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Exit Programs, Postcard Companies and Timeshare Owners September 15, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Customer Comments, General, News & Events, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel , add a comment

It’s alarming, the number of timeshare owners turning to exit programs. Many timeshare owners have been subject to increased annual dues along with high resort assessment fees and need a way out. The strategies used by these companies have helped owners to unload unwanted timeshares… but at what cost? A growing number of consumers are reporting that some post card companies never transferred the ownership out of the individual’s name and now they remain liable for the maintenance fees.

For some, the exit companies provide instant relief, transferring ownership out of the timeshare owners name and into an LLC. An Exit program will operate like a middleman. Anyone can transfer the ownership of a timeshare however. Many companies are equipped to transfer timeshare ownership but it is paramount that the transfer is handled correctly and legally. One such company that we recommend is TransferATimeshareTitle.com. Fast and efficient is great, but you also want to know that your timeshare is in fact being transfered.

Post card companies send out mass mailers directly targeting timeshare owners across the US. Friendly representatives contact each owner by phone stating that their company has a way to get rid of their unwanted timeshares. All the owners need to do is be present at a local hotel in their area. Enter the ‘squeeze play.’ The salesman starts to pitch 50-150 timeshare owners, stating that timeshares have no value and the only option for them to get rid of the timeshare is to pay thousands of dollars to their company.

Not all exit programs are from unethical companies however. In fact, to many owners who have disposed of their timeshares successfully, these companies are saviors. But there is no reason to pay over $3000 to do so little. At least an advertisement on a timeshare resale website reaches out to buyers, a licensed broker can negotiate the sale, a title transfer agency can handle the closing, but a postcard company is not a licensed broker. And while they work with title transfer agencies directly, the closing costs only range from $500 to $700. So why charge over $3000?

A legitimate exit program will send a list of the most valuable properties to some brokers and they will try to sell off what timeshares they can. But any owner can contact a broker and pursue a commission-based sale for their timeshare. The less valuable properties are transferred to a shell company which will disregard all payment and collection requests from the resort. This shell will then file bankruptcy and the fees must now be paid by the remaining owners. Though post card companies will approach you with an attractive offer, know that if you are going to take that leap of faith and sit with a ‘counselor,’ you will pay $3000 to $4000.

If you are simply looking to transfer a timeshare, ensure that the transfer is being handled correctly and ethically. Companies like TransferATimershareTitle.com specialize in lawful timeshare closings. Beware that if you pay some company $3000 to take your timeshare, you may be surprised by another annual maintenance fee invoice from your resort.

Buy A Timeshare.com Named to Inc. Magazines List of Americas Fastest Growing Private Companies: The Inc. 5000 August 26, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Customer Comments, General, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel , add a comment


Buy A Timeshare.com, a timeshare resale provider has joined the ranks of Inc. Magazine’s Fourth Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies. The exclusive list carefully examines the country’s leading independent entrepreneurs. With a challenging economic environment, changes in unemployment and consumer spending have led to some noticeable changes in the composition of the 2010 Inc. 500|5000. As the recession has coerces many of us to shed luxury items, many timeshare owners have opted to market their properties online.

BuyATimeshare.com continues to demonstrate exceptional growth into the future as revenues have doubled to $8.0 million from 2006 to 2009. The advertising firm ranked 16th in the Top 20 Businesses based New Hampshire and 87th among the Top 100 Businesses in the Boston, MA-NH metro area. Nationally, BuyATimeshare.com placed 2544 out of the 7 million companies registered and was ranked 229th in the Advertising and Marketing category.

Wesley Kogelman, the company’s founder and CEO explains the achievements of his company are due to more than just a fickle economy. “The success of BuyaTimeshare.com is a direct result of our staffs commitment to greatness, the growth we’ve seen is a direct result of our dedicated staff and their commitment to excellence.”

To qualify for the 2010 Inc. 500|5000, companies must be privately held and be US owned, for profit, independent businesses. Ranked according to revenue growth over three years, elite companies like Timberland, Visa, Microsoft and Oracle have all made their first national appearance on Inc. Magazine’s renowned list.

