Since its founding in 2013, Vacatia has been at the forefront of innovation in the timeshare industry, delivering customer-centric solutions that address the unique needs of independent resorts. Resorts that partner with Vacatia appreciate the ability to modernize through innovative growth strategies, state-of-the-art tools, and a hospitality-first approach. At the heart of this success is Vacatia’s Rentals Team, whose dedication, expertise, and ingenuity have redefined rental management in the timeshare industry.
A Team of Innovators and Problem-Solvers
The Vacatia Rentals Team has set a new industry standard by combining hotel-style revenue management strategies with a deep understanding of timeshare operations. Unlike traditional hotel models, timeshare properties face unique challenges, such as managing HOA-controlled and delinquent inventory in fixed unit/fixed week owner environments. The Rentals Team has built a holistic approach that maximizes rental revenue while improving the financial health of their resort partners. They empower owners to monetize unused timeshare weeks, helping offset maintenance fees and increase overall satisfaction. Also important is understanding the impact to resort operations. This team works in lock-step with each of their managed resort teams to ensure that key resort operations, such as housekeeping and maintenance, have the staff and resources to support the incremental guests and deliver the experience they deserve.
The team is under the direction of Vacatia CEO Caroline Shin, who pioneered well-known travel programs that are now mainstays in the hospitality industry for companies including Hotwire.com, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and Senitent Jet. She has curated a team with unparalleled expertise and the ability to tailor solutions to the specific needs of each resort. Its success has now attracted more than 750+ industry partners. Their efforts have not only driven exceptional financial results but have also enhanced the guest experience, ensuring lasting value for owners and renters alike while introducing their resorts to a new consumers and potential future owners. Here are just a few examples:
• VSA Resorts: One shining example of the Rentals Team’s success is their transformative work with VSA Resorts, which manages three properties in Virginia Beach. Historically, these properties struggled to generate rental revenue during the off-season. Vacatia implemented a two-pronged approach, leveraging cutting-edge revenue management technologies and expanding marketing efforts to attract younger consumers. By increasing distribution and optimizing rates, the team significantly boosted awareness and occupancy rates, achieving a 148% increase in overall rental revenue and a 212% increase in shoulder-season rentals,.
• Scottsdale Camelback Resort: At Scottsdale Camelback Resort, Vacatia’s Rentals Team achieved record-breaking success. Resort Manager Julie Witt initially doubted the potential for further improvement after achieving $1.8 million in rental revenue in 2022. However, with Vacatia at the helm for its initial year in 2023, the resort achieved an extraordinary $2.7 million in rental revenue—a 50% year-over-year increase. Witt’s enthusiastic endorsement speaks volumes: “We booked a record-high $1.8 million in rentals in 2022, so I didn’t think Vacatia could do better when we hired them to manage the resort in 2023. Guess what? We booked $2.7 million last year — a 50% increase. I’ve never been so grateful to be so wrong.”
• Grand Shores West: Grand Shores West, located on the pristine beaches of St. Petersburg and Tampa, faced significant challenges. The property’s units hadn’t been updated since the 1980s, making it difficult to attract new owners and renters. Vacatia crafted a customized solution that included a loan to the HOA, enabling the resort to undertake a comprehensive renovation. By enhancing the property’s appeal and aligning rental strategies with the improved guest experience, the resort achieved a 178% increase in rental revenue post-renovation. The increased rental revenue is funding payments for the renovations and everyone benefits. Says one enthusiastic owner: “The renovated units are beautiful. I can hardly wait for the completion.”
A Legacy of Excellence
The Vacatia Rentals Team’s achievements go beyond numbers. Their innovative strategies have redefined what’s possible in the timeshare industry, earning the trust of partners and elevating the guest experience. Their holistic approach—blending technology, marketing, and revenue management—has proven transformative for resorts facing diverse challenges. By maximizing inventory utilization, improving financial stability, and creating opportunities for owners, the team has set a gold standard for the industry.
With over 750 partnerships and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Rentals Team exemplifies the best of Vacatia’s mission. Their impact is not only felt in financial metrics but also in the lives of the owners and guests they serve. Their innovation, dedication, and transformative impact make the Vacatia Rentals Team most deserving of GNEX Award for Best Team.
