Take a look through your old travel documents from a timeshare presentation back in 1997, 2003 or even 2008.
You may discover something surprisingly valuable.

Perhaps an old voucher, promotional certificate or guarantee letter offering:

·      a complimentary week in the Canary Islands,

·      a resort stay in Turkey,

·      a holiday apartment in France,

·      or accommodation at a 4★ or 5★ holiday resort.

And yes — in some cases these offers may still have value today.

 

Why Were These Free Holiday Weeks Given Away?

Today we are used to:

·      cashback offers,

·      loyalty programmes,

·      free upgrades,

·      promotional stays,

·      discounted holidays.

 

But 25–30 years ago, these offers felt unusual and even suspicious.

 

Back then, people in post-Soviet countries were still getting used to Western-style marketing. Suddenly, at a resort presentation, couples were being offered a free week in Tenerife or the Mediterranean simply for attending.

Naturally, many people wondered:

“What’s the catch?”

The answer was actually quite straightforward.

 

Resort developers were not trying to sell a single holiday week.
They were trying to sell long-term holiday ownership — often for decades.

And that required people to:

·      experience the resort,

·      see the apartments,

·      understand the lifestyle,

·      and emotionally connect with the product.

The free week was designed to let potential buyers “try before they buy”.

 

Were These Holidays Really Free?

In most cases — yes.

Accommodation itself was typically provided free of charge, subject to availability.

Guests usually only needed to arrange:

·      flights,

·      travel insurance,

·      visas (where required).

Some companies encouraged guests to book flights through their own travel department, partly to coordinate arrivals and partly to generate a little additional income.

 

But the accommodation itself was genuinely promotional.

Marketing companies often purchased blocks of weeks from resorts specifically for these campaigns.

 

Why?

Because historically the conversion rates were extremely strong.

Industry statistics in the 1990s and early 2000s suggested that:

around one in three guests who later visited the resort after receiving a promotional stay eventually purchased a timeshare.

For the resorts, it was simply a marketing investment.

 

Were the Resorts Actually Good?

Usually — very good.

Most promotional stays were offered by ambitious resort groups trying to showcase high-quality accommodation and attract long-term owners.

In many cases guests stayed in:

·      spacious apartments,

·      one-bedroom or two-bedroom suites,

·      resorts with pools, restaurants and entertainment,

·      accommodation far larger than a standard hotel room.

And this remains one of the major advantages of timeshare accommodation today:

·      more space,

·      kitchen facilities,

·      separate living areas,

·      better comfort for families.

 

Of course, not every company operated perfectly.

 

Some presentation companies occasionally used older “guest apartments” for promotional stays while showcasing newer premium units during sales presentations.

But generally speaking, the accommodation still remained perfectly respectable holiday property — not poor-quality lodging.

 

Why Didn’t More People Use These Certificates?

Surprisingly, only a small percentage of recipients ever redeemed them.

Many people:

·      forgot about them,

·      distrusted the offer,

·      assumed hidden costs existed,

·      or simply never found the time.

As a result, countless certificates ended up sitting in drawers for years.

 

So What Happens If The Certificate Expired Years Ago?

This is where things become interesting.

 

In some situations, expired promotional weeks may still potentially be used — or partially honoured — depending on:

·      the original resort group,

·      the type of promotional campaign,

·      the destination involved,

·      and the current resort partner network.

 

We cannot guarantee availability, but in many cases there are still realistic possibilities.

 

Depending on the circumstances, you or members of your family may be able to obtain:

·      complimentary accommodation,

·      heavily discounted resort weeks,

·      or access to special promotional travel offers.

 

Who Can Use These Promotional Weeks?

Normally the original named recipients listed on the:

·      voucher,

·      certificate,

·      or guarantee letter

are eligible.

 

In some situations adult children and immediate family members may also qualify, subject to approval.

 

These promotional stays are generally unrelated to whether you:

·      purchased a timeshare,

·      still own one,

·      or even remember the original presentation.

However, most promotional certificates cannot simply be resold to third parties.

 

What Type of Holidays Are Available?

Depending on the current availability and promotional programmes, destinations may include:

Turkey, Egypt, Thailand and other popular holiday regions

Accommodation is typically suitable for up to four guests in spacious resort apartments.

Additional discounted weeks may also sometimes be available.

 

Why Are We Offering This Service?

We specialise in niche timeshare-related travel solutions that are often difficult to arrange independently.

 

Our role includes:

·      checking the validity and potential usability of old promotional certificates,

·      communicating with resorts and partner networks,

·      arranging reservations,

·      and assisting with travel logistics.

We charge for our booking and coordination services, and we can also help arrange suitable flights at competitive prices.

 

How To Check Your Certificate

If you still have the document - send us a copy or photo.

If you cannot find it, do not worry — in many cases we may still be able to help identify the original programme from the details you remember.

 

Simply contact our travel department with:

·      the approximate year,

·      the company name (if known),

·      the destination offered,

·      and why the promotional week was never used.

Our specialists will advise whether there may still be opportunities available today.

