Fun Facts and Stats About Timeshares
Timeshares are a popular way to own vacation time at resorts. Today, the timeshare industry is huge—worth around $19 billion in 2025! Younger people love it too. Millennials and Gen Z make up the majority of new buyers, and they often choose flexible options like points-based plans.
How Timeshares Started and Changed
In the early days, a timeshare meant you owned a specific week at one resort. You went to the same place, same unit, every year. That was called a “fixed week.”
Then, in the 1970s, a company called RCI (Resort Condominiums International) changed everything. They let owners trade their week for a stay at a different resort. This made timeshares way more exciting because you could visit new places.
Over time, RCI grew to include thousands of resorts around the world. Later, fixed weeks turned into points systems. With points, you have more freedom—you can book shorter trips or use them whenever you want.
RCI has changed owners a few times. It was sold to a big company called Cendant in the 1990s, and later became part of Wyndham.
In 2018, Marriott bought a company called ILG (which included brands like Westin and Sheraton vacation clubs) for about $4.7 billion. This made Marriott even bigger in the timeshare world.
Costs of Owning a Timeshare
Buying a timeshare isn’t cheap. The average price for points or a week in 2025 is around $22,000 to $23,000.
Every year, owners pay maintenance fees to cover upkeep, like cleaning and repairs. In 2025, these average about $1,400 to $1,500 per week (or equivalent). These fees usually go up each year—often by 5% to 8%—faster than normal inflation.
How Timeshare Owners Vacation
Timeshare owners love to travel! They take more trips than people who don’t own timeshares.
- Owners usually go on about 3 to 4 leisure trips a year.
- Many are married couples.
- Families with kids might take fewer trips because of school and busy schedules.
- Non-owners often take just 1 to 3 trips, depending on money and time off work.
Timeshare owners say their vacations feel special because of the bigger rooms, kitchens, and home-like feel. Plus, they plan trips more often and rate their vacations higher than regular travelers.
Timeshares have come a long way—from rigid weeks to flexible adventures. They’re popular with young families who want reliable, fun getaways!