History

Vacation ownership is a concept that originated in the French Alps in the 1960s. Now, 40 years later, it is firmly positioned as one of the most popular vacation options enjoyed by today’s leisure travelers. Consumers are embracing timesharing, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors of the worldwide hospitality industry. In fact, vacation ownership has enjoyed a double-digit annual growth rate over the past two decades.

Why? Millions of owners have found timeshare’s spacious floor plans and home-like amenities very attractive when compared with traditional hospitality products. Truly a home away from home, vacation ownership provides the space and flexibility needed to easily accommodate families and larger traveling parties.

While most vacation ownership condominiums have two bedrooms and two baths, unit sizes range from studios to three or more bedrooms. Most units include a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, washer and dryer, stereo, televisions, VCRs and more. Timeshare resort amenities rival those of other top-rated resort properties and may include planned children’s activities, swimming pools, tennis, Jacuzzi, golf and bicycles as well as spa and exercise facilities. Others feature boating, skiing, restaurants and equestrian facilities on-site or nearby.

With vacation ownership, consumers have the opportunity to purchase time at quality resorts offering an array of amenities in popular international destinations. In fact, there are now more than 5,400 resorts in some 100 countries around the world and annual vacation ownership sales are estimated to be in excess of $9.4 billion. Today, 3 million U.S. households own 4.9 million weeks at nearly 1,600 resorts.