Over the past few days we have been receiving many concerned calls from timeshare owners. People are worried that events in the Middle East could bring tourism to a halt — that nobody will travel using their timeshare, rent out weeks, or purchase them.

 

Such concerns are understandable. News about military conflicts always makes travellers uneasy. However, when we look at the situation calmly and professionally, a different picture emerges: the travel industry does not stop — it simply adapts.

 

Let us take a closer look at what is actually happening.

Travellers Are Not Cancelling Holidays — They Are Changing Destinations

 

Experience from past decades shows that people rarely give up travelling altogether.

 

What usually happens instead is a shift in travel geography.

 

When a particular region becomes less convenient or causes concern, travellers simply choose another destination. This is exactly what we are seeing now.

 

For example:

·      some European travellers are reconsidering trips to South-East Asia due to complications with flights through Middle Eastern hubs;

·      travellers from Asia are becoming more cautious about long-haul flights to Europe;

·      certain destinations are seeing temporary declines in bookings.

 

However, people are still planning holidays — they are simply choosing destinations that feel closer, safer or more convenient.

The Impact of Flight Disruptions via Dubai

 

One of the most noticeable factors has been the cancellation or rescheduling of some flights via Dubai — one of the world’s largest aviation hubs.

 

This does create temporary complications:

·      for travel from Europe to South-East Asia

·      for Asian travellers heading to Europe.

 

However, this is essentially a logistical issue rather than a collapse in travel demand.

 

Travellers are beginning to look for:

·      direct flights

·      alternative connections

·      or different holiday regions altogether.

Destinations That May Temporarily See Lower Demand

 

In the short term, some destinations in the region may experience a modest decline in bookings.

 

In particular:

·      Cyprus

·      Turkey

 

Travel to Israel has already been significantly reduced for some time, and from certain countries tourism has effectively come to a halt.

 

Egypt is seeing only a slight decline in interest, and its resorts continue to operate and welcome visitors.

 

It is important to remember that such fluctuations occur during almost every regional crisis and are rarely long-term.

Changes in Exchange and Cruise Programmes

 

Some adjustments have also affected exchange programmes.

 

For example:

·      exchanges involving cruises in the Persian Gulf are currently being suspended

·      alternative options are being offered to owners.

 

Popular alternatives now include:

·      cruises in Northern European waters

·      cruises in the Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy, Greece)

·      exchanges for apartments in the Caribbean

·      exchanges for resorts in Latin America.

 

In other words, exchange systems continue to operate — they are simply offering different destinations.

Why Timeshare Resorts Often Prove More Resilient Than Hotels

 

Interestingly, periods of uncertainty often highlight the advantages of timeshare resorts.

 

In recent days there have been reports that some hotels in Dubai:

·      asked guests who could not depart due to cancelled flights to leave their rooms;

·      required them to pay very high rates for additional nights.

 

For traditional hotels, this is standard practice — rooms are sold per night and must generate revenue.

 

Timeshare resorts operate differently.

 

Their guests include:

·      owners

·      club members

·      exchange guests.

 

For this reason, resorts often have greater flexibility to:

·      allow guests to stay additional nights without extra charges

·      assist in finding alternative flights

·      support owners during difficult travel situations.

 

This is one reason why experienced travellers value timeshare ownership — during times of disruption, the system often proves more flexible and supportive.

What Is Happening in the Timeshare Resale Market

 

At the moment, we are observing only very limited changes in buyer interest.

 

The only destination where we have noticed a slight decline in enquiries is timeshare property in the UAE.

 

This is understandable.

 

In recent years the resale market saw growing interest in UAE timeshares because:

·      hotel prices in the region have risen sharply;

·      owning a timeshare allowed travellers to stabilise their holiday costs.

 

Some potential buyers are now simply adopting a “wait-and-see” approach.

 

However, in most other destinations the market remains stable.

What About Renting Out Timeshare Weeks?

 

The rental market also continues to function normally.

 

During periods of geopolitical uncertainty we usually see:

·      reduced demand for certain regions

·      increased demand for others.

 

Historically, destinations that often benefit include:

·      Southern Europe

·      the Canary Islands

·      the Caribbean

·      parts of Asia.

 

As a result, weeks continue to be:

·      Booked

·      Exchanged

·      rented out.

Tourism Always Finds New Destinations

 

Over the past decades the tourism industry has experienced many crises:

·      regional conflicts

·      economic downturns

·      the global pandemic.

 

Yet every time the same pattern emerges — tourism does not disappear, it simply shifts to other regions.

 

Even if tensions expand within a particular region, there will always be many other destinations where travellers choose to go.

 

The world is simply too large for travel to stop altogether.

What Timeshare Owners Should Remember

 

If we look at the situation calmly, several simple conclusions can be drawn:

1.       Tourism does not stop — it shifts between destinations.

2.       Timeshare systems adapt particularly well thanks to flexible exchange programmes.

3.       Most resorts continue to operate as usual.

4.       Sales and rentals continue, although demand may shift between regions.

Our Advice

 

If you have been planning a holiday, there is no reason to panic.

