Timeshare occupancy hasn’t slumped

Vacationers are still using timeshares despite high unemployment rates and tighter credit markets, according to industry research.

Prepaid timeshares are enjoying an 80 percent occupancy rate, according to Smith Travel Research Inc. That’s little changed from the average of about 82 percent from 2005 to 2008. Still, overall sales of timeshare vacations reflect the national trend of lower consumer spending.

Preliminary 2009 second-quarter research shows that nine out of 10 owners were current on monthly payments, according to the American Resort Development Association.

“The downturn in our economy has hit the tourism industry particularly hard,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA’s president and CEO. “The timeshare segment, however, due in part to its prepaid nature, is better equipped than most to weather a downturn.”

Associated Press