Chaos created by the pandemic has forced travellers to rethink their approach to travel. There’s a strong pent-up desire to holiday, but latest trends reveal that uncertain times are making the assurance and flexibility of member-based travel more attractive than ever before.
“The best thing about our membership is the fact that we can always travel and family can come with us. Regardless of their financial position, we can go on holiday together because we have the option to book one, two, or even three and four-bedroom club apartments,” said Margit Kilpi, Club Wyndham South Pacific member since 2002.
“We have taken family to Airlie Beach, the Sunshine Coast, Victoria, New Zealand and more. The best thing about our membership is being able to share holidays with loved ones,” said Kilpi.
The purchase of holiday credits with Australian based, Club Wyndham South Pacific has increased mid-pandemic with revenue up nearly five percent for upgrade sales in 2020 compared to 2019.
Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director International Operations, Wyndham Destinations – which supports the development of three vacation clubs across Asia Pacific – says member-based travel is becoming increasingly more appealing to travellers.
“The concept of member-based travel is growing in popularity right now and has created a very unique position for us. Travellers want to guarantee their holidays in the future so they can enjoy them no matter what financial circumstances may befall them. They want flexible booking policies and choice when it comes to planning, and spaces that are conducive to social distancing, but feature the stringent standards offered by a trusted resort brand. Think multi-bedroom suites, fully-equipped kitchens, relaxed living spaces and an abundance of free activities: that’s what our clubs offer,” said Mr Robinson.
Laura Younger, General Manager, Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council, says that with Australians now emerging from frequent lockdowns, the industry is seeing a huge appetite for travel and a rise in family reunions across Australian club resorts.
“As access to vaccinations improve and consumer confidence levels increase, families are reuniting and missed milestones are being celebrated. Anniversary trips and special occasion trips are also very popular. Vacation club apartments provide families the space to holiday together and create those treasured memories and that’s the beauty of vacation club membership,” said Younger.
Club Wyndham South Pacific has close to 60,000 members and 51 resort locations in its collection, with 27 resorts across Australia and New Zealand.
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