Podcast Summary: Trading Secrets – Episode 269

Jason Gamel: The Business of Timeshares. Myths, Costs & Why the Industry Is Thriving

Date: December 18, 2025
Host: Jason Tartick
Guest: Jason Gamel, President and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA)

Overview

In this episode, Jason Tartick invites Jason Gamel, President and CEO of ARDA, to demystify the often-misunderstood timeshare industry. Through candid discussion, Tartick and Gamel address longstanding myths, outline the real costs and financial models, and examine why timeshares have proven to be one of the travel sector’s most resilient products. They also explore generational trends, consumer protections, and the role of evolving experiences in travel.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining Modern Timeshares

• Misconceptions Abound:
  Many still think of timeshares as inflexible, outdated arrangements (“locked into the same place, same week every year”).
• The Reality Today:
  “Today’s modern timeshare product is very flexible,” says Gamel [08:33]. Most are points-based, offering the flexibility to travel to various destinations and customize stays—much like hotel or airline loyalty programs.

Notable Quote

“A big myth that most people continue to believe… is the same product it was 20, 30, 40 years ago. It’s the same time. I have no flexibility. Quite frankly, it couldn’t be further from the truth today.”
—Jason Gamel [02:16]

2. Community, Home, and the Sharing Economy

• Unique Experience:
  Timeshares foster a sense of “community” and “home”—attributes Tartick and Gamel identify as central to their appeal [04:17].
• Comparison with Other Models:
  The timeshare concept laid the groundwork for the sharing economy, influencing platforms like Uber and Airbnb but with more structure and management.

3. Who Should Consider a Timeshare?

• Great for Groups and Families:
  Larger accommodations featuring multiple bedrooms, kitchens, and shared living spaces set timeshares apart from hotels, especially for multi-generational or group travel [06:45].
• Professional Management:
  Emphasis on peace of mind—maintenance and service are consistent, unlike some short-term rentals.

Notable Quote

“If you’re traveling with a group… you need bedrooms, multiple bedrooms. It’s fantastic to have a living room. Nobody wants to eat their dinner on the bed.”
—Jason Gamel [06:45]

4. Flexibility & Exchange

• Destination Choices:
  Owners can access a network of properties worldwide—“You can get to thousands of properties all around the world through exchange” [08:33].
• Customization:
  Experiences and booking can be tailored through surveys and preferences; points can be exchanged for various experiences.

5. Financial Model & Predictability

• Cost Structure:
  • Initial Purchase: Average price of a two-bedroom, one-week equivalent is around $25,000 [21:09], but can vary based on luxury and brand.
  • Maintenance Fees: Generally predictable; Gamel pays $2,000/year for several weeks’ vacation [14:21].
• Value over Time:
  After the initial purchase, ongoing costs (maintenance) are relatively low compared to hotels—especially as hotel rates have increased by over 30% in the last decade [13:23].

Financial Comparison Example

• Hotels in Hawaii: $900–$3,000+/night at Four Seasons [16:54]
• Timeshare: After initial buy-in, the main recurring cost is maintenance; minimal additional fees compared with hotels.

6. Rental & Exit Flexibility

• Rental Options:
  Owners who cannot use their week can let friends/family use it or rent it out [31:22].
• Exit/Resale:
  Many developers now offer “exit” options or, alternatively, the resale market is viable for some timeshares.

7. Generational Trends

• Millennials & Gen Z:
  Over 50% of current owners are Millennials or Gen Z; they drive two-thirds of new purchases [23:07]. They value customizable experiences, brand partnerships (e.g., F1 races at Hilton resorts), and flexible, shared vacation models.

Memorable Moment

Gamel describes bringing his family to the F1 race in Las Vegas at a timeshare-affiliated grandstand [26:11].

