Talking timeshare: continuing to evolve
Timeshare has grown and thrived since its inception in the early 1960s. Sometimes referred to as vacation ownership or vacation club, the timeshare industry has made great strides, changing to meet the needs of their members. In the 1960s the United Kingdom got things going with vacation home sharing or holiday home sharing. Four European families would purchase a vacation cottage jointly, each having exclusive rights for use of the property for one of four seasons.
Some say the first timeshare in the U.S. emerged in 1974 by Caribbean International Corporation (CIC) based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It offered a 25 year vacation license rather than ownership. (You’ll find many other versions of folks claiming to be the “father of timeshare.”) The “Mexican Model” of timesharing is similar to this structure with a right-to-use structure rather than ownership. And most timeshares in Mexico still operate under this format.
Points programs
Our current, one and two bedroom vacation home style of resort timeshares started popping up in the 1980s. Once exchange companies got in the mix, flexibility blossomed. And instead of returning to the same place, at the same time, every year, many owners opted to exchange their weeks and visit more destinations. With the advent of points programs the face of timesharing changed forever.
Hospitality brands
Additionally, name brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Disney, Hyatt and more elevated the timeshare concept and with the help of trade organizations such as ARDA (American Resort Development Association) timeshare grew to be a mainstream, family lifestyle vacation option.
Emerging trends
Now emerging trends such as eco-friendly resorts, experiential vacations, and cruises booked with points are all facets of the timeshare industry. Alongside that , you will find digital booking platforms are making changes to timeshare. GEVC (Global Exchange Vacation Club) has grown rapidly in the industry and believes their growth is in part stimulated by their economically priced program and the ability of its members to use the RCI points system digitally.
Through commitment to use sustainable practices from major companies such as Bluegreen Vacations, Wyndham and Marriott Resorts agreement to do the same, other resorts are following in rapid measure to “Go Green.”
Digital Booking Platforms are yet another popular trend in timeshare management software. No longer do owners have to go through tedious manual processes. Operations are now streamlined with all-in-one timeshare management software. Owner management, rental tracking and revenue and inventory management are all covered.
Global leaders
GEVC and RCI are global leaders in timeshare exchange and vacation ownership. It’s easy to book your vacation and make the most of it, through our partnership. With 4,200 timeshare resorts in the USA, Africa, Middle East, Asia, Australia, South Pacific, Canada, Caribbean, Bermuda, Central America Europe, Mexico, and South America RCI can help you choose the resorts that fit your budget as well as the type of vacation you want and need.