Buy A Timeshare.com serves a unique segment of the population as timeshare purchases were rampant prior to 2007. After the recession took hold of the real estate sector, many owners have opted to sell or rent out their ownerships. As a result, timeshare consumers have a marketplace to purchase the vacation properties they otherwise could not afford buying retail. BuyATimeshare.com supplies its clients with powerful online marketing that drives buyers directly to the site. The advertising firm has demonstrated its commitment to the customer experience with over a decade of success.

“The leaders of the companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have figured out how to grow their businesses during the longest recession since the Great Depression,” said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. “The 2010 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs.”

In 2009 BuyATimeshare.com was also named to Business NH Magazines Top 10 Companies to Watch. For the complete results of the Inc. 500|5000, including company profiles and a way to sort by industry, region, and other criteria, visit Inc.com.

Good News for Wyndham Propels Timeshares Resale July 22, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, General, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

Timesharing continues to strike a nerve among travelers even today. The prospect of saving money can easily be offset by the stigma associated with the timeshare industry. Regardless, there are over 100million new vacation property owners and renters every year—all searching for world-class accommodations and affordable prices. With companies like Wyndham and Marriott reporting positive outlooks for the rest of 2010, BuyATimeshare.com has been busy helping to keep the resorts filled.

The resale market allows the consumer to secure luxury vacations for a fraction of the cost for a retail timeshare ownership. At BuyATimeshare.com, a leading firm in timeshare resales, owners are able to negotiate the sale of their own timeshare. This For-sale-by-owner marketing strategy ensures an expeditious and commission-free sale.

Over 1million buyers, renters and sellers view the BuyATimeshare.com inventory each year. The website provides a bustling marketplace of timeshare users find the best deal. Searching for the perfect week or the vacation destination of their dreams, more people than ever are buying and renting their next timeshare through BuyATimeshare.com. While experts continue to forecast a kinder economic climate, consumers are flying at the chance to take the long-awaited vacation.

Anyone can do it! Much like selling a car on websites like AutoTrader.com, marketing your own property allows you to choose your asking price and to include any additional information that may help you get your timeshare sold now. The specialized marketing techniques that BuyATimeshare.com employs allow owners to reach the very people they are trying to find—buyers. Reselling a timeshare is not an easy task when you have to compete against the marketing budgets of developers. They offer gifts and prizes to lure folks into a sales presentation where they are persuaded to buy. The timeshare resale market gives the consumer a way to casually shop for the resort, the time of year, or even the price range they are looking for.

Today’s timeshare buyers and renters are internet savvy and cost-effective. Marketing one’s own property without the involvement of a broker used to cost thousands of dollars. Online marketing has empowered the public to contact the world, and BuyATimeshare.com can help you reach the ones you want. With major players in the hospitality industry concerned with Revpar, BuyATimeshare.com continues to put value back into unwanted timeshares, and to put vacationers in every suite.

Marriotts Lakeshore Reserve Opens at Grande Lakes in Orlando June 24, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Disney, General, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Travel , add a comment

Marriott Vacation Club has recently announced the opening of Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve at Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida. This sought after resort is incredibly popular. The historic resort is the first to hold both be managed by both the JW Marriott and the Ritz Carlton brands. 85 villas of Marriott luxury await guest in the first phase, with 340 proposed villas to be built upon the 500 acre Grand Lakes property.

Timeshare owners have already begun to offer their weeks at this stunning resort up for rent and sale. The secondary marketplace is an affordable way to experience Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve this year!
Located in beautiful Orlando, Florida the class Tuscan style is warm and inviting with the elegance of a Marriott resort matched with Ritz Carlton Golf Club and Spa. Guests can enjoy fine dining on-site and extraordinary shopping and Orlando nightlife nearby. And while Marriott is notorious for the astounding resorts it has established across the globe, this resort will feature some revolutionary floor-plans. Six types of spacious villa are available and range from 1,185 to 1,655 square feet of lavish Marriott living space to enjoy on your vacation.

