U.S. Timeshare Purchasers: Who are they and why do they buy?

Abstract

Owners and recent purchasers of timeshare intervals were the focus of this study. Data from a survey of a large (N = 10,224) randomly selected sample of U.S. timeshare owners revealed that owners are primarily upper-middle-income, middle-to-upper-aged, and well-educated couples whose trips involving stays in timeshare are typically longer in duration and have a greater economic impact when compared to estimates of all vacation travelers. As the timeshare product has improved and as the concept has gained credibility and stature among affluent consumers, destinations marketing organizations should welcome timeshare owners—and the resorts that serve them—as an important part of their visitor mix.