today's digitally-dependent, research-driven and content-overloaded society.
The good news is we are working more closely with ARDA's International Foundation (AIF) to identify travel habits, vacation preferences, travel experiences, and vacation benefits (among other topics) that can be used to help position the timeshare experience effectively to different demographics and potential consumers across multiple channels. We are integrating these findings into infographics, blog topics, social posts, press releases, and as core content for all our communications.
While ARDA may be in the early stage of this effort, Orlando's Economic Development Commission (EDC) is in the middle of a multiyear campaign of its own to change the perception of Orlando as more than a vacation destination. At ARDA World, Jennifer Wakefield, vice president of Communications and Marketing at the EDC, presented on how their campaign "Orlando. You don't know the half of it" is doing—she shared many good tips and lessons learned!
The EDC first conducted research to determine perceptions about Orlando and created a 40-person committee of business leaders to help identify its mission and guide the strategic plan. The integrated campaign targeted local influencers and utilized paid elements, media partnerships, business promotions, national PR, social and online efforts, and stakeholder engagement for the initial launch, followed by a sustained PR effort. Their performance indicators are being measured through awareness, engagement and submissions for business investment, and they are well on their way to success! To find out more about this campaign, read here.]]>
By Howard Nusbaum
Every year at ARDA World—where I am surrounded by thousands of energetic people who work to make our industry so vibrant—I am reminded why I love this industry. Listening to the presenters, panelists and CEOs talk about key innovations that meet customer demand and exceed owner expectations at resorts around the globe is yet another example of our industry greatness.
Since the introduction of timeshare in Europe in the late 1960s, developers and resort operators have continually sought to make the product better. Our satisfied owner population domestically has grown over the years to more than 9.1 million U.S. households and is now expanding to the next generation of vacationers—the Millennial generation. This success in targeting and marketing to this new generation underscored much of the content and conversation at ARDA World.
The energy and buzz at Convention was also fueled by our phenomenal keynote speaker, Jay Baer, a renowned smart marketer, customer experience expert, New York Times best-selling author and timeshare owner. Jay talked about the concept of "youtility"—giving away information and resources for free—as an engine for driving smart marketing and how to be effective in a world cluttered with content. In today's digital world, with 24/7 information at our fingertips, effective marketing is harder today than ever. At the same time, technology has enabled customer experience and marketing to intersect. Fact: Sixty-seven percent of a buyer's journey is done digitally. People make on average 28 visits to travel sites before booking a trip. And, by 2020, customer experience will overtake price as a key brand differentiator.
In our industry, using technology has enabled our resorts to communicate directly with and encourage engagement from our owners. Technology is also changing the way customers are introduced to vacation products. From ARDA's AIF data, we know that new owners are more knowledgeable about the product before entering a sales discussion. This is facilitated by the great information and learning about the product and resorts easily accessible online. With more and more purchases of timeshare products coming from younger populations, we are evolving our means to reach and communicate with them effectively.
As Jay told us, the key to having a successful marketing strategy is being useful and providing help. If you sell something, you make a customer today—but if you genuinely help someone, you create a customer for life. Words to live by!
More to come at www.arda.org/convention, where you can download the "best-of" photos and PPTs from sessions and re-live all the awesome moments of ARDA World 2015…
By Howard Nusbaum
ARDA World 2015 is just about here and we are ready! We are thrilled to have such great new content to share and are looking forward to returning to Orlando to see many familiar faces – and welcome new ones!
For those new to the industry, this is your chance to meet new colleagues, hear from industry leaders and join us in recognizing the best of the best in our industry at the Awards Gala.
For those familiar with ARDA World, we hope you'll enjoy attending several of the sessions during the four Educational Wave breakouts and hear our keynote speaker Jay Baer – a marketing consultant, speaker, and author of the New York Times bestselling book, Youtility. His Convince & Convert blog is ranked among the world's top marketing resources, and was named #3 social media blog in the world by Social Media Examiner.
Speaking of social – ARDA will be very active across all our social channels this year and will be engaging with attendees live from the Digital Zone. Broadcasting from the center of the Exhibition Hall, the Digital Zone will have an ongoing social media feed for attendees using the hashtag #ARDAWorld, and provide a daily digest on ARDA Insight's blog about top takeaways from educational wave sessions and forums at the end of each day.
But don't take it from me, hear ARDA's out-going Chairman Franz Hanning share his thoughts on what to see at ARDA World 2015! Watch his video here.
See you in Orlando!]]>
By Sharon Scott
The annual timeshare industry convention is almost here—and for many, that means making sure your business get the maximum exposure even before the Exhibit Hall opens. Here are three quick tips from ARDA's Resort Operations Council:
#1: Get the Word Out
Hopefully by now, you have spread the word that your business and business representatives will be there through email blasts, newsletters, advertisements in timeshare publications and social media posts. Notify customers, properties and prospects ahead of time the location of your booth in the Exhibit Hall and schedule as many appointments as you can in advance.
#2: Plan Ahead
It goes without saying that planning ahead is a crucial part of making ARDA World a successful business trip. From assembling the right sales team to staff your booth to creating the right marketing materials for display and trying out any new products, planning in advance is always well worth your time!
#3: Engage & Interact
Once Convention begins, do your best to connect with the thousands of other timeshare industry professionals during the many meeting opportunities, networking events, sponsor parties, Exhibit Hall, educational sessions, and conversations in the hallways.
See you next month in Orlando!]]>
Peter Roth, VP Marketing and Communications, ARDA
This year's ARDA World Convention and Exposition is shaping up to be a great mix of education, networking and fun. Back in Orlando for the first time in four years, our team is excited about what's in store!
This year's theme is "Timeshare in Real Time" and will focus on the expectation of immediacy that today's owner has—and how our industry can leverage that in sales, service and loyalty.
There will be five days of meetings, educational sessions and exhibitions—giving attendees the chance to network with their peers and bring back innovative ideas to their teams. This year's Convention features an impressive line-up of speakers and entertainers including Jay Baer, author of the New York Times bestselling book, Youtility, as the keynote opener.
Be sure to register for the 14th Annual AIF Open Golf Tournament, and pack your formal attire for the annual Awards Gala recognizing outstanding work in our industry (don't forget to order your tickets for the ARDA Awards Gala here). The Breakfast of Champions keynote speaker is Bill Clement, two-time NHL Stanley Cup Champion and television broadcaster.
New this year is a "Digital Zone" in the center of the exhibition floor, where attendees can get involved in social media discussions, ask questions of the speakers and take photos in our photo booth. Be sure to stop by!
Registration for ARDA World is still open, and sponsorships are still available. For more information about the 2015 ARDA World Convention, visit the ARDA World website.
We hope to see you April 12-16, 2015, at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida!
Vacations and travel is our business. It was a topic of an Ipsos study at the recent Shared Ownership Investment Conference in Miami last October, it will be the basis for many educational sessions at ARDA World 2015 in Orlando on April 12-16, and it continues to drive developers and resort operators around the globe to conduct research on "why we travel."
According to the Ipsos/TripAdvisor study "TripBarometer 2015: Psychology of Travel Global Report" (September 2014), there are three compelling motivators for why people travel:
From research to personal experience to new vacation products and services, these are important discussions happening at all levels within the hospitality industry. Join the conversation and the group of influencers driving the future of vacation ownership into the future at ARDA World 2015.
By Brooke Doucha & Jason Tremblay, founders of Seychelle Media
Traditional sales and marketing approaches as we know them will continue to be challenged by how today's consumers engage and interact with brands. Consumers are highly connected and want to be communicated with in a specific way: on their terms, with messaging that's personalized, and in the spaces where they're most comfortable engaging. Well-equipped and informed by digital devices and mediums, they want to feel respected and responsible for ultimately making their own purchasing decisions. So in the vacation planning process, they turn to digital tools, reading or participating in peer reviews, booking travel online, uploading and sharing vacation photos to their Facebook pages, utilizing technology in every step.
Timeshare developers are beginning to adopt digital marketing and communications to create more timely and meaningful dialogue with their owners, earning the loyalty of their customers and allegiance to their brand.
As digital tools have progressed, so have the data-points that accompany them. Companies are trying to keep pace with trends in marketing and communications and turn analytics data into information that matters and informs their future strategy. As we discussed in a recent Developments article, many businesses in our industry are unsure how to evolve with digital disruptions— a devastating innovation that eventually takes over the marketplace. While our industry has successfully integrated digital marketing into their customer relations model, integrating it into their sales and marketing model is a more complex task. Looking ahead, touching new segments of buyers through new channels and digital mediums is essential for us to reach consumers previously neglected by our traditional marketing approach.
We encourage you to read this article as you think about turning your own digital marketing strategy into one that attracts, engages, converts and inspires.
By Franz Hanning, ARDA Chairman and President and Chief Executive Officer, Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Borrowing an idea from Peter Sheahan, founder and CEO of ChangeLabs, I believe the next big thing is already here—there is already an idea out there that will change the world.
While we often look around the corner to see what's coming, it's our job to also recognize, embrace, and implement that next big thing—whether from a product, marketing, employee or communication standpoint.
Innovation starts with leadership. It's important to remember, however, that leadership isn't defined by your role. And it doesn't just start at the top; it can come from anyone.
I encourage you to get involved wherever you can and become a leader who will help spark change in our industry. Leaders collaborate to form strategy that will ready our industry for the future. You can be part of those important conversations to make a positive impact and influence change.
Open your mind to ways you can actively think differently and challenge assumptions. While our industry enjoys tremendous success, it's the perfect time to be proactive about figuring out what will move us forward. If the weight of trying to unmask that next big thing seems too daunting, just remember: it's already out there, we just have to see it.
To read Franz' full article, please see the Nov/Dec Developments.
By Howard Nusbaum
President, ARDA
I'm sad to see 2014 go—it has been a good year! A good year for the industry with sales and pace of growth both up, but more importantly, we're seeing new customers join the 9 million-plus U.S. timeshare-owner households. These new owners are younger, more affluent and diverse, and understand that a timeshare yields more than just better vacations—it cultivates a better family life, too!
The overall economy flourished for the first time since 2008 with unemployment dipping below 6 percent. This past year also saw milestones that set records yet again on Wall Street with the Dow bouncing around 17,000 and upward forecasts for most sectors.
As we approach 2015, we may have a more consolidated industry, but it is full of robust, well-capitalized companies. Innovative professionals have created great products, systems, and services that we only dreamed of offering just a few years ago—and with more market intelligence and better technology.
But we still face challenges that will demand our attention in the New Year:
So when "Auld Lang Syne" plays on New Year's Eve this year, I will lift my glass a little
Higher, thankful for these past 12 months and filled with optimistic cheer for 2015!
To read Howard's full article, please see the Nov/Dec Developments.]]>
What do any number of the most successful companies today—from Apple and Google (iEverything and search engine-plus) to Netflix and Amazon (TV game-changer and retail transformer)—have in common? A culture of innovation. These companies don't rest on their laurels. Sure, they each found immense success with the launch of their first product(s). But they didn't stop there. They continued to think "what next?"
The same can be said for our industry. From fixed weeks to points to exchange, the timeshare product has continually evolved over the years to satisfy the ever-changing needs and demands of consumers. So, what's next? At the ARDA-West conference held last month in Denver, Co., one session had that exact focus: what key attributes must tomorrow's product have in order to appeal to future generations and drive the industry forward?
Some say there's nothing wrong with today's product, while others say it must change radically to allow the industry to evolve, survive and prosper. But one thing everyone agrees on is that we cannot become complacent about understanding the changing needs and demands of our customers.
The session began with an overview of AIF's latest study, the Shared Vacation Ownership Owner's Report, highlighting multi-generational research and providing key insights into today's timeshare owner—who is younger and increasingly diverse. They're also savvier, with the majority having experienced timeshare prior to purchasing and one-third having attended multiple sales presentations before buying.
Yet, while today's consumer may be different, we learned they are still shaped by many of the same timeless influences. Growing up during the Great Recession affected Millennials in ways similar to the Great Depression-era generations—they're much more money-conscious than the Gen X or Baby Boomer. They also greatly value family, with more than 50 percent saying being a good parent is one of their most important goals in life.
So what needs to change for us in order to better reach tomorrow's customer? Some key session-findings are as follows:
No matter how successful a company has been, they must keep an eye on the future if they hope to maintain long-term success. And the good news is, the future of timeshare has never looked brighter.
By Darla Zanini, RRP
Executive VP, ARDA International Foundation (AIF)
November 4, 2014
Our industry is growing and a big reason for that is the type of new owners we are attracting. They are younger and have higher incomes than typical owners, and represent a more culturally diverse cross-section of U.S. households. This is great news since it shows how relevant our product is to Millenials and Gen Xers!
Some interesting statistics from our recent AIF Shared Vacation Ownership Study:
And this new owner has plenty of disposable income:
They are savvy consumers:
This data is based on the AIF Shared Vacation Ownership Study prepared for us by HSR Associates. For more details, check out our infographic and our press release. For a full copy of the study please contact me at email@example.com.]]>
By Peter Roth
As most of you know, ARDA's communications team recently re-launched VacationBetter.org with a new look, feel and tone – one that we hope speaks to consumers about the timeshare product better than it has in the past. During the development phase, we intentionally consulted with a small working group of senior communications professionals within the industry to make sure that the site provides value to our members as well. From their feedback, we knew the site needed to provide information about the product in a safe, non-transactional manner as well as feature dynamic content that allows the visiting consumer to "co-create" in the process of determining the product's fit for their lifestyle.
Accordingly, we've introduced several "co-creation" opportunities for consumers on VacationBetter.org:
The success of the site is based on its usefulness to consumers, new and existing owners, developers, exchange companies, and others in the industry. We are encouraged by the feedback that some sales teams are linking to it in their communications, as it helps consumers become tour-ready and product-savvy. Let us know how it's been helpful in your efforts and communications with your audiences, and the creative ways you've found to incorporate it as a resource!
With autumn in full swing and the leaves showing their vibrant colors, it's time for this year's ARDA Fall Conference, which will take place November 12-14, at the Fairmont in Washington, DC.
The industry gathers annually to take advantage of this networking opportunity and to analyze key issues we're facing in the current economic and political environment. This year, if you decide to join us, we'll have plenty in store for you!
First, we have our core association meetings, where our most engaged members gather in committees, councils, and boards to advance our respective programs of work and set new goals for the future. Then, as we move through the program, our lineup of speakers and events will offer key information and tools to help you make more informed, strategic decisions in your individual businesses.
Of course, there's even more to the program with networking opportunities, receptions, and times for business partners to meet. Don't miss Wednesday night's Trustee Foundation Dinner at the Folger Shakespeare Library (by invitation only), or the political updates at the
ARDA-ROC Legislative Luncheon.
Thursday will feature the main portion of the program—with a "Board Bulletin" session , insights from Marci Rossell (former chief economist for CNBC), and then keynote speaker David Gregory (former host of NBC's "Meet the Press"). Friday kicks off with the Chairman's League breakfast (speaker, Chris Cillizza), immediately followed by our finale event— "Meet the Chairmen" session, which will close out our time together.
Click here for registration information and a detailed schedule (including the committee listing).
We look forward to seeing you soon in Washington!
The American Resort Development Association's (ARDA) annual regional meetings bring together local timeshare leaders and representatives for valuable updates and productive discussions about the future of the industry. After a great turnout for ARDA Southeast in Charleston, South Carolina last month, we're excited for ARDA West, kicking off tomorrow, October 21, in Denver, Colorado!
