4 Travel Trends Shaping Timeshare
Timeshare used to be all the rage. In the ’80s and ’90s, and even into the 2000s, just about everyone seemed to be buying fixed-resort timeshare for an annual week or two. But are people still investing in it post-Covid?
According to Samantha Pillay, Director at ekko, a new lifestyle portfolio concept, the answer is yes, but adds that timeshare has definitely evolved from the traditional model. “The COVID-19 pandemic may have brought tourism to a halt almost overnight in 2020, but research shows that there is currently a major travel boom globally, actually exceeding pre-COVID numbers. Having suffered through two years of border closures, cancelled flights and disruption, restrictions have finally relaxed, and people are itching to travel,” she says. “In fact, this renewed desire to travel has created massive congestion and lengthy delays for many passengers at major international airports and has also resulted in prices sky-rocketing.
Samantha adds that people are now looking for more than just an annual holiday, they want more inclusive lifestyle elements. Local travel, mini breaks and new destinations hold strong appeal, as people want to experience life to the full again but they are becoming increasingly selective about accommodation choices, dining options and entertainment. ekko recognized the need for an inclusive next-generation lifestyle ownership opportunity that would not just give shareholders access to vacations but unbelievable privileges in other areas too, offering far more bang for their buck. So how is ekko catering for next-level living for the new generation?
1. Everyday privileges: Whether at home or away, lifestyle benefits can make all the difference as the cost of everyday living skyrockets. Driving down costs on the things people enjoy most, like eating out, taking the kids to the movies, spending a day at the spa, or even going skydiving or bungee jumping, their shareholders never pay full price. With ekko they get to do everyday and extra special activities for less, with benefits like R120 back in their pocket every time they dine out at 1500+ restaurants countrywide, “buy 1 get 1 free” movies, popcorn and soda at all leading cinemas, free coffee and a whole host of other privileges they can enjoy every day!
2. Increased flexibility: The old days of being limited to the same resort, at the same time, year after year, are out! Aside from wanting to explore new locations, the new world of remote working means more and more consumers can combine work and leisure too. As such, people want to be able to pick up and go whenever, or wherever the mood (or work!) takes them. The ekko lifestyle portfolio is designed to meet this need for flexibility. Disrupting the traditional timeshare model, shareholders are able to travel to affiliated local and international destinations whenever they like, throughout the year.
3. Destination diversity: Consumers no longer want to be bound to the same locale year in and year out and fixed resort timeshare does not hold the same appeal as being able to choose from a wide variety of destinations. Whether travelling locally or internationally, there’s a world of choice awaiting savvy travellers. The beauty about ekko is that it offers an exciting share portfolio that unlocks access to over 60 luxury resorts in South Africa and an eye-watering array of 500 000+ luxury hotels and resort options around the globe at up to 50% off. Add to that, discounted flights and car hire and you can afford to satisfy your wanderlust wherever the mood takes you.
4. Added value: ekko is all about helping consumers live their best life and making their money go further. From massively discounted luxury holidays to restaurants, movies and spas, an ekko portfolio opens up a world of possibility. With 30% off their Celebrity Collection of penthouses, venues and villas, 20% off ocean cruises, and 20% off unlimited spa treatments at La Vita spas countrywide (plus one free treatment every year!), ekko shareholders can enjoy next-level living as part of their share portfolio at a fraction of the cost.
With a growing consumer desire for value for money and added benefits, there’s no doubt the traditional timeshare model was due for a revamp. “We have to meet our consumers where they’re at in the now. ekko is not just the means for a guaranteed vacation, it is an all-encompassing next-generation lifestyle that offers clients a portfolio of ever-evolving benefits to meet their changing needs. We pride ourselves on being able to continually create new and exciting benefits that’ll empower them to experience leisure opportunities they’ve only ever dreamt of before,” concludes Samantha.
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