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Timeshare Exchange Companies are an Important Part of Timeshare Ownership January 16, 2012

Posted by John Stephens in : News & Events, RCI , 1 comment so far

I saw a story the other day about a start-up exchange company, Fractionalexchange.com, celebrating its second anniversary and it got me thinking about how much the timeshare exchange business has changed over the years.

Years ago, it was simple and there were only a couple of companies who did exchange. You bought a timeshare week, deposited it with your exchange company and began searching for that needle in a haystack that the salesman promised you when he said your January week in Cape Cod could get you to a Hawaii timeshare, no problem.

The main exchange players, RCI and Interval International, are still the big kids on the block, but there have been a few more spring up that give owners more choice as to where they can exchange. And that doesn’t even account for internal exchanges within a branded club such as Marriott Vacation Club.

Throw points into the mix and you really have flexibility … or confusion. Depending on what you own and who you talk to.

One of the complaints that I hear now is that people don’t know where they own. When asked where they own, they reply “oh, I own with RCI” or something similar. Because of the way the timeshare exchange memberships have been sold over the years, is it possible that people have exchanged so much and are so confused about how the process works that they really don’t understand how their ownership works?

I’ve heard this more than once. And, contrary to some viewpoints, an owner is not locked into one particular exchange company just because their resort may have included the first year’s membership with their initial purchase.

Some timeshare owners are just buying up points now, so there’s not much I can do about your situation in this context, but if you own a specific week at a resort then you can bank it in just about any exchange company that will take you.

Dial an Exchange is one such company, with offices in the U.S. as well as Australia, Europe and a number of countries around the world. Platinum Interchange is another one. Trading Places is a smaller exchange company and even though they’ve been bought by Interval International, they are being run as a separate entity.

So you have choices for who you want to use to exchange your week. Different companies work differently, so do your homework. Dial an Exchange, for example, does not have a membership fee and you only pay when you make your exchange.

Check out your options and see what deals you can get. Remember, you can always browse for the best timeshare resale and timeshare rental deals on BuyaTimeshare.com by clicking here.

RCI Releases Robust Mobile Application March 19, 2011

Posted by JConnolly in : RCI , add a comment

RCI, the Global Leader in Vacation Exchanging has been in business for 37 years and is successfully providing tools for customers so they can enhance their vacation experience. Studies have shown that Americans now spend 25% of their time on social networks and blogs, and RCI is paying attention.

The most recent expansion of their business model is the launch of the RCI Mobile application that is offered through iTunes for the iPad, iPhone, and the iPod Touch. The RCI Mobile Application offers  the ability to browse the RCI Resort Directory, watch RCI TV, and play with RCI Snapbook to help consumers find their vacations at the convenience of their cell phone.

The RCI Resort Directory gives users access to ALL RCI-Affiliated resorts worldwide.  Users will be able to view a list of amenities, photos, and videos of these exotic resorts to enhance each member’s experience in choosing the resort that best suits their interests. There is even an option that allows you to compare multiple resorts.

RCI TV provides viewers with High- Definition videos of recommended place to eat, lodge, and attend some of the most popular attractions around the world. This feature also answers questions about the timeshare industry to those who are not familiar with timeshares.

The RCI Snapbook offers a new and fun way to stay connected with friends and family, which gives the user the ability to capture and upload their own photos, videos, etc. as well as making comments about their own vacation and sharing it with others.  RCI understands that staying connected with your friends and family means sharing those special memories and moments. Using this feature gives you the opportunity to create personal online vacation scrapbooks on your iPhone or any Apple device. You are able to create and share those memories as they happen and anywhere in the world from your portable device.

RCI continues to keep up with the times by providing great innovative features for the new generations to come. To download the RCI Mobile Application, visit iTunes.

BuyATimeshare.com has amazing deals on RCI Timeshare Resorts!!

If you want to purchase resale or rent a timeshare from an existing owner, you will find a plethora of amazing deals on BuyATimeshare.com

Women in the Timeshare and Shared Ownership Industry October 16, 2010

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

Since the inception of BuyATimeshare.com the Company has focused on returning back to local businesses, communities and industry affiliated organizations. Examples of the Company’s philanthropic endeavors are the Rotary Club, supporting its local Boys and Girls organizations and the Chamber of Commerce.

