State features that make resorts and timeshares a unique segment of the lodging industry.
Resorts are a unique segment within the hotel industry because of seasonality, a dependence on geographic location, and leisure activities beyond those normally found in a traditional hotel. Timeshares allow persons to own or lease space within a property for some specified time each year. Exchange programs are available that enable owners or leasees to trade time with other owners or leasees in other properties throughout the world.
Describe the types of guests who visit a resort or purchase a unit in a timeshare.
Resort guests come from all over the world and from a wide variety of backgrounds and income levels. Some may attend conventions or business meetings, but most are drawn to the resort primarily for leisure and recreation activities. Those who buy timeshares are often attracted by a desire to return to the resort and/or to utilize other properties on a frequent basis.
Draw an organization chart that shows departments unique to this segment.
Organization charts that indicate areas of responsibility in a resort hotel typically include special activities-related departments featured by the resort. Timeshare properties utilize timeshare sales staff as an integral part of their organization's team.
List and briefly describe the duties of the unique management positions found within resorts and timeshares.
Resorts and timeshares have two specific hospitality management job titles unique to this lodging segment. These are the resort activities director and timeshare sales manager. The duties of a resort activities director vary depending on the activities offered by the resort however, most individuals holding these positions have personnel and financial management responsibilities. Also, they or a subordinate manager must inform guests about leisure activities available during the guests' stay at the resort, assist guests in scheduling leisure activities, and arrange required transportation. They must also ensure that costs required to provide leisure activities are recouped through guest charges. Timeshare sales managers are responsible for the sales of timeshare units. They identify potential buyers, explain the benefits of timeshare ownership, and assist interested buyers in selecting and purchasing the resort unit that best meets the buyer's needs.
Identify significant current and long-term business challenges that confront managers of resorts and timeshares.
Those who manage resorts and sell timeshares face a variety of operational, marketing, and investment challenges. Among the greatest of these are lagging labor productivity gains, increased expectations about social responsibilities and a resort's impact on the local economy and environment, transnational competition for leisure dollars, and, for timeshares, the challenges of developing marketing and exchange programs that ensure continued interest in this specialized resort segment.