Unable to join us? You can still participate and follow along on Twitter and Facebook, as we highlight the brightest ideas and key takeaways from our collection of speakers and presenters.
And if you'll be there with us in Denver, join the conversation! Use the hashtag #ARDAwest to tell us what you think about cutting-edge owner happiness and how associations are selling their owned inventory. Network in person and online! And share your suggestions for the best places to grab dinner downtown.
The weather is looking clear and sunny. We can't wait to see you there!
Every business wants satisfied customers. But many don't realize the secret sauce is right in front of them—their employees.
Over the years, several studies have examined the link between engaged employees and satisfied customers. Perhaps most notably, Gallup's 2013 State of the American Workplace found a strong correlation between highly engaged employees and customer loyalty, along with increases in productivity, sales, and profits. Clearly, engagement is not something to be ignored.
But how can we tell if our employees are engaged? And what does that even mean? Recently, attendees had the chance to hear first-hand from Karen Case, vice president of human resources at Wyndham Vacation Ownership, who spoke at ARDA's Southeast Regional Meeting held in Charleston, SC.
Karen described engaged employees as those who have an emotional commitment to their organization and its goals. They are passionate about their job, often going above and beyond their responsibilities for the greater good of the company—as opposed to the not-engaged employees, who are essentially phoning it in, putting the time but not the energy or passion into their work.
On the flip side is the actively disengaged employee. These are the employees who aren't just unhappy with their jobs but have a toxic mindset that, if left unchecked, could spread throughout your business like wildfire. They do the bare minimum to get by, constantly undermine their coworkers, and even sabotage projects. While you should still do your best to find out why they're so disengaged, in some cases the best option for everyone is to part ways. But that doesn't mean you should dismiss all of them. In fact, given the right tools and attention, you may still be able to turn many of these employees from actively disengaged to engaged.
So what steps can you take to increase engagement in your organization? Karen offers these tips:
Ultimately, doing what's right for people proves to be what's right for the organization. When you start by making employee engagement a goal and focus of your business, you'll reap the rewards—a successful business with happy employees and happy customers.]]>
By Jon Blackmon
October 6, 2014
With the timeshare industry experiencing economic growth, many resorts are adding rental programs to their growing repertoire of services. These programs allow the general public access to timeshare resorts without long-term commitments, creating buzz around the benefits of condo-style accommodations and allowing resorts to capitalize on previously unused space. Tapping into this new consumer pool allows resorts to foster relationships with previously elusive markets and by offering a stay unlike any hotel, timeshare resorts can demonstrate the value of their resort, thereby gaining loyal and happy customers.
Read more about the benefits of timeshare rental programs in the September issue of Development's Magazine.
By Howard Nusbaum
September 29, 2014
Last week, the Resort Development Organization (RDO), ARDA's European counterpart, hosted their annual convention, RDO5, in London. Representing the U.S. timeshare industry, ARDA's immediate past chairman and current CEO of Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Don Harrill, ARDA Treasurer and partner at Baker Hostetler, Rob Webb, and AIF Executive Vice President, Darla Zanini, made the trip with me across the pond to discuss our many shared successes and challenges within the international timeshare industry.
The event featured fascinating speakers, including Michael Levie, Founding Partner of CitzenM Hotels, Dean Van Leeeuwen co-founder and Chief Exploration Officer of TomorrowToday, and YouTube sensation, Louise Pentland. But one particular speaker—BJ Cunningham, an entrepreneur and founder of several companies, including the notorious Death Cigarettes—shared a message that really stood out to me. So simple yet profound, in just an hour, BJ was able recount with real-life examples the power of truth and transparency in marketing and sales practices.
While hearing BJ's dynamic presentation, I began to think about how transparency has brought potent change to the timeshare industry over the past couple of decades. Twenty years ago, consumers came for discount tickets to the attraction de jour only to end up in a timeshare presentation. These days, our consumers are educated, and we like that. It doesn't mean they won't exchange their time for the promise of a gift, but they understand why they're there and already have a level of interest in the product. Today's consumers already know so much walking into a presentation that they aren't being sold just any product—they're buying what they want.
Timeshare has always offered consistent quality in lodging and coupled that consistency with the actual discipline to taking a vacation. It's that needed annual getaway with friends and family that helps us put our lives in perspective and renews our spirits. We need to continue to educate new and potential owners, not just about the product, but about the benefits to our health, our work, and our home lives. Resources like VacationBetter.org, a consumer-focused website offering valuable information about buying and owning a timeshare, are there to help consumers make an educated decision matching their family and financial needs with the vacation product that is right for them.
VacationBetter.org is a website all about transparency—no sales tactics, no smoke, no mirrors—just a look at what a timeshare can offer. ARDA, with the help of the timeshare community, has invested in this educational tool because, as we know, an educated prospect is the ticket to a happy owner.
By Phil Nix
& Chris Folsom
September 25, 2014
Deloitte's research for the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) shows that the U.S. vacation ownership industry has grown at a relatively strong pace, as it continues to withstand the turbulence observed in the broader economy. In a longer article from the September 2014 Developments, we presented selected results of AIF's Financial Performance 2014: A Survey of Timeshare & Vacation Ownership Companies, but a quick glance at the findings gives the timeshare industry reason to be optimistic.
The financial performance of the industry is valuable as companies change their business models and investment strategies. And based on these findings, we saw another strong year of timeshare sales, with robust growth and expansion.
For a more detailed viewing of the report, visit www.arda.org/researchlibrary.com.
For the majority of people, not knowing everything about the way their business or industry works is perfectly alright. The fact is, they don't really need to know it all in order to still be effective at their job.
But when it comes to regulators, what they don't know may have unintended consequences in the industries they regulate. With all the priorities on their plate, it's clear to see how they may not have time to study certain nuances and business specifics. And that's why it's so important that we do our job of bringing the education to them.
Now more than ever, given the evolution and complexity of the product, it's critical these representatives understand how new rules and regulations will impact the timeshare industry and its owners. To help facilitate a deeper understanding of timeshare among regulators, ARDA's Regulatory Outreach Committee introduced a comprehensive state regulatory/agency education initiative this year. Over the past eight months, the committee has hit the road with a presentation to help strengthen relationships with and educate regulators about the ever-evolving timeshare industry—from product types to legal structures (and much more). To date, they have presented to regulators in 10 jurisdictions across the United States and the Caribbean, helping these representatives better understand the product they're being asked to regulate.
Education is the key to our success, and there's no doubt this critical effort is paying off in spades. It's not just reinvigorating relationships with officials who regulate our industry—it's also creating opportunities to influence future legislative and regulatory changes in the best interest of the industry and owners alike. In fact, the initiative has been so successful that the committee is now being proactively reached out to by regulators, agencies and associations, requesting that they present to them and their teams. By the end of the year, the team will present in three additional jurisdictions and at the Association of Real Estate Law Officials' (ARELLO) annual convention. They have even been asked to conduct an educational panel for Real Estate Investigators, so they can better understand the product and more effectively tackle our shared concern of timeshare fraud.
But with changes in agency staff familiar with the timeshare industry, and term limits that create turnover in government, educating regulators is a never-ending process. One thing you can count on—education will always remain a top priority for us, and ARDA and its Regulatory Outreach Committee remain committed for the long haul.
In the August feature of Developments, Geri Bain's article highlighted several timeshare resorts in some of the country's most popular travel spots. This was not only a great read but it also showcased how vacation ownership provides access to some of the most coveted experiences in the country – particularly relevant because travelers today are increasingly choosing vacations based on the experience they want from their trip.
As many timeshare resorts continue to enhance the vacation experience for owners by expanding their on-site programs, amenities and services, our industry is well-positioned to meet this demand. From health and wellness-focused trips to adventure-based travel, timeshare resorts are packaging some of the best travel experiences in the hospitality business. Here is a snapshot of the featured resorts and destinations:
With more than 100 golf courses, it's no wonder Myrtle Beach was voted "Best Golf Destination" by USA Today readers. Most courses are public, and nearly half offer kids-play-free programs. Snapshot: Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Marriott's Ocean Watch Villas and Wyndham Dye Villas.
More and more travelers are booking urban spots for vacations, and NYC is the cream of the crop—with a plethora of museums, restaurants, plays, shows, shopping, concerts, and sporting events. Not surprising that vacation ownership properties have high-occupancy rates. Snapshot: Hilton Grand Vacations, New York Hilton Midtown, The Manhattan Club and Wyndham Midtown 45.
Arizona has always had a lead on wellness-packaged vacations, with a high concentration of top-rated spas and resorts, but it's also a top timeshare resort destination. Many properties offer access to off-site excursions such as hiking, golfing and biking trails. Snapshot: Four Seasons Residence Club Scottsdale, Scottsdale Camelback Resort and Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.
Hawaiians are proud of their heritage and culture, and travelers are enamored to learn of the islands' history. Many timeshare resorts share the rich Hawaiian history with guests through cultural on-site programs and other key vacation components. Snapshot: Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas and The Aulani.
We often refer to Orlando as the "timeshare capital of the world," but the family aspect of an Orlando vacation is why it is the nation's most-visited destination (59 million visitors in 2013!). A highly-competitive spot for lodging, timeshare resorts frequently use a "stay to play" concept that encourages family-fun activities on-site for all ages. Snapshot: Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Summer Bay Orlando, Marriott Vacation Club's Harbour Lake, The Fountains Resort, Bluegreen Vacations.
We think all our timeshare resorts deserve a tip of the hat for providing better vacations to all travelers!
By Franz
Hanning President and CEO of Wyndham Vacation Club and ARDA Chairman
ARDA Guest Blogger
August 8, 2014
The topic of environmentally-sustaining practices is often discussed within our industry as it relates to the lifecycle of vacation ownership products. I firmly believe that our industry is a leader when it comes to "going green." Re-using and recycling to avoid waste and pollution in addition to adding in-unit energy efficient and water-saving devices, are at the forefront of new timeshare construction and renovations around the world. Continuing to incorporate and expand upon these sustainable practices well into the future will be the key to our success.
We're also seeing that social responsibility plays an important role in emerging trends within the hospitality industry as Deidre Schwartz, Director of Merchandising, American Hotel Register Company highlights in a recent issue of Developments. "We want to do business with people who share this same 'caring' commitment," said Schwartz.
As our industry continues to grow and make investments in greener resort amenities and technologies—we need to keep the next generation of sustainability top of mind. And now more than ever, as you will read in this issue, the best is yet to come. For an in-depth look at eco-friendly happenings in the industry, check out Developments!
By Darla Zanini
Executive VP, ARDA International Foundation (AIF)
August 6, 2014
Timeshare, once again, has made a significant impact on the U.S. economy – representing:
Spending by timeshare owners and guests during timeshare stays was estimated at $10 billion in 2013. About $2.1 billion was spent on-site at resorts, while $7.9 billion was spent off-site in the communities where the timeshare resorts are located.
This data is based on the AIF 2013 Economic Impact study conducted for us by Ernst & Young. For more details, check out our infographic and for a full copy of the Economic Impact Study, please contact me at email@example.com.
By Howard Nusbaum
July 23, 2014
We've been talking a lot about the next generation and how our industry has changed to meet the needs of this growing vacation sector. Recent research now tells us that the "next generation" is becoming today's consumer.
Our recent AIF Owners Study found that consumers of today are, on average, much younger than ever before and much more culturally diverse. The average age of owners who have purchased in the last three years is now 42 years old—compared with 50.5 years old for all timeshare owners. This younger owner demographic also has more children at home who comprise the vacation-group.
From resort accommodations and amenities to new product features and services, our industry needs to understand the priorities of this new consumer and all their various lifestyle requirements. As resort developers and designers, we need to look at the world through this new lens. The good news is that ARDA and the AIF will continue to provide market intelligence and tools designed to meet these needs. For now, some of these topics are tackled in our July Construction & Design issue of Developments magazine, where the impact of traveling group-members on unit size, on-site amenities, and activities is discussed. Be sure to check it out!
By Franz Hanning,
President & CEO of Wyndham Vacation Club and ARDA Chairman
ARDA Guest Blogger
July 11, 2014
As an industry, we are witnessing how technology validates the role we play in providing an outlet for people to unplug and spend quality time with loved ones. We've all seen the expansion of technology's impact on travel over the last decade, and we have recognized how consumers use technology before, during, and after travel. That's why the role technology plays in our industry was a key focus at this year's ARDA World Convention in Las Vegas.
During many of the educational sessions, we shared lessons learned about how developers incorporate technology into their business models, products, operations, communications, and sales and marketing efforts. From a renewed focus on in-room technology to enhanced customer experiences and owner-engagement programs, our industry is constantly adapting. The use of technology has enabled our industry to communicate better with our owner base, and taught us how to communicate with the next generation of owners. This means gaining an understanding of digital marketing, social media, and new technologies.
Be sure to catch-up on technology-themed lessons from ARDA World in the June issue of Developments magazine!
By Darla Zanini, Executive VP, ARDA International
Foundation (AIF)
June 25, 2014
We are happy to present the latest research from our State of the Vacation TimeshareIndustry: United States Study 2014. It shows that the timeshare industry enjoyed significant growth in 2013. Here are a few of the highlights:
When comparing 2013 to 2012
There were some other interesting tidbits as well:
For more details, check out our infographic and for a full copy of the State of the Industry Study, please contact me at email@example.com.]]>
May 30, 2014
Travel and tourism is one of the world's largest industries, supporting 260 million jobs and generating 9 percent of the world's GDP—yet the perception held by many outside the industry is that it is a short-term career move rather than one that offers professional longevity.
New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), a forum of business leaders in the travel & tourism industry, shows that companies today are missing out on the best new talent amongst graduates due to negative perceptions of a career in the industry. In fact, travel & tourism holds opportunities for job creation to address youth unemployment and gender inequality issues faced by countries around the world. The research findings also show that the industry employs a higher percentage of young people and women compared to the global workforce as a whole.
However, serious challenges have been identified when it comes to the understanding and profile of the sector amongst undergraduates. In an effort to combat those perceptions, the WTTC is launching a campaign to demonstrate the career opportunities available in the industry.
Anyone who works in travel & tourism can participate by creating a 15-second video to explain why they love working in the industry and answering one of these questions:
Then, upload your video to Instagram, tag @WTandTC, and hashtag #TourismMatters for a chance to win a prize—that's it! WTTC will award a first-place prize of $1,000 and runner-up prizes of $500 and $250 to spend on a travel event of the winner's choosing. The deadline to enter the contest is Monday, June 30, so act fast!
For more details about the campaign, check out the WTTC'S YouTube video, or visit their site for the contest terms and conditions. Good luck!
By Judy Kenninger, RRP
ARDA Guest Blogger
May 14, 2014
Today people increasingly turn to technology to get their news on-the-go, communicate with friends and family, shop, research, and more. Consider the statistics: Facebook counts 945 million monthly users of its mobile service, Yahoo! has 400 million monthly users who access it on their mobile phones alone, 89 million people in the U.S. watch 1.2 billion online videos each day, and 73% of adults online use a social networking site of some kind. According to Deloitte Hospitality 2015, mobile technology and social media are transforming the hospitality industry. People can research and book their own travel, visit peer review sites, take an interactive tour of a resort, and share their own vacation experiences online—all from their tablets or phones.
