Latest news with #vacationownership
Skift
2 days ago
- Business
- Skift
How Gen Z and Millennials Are Forcing a $19 Billion Timeshare Market to Reinvent Itself
As younger generations continue to shape how and why we travel, vacation ownership is no longer about locking into one resort anymore. It's about choice, access, and ease, things modern travelers care about most. The global market for vacation ownership, or timeshare, is expected to cross $19 billion this year and projected to reach over $26 billion in 2029. Travel and Leisure (earlier known as Wyndham Destinations), said membership in its Club Wyndham Asia program has more than doubled since mid-2023, and 60% of these members are Gen Z or millennials. 'Earlier, we'd probably be saving and buying our house. Today (millennials and Gen Z) would rather focus on experiences,' Barry Robinson, president and MD international operations at Travel and Leisure, told Skift. This change in priorities is also driving a growing interest in fractional ownership, where people can enjoy luxury items — like holiday homes, yachts, or even private jets — without having to own them outright. Travel and Leisure is seeing this shift play out most clearly in Asia. As the region's middle class grows, so does demand for smart, flexible ways to travel without the responsibilities or high costs of traditional ownership. Barry Robinson, president and MD international operations at Travel and Leisure. Flexible Travel for a New Generation The modern model of vacation ownership is typically points-based and has moved far beyond fixed weeks at a single resort. According to Robinson, it's a more fluid, practical way to 'own' a holiday. That adaptability is proving popular, especially with younger travelers, who may not necessarily want the biggest room, but would want the experience. At Skift Global Forum last year, Jason Gamel, president and CEO of ARDA, spoke about how the vacation ownership industry is evolving to align with modern traveler preferences. Talking about how Travel and Leisure has been faring in connecting with this group, Robinson calls it a 'work in progress.' What Changed for Vacation Rentals? Domestic Demand Asia's shared ownership market works differently from North America's, says Robinson. 'We've had to modify our product offering accordingly,' Robinson said. Travel and Leisure has adapted with upgraded amenities, curated local experiences, and a wider range of options — from basic stays to ultra-luxury villas with private chefs and pools. These changes also make the offering more attractive to Asian travelers, who are increasingly traveling within the region. 'In the past, we sold shared ownership to foreigners staying in Phuket, Koh Samui or Pattaya,' Robinson explained. 'Now, we want to be known as a great domestic product in each market.' That shift is now a core part of the company's long-term growth as the approach proved smart during Covid. 'If you don't have a focus on the domestic market, your business can dry up overnight,' Robinson said. The domestic focus also makes the business more resilient, when international travel becomes costly, as has happened recently with rising airfare and hotel prices, he said. The Big Prize: India and China India and China represent enormous growth opportunities for the company and while Travel and Leisure has already entered China and is seeing progress, India remains a complex landscape. 'India is a gold mine for us. We just haven't figured out how to mine it,' Robinson admitted. But he is confident about entering the market, 'India is definitely on our radar. It's definitely a market that we will enter.' And while he did mention the barriers to entering are both financial and legal, still, Robinson believes it's only a matter of time before India becomes a viable market. Accor Vacation Club: A Test Case in Expansion Travel and Leisure acquired Accor's vacation rental business – Accor Vacation Club – last year for $48.4 million. Almost 18 months after the acquisition, Travel and Leisure has started expanding it beyond its traditional South Pacific base. The product recently launched in Bali. 'We've been able to aggressively grow that business. We'll be launching in the Middle East before the end of the year,' Robinson said. 'Slowly, we'll migrate into other markets, such as Thailand.' The rollout has been smooth, according to Robinson, and the brand now gives the company access to Accor's vast loyalty base of over 100 million members. It also gives existing vacation ownership customers access to more destinations and brands. For the business, it means reaching different market segments through multiple brands, similar to how major hotel groups operate. The acquisition is also part of a broader strategy to diversify. With the company launching new vacation ownership experiences, like Sports Illustrated Resorts and Eddie Bauer Adventure Club, Travel and Leisure is mimicking hotel giants like Marriott by targeting different customer segments under different brand names. Technology and the Future Technology is also playing a role in shaping vacation ownership. Travel and Leisure is testing AI tools for handling customer queries, especially in promising markets like Japan where labor is expensive and hard to find. Mobile platforms are improving, and voice recognition is on the roadmap. 'Our platforms are pretty good, but we're still not as simple as we should be,' Robinson said. The integration with loyalty programs means members can convert points between vacation clubs and hotel stays. Robinson said vacation ownership is also evolving beyond beach or ski destinations. Capital cities are becoming more popular, and the company is building out its presence in urban centers. As more people work remotely, Travel and Leisure is also updating its facilities to include workspaces. The goal is to stay relevant to a younger generation that blurs the lines between work and travel, Robinson said.