“We are thrilled to open the doors of the stunning new resort in one of Orlando’s most prestigious settings, “ said Lee Cunningham, executive vice president and chief operating office for Marriott Vacations Club, North America and the Caribbean. “We are constantly striving to meet and exceed our Owners’ and Guests’ expectations and we believe Marriott’s Lakeshore Reserve will truly impress everyone.” For the first time in North America, Marriott Vacation Club has introduced two-story townhomes in addition to traditional two- and three-bedroom configurations.

Marriott Vacation Club is a world leader in vacation ownership with over 50 resorts and over 12,000 magnificent suites though the U.S., Caribbean, Europe and Asia. As the timeshare concept has gained popularity over the past years, the resale market is becoming the choice way to acquire a lifelong relationship with Marriott Vacation Club resorts. Do not hesitate to keep vacationing and vacation for less money than ever, with BuyATimeshare.com and the resale market securing inexpensive luxury vacations to millions of travelers around the globe!

Buy A Timeshare.com Employee and His Band Blue Gravy Opens for the Famous Rusted Root May 21, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Customer Comments, General, New Features, Timeshare Resource, Uncategorized , add a comment


Bleu Gravy, a popular up-and-coming local band. Operations Manager at BuyATimeshare.com, Aaron Oliveira, has been playing guitar and drums for Bleu Gravy for over 5 years. Bleu Gravy, upon returning from a short stint of shows in Colorado, greatly enhanced their press kit with footage of those shows as well as others in the Florida area. Around the same time a well known local venue previously known as Jannus Landing had re-opened after being shut down over a year due to tax fraud issues. Under new ownership they renovated the entire venue, putting millions of dollars into sound, lighting, bathrooms, back stage green rooms and so much more. They also changed their name to Jannus Live. Please Click Here for additional information.

The music recruiter for Jannus who is also long time friends with the manager of Rusted Root wanted to put a free show on featuring Rusted Root, one of their most popular acts. Please visit their site to learn more about Rusted Root. The recruiter for Jannus knew Rusted was playing in Orlando so he went to talk to their manager personally while watching a killer show backstage. Rusted Root agreed to play the free show at Jannus Live for their grand opening weekend. Bleu Gravy was soon contacted by Jannus’s recruiter with an offer to send a press kit to Rusted Root for their approval in having the Bleu Gravy open up for them. To everyone’s surprise, Rusted Root and their manager were impressed and accepted the gig. They also put Bleu Gravy on their website which was most flattering.

Although it was a free show, there is a limit to how many people can attend each show. Since Jannus had been shut down for so long people obviously couldn’t wait to visit their favorite local venue. Tickets were made available to the public; within 5 short hours they were sold out. Bleu Gravy received 100 tickets for the band to use and those were gone within a week. The band was given 3 weeks to prepare for the show. Considering they had a brand new bassist and hand-percussionist, the band had their work ahead of them.

When the band arrived to the gates of Jannus Live they were greeted by the recruiter and band manager of Rusted Root. The band’s manager expressed how much he enjoyed the music and was looking forward to watching Bleu Gravy perform. This was about 4 p.m., the gates weren’t open to the public until 6 p.m. The members of Bleu Gravy got to see the venue’s renovations first hand. Actually, they still had a crane working on the stage lighting up until 5:30 p.m. which was just in time for the sound checks. In the meantime Bleu Gravy was handed their backstage passes and upon entering the area the band was greeted by THE Rusted Root who were just getting ready for their sound check. Aaron immediately recognized the lead singer and drummer from previous shows he had attended. Aaron initiated conversation and before long was deep into a “Neil Young discussion”…talking about how his music influenced our bands. And what song did they choose for a sound check? Powderfinger by Neil Young. That set the tone for a really great night.

Wyndham CEO Clashes with NBA Official in Eastern Conference Finals May 20, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Customer Comments, General, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Resource , add a comment

The NBA has announced the suspension of referee Joe De Rosa late Thursday evening. DeRosa has been ousted for one game without pay for throwing a basketball at a jeering fan, Franz Hanning, CEO of Wyndham Vacation Ownership.