The timeshare industry is adapting to the fast-paced environment by integrating more visual content into their websites, developing interactive marketing tools, using social platforms to deliver meaningful content, and enriching the communication channel between brand and consumers. Such tools are particularly evident in timeshare sales organizations. Gone are the days of printed materials and brochures as consumers want to visually experience the vacation before they plan a trip. Resorts now incorporate multi-dimensional visuals and graphics into the presentation and some have developed a real-time inventory search and pricing information.
To read more about innovation in timeshare sales and marketing, check out the article on this topic in the April/May 2014 issue of Developments magazine.
By Peter Roth, ARDA's Vice President of Marketing and Communications
May 7, 2014
In the timeshare industry, we know that travel is good not only for health and relaxation—it's good for our workplaces and our country's economy. During this year's National Travel & Tourism Week (May 3-11) , we think it's a good idea to remind ourselves of this impact. Here are some more statistics and facts on the travel industry from ARDA's friends at the U.S. Travel Association:
Let's start with jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the U.S. travel industry recovered faster than other economic sectors—restoring 111% of the jobs lost to the recession—while the rest of the economy has only recovered 90% so far. Travel is among the top 10 employers in 49 states, directly employing about eight million people at a payroll of $209 billion. Throw in jobs supported by travel, and the number almost doubles to 15 million workers: one of every nine American jobs.
Travel also positively impacts local economies and taxes. U.S. residents and international visitors now pump more than $28,000 per second into cash registers across the country. It adds up to a $2.1 trillion economic impact, contributing more than $130 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenues.Every household in America would have to pay about $1,100 more in taxes annually to make up what the travel industry alone brings to our schools, roads, search-and-rescue teams and other public programs.
Travel also boosts profits. One study found that every $1 spent on business travel drove nearly $3 in profit—a 300 percent return on investment (ROI) after adjusting for cost.
Finally, travel weathers economic storms. Sectors that decreased business travel during the 2007-2011 recession were more likely to see profits slow or drop, while industries that amped up business travel grew faster.
We can feel great about being one of the very robust areas within the travel industry – timeshare!
Judy Chapman, Former Editor-in-Chief for
Spa Asia Magazine
ARDA Guest Blogger
April 25, 2014
Most people who vacation do so to rejuvenate and de-stress, but frequently return feeling less rejuvenated than when they left. That's why it should come as no surprise that travelers report they now want much more "wellness" in their travel destinations.
According to a consumer survey by Spa Finder Wellness 365, travelers want a vacation with healthier food, spa packages, nature experiences, gyms, mindfulness packages, and eco-conscious programs—and are looking for resorts that offer vacations that fit these needs.
Wellness tourism—categorized by travelers that plan a vacation to improve their overall health or well-being—is a $438.6 billion global industry, with hotels and resorts making up $93.4 billion of the market, according to a report by Stanford Research Institute (SRI). Those who travel for wellness purposes are typically wealthy, middle-aged, well-educated travelers from Western countries who spend more on travel—usually 2 to 3 times more, according to the Global Spa and Wellness Summit 2013 report.
The potential for the resort industry is significant, as market share is driven primarily by the Baby Boomer generation who want to live a longer and better quality of life. SRI International indicates that wellness tourism is projected to grow by 9.1 percent annually through 2017.
Current statistics show that the top five countries for in-bound and out-bound wellness tourism are the United States, Germany, Japan, France, and Austria. The predictions, however, indicate that more than half of the projected growth will take place in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa.
With more wellness-minded travelers looking for result-oriented experiences, more and more timeshare resorts are creating healthier environments with world class spa and fitness programs. Now that's a trend we can all feel good about!
To read more on spa and wellness opportunities in the timeshare industry, check out the article on this topic in the March 2014 issue of Developments magazine.
By Annemarie Valli, Wyndham Exchange & Rentals
ARDA Guest Blogger
April 22, 2014
Timing is everything—and being the first to deliver new and exclusive vacation experiences to consumers is invaluable. Today, Asia represents one of the world's largest growth markets for tourism and leisure.
Given the sheer size and demographic of the region, its timeshare market is primed to experience incredible growth levels over the next 10 years. Several factors—including a growing and prosperous middle class, shifting consumer preferences and attitudes toward vacationing, and the elimination of currency controls—are all contributing to this region's fantastic future development.
Forecasts designate China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia to host 64 percent of the global middle class, and account for 40 percent of global middle class consumption by 2030—a huge opportunity!
Asia's estimated average household income boom, combined with a steady increase in its consumer confidence and spending intentions, are all important growth catalysts for the region. Developers who can capitalize on Asia's favorable economy and lucrative location are best positioned to secure the land and buying dollars of timeshare travelers seeking memorable vacation experiences.
Read much more on the specific market conditions and opportunities in March's Developments magazine article on this topic.]]>
By Peter Roth, ARDA Vice President of Marketing and Communications
April 17, 2014
I know that many of you attended this year's ARDA World Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas—in fact we hosted nearly 3,000 timeshare professionals from around the world, with over 35 countries represented! And I think you'll agree that the content, the networking, and the all around sentiment were all top notch.
But in case you weren't able to join us, here's a brief rundown of just some of the highlights.
Scott Klososky, a business leader and social technology and trends guru, was the keynote speaker and he definitely got the crowd thinking about their use of technology and what it means for their business in the future. His message was clear: take a chance on embracing technology to reshape your business now…before you are left behind.
Attendees also got more "food for thought" from several timeshare CEOs from Disney Vacation Ownership, Marriott Vacation Club International, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, and Welk Resorts. They talked about how the industry is evolving to meet the next generation of customers, technology, products, employees, and distribution channels.
Another well-attended, positively-reviewed session was "Getting Serious About Social: A Social Media Show & Tell." The panelists shared strategies to communicate with consumers before, during, and after their vacation. And they gave the audience ideas of how to do this whether they were a social media novice or expert—all geared toward using social media as a way to engage customers.
At the Awards Gala on Wednesday night, the best and brightest in the industry were recognized through the ARDA Awards program. A complete list of winners is available on ARDA's Awards website. Congratulations to all!
And finally, I have to mention the golf, the parties and the camaraderie—it's often these kinds of activities that bring the most benefit to attending Convention: the relationships you take home with you. Hope to see you at the 2015 ARDA World in Orlando!]]>
By Matt McDaniel, Tourism and Travel Journalist
ARDA Guest Blogger
April 15, 2014
Of the 550 million people who reside in Latin America, an impressive one-third is part of the middle class. And this emerging group is expected to grow across the region—presenting substantial opportunities for the leisure industry.
Interval International's Marcos Agostini, senior vice president of resort sales and business development for the region, says that "both the overall economic health and its emerging middle class are a boon for shared ownership."
The economic outlook for Latin America is encouraging for the remainder of 2014, with growth projected to be up nearly three percent. The global recovery and faster growth in the United States will also have a positive impact on the region's expansion.
An article on this topic in the March issue of Developments magazine delves deeper into highlights from four key Latin American markets: Brazil, Columbia, Peru, and Mexico. Get all the details here!
By Rob Kaplan-Sherman, Senior Vice President of HSR Associates
ARDA Guest Blogger
April 2, 2014
It seems that whenever I speak with someone in the industry about sales, the conversation quickly gravitates toward Millennials and the tremendous opportunity they provide for the timeshare industry.
A quick Internet search supports why this group and timeshare may fit together so well:
--Millennials take more vacations per year (approximately 4 each year) than Gen Xers (approximately 3) and Baby Boomers (slightly more than 3 annually)
--Millennials rank vacations and travel as the most important reason to save money—even more important than saving for retirement!
If vacations play an integral role in Millennials' lives, it is clear we should want to understand their values.
In late 2013, the AIF and HSR Associates conducted a series of focus groups with Millennials to better understand how they shop for and purchase vacations, and to identify potential opportunities for the industry.
When planning a vacation, Millennials appear to have four core requirements: unfettered access (their planning is limited only by their inspiration, research skills, and budget), completely customizable, no restrictions, and excellent value.
From this and other observations we are able to capture some significant insights.
--Millennials seem very apprehensive about commitment, so positioning timeshare as a life-long ownership product instead of an alternative to the next vacation can make the thought of timeshare a non-starter. Deliver a great vacation and create a relationship—and thus a credible, trustworthy source on the short-list for their next vacation.
--Leverage the superiority of timeshare lodging units over traditional hotel rooms. Focus group participants consistently expressed very positive reactions toward lodging units, and specifically enjoyed having a kitchen. In the absence of price, timeshare units generated greater preference than traditional hotel rooms. When learning of the similarity of price points between hotel rooms and timeshare units, participants appeared to view timeshare much more favorably.
--Promote flexibility and choice. While some Millennials may view these characteristics in almost unrealistic terms, it may be sufficient to start a conversation with them.
Read about all of the findings from the Millennial Focus Group in the March 2014 edition of Developments magazine.
By Franz S. Hanning, RRP, Chairman of the ARDA Board of Directors
ARDA Guest Blogger
March 28, 2014
Vacations have a universal appeal—they're a common interest that crosses cultures and borders, as evidenced by the expansive international presence timeshare already has today.
From Finland to Thailand to South Africa, timeshare is not only breaking ground, but also breaking records around the world. Sales at the Anantara Vacation Club: Phuket in Mai Khao, Thailand, have increased 100 percent, year over year. Kodagu Valley Resort in Coorg, India, is now working on a sister property, thanks to overwhelming demand. And a full sell-out of Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is projected in the next two years.
This indicates that demand for timeshare across the world is growing steadily—a trend we hope to see continue in the coming decade.
But the real beauty of international expansion is that everyone benefits. Consumers abroad have access to the product in their local regions, owners have the opportunity to travel to new, exciting destinations through exchanges, and the communities in which we operate locally reap the rewards from the continued growth of international tourism to America.
Over the years, we've broken down borders to the point where vacations are now a global enterprise. It's safe to say the world is now more interconnected than ever—and when it comes to timeshare, the sky is truly the limit.
Read more about the universal appeal of timeshare in this month's Developments magazine. And I'll see you soon at ARDA World in Las Vegas!
By Peter Roth, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
March 12, 2014
Our industry is in a very exciting place—high customer satisfaction rates, new product offerings, and a positive financial outlook.
To reflect this, ARDA has re-energized its consumer website, VacationBetter.org, to embody this new energy and vibrancy. We created this site as a trustworthy resource for consumers to turn to for timeshare information and resources—with the main goal of reinforcing the positive experiences of owning and vacationing with timeshare.
With this goal in mind, we took several steps in revamping the new VacationBetter.org site, including:
The overall tone of VacationBetter.org is consumer-friendly, reliable, trustworthy, and conversational. Through more interactive content, it provides helpful information without being sales-focused, serving as a neutral go-to source for two key audiences: would-be owners and new owners. Key highlights of the site are:
Content for Audiences New to Timeshare
For first-timers, we provide compelling content that educates them on what timeshare is and how it works. On the homepage, they start with a "What Kind of Traveler Are You?" quiz that identifies their travel type as: Adventurer, Relaxer, Family Member, or Urban Explorer.
Content for New Owners
Content for the "new owners" audience is framed to help reaffirm their decision during the critical rescission period, so they remain confident that their timeshare purchase was a great decision. The site includes a Timeshare Owners' Guide with "hidden tips" for owners that tell them how to best use and enjoy their timeshare. We also have a section on understanding and using exchange programs. Finally, there will be a place for owners to share their own vacation stories or tips with other site visitors. The "What's New" section offers visitors a reason to return, with frequent posts discussing the benefits of travel and timeshare.
How to Use VacationBetter.org
The new site will be a terrific resource for consumers—owners and non-owners alike—and will gain traction via wide industry support. It is designed for ARDA members to use through their various communications channels—and when their owners also use it, we will be able to truly develop an "echo chamber" of support.
There are many ways that we can collectively encourage use of the site like (1) direct linking to VacationBetter.org, using our logo or "bug"; (2) provide information in the sales room and directly after the sale; (3) promote the site on social media and in owner communications; and (4) send people to the site when they book a tour or sales visit.
We encourage you to visit VacationBetter.org and to use it with your owners and future owners. It's a credible resource that can provide third-party information to educate your prospects and make your owners smarter and more loyal vacationers. Check out the all new VacationBetter.org site today!
By Georgie Bohrod, RRP
ARDA Guest Blogger
February 26, 2014
With ARDA World right around the corner, it's not too early to start planning for the industry's biggest gathering. In addition to all the networking, festivities, and renewed connections that surround the event, ARDA offers the most comprehensive educational sessions to help newcomers and seasoned professionals stay current and informed.
This year, under the umbrella of the Resort Operations Council, Suppliers Council, and Construction & Design Council, members have the opportunity to help educate attendees about two important topics:
The new generation of owners – As we see an increase in ARDA members who represent mature resorts, it is clear that operations are just as important as a component of timesharing as sales and marketing. The session Generation Transition: How to Keep Your Resort's Product Relevant is directed at resorts whose aging owner base may be looking for a way to leave. The session will explore ways to physically improve the product to better appeal to a younger buyer, including what interior designs and components will best attract this segment and what technologies and amenities could be implemented to stay current.
The conversion of existing properties to timeshare products – On the flip side, a session called Everything That's Old is Renewed Again will discuss relevant issues pertaining to conversion. They will examine important topics such as the best ways to assess which hotels and condominiums are candidates to be converted to timeshare. The panel will also look into risks and rewards in making this change. Converting condos and hotels into timeshares delves deep into the history of our industry, and this new spin on the historically successful concept is bound to offer innovative insights.
Educational sessions are only one aspect of ARDA World. The Expo Hall is another excellent place to learn more about what's going on with members of the Suppliers Council, as well as scores of other vendors. Whether it is textiles, patio furniture, homeowner's kits, cleaning supplies, or insurance—this is where you will be able to talk with experts first hand.
So mark your calendars and prepare yourself for ARDA World. Las Vegas is waiting for you!
By Franz S. Hanning, RRP, Chairman of the ARDA Board of Directors
ARDA Guest Blogger
February 19, 2014
Ask any ARDA Convention veteran (that's most of us), and they'll agree—arriving at ARDA World is like stepping into an episode of the 80's sitcom "Cheers." Everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. It's a beautiful thing, really.
What's remarkable about Convention is that it removes us from our silos and reminds us that we're all a part of something bigger than just individual companies. Once there, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities we face collectively, consider where we're heading as an industry, and brainstorm ideas to take us to the next level. We work together (regardless of being competitors outside the conference halls) to benefit the industry as a whole.
For those of you who haven't yet had the chance to attend, I'm telling you now, you won't want to miss this premier gathering for our industry. Convention is the place to be!
Expand your industry knowledge at ARDA World through:
Networking – Unique opportunities to meet face-to-face with your peers from across the world and expand your network to learn from one another, share best practices, forge new business relationships, and celebrate successes.
Education – With more than 40 exciting sessions running the gamut, from recruiting top talent and attracting the next generation of buyers, to navigating consumer protection laws and structuring deals in the new world order, this Convention has it all.
Trend Setting – ARDA maintains its status as the leading resource on the latest trends including IBM's annual "5 in 5" predictions list naming big data at the center of the new era in computing. So don't miss the chance to learn more about what it is, how to use it, and why you should care, at one (or both) of the big data sessions.
So come on down, where everybody knows your name! ARDA World 2014 promises to be another unforgettable occasion, and I look forward to seeing you there!
By Kathryn Mullan, Editor of Developments Magazine
February 6, 2014
With ARDA World 2014 right around the corner, all of us at ARDA are thinking about the value of bringing our industry together. It seems that ARDA World serves its greatest purpose as a "connector" and a "collective"—otherwise known as a "collective connection!"
