What is Timeshare?

The Concept

The timeshare industry is over 30 years old, and generates revenues of over $9.4bn per annum. Today, there are 6.7 million timeshare owners worldwide, of which over one and a half million reside in Europe alone. Yet few realise the extent of timeshare's contribution to the economies of Europe and to providing all year round tourism and employment. 



What is Fractional Ownership

Fractional ownership enables people to own an interest in a luxury property (often in an exclusive holiday resort or glamorous city centre location) that they might otherwise be unable to afford. It is equally attractive to those who can afford to purchase property outright, but do not have the time to use or maintain it all year round.



How Timeshare Works

While the timeshare concept might be straightforward, the process by which it is turned into reality is somewhat more complex. The box below illustrates the principle stages in the chain that turns the concept into a product. Individual companies might undertake more than one of these activities – for example developers may market and operate their properties.