The European Resort Owners’ Coalition (EUROC) has unveiled the results of its first-ever resort survey, uncovering some of the positive trends that are taking place in European timeshare – an industry that is undergoing consistent and significant transformation.
The survey, the first to be commissioned for more than ten years, took in feedback from nineteen diverse resorts across Europe. The results provide a comprehensive picture of the sector’s evolution across key areas, including membership models, exit options, product development, and new member acquisition trends and strategies.
Key Findings:
- Flexible ownership: The industry is increasingly embracing flexible ownership models and short-term membership options, to cater for the needs of a more risk-conscious and price-sensitive consumer.
- Enhanced transparency: Resorts are actively improving the options for the older members seeking to exit their timeshare agreements, ensuring a smoother and more straightforward exit process.
- Innovative product development: Traditional long-term fixed-week ownership models are still popular but are being complemented by shorter-term membership options, providing greater appeal to the younger generations.
- New member acquisition: Resorts are bringing in significant levels of new members from the friends and family of existing members.
- Taking more: A high percentage of existing members continue to top up their membership by buying more weeks or taking on more points currency.
- Sought not sold: The resorts are responding to interest from consumers who wish to become timeshare members, and are not using pushy sales tactics.
Open market rentals: 40% of the surveyed resorts use open marketing rental platforms to allow traditional holiday rentals from non-members.
Highlighting the industry’s dynamism and innovation
Commenting on the survey, a EUROC spokesperson said,
“EUROC feels that our first-ever survey findings demonstrate the industry’s commitment to delivering change and improvements where they are required. Resorts are clearly looking to meet the needs and expectations of timeshare owners, many of whom bought timeshare decades ago, by delivering continuous product innovation and adjustments to provide flexibility and satisfaction. In the process of conducting the survey and the follow-up work we are doing with resorts and their members, we are encountering high levels of satisfaction from the majority of members. Some of these satisfaction levels can be heard by listening to the timeshare members who are sharing their thoughts in our new Smart Holidays in Europe Podcast.”
The survey also identifies some of the ongoing challenges, such as the requirement for older members to relinquish their timeshare through proactive and fair exit progammes, whilst resort operators seek to maintain the financial stability of the business that operates the resort.
Overall, the survey results paint a positive picture of the European timeshare sector; one that is adapting and reinventing itself to meet the needs of a new generation of holidaymakers.
About EUROC:
EUROC and its member resorts remain committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and service, ensuring that European timeshares continue to be a cherished vacation option for individuals and families across the continent.
The European Resort Owners’ Coalition (EUROC) is the leading representative body for timeshare resort owner committees throughout Europe. EUROC advocates for the best interests of timeshare owners and promotes a sustainable and vibrant timeshare industry.
You can request the free report by emailing support@euroc.org and simply asking us to email it to you. Thank you