A recent article in Developments magazine discussed this very issue. It stated, "Collective progress comes from the application of collective intelligence: putting more minds to work on a problem…makes the discovery of new and better solutions much more likely."
Isn't that what ARDA World is all about? Innovation that becomes progress and then best practices…it's been woven into the very fabric of our industry for 45 years. This energetic force field of new ideas dwells at the core of ARDA World.
We look forward to another year of bringing our industry together to create a mash-up of ideas, best practices, and brainstorm to fuel our own "collective creativity" engine to push forward in new ways.
Early-bird registration deadline is February 7, so sign up now—can't wait to see you there!
By Kevin Hassett, American Enterprise Institute
ARDA Guest Blogger
January 29, 2014
The last quarter of 2013 was filled with all kinds of economic uncertainty—budget gridlock, labor market challenges, international disruptions, and the Washington shutdown. But many "dashboard indicators" give me optimism about our economic future.
There are four metrics that I watch to track a return of economic growth:
1. The deficit has been reduced enough that uncertainty is no longer a drag.
2. American wealth has gone back up to pre-crisis levels.
3. Bank balance sheets are now looking healthy and profits are back, with the disposal of bad assets. The crisis in lending also seems to be behind us.
4. Long-term unemployment will be a very serious challenge for 2014.
Looking ahead to 2014, there are a few trends you should keep your eye on. On the economic front, I think we're going to have a relatively uninteresting policy year, due to where we are right now and how corporate tax reform has died again in Congress.
This means politics will be front and center. What I see happening this year is Republicans will go into the election talking only about the Affordable Care Act. On the flip side, Democrats have an advantage this year, as a rebounding economy always helps the party in the White House. Interesting things will happen at the crossroads between the economy and politics this year.
As for what's happening on the world stage and international economic factors, I see these more of a sideshow at the moment. There aren't strong enough pockets in the world that they're driving activity here nor are there pockets of weakness that are so awful they are upsetting our activity.
In terms of real estate, the leisure real estate market and housing in general are all experiencing significant recovery points. But I would use caution moving forward in this in terms of the future for interest rates—the risks are balanced unevenly right now so it's best to be cautious.
For timeshare developers specifically, I'd encourage expanding operations because the economy looks good—but I'd be sure to lock in financing before interest rates rise. Odds are pointing in that direction and the risks are higher than they've been in a long time, so I'd act accordingly.
For much more from Kevin Hassett, please see the interview in the next Developments magazine, available digitally and in print in February.
Kevin Hassett is a senior fellow and the director of Economic Policy Studies for the American Enterprise Institute.
By Peter Roth, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
January 15, 2014
We often communicate to prospective owners the value of vacation ownership comes from knowing that you've already pre-paid for your vacation.
The guarantee of a vacation at least once a year is a commitment to vacationing better. And that the benefits of vacationing are many: lifetime memories, more spacious accommodations, no stress from planning, and more! That's part of why timeshare occupancy (76%) continues to outpace traditional hotel stays (56.6%).
Helpful to the larger travel industry in general is that each year there is more research conducted about the benefits of vacationing—a fact that our industry has utilized for years. In fact, Expedia conducted a survey this past year that evaluated the link between personal happiness and vacations. They learned that 61% of people who vacation at least three times annually are satisfied with life—and that vacations boost job satisfaction, marriage happiness, and even intimacy.
With those statistics in mind, here's to hoping 2014 is the year of the vacation! Do your vacations make you happier? Let us know in the comments.
By Peter Roth, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
January 9, 2014
An annual study by Expedia® about vacation habits revealed that Americans earn among the fewest vacation days (14) in the world each year and also leave among the most (4) unused days on the table. On average, about 10 out of every 14 days are left—more than 500 million days each year!
While we know our owners love and continue to use their timeshare product, there is still a mindset that vacations are a luxury, not a necessity. How do we change this? By encouraging our own employees to utilize their vacation days so that they return refreshed, relaxed, and ready to work.
We can also make strides by sharing the benefits that vacations provide through owner stories, pictures, and videos that show the positive effects of vacationing. In the coming months, ARDA's newly refreshed consumer website, VacationBetter.org, will be posting fresh owner content, promoting third party data, and publicizing the positive attributes of timeshare vacations. We will need the help of the entire industry to expand the reach of the website and become a valuable resource to owners and developers alike.
In the meantime, you can read about resolving to take a timeshare vacation in the New Year. And share your vacation habits in the comments!
By Peter Roth, Vice President of Marketing and Communications
December 16, 2013
New research by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) shows that employees who take vacation time enjoy greater productivity, increased job satisfaction, and higher organizational morale than those who do not.
However, the "Vacation's Impact on the Workplace" survey also shows a disconnect between the positive attitudes surrounding vacation and Americans' actual behavior—61 percent of organizations report that their employees leave three or more days on the table each year...not much of a surprise!
ARDA partnered with the U.S. Travel Association (and its innovative campaign, the Travel Effect) to announce this important research. This is the kind of data that is important to share with our industry, timeshare owners, and prospective owners. There are so many reasons to take regular vacation—and now we see that productivity at work is yet another.
And clearly, owning a timeshare makes people more likely to take their vacation since it's pre-paid—just one huge benefit to owning a timeshare that the industry should continue to tout.
What are your thoughts on boosting productivity in the workplace by taking time to vacation? Let us know in the comments!
By ARDA State Affairs
November 12, 2013
Many of you will hear from ARDA staff later this week at ARDA's Fall Conference in Washington, DC that this has been one of the busiest years on record for timeshare legislative activity at the state level.
More than 25 bills in 13 states were introduced, passed, or killed in 2013 to protect the legislative interests of timeshare developers, timeshare associations, management companies, and timeshare owners.
A few highlights include:
--Resale and transfer company legislation was introduced in Florida, Colorado, South Carolina, and Massachusetts that will provide specific guidelines related to resellers and transfer companies
--Streamlining the Nevada Real Estate Division's process of issuing a timeshare public offering statement (POS)
--Killing two proposed "take-back" bills introduced in Massachusetts and Vermont
--Passing three bills in Hawaii, including one that provides for voluntary de-registration of timeshare fee interests from the Land Court to the regular system at the Bureau of Conveyances
--Helping the governments of St. Maarten and Jamaica introduce comprehensive timeshare legislation that benefits developers and owners alike
You can read more details about each piece of legislation in the October issue of Developments magazine. We will also be updating attendees about our legislative priorities for 2014 during ARDA's Fall Conference.
We are very proud of the work and the efforts of everyone involved—including timeshare owners—to help us achieve the many legislative successes. We look forward to continuing our progress into 2014.
By Catherine Lacey, Vice President of Meetings and Conventions
November 7, 2013
The shutdown is over and D.C. is back! There is no better place to kick-off the next year of ARDA's success than right here in our nation's capital for Fall Conference.
The most valuable networking events, meetings, and expert panels in the industry will all be in one place for ARDA's Fall Conference 2013—Wednesday, November 13, through Friday, November 15th.
What trip to D.C. would be complete without insight from the city's top policy experts? This year, ARDA proudly features two exciting keynote speakers from right here inside the beltway. Get your toughest questions answered by tax policy professional Kevin Hassett, an economist who will share useful advice from his years of work as an economic advisor to prominent politicians.
And be sure to stick around until day three to hear from experienced political analyst and journalist Charlie Cook. Cook has written for some of your favorite sources for the latest in politics and is known for his applauded political newsletter, The Cook Report. Attendees of Fall Conference boast a peek inside Washington that non-locals usually miss.
Plus, be among the first to get an exclusive sneak preview of the new and improved ARDA consumer site, VacationBetter.org. Benefit from previewing what your customers will see when they search for reliable, comprehensive information on the industry and product.
If you've attended Fall Conference before, you know how important it is to be a part of the inner circle that crafts ARDA's plan for the year. If this is your first year attending, you won't want to miss the countless networking opportunities and insider tips that Fall Conference offers. We look forward to seeing you and your fellow timeshare professionals in the District on November 13!
By Howard Nusbaum
November 7, 2013
Our newest infographic focuses on steps timeshare owners can take to help them navigate the resale market. As you know, ARDA has worked closely with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and many states to educate consumers about how to avoid scams in the secondary market over the years. This latest effort—our easy-to-follow infographic—will provide guidance to consumers that are confused about where to turn.
The incidents of reseller-related scams are growing as owners are reporting them to the appropriate authorities more frequently, and lawmakers are taking steps to put stronger protections in place.
ARDA has released ten consumer advisories about specific bad practices and created a section on its advocacy-based website devoted to resale resource information.
Feel free to share this infographic and accompanying press release with your owners and constituents—and direct them to ARDA-ROC's Timeshare Resale Resource Center for more information.
By Francis J. Gouillart, ARDA Guest Blogger
October 1, 2013
Here's a sneak peek at an upcoming Developments magazine article, to be published in the November/December 2013 edition.
Editor's Note: Co-creation has been a hot topic at a few industry events over this past year—in the interest of providing provocative content in Developments, we invited Mr. Gouillart to share thoughts from his unique perspective outside our industry.
The timeshare industry shares some of the same risks that faced the U.S. automotive or banking industries a few years ago. It has an aging customer base and may not be doing enough to attract younger buyers. With a bit of work, however, this paradigm could be shifted.
The timeshare product should resonate with the younger set. Younger GenXers and Millenials like taking vacations, sharing space, and traveling with their peers on world-wide adventures. They already rent ZipCars, not Hertz or Enterprise, and stay in AirBnB places, not hotel rooms. Despite the inherent power of this sharing concept, this demographic has not truly been engaged in the product of timeshare, perhaps because it is presented through a one-sided marketing and sales process.
ZipCars and AirBnB were able to update the car rental and hotel industry and reach out to this younger generation by reinventing the sales and marketing process. They engage GenXers and GenYers one customer at a time, in a deep bottom-up fashion. For the timeshare industry, the trick is to transform a new model without having the benefit of being a start-up.
When companies and industries evolve through the gradual development of new interactions between employees and customers working together to invent the new model, we call it "co-creation." In the timeshare industry, frontline marketing and sales people are in the best possible place to orchestrate the development of these new interactions because they deal with customers every day.
The key to unleashing this "torrent of empathy" between salespeople and potential timeshare customers is the engagement of a company's own GenX and GenY employees and inviting them to co-create with customers of their generation. If empowered by management, employees will seek to improve their own job experience and engage customers in optimizing their collective experience of the company. Ask your employees what it would take to draw their friends into the "timeshare zone."
Imagine a series of open forums where a group of young people is invited to come on a property for a few days and invited to co-define with employees what the future process of engagement with each other ought to be. It's best not to view this as a focus group, where you ask customers for the proverbial "unmet needs," but rather as a confrontation of personal experiences on both the employee side (for example, anxiety in making quota) and the consumer side (trying to make vacations fit into their budget).
What we call selling and marketing ought to be the building of innovative relationships between two groups of individuals: the customers and the sales and marketing team. I believe that if the timeshare industry accepts the inevitability of its transformation, it will have a bright future.
For the full article, be on the lookout for the November/December issue of Developments!
By ARDA State Affairs
September 18, 2013
Transient accommodations tax (TAT) proposals continue to pop up on local and state legislative agendas around the country keeping ARDA State Affairs & ARDA-ROC busy.
Operating on deficits, state legislatures see TATs as way to generate revenue. Despite these efforts, Hawaii is currently the only state to tax timeshare owners occupying their own unit, or exchange guests occupying a unit swapped with another owner.
ARDA and ARDA-ROC's position continues to be that the use of a timeshare unit by an owner or exchange guest should not be taxed like a rental, and we oppose efforts to impose such taxes on an occupancy that generates no revenues. From time to time, we will need to immediately inform impacted owners in specific states or local jurisdictions to voice their concern to local lawmakers. It is our intent to keep HOAs informed of legislation so should the need arise, we can quickly mobilize owners.
For those who would like further information on the issue of TATs and the impact on owners, developers and vacation products in general, a policy brief is available on ARDA-ROC's website.
By ARDA State Affairs
September 5, 2013
We at ARDA, and as an industry, continue to pursue solutions to help solve the growing problems with illegitimate transfer companies and the far-reaching consequences they have on HOAs and owners.
There are challenges beyond finding an illegitimate company after it has taken money from unknowing owners. HOAs are burdened with unpaid and uncollectible fees and taxes from the timeshare property, while significant time and money must be spent by the HOA on the foreclosure process to recapture the interest. Maintenance fees rise to deal with the problem, leading to more and more delinquent owners, and the possibility of HOA bankruptcy. As a result, the effect on owners leads to negative perceptions toward the resort or HOA.
To date, ARDA-ROC has successfully lobbied for legislation in four states—Colorado, Florida, Nevada, and Texas—with similar legislation pending in Massachusetts and South Carolina. Legislative solutions include the requirement of a written agreement between a consumer and transfer company, escrow for any payment of upfront fees by a consumer, and serious penalties for someone who knowingly transfers a timeshare interest to a person or entity with no intention of meeting its ownership obligations.
ARDA's State Affairs team continues to work with state legislators and regulators to ensure that any enforcement mechanism (legislative or otherwise) gives proper protection to timeshare owners as well as legal consequences for the companies participating in bad business practices. Click here to learn more about ARDA-ROC's position on this issue and others.
By Howard Nusbaum
August 26, 2013
We've taken a page out of the successful "Travel Effect" campaign from our friends at the U.S. Travel Association, and developed an infographic looking at the "Timeshare Effect"—a look at how timeshare vacations have a positive effect on lifestyle, family memories, and finances.
As you all know, we hear from our owners every day about how their lives have been positively changed because of their timeshare ownership. This is a way for us to capture this anecdotal sentiment with hard facts for other would-be timeshare owners.
We look at how timeshare vacations have a positive effect on lifestyle, family memories, and finances. On the financial side, it's clear that owning a timeshare enables families to take annual vacations for much less than what they would pay for a traditional hotel, saving an average of $25,000 over 20 years of vacationing.
We also look at how owning a timeshare has significant effects on lifestyle. Since timeshare owners have essentially pre-paid for their annual vacation, they are much more likely to take that vacation, which leads to many health and wellness benefits.
And finally, we share some compelling statistics from U.S. Travel on the importance of vacations for family memories. Check out all the details here!]]>
By Kathryn Mullan
August 22, 2013
Here's a sneak peek at an upcoming Developments magazine article, to be published in the October 2013 edition.
In May, Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO) began a roll-out of Apple iPads to their sales team that would not only prove to enhance the sales experience for the salesperson and the owner, but also have benefits that extend throughout the organization.
They deployed more than 3,000 iPads to every sales associate, giving them a comprehensive sales tool center on one simple, easy-to-use platform. With it, WVO can deliver the most up-to-date, consistent, and accurate sales information and training—while providing the "wow" factor for owners and would-be owners.
"We have had a tremendous reaction from our associates and our owners," said Maria Margenot, senior vice president of sales development, recruiting and training for WVO. "It gives the owners a great, interactive way to learn about the product; it gives the associates the confidence they need when they are presenting; and it gives WVO the assurance that the brand is reflected properly—every time."
And WVO isn't the only one getting in on the iPad action. The two largest exchange companies, RCI and Interval International, are also embracing the iPad and other consumer-friendly technologies.
Interval Sales Tool Kit App (with its Exchange Tracker feature) animates thousands of exchanges booked by members on an interactive world map. This allows resort sales associates to demonstrate the vacation possibilities available through shared ownership.