Associated Press
07-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
A Smarter Way to Travel: Why More Families Are Turning to Vacation Ownership
New industry research shows steady growth in vacation ownership among younger families seeking value, consistency, and quality time 'Modern families want vacation destination options,'— Travis Bary, Co-President of Capital Vacations MYRTLE BEACH, SC, UNITED STATES, July 7, 2025 / / -- In a time when families are prioritizing meaningful travel, vacation ownership is seeing a resurgence, particularly among younger generations. According to the 2025 ARDA State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry report, vacation ownership in the U.S. has grown to over 10 million owner families, with millennials and Gen X now making up more than 53% of new purchasers. Capital Vacations, one of the fastest-growing resort management and vacation ownership companies in North America, is seeing that trend firsthand. 'Families are recognizing that vacation ownership offers more than just a place to stay—it provides a dependable framework to explore new places, reconnect, and make travel a consistent part of life,' said Travis Bary, Co-President of Capital Vacations. 'It's about owning time and making space for what matters most.' Economic Confidence Meets Travel Desire Amid rising hotel rates and unpredictable travel costs, many vacationers are opting for a model that offers long-term savings and locked-in value. ARDA's 2025 research indicates that owner satisfaction remains high, with the majority citing value benefit and accommodation quality as top reasons for purchase. Vacation ownership also aligns with the subscription mindset younger consumers embrace—offering both structure and flexibility through club models like the Capital Vacations Club, which provides access to dozens of destinations across the U.S. Designed for Today's Travelers 'Modern families want vacation destination options,' said Travis Bary, Co-President of Capital Vacations. 'Whether they're planning a beach escape in Florida, a mountain retreat in the Smokies, or a coastal adventure in the Carolinas, our ownership model makes that possible—year after year.' With flexible usage, access to multiple destinations, and digital tools that simplify planning, Capital Vacations is helping a new generation of owners redefine what smarter travel looks like. To explore these destinations and more, or to learn about Capital Vacations Club and its portfolio of culturally rich resort experiences, visit ### About Capital Vacations® Capital Vacations is reimagining the travel experience by connecting Independent Resorts with travelers through our technology platform and vacation products. We partner with over 200 Independent Resorts across the U.S. and Caribbean, deploying strategic value-add tools that allow Independent Resorts to increase revenues across multiple channels. In addition, we service over 1,000,000 travelers a year with a hyper-focus on the owner and guest experience and the creation of long-term relationships. Visit Travel. Gather. Smile. Repeat. Andy Kovan Capital Vacations +1 843-251-6415 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
New York Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- New York Times
My Timeshare Is an Albatross. How Do I Get Rid of It?
Q: Over many years, I have tried to get rid of, or rent out, or somehow get some value out of the Tennessee timeshare that we never should have bought in the 1990s. We have paid the timeshare 'mortgage' off, but of course there are yearly assessments, which we want to shed before we retire and downsize. I have tried companies that supposedly sell your timeshare or connect you with rental clients, but nothing has ever worked out. How do we get this timeshare albatross off our necks? A: People who buy timeshares are typically making a lifetime obligation, agreeing to pay maintenance fees and property taxes every year until they die or sell the timeshare. But as those fees increase, the asset gradually becomes a liability. 'The short answer is because they're worthless — that's why you can't get rid of them,' said Joe Solseng, a lawyer at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender in Seattle, who has represented timeshare owners in cases against resorts. Start by filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau, the Tennessee attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission. It's not surprising that you didn't have luck with companies that will supposedly sell your timeshare or connect you with possible renters: Many of these 'timeshare exit' companies are scams. 'You pay them upfront, and they do nothing, and you're out of money,' Mr. Solseng said. Try contacting the timeshare company to see if it has an exit program, but be sure to read the fine print before agreeing to anything. Sometimes these companies say they will help, only to try to upsell you on another product. You could consider a lawsuit, but lawyers will be selective with what cases they accept because in many states, especially popular vacation destinations, the laws protect resort owners. For example, in some cases, prospective buyers are told that there's a market to rent the timeshare or to sell it, but the details in the contract will say there is not really a market for these activities, which protects the company. The resorts 'have you on the hook' because they convinced you to sign their contract, Mr. Solseng said. You might have more success with assembling a group of plaintiffs. Key questions are: Were timeshare buyers knowingly misled? Is the resort or vacation club breaking state consumer protection laws? If you do pursue legal action, weigh the cost of the lawyers' fees against the money you are seeking, and make sure that the state you're in awards lawyer fees to the prevailing party.
