Interval International

Much that is positive, exciting, and invigorating for the timeshare industry has been discussed these last two days at the VOIC Shared Ownership Investment Conference in Orlando, Florida, which is hosted by Interval International. And frank talk has gone on about all the challenges of the industry, the economy, and the ways (both good and bad) that the industry has engaged with consumers in the past.

But some of the most interesting insights about timeshare and fractionals comes from a simple look at the numbers. Very often in business, the numbers speak louder than the words.

Here is a look at some recent research about Interval International member/owners:

• US resident members of II own approximately 1.9 weeks of shared ownership vacation time or its equivalent and travel an estimated 22 nights per year solely for leisure purposes.
• They report household income of approximately $121,175 per year.
• Twenty percent expect to buy additional vacation time in the future.
• Timeshare owners are attracted to warm-weather locations (Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, South Carolina timeshares and Caribbean timeshares) and family-style accommodations.
• Most are interested in, or have a preference for, two-bedroom timeshare units. Just under ten percent prefer three-bedroom timeshares.

And this may be the most industry-relevant factor of all: 83 percent of Interval International’s US members say they are satisfied with their timeshare ownership.

As David Gilbert, Interval International, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing, says, “Even in challenging economic times, it is very encouraging to see that the appeal of vacation ownership remains strong among our members.”

The theme of this year’s Shared Ownership Investment Conference VOIC on timeshare and fractionals is: “A New Perspective.” Well underway today at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando, Florida, one of today’s highlights will be the 12:30 PM to 2:15 PM, luncheon speaker, Peter C. Yesawich, Ph.D.

At our Shared Ownership Investment Conference VOIC luncheon, noted marketing strategist and trend-spotter Peter Yesawich will speak on: Why and how do people decide to vacation? He will share findings from his agency’s 2011 Portrait of American Travelers ™ and will look at how leisure travelers plan and purchase their vacations, and share information with others. His presentation will include a focus on affluent travelers.

Besides many great opportunities for networking, learning and sharing, some of the other topics that will be covered today in sessions at the Shared Ownership Investment Conference VOIC include:

• Capital Markets; a firsthand look at today’s capital markets. Learn how projects are getting off the ground and how partnering with an established timeshare company can impact funding. Discover the critical components that prepare a project for lender review.
• Fractionals and Private Residence Clubs; See how these properties differ from traditional timeshare. Learn from those who have been successful in this segment. Discover what elements must be included, techniques to control costs, and how to maximize the bottom line.
• Emerging Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean; Find out where shared ownership has quickly become a hospitality mainstay in the region. See what’s driving growth, who are the consumers, and if it is complementary to hotel and resort development.
• Timeshare and Fractional Finance; Walk through the cash-flow process and explore the similarities and differences between these two sectors. Learn how development can be structured to limit financing needs and more.
• Timeshare 101; Learn the basics of timeshare ownership and understand the nature of prepaid vacations and their appeal to consumers. Topics include tactics for profitability, cost-effective sales and marketing techniques, and new trends in finance.
• Fractional 101; Aimed at the affluent market, fractional resorts have proven  an appealing alternative to second-home whole ownership. Usually sold in increments of two weeks or more, fractional resorts typically feature larger and more luxurious units, with high-end furnishings and upscale amenities. Design and programmatic elements differ from those of traditional timeshare.

The 13th Annual VOIC Conference is proving to be a great learning and regrouping opportunity in the vacation ownership industry with much more still ahead.

Through a multi-year contract extension, Interval International, a worldwide leader in timeshare exchange and vacation services, has expanded and extended its relationship with King’s Creek Plantation LLC. The agreement covers all three phases of King’s Creek Plantation in Williamsburg, Virginia, and any resort properties developed during the duration of the agreement.

Interval International timeshare exchange will also be assisting in the design and launch of the new King’s Creek points-based vacation club, to be known as Club Explore.

David Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International, says, “We are very pleased to take our relationship with the King’s Creek team to the next level and collaborate with them as they enhance their already successful business. Long known for delivering unique vacation experiences, King’s Creek now also offers its owners the ultimate in flexibility with the addition of its points-based club.”

King’s Creek Plantation is an 98-acre timeshare resort that includes The Cottages, The Townes, and The Estates. Designed to emulate the desirable features of a great residential community, King’s Creek Plantation includes cottage timeshare units, condos and estate homes, all with charming front porches and roomy decks. On-property amenities include a fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, a jogging trail, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a pool and a conveniently located general store. A tram keeps it easy for timeshare owners and guests to move around the timeshare resort.

Check The Timeshare Authority blog this week for more about this popular Williamsburg timeshare resort and the benefits of Club Explore. And follow these links for great deals on King’s Creek Plantation timeshare resales and timeshare rentals:

King’s Creek Plantation cottages and townhomes

King’s Creek Plantation Estates

Club Intrawest is a one of the top resort clubs in North America, with 18 popular resorts from Sandestin, Florida to Whistler to Zihuatanejo, Mexico to the Big Island in Hawaii. Each of the 16 Intrawest timeshare resorts offers a signature attraction, whether that is beach, skiing, golf, or properties such as those in Orlando that are situated at the heart of some of the world’s most popular vacation attractions.

Club Intrawest Vacation Club Membership

With Club Intrawest timeshare membership, you don’t have to choose between owning timeshare at a ski resort or on the beach. Club Intrawest timeshare or resort club members own vacation points, called “Resort Points,” that enable them to enjoy vacations both at Club Intrawest resorts and at all of the Club Intrawest networked resorts. Your vacation club membership makes it easy to enjoy both. All Club Intrawest resorts are part of RCI timeshare exchange; many are also affiliated with Interval International timeshare exchange as well. With Club Intrawest timeshare, you even have the option to use your vacation club points for hotels and cruises.

When you buy a Club Intrawest timeshare resale, you are purchasing the benefits of timeshare ownership (or in this case vacation club membership), but you are buying timeshare from a current owner, typically at a great savings to you. And you may be surprised to learn, but Club Intrawest timeshare is also available as timeshare rental, too.