RCI-Kantar IMRB Report

by Shrutee K/DNS

The survey conducted by Kantar IMRB for RCI reveals new data on the timeshare concept and general Indian travel preferences

India– A new report from RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange benchmarks current attitudes towards timeshare and highlights the latest trends and habits among Indian travelers. Findings revealed that consumers view vacation ownership rather favorably with 7 in 10 consumers who don’t currently own timeshare reporting they find the concept appealing and relevant. The study shows that when it comes to their holiday, Indians are interested in escaping the daily grind and reconnecting with loved ones.

Conducted by Kantar IMRB for RCI, the report comprised a sample size of 2008 in depth interviews across including Delhi, Ludhiana, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and other major cities. Out of the total sample size 31% of the respondents were timeshare owners.

The report revealed many interesting findings on the timeshare concept, as outlined below.

The Timeshare Effect: Satisfying, worry-free holidays

The survey examined holiday satisfaction rates among Indian travelers, and found a significant gap between timeshare owners and non-owners. When it comes to overall holiday satisfaction, 55% of timeshare owners reported being very satisfied compared to just 37% of non-owners.

More timeshare owners also reported being very satisfied compared to non-owners with specific aspects of their holiday:

Accommodation: Timeshare owners - 57%, non-owners - 37%

Tourist Safety: Timeshare owners - 54%, non-owners - 33%

Fits in budget: Timeshare owners - 47%, non-owners - 33%

Landmarks and sightseeing options: Timeshare owners - 58%, non-owners - 41%

The timeshare owner segment also had significantly less worries while on holiday. When asked about having concerns on holidays, Timeshare owners were significantly less concerned about cheats and pickpockets, accommodation quality and food options.

The Timeshare Opportunity

The report findings suggest the timeshare industry in India is well-positioned for growth. An impressive 70% of those who do not currently own timeshare find the concept appealing and relevant, and more than half (52%) said they would be willing to sign up for a timeshare package in the future.

Indian travelers also cited high levels of interest in many features that are considered the hallmarks of a timeshare vacation:

73% are interested in a vacation product that helps you plan a vacation every year

72% are interested in a product with a high level of amenities

69% are interested in a product that offers multiple bedrooms and common living areas

68% are interested in a product that blocks current rates for future holidays

Sabina Chopra, managing director, RCI India said, “It is encouraging to observe the response to timeshare in recent times.  Timeshare has redefined the satisfaction quotient for the Indian traveler by providing convenient bookings, planning efficiency to scenic destinations, five-star quality accommodation, and adventurous activities.

“Indian travelers have reiterated their preference for timeshare holidays as it gives them the perennial experience of enjoying a gamut of holiday benefits,” she continued. “This is reflected in the results of the survey, which show that timeshare owners are much more satisfied with their vacations compared to non-owners. The findings also reveal there is a clear opportunity for our industry with nearly 3 in 4 who don’t own expressing interest in a product that helps them plan a hassle-free vacation and more than half showing willingness to sign up in the future.”

The study also brings out some notable travel trends:

General Indian Travelers: Seeking Rejuvenation and Quality Time

The study examined Indian travelers to understand their motivations behind taking a holiday and the factors that go into deciding where to go. The top rated reason travelers take a vacation is to rejuvenate (60%), followed closely by spending quality time with family (51%) and taking time away from city life (36%).

When deciding on a destination for holiday, travelers cited scenic beauty (64%), convenient place to travel to (55%) and affordable (42%) as their top factors. As a result, Goa, Delhi and Kerala were the most popular domestic destinations among Indian travelers. Globally, Indian travelers are most likely to travel to Dubai (20%), Thailand (13%) and Singapore (12%).

The survey also revealed that Indian travelers relish the last-minute decisions, with more than four in 10 planning their holidays four weeks or less ahead of time.

About RCI

RCI is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange with over 4,300 affiliated resorts in nearly 110 countries. RCI pioneered the concept of vacation exchange in 1974, offering members increased flexibility and versatility with their vacation ownership experience. Today, through the RCI Weeks® program, the week-for-week exchange system, and the RCI Points® program, the industry’s first global points-based exchange system, RCI provides flexible vacation options to its 3.8 million RCI subscribing members each year. RCI’s luxury exchange program, The Registry Collection® program, is the world’s largest program of its kind with approximately 200 affiliated properties either accessible for exchange or under development on six continents.  RCI is part of Wyndham Destination Network and the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN). For additional information visit our media center or rciaffiliates.com. RCI also can be found on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.