Increase In Asset-Backed Securities Signifies Robust Recovery For Timeshare Market
March 3, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Standard & Poor’s Report Bullish on Timeshare
Despite the recession, timeshare asset-backed securities (ABS) is one of the few asset classes demonstrating a renewed level of investor demand and resilient credit performance according to a recent Standard & Poor’s analysis. In addition, Fitch Ratings found that total ABS delinquencies fell compared to the same period last year for the first year-over-year improvement since August, 2007.
Issuance of ABS based on timeshares passed the one billion dollar mark in 2009 with more than two-thirds being in the fourth quarter. Ratings performance was solid, in part because timeshare note structuring offers sufficient credit enhancement to absorb multiples of the historical default levels. As a result, developers such as Marriott, Wyndham, Diamond Resorts, Bluegreen and Starwood have issued new term securitization and sold them to the capital markets in 2009.
“This is another indicator that our market is resilient and that recovery has begun,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Developments Association (ARDA). “The increase in delinquencies and defaults in the sector since September 2008 has been relatively modest especially when compared to other ABS classes, and we believe preliminary signs indicate that the worst is over.”
Credit enhancements such as subordination, over collateralization, reserves, excess spread, and triggers explain in part why the timeshare asset class has weathered the downturn relatively well. To date, Standard & Poor’s has not downgraded a single tranche of timeshare ABS securities issued since 2000.
“Thus far in this recession, credit enhancement in timeshare ABS transactions has been adequate, in our opinion, to counter the impact of economic and sector downturns,” says David Wyss, Standard & Poor’s chief economist. “If this performance outlasts the downturn, there is reason to believe that the upswing in new issuance should continue. It is also possible that issuance could again include smaller developers who, before this downturn, had access to the ABS capital market.”
About ARDA
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). Visit ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Email this postARDA Convention In Las Vegas Promises To Pay Off For Attendees
February 3, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Focus on Education and Networking Attracts Timeshare Executives from around the Country
In just six weeks the annual American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention will take place in Las Vegas. Held at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino on March 14-18, attendees at this year’s event will tackle a variety of topics including finding success in difficult economic times and leveraging social media.
It is the premier opportunity for industry leaders to network, share insights and learn new things that will help them throughout the year. The convention also provides prominent exposure for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees among a robust representation of the industry.
“Attendees will walk away from this year’s convention with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and energy for this terrific vacation product called timeshare,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “We have dynamic speakers and sessions planned, and I encourage everyone to make the time to attend this important learning and networking event.”
This year’s keynote speaker, sponsored by RCI, is Andy Sernovitz. Mr. Sernovitz is considered the guru of the word-of-mouth marketing movement, helping companies understand the radical changes brought by blogs, MySpace and consumer-generated media. Other hot topics in convention sessions will include new sources of financing, resales, and customer care.
Those who register by February 10 will save up to $300 off the registration cost and will be included in the Attendee List, which is known as the “industry phonebook.” They will also be able to register for the popular workshop forums including Sales and Marketing, Fractional and Private Residence Clubs, Resales, and New Business Models.
Discounted group rates at The Venetian Resort for ARDA members are available through February 9 by calling 877-283-6423. ARDA members who stay at the Venetian also qualify for Stay and Play, special benefits that include slot credit and restaurant discounts.
Companies interested in participating as sponsors or exhibitors may contact Bob Craycraft at 202-371-6700, or bcraycraft@arda.org. Visit www.ARDA.org for more information.
About ARDA
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). Visit ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Signature Sponsors Bet On ARDA For 2010 Annual Convention In Las Vegas
January 26, 2010 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Leading timeshare companies and service providers have thrown their chips in to be Signature Sponsors of the 2010 American Resort Development Association (ARDA) Convention and Exposition at Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. The annual convention, from March 14–18, will feature an impressive line-up of speakers and entertainers, including keynote speaker Andy Sernovitz. Sernovitz is considered the guru of the word-of-mouth marketing movement, helping countless companies understand the radical changes brought by blogs, MySpace, and consumer-generated media.
