Caribbean Cougars are Down, Time Shares and Unemployment are Up
It looks like the Caribbean Islands are still calling to U.S. baby boomers and others seeking surf, sand and gentle breezes as their home away from home.
“Member demand for vacation exchange and resort rentals in the Caribbean is strong and we continue to affiliate new projects throughout the region,” said David C. Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International. “In today’s environment, shared ownership offers resort developers a compelling business model with multiple profit centers and higher occupancy levels than hotels. In the case of mixed-use projects, it also provides the potential for cost-saving operating synergies and reduced marketing costs.”
Additionally, interest in the region among U.S. resident leisure travelers considering a shared ownership purchase is significant. According to the Future Timeshare Buyers: 2009 Market Profile, the Caribbean is one of the preferred international destinations of choice among U.S. resident leisure travelers interested in purchasing vacation time in the next two years, as approximately eight in 10 (78 percent) indicate they want to vacation in the region.
Perhaps 2010 will be a better year for time-shares and fractional ownership in the Caribbean. Fractional ownership was really building steam in the Caribbean Islands until the downturn in the global economy. There are many great deals on timeshares and fractionals available in the Caribbean Islands.
Carnival Cruise Lines Says No to Cougars
So-called “Cougars” and the men who pursue them won’t be cruising for companionship on Carnival Cruise Lines.
The Miami-based company has turned down a party planner trying to book a group of older women and younger men.
Barbados Leads Unemployment Jump in Caribbean Islands
The unemployment rate in Barbados jumped from 8.3 percent in 2008 to 10 percent in 2009 making this Caribbean Island the unfortunate leader in increasing unemployment in the region.