 

In most cases it is enough to:

·      check current flight options

·      confirm the situation with your exchange company

·      or consider an alternative resort.

 

If you have questions regarding:

·      travel plans

·      exchanges

·      renting out your week

·      selling your timeshare

 

our specialists are always ready to help you review the situation and find the best solution.

 

The timeshare industry has proven its resilience many times — and the current situation is no exception.

If you have ever felt that special sense of anticipation before a holiday, then you know that timeshare offers more than just the right to travel. It provides inspiration, confidence, and the feeling of having a home anywhere in the world.

And here is wonderful news for everyone who values high-quality travel: Marriott Vacation Club is expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, opening even more places where warm memories can be created. Blooming tropics, the waves of the Indian Ocean, genuine smiles — all of this is becoming even more accessible for timeshare owners.

? A New Resort in Khao Lak — A Retreat for Body and Soul

Imagine this: morning light, a gentle warm breeze, the sound of the sea — and you step out onto the spacious terrace of your apartment to breathe in the fresh ocean air.
The new Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort in Thailand has become the seventh property of the brand in the Asia-Pacific region. Its opening is not just another dot on the map, but an invitation to new adventures, soft sunshine, and relaxed family holidays surrounded by nature.

Everything here is designed with comfort in mind:

✨ Spacious apartments ideal for families and friends;
✨ Architecture inspired by local southern Thai traditions;
✨ Full access to the facilities of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa — including one of the largest lagoon pools in Southeast Asia, restaurants filled with exotic aromas, and spa areas where you can truly unwind.

Even the smallest details reflect care for the environment: eco-friendly solutions, reduced use of single-use plastics, and activities encouraging guests to embrace sustainable living.

? Bali Becomes Even Closer to Your Heart

If Indonesia is calling you, there is great news here as well.
Marriott Vacation Club continues to expand in Bali, in the Nusa Dua area, where by early 2026 new apartments with private pools and spacious terraces will be added.

These are not just accommodations — they are spaces for:
? Morning coffee overlooking lush gardens;
? Evenings filled with conversations under glowing sunsets;
? Days with children full of laughter and joy.

For those seeking even more privacy, the new two-storey residences with plunge pools turn a holiday into a personal family celebration in a tropical paradise.

All of this is complemented by access to the excellent facilities of Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort — spa, fitness centre, and a variety of restaurants.

? Owner Support Is Getting Even Closer

There is more good news for those who value service and attention.
Marriott Vacation Clubs is expanding its marketing call centre in Shanghai, increasing the team to 125 specialists. This means faster responses, more personalised assistance, and even better support for owners planning their holidays across the region.

? Why This Matters to You

If you already own a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare, all of this is for you:

? More destinations — more experiences. Your travel choices continue to grow.
? Comfort and quality you can trust. A globally recognised brand stands behind your holidays.
? Memories that stay with you for a lifetime. Timeshare is not just about travel — it’s about moments you want to relive again and again.

✨ In Conclusion

The expansion of Marriott Vacation Club is another reason to feel confident and inspired: a trusted brand continues to invest in your holidays, offering new destinations, comfort, and peace of mind. Timeshare is not only a way to travel — it is a lifestyle filled with warmth, discovery, and a sense of freedom.

May every vacation bring light, joy, and new stories worth remembering. ✈️??

 

Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort

https://www.marriottvacationclubs.com/s/

The role of famous hotel groups and brands in the timeshare industry - READКонец формы

 

In different countries, timeshare is treated as different types of ownership — from a share of real estate (Italy and France) to an exclusive right of use (United Kingdom), from company shares (Germany and Scandinavian countries) to long-term residential leases divided into weekly intervals (United States and the Caribbean).

The legal form determines the duration of a timeshare in years.
The longest — effectively perpetual — timeshares are those legally equated to real estate ownership.
The shortest usually last around 35 years, typically in countries where foreign developers do not own land outright but hold long-term land leases. As a result, timeshares in such countries cannot exceed the developer’s own rights to the land (Thailand is a common example).

Why Perpetual Timeshares Have Been Criticised

Over time, perpetual timeshares have faced serious criticism.
If a timeshare cannot be cancelled and cannot be resold, a family that no longer wishes to use it remains obligated to own it and to continue paying ever-increasing annual maintenance fees — regardless of circumstances.

Later, such a timeshare is inherited by children, who often do not wish to follow their parents’ lifestyle choices and prefer to travel differently.
As a result, a number of countries (including Spain) introduced legislation establishing the principle of limited duration for timeshare ownership. This led to the re-registration and legal adaptation of many timeshare resorts in the mid-2020s.

65-Year Timeshares: The Most Popular Compromise

Timeshares with a duration of around 65 years have long been considered the most popular option.
The idea was that parents, children, and even grandchildren would all be able to use the same timeshare.

Over time, as the remaining years decrease, the value of the timeshare naturally declines. However, market practice shows that a timeshare usually begins to lose value significantly only when fewer than five years remain.

