ARDA stands for the American Resort Development Association, which is a trade organization that represents the interests of timeshare companies in the United States. Timeshares are a type of vacation ownership in which multiple individuals share the right to use a particular property, typically a vacation home or resort, for a specific period of time each year. Timeshare owners are typically entitled to use the property for a certain number of weeks or points each year, and they may also be able to exchange their usage rights for stays at other properties within a network. Timeshares can be a cost-effective way for people to enjoy regular vacations, but it's important for potential buyers to carefully research the terms of the timeshare and the reputation of the company before making a purchase.