The RCI Affiliates app for the iPad is designed to keep staff up-to-date on the latest offerings from RCI and provide an engaging tool that can be used at the point of sale to illustrate the additional benefits of vacation ownership to prospective owners.
There are also many other developers out there either starting similar programs, or thinking about whether this is a new way of operating they need to embrace. For WVO, RCI, and Interval International, the answer is clear. And it's written on an iPad.
For the full article, be on the lookout for the October issue of Developments!]]>
By Kathryn Mullan, Editor & Director of Publications
August 16, 2013
That was the theme in the recent August issue of ARDA's Developments magazine—how are the industry, developers, and resort managements teams maximizing recreation into vacation experiences so that owners can create their own leisure, at their own pace?
What we found is that as owners seek new experiences, the timeshare industry is ready to deliver.
For adventure-seekers, resorts are expanding their programs to include more adventure-based activities like zip lining, ATV riding, and scuba diving. Christina Wells wrote in her article "Looking For Adventure?" that adventure travel accounts for $89 billion in global spending and 26 percent of travelers from Latin America, North America, and Europe engage in adventure activities while traveling. There are even experiential-themed resorts like the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where the staff engages guests with the surrounding national park through entertaining and educational activities, designed to draw them into the destination as a whole.
For owners who define recreation as creating a relaxing space to unwind, this is our industry's sweet spot. We know that the emotional connection of a timeshare vacation is about the experience—whether that means a new experience or the nostalgia of returning to a familiar, beloved place—and our resorts continue to enhance the guest experience. In Kate Norton's article "The Evolution of Resort Recreation," she suggests not to overlook the power of simplicity. Offering babysitting services, wine tastings, and themed parties create happy memories and peaceful vacation experiences too!
If you forgot to take your Developments issue on vacation with you, it's not too late to read through many of the great articles and re-create your sense of adventure! Check out the August issue of the magazine online.
By Howard Nusbaum
July 17, 2013
Did you catch personal finance guru Dave Ramsey on the popular Fox & Friends show, doling out advice on the "do's and don'ts" of travel spending this morning?
Dave gave timeshare a "don't" vote, not only wrongly claiming that there is a 98% dissatisfaction rate amongst people who buy timeshares, but also claiming that most owners are "stuck" with their timeshare, there is no flexibility or choice of vacation destinations, and that timeshare is not a "good investment."
While Dave is an excellent advice-giver when it comes to true financial investments, I respectfully disagree that he is qualified to offer advice on something that isn't supposed to be a financial investment at all—vacationing. Whether you are renting a hotel room, buying a timeshare, or even just taking grandma out to dinner for allowing you to vacation on her couch—vacations do not offer a financial ROI, they are a lifestyle enhancement.
Timeshares as "bad investment" is simply a matter of apples and oranges. However, timeshare does have a key value proposition—for example, contrast the lifetime expense of vacationing, assuming you take a 2-week vacation in a hotel property and spend $3,000 each year. In just ten years, you will have spent $30,000, which is $10,000 more than the average cost of a timeshare! And that doesn't even count the savings from eating some meals in your timeshare unit, rather than the 21 meals out in a week.
Not only do our owners report an 83% satisfaction rate* (a complete 180 from Dave's claim of only 2% satisfaction!), but we hear time and time again from happy owners who take vacations with timeshare year after year—thanking themselves for the wise purchase that grants them the discipline of better vacationing. They are doing what is truly important: spending time with people they love. Whether it's heading to their favorite beach resort that feels like a second home, or exploring a new destination through the vast network of properties all over the world, timeshare owners do have a choice.
So Dave, please stick to traditional investment advice and leave the vacation advice to the lifestyle gurus! At the end of the day, the time one enjoys with family (including the comforts of home that a timeshare offers) offers a huge dividend—just ask those you love. It's that simple.
Thanks for the advice Dave, but I think you should take "two weeks of timeshare," and then call me in the morning!
*Source: Shared Vacation Ownership Owners Report – 2012 Edition, prepared by The Research Intelligence Group for the ARDA International Foundation.
July 1, 2013
Florida Governor Rick Scott has signed into law HB 7025 which, effective today, will help HOAs by further reducing time and costs in the lien foreclosure process.
The bill also provides consumer protections for owners transferring ownership of their timeshares. This was a collective effort by ARDA-ROC, ARDA's state affairs team, and Timeshare Closing Services, who provided valuable insight into the resale and transfer process in order to ensure the Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission knew the complexities of the transfer process.
For consumers, the bill means access to more information as well as protecting any monies paid by consumers for transfer services until the services are fully performed, and weeding out unscrupulous transfer companies by allowing action to be taken against them.
Businesses that offer to assist owners in the transfer of Florida timeshares must first provide a written agreement outlining terms and conditions of the offered services, and must place all funds received from the owner into an escrow account until the transfer has been completed. Businesses that offer transfer services—and participate in a plan or scheme to transfer timeshares to people or business entities that they know are not going to pay maintenance fees—will now be held accountable for their actions.
For more information, visit ARDA-ROC's Timeshare Resale Resource Center.
By ARDA Staff
May 24, 2013
As summer vacation season kicks off, ARDA finds people are not taking work with them. ARDA, along with research partner The Research Intelligence Group (TRiG), has just conducted an omnibus consumer survey of vacation work habits and technology. We are sharing it with media today as we head into Memorial Day weekend.
The survey showed that contrary to popular belief, Americans do know how to unplug, unwind, and rejuvenate on vacation. Of the 1,000 vacationers surveyed, a whopping 75 percent of respondents do not do any work on their vacation.
"Our industry has long advocated for taking a true vacation—not just working from a nicer place," said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA. "Today's leading health studies reinforce our message—that there are so many physical and mental health benefits that come with really 'unplugging.' And we're happy to see so many people doing so."
Only 12 percent of respondents admitted working one or two days while on vacation, and 13 percent said they did some work over three days. But a full 87 percent said they would prefer to vacation without having to do any work.
Vacationers are bringing their technology on leisure travel; however, in most cases, it is for pleasure and not work. Fifty-one percent brought their laptop, but only 17 percent of them used it for work. Thirty-nine percent brought their iPad or tablet device, with only nine percent using either device for work.
Are you one of the 75% who don't work on vacation? Let us know in the comments!
By Howard Nusbaum, CEO and President of ARDA
May 8, 2013
It is National Travel and Tourism Week (traditionally the first full week of May and first celebrated in 1984), and therefore it makes sense to blog about the importance of vacation planning.
But before I go there, I should take a minute to dissect the thought of what constitutes a vacation versus other types of trips. Now I'd admit up front I have a bias—not all time off, and certainly not all travel, equals vacationing. And I don't just mean business travel (something I do a lot of and have learned to enjoy and value) but I also mean the very important, enjoyable, and family-life affirming "obligatory travel."
So what do I mean by "obligatory travel?" I mean family life cycle events. For example, over the next thirty days I will gladly and proudly attend two college graduations (one in Ohio and one in New Hampshire), a Mother's Day trip to celebrate my 87-year-old mom, and a friend's wedding to which I was pleased to be invited to attend. This isn't counting the five business trips I will be taking between now and the end of June.
So, what is my point? I get a lot of travel and all of it is highly enjoyable and often important to me. However, none of it rejuvenates me the way true leisure travel does.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not "dissing" obligatory travel or business travel. They are both important to the relationships we value most in our lives, and are at the heart of what we do at work and home; however, they should not be mistaken for or "horse-traded" for vacationing. Vacationing is about wanderlust, new adventure, recharging your batteries, spending time with those you love—without an agenda or the emotions (and yes, sometimes baggage) of life cycle events.
We all deserve to get away and truly connect. Your kids, your spouse, your boss, your co-workers, and your inner guru will all thank you. It matters. So plan a vacation this week—and I don't mean Cousin Bertha's 90th birthday celebration!
By Kathryn Mullan, ARDA Editor & Director of Publications
April 25, 2013
Note: this is an excerpt of a feature article that will appear in the June 2013 issue of Developments magazine.
If I only had a few words to describe the space and event that was this year's ARDA World 2013, I think it would be something along the lines of "energetic peace." Although we changed up much of the program and a few key elements this year, there was a sense of dynamic stillness that kept the week in balance.
Moving away from Orlando to the South Florida beach scene, with all the perks and attractions of Greater Fort Lauderdale as an international travel destination; naming Monday as "Key Constituent Day," when most of the committees and forums met, along with the Board of Directors; plus, featuring core Fundamental sessions for new industry entrants and new student activities (like Speed Lead).
The top-line events included Sunday's RCI/AIF Open Golf Tournament, at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, a world-class 18-hole, Joe Lee-designed golf course that combines challenging play with luxurious Mediterranean style architecture. That evening, LEAPS (ARDA's new leadership/cultivation program) had its first reception, and WIN also met to toast ARDA World 2013.
Most of Monday was spent in committee and council meetings—interspersed with the Resales, Social Media, and Tech Forums—capped off with the ICE Breaker Party (sponsored by ICE & RCI) out on the Diplomat Landing.
Tuesday brought the keynote speaker, Don Tapscott, sponsored by RCI, who inspired attendees with his latest insights on technology and innovation and reaching today's generation of consumers. Who will ever forget that last video of a "murmuration" of starlings at twilight—the perfect unison of their miraculous flight-ballet—and how he compared it to today's on-line user behavior? Then, to round off this busy first full day of educational sessions, Interval International threw its signature Party with a Cause—a 20th anniversary bash—that headlined Foreigner at Miami hotspot, Mansion.
Wednesday rounded off with the Awards Gala, sponsored by Global Travel Benefits (powered by HSI)—a delightful evening with comedian, Ron Pearson, and the great honor of celebrating our industry's crème de la crème. We closed out the week and all ARDA World 2013 events with Thursday morning's Breakfast of Champions (sponsored by Hilton Grand Vacations), featuring baseball star, Jim Morris, the inspiration for the film, The Rookie.
All in all, a wonderful Convention. Mark your calendar now for ARDA World 2014: April 6-10, 2014, at The Venetian in Las Vegas.
By Howard Nusbaum, CEO and President of ARDA
March 7, 2013
Today we are exactly one month away from Timeshare's Big Global Event—ARDA World (April 6-11 in Hollywood, Florida). As our dedicated staff, engaged volunteers, and active members ready themselves for this annual industry extravaganza, I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to "prime your ARDA World pump," thus ensuring the best experience and opportunity the ARDA World convention has to offer.
1) Go to our Convention schedule web page and check out the meeting agenda. Planning out your itinerary from the many professional development opportunities to the general session is key to getting the most out of what is offered. Think of it as the "vacation buffet table"—peruse what is there to enjoy before you fill your plate, that way you will get what you want. Be strategic!
2) Check out the exhibitor list as these are the companies offering the cutting edge products and services designed just for your business. The exhibit hall is large and chock full of great business opportunities. Map out your experience!
3) Prepare to party: and that means pace yourself and bring comfortable shoes, because you will want to hit it all—from the opening AIF Golf Tournament presented by RCI, to "The Opening Night" brought to you by ICE and RCI, to Interval International's Party with a Cause, and finally the ARDY Gala Awards.
4) Promise yourself you will learn something new. It may be a chance to better understand the next generation through "co-creation" at the Sales & Marketing Forum, or taking note of thought leader and keynote speaker Don Tapscott to better understand the value and impact of information technology, or the chance to understand the opportunities for creating a healthier sold out resort at the Legacy Resort Workshop. Opportunity abounds!
5) Put yourself out there. With more than 2,500 of the industry's top professionals at ARDA World, be a networker. Make a new business friend and enhance your business relationships by leaving your comfort zone—promise to make at least one new acquaintance each day.
You've got thirty days to get ready for the one event of the year that matters most to your business—be a scout and spend some time getting ready to maximize your ARDA World Experience.
By Howard Nusbaum, CEO and President of ARDA
February 20, 2013
A recent focus group we conducted confirmed what many of you may have suspected—there is a belief among would-be timeshare purchasers that the product is inflexible. In an effort to help dispel this myth, we recently issued a press release on exchanging.
As noted in the release, it is the flexibility provided by exchange programs that make owners say timeshare is a better way to vacation. Last year, 38 percent of traditional timeshare owners either banked or exchanged their timeshare, according to ARDA's AIF 2012 Shared Vacation Ownership Owners Report.
We also shared stories of owners exchange experiences from companies Interval International and RCI. Both Interval and RCI recommend that owners first develop a list of ideal vacation destinations, be flexible with dates of travel, and understand their product type and exchange program in order to best evaluate and use their trading power.
We will continue to communicate the flexibility of timeshare and welcome your ideas!
By Alexa Antonuk, Communications Manager
February 5, 2013
While some of us might love to sift through pages and pages of data, in this time of information overload, most prefer instead to get a quick snapshot. With infographics we can now show data, information, and knowledge in a highly consumable, easy to understand way.
ARDA has developed an infographic based on AIF's 2012 Shared Vacation Ownership Owners Report. As you can see below, it clearly highlights some of the more important findings in a fun and readable format. It was developed to share with ARDA members, influencers, and consumers through social media.
We are distributing this through our Facebook page, Twitter, and Pinterest account, as well as sending it to our media/blogger contacts for use in their online efforts. The Communications Committee will also help us spread this Infographic through their channels. View the full infographic (PDF).
Please feel free to share it and look for more to come! Our next one will be in February and will "lasso" the Wild, Wild West of Resales.]]>
By Howard Nusbaum, CEO and President of ARDA
January 24, 2013
The latest results of a new study "Travels Means Jobs," conducted by the U.S. Travel Association, got a lot of play recently in the press...and for good reason. It found that people who start their careers in hospitality and travel end up with better earnings and growth potential—even if they move into other fields.
To provide insight into the benefits of a travel industry job and the career progression of workers who began in travel, the U.S. Travel Association analyzed data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Here are a few key findings:
And I believe that timeshare (although not separated from other travel jobs in this study) has even another advantage over general travel jobs, with more positions in robust sales and marketing, regulatory compliance, and financial services. This job diversity offers timeshare employees the ability to start in resort operations and then move into finance, real estate, sales and marketing, and other disciplines while staying within vacation ownership and often within the same company.
As a board member of U.S. Travel, I am proud of these findings and am excited to have this data available as we recruit the next generation of professionals. And in our industry advocacy work, this critical data will serve us well as we engage local, state, and national leaders about the timeshare industry and its role in travel.
Note: This blog post is based on a January 2013 Developments magazine article.]]>
By Lan Wang, Research Manager
January 18, 2013
If you haven't already, you will soon be receiving AIF's annual State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry survey. Your participation is vital for the industry to produce solid, reliable data on a regular basis for the investment communities, the media, government officials and lawmakers alike so that a better business environment can be created or maintained.
Ernst & Young, our long-time research partner, is once again conducting the survey. It was sent to all U.S. timeshare resorts and includes a new section adapted from the stand-alone survey of HOA-Controlled timeshare resorts–which is now merged into this one.
This study will help gauge the health of the industry by evaluating the timeshare market size, sales metrics, occupancy numbers, and rental activity during 2012. You can use the study results to educate your staff and the media, and to inform your peers in the local business community. Additionally, this research will be instrumental as you compare your performance to the industry's as a whole—this is critical information for companies that want to be strong and competitive in the future.
You have until February 15 to submit your responses and the report will be released by late May or early June. If you have any questions about this or our upcoming surveys, feel free to contact me at email@example.com.