Even a timeshare with just three years left can be sold — it is simply a matter of price.
There are many examples of successful resale transactions on the secondary market, especially for resorts that are difficult to access otherwise or particularly advantageous when used via timeshare.

Fixed-Term Timeshares vs. Temporary Club Memberships

It is very important to distinguish between fixed-term timeshares and temporary club memberships.

Temporary Memberships (Trial Programs)

Temporary memberships — usually lasting three to five years — are not inherently bad products.

They were designed specifically for potential buyers who were not fully convinced during a sales presentation but still had a strong interest. These clients want to experience the resort, “try on” the timeshare lifestyle, and only then decide whether to commit to long-term ownership and a larger financial investment.

A temporary membership typically allows three separate trips over three consecutive years. After each stay, the member meets with sales representatives to discuss purchase options and the possibility of crediting the cost of the temporary membership toward the purchase of a permanent timeshare (or a 35–65 year contract).
This credit option is one of the most attractive features of temporary memberships.

So What’s the Problem with Temporary Memberships?

Temporary memberships may be organized either by:

·       the resort itself (most often a resort group), or

·       an independent marketing company.

If the organizer is the resort group itself, there is usually little cause for concern.
If, however, the organizer is a marketing company, the member is dependent on the company’s continued operation, its contracts with resorts, and its ability to deliver accommodation throughout the membership term. This represents the main risk.

Why Temporary Memberships Are Not Timeshares

Technically, a temporary membership is not a timeshare.
If its duration exceeds 36 months, it falls under timeshare legislation — which is why many organizers deliberately structure such programs to last 35 months or three years minus one week, to avoid stricter legal requirements.

Temporary memberships are not timeshares because:

·       specific weeks are not assigned to members;

·       no ownership or usage rights are transferred, even temporarily.

In essence, a temporary membership is a set of prepaid future holidays, where the company commits to providing one week of accommodation upon request. Flights, visas, and insurance are booked and paid by the traveler separately as trips are planned.

Quality of Stay: A Common Source of Disappointment

In practice, accommodation under a temporary membership can differ significantly from true timeshare accommodation — even at the same resort.

Many resorts do not place all apartments into the timeshare system. Some units operate as standard serviced apartments and are used for promotional programs or allocated to independent marketing companies for “fly & buy” sales campaigns.

In some cases, clients are deliberately placed in lower-category apartments and then offered an immediate upgrade during the sales presentation — but only if they sign a timeshare purchase agreement that same day.
This sales practice is widely criticised within the industry.

While legislation attempts to protect consumers with memberships of three years or more, experienced sellers often structure programs just below the legal threshold to avoid these protections.

That said, there are reputable organizers — usually resort groups themselves — who place temporary members in full club-level apartments or equivalent accommodation.

Another Key Difference: Resale and Rental

Unlike timeshares, temporary memberships cannot be resold, transferred, or rented out.
This is because they are promotional products, and resorts or marketing agents want to host only qualified potential buyers who meet specific criteria.

The Bottom Line on Temporary Memberships

Temporary memberships offer no guarantees.
There is roughly a 50/50 chance that you will enjoy all three trips — or be left with an unpleasant experience.

If you already own a temporary membership:

·       either use it as intended, or

·       if you already understand timeshare well enough, convert it into a permanent ownership as quickly as possible and with maximum credit.

If the proposed conversion resort does not suit you, or if you want to maximise the value of your membership, we strongly recommend consulting independent specialists from Help Line International:
? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
? https://www.timesharehelpline.expert

Less Frequent Timeshare Ownership

Most people think of timeshare as something used annually — either at the home resort or via exchange systems. However, alternative models exist.

Biennial (Every-Other-Year) Timeshares

In the 2000s, a biennial timeshare model was introduced to attract buyers who travel every two years rather than annually.

Under this system, the right to use the resort applies every second year, as specified in the ownership certificate (even or odd years).

·       “Even years” means usage in even-numbered years only.

·       In off years, owners may request additional accommodation, but availability and pricing are not guaranteed.

Maintenance fees vary by club.
Some charge fees only in usage years, but most charge annually — usually 30–40% less than annual timeshares, not 50% less.
Non-payment can still lead to termination, even in non-usage years.

Once-Every-Three-Years Timeshares

An even rarer category is the once-every-three-years timeshare.
Usage rights apply only once every three years, as stated in the ownership certificate. The owner receives a schedule of eligible years.

These timeshares are typically sales tools for hesitant buyers and are extremely difficult to resell.
Most buyers on the resale market are looking for regular annual usage, and budget buyers usually negotiate aggressively among sellers.

Dear friends,
on behalf of the entire Help Line International team, please accept our warmest wishes for the New Year!

 

May 2026 bring peace, safety, prosperity, and many happy moments to you and your loved ones.
And of course, may the new year bring you more travel, successful deals, smooth sales, and unforgettable experiences!

 

As for us, we will continue to be by your side — taking care of your timeshare, helping you resolve any issues, and ensuring that timeshare ownership remains convenient, beneficial, and comfortable.