Although BuyATimeshare.com is not directly related to WIN (Women In Industry) the company would like to recognize the women who play crucial roles in the day-to-day success as well as the future success of BuyATimeshare.com. Without the support of the women and men alike, and the passion for connecting worldwide timeshare sellers and buyers, BuyATimeshare.com would not be the leader it has become and having done so in positive light of the Better Business Bureau.

While membership is not solely for women, this nonprofit organization is committed to fostering the growth of women in the vacation ownership industry by connecting and mentoring them through charities, businesses, and through educational and networking events.

All of the timeshare resorts that benefit from WIN can be found at BuyATimeshare.com, where the resale market continues to save vacationers millions of dollars every year. Resorts like Marriott Vacation Club, Wyndham Worldwide, Shell Vacations and RCI memberships continue to provide unforgettable memories for families around the world.

About WIN
WIN (Women in Industry) is a nonprofit organization supporting women in their effort to be the best they can be as well as attracting and cultivating women leaders of tomorrow in the vacation industry.

The goals of WIN include: Providing a forum for women in the vacation industry to unite and leverage best practices, foster networking and business training through social and educational events and ongoing community and philanthropic activities.

In addition the organization focuses much of its efforts on developing a membership base that is reflective of women across diverse businesses. They do this by promoting and recognizing women’s achievements in the vacation industry. By facilitating research in the vacation industry and providing scholarship opportunities, women are able to attain industry certifications and attend training programs in order to advance their career path.

Vacation More Often and for Less Money with the Best in Timeshare Resales October 6, 2010

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

If you are looking for the perfect alternative to a second luxury home on the beautiful island of Hawaii, look no further than Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club! With the magnificent Lahaina and Napili Towers, this beachfront resort is set in the heart of beautiful Maui and allows owners access to the finest destinations! If you are serious about buying or renting, let BuyATimeshare.com be your guide to the wonderful world of Hawaii. Our expert customer service and easy to use website makes it simple to find your dream vacation.

A leading timeshare resource, our firm specializes in Hawaii timeshares and residences and we offer free guidance and knowledgeable advice. Also, we have aligned ourselves with an effective closing company and reliable financing for a full service timeshare solution. Don’t let your next purchase slip through the cracks—let BuyATimeshare.com match you with a Marriott Maui Ocean Club timeshare today!

This luxury resort is comprised of 12 floors and 277 villas that range from efficient studios to posh presidential suites. The resort offers 4 exquisitely appointed restaurants, 3 outdoor pools and a wide range of on-site activities. Situated on the Lahaina Coast, this resort offers a vast retreat that is close enough to Ka’anapali for guests to enjoy the famed shopping, nightlife, and activity there. Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club Lahaina and Napili Towers feature spectacular views of the mountains, lagoons, and sandy beaches, and the resort offers winding pathways throughout the area, fish ponds, tide pools, streams, tropical gardens, and much more for you to explore.

Let BuyATimeshare.com show you how diving into pristine waters can be affordable. Discover coral reefs ablaze with exotic fish, or hike a valley trail. Take a helicopter to the top of Haleakala and explore its massive terrain. You are certain to enjoy your vacation more knowing that you paid a fraction of what the resort would have charged. At BuyATimeshare.com we believe that if you can vacation make vacationing affordable, you will vacation more often. Contact one of our professionals today to start planning your next Hawaiian getaway!

RCI TV Network Receives Over 1 Million Views July 30, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : New Features, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Resource, Travel , add a comment

Do you know the RCI Guy? When questions about travel or vacationing abound, the “RCI Guy” is narrator and guide to the millions of families who are unfamiliar with timesharing or looking to improve their current ownership. BuyATimeshare.com, the leading timeshare resale company, is offering more destinations from RCI’s Top 10 List of Resorts.

With a vast network of destinations available to everyone, the online-based RCI TV is a working television station. Its channels rage from an interactive look at dozens of breathtaking resorts form around the world, to practical advice regarding fine restaurants, live entertainment, and the famous sites that must be explored.

The online television station has reason to celebrate, as the website has welcomed more than 1 million visits to it site. Released to the public only recently, RCI TV is celebrating these 1 million views with a number of giveaways. Just as BuyATimeshare.com strives to educate its customers and readers, the popularity of sites like RCI TV is a testament to the need for accessible and trustworthy information about vacationing.

One of the most underestimated subjects in your life, a vacation is beneficial and vital to maintaining a healthy life. If you are looking to buy, rent or even book a vacation, RCI TV features a user-friendly environment to enhance your vacation panning and your stay at more than 4,000 resorts worldwide. And when you find the ideal property, BuyATimeshare.com will work to get you more vacation for less money.