By Don Harrill, Chairman of ARDA
December 21, 2012
One of ARDA's strategic initiatives is to help promote our industry. As we all know, this is a big job. Based on all of the misinformation and negative perceptions about timeshare that exist, it's also a very important job.
That's where you come in. Working with the ARDA team to provide user stories, photos, trends, and story ideas benefits all of us. And our fantastic communications committee has done a lot of this over the past year.
For those who may not already be aware, the committee has been pursuing a strategy of "humanizing" vacation ownership through the Faces of Timeshare initiative. Its goal is to bring more of a public face to the caring and compassionate people within our industry.
The program highlights remarkable philanthropic efforts of individuals and developers. The committee is also profiling superior employee service stories that make vacations memorable for our owners. Taken together, these programs enable the public to see the good work taking place through the eyes of everyday people while reinforcing the image of the developers behind them.
VacationBetter.org, the owner-centric arm of ARDA, has also been the driving force behind the Timeshare Fans program. It encourages developers to videotape their owners telling, in their own words, how much they enjoy their timeshare products. The program is targeting a variety of resort brands, demographics, regions, and stories to fully represent the broad choice timeshare offers.
Additionally, this group has launched a Pinterest account to visually pique consumer awareness of the benefits of vacation ownership while driving click-through traffic to participating developers. This site is becoming a very important tool to drive web traffic to key online marketing and educational resources. Such a collaboration could lead to further shared initiatives within our association that will help strengthen the industry overall.
ARDA works hard to advance a positive reputation and image of the timeshare experience as we strive to appeal to a wider public audience—let's all come together in this great effort!
Note: This blog post is based on a November/December 2012 Developments magazine article.
By ARDA Staff
December 11, 2012
In the midst of the annual holiday season, we decided to ask our members how they made this time special for their guests and for their communities. We were pleased to see that nearly everyone had something to share!
For December's "Faces of Timeshare" we profiled a few unique stories:
This past Thanksgiving, Holiday Inn Club Vacations treated a family of longtime owners to a special day. Chef Josh Moynihan spent part of his holiday creating a wonderful family memory for the Ripple family. Chef Moynihan spent the morning in the Ripples' villa cooking up a delicious Thanksgiving meal, complete with two 12-pound turkeys and all the trimmings.
Sharon and Tom Grupe used their Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO) ownership to bring four generations of their family together for Thanksgiving…all 38 of them! Family members from across the country flew in to Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida for the big event. Their Thanksgiving feast had the whole family pitching in, and members of the Resort staff helped secure space for the large family to eat Thanksgiving dinner together. "They were so wonderful; I feel like they're part of the family," Sharon said.
Owners at Christie Lodge, located in Avon, Colorado at the base of Beaver Creek resort, also share their holidays with the staff and employees during their annual vacation. Each year, owner Dr. Jirina Fishman hosts a family-style meal and party for her guests and staff at Christie Lodge who work to make her stay so memorable. The Christie Lodge staff also lends a hand to help set up her dinner party and gathers together extra tables and chairs for her special night.
ARDA members also take time not only to care for their guests, but also to give back to their local communities. Christie Lodge has Salvation Army Drop boxes throughout the resort for owners and employees to donate everything from clothing and furniture to packaged food items left over from their timeshare stay. The Salvation Army ensures that the items go to those less fortunate throughout Vail Valley and the local surrounding communities.
Interval International raises money to fill Thanksgiving gift baskets with non-perishable food items that are distributed to deserving families in the Miami area. In December, Interval's Annual Holiday Toy Fest benefits deserving children who can visit with Santa Claus and select a holiday gift.
For more details read the full press release and check out our new "Holiday Memories" Pinterest board for some great photos.]]>
By Don Harrill, Chairman of ARDA
November 12, 2012
Good news! There is again investor competition for our business. This is bidding down the cost of bonds and opening new avenues for developer capital. The Q2 2012 ARDA International Foundation Pulse Survey also indicated that sales volume increased between 9.5% and 11.7% from Q2 2011. In the same timeframe, delinquencies dropped 2.7 percentage points, maintenance fee payments are stable, and after a slight 0.5% increase, resort occupancy remains a very strong 81%.
Many developers are also in the lending business, an industry that has come under intense government scrutiny. New federal lending regulations were introduced that, in their original form, would have damaged our industry. Fortunately, the work of ARDA staff prompted changes to protect the interests of timeshare lenders and continues to ensure our industry can work without unwarranted constraints due to unintended consequences.
I'm very proud of how everyone—united as an association—has responded in this difficult time, and the positive energy I see is a welcome change. However, I also know some members are still struggling to get their businesses back on track. I believe as an industry we have a renewed optimism that these positive timeshare market trends will continue, and these "tides" will eventually lift all boats.
Members: don't forget ARDA's Fall Conference is coming up this week: join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #fallconference!
Note: This blog post is based on an October 2012 Developments magazine article.
By Lou Ann Burney
November 9, 2012
Veterans Day is such an important holiday for families across our country, and ARDA is proud to share some of the highlights of our members supporting vets through our November "Faces of Timeshare" efforts.
Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO) supports military reservists across the company, and recently received the "Above and Beyond" Award for their efforts from the Missouri Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense. The nomination for this award came directly from a WVO employee who is in the National Guard after they held her position while she was deployed with her platoon serving our country for 12 months.
For the second consecutive year, Interval International's Miami-based employees raised nearly $4,000 through a series of bake sales to benefit the "Operation Any Soldier" program. And four "Treats for Troops" events, held at Interval's corporate headquarters and member-services center, generated funds used to ship custom care packages year-round to wounded and deployed service members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Grand Pacific Resort Management is one of the driving forces behind non-profit organization San Clemente Military Family Outreach, which provides emergency and morale services to the 1000+ families who are stationed in the north Camp Pendleton Marine and Navy base area. Each year this organization raises thousands of dollars for meaningful support of military families.
RCI's Armed Forces Vacation Club® (AFVC), one of the largest military vacation clubs in the world, is holding its Great Appreciation Vacation Giveaway. Members can enter the Great Appreciation Vacation Giveaway every day from now through December 14, 2012 for their chance to win a vacation for themselves, along with one for a friend or family member that they think deserves a hard-earned break: http://www.afvclub.com/special_offers.
International Cruise and Excursions, through its travel program for military and veterans, Government Vacation Rewards, founded the Vacations For Vets Program. This program was sponsored by the Walter Reed Medical Center's "In Honor Of the Troops" Foundation. Over the past seven years, more than 2,000 wounded personnel and their caregivers have vacationed while on rehabilitation leave. Additionally, Government Vacation Rewards (GVR) has donated over $10,000 and 200 resort stays through joint promotions with their military partners, such as the Military Officers Association of America and the Air Force Association.
Read the full press release for more details. And, check out our new Veterans' Day Pinterest board for some great photos.
By Jason Gamel, ARDA State Affairs
November 6, 2012
Timeshare is highly regulated in most states, and is feeling the brunt of recent state agency staff cutbacks. Timeshares usually have to file new projects as well as renew their existing developments every year in order to continue to sell units and vacation packages within that state. For states with many timeshare registrations, this can mean a lot of paperwork. With less government employees fielding this paperwork, backups can occur. In most cases it is against the law for timeshares to sell their product without receiving these reviews and approvals. These backups can be detrimental to the developer, industry, and the economy of tourism. While some states have crafted their own ways to address this issue already, ARDA is stepping in to help do what they can for other states that could be facing this problem now or in the near future.
A handful of states have solved this problem by deregulating. When a state deregulates, it no longer requires the same strict policies of registration, review, and renewals. For example, in 2010, Michigan ruled that timeshare resorts were no longer required to register in the state. This freed up the burden on both timeshare resorts and the state government who had to process each registration.
Arizona also realized it had a problem with managing the filing buildup due to the regulatory requirements. Thus, with ARDA's help, Arizona legislature passed legislation that included "deemed approved" language, ruling that renewal filings not manually reviewed within 15 days would be automatically accepted in the system. If the state agency finds an error after the filing was accepted, they are authorized to have the developer fix the error.
Nevada retained all current regulation requirements even after experiencing severe cutbacks in staff and budget. Being a popular destination for timeshare sales, and with new projects being completed in Las Vegas, the build-up of un-reviewed timeshare filings began to severely affect the industry. There are initial filings, amendments, and renewals that have been yet to be reviewed dating from six months to two years.
ARDA and its members have been eagerly working with the Nevada Real Estate Division (NRED) and Department of Business and Industry, as well as the Governor and the State Attorney General's offices, to solve this regulatory dilemma. ARDA plans on working with NRED to introduce legislation that would simplify regulatory procedures and restructure NRED's budget, allowing for an adequate number of reviewers at all times so that filings will not be delayed in the future.
ARDA is aware of several states that will be experience turnover, staff and budget cutbacks, and trained reviewer retirement. While ARDA has always supported reasonable regulation, the coming years may prove challenging. ARDA is looking into ways to best address these challenges and recreate the balance of good business and consumer protection through sufficient regulation.
By Robert Kobek, President of CustomerCount
October 25, 2012
Many of you focus on loyalty programs, but remember that loyalty programs are just one component of customer loyalty, not the end game. Customer engagement is another.
Developers and HOAs are keen on engagement in three critical areas: collection of fees, referrals, and on-site activities while on a vacation. But what is stopping you from offering products and services to our owners while they are not on vacation, in collections, or being contacted for referrals?
There are five key cornerstones you should consider in your owner engagement:
And in the end, remember the real goal is to gain their loyalty, not through loyalty programs alone, but also through intelligently deploying engagement initiatives all throughout the year. Not just when owners are on-site.
Note: This blog post is based on a November 2012 Developments magazine article.
By Bob Craycraft
October 19, 2012
Thanks to members from such far-flung locales as Hawaii and Montana, we recently hosted one of our highest attended ARDA West Regional Meetings. More than 125 industry professionals traveled to San Diego, California, for the October 4-5 meeting, which was held at the beautiful Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina property.
This year's program featured interactive and engaging sessions, offering attendees many takeaways and opportunities to network with others.
One of the thematic focal points was "the employee"—from employee management to employee relations, attendees participated in discussions and heard from industry executives about how to get the most out of your employees.
The industry-specific programming focused on current key issues in the vacation ownership industry and more importantly, what can be done to fix them. Speakers shared what is working at their resorts to keep their owners engaged, and what resorts have done to keep costs down without decreasing the value.
Other events held during the meeting also broke past records. The regional Supplier Certification Seminar had the highest ever regional attendance records, and the 90-minute Opening Reception and Product Showcase featured 20 leading timeshare industry suppliers.
For information about upcoming meetings or regional conference sponsorships, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com. For more general information on ARDA's meetings, please contact Alicia Solomon at firstname.lastname@example.com.
By Lou Ann Burney
October 15, 2012
Our October "Faces of Timeshare" feature takes a look at the important contributions our members are making to create a greener, more environmentally-friendly world—from recycling soap to cleaning up coastlines to using "green" products in resorts.
These efforts go well beyond recycling at an individual resort. They represent major initiatives that can be a real model for other industries.
Here's a sampling. For full details, see our press release.
Marriott Vacation Club recently announced a partnership with "Clean the World," a group that recycles partially used bars of soap and bottled amenities from resorts in the United States and distributes the new soap and hygiene kits to communities that lack access to these essential items. Each day 9,000 children around the world die from diseases such as acute respiratory illness and diarrheal diseases, which can be prevented by washing with soap.
Bluegreen Vacations has been recognized for using supplies made only of recycled materials and equipping their guest rooms with a master switch to cut a unit's power when not in use. At their Hammocks at Marathon resort, they use non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaners, have a linen reuse program, and discuss environmental policy at monthly employee meetings.
Grand Pacific Resort Management (GPRM) formed a "Going Green Squad"—a group dedicated to a culture fully committed to being environmentally friendly. Several of their resorts are engaged in unique efforts. For example, The Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort collected a thousand plastic bottles destined for landfills and contributed them to artists who crafted a 10' x 10' picture of Marilyn Monroe.
The Holiday Inn Club Vacations® flagship Orange Lake Resort in Orlando, FL recently implemented a resort-wide recycling program—a huge undertaking for the 2,478-unit, 1,450-acre property. The program was piloted in one area of the resort in 2011 and introduced resort-wide in June 2012. It's a simple, easy-to-follow program: green bags in villas designate where guests can place paper, plastic, metal, and glass to be recycled.
Interval International's Singapore staff recently participated in the 21st International Coastal Cleanup Day on Tanah Merah Beach on Singapore's East Coast. Despite sweltering heat, the volunteer team gathered 614 pounds of discarded items, clearing a mile stretch of the coastline. The International Coastal Cleanup is an annual event conducted in more than 70 countries, coordinated by The Ocean Conservancy, a U.S.-based non-profit organization. The program aims to collect data on and remove debris from the shorelines, waterways, and beaches of the world's lakes, rivers, and oceans.
As a part of an ongoing commitment to Wyndham Green, Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO) is continuing to support the Arbor Day Foundation by implementing a variety of initiatives at its resorts, including serving Arbor Day Coffee, which is organically grown under the canopy of the rainforest. Each cup preserves one of our most precious resources and ensures indigenous farmers earn a fair wage and have access to healthcare and education. To date, WVO has purchased 280,000 pounds of Arbor Day Coffee for use at its resorts, saving more than 28 million square feet of rainforest.
A great effort by all! Check out our brand new "Going Green" Pinterest board to see these stories in action…and don't forget to follow our recently-launched Vacation Better account on Pinterest.
By Lou Ann Burney
September 14, 2012
In our continuing effort to promote the good things about timeshare to consumers, we have just launched a new initiative—"Faces of Timeshare." Each month, we will be profiling what various developers and ARDA members are doing around philanthropic or customer care efforts.
This month we looked at "Back to School" efforts. Not surprisingly, our members had a lot to share—from supplying backpacks to funding students studying hospitality in college.
Some examples include:
Orlando-based Club Meliá by Meliá Hotels International partners with Orange County Public Schools for its Community Resources Backpack Project, donating 120 backpacks and mouse pads for students in need.
Disney Vacation Club, in conjunction with the Company's Disney VoluntEARS, is very involved with the public schools in the communities where is has operations, including Orlando, Anaheim, Vero Beach, Hilton Head, and Hawaii. Some programs supported include backpack programs, school breakfast programs, Junior Achievement, A Gift for Music (which supplies instruments and instruction in music), and A Gift for Teaching (which supplies teachers with materials like notebooks, pens, and art supplies).
Bluegreen Resorts has again worked with SOS Children's Villages annual "Back to School and Ready" Campaign, for the fifth straight year. The Bluegreen Employee Action Resource (BEAR) Team collected and delivered donations of school supplies to the foster care neighborhood in Coconut Creek, Florida based on a wish list provided by their children.
Wyndham Vacation Ownership (WVO) has renewed its support of Step Up For Students for the second year in a row with a pledge of $750,000. Step Up for Students is a nonprofit organization that offers scholarships aimed at providing learning options for economically disadvantaged children in Florida. WVO's contribution will fund more than 167 scholarships in the coming year to allow at-risk students to receive a quality education that best meets their needs. They also support The Fishing School, a non-profit youth development organization that provides academic and cultural enrichment support to children and families in Washington, D.C., based on the "Teach a Man to Fish" premise. Since 2009, WVO has donated more than $80,000, in addition to in-kind donations and volunteer time.