Not only were some DeRosa’s decisions questionable, but his conduct in handling the Heckling Hanning was foul and unsportsmanlike. The toss, though harmless, marked a turning point in the confrontation where verbal became physical and the ref renounced his control of the situation. The fan Hanning was relocated to another seat while DeRosa was ultimately suspended. Under the mantra of a booing audience the refs retrieved their jackets after the second quarter of game 2 between the Orlando Magic and the Boston Celtics.
On Wednesday, Hanning released a statement in which he explained, “As many people in Orlando know, I am a huge fan of NBA basketball and especially my home team the Orlando Magic. I think the NBA officials do a great job. I’m looking forward to the Magic going to Boston and evening up the series.”

In other Wyndham news:
Wyndham’s timeshare sector as decided to steer its marketing and sales efforts toward a North Myrtle Beach timeshare property. The Towers on the Grove features fully-furnished condominium-style suites with studio, 1- and 2-bedrooms available. Signing on as the executive sales and marketing agent, Wyndham will manage the sale of 137 timeshare units as more are anticipated to be added to the resort in the next 3 years. Each unit that is sold or rented will be offered as part of Club Wyndham Plus.

Interval International adds numerous timeshares to its Exchange Network May 10, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, News & Events, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel , add a comment

Interval International (II), a major sector of Interval Leisure Group and recognized name among timeshare owners worldwide, has been hard at work fending off the economic recession. With numerous affiliations being announced nearly every week the recent success boasted by the exchange company is accredited to its strong innovations and high-quality products delivered to over 2 million families worldwide.

Craig M. Nash, Chairman, President and CEO of Interval Leisure Group explains, “Through a variety of initiatives, we have continued to invest in our core business, provide value to developers and engage members. When compared to many other hospitality and leisure companies, Interval has delivered consistently positive operating results throughout the economic downturn.” To go along with such a powerful statement II has dramatically increases its portfolio by adding dozens of new properties to its exchange network in 2010 alone.

Cayena Golf Club in the Dominican Republic was embraced by Interval International in early May. The property is near the famed Punta Cana region and is ideal for golfers enjoying a Caribbean getaway. Four properties in South America have recently joined the II network. Part of the RH Rochester Hotel collection, members of Interval’s exchange program can now choose from some of Brazil’s top vacation destinations. The properties offer a contemporary décor, ideal for a couple’s retreat to paradise.

The months of May has also triggered the Emirates Vacation Club to unfurl and offer 32 exclusive suites to Interval International. Located in the landmark Emirates Grand Hotel in Dubai, UAE the property is known throughout the world for its magnificent architecture and the unique attractions nearby. A flagship property of Emirates Grand, the hotel ownership and management company continues to add pristine resorts throughout the Middle East. The Mayhills Resort in Gangwon Province, South Korea-based destination has also joined-in with the popular exchange network. The Mayhill Resort is comprised of 357 timeshare units located in serene Taebaek.

The top exchange company continues to add value to every resort it touches. By providing a doorway to more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 nations, a membership with this exchange giant becomes even more valuable to millions of vacationers seeking out a flexible way to expand their timeshare experience.

Buy A Timeshare.com Makes a Difference Going Green April 20, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, General, New Features, News & Events, Timeshare Resale, Uncategorized , add a comment

Apropos to Earth Day, BuyATimeshare.com is celebrating a year of going green. Inspired by our environment and awareness of our global impact, BuyATimeshare.com has shredded its consumption of paper by over 50%. A leading environmental concern, the typical office uses nearly 100,000 sheets of paper every month. Along with several businesses, BuyATimeshare.com has recognized the benefits of cutting out paper. Both of its office have gone completely paperless and have taken action to turn down the amount of electricity used by its offices.

In a series of steps to become more environmentally conscious, the advertising firm has streamlined many of its procedures to faster and more cost effective. Sending all information electronically has increased efficiency and overall customer satisfaction. More properties are using the resale market than ever. Our efforts to become less dependent on paper and more aware of power usage has already resulted in faster sales, more effective customer services and happier clientele.

With the staggering amount of pollution and waste, awareness of the Earth’s environment is paramount. BuyATimeshare.com has put most printing and mailing to a stop. Utilizing some valuable pieces of technology, we now send all documentation and correspondences via email.