All-Inclusive Resorts available for sale and Rent June 1, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, General, News & Events, RCI, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel , 3comments

All Inclusive resorts have continued to bring adventure and memories to generations of travelers. Many of today’s top resorts still will take a flat fee to turn your vacation into an all-inclusive adventure. Everything is included in your vacation, from your room to your meals and especially your drinks. Tip if you’d like, but you will never pay a tab again, with an all inclusive trip you pay them all in advance!

Unlike the average vacation package, all inclusive timeshare owners can enjoy exotic locations all over the world. Different packages vary and can include activities like golf or access to local attractions. Enjoy Mexico, the Bahamas, Austria and the Dominican Republic just to name a few. There are varying levels and preferences depending on where you want to go and want you want you are looking to do. Prices may vary of course, so always make sure you know exactly what is included.

Inclusive vacation packages can be exchanged too; you can even visit a new property each year if you would like! Though they may cost more upfront, owners typically save lots of time and thousands of dollars in the end. At BuyATimeshare.com we offer hundreds of All Inclusive vacations for more competitive prices than anywhere else in the world. With these unique vacation packages you will know exactly how much you are spending and how much to bring.

Often the no-expense-spared vacations can add up quickly. All inclusive vacations allow owners to know exactly how much they have spent when they return home. If you vacation often, or are just weary of the expenses that inevitably pile up in the heat of a magnificent retreat, than an All Inclusive resort is definitely the way to go.

Chateau World to arise with New Ownership April 29, 2010

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

Members of the Chateau World announced that they are interested in taking over ownership and the management of two Canadian retreats. The Banff Gate Mountain Lodge & Spa and the Chateau Canmore Resort are two popular destinations with a future that is still uncertain as owners struggle to keep them open.

While Chateau World is in the throes of foreclosure, its properties have thrived for over a decade. The properties provide elegant Chalet suites set among the wooded Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Two groups are working to keep the resort available to owners and guests and are planning to meet with shareholders soon to see what can be done. Built into breathtaking scenery and a mountain backdrop, the area is comprised of premier golf, ski, and hiking destinations. The picturesque Canmore is a treasure to hundreds of members who are taking action to save the resort.

Member Services at Chateau World released a statement that says in part, “As our families are some of the oldest members, we strongly believe that it is in the best interest of the club to be run by current active members, as any other parties would not have the best interest of the members in mind. We will be unveiling the new member-run format this week.”

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.

Renting Pet Friendly Timeshares Now More Popular Than Ever March 23, 2010

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : ARDA, Bluegreen Resorts, Disney, General, Hilton Grand Vacation, Marriott Timeshares, New Features, News & Events, RCI, silverleaf, Timeshare Rental, Timeshare Resale, Timeshare Resource, Travel, Westgate Timeshares, Wyndham Timeshares , add a comment

If you agree that when on vacation your pets require the same quality accommodations as we do, you will be happy to know that there are dozens of resorts available. You do not have to rely on friends and family or a kennel service to care of your furry companions. BuyATimeshare.com has dozens of pet friendly timeshare resorts in inventory. Included is a list: arranged by exchange companies Interval International (II) and Resort Condominiums International (RCI).

As an important part of our family, pet friendly resorts are becoming popular throughout the world. Often a necessity among today’s mobile population, BuyATimeshare.com can find the pet friendly vacation to suite a large family or an intimate getaway. The needs of a pet vary and there are some details to consider when planning your next vacation:

Make sure there is enough room for pets to play at the destination. A dog needs room to roam, walk, and… vacation. Nearby trails or mountains, fields and ponds are all great for dogs. Urban settings may be more suited for cats and small dogs as the bustle of a city may be too much for some dogs.

If your pet has a medical condition, they may need extra consideration. Vacationing far from home may not be the best choice for pets with illness, or limited. Always contact the resort to inquire about any breed or weight restrictions when planning a vacation.

When traveling abroad, it is important to plan well-ahead of time. If vacationing in another country, be sure to contact both the airline and the resort to learn all about their pet regulations. Some airlines allow pets as carry-on, it is important to research all guidelines before booking.

Well-socialized dogs that enjoy meeting new friends and exploring new environments will typically like a vacation away. An aggressive or nervous temperament may not be best to travel. Sometimes traveling is not the best way for your pet to vacation. Before making reservation, determine the resort’s rules about pets.