The 2010 Signature Sponsors include American Express, Equiant Financial Services, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Systems International (HSI), International Cruise and Excursions, Inc. (ICE), Interval International, iTravel Companion, RCI, Redweek.com, ResortCom International, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., and VacationGuard, Inc.
The convention offers companies prime exposure to top vacation ownership industry professionals who gather to network, learn the latest industry trends, and visit hundreds of industry suppliers on the exhibit floor. Thanks to the generosity of the Signature Sponsors, the ARDA Convention has become the number-one annual resource, providing networking for industry leaders, timely educational programming, and exposure for sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees.
“We are grateful for the support we receive from our Signature Sponsors,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “These companies enable us to offer the high-quality events our members need, while getting great visibility among the attendees.”
RCI is once again sponsoring the RCI/AIF Open Golf Tournament at Bear’s Best Las Vegas golf club. Interval International is hosting its annual “Party with a Cause” with ticket proceeds benefiting industry research and education. Equiant Financial Services is providing the “smart car fortwo” for the AIF Auto Driveaway contest. The ARDA Awards Gala, sponsored by Holiday Systems International (HSI), will include a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, presentation of the annual ARDA Awards and live entertainment by the Rhythmics.
Companies interested in participating as sponsors or exhibitors at the timeshare industry’s premier annual event may contact Bob Craycraft at 202-371-6700, or bcraycraft@arda.org. Visit www.ARDA.org for more information about the 2010 convention.
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
CRDA And ARDA Strengthen Ties
December 14, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
The Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) is pleased to announce the advent of a dynamic, new working relationship with its counterpart in the United States, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
Designed to maximize the synergies between the two associations, ARDA and CRDA intend to work together on various initiatives to further their respective mandates to represent the shared ownership product to governments and consumers, and to enhance the level of professionalism in the ever-evolving industry.
According to CRDA’s President, Ross Perlmutter: “We’re extremely excited about the endless possibilities presented via this special relationship with our friends at ARDA. We are fully committed to working alongside their talented team towards achieving the North American industry’s goals, and we are truly looking forward to their assistance and association with events such as conferences, membership, legislative issues and other projects.”
In many ways, there truly has never been a better time for a strategic alliance between the two associations. The Canadian Dollar is approaching parity with the US Dollar, both regions’ consumers tend to travel back and forth across each other’s borders and both countries are facing similar challenges and concerns.
“I’m pleased that we will have a closer working relationship with CRDA and look forward to the exchange of ideas and best business practices,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA’s president and CEO.
One of CRDA’s first initiatives as part of the new alliance will be to present an attractive CRDA membership opportunity to ARDA’s existing members. “We would love the opportunity to introduce ARDA’s suppliers to the robust Canadian resort market, and we’re confident that ARDA’s resort developers will understand and appreciate both the value in, and importance of, displaying CRDA’s emblem on their showrooms’ walls when presenting their programs to affluent Canadian tourists.” says Perlmutter.
The Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) is an industry-based association dedicated to furthering the shared ownership industry, both in Canada and throughout the world. The goals of the Association are to encourage and maintain a high standard of ethical conduct throughout the industry, and to assist in the education of Canadian industry members toward an enhanced standard of professionalism. For more information, please visit www.crda.com.
American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Florida Attorney General’s Office For Recent Injunction Against Fraudulent Timeshare Resale Operation Applauded By ARDA
November 5, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
The following statement was released today by Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), in response to the Florida Attorney General’s Office move on Monday to seek an emergency injunction against a West Palm Beach timeshare resale operation for fraudulent practices.
In September, ARDA released two consumer advisories to help consumers and timeshare owners navigate through the secondary market, which includes timeshare resellers, internet advertisers and other resale companies, to ensure a safe and positive selling experience. The advisories were developed to help dispel the growing misinformation and confusion in the secondary marketplace by providing specific tips on reviewing timeshare resale companies, their practices, costs and services in the marketplace.
