According to Timeshare: Holidays Forever—Growing Regional Tourism,⁶ the Australian vacation ownership industry has seen a resurgence over the past five to six years. The number of timeshare owners has increased by 50% to more than 125,000, the number of resorts has increased from 57 to 73, and the average annual net sales of timeshare has grown to $173 million. Overall, the industry has recorded average annual growth of 10%, making it the fastest growing segment of Australia’s tourism industry. Additionally, in 2004-2005

• 39% of timeshare owners are very satisfied and a further 42% satisfied (totaling 81% satisfaction overall).
• 73 timeshare resorts existed in June 2005 with 2,308 timeshare units located primarily in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
• Timeshare shows a consistently high occupancy rate of 86%.
• Timeshare owners paid an estimated $57.7 million in annual maintenance fees.
• Full-time equivalent employees at 2,540 (approx 5,800 employees).
• Timeshare companies paid $98.2 million to employees.
• Timeshare owners and guests spent $91.6 million while holidaying at Australian timeshare resorts.
• Total direct taxes paid by the timeshare industry were estimated at $22.7 million.

Full copies of this report are available by contacting ATHOC at info@athoc.com.au.

⁶ The Economic Significance of the Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership industry 2004/2005. Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council, Ltd., 2006. Prepared from various sources including surveys by AEC Group Ltd., ARDA, Ragatz Associates, and others.