Timeshare Statistics and Trends in 2023 

Timeshare ownership has been a popular vacation option for anyone seeking a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy yearly getaways. Potential buyers and existing owners can make informed decisions by understanding the latest statistics and trends. In this article, we will explore key timeshare statistics, market size, demographics, economic impact, occupancy trends, sales and purchases, and the importance of seeking assistance from experts like Wesley Financial Group.

Overview of Key Timeshare Industry Statistics 

Over the last half-decade, the timeshare industry has demonstrated a resilient growth trajectory, with key metrics such as sales volume, rental revenue, and average transaction price not only recovering post-pandemic but indeed showing an upward trend. Despite the initial setbacks faced during the 2020 global health crisis, by 2022, the industry regained momentum, marking a notable rebound in economic contribution and market valuation. Nevertheless, one metric that has seen a contrasting movement is the average occupancy rate, which has gradually declined since 2018. This paints a complex picture of the industry, where value growth is juxtaposed with the challenges in occupancy.

• Market Size: The industry stands strong with a market size of $10.5 billion, stemming from 1,541 resorts.^[1]
• Occupancy Levels: In 2022, the occupancy level was 77.6%, indicating room for improvement.^[2]
• Economic Impact: With a $73.1 billion contribution to the U.S. economy, the industry's financial significance is unmistakable.^[3]

Despite some fluctuations, the industry has shown remarkable resilience, bouncing back with increased sales volume, rental revenue, and transaction prices post-pandemic. However, the challenge of declining occupancy rates amidst a robust market size and significant economic contribution highlights the industry's need to adapt and evolve.

[1]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[2]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[3]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf 

Timeshare Market Trends 

Industry scale, owner demographics, and geographical distribution distinctly shape the market's trajectory. These timeshare ownership statistics offer a comprehensive snapshot of current trends, highlighting the sector’s breadth and the evolving profile of timeshare companies.

Industry Size

The American timeshare industry, as reported by the AIF, encompasses 1,541 resorts with a collective inventory of 201,600 units, averaging 131 per resort.^[4] This figure, however, only encapsulates some of the expanse of stock available, as developers and exchange companies offer expanded vacation experiences beyond traditional resort stays. These include cruises and various leisure activities, with some affiliated hotel brands offering their inventory to owners through internal exchange programs.

• Resort Count: AIF reports 1,541 resorts in the U.S.^[5] 
• Total Units: There were 201,600 units available, averaging 131 units per resort on average.^[6] 
• Market Valuation: The industry is valued at $10.5 billion in 2022.^[7] 
• Rental Revenue: Rental revenue totaled $2.7 billion, marking a 21% increase in 2022.^[8]

The size, at $10.5 billion, is notably on par with major sectors such as Major League Baseball and the recorded music industry, underscoring its substantial economic footprint.

Market Demographics 

Timeshare ownership in the U.S. reflects a rich tapestry of demographics, primarily consisting of typically married individuals over 35. Most owners reside within the U.S., with a small yet notable percentage based internationally.

• Household Ownership: Approximately 9.9 million U.S. households own one or more timeshare products.^[9] 
• Marital Status: 67% of owners are married or in a domestic partnership.^[10]
• Owner Age: The average owner is 39 years old.^[11]
• Income Level: 38% of owners have an annual income of $100K or higher.^[12]
• Residency: 87% of owners are U.S. residents, while 13% live abroad.^[13]

Those who predominantly favor timeshare ownership have a passion for travel, the means to indulge in it regularly, and the disposable income to support it.

Geographic Segments Within the U.S.

The U.S. is a leading player in the global timeshare market, with states like Florida, California, South Carolina, Hawaii, and Nevada leading the pack regarding the number of resorts. These states contribute significantly to the national market and set distinct trends due to their market influence and unique offerings.

• Florida's Market Share: Florida's market share dominates with 24% of the nation's timeshare purchases.^[14]
• Nevada's Resort Size: Nevada has the largest-sized timeshare resorts, averaging 234 rooms per property.^[15]
• Hawaii's Occupancy Rate: Hawaii's occupancy rate tops the charts, averaging 86.5%.^[16]
• South Carolina's Maintenance Fees: South Carolina has the highest fees, averaging $1290 per interval.^[17]

Geographically, the Northeast maintains the lowest annual maintenance fees, highlighting regional disparities within the U.S. market. Meanwhile, the Midwest and South Atlantic hold a more modest share, with 8% of the total properties.^[18]

Economic Impact 

The industry's economic footprint was remarkably significant in 2022, making a substantial $73.1 billion contribution to the United States economy through income, wages, and tax revenue.^[19] This infusion of capital and resources has solidified the sector's status as a vital component of the national financial system.

