You can say many things about timeshare. Some
people love it, others think it is a scam while others are indifferent.
Nevertheless, one thing you cannot deny about the timeshare industry is its
impact on the local community where timeshare operates. For most communities
that are dependant on tourism, the timeshare industry brings significant
benefits. You may be surprised to hear that the benefits often go beyond the
those offered by traditional forms of tourism such as hotels.
Here are some ways that timeshare can have a
positive effect on a community.
Repeat tourism
One of the greatest benefits of timeshare is
that it encourages repeat tourism to the community, which brings about a more
stable economy. It is easier to predict the necessities of the destination in terms
of infrastructure and services.
Jobs
Timeshare generates jobs at all levels: sales
staff, executives, service staff, architects, construction workers and more.
Tax generation
The influx of people spending money within the
local economy helps generate taxes that are plowed back into the local economy.
You will find services and infrastructure improve as a result. Tax generation
extends to VAT as well as income tax on earnings from those working within the
timeshare industry.
Raises profile of the destination
When people purchase a timeshare they feel
like they belong and thus are more likely to promote the destination to friends
and family. This raises the profile of the destination amongst all kinds of
visitors, not only those interested in timeshare.
Extended lengths of stay
In practice, timeshare owners are more likely
to stay for longer periods of time.
Higher purchasing power
In order to qualify for a timeshare purchase,
owners will need to prove they have a certain level of income. Therefore, the
destination benefits from visitors with higher purchasing power, meaning they
will spend more on local services, restaurants and other items.
Not in competition with traditional hotels
Hotels tend to serve clients who do not
necessarily visit more than once or twice. Therefore, the kinds of people who
return to a destination to stay at their timeshare are not necessarily the same
kinds of people that hotels will target. Thus, the two industries complement
one another rather than compete.
Injection into local community
Timeshares are not traditionally
all-inclusive, although some have it as an option. Therefore, visitors are more
likely to spend money in local stores and restaurants.
Constant occupancy
Timeshare contributes to a consistent level of
occupancy, complementing other branches of the tourism industry, such as
restaurants, car rentals, travel agencies and local trade.
