More US developers are expanding rental programmes, according to a report by Ernst & Young*.

Currently 82% of US resorts offer rentals, with renters comprising 10% of timeshare stays last year, and the growth in this market is seen as one of the indicators of the industry’s vitality.

Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), says: “Developers look to rental programmes as a way to reach new consumers and experience the products first-hand.”

At the same time, consumers are making “budget-conscious” holiday decisions, “which is why the value proposition of timeshare products is so appealing to our approximately 8 million owners.”

More than half of new timeshare sales came from first-time owners while 45% were from those who already owned, with repeat buying an indicator of high satisfaction with the product.

US timeshare resorts experienced 78% occupancy compared to a 58% rate at US hotels last year and the industry is credited with adding ‘sophistication and ease’ to the product. Many US developers now offer Points systems, allowing customers to customise their holidays.

Club La Costa introduced Points to the European timeshare market in the 1990s and has developed this into its successful Vacation Club. “The flexibility of our Points system allows members to take travel when they want, for how long they want and at the same time have the ability to purchase other travel products, such as cruises, and flights,” says Lucien Le Moing, product and business development director.

“Having modern spacious accommodation, with a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering, combined with excellent activities, facilities and services, puts timeshare accommodations into a league of their own.”

Club La Costa is a European company and a leading developer and operator of resorts, with timeshare and freehold, in favourite worldwide holiday destinations including England, Scotland, mainland Spain, Tenerife, Turkey, Austria, Australia and the USA.
For more information visit www.clublacosta.com

*State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study 2011 Edition conducted by Ernst & Young and commissioned by the America Resort Development Association (ARDA) International Foundation.