Although there are many reputable companies that provide resale services, the largely unregulated secondary market also includes some that use unscrupulous tactics to take advantage of owners who may wish to sell their timeshares. Most recently, the Florida Attorney General’s Office took action against Creative Vacation Solutions, a timeshare resale operation in West Palm Beach, for charging nearly $2,500 in marketing fees from hundreds of customers but did little or nothing in return.
We applaud the efforts made by Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum to investigate dishonest resale companies whose actions taint the industry’s reputable resale companies. ARDA continues to work with its members to ensure transparency on both the buying and selling process.
About ARDA
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). Visit ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Timeshare Owners Kick The Tires Before They Purchase
October 20, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
According to Vacation Timeshare Owners Report, 2009 Edition by the ARDA International Foundation (AIF), recent timeshare purchasers are younger, wealthier and happy with their vacation product. Overall, more than six in ten timeshare owners are age 45 or older, with Baby Boomers ranked as the largest generation of timeshare owners (45 percent). However, recent purchasers are younger than timeshare owners in general, with 58 percent under the age of 45.
About half of recent purchasers rented a timeshare prior to buying (48 percent), and four out of five purchased from a developer or resort. The average household income for all owners is $92,405, and recent purchasers have an average household income of $94,933. Motivators for purchasing were the quality of accommodations, saving on future costs, and the credibility of the timeshare company. Over half say they purchased a timeshare to save money on future vacations.
“This study underscores the flexibility and value of vacation ownership products for a broad range of consumers and lifestyles. The value of timeshare that comes from its use gives people the discipline to have a better vacation year after year,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO.
Other results from the study include:
• Timeshare owners spent an average of 8.18 days on timeshare vacations in 2008.
• On average, the total number of guests on a timeshare vacation was 3.71, including the owner.
• Eighty-six percent of all timeshare owners responded that owning a timeshare was an excellent, very good, or good experience.
• Sixty-nine percent of all owners would recommend their own resort or vacation club.
• On average, timeshare owners have owned their intervals for 8.26 years.
• Timeshare owners say that beaches (52 percent), attractions/entertainment (48 percent), and shopping (39 percent) are the most appealing resort characteristics.
• Eighty-one percent of all owners say that their timeshare offers a vacation home away from home.
For more information visit www.ARDA.org or download an executive summary of Vacation Timeshare Owners Report, 2009 Edition.
About ARDA
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). Visit ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.
About AIF
The ARDA International Foundation (AIF) conducts research and develops education programming for the timeshare industry. The Foundation’s mission is to “support, conduct, and disseminate research and technical studies that will enhance and improve knowledge for the public and the industry, and develop educational resources that will optimize value, operations, acceptance, and service for the industry and the public.”
Methodology
This research was sponsored by the ARDA International Foundation and conducted by Penn, Schoen, and Berland Inc., a global market research firm. Interviews were conducted among a national sample of timeshare owners between May 8 and 15, 2009 — approximately 7 months after the U.S. financial crisis began in late 2008. The report is based on analysis of 945 “traditional timeshare owners,” including 195 “recent purchasers.” Recent purchasers are defined as owners who made a timeshare purchase in the United States in the past twelve months. Unlike the last study, which relied on a single panel provided by the research vendor, the 2009 Vacation Timeshare Owners Report sample draws from multiple email sample vendors operating in the U.S., resulting in a relatively more diverse, random sampling of timeshare owners.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Timeshare Industry Proves Resilient
October 8, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Occupancy, Satisfaction Rates Remain Strong
Despite tighter credit markets and high unemployment rates, the U.S. timeshare industry continues to demonstrate its resilience.
Although overall sales continue to reflect the national trend of lower consumer spending, timeshare owners continue to enjoy their pre-paid timeshare vacations, with an 80 percent occupancy rate and an 86 percent product approval rate. This compares with a 60.4 percent hotel occupancy rate, according to Smith Travel Research.
“The downturn in our economy has hit the tourism industry particularly hard; the timeshare segment, however, due in part to its pre-paid nature, is better equipped than most to weather a downturn,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). “The good news is that timeshare owners are still vacationing, and occupancy remains strong. Coupled with our industry’s emphasis on new efficiencies and improvements to our business model, we will come through the current downturn and be ready to meet the expectations of customers.”
