ARDA 2025 State of the Industry Report
By Judy Kenninger
ARDA Report Shows Rebound for Timeshare Industry
The American Resort Development Association recently released the 2025 edition of its gold standard State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry report, and everyone in the industry should take a moment to review the data it includes. Here are a few highlights, along with a link to download the full report.
The 2025 State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry report highlights a travel industry sector that has not only stabilized after the pandemic but is regaining its momentum. Sales volume reached $10.5 billion in 2024, a slight but meaningful increase over the $10.2 billion reported in 2018. The average transaction price rose to $23,160, up from $21,455 in 2018, while occupancy levels at 80.0% essentially matched pre-pandemic performance (80.8%) and outstripped hotels, which averaged 63% occupancy.
“Strong occupancy will continue through 2025,” predicts ARDA President Jason Gamel. “Nearly 80% of timeshare owners don’t have a loan balance and are traveling with a product that is pre-paid. There is also a lot of general consumer interest in traveling domestically, which bodes well for the nearly 1,500 U.S. timeshare resorts.”
Rental revenues provide further evidence of strength. The 2019 report recorded $2.4 billion in rentals for 2018; by 2024, that figure had grown to $3.2 billion. This 33% increase demonstrates both healthy rental demand and resorts’ agility in optimizing occupancy. In fact, 86% of properties now report operating rental programs, reflecting a strategic focus on maximizing value for both owners and operators.
Structurally, the industry has evolved into a leaner, more efficient base. The U.S. resort count in 2024 was 1,497 with about 195,800 units—a modest contraction since 2019, but one that reflects the intentional exit of older properties and a healthier balance between supply and demand. Larger developers continue to shape the market, and consolidation has brought benefits in branding, distribution, and operational scale.
Maintenance fees stand out as an area of sharper growth. The average billed fee rose from $1,000 per interval in 2018 to $1,480 in 2024, an increase of nearly 50%. By contrast, average resort rental rates grew only 18% in the same period—from $197 per night in 2018 ($1,379 per week) to $232 in 2024 ($1,624 per week). When measured against the broader vacation rental marketplace, the value of ownership still shines through. A comparable two-bedroom Airbnb or Vrbo unit with resort-style amenities typically rents for $2,000–$3,500 per week, once fees and taxes are added. Timeshare owners, in many cases, continue to enjoy both cost savings and the assurance of consistent quality, spacious accommodations, and exchange options.
It’s also important to note that higher maintenance fees reflect the industry’s shift toward larger, higher-quality units and expanded amenities. Active-sales resorts — typically newer and more amenity-rich — have consistently reported higher fees than older, sold-out properties. Owners are therefore paying more, but they are also getting more in terms of space, finishes, and resort experiences.
Taken as a whole, the 2025 report shows an industry that has weathered challenges and emerged more resilient. While rising costs present a concern, consumer demand is steady, rental channels are thriving, and ownership continues to offer meaningful advantages over alternatives. For participants, the message is clear: the foundation is strong, and the opportunity lies in refining value delivery, enhancing owner satisfaction, and leveraging consolidation to ensure sustainable growth.
To download the full 2025 State of the Timeshare Industry Report, or to download other research provided by the ARDA International Foundation, visit ARDA Research & Insights.