8. Integration with Points & Loyalty Ecosystems

• Strong Brand Partnerships:
  Timeshare ownership can integrate with major hotel loyalty programs—points can be converted or used for unique experiences (Super Bowl, concerts, etc.) [28:08–29:28].
• Payment & Financing:
  Flexible, with in-house developer financing offered (no prepayment penalties) [26:44].

Notable Quote

“How can I get to these really cool experiences and how can I use my timeshare to get to them? … That’s what’s really cool about the way the industry has evolved.”
—Jason Gamel [29:28]

9. Consumer Protection & Industry Regulation

• Bad Actors:
  Acknowledge that scams exist in every industry; bad actors prey on vulnerable timeshare owners [32:53].
• Industry Safeguards:
  ARDA has launched the Timeshare Consumer Protection Center (https://thetcpc.org) with education, resources, and cooperation with authorities [32:53].

Trading Secret

“Never wire funds. If someone says you got to wire money for an offer... you know right then this is a scam.”
—Jason Gamel [35:01]

10. Industry Outlook & Future Trends

• Personalization & Technology:
  Future of travel is highly personalized; tech integration enables seamless trip planning and booking [36:17].
• Expectation of Experiences:
  Owners expect more than just a place to stay—they seek memorable, curated experiences [37:40].
• Hybrid Work/Vacation:
  The blending of work-from-home and vacation has driven new ways to use timeshare properties [41:49].

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction & Industry Background: 00:13–02:16
• Myths vs. Realities of Timeshares: 02:16–04:17
• Defining Timeshare & Its Evolution: 04:17–06:00
• Who Should Consider Timeshare: 06:45–08:18
• Flexibility & Points System: 08:18–09:49
• Financials and Cost-Benefit Analysis: 13:23–17:52
• Gen Z & Millennial Trends: 23:07–26:11
• Payment, Financing, and Points Integration: 26:44–30:11
• Exit Strategies & Rental Options: 31:22–32:26
• Consumer Protection Advice: 32:53–35:13
• Future of the Industry: 36:17–39:18
• Host’s Summary & Personal Takeaways: 46:20–47:45
• Guest’s Personal Trading Secret: 48:21–50:24

Memorable Quotes

• “Customization is so important as opposed to like this cookie cutter approach.” — Jason Tartick [09:49]
• “As an owner… you’re not going to see those resort fees … you’re already paying for whatever amenities through your maintenance fee.” — Jason Gamel [17:52]
• “The longer that you are utilizing the product, the more value over the 10 year that you’re getting…” — Jason Tartick [22:19]
• “Over 50% of all timeshare owners and 2/3 of new purchasers are Gen Z or Millennials.” — Jason Gamel [23:07]
• “Never wire funds… If somebody says you got to wire money … you know right then and there this is a scam.” — Jason Gamel [35:01]

Recommended Resources & Links

• ARDA: arda.org
• Go Timesharing: gotimesharing.com — Education, surveys, and info on trying or buying timeshare.
• Timeshare Consumer Protection Center: thetcpc.org — Consumer protection resources, education about scams.
• Brands Mentioned: Hilton Grand Vacations, Hyatt Vacation Club, Marriott (Bonvoy), Disney, Wyndham, Travel & Leisure, Holiday Inn Club, Choice/Bluegreen, Westgate.

Final Takeaways

• Do Your Research:
  Timeshares offer significant flexibility, value, and experiences when matched with the right vacation style. Explore, compare, and verify before committing.
• Financial Predictability:
  They allow travelers to lock in predictable vacation costs, shielding against rising hotel prices.
• Customization is Key:
  The modern timeshare is customizable, tech-enabled, and community-focused—no longer a “one-size-fits-all” deal.
• Stay Safe:
  Beware of offers that require you to “wire funds” upfront—do your due diligence.
• Think Different:
  Gamel’s Trading Secret: Do what others don’t; persistence and thinking outside the box lead to success in both career and travel.

For further details and the chance to win a free vacation, check out Jason Tartick’s Instagram (@Jason_Tardick) and the respective websites above.