Inflation-Proof Travel — Why Travellers are Turning to Vacation Ownership

Club Wyndham Denarau Island Fiji

In today’s inflationary economy, families are facing increasing challenges in planning affordable vacations due to rising hotel rates and fluctuating travel expenses. To address this, a growing number of travellers are turning to vacation ownership.

According to ARDA, the vacation ownership industry in the USA experienced an upturn in sales volume by 30% to $10.5 billion from 2022 to 2023. Industry heavyweight Travel + Leisure Co. has also reported an impressive 93 percent increase in travellers joining its vacation ownership club, Club Wyndham Asia over the same period.

The concept of vacation ownership first originated in the 1960s in ski resorts, giving travellers the chance to share in the use of one resort apartment across the ski season. However today’s vacation clubs, such as Club Wyndham South Pacific, Accor Vacation Club and Club Wyndham Asia have evolved into sophisticated offerings with a vast choice of international resort destinations and year-round access.

As such, many travellers are re-evaluating the vacation ownership concept with a fresh perspective. The compelling value proposition resonates with those prioritising stability and affordability in their vacation plans. As families seek cost-effective ways to plan their getaways, vacation clubs are increasingly gaining appeal.

Club Wyndham Asia’s membership program helps families mitigate the impact of economic fluctuations as members can lock in access to a choice of vacation accommodation every year until 2040 by purchasing membership at today’s price. It is also one of the first short-term vacation clubs to emerge in the marketplace, giving it additional appeal.

“When you take regular vacations, the cost of hotel accommodations can add up quickly. By becoming a Club Wyndham Asia member, you can make great savings because the exchange value of current club resorts will not increase; you will use the same number of member points to book the same vacation suite today as you will in 10 or 20-years’ time,” said Barry Robinson, President & Managing Director, International Operations, Travel + Leisure Co.

Mark Paul Curtis, a Club Wyndham South Pacific member since 2006 who lives in Sydney, Australia recently expanded his horizons by also joining Club Wyndham Asia.

“I have a mathematical brain, and when I first delved into the concept 17 years ago, I realised that with inflation, hotel room rates would rise over time. The club has consistently delivered outstanding value, offering top-notch resort stays and stellar service from their staff. I am very happy that I joined,” said Mr Curtis.

Further adding to the value of the club experience, Club Wyndham South Pacific has recently introduced a host of over 200 activities across its resort network that are complimentary for club members. These include stand-up paddle boards, boogie boards, beach umbrellas, buckets and spades, which are all free to use for club members at the club’s managed coastal properties. Other activities include e-bikes, e-scooters, and pushbikes; a hobby farm; pedal carts; gem and gold fossicking; and much more.

Club Wyndham Asia and Club Wyndham South Pacific are part of Travel + Leisure Co. the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company. Its industry-leading brands include Club Wyndham, Accor Vacation Club, Worldmark by Wyndham, Shell Vacations Club, and Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham with more than 850,000 club members worldwide.