In 2026, we continue to support you in key areas:

⭐ Membership Management

• coordination and negotiation of maintenance fees, including payment deferrals
• membership status checks and negotiations with clubs
• removal of penalties and resolution of disputed situations

 

⭐ Rental and Resale

• full-service timeshare rentals
• resale listings with international agencies
• transaction control until full payment is received

 

⭐ Ownership Upgrade and Restoration

• timeshare tuning: changes of season, size, location, or membership type
• restoration of ownership within your club or transfer to another, based on your goals

 

⭐ Travel and Holidays

• selection and organization of holidays of any complexity
• bookings using all international exchange systems
• finding the weeks that are most advantageous to use right now

 

⭐ Protection of Owner’s Interests

• monitoring owners’ rights during club reorganizations or closures
• identifying violations and recovering underpaid or lost benefits

? New Year’s Gift: 5.9% discount on all services until 31.01.2026
Use promo code NEWYEAR2026

 

? +7 812 327 3222 | +39 306 588 188
? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you need help, a consultation, or simply some guidance — we are always here for you:
? St. Petersburg: +7 812 327 32 22
? Italy: +39 306 588 188

 

 

Thank you for trusting us with the care of your timeshare.
May 2025 become a year of peace, good fortune, and positive news! ✨

A new study by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) confirms that timeshare owners continue to travel actively, plan vacations, and enjoy their holidays, even as overall economic confidence softens. This is reflected in the September Vacation Ownership Sentiment Index, which measures the attitudes and travel behavior of vacation ownership holders compared to the general traveling public.

Sustained Interest in Travel

Although overall economic optimism in the United States declined slightly in September 2025, timeshare owners remain focused on travel. The sentiment index reached 106.7 points — lower than in August, but higher than at the beginning of 2025, indicating ongoing travel planning and engagement.

Travel and Bookings: Owners Lead the Way

According to the data:

·       63% of timeshare owners have already booked their next vacation — 62% more than among general travelers.

·       56% plan to travel within the next four months.

·       39% expect to spend significantly more time on vacation over the next six months, a rate 44% higher than among non-owners.

·       In September, 35% of owners traveled 50 miles or more with at least one overnight stay, compared to 20% of the general population.

 

These figures clearly show that even during periods of uncertainty, timeshare owners travel more frequently and more consistently than the average traveler.

Perceived Value and Vacation Satisfaction

ARDA highlights that for thirteen consecutive months, more than three-quarters of timeshare owners have described their most recent vacation as “significantly better than a typical trip.”

 

In addition:

·       78% rated their last vacation as an exceptional experience, an increase from the previous month.

·       More than half believe their next vacation will exceed expectations, a trend that has remained stable for eight consecutive months.

 

These results confirm that timeshare ownership continues to deliver high satisfaction and meaningful vacation experiences.

New Generations, New Travel Patterns

The report places special focus on Generation Z timeshare owners, noting that:

·       Younger owners are more likely to travel with friends and plan trips well in advance.

·       Over the next six months, they plan an average of 3.3 leisure trips and 2.8 business trips.

·       55% want to increase the amount of time they spend on vacation, while 41% intend to increase travel spending.

·       Many believe that owning a timeshare makes vacation planning easier and more accessible.

 

These trends suggest that timeshare ownership is adapting to modern travel habits and becoming an integral part of a flexible, lifestyle-oriented approach to travel.

Why Owners Remain Confident

ARDA refers to this phenomenon as the “Timeshare Advantage.” It is based on several key factors:

·       Owners have already paid for their vacation accommodations, making them less sensitive to rising travel costs.

·       Timeshare ownership encourages a habit of regular vacation planning and travel.

·       Owners are more likely to book in advance and fully utilize their vacation benefits.

 

As a result, timeshare ownership supports travel regardless of broader economic conditions, turning vacations into a planned and reliable part of life rather than a postponed luxury.

Conclusion

The data shows that timeshare owners are confident, proactive, and engaged travelers.

They:

·       Book vacations in advance;

·       Travel more frequently than the average traveler;

·       View timeshare ownership as a way to expand travel opportunities;

·       Consistently rate their vacations as exceptional experiences.

 

Even when economic sentiment weakens, timeshare owners continue to explore new destinations, plan ahead, and enjoy the vacations already built into their lifestyle.

From time to time, we hear people say:
"We’ve travelled enough with our timeshare. It’s been wonderful — we were very happy, we travelled a lot. But now, we vacation differently."

 

And it’s not always because they’ve bought a second home in Italy, Spain, or Cyprus over the years — something that usually puts a pause on global travel for just a couple of years. Often, after two or three years, these happy owners of a seaside or lakeside property find themselves combining extended stays in their second home with one- or two-week trips to other countries, and suddenly their timeshare becomes relevant again.

 

More often, however, the problem lies elsewhere.
Our vacation needs change over time.

 

The children have grown up, and large apartments are no longer necessary — the maintenance fees for extra unused space can start to feel like a burden.
Or the opposite: grandchildren have arrived, or you now travel with your grown-up children and their families, meaning you need large apartments — or even two units at the same time.
Or perhaps you’ve taken up skiing and now need peak-season weeks to guarantee snowy slopes.
In some cases, due to health or other reasons, people decide to avoid long-haul travel or flights altogether.