• Employment Impact: The industry supported 441,215 full and part-time jobs.^[20]
• Income and Wages: The timeshare industry generated an impressive $29.3 billion in income and wages.^[21]
• Tax Contributions: The industry added approximately $10.7 billion in tax revenue.^[22]

With many current owners indicating plans to sustain or increase travel, the industry's economic influence is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

[4]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[5]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[6]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf

[7]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[8]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[9]: Arda, Inc. (2023). U.S. Timeshare Industry: By the Numbers. Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/news-communications/timeshare-industry-basics/us-timeshare-industry-numbers 

[10]: Arda, Inc. (2023). U.S. Timeshare Industry: By the Numbers. Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/news-communications/timeshare-industry-basics/us-timeshare-industry-numbers 

[11]: Arda, Inc. (2023). U.S. Timeshare Industry: By the Numbers. Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/news-communications/timeshare-industry-basics/us-timeshare-industry-numbers 

[12]: Arda, Inc. (2023). U.S. Timeshare Industry: By the Numbers. Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/news-communications/timeshare-industry-basics/us-timeshare-industry-numbers 

[13]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[14]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[15]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf

[16]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[17]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[18]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[19]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf

[20]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf 

[21]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf

[22]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf 

Timeshare Occupancy Trends 

Occupancy trends have raised concerns in the industry, mainly as many current timeshare owners express dissatisfaction with the status quo of their timeshare experience. A mere 22% of resorts report occupancy levels above the 90% threshold, underscoring the urgency for strategies to boost these figures.^[23]

• Overall Occupancy: The average occupancy increased by more than 4% to 77.6% in 2022.^[24]
• State-specific Rates: Hawaii led with an 86.5% rate, while Nevada trailed at 73.6%.^[25]
• Occupancy Breakdown: 46.9% were owners or their guests, 10.0% were exchange guests, 14.9% were renters, and 5.7% were marketing guests.^[26]
• Industry Comparison: The hotel sector had a lower occupancy of 62.1% in 2022.^[27]

The gradual recovery from the pandemic is seeing occupancy inching towards pre-pandemic figures. Despite this progress, occupancy rates have yet to return to the peak levels observed before 2018, remaining an area for targeted improvement within the industry.

[23]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[24]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf

[25]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf 

[26]: Arda, Inc. (2022). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2022). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/aif-2022economicimpact-fullreport-web.pdf 

[27]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

Statistics on Timeshare Sales and Purchases 

The sales landscape is divided, with less than half of the resorts actively selling new vacation properties. These resorts utilize advanced marketing and sales techniques to foster growth and expand their customer base. Most properties lean on steady income from maintenance fees and rentals rather than actively selling timeshare units.

• Sales Volume Growth: Sales volume experienced a 30% increase to $10.5 billion in 2022.^[28]
• Average Transaction Price: The average transaction price rose to $23,940, a 37% increase over two years.^[29]

The data on the percentage of timeshare owners looking to resell is essential to complete the picture of the sales landscape but is not included here. This statistic would provide further insight into the secondary market dynamics within the industry.

[28]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[29]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

Timeshare Growth Trajectory 

The timeshare industry has shown remarkable resilience and growth, even in the face of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, development continued with the addition of 132 new units^[30], and projections indicate the construction of five more resorts over the next five years. These additional timeshare growth stats signify sustained growth and investment in the sector. 

• Future Development: Over 1,500 units will be developed within the upcoming years.^[31]
• Inventory Availability: 19.4% of the total unit inventory was available for sale in 2022.^[32]

The availability of timeshare inventory is a critical driver of construction and development within the industry. As available stock decreases in the face of rising demand, the impetus to develop additional units grows, ensuring the industry's continued expansion and evolution.

[30]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[31]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

[32]: Arda, Inc. (2023). Arda's Annual Statistics and Trends Report (Report No. 2023). Arda, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.arda.org/sites/default/files/media/file/2023-aif-stateofindustry-fullreport.pdf 

Navigate All Timeshare Concerns with Wesley Financial Group

Navigating the complexities of the industry requires accurate information and expert guidance. Wesley Financial Group (WFG) stands as a trusted ally in this realm, offering clarity and solutions to a myriad of concerns. If you need help navigating cancellation, WFG provides personalized services tailored to individual needs. For those seeking to learn more about Wesley Financial Group, including the ins and outs of timeshare cancellation, WFG's resources and expertise are just a consultation away. Take the first step toward informed timeshare management by contacting Wesley Financial Group today.