The Power of Resort Activities

Guests and owners alike are looking for things to do while they are on vacation, and our timeshare resorts are always looking for new ways to fill those needs. Activity programming is essential in providing a dynamic and fresh experience for guests—whether they are on a preview tour, visiting as an exchanger, or returning as an owner. In fact, recent research shows a direct and positive relationship between owner/guest satisfaction with on-site resort activities and overall timeshare vacation satisfaction. In other words, if those staying at the timeshare resort are satisfied with the activities, they are more likely to be satisfied with their overall vacation experience. Unfortunately, the reverse is true as well.

Students enrolled in the Masters of Hospitality Management program at the University of Central Florida set out on a quest to identify activities, preferences, and motivations of timeshare guests. In partnership with several area timeshare resorts, the students worked to identify unique, overarching themes related to activities programming, preferences, and motivations. Here were some of the key findings.

Of the nearly 400 timeshare guests participating in the survey, 72% reported being either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the activities programming offered at the resort. The results of the research reveal five predominant activities in which timeshare resort owners and guests typically participate: aquatics, relaxing, eating/dining, reading, and games.

With the activities they participated in ranked accordingly, the participants then shared their motivation for each activity. This was a critical research component, as understanding individuals’ motivation for the activity can help programming staff develop events that are truly satisfying. Motivations vary by the activity, with four main motivations: to feel good, get in shape, be entertained, and learn something.

Survey participants were also asked
to identify up to three activities they would like to see offered. The responses included live entertainment shows/ music, culinary instruction, and games (trivia, bingo, etc.). This study found that activities are not only an essential but critical component
for timeshare resort vacations when looking at overall satisfaction. So planning around this factor is essential to meeting the needs of your guests. 

Read the entire article in this month’s Developments magazine. 

Timeshare Industry Working for U.S. Economy

By Darla Zanini
Executive VP, ARDA International Foundation (AIF)
August 9, 2016

Timeshare, once again, has made a significant impact on the U.S. economy. A few key highlights are as follows:

• $79.5 billion in consumer and business spending

• 511,000+ full- and part-time jobs

• $28.1 billion in salaries and wages

• $10.2 billion in tax revenue

Spending by timeshare owners and guests during timeshare stays was estimated at $10 billion in 2015—with $3.4 billion spent onsite at resorts, and $6.6 billion spent offsite in communities where timeshare resorts are located.

This data is based on the AIF 2016 Economic Impact study conducted for us by Ernst & Young.  For more details, check out our infographic and for a full copy of the Economic Impact Study, please contact me at dzanini@arda.org.

 Providing a Safe Summer for Christel House Kids 

 

As an industry, timeshare companies collectively send millions of people on incredible vacations every year. They can recharge their batteries, spend quality time with family and friends, and just relax and have fun. 

But for the kids who attend Christel House, “summer vacation” has a completely different meaning. It means the possibility of not having enough to eat, staying home alone and unsupervised while their parents work, and being exposed to drugs and violence in unsafe neighborhoods. It’s a far cry from the holidays that timeshare owners are accustomed to, but with the help of our industry friends and supporters, Christel House students were provided a safe alternative this year.  

While we all know the importance of this for the kids, it is not cheap. This summer, with the help of the timeshare industry, $22,000 was raised for this year’s program through e-mail and text donation campaigns. This generosity will truly make a difference in the lives of many children! 

Christel House is a global charity that transforms the lives of impoverished children around the world—breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sufficient, contributing members of society. This is accomplished through robust K-12 education and a strong character development program, complemented with regular health care, nutritious meals, guidance counseling, career planning, family assistance, and college/career support.  

For more information, please visit www.christelhouse.org.