 

In such situations, exchanging a timeshare doesn’t always work effectively.
Some families then decide to get rid of their timeshare altogether.

 

Unfortunately, the resale market rarely meets sellers’ expectations. The reasons behind this are a separate topic. Only a lucky few manage to sell their timeshare successfully. Many owners simply abandon theirs after 15–20 years of use, feeling they’ve “gotten their money’s worth.”

 

But what about those whose vacation needs change after just three, five, or ten years?

What Is Timeshare Tuning?

Timeshare tuning is about making a few adjustments here and there — adding, swapping, or upgrading — to shape your membership so it meets your current lifestyle and travel needs.

Every club offers several types of memberships.
The first idea that comes to mind is making changes within the same club.

And we’re not just talking about a simple upgrade to a better season or a larger apartment.

Some clubs, over the years, have transitioned to more modern or flexible membership formats (such as floating weeks or points systems). Because your ownership rights are protected by law and overseen by a trustee or notary, no one can force you to switch to a newer membership type — in fact, you might not even know it exists at your resort.
So how can you find out if another type of membership is available at your resort?
Ask the professionals — ask us!

Switching to a Partner or Affiliated Club

A second path is available to those whose resorts are fully or partly integrated into a larger network of resorts.

Around 10–15 years ago, international resort groups tended to expand their own internal exchange systems so that members would rarely need to use third-party exchange companies. Large resort groups would purchase blocks of dozens or even hundreds of weeks from clubs in prestigious tourist areas where they had no presence — expanding their internal geography.

Most likely, as a member whose resort sold such a block of weeks, you’d never know about it — unless you happened to attend a presentation by the big group and spotted your resort on their list.

Here’s why this matters: if you request to transfer into such a group, your timeshare could be credited at its maximum value, meaning the extra cost for a new membership might be surprisingly low.
But there’s a catch — you should never go through the marketing or sales department, where prices are heavily inflated. Always proceed through the trustee or resort management.

And how do you do that?
Start by talking to us.

Moving to Another Resort

The most common form of timeshare tuning is moving to a resort you like more — or one that’s closer to home.

Here, there are no limits to your preferences or creativity.

The only important point: to avoid financial loss, you need to negotiate maximum credit for your existing timeshare, or arrange a three-way timeshare exchange.

This is the most complex type of tuning, where you’ll need a personal consultant — and we’re happy to take on that role. Our job will be to find a resort that matches your current holiday requirements, secure the best possible trade-in value, and minimise your costs.

Summary: The Main Types of Timeshare Tuning

We’ve talked about several options:

• Changing apartment size — bigger or smaller. Financially, it can even be more profitable to trade one large apartment for two studio weeks.
• Upgrading the season — from low or mid to high, or from high to peak, where available.
• Changing location — a frequent move, such as swapping a beach resort for a ski resort, a wellness spa, or a hot springs destination.
• Switching to a group membership — with extensive free internal exchanges.
• Choosing a non-annual membership — where you visit every other year and only pay fees every other year.
• Moving to a “pay when you go” membership — paying maintenance fees only when you actually use the resort.

Did you know that for the past 20 years, we’ve carried out between 30 and 70 such operations every year?

That’s how many families choose not to abandon or sell their timeshare, but instead make it convenient, cost-effective, and perfectly suited to their current tastes.

The first step?
Find out what’s possible in your case.

Write to us or give us a call.

There are a lot of timeshare resorts in Italy, but not enough.

Following the timeshare boom in Spain, timeshare came to Italy in the early 80s. The timeshare resorts started spreading over the entire Italian coastline, in all ski regions, and close to numerous places of attraction and cultural heritage sites. But that's where the similarities end.

Like any other country new to the timeshare industry, Italian authorities faced the task of describing timeshare legally, creating regulations to ensure control over the industry, and ensuring the safety of buyers and owners of this property.

It was decided to classify timeshare as a type of real estate. As a result, Italian timeshares can be considered one of the most reliable types (you purchase a share of real estate), but at the same time, they are the least flexible and the most complicated in structure.

Traditionally, the founders of timeshare resorts are Italian developers, the resorts are managed by Italian management companies, sales were handled by Italian marketing companies, and they sold mainly to Italians. These timeshares are extremely convenient specifically for Italians, and timeshare resorts have only begun to integrate into the international tourism system in the last 15 years.

Italians traditionally preferred to holiday within their own country. Fortunately, there are endless places to enjoy. Italians bought timeshares mostly to visit their home resort. The peak season weeks of Mid-August and Christmas were extremely popular and sold out first. Having sold out of these peak weeks, resorts had difficulty selling the rest of the year. That’s when the marketing companies turned their attention to holidaymakers from other countries, as their holiday season may differ from Italy's.

 

Today in Italy, there are 138 timeshare resorts affiliated with the RCI exchange system and 103 resorts affiliated with Interval International.