Preliminary 2009 second quarter research indicates that nine out of 10 owners were current on monthly payments, a .2 percent increase over the preceding quarter. Sales efficiencies have improved, as measured by Volume Per Guest (VPG) of $2,043 that was up by two percent from the previous quarter level.
In addition, use of exchange options that offer timeshare owners the ability to trade resort destinations other than those of their “home resort” location are also strong, demonstrating that owners continue to enjoy their timeshares.
Several leading timeshare developers agree with Nusbaum’s outlook.
“We’ve had the best summer on record, and sales continue to be robust. Just because the economy has slowed doesn’t mean we have stopped doing what we do—we’ve taken a closer look at how we can refine our processes and products to deliver memorable vacations that families want to come back to year after year,” said Don Harrill, president and CEO of Holiday Inn Club Vacations.
“At Disney, we have confidence in vacation ownership. In fact, we’re enlarging our footprint outside of the Orlando area by the opening of our newest resort in California and developing one in Hawaii,” added James M. Lewis, president of Disney Vacation Club.
Sergio Rivera, CEO for Starwood Vacation Ownership said, “Closing rates have held up better than expected given the discretionary nature of the product. This supports our belief that consumer dynamics will be strong over the long run.”
This comes as no surprise to David Palmer, CFO of Diamond Resorts International. “Our closing rates this year are identical to those last year, and our collections remain strong. Additionally, our diversified cash flow business model has allowed us to substantially decrease our reliance on the capital markets.”
Most developers report that decreased sales, in part, are a result of purposely slowed sales to maintain a healthy cash flow during the tightened credit market environment. In addition, the industry expects to limit new construction until inventory levels are reduced.
“An increase in volume aided by improving consumer sentiment and recovering capital markets will accelerate absorption,” said Nusbaum. “Most of all, demographics are on our side, with baby boomers and succeeding generations eager to purchase a piece of flexible vacation real estate, allowing them the better vacationing and the undeniable value proposition that timeshare offers. Our industry is primed to fulfill the increased consumer demand for quality vacation experiences.”
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC). For more information, visit www.arda.org or ARDA’s consumer website at www.VacationBetter.org.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Vacations Can Actually Make Kids Smarter Research Shows
September 23, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Study Shows Link to Academic Achievement in First Graders
As the nation’s children settle in for another school year, many parents and teachers wonder how the summer break affected their children’s academic achievement. Analysis of a U.S. Department of Education study found that children who travel over summer break — whether to a beach, historic site or a national park — did better in reading, math and general knowledge than their peers who didn’t vacation.
“The data is clear — and gives hard-working parents another reason not to put off a summer vacation trip,” said Dr. Bill Norman, Clemson University. “Providing kids with the experience of travel broadens their horizons and opens up their minds to learning.”
A series of analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between summer vacation travel and academic achievement in children entering first grade. Specifically, the study explored whether going on a vacation, the number of days spent on a vacation and places visited were linked to academic achievement in the areas of reading, mathematics and general knowledge. The results revealed a significant difference in academic achievement and taking a family summer vacation trip. Children that traveled with their family over summer vacation scored higher on academic achievement assessment tests than those who did not travel. The days spent on family summer vacation trips had a modest significant relationship with academic achievement. Lastly, children who visited plays or concerts, art or science museums, historical sites, beaches or lakes, national or state parks, and zoos or aquariums had significantly higher academic achievement scores than those who did not.
“To date there has never been a study that plainly shows the correlation between travel and academic achievement,” says Jessica Parker, researcher, Clemson University. “It was interesting to see the impact on a child when they spend vacation time away with their family.”
Over three-fourths (75.2%) of the participants responded that the child had taken a family summer travel vacation prior to starting first grade. For those children that took a family summer vacation trip, the average number of days spent traveling was 11.8 days.