Associated Press
04-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
New Industry Data Proves Vacation Ownership to be a Powerful Inflation Hedge
Consumers Can Lock In Tomorrow's Vacations at Today's Prices 'It's not just a vacation—it's a travel decision that pays dividends in memories and value.' — Travis Bary, Co-President of Capital Vacations MYRTLE BEACH, SC, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2025 / / -- With travel costs continuing to rise year-over-year, more vacationers are turning to vacation ownership as a way to guarantee future getaways without breaking the bank. According to the 2025 ARDA State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry Report, the average cost of a hotel stay has increased by more than 21% in the past five years—making predictable travel options like vacation ownership more appealing than ever. Consumers who own vacation ownership interest(s) seen firsthand how this empowers their families to take control of their travel plans, lock in savings, and ensure high-quality vacations for years to come. 'With a one-time purchase and consistent annual fees, our owners can vacation at premium resorts without worrying about rate hikes, blackout dates, or fluctuating prices,' said Travis Bary, Co-President at Capital Vacations. 'It's not just a vacation—it's a travel decision that pays dividends in memories and value.' How Vacation Ownership hedges against inflation: • Price Protection: Owners prepay at today's rates, protecting themselves from rising accommodation costs. • Consistent Value: Predictable annual maintenance fees with increase caps ensure cost certainty for long-term travel planning. • Exchange Power: Access to networks like RCI and internal Capital programs lets owners trade weeks for experiences in new destinations—without added inflationary pressure. Today's traveler is looking for more than just a quick getaway—they want dependable, meaningful experiences that don't carry hidden fees or unpredictable costs. That's where vacation ownership stands apart. To explore these destinations and more, or to learn about Capital Vacations Club and its portfolio of culturally rich resort experiences, visit . ### About Capital Vacations® Capital Vacations is reimagining the travel experience by connecting Independent Resorts with travelers through our technology platform and vacation products. We partner with over 200 Independent Resorts across the U.S. and Caribbean, deploying strategic value-add tools that allow Independent Resorts to increase revenues across multiple channels. In addition, we service over 1,000,000 travelers a year with a hyper-focus on the owner and guest experience and the creation of long-term relationships. Visit Travel. Gather. Smile. Repeat. Andy Kovan Capital Vacations +1 843-251-6415 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Travel + Leisure Co. to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on July 23, 2025
ORLANDO, Fla., June 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) announced today it will release second quarter 2025 financial results on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, before the market opens, followed by a conference call at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Michael D. Brown, President and CEO, and Erik Hoag, CFO, will discuss the Company's business outlook and financial performance. Participants may listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call, which may be accessed through the Company's website at or by dialing 877-733-4794 ten minutes before the scheduled start time. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, an archive of the webcast will be available on the Company's website for 90 days beginning at 12:00 p.m. EDT on July 23, 2025. About Travel + Leisure Co. Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) is a leading leisure travel company, providing more than six million vacations to travelers around the world every year. The company operates a portfolio of vacation ownership, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands designed to meet the needs of the modern leisure traveler, whether they're traversing the globe or staying a little closer to home. With hospitality and responsible tourism at its heart, the company's nearly 19,000 dedicated associates around the globe help the company achieve its mission to put the world on vacation. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Investors: Investor RelationsIR@ Media:Public RelationsMedia@ Sign in to access your portfolio
