Page 19 - AHATA
P. 19
30 LOCAL NEWS AWEMainta Dialuna, 25 September 2023
ATSA President Luigi Heredia, speak at the quarterly meeting
What was considered old, is new again— share an excellent choice for young
and that goes for timeshares, they are back people who are just starting their careers
in a totally different and better package and need the flexibility to accommodate
and seeing record sales. any job changes or moves. Now, owners
In fact, a 2022 study, by ARDA, American can have a home away from home around
Resort Development Association, found the world, a place where they can relax
that Gen Z and Millennials now account and unwind without the hassles of a tradi-
for more than half of all timeshare owners, tional hotel stay or an unregulated vaca-
57%, and more than half of new sale tion rental.
purchasers, 53%.
Of course, the industry still has its critics.
I can personally attest that at Costa Linda Some argue that ownership fees and main-
we are now seeing younger owners buying tenance costs can be a turn-off, especially
ON the occasion of the quarterly Members’ timeshare, not only are they buying but for those on a tight budget. Additionally,
Meeting, Luigi Heredia, President, Aruba they are also opting for more than the while not the case for all timeshare prop-
Timeshare Association, addressed an traditional one week. I have also learned erties, the idea of being tied to a specific
audience of hoteliers at La Cabana Beach from these young owners that they are property or location can be unappealing
Resort & Casino, delivering the latest opting for timeshare because they have for those who prefer the flexibility of a more
updates regarding timeshare and vacation learned from the pandemic experience traditional vacation rental. Fortunately for
ownership. that timeshare destinations are safer, and Aruba we have different, varied timeshare
The timeshare industry was founded, he they offer a caring family feel. options. Something for everyone.
said, to create opportunities for owners A TUG study, Timeshare Users Group, found
to access popular destinations and stay The timeshare industry has evolved signif- that 79% of owners indicated they go on
in world-class accommodations, those icantly in the last few decades to become more vacations than they would other-
statements are true especially for Aruba an attractive vacation option for younger wise, without their timeshare. ARDA
who takes credit for the best beaches in customers, and the results speak for them- research found that timeshare owners
the Caribbean. selves. Today’s timeshare products allow took an average of four vacations in 2021.
What ATSA members passionately know for flexibility. Owners clearly enjoy these
in their hearts to be true, is that vacation options and continue to rate “overall flex- Our industry is well positioned when
ownership is the best way to vacation. ibility” and “exchange opportunities” as compared to other travel and hospitality
their top reasons for purchasing time- providers and timeshares offer large
AS per the ATA reports there has been the share. accommodation at a time where “work
significant shift in accommodations with from anywhere” is the new norm.
an increase in the category we call “other” The 2022 report found an astounding
including vacation rentals, condos, and 90% satisfaction rate among owners. Even We need to continue protecting the time-
homes. The “other” category now repre- more, 84% of owners would purchase a share industry in Aruba, which we refer to
sents 27.3% of market share. Timeshare timeshare product again – a significant as the backbone of the tourism industry
continues to capture 27.3% of the arrival increase from 77% in 2020. Moreover, here. We must keep inflation in check, in
market, with no change from 5 years ago 82% of all owners would recommend time- spite of the increase in the cost of doing
and the 2018 report. Timeshare claims share in general. In Aruba we also get a business, taxes and labor force chal-
31.1% market share of “nights,” because high satisfaction rate from our members, lenges. Timeshare in Aruba is now in its
our members stay longer. This % will we see the loyalty our members have, 46th year, and is also challenged by an
decline over the next coming years as returning time after time, even through aging labor population.
currently there are no new development difficult and challenging times.
of timeshare properties in Aruba but many The timeshare industry has always been,
new condos, private vacation rentals and So much of the growth that timeshares are and remains, committed to meeting the
hotels are in the pipeline. experiencing can be traced to the indus- needs, wants and expectations of its
Today’s timeshare owners are younger try’s evolution toward meeting the needs owners and employees, taking care of its
than ever, and they love timeshare. and desires of today’s travelers. Revamped community – and it’s clear we’re hitting
Timeshares is back, and this time, it’s not points-based systems allow members to the mark, there truly is a timeshare expe-
just for grandparents. adjust their travel plans, making a time- rience for everyone.