At the college level, Interval International has made a long-term commitment to investing in education because the company recognizes the important role it plays in developing the next generation of hospitality industry professionals. Interval and its resort partners have donated more than $400,000 to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and the Caribbean Tourism Organization for scholarships to help students pursue an education in hospitality and increase their awareness about career opportunities available within the industry. They also endowed a scholarship fund at Florida International University's School of Hospitality Management for students to attend courses in timeshare resort management.
On an international level, in 1998 ARDA member and philanthropist Christel DeHaan opened the first Christel House in Mexico to give children of poverty the opportunity for transformational change. It serves over 3,600 students, their families, and communities, providing the opportunity for a better life through education, health and wellness programs, life skills, character development, and parent and community outreach.
The impact of helping young people achieve their goal of an education is immeasurable, with long-lasting results for all. To ARDA members and others who are making a difference in the lives of students everywhere, we salute you!
Over the next few months we will be looking at Recycling and Veterans' Day. Stay tuned!
By Darla Zanini & Lan Wang
July 31, 2012
The ARDA International Foundation's (AIF) newest research offers an insight into the international shared vacation ownership industry. Having data on the size of the industry, composition, and performance in regions around the world will be valuable information for our members as growth strategies and product innovations are developed.
With 5,300 resorts in 108 countries, we know that the industry has a significant footprint. But when we look more closely, we learn that global shared vacation ownership supported more than 1.1 million jobs and generated over $45 billion in direct economic output—nearly $114 billion when including indirect and induced impacts.
The study surveyed owners in 24 different countries and found that nearly two percent of households (20 million owner households) own at least one timeshare product, and that 81 percent of owners vacationed in the past year. The global occupancy rate remained strong through the recession and on average trended near 76 percent, outpacing the worldwide hotel industry occupancy rates.
Our three-year analysis revealed impressive stability through a global financial crisis. Sales in 2010 held steady after a 27% drop in 2009. In some regions—particularly Asia, Central and South America, and Africa—sales volume actually increased from 2008-2010.
Resort locations and market representation should not come as a surprise. North American properties represent 46 percent of the total market, followed by Europe with 25 percent, Central and South America with 10 percent, Asia with 6 percent, the Caribbean with 5 percent, Africa with 4 percent, and Australasia (Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea, and neighboring islands in the Pacific Ocean) with 2 percent.
The research also found that 80 percent of the properties outside the U.S. offer traditional interval weeks, 28 percent offer biennial products, 27 percent offer points-based products, 27 percent offer trial memberships, 16 percent offer fractional or Private Residence Club ownership products, and 9 percent offer triennial products.
Other findings include data about new ownership and market growth. Future generations of timeshare owners will likely expand to numerous countries, with particular emphasis on Brazil, Russia, India, and China where there is a growing middle class. The survey found that the global industry is diverse in its makeup, resilient, and our owners are optimistic about the industry's future. For more information, please visit the AIF Section of www.arda.org.
The Timeshare Industry Makes a Huge Impact
By Darla Zanini
July 18, 2012
We just wrapped up our Economic Impact Study conducted by Ernst & Young, which looked how the timeshare industry impacted the economy in 2011. In a word—significantly!
The industry contributed an estimated $70 billion in consumer and business spending to the national economy, which includes a total of 493,000 jobs with $23 billion in income. Our leadership at ARDA was very happy to see these numbers.
As ARDA CEO Howard Nusbaum said, "We aren't just bringing people a better way to vacation, we are making a serious bottom-line economic impact."
The impact of the timeshare industry on the U.S. economy extends beyond timeshare resorts, to include the economic impacts of sales and marketing offices, corporate operations, construction of new resorts, renovation of existing resorts, and the significant impact of expenditures of vacationers during timeshare stays. This study estimates the comprehensive private and public sector benefits generated by the timeshare industry.
Combined direct, indirect, and fiscal impacts in 2011 included $70 billion in consumer and business spending, 493,000 full- and part-time jobs, $23 billion in salaries and wages, and $7.7 billion in tax revenue. There are over 194,200 units in 1,548 timeshare resorts in the United States, encompassing a significant portion of the U.S. hospitality industry.
Spending by timeshare owners and guests during timeshare stays was estimated at $9.3 billion in 2011. About $1.5 billion was spent on-site at resorts, while $7.8 billion was spent off-site in the communities where the timeshare resorts are located.
In addition to private-sector benefits, the timeshare industry contributes significantly more federal, state, and local tax revenue per employee than the average industry, totaling $7.7 billion in 2011.
This report—along with the recent reporting that the overall travel industry has been creating jobs 26 percent faster than the rest of the economy since March 2011*, creating 271,000 new jobs in that time—gives us continued optimism about our industry.
For a full copy of this study, please contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
* U.S. Travel Association]]>
By Howard Nusbaum
July 10, 2012
It was just a couple of short years ago that seven of the ten dependable timeshare lenders withdrew from finance. It was a bleak scenario that many in our industry hoped would never happen.
Luckily, this year paints a brighter picture. ARDA's International Foundation (AIF) has just released its latest Financial Performance study, and the numbers look very healthy. Here are a few facts from the study:
Hypothecation of receivables: The average interest rate and average advance rate increased when compared to 2010. The average interest rate increased by 0.3 percentage points from 5.6 percent to 5.9 percent. The average advance rate has increased 1.4 percentage points from 79.2 percent to 80.6 percent. Eighteen respondents provided information on hypothecations of receivables that occurred during 2011, totaling $693 million.
Portfolio sales and securitizations: For respondents that reported securitizations in both 2010 and 2011, the average transaction size of securitizations and advanced rates increased, while average interest rates declined. The average transaction size of reported securitizations increased 5.1 percent from $245.0 million to $257.4 million. The average advance rate has increased 13.0 percentage points from 81.2 percent to 94.2 percent. The six separate securitization transactions reported by survey respondents in 2011 represented a total value of $1.4 billion, measured as the gross value of the sales contracts securitized.
These stats indicate positive movement in our industry. As you know, the environment certainly has changed and I believe it's for the better. New lenders have entered the financial marketplace, like Capital One. Some regional and local banks have gotten involved, too. And, of course, the security markets are once again providing financing to the vacation ownership industry's largest developers on favorable terms. All of this is improving the environment and outlook.
Timeshare buyers are paying larger down payments and have much higher FICO scores than five years ago. Timeshare receivables have also performed well throughout, and certainly much better than other classes of loans like credit card, auto, and student loans.
We are looking forward to this trend continuing and believe that it will. For more information on the study, please contact Darla Zanini at email@example.com.
May 31, 2012
Results from the 2012 State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study indicate a positive industry outlook based on consumer demand for expanded product offerings, high occupancy remaining steady, and the success of rental programs with existing inventory. The study found that timeshare resorts continue to offer more flexibility and ease to the way a consumer can buy intervals, especially through points-based systems, to new consumers and existing owners.
Continued growth in the rental market and sales from existing owners are also indicators of industry vitality. In 2011, renters accounted for 10.4 million nights or 12% of total occupancy, and 86% of timeshare resorts now offer some form of rental program. Timeshare sales from existing owners accounted for 42% of overall sales, demonstrating the continued high satisfaction with the product.
New consumers offer a promising area of growth. While ARDA continues to educate consumers about the extra benefits offered with timeshare vacations, the expanded product offerings and rental programs are proving to be appealing qualities to new consumers who want to try it out first. In fact, 58% of sales this year came from new owners and 72% of resorts have at least half of their sales from new owners.
More evidence of the industry's resilience is that occupancy remains steady at nearly 80%—a figure that continues to outpace traditional hotel occupancy (60% according to Smith Travel Research December 2011 report).
For more information or to order the report, contact us here.
By Howard Nusbaum
May 25, 2012
As we approach the start of summer vacation season this weekend, it shocks me that Americans are actually opting out of their vacations. It's bad enough that U.S. companies aren't required to offer paid time off. But now this Harris Interactive survey shows that even workers that do get vacation don't take it.
About 57% of working Americans had unused vacation time at the end of 2011, and most of them left an average of 11 days on the table—or nearly 70 % of their allotted time off!
One of the biggest reasons was that workers felt they had too much work, and many said that they couldn't afford to travel. Nearly 10% of the survey respondents said they were afraid to take time off amid an unstable job market.
If only they'd realize the health and wellness benefits they are missing! It's proven that taking time to break away from the daily grind goes a long way in promoting both physical and mental health.
There are long-term health, relationship, and job performance benefits associated with taking regular vacations. For example, men who don't vacation regularly are 32 % more likely to die of heart attacks. And women are 50 % more likely.
One to two weeks away from the daily routine leads to better job performance and productivity, increasing reaction times by 30 to 40 %. In addition, quality of sleep increases by about one hour a night upon return from vacation.
Simply put, people can't afford not to take a vacation.
So, as the summer season kicks off, take a vacation. It will do you good.]]>
By Darla Zanini
May 21, 2012
The Q1 results of our survey measuring the overall state of the vacation timeshare industry in the United States are just in—and they are encouraging. Here's a snapshot:
Timeshare sales volume increased by 14.7 percent from Q1 2011. The average transaction value was $17,719 during Q1 2012, a decrease of 0.6 percent from Q1 2011. However, the volume per guest (VPG), a measure of the average value of consumer purchases per sales tour, was $2,657 during Q1 2012, an increase of 3.2 percent from Q1 2011.
Consumer timeshare loan portfolios experienced an increase in currency and a decrease in gross defaults when comparing Q4 2011 and Q1 2012. Consumer timeshare loan portfolios delinquencies and defaults decreased when comparing Q1 2011 and Q1 2012.
Resort occupancy increased slightly (1.5 percentage points), remaining strong at 74.1 percent. One resort company reported a Q1 2011 to Q1 2012 occupancy increase of 8.2 percentage points, while the next largest increase was 4.4 percentage points.
The average new consumer timeshare loan term was shorter by 0.7 months at approximately 115.4 months, compared to 116.1 months in Q1 2011.
Capital expenditures related to new timeshare inventory projects increased by 47 percent from Q1 2011, while capital expenditures related to existing timeshare inventory projects decreased by 32 percent from Q1 2011. Overall, capital expenditures related to timeshare inventory decreased by 28 percent compared to Q1 2011.
The survey was conducted by Deloitte and Touche in conjunction with the ARDA International Foundation (AIF). If you'd like more details, please contact me at email@example.com.
Stay tuned for our upcoming Global Survey results in just a few weeks!
By Howard Nusbaum
May 14, 2012
As I travel the world talking to timeshare developers, owners and other industry watchers, it occurs to me that many of them are probably wondering how ARDA can say that it has a global reach when our title has "American" in its name.
Well, the only real part of our charter that is uniquely "American" is our advocacy effort. One of the big things we do for our members is to monitor and impact the regulatory issues that affect timeshare by engaging in lobbying efforts. These efforts focus on the establishment of a legislative environment that enhances consumer confidence and protection.
But beyond this, everything we do is global.
Our convention attracts industry people from around the world, and this year it was dubbed "ARDA World" to highlight the focus on global issues and opportunities, as well as the global marketplace in which we all operate.
In addition, the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) offers professional and educational development and important primary research to our members. We are close to releasing our World Wide Shared Vacation Ownership Survey that will give perspective on the timeshare market in many countries around the world.
So whether our owners want to travel to Breckinridge, Bangkok, or Belize, they will be supported by the "ABCs" of ARDA.]]>
By Howard Nusbaum
May 11, 2012
This year's convention was the best I've seen in years. And it's not just that Las Vegas is such a great destination—what has changed is the mood of the industry. After several years of struggling in the economic downturn, things are changing. The feeling was electric.
I believe the biggest positive factor right now is renewed access to capital, which is driving built-up demand to make new deals and form new global alliances.
For some developers, especially those large enough to go straight to the "Street" for securitizations, the credit freeze began to melt in 2009. But for many mid-sized and smaller developers, the hypothecation lending took much longer to de-frost. It is only within the past six months that the world of credit has stabilized for the vast majority. The good performance of our consumer notes coupled with healthier balance sheets has opened a wider flow of capital for the larger part of the industry. And, if this downturn taught us anything, it is that access to capital is at the foundation of our business.
Pairing this with the positive changes the industry has made and the overall entrepreneurial spirit that exists among us made for an upbeat convention, and hopefully an upbeat year to come.]]>
By Lou Ann Burney
May 9, 2012
While our industry always celebrates the value of vacationing, the week of May 5-13 gives us yet another reason to do so. This week is National Tourism & Travel Week, a week-long annual celebration of the tourism industry that began in 1984 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan.
ARDA is marking this week as a time to revisit our consumer outreach campaigns that showcase timeshare as a better way to vacation. VacationBetter.org, ARDA's consumer website, houses our current Timeshare Fan initiative—where you can get a first-hand look at real timeshare owners and learn why they love vacationing with timeshare.
We are now expanding upon the success of this initiative to feature stories and highlights from vacation resort employees who help make vacations a special and time-honored tradition for owners. In addition to monthly owner spotlights, we will be sharing profiles of the "Faces of Timeshare" to not only celebrate the efforts of those working in the industry, but also to provide consumers an inside look at the resorts and the employees who make our owners rave about their annual vacations.
Take some time this week to plan your next vacation!]]>
by Jason Gamel, ARDA State Affairs
May 7, 2012
What do the Florida Office of the Attorney General, Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) all have in common?
They are all working tirelessly to protect timeshare owners from fraudulent actors in the secondary resale market. In the past six months, the industry has seen the passage of landmark timeshare resales legislation (thank you to Attorney General Bondi and her staff), dozens of investigations and arrests made by DACS related to timeshare resales fraud, and educational efforts spearheaded by DBPR to inform consumers about their rights as timeshare owners. After meeting with representatives from each of these offices this week, I am more convinced than ever that Florida is truly finding ways to help those who take their hard-earned vacations there.
Expect plenty of industry cooperation in the upcoming months to help identify fraudulent businesses (that have targeted timeshare owners as their victims) and to aid in the drafting of future legislation to put more tools in the hands of law enforcement to eradicate fraud in the industry. Along the same lines, expect increased educational efforts to come from the state and the industry that will put consumers in a better position to make good decisions about how they sell their timeshare interests. You can also visit www.arda-roc.org/resales for information related to timeshare resales and other consumer protection issues.
For now, if a consumer wishes to file a formal complaint against a person or company who they suspect may be involved in fraudulent activity, we encourage them to visit the Florida Attorney General's website, the Florida DBPR website, and the Florida DACS website.
ARDA and ARDA-ROC are very excited about working with these agencies and see great things happening for the industry and consumers in 2012 and beyond.
by Jason Gamel, ARDA State Affairs
April 30, 2012
On Friday, April 20, several timeshare industry representatives testified in front of the Maui County Council to oppose Mayor Alan Arakawa's proposed increase in the timeshare property tax rate from $15.00 to $16.15 per $1,000 of assessed value. While we remain positive about preventing an increase, the County also became aware that its prior property tax revenue assumptions were overstated, meaning the Mayor will have to revise his budget to include $6 million in revenue increases. At this time there is no indication that Maui County would be interested in cutting spending vs. raising more revenue, explaining the proposed increase in the timeshare property tax rate. Click here to view the testimony submitted by ARDA, ARDA-Hawaii, and ARDA-ROC. We'd like to thank the representatives from Starwood Vacation Ownership, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Diamond Resorts International, Sands of Kahana Resort, ARDA, ARDA-ROC (Resort Owners' Coalition), and the law firm of Imanaka, Kudo and Fujimoto for their presence at the hearing on April 20 as well as the owners and developers who submitted testimony.