DocuSign, which eliminates paper-based contracts, has tripled the speed of transactions, bringing properties to the resale market faster than ever. More and more office buildings are beginning to adopt a “Green” approach. Going paperless is a great way for your office to begin actively reducing its global footprint. Today timeshare consumers can find the ideal resort online; they can chat with a professional online or in person at 800-882-0296. Vacationing has never been so accessible. Buy, rent, or advertise your timeshare property for sale by owner on the top timeshare resale website in the industry—and without lifting a pen or wasting a single piece of paper.

A Descriptive Trip Around the Islands April 15, 2010

Posted by J.Carter in : Customer Comments, General, Hawaii timeshare, New Features, RCI, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Uncategorized , add a comment

Aloha fellow travelers. It’s time to continue our trip, this time moving on to the Hawaiian Island of O‘ahu. Check my last blog on Kaua‘i to get general traveling information and helpful hints.

O’AHU

WHERE TO VISIT
Most people don’t realize that Honolulu, Waikiki, and Diamond Head are all located on the island of O‘ahu. It is the island I first visited in 1962, thinking that I would find the “true Hawai’i” there. Well, I did… and I didn’t. Visiting Honolulu to me is like visiting any big mainland city. The city is crowded as are the beaches; the pace is hectic, but as exciting as it is intriguing and unique. Night life abounds, so if that’s what you’re looking for, Honolulu is the place to stay. Having said that, I also wish to point out that Honolulu, the state capital is place to experience opportunities to learn about the history and culture of the islands. Since ’62, I have only visited O‘ahu on day visits with Hawaiian family, so my personal experiences are limited to theirs. Places to visit, sports, beaches, restaurants, things to see and so numerous that for me to attempt to cover them would be overkill. Check with your hotel or condominium, stop at a kiosk on the sidewalk, red pamphlets, or best of all, and pick up a good tour book to acquaint yourself with what you want to do before you go.

Beaches:
When someone considers going to Hawai‘i for that “once-in-a-lifetime” vacation, one’s first thought usually gravitates to Honolulu and Waikiki. While they are wonderful, when you get to know the islands well, you realize that Waikiki Beach is long but narrow, the sand crowded with oiled bodies of tourists from all over the world, as is the water. This is fine if that’s what you’re looking for in a beach experience, but if you’re looking for a less crowded, more private, experience the east shore beaches “over the Pali” are the ones on which you should concentrate. I LOVE the Kailua, and Lanikai beaches.

Water Sports:
Surfing, wind surfing, sail boarding, parasailing, boogie boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, rafting, sailing, catamaran rides, and outrigger canoe rides are all available. If you’re looking for a snorkeling experience, try Hanauma Beach, but you must get there early to avoid the crowds. If you’re a beginner surfer, Waikiki is the beach for you with its long, gentle surf. Beach boy experts are plentiful and more than willing to teach… surfing, that is! When I was in my twenties I did exactly that, and the young people who taught me were kind, patient, friendly, and professional. Believe me when I say that if I could surf, anybody can surf! Surfing beaches are also available on the northwest coast of the island. If you’re a surfing expert, head for the north shore beaches of Waimea and the famous Bonzai Pipeline. Windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, and jet skis are offered in some areas, but only when there are no whales in residence (Humpbacks visit from the end of October through March). By land you can enjoy golf, tennis, fishing, horseback riding, hiking and camping, hang gliding, are offered on all the major islands. All you need to do is pick out where and what, and DO it!

Scenic Vistas and Things to See

Historical Sites in Honolulu
Those of us who live on the mainland forget, or perhaps never knew that the Hawaiian Islands were once individual kingdoms, each ruled by a king. Kamehameha, the Great, united them under his rule. During the time that Hawai‘i was a U.S. Territory, the islands were ruled by the Kalakua family, and finally, the last monarch was Queen Lili‘uokalani. We have forgotten that the United States took over the government of these islands in an illegal coup, avoiding bloodshed only because the queen told her people to give up peacefully avoiding bloodshed.