 

Timeshare resale in Italy is considered one of the most difficult in Europe. The reason is that even after so many years, there are still no specialized timeshare resale agencies.

Attempts have been made to create online billboards, but without providing assistance with timeshare ownership transfer and negotiation between buyer and seller, they just did not succeed.

 

Timeshare Resales fall on the shoulders of real estate agencies since timeshare in Italy is a type of real estate. But reselling timeshares through real estate agencies is extremely difficult.

The main reason is that real estate agencies do nothing to promote timeshares and do nothing to attract potential timeshare buyers.

Timeshare advertisements are placed together with holiday home offers, making them almost impossible to find among the numerous real estate listings. There is no way to search only for timeshares, there is no way to segregate them, there is no such option in the search filters.

 

There is no way a potential buyer could find, for example, all the timeshares available for resale in Sardinia, or in Sicily, or in ski resorts, or in Tuscany like a buyer would normally be looking for.

The buyer is usually looking for timeshares in a specific region. They want to compare offers by price, by the location of the timeshare resort on the map, and by the infrastructure of the resort.

 

Instead, the buyer should search on the real estate website for the timeshare by exact address. The timeshare ad only describes the apartments themselves and has poor quality photos (of course, can’t imagine somebody making good pictures on holiday of how the bedroom or the kitchen and bathroom looks like, or even less chances of somebody inviting a professional photographer to do this). What is missing in these ads is the most important thing to influence the timeshare sales – there is no description of the timeshare resort infrastructure. A timeshare is valuable over the purchase of the holiday home by having on-site resort amenities such as a large swimming pool, children's pool, a gym, a playground and children’s animation, bars and restaurants, a private beach, free bicycles, horse riding, surfing, storage rooms and drying rooms for ski equipment, ski lifts, spa, tennis courts, golf, and much more. If you deprive the timeshare advertisement of all these attractions and at the same time do not provide a link to the timeshare resort website, then you are left with unattractive photos of walls, beds, kitchens, and a crooked view from the balcony.

But that's not the only problem with selling a timeshare through a real estate agency.

The area is full of small real estate agencies. You would easily find a few in each tiny little town. The chances that your buyer will walk into exactly the agency where you placed your sales offer tend to zero.

And then, all these agencies publish information only in Italian, and in most situations, they don’t even have agents who could communicate with foreigners in any language other than Italian. This means that your offer for sale will remain inaccessible to foreigners who would probably be very happy to buy a timeshare in Tuscany, Sicily, Sardinia, the lakes, or the Dolomites.

 

What can we recommend to timeshare owners in Italy to achieve the resale of their timeshare?

Owners of Italian timeshares should list them with international timeshare resale agencies which specialize only in selling or renting out timeshares. At this moment the leaders in this area are English agencies, of which we currently highlight Travel & Leisure Group Ltd (https://www.travelandleisuregroup.ru) and Timeshare Online (https://www.timeshareonline.eu/index.php)

The timeshare market in Asia Pacific is considered the youngest. Historically, it was developed and refined for European tourists, who were invited there by European timeshare sellers. One of the pioneers in the region was the Royal Resorts group, which is now part of the Karma Group empire. Founded by an enterprising entrepreneur who climbed the timeshare sales ladder in Tenerife, from a street consultant inviting tourists to presentations to a sales director who invested all his money in a resort in Goa, India, it is now the most well-known group of resorts in the region. These resorts are located in India (Goa, Kerala, Bangalore, Jaipur, in the North), Thailand (Phuket), Indonesia (Bali, Lombok, Java), Australia, as well as in Germany (Bavaria), Italy (Tuscany), the United Kingdom (London, Isles of Sicily, Birmingham), Greece (Crete, Mykonos), and France (Saint-Tropez, Normandy).

 

After Goa, timeshare resorts appeared in Thailand and almost immediately in Bali. The timeshare industry in Southeast Asia in the late 90s resembled Tenerife in the early 80s, not only in terms of market uncontrol but also because the new market attracted the same players who were pushed out of Europe by the strict legislation introduced at the time. However, the market did not turn wild because local entrepreneurs in these countries actively entered the industry. And as it is known, order is quickly established under such conditions.

 

One feature of most Asia Pacific resorts is that foreigners cannot own land, and therefore timeshare resorts, by their legal structure, are either limited membership clubs or long-term leases for up to 35 years. Such a shorter form of timeshare has also formed different resale requirements. The point is that many timeshare owners, after active use for 15-20 years, if for various reasons they had to stop using the timeshare, do not spend time selling the remaining 10-12 years of use and simply abandon it or write it off to the resort. Moreover, unlike timeshares that qualify as real estate (in Italy, France, partially in Spain), club membership type does not accumulate multi-year dues and then collects them but simply excludes from membership due to non-payment of one or two membership dues and does not chase after anyone.

 

This does not apply, of course, to very valuable and expensive Asia Pacific resorts. Memberships such as Marriott, Absolute... Karma, which cost from €15,000 to €20,000 per week on the primary market. They are not abandoned but an effort is made to return some of the money. They are very popular on the secondary market because there are those who really liked these clubs but who are sorry to pay the full price for them.