On May 3rd, the Maui County Council will have another public hearing to take testimony on the proposed property tax rates, including the timeshare rate. Even though the industry has made its position clear to the council over the past two years, ARDA and ARDA-ROC will continue to express its concerns about any increase to the timeshare tax rate.
We need your help. Please share your concerns with the County Council Members. For contact information or to review talking points on this subject, visit the Maui County Tax Center on the ARDA-ROC website.
Unfortunately, this will not be the last time that ARDA, ARDA-ROC, and the timeshare industry will be doing battle with the Maui County Council on property tax issues. Rest assured that we are continuing to look at ways that the industry can convince the council that taxing the timeshare industry is not a long term solution for the county's budget issues. Please check back with us in the next few weeks for more information.]]>
March 27, 2012
We've seen the research: vacations are important for your good health. Then why do Americans leave at least two of their 14 vacation days on the table annually? It's because they don't have the extra money and don't make the time to plan.
We know that timeshare vacations are an antidote to both of those problems. Once they have pre-paid, most owners find a way to use the time they've purchased – committing themselves to regular vacation time. And the planning aspect is easy when you own timeshare.
ARDA is encouraging our members to highlight the health benefits that regular, "get-away" vacations can provide.
"People need to realize that taking time to unwind is an important health benefit," says Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. "Relieving stress, spending time with family, and re-energizing will pay dividends throughout the rest of the year."
So, pass on this doctor's advice—"Take Two Weeks and Call Me in the Morning!"]]>
by Lou Ann Burney
March 16, 2012
As a part of our consumer education campaign, ARDA worked with RCI and Interval International to issue a news release with consumer tips on "Making the Most of Exchange." We are sharing these with the media, posting on VacationBetter.org, and getting the message on exchange out through our social media channels.
After all, this is one of the main reasons people continue to buy and love their timeshare vacations. Here are the tips…feel free to share them!
Tips for getting the most out of your timeshare exchange:
Deposit early: In general, the earlier you deposit your interval the greater trading power you will receive. This will result in more available vacation choices. Members of the RCI Weeks program can deposit their timeshares up to two years before their start dates.
Be flexible: The more specific you make your vacation searches, the less options you will find. Allowing for some flexibility in the dates you plan to travel or the destinations or resorts you want to visit will greatly increase your chances of finding a match.
Strength in Numbers: Members who own multiple weeks or points intervals can deposit them at once and may be able to redeem them to secure additional units to travel with family and friends. RCI also allows its RCI Weeks subscribing members to combine units so they can trade up and exchange for an interval with a higher trading power.
Exchange Online: Search for your next vacation online at your convenience by visiting IntervalWorld.com or RCI.com. These online sites allow subscribing members to search through thousands of vacation options and complete their vacation exchange in a few simple clicks.
Protect Your Vacation: Purchasing vacation protection gives timeshare owners the peace of mind in knowing that if they need to cancel their exchange vacation for any reason, the deposited interval they used for exchange will be restored and they will receive a credit for the exchange fee they paid that can be used toward another exchange in the future.
Watch and Learn: Get the story on placing pending requests, finding a pet-friendly resort, and more by watching Interval's informative tutorials on IntervalWorld.com or by visiting RCI.com and checking out the educational videos at RCI® TV.
March 12, 2012
Our industry may be familiar with the benefits that timeshare owners credit to their vacation products, but are these benefits similar to the vacation priorities of non-owners?
Reflecting back on the 2011 ARDA International Foundation's Prospect Study, non-owners cited price, quality of resort, and destination as vacation benefits of highest importance. This isn't surprising to owners who value a regular vacation and know that they'll get a quality stay every time they vacation with timeshare, but to people unfamiliar with how the products work, this presents a promising opportunity.
Also of interest from the study were the categories of non-owners by vacation type: Relaxers, Adventurers, Social Vacationers, and Simplifiers. This shows the power of industry research—to learn how to improve our products and understand our consumers better. We've already seen developers extend rental packages as a way to test the product, transition to points-based systems so that owners have access to more destination choices, and customize vacation packages to appeal to more consumers. Look to AIF to publish more compelling studies in the months to come, including the first worldwide study in over a decade.
March 1, 2012
Our latest Owners Report categorizes timeshare owners into one of six segments: Fans, Vacationists, Togetherers, Experiencers, Strugglers, and Attritors. Each segment has a unique set of values, opportunities, and barriers.
For example, we found that owners will be increasingly shopping for "value" in this market. Value seems to be operationalized as more than just low cost, but also benefits that appear to be at a premium, especially the ability to exchange and increase flexibility.
Another observation is in the benefit of reaching new and emerging markets. Currently, timeshare owners are disproportionately Caucasian. According to Census projections, their representation is expected to decline while other ethnicities—Hispanics, in particular—are projected for considerable growth.
One of the segments in the AIF's new segmentation program, Togetherers, has a much greater Hispanic/African American population than found within the industry as a whole. This segment provides strong advocacy for the industry and its organizations.
There is a detailed description of each segment as well as the implications and recommendations in the full study. Contact us here to get a copy.
February 27, 2012
Our latest Resale Study shows some clear strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as it relates to the timeshare industry overall, and within the different transaction channels.
Each channel has a largely unique set of strengths and weaknesses. The resale channel has a distinct advantage when it comes to perceptions related to price. But, while resale channels have an advantage on price, developers control advocacy. Previous research has underscored both the quality and importance of delivering an exceptional experience.
This represents one of the developer's greatest assets and strongest marketing tools: access to the resort is considered a requirement to purchase and many choose to access the resort by staying with current owners.
There are clear indications that customers and prospects trust what they see and hear, but only to a point: the use of the Internet for research purposes coupled with a disinclination to use it for transactions, the desire to work with a licensed real estate broker, and the increased confidence associated with increased oversight are all indications that credibility concerns exist.
The study goes into many more details and discusses additional important implications for the industry. Please contact us if you'd like to learn more.
February 23, 2012
ARDA World 2012 will be here in just six weeks, and everyone at ARDA is excited about this year's global theme—featuring attendees from over 35 countries, international development organizations from around the world, and internationally-focused sessions and events. The general sessions and one select session from each educational wave will feature simultaneous translation into Spanish and Portuguese. Expect valuable insight from this year's keynote speaker, loyalty expert Frederick Reichheld of Bain & Company's loyalty practice, which helps companies achieve results through customer and employee loyalty. New this year is the ARDA World mobile application, available for web-accessible and smart phones, where attendees can access or customize the convention sessions. ARDA World will also feature interactive Twitter (using the official hashtag #ARDAWorld), Facebook, and Flickr walls throughout the convention space.
Register now, or for more information, visit the ARDA World website.
February 16, 2012
The good news is that the Caribbean region continues to be the most travel and tourism intensive region in the world, according to the 2011 Caribbean Travel and Tourism Economic Impact Study, sponsored by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
However, the Caribbean was also fraught with severe economic distress due to the global recession and now faces more potential legislative challenges as Caribbean governments face funding struggles in their recovery process. What that means for our industry is that we need to be prepared to fend off such legislative proposals that would negatively impact the timeshare industry (both developers and owners) and the entire Caribbean travel and tourism industry. Fortunately, ARDA-Caribbean is proactively addressing these challenges. One example of this can be found in the U.S. Virgin Islands where ARDA-Caribbean is actively involved in the strategic planning discussions with the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Office of the Governor in their 5-year Tourism Development plan to chart a sustainable future for tourism in the territory. Look for more legislative updates in the ARDA-Caribbean section of the website.
February 14, 2012
The ARDA and ARDA-ROC government affairs team recently launched the Government Affairs Insider, a bi-weekly digital publication designed to keep you up-to-date on legislative issues and activities affecting the timeshare industry.
This week's Insider reports on ARDA-supported timeshare legislation in Florida, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. These bills, some including legislation regarding timeshare resale companies, have received positive responses from state legislatures and are moving through House and Senate committees quickly.
ARDA-ROC has also begun working with the Virginia Resort Development Association (VRDA) on lobbying efforts for two bills that have been introduced in the Virginia House.
For more information on these news items in this week's Insider, as well as access to previous editions of the Insider, click here.
February 8, 2012
In January, Florida State Senator Andy Gardiner and Florida State Representative Eric Eisnaugle, with the support of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, introduced the Timeshare Resale Accountability Act of 2012. The motivation behind the Act was to protect Florida consumers and help put an end to deceptive marketing practices conducted by fraudulent timeshare resale companies that have been targeting consumers under the guise of offering a service to help sell their timeshare product.
Under the new law, timeshare owners would be given more information about resale companies and the ability to rescind a sales contract, helping to protect them from bad actors. The House bill was passed unanimously out of House Judiciary Committee and will make its next and final stop in the House Economic Affairs Committee. Its companion bill in the Senate will be heard in the Senate Budget Committee, also its final stop. Similar legislation has been introduced in Colorado and will begin to move through legislative process shortly.
February 3, 2012
How many of us start the year with a resolution to get healthier? Luckily, our research shows that for many consumers they stick with that for the entire year when it comes to their travel choices.
Consumers want their vacations to reflect a healthier lifestyle factor. While the timeshare industry has long advocated the healthful benefits of regular time away to rejuvenate and relax, resort developers continue to expand their vacation products with more options and access to healthful programs and activities.
Many timeshare resorts have expanded their offerings to include health and wellness components such as fitness programs, enhanced spa services, cuisine packages, weight-loss regimens and concierge services to customize a specific healthy vacation experience.
One example is the Wellness Center at Marriott's Desert Springs Villas, offering classes ranging from yoga and Tai Chi to water fitness and shoulder and back strengthening.
And, according to Interval International, many of their clients' properties in the Americas and the Caribbean have fitness centers and full-service spas, and those with restaurants are presenting healthier menu options. This increased consciousness of wellness is reflected in Interval's most recent U.S. member profile. Reporting on their preferred vacation activities, nearly half of those surveyed include working out and exercising while close to 40 percent cite spa services.
How important is a healthy vacation to you? Let us know in the comments!
By Howard Nusbaum
December 21, 2011
As I was packing for my own holiday vacation last night, I got to thinking about the excitement that comes with the final preparation for a family holiday—the sense of adventure, freedom, and anticipation that feels a bit like the first hill of a really fun roller coaster! The pleasure in knowing that the next seven days are being spent with the ones you love, the people that make all the hard work in life worth it. It's also all about breaking the routines of your daily life and making the small things large— things like connecting with the people and feelings most important to you.
I think this is also how our timeshare consumers feel as they embark on their vacations at wonderful resorts around the world. In our industry, we are the creators of these important memories for millions of families like yours and mine, which makes me love even more what we do as our core business: resort development. We should never forget that the thousands of people who comprise this wonderful industry get to be the "chefs" of the vacations du jour, and how fortunate we are.
So, my holiday challenge to you is to "walk the walk" of better vacationing. Take the time this holiday to plan that getaway with the ones you love. Make it a priority to stop and appreciate the small things and do what all satisfied timeshare owners do—plan a better vacation!
Happy New Year and best wishes for a successful and rejuvenating 2012!
From Darla Zanini
December 15, 2011
Hopefully all of you with international properties have had a chance to participate in the ARDA International Foundation's (AIF) first worldwide survey in over a decade. We will complete data collection at the end of December and begin tabulating results to provide the industry with statistics on the importance of vacation ownership and its most recent performance trends around the world.
Shared vacation ownership sales and resort operations represent a significant and growing force in the global economy and this major research undertaking will begin to quantify that.
The survey was developed and launched in early November with the ARDA International Foundation (AIF) working closely with Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company to conduct the supply portion of the study and The Research Intelligence Group to conduct the consumer portion of the survey. In that piece, we are measuring number of owners, residence by country, international travel preferences and for non-owners, industry awareness.
We will ascertain key industry metrics including sales volumes, product types, resort occupancy rates and operating metrics for every world region. The results will help the financial and investment communities better understand the state of the industry and help the industry professionals around the world to educate the public, the press, lawmakers and business partners alike about the industry so that a better business environment can be created or maintained.
The survey reached 99 countries and was available in five languages. The full report will be available in Spring 2012.
From Howard Nusbaum
November 15, 2011
This year's Fall Conference left me more "fired up" about the timeshare industry than ever. The enthusiasm of the attendees was contagious, and we all left with a renewed sense of commitment of working together to promote and grow this industry we all love.
The agenda was too full to recap in this blog, so I'm including just a few highlights. We did manage to capture some special moments on camera.
Wednesday, November 9, was a full day of committee meetings where we laid the groundwork of activities and discussions for our next meeting during ARDA WORLD in Las Vegas. We concluded that day with catching up with old friends at Interval International's Welcome Reception. Then ARDA Trustees enjoyed a real treat….dinner at The Embassy of France!
Thursday started early with a meeting of the ARDA Board of Directors. Speakers included Josh Holmes, Chief of Staff to the Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who spoke to us about what is happening in the Senate. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), provided us with a legislative landscape of several issues, including the Visa Waiver initiative.
We were treated to a fascinating speech at the Legislative Luncheon by Congressman Michael Grimm from Staten Island, who also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and as an FBI undercover agent.
Next was the ARDA Town Hall on the State of the Secondary Market, where we heard from ARDA Chairman Don Harrill, ARDA-ROC Chairman Ken McKelvey, and AIF Chairman Bob Miller as well as audience participants.
Our Keynote Speaker was Dr. Peter Morici, a nationally recognized expert and commentator on economic policy and international politics. His National Economic Forecast presentation was insightful (and rather sobering).
The Closing Night Reception, sponsored by RCI, gave us a chance to network and relax a bit after two packed days of meetings, presentations, and business discussions.
We wrapped up Friday morning with our Chairman's League Breakfast, featuring Tucker Carlson, contributor to FOX News and editor-in-chief of the Daily Caller news site. He offered us his witty and entertaining comments on the presidential candidates.
I think I speak for all ARDA staff when I say that we left The Fairmont Hotel with renewed energy, optimism, and dedication to our members and the industry. That is born partly out of a great Fall Conference program but also out of the various developer and stakeholder meetings where the real deals are made. Stay tuned for more…….
November 8, 2011
Welcome to ARDA Insights, an industry blog that will cover the latest industry happenings, brief updates from ARDA staff, news & announcements, and thoughts from industry leaders—as well as commentary from leaders outside our industry.
With this initial blog, we'd like to call your attention to a new consumer effort that ARDA kicked off on November 1– introducing and celebrating "Timeshare Fans." We are working on this monthly initiative via a close partnership with our developer members. It will provide consumers unfamiliar with timeshare with a sense of why we have so many happy owners.
Each month, we will profile owners who will talk about their experience and why they love to vacation with timeshare. There can be video, photos, a blog posting from the owner, or whatever other creative elements the team develops. We will build some buzz around it each month with a press release and social media.
We're happy to say we launched with Holiday Inn Club Vacations and four happy owners. Please take a look at www.VacationBetter.org, and we encourage you to link to this site and to use your own social media platforms to help us spread the word.
You may notice, too, that our consumer website has a fresh new look. The updated design—along with a new Timeshare Fan each month—will encourage those interested in learning more about timeshare vacation options to visit the site often.
December's "Timeshare Fan" will be from Hilton Vacation Club, with more to follow! If you are interested in getting an owner's story on VacationBetter.org, please contact Lou Ann Burney.
Look for our next blog recapping some of the events from this week's annual Fall Conference…and if you'll be there, don't forget to participate in the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #fallconference!