When you visit downtown Honolulu, you will find multitudes of amazing places that will show evidence of Hawai’i’s amazing melting pot of peoples who live side by side in peace and aloha.
Here are some of the available sites that are “must sees.”

To get an amazing view of Hawai‘i’s history and culture, visit the Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in America, the Bishop Museum and Planetarium, and The Honolulu Cultural Center. The Aloha Tower was once the tallest structure on O‘ahu, a symbol of Hawaiian aloha, welcoming and saying good-bye to the visitor. I don’t know if you can still climb to the top of the tower to view the city and the harbor, since it’s elevator claims the dubious distinction of being one of the oldest on O‘ahu.

Want to get a feel for the people? Visit a church (Kawaiahaho) or a shopping center (Ala Moana). Want to learn about the tropical flora and the fauna? Visit Foster Botanical Gardens, the Honolulu Zoo, or the Waikiki Aquarium. And no trip is complete without visiting those places that remind us of Hawai‘i’s role in recent history. The Punch Bowl Cemetery, an old volcanic crater that is the final resting place for Hawaiian veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and The Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor will tug at your heartstrings, even if you’re too young to have had a personal connection. Someone in your family will have been affected by those events it memorializes. Also, take a trip to Honolulu’s Chinatown, not only for the shopping and the food, but to taste the culture.

Timeshare Resale Market Keeps Big Brand Resorts Selling and Rented March 19, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Customer Comments, Fairfield Timeshares, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

Buy A Timeshare.com has helped thousands of people sell, buy and rent their timeshares. Even though the economy changes, the consumer will always need a place to buy inexpensive vacation properties, and a place to liquidate the ones they already have. With an all-out recession wearing away at timeshare developers, resort and occupancy remains high. Companies like Wyndham and Marriott have stated revenue is down, but they are still able to thrive as vacationers continue to use the time at the resorts they have paid for.

Occupancy rates are still much higher than projected, and while many resort developers are witnessing a dive in sales, Buy A Timeshare.com has been the solution for record-setting amounts of people looking to secure a bargain vacation. Thanks to innovations in online marketing and search engine optimization, this company continues to be the dominant force in the worldwide timeshare resale industry. The most sought-after brands in the world are available online for a mere percentage of what the resort will sell them for. With Bluegreen, Shell, and Hilton properties all selling for thousands of dollars less, it is no wonder the resale market is so popular!

Analyst at Bloomberg.com recognized the resale market and Sell A Timeshare.com as an alternative to paying too much for a timeshare property. A rental property could cost as little as $800-$1000 for a week at a luxury resort! Consumers are more computer savvy than they were a decade ago. A large portion of the sales decline big brand developers are seeing is in-part, due to the success of the resale market. Millions of people are exposed to the internet daily. Online sales are how today’s buyer purchases nearly everything. Why attend a presentation and buy for full price when the resale market can provide the same properties for a percent of the retail price?

Wyndham Worldwide, the largest seller of timeshare vacations in the nation, has had some success recovering from the recession. And while the sales are down, people are still flocking to there magnificent resorts everyday. Analysts at JPMorgan explained that Wyndham will cut 40% of its timeshare sector in order to improve cash flow and stock prices. Marriott has also taken action to battle the harsh recession. By cutting prices, development and perhaps even selling some of its undeveloped land, the hotelier expects to harvest what it can from its timeshare industry.

Chris Woronka, an analyst at Deutsche Bank Securities said “the main obstacle for the industry is that there will be a semi-permanent reduction in demand because developers would sell to people with relatively low credit scores. That won’t be possible anymore. This decline is a first for the industry since 1975. As tighter credit and slowed consumer spending has been affecting every facet of business. A loss of 6.9 million jobs since the recession started in December 2007 has made every consumer weary of spending.

Howard Nusbaum, president of the ARDA said the market will remain challenging for the next 18 months as research shows that timeshare has lost its appeal and its affordability. Though the downturn has hit tourism particularly hard, timeshares, due to its pre-paid nature, is better equipped that most to weather a downturn. The good news, he said, is that timeshare owners are still vacationing, and occupancy remains strong.