Establish communication with the resort and understand what “Pet Friendly” means to them. Often times the pets are welcome in the suites, sometimes it means there is simply onsite kennel service. Expect a “pet deposit” to cover any potential damages to the resort. Remember that Pet Friendly is for your convenience and is not for everyone; make sure it is not too much for your pet to travel. Listed below are many Pet Friendly resorts for you to choose from:

Interval International
– Alanda Club Marbella – Marbella, Spain
– Alpenland Sporthotel – Maria Alm, Austria
– Alpenland Sporthotel – St. Johann-im-Pongau, Austria
– Christmas Mountain Village – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, United States
– Corail Royal Marina – Tabarka, Tunisia
– Corail Royal Plage – Tabarka, Tunisia
– Disney’s Beach Club Villas – Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States
– Disney’s BoardWalk Villas – Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States
– Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States
– Erie Islands Resort & Marina – Port Clinton, Ohio, United States
– Executive Timbers Resort and Golf Club – Ridgedale, Missouri, United States
– Grand Seas Resort – Daytona Beach, Florida, United States
– Gold Point Condominiums – Breckenridge, Colorado, United States
– Grand Crowne Resorts – Branson, Missouri, United States
– Macdonald Dalfaber Resort and Options by Macdonald at Dalfaber Resort – Aviemore, Scotland
– Marbella Suites en la Playa – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
– Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas – Newport Coast, California
– Meadow Ridge of Door County – Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
– Northwoods Club of Lake Placid – Lake Placid, New York
– Summerfield Condo Resort – Kissimmee, Florida, United States
– The Banyan Resort – Key West, Florida, United States
– The Surrey Vacation Resort – Branson, Missouri, United States
– Villas at Lantern Bay and Eagles Nest Resort at Indian Point – Branson, Missouri, United States
– Westgate Historic Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
– Windsurf Resort at Cabarete Beach – Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Resort Condominiums International
– Atlantic Resorts – Ocean Pines, Maryland, United States
- Bali Shangrila Beach Club – Bali, Indonesia
– Blue Bay Club – Cancun, Mexico
– Callao Garden – Canary Islands (Tenerife), Spain
– Celebration World Resort – Kissimmee, Florida, United States
– Caravanserai Beach – St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
– Fiesta Americana Condesa Acapulco – Acapulco, Mexico
– Grand Houseboat Vacation Club – Stigler, Oklahoma, United States
– Great Glen Water Park Club – Inverness-Shire, Scotland
– Inn at SilverCreek – Silvercreek, Colorado, United States
– Maeva Clubhotel Cannes Marina – Mandelieu, France
– Lucayan – Ocean City, Maryland, United States
– Marco Polo Club Hotel Happy – Kaprun, Austria
– Paradise Found Vacation Club at Sapphire Beach Resort – St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, United States
– Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay – Mazatlan, Mexico
– Pueblo Bonito Sunset – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
– Rancho Ruidoso Condominiums – Alto, New Mexico, United States
– Silverleaf’s Fox River Resort – Sheridan, Illinois, United States
– Silverleaf’s Hill Country Resort – Canyon Lake, Texas, United States
– Silverleaf’s Holiday Hills – Branson, Missouri, United States
– Silverleaf’s Holly Lake Ranch – Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, United States
– Silverleaf’s Lake O’ the Woods – Flint, Texas, United States
– Silverleaf’s Oak ‘n Spruce – South Lee, Massachusetts, United States
– Silverleaf’s Ozark Mountain Resort – Kimberling City, Missouri, United States
– Silverleaf’s Piney Shores Resort – Conroe, Texas, United States
– Silverleaf’s Seaside Resort – Galveston, Texas, United States
– Silverleaf’s Timber Creek Resort – Desoto, Missouri, United States
– Silverleaf’s Villages – Flint, Texas, United States
– The Grand Mayan Acapulco – Acapulco, Mexico
– The Hilton Club of New York – New York City, New York, United States
– Windjammer Landing – Castries, Saint Lucia

Affiliated with Both II and RCI
- Kala Point and Resorts West Vacation Club at Kala Point – Port Townsend, Washington, United States
- Kilconquhar Castle Estate and Country Club – Leven, Fife, Scotland
- Premiere Vacation Club and Sedona Vacation Club at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa – Sedona, Arizona, United States
- The Plaza Resort and Spa – Palm Springs, California, United States
- Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – Banff, Alberta, Canada

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.