“The timeshare industry has always touted the importance of regular vacations for health and wellness,” says Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO, American Resort Development Association (ARDA). “This study gives families yet another strong reminder that taking vacation has benefits beyond the actual week or two of vacation.” (Research Shows Vacations Make Kids Smarter Video)
This research study of how vacation impacts childhood learning used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study of the Kindergarten Class database from the United States Department of Education. The database contains information on 21,600 children followed from kindergarten through fifth grades. This year study examined children’s early school experiences as well as family and life experiences, such as summer activities. The parents of a subsample of 5,047 children were asked about summer travel. Academic achievement was measured with a series of standardized test in the three areas of math, reading and general knowledge.
Although the results indicate that summer vacation travel and academic achievement are linked, other factors such as income level, parent’s educational level and language spoke at home may influence these findings.
About VacationBetter.org
The American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) on-line resource informs consumers of the importance of vacations and the overall health and wellness benefits of enjoying one — regularly and economically — through timeshare. VacationBetter.org gives vacationing families and consumers a way to learn about traveling better with vacation ownership.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Timeshare Owner Protections Become Law Florida Legislature Passes Bill To Ensure Timeshare Exchange Not Subject To Tax
August 4, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
According to The American Resort Development Association (ARDA), recent passage of legislation by Florida’s state legislature ensures that important protections for timeshare owners are in place. In addition to ensuring timeshare owners will not pay tax on timeshare exchange transactions, the bill, HB 61, codifies a common industry practice regarding the taxation of transient stays at timeshare resorts as well as allows timeshare developers to offer “Debt-Cancellation” products to purchasers.
Though no state or jurisdiction currently collects a tax on timeshare exchange, it has become an increasing concern as state and local governments seek new revenue to fill ever growing budget shortfalls. Florida becomes the third state to pass legislation specifically protecting timeshare owners from taxes on exchange, one of the major attractions for timeshare buyers in recent years. HB 61 protects the competitive position of Florida timeshares and the ability of Florida timeshare owners to effectively use the exchange process by preventing taxes that could raise the cost and lower the desirability of exchanges into the state.
“For 40 years, ARDA has worked with federal and state government officials in support of legislation to protect consumers,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “The value of our industry rests in the continued trust of our owners and members.”
ARDA, along with its Resort Owner’s Coalition, has advocated for state legislation guaranteeing that timeshare owners are protected from such taxes.
“Without the consistent and strong support from sponsors Sen. Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne) and Rep. Steve Precourt (R-Winter Garden), HB 61 could not have been enacted,” said Jason Gamel, Vice President of State Government Affairs of ARDA. “This ARDA-backed measure clarified the existing tax status of exchange which had been questioned by some jurisdictions as they searched for revenue in a down economy.”
HB 61 also cleared the way for timeshare developers to offer “Debt Cancellation” products. Much like products previously offered by auto manufacturers, these arrangements would allow purchasers to return a timeshare to the developer if hit with the loss of a job or the occurrence of other specified events without negatively impacting the consumer’s credit score. The legislation also delineates the tax status of transient stays at timeshare properties. The common industry practice in such cases has been to remit tax in the same manner as a traditional hotel, but a recent court decision in South Florida called into question the taxability of these transactions. HB 61 updated Florida tax statutes to clarify that transient stays are taxable codifying the long-time practice.
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
Dear Mr. President, Americans Need A FAMILY Stimulus Plan
June 23, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Nearly Half of Recent Survey Respondents Feel Time with Their Families Lacking
While Americans patiently wait for the country’s economic stimulus plan to take effect, it’s clear that a separate plan is needed to spur recovery in another area – the amount of time enjoyed with family. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recently surveyed visitors to its VacationBetter.org website to determine if they have enough quality time with their immediate and extended families. Nearly half of the respondents felt quality time spent with the family was lacking and a stimulus plan was the solution.
“Unfortunately vacation is one of the first things people give up when times get tough economically, and with that goes some of the best quality time you can get with your family,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “Tough times are when people need connect to their families even more, and it can be done very economically.”
In hopes of counteracting the failing tradition of quality family time, ARDA has created the Family Stimulus Plan. As part of this package, ARDA is providing tips and suggestions on how to take time away to renew and rejuvenate with the family on its VacationBetter.org consumer information website. “The Family Stimulus Plan”, provides travelers with helpful hints on planning a successful family vacation with either your immediate family or an extended family reunion. It contains event-planning tips, including managing invitations, selecting a location, ice-breaker games, decorations and ways to stay in touch all year long.
