AIF has finalized the State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study, 2010 Edition, releasing some very positive and reaffirming news about timeshares. The annual study, prepared by Ernst and Young, showed an average of 79.9 percent occupancy at US timeshare resorts in 2009 as compared to a 54.7 percent occupancy rate at US hotels. (Source: “STR Trend Report,” Smith Travel Research, April 2010)

Thirty-four percent of US timeshare resorts showed occupancy rates as high as 90 percent and higher, with another twenty percent ranking between 80 and 89 percent occupancy. Only twelve percent of US timeshare resorts had 60 percent or lower occupancy rates last year.

Occupancy Rate for Timeshare 2009 Attests to the Strength of Timesharing

Stats don’t lie. While there will always be timeshare owners who don’t use their timeshare or who feel buyer’s remorse and wish they had not purchased it, the majority of timeshare owners use and enjoy their vacation ownership property. In fact, many timeshare owners believe that in the tight economy of recent years, had they not owned timeshare, providing them pre-paid vacation accommodations, they would have never been able to work a much-needed vacation into their budgets. Timeshare owners frequently have found that they are at the beach or in the mountains enjoying a family holiday while many of their friends and neighbors were left at home, in the backyard on staycation.

The soon-to-be-open Bengal Vacation Club at Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa will be affiliated with Interval International timeshare exchange, making it the first Bangladesh timeshare available through II. Under construction at Cox’s Bazar, a popular vacation destination, the Bengal Vacation Club at Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa is scheduled to be operational in October 2011.

Joe Hickman, Interval International’s executive director for Asia Pacific says, “Bangladesh has a population of some 160 million and is visited by a large number of tourists from all over the world. Easily accessible by air and road, we believe Sea Pearl and its spectacular beachfront location will offer our members an appealing new holiday choice.”

At completion this beautiful timeshare resort will include studio timeshares, and one and two bedroom timeshare units, many with ocean views. On-site amenities at the timeshare resort will include a cinema, numerous restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a clubhouse, and a health club. Located in a serene setting on Sea Pearl Beach, timeshare owners and guests will be able to enjoy miles of natural sand beaches that slope to the Bay of Bengal perfect for beach activities, boating, and horseback riding.

Aminul Haque, chairman and chief executive officer of Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa Ltd, the developer of Bengal Vacation Club, saya, “We are pioneering the timeshare concept in Bangladesh and want to provide high-quality exchanges.”

Other opportunities in timeshare available immediately in the Indian Ocean area include:

• Maldives Timeshare
• Mauritius Timeshare
• Seychelles Timeshare
• Sri Lanka Timeshare
• United Arab Emirates Timeshare

Grande Lakes Resort is an exquisite vacation destination that combines proximity to the fun of the Orlando attractions with the ambiance of a serene and elegant resort. Situated on 500 acres, Grande Lakes is conveniently close to Orlando International Airport, and is home to both a JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton. The property is a beautifully maintained park-like setting that includes an 18-hole, par-72 Greg Norman Signature golf course.

…And this week, Grande Lakes becomes a little “Grander” with the opening of Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve timeshare.

Lee Cunningham, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Marriott Vacation Club, North America and the Caribbean, says, “We are thrilled to open the doors of this stunning new resort in one of Orlando’s most prestigious settings. We are constantly striving to meet and exceed our Owner’s and guests’ expectations and we believe Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve will truly impress everyone.”

Marriott Lakeshore Reserve, a Timeshare Treasure at an Exceptional Resort

Eighty-five timeshare villas (build-out includes plans for 340 timeshare units) are scheduled to welcome the first guests today. The villas start at 1185 square feet and range up to a spacious 1655 square feet, with your choice of six floor plans. As a first in North America, Marriott Vacation Club is introducing two-story townhomes in addition to the traditional two and three-bedroom timeshare villas.

This beautiful resort is a Marriott showpiece and a great reminder to critics who question the value of timeshare that buying timeshare or renting timeshare is not only a fabulous way to escape and relax but as a vacation ownership product, just grows better every day.

Follow this link to find more opportunities to become a Marriott timeshare owner.

Do you know that there is no maximum speed limit for driving in Germany, but there is a minimum speed of 61 kph (roughly 38 miles per hour)? Are you aware that you are required by law to carry a reflective jacket and a red triangle in your car when driving in France? Or that in Bloomfield, Connecticut, it is illegal to eat while driving? The point is, motor vehicle regulations and driving laws vary worldwide, and a ticket or even worse, an automobile accident, is a fast way to take the fun out of your summer holiday or timeshare vacation.

Why British Travel Concerns are Elevated

Breaking Travel News reports that this year especially, Brits may be setting themselves up for traffic accidents and police tickets as they plan their summer travels. With the global economy still challenging and both unpredictable volcanic ash and workers strikes at British Airlines impacting air travel, many more British vacationers and timeshare owners than usual will be driving rather than flying for their summer holiday.

Research from AXA Insurance shows that an estimated 1.1 million Brits will take to the highways this summer as part of vacation travel. Craig Staniland, AXA Insurance director for motor explains, “…there are some very serious misunderstandings that could lead to breaking the law or a serious accident …we would advise any Brits taking their car abroad to spend some time making sure they understand any local regulations and checking they have adequate insurance in place should the worst happen.”

And the Brits are not alone in facing the perils of driving in unfamiliar territory. The World Health Organization cites over 300 traffic-accident related deaths annually to US citizens driving internationally along with thousands of injuries.

Here are 5 helpful tips for any vacationer behind the wheel:

• US citizens should check the website for the US embassy or consulate in every country in which they plan to drive.
• Recognize that many countries have zero tolerance for drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol with severe criminal penalties.
• Laws that regulate cell phone use while driving vary from country to country, state to state, and city to city.
• Most US auto insurance does not cover you when driving internationally and the policies sold as part of car rental in many countries offer only minimal coverage. Consider buying additional insurance.
• Some countries recognize a US driver license as valid for driving, but over 150 countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP) which can be obtained from either the AAA (American Automobile Association) or the National Auto Club

No matter where you are in the world, don’t let your drive-to timeshare vacation, or your fly-and-then drive-to timeshare vacation be spoiled because you didn’t take a little extra time to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road.

Additional Vacation and Timeshare Resources:

• Europe timeshare resales and Europe timeshare rental
• United Kingdom timeshare resales and United Kingdom timeshare rental
• United States timeshare resales and United States timeshare rental
• Canada timeshare resales and Canada timeshare rental
• Mexico timeshare resales and Mexico timeshare rental