From Where I Sit: Perspectives on the Year Ahead
By Geri Bain
With change comes opportunity. That’s
certainly the view of the six industry leaders that we had the chance to talk with
for their perspectives on where vacation ownership is headed in 2017. These
leaders were selected because of their innovation and ability to change with
the times. With each industry titan we discussed successes, challenges and the
overall outlook heading into 2017. Here are some key points from our interviews.
Jon P.
Fredricks, president & CEO, Welk Resorts says consumer desires are
changing more rapidly than ever. Fortunately, the timeshare industry thrives on
change and has been meeting the new needs of consumers through diverse product
options.
David C.
Gilbert, president, Interval International has a positive outlook for the
future, saying that the timeshare industry has seen increases in sales in the
U.S. for the last several years and, with the addition of new resorts being
built, he anticipates that will continue.
Mitchell
Imanaka, managing principal, Imanaka Asato had similar sentiments as
Gilbert, stating the slow and measured recovery of the economy, coupled with a
low interest rate environment, has set the stage for greater demand, which will
drive increased development activity.
Gordon
Gurnik, president, RCI thinks that the timeshare industry will also grow
internationally because, globally, the feeling that vacationing is essential to
well-being and success is more pervasive than ever. And timeshare is well-positioned
to provide that guaranteed vacation, year after year.
Ken
Potrock, senior vice president and general manager, Disney Vacation Club believes
the industry needs to continue to push for a higher standard of customer care
so that the focus stays on the great benefits that vacation ownership provides.
Find out what else these insightful leaders had
to say in our discussion about the upcoming year for the timeshare industry in the
recent January edition of Developments.