Another way to stimulate your interest in a family vacation is to hear from the health and wellness experts. It’s a proven fact that people who spend time away reap health benefits far beyond that week or two of vacation. Vacations are not a luxury, but a necessity for good health and well-being.
Owning your vacation with timeshare has shown to be a sure-fire way of guaranteeing that you won’t find excuses not to vacation and in fact, will reap all of the benefits of having pre-paid your vacation – quality resorts, family-friendly accommodations and regular getaways. In fact, according to an ARDA study, timeshare properties are experiencing an 82 percent occupancy rate despite tough economic times.
As we all focus on the economic stimulus, ARDA encourages us to remember an even more important plan we can enact on our own — The Family Stimulus Plan. To download a customizable package, visit www.VacationBetter.org/Family-Stimulus-Plan.
About VacationBetter.org
The American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) new on-line resource informs consumers on the importance of taking a vacation and the overall benefits of enjoying one – regularly – through shared vacation ownership. VacationBetter.org is a comprehensive, educational tool for consumers to learn about this travel option and to demonstrate a way for travelers to vacation better.
About ARDA
The American Resort Development Association is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has over 1,000 members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
ARDA Salutes National Travel And Tourism Week With Launch Of Contest
May 6, 2009 by Timeshare & Fractional News · Leave a Comment
Timeshare Owners Share Vacation Experiences in Video, Photo and Story Contest
As part of the travel industry’s efforts to promote the power of travel during National Travel and Tourism Week, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is encouraging timeshare owners to share the secret of better vacationing through its annual contest. Timeshare owners will have a chance to win $1,000 by entering a vacation photo, story or short video depicting a memory of a timeshare vacation that impacted their health, family or overall enjoyment of life.
ARDA points to studies that show there are undisputed, long-term benefits associated with taking regular vacations that contribute to better health, relationships and job performance. However, while vacations are fast becoming recognized as a critical component of wellness and healthy living, Americans are trying to grapple with how to afford a vacation during these tough economic times.
“Vacation ownership products continue to offer a tremendous value for the consumer, both economically and emotionally,” said ARDA president and CEO Howard Nusbaum who said that the timeshare industry has long promoted the need to take time to vacation at least once a year. According to ARDA, timeshare owners continue to travel to their timeshare destinations despite smaller travel budgets and less discretionary income. In fact, vacation ownership properties are experiencing more than 80% occupancy rates as of March 31, 2009.
The real value of timeshare ownership comes from the discipline of better vacation planning and consistent quality accommodations. Creating lasting memories year after year should be viewed as a necessity, not a luxury.
Purchasing and essentially pre-paying for your future vacations at today’s prices take the stress out of planning for one while guaranteeing that you get away at least once a year. Today, there are 76 million baby-boomers that are extremely compelled by the value proposition of better vacationing with timeshare.
“Timeshare owners are our industry’s biggest advocates and we hope the stories, pictures and videos submitted throughout this contest will help give other travelers a glimpse into a better vacation experience,” said Nusbaum.
Winners in each of the three categories - story, photo and video - will receive $1,000 and the runners-up will each receive $250. Additionally, the winning story, photo and video will be featured on www.VacationBetter.org, www.arda.org, and in ARDA’s Developments magazine. Timeshare owners can visit www.VacationBetter.org for further submission details and prize information.
About VacationBetter.org
The American Resort Development Association’s (ARDA) on-line resource informs consumers on the importance of taking a vacation and the overall benefits of enjoying one – regularly – through shared vacation ownership. VacationBetter.org is a comprehensive, educational tool for consumers to learn about this travel option and to demonstrate a way for travelers to vacation better.
For information on advertising and editorial opportunities with Perspective Magazine & Owners Perspective Magazine; the leading independent B2B & B2C magazines for the timeshare and fractional ownership industries visit www.perspectiverates.com