 

And here in resales, the same ubiquitous English agencies dominate, among which we highlight as the most successful Travel & Leisure Group Ltd (https://www.travelandleisuregroup.co.uk ) and Timeshare Online (https://www.timeshareonline.eu/index.php ). There was actually no expansion into the Asia Pacific market. The main buyers in the region are the English, Australians, and Europeans, who are fluent in English. When Indians started actively buying timeshares, the situation in the resale market did not change, as English is practically the first language for the middle class in India. There is a high level of trust in English companies in the region. This prevented local timeshare sales agencies from competing. Especially since it is always difficult for young companies to compete with those that have over 20 and 30 years of experience in the market, which have a clear strategy and responsible approach.

 

But this is also a wonderful opportunity for timeshares from this region to gain access to international buyers worldwide, but primarily to Europeans.

 

It is also worth noting that timeshares from Southeast Asia are practically not popular in America. This is understandable, for regular travel, Americans choose Florida, California, Mexico, and the Caribbean, where air travel is well established and very cheap. And to the fabulous Bali, Thailand, Goa, and Vietnam, you can go through exchange.

 

We deliberately put two regions in parentheses in Asia Pacific  - China and Japan, where timeshares are quite developed and popular but which are very closed markets and are aimed both at their compatriots and their own resorts, thereby falling out of the interest of foreign buyers and timeshare owners.

 

In Conclusion: If you own a timeshare in India, Thailand, Australia, Vietnam, in Bali, etc., it is reasonable to resell it through English agencies, of which we currently highlight Travel & Leisure Group Ltd (https://www.travelandleisuregroup.co.uk ) and Timeshare Online (https://www.timeshareonline.eu/index.php)

With this article, we begin a series of articles about market differences and national timeshare resale agencies.

 

The American and European timeshare markets are fundamentally different. Fundamentally because they have serious legislative differences, marketing differs too much, and the actions of buyers themselves vary.

 

American buyers primarily purchase timeshares in resorts located in USA, the Caribbean region, Mexico, and other South American countries. The most popular are timeshares in the Hawaiian Islands, the lake district of Utah, the area of numerous amusement parks in Orlando, and the tip of Florida Keys and in California. And, of course, there are well-known hotel groups that have their own timeshare complexes – Marriott, Hilton, Melia, Ritz Carlton, and others.

 

If the timeshare you want to sell is located in USA (South, North, Central, and in the Caribbean), it's worth considering the American market for resale.

 

- Do Americans really not buy timeshares in Europe?

- They do. But, of course, not as much as on their own continent. Americans purchase timeshares exclusively if they are in the region where their roots are, to visit distant relatives or not lose their roots. For this, they choose timeshares in ancient English estates, French castles, Tuscan and Ligurian villas. Only such exclusivity can justify the purchase of cramped apartments by American standards.

 

American apartments are almost twice the size by standards compared to European ones. Also, it should be noted that exchanging (intercontinental) a European timeshare for an American one will always cost twice as much, and if an American family does not plan to holiday in Europe annually, it is still preferable for them to own an American timeshare. For a complete picture, add extremely cheap domestic flights in USA and their diverse geography.

 

American (including Canadian) agencies are very similar to real estate agencies; for their work, they must obtain a real estate sales license, which requires mandatory education – the course is quite expensive and lengthy, the exams are serious, but the responsibility of the agencies is high financially.

 

There are agencies that, like in real estate, do not take upfront payments, but they also do not advertise timeshares. In this case, the buyer is someone living nearby or someone who knows this agency, who is more interested just in case if they have timeshares for sale. Most often, they offer secondary weeks of resorts located nearby. Their already small number of sales decreases annually because buyers go to global internet resources.

 

Most agencies take money upfront for advertising, as well as a percentage of the sale. In some cases, they also sign an exclusive contract. The cost of advertising is two to three times higher than European prices. This doesn't bother Americans, who are used to paying high fees to specialists.

 

Americans set prices on average 25%-30% lower than primary market prices. Americans don't need to be explained that the secondary market is lower than the primary one and that it's impossible to sell for the same amount as bought, unless at least 30 years have passed of "inflations-devaluations-tourist booms of the region," etc. High prices on the secondary market are rare – it's usually an overconfident owner who considers their timeshare extremely exclusive. This won't take them far. The prices listed on the website and in price lists do not include agency fees of 5%-10%, as well as expenses for checking and re-registering the timeshare and taxes.

 

Also, don't forget that although tens of thousands of timeshares are sold and bought annually in the USA, the number of timeshares listed for sale is many times higher. Among them are not very popular resorts and at extremely low prices.

 

We actively cooperate with American companies when buyers approach us for famous resorts on American continents and also carefully monitor changes in this market.

 

Let's summarize: the timeshare that can be sold on the American market is primarily a timeshare of an American resort in a popular tourist area. If you want to sell a timeshare in Tenerife or Costa del Sol, taking it to America is a waste of money and time. There's plenty of similar properties there, but more modern and more comfortable.