Sun Shines on Florida Timeshare Industry

Even with the recent storms that have battered Florida, the sun is shining brightly on the state's timeshare industry. According to a July 2005 study released by the American Resort Development Association, the timeshare industry in Florida made a $7.9 billion economic impact in 2002. In fact, the Florida timeshare sector has reported record revenue growth each year for the past decade. The timeshare industry brings a loyal base of repeat visitors, consumer expenditures, and overall stability to Florida's tourism economy. Since most of Florida is open for business and welcoming visitors, new and current timeshare owners can count on continued sunny days ahead.

Key findings from the July 200 American Resort Developers Association (ARDA) Florida Timeshare report:

Florida's timeshare industry leads the nation, with 366 timeshare developments with 27,700 units. Florida accounted for 21 percent of the nation's timeshare inventory in 2002.
The Florida Timeshare industry made a $7.9 billion economic impact in 2002.
Prospective and existing owners spent approximately $1.4 billion on purchases of new Florida timeshares (representing 26 percent of the $5.5 billion of U.S. sales) contributed $700 million toward maintenance fees for existing units during 2002 with a combined total of $4.4 billion in purchases representing direct industry output.
The study attributed the presence of 59,300 jobs in Florida to timeshares, and said $2.3 billion was spent in 2002 directly by visitors. On average, a party visiting a Florida timeshare includes 3.8 people who spend nearly $2,400 and 7.2 nights at the resort.

(www.ARDA.org)


The four hurricanes that came through Florida in September 2004 caused significant damage and loss of tourism dollars. Tourism experts have said they expect the industry to rebound and that nearly all of Florida is open for business and welcoming visitors. The state's official source for travel planning, Visit Florida, offers daily updates at its media Web site: www.media.visitflorida.org


Cendant subsidiary RCI is the world's oldest and largest timeshare exchange company, and a global leader in leisure travel services. The RCI Community is RCI's global membership of more than three million timeshare owners who travel through RCI to more than 3,700 affiliated timeshare resorts around the world, aided by RCI Guides, who assist Community members in the planning of dream vacations and memorable journeys. RCI members who plan on traveling to Florida are encouraged to check the RCI.com Web site or call the company toll-free at 1-800-338-7777 to ensure that their resort was not affected by the storms. (www.RCI.com)