Vacation Ownership Glossary
353 plain-English definitions — every term APAC owners encounter, explained without jargon.
A
An arrangement allowing an owner to use future vacation entitlement earlier than originally scheduled.
Tier CA certificate or benefit providing access to qualifying vacation accommodation under specified conditions.
Tier CVacation points retained or accumulated from previous allocation periods.
Tier CA booking advantage allowing qualifying owners to reserve accommodation before the standard reservation window.
Tier CA resale service requiring an owner to pay a fee before a timeshare is sold or transferred.
Tier BA resort participating in a vacation club or external exchange network.
Tier BA mandatory or optional resort charge covering specified meals, beverages, activities, or services.
Tier COwnership providing vacation entitlement every second year rather than annually.
Tier CThe recurring date used by some clubs to determine annual allocations, membership periods, or benefit renewals.
Tier BThe points, credits, nights, or other vacation entitlement issued to an owner each year.
Tier BRecurring charges associated with membership in a vacation ownership program or club.
Tier BOwnership providing vacation entitlement every year.
Tier CConfirmation of a scheduled vacation ownership presentation.
Tier CAn assessment of the value of a timeshare or vacation ownership interest, where applicable.
Tier CA promotional benefit provided to an eligible participant upon arrival or completion of specified conditions.
Tier CA charge imposed on owners to fund resort expenses or obligations.
Tier BA recurring fee charged by an owners' or homeowners' association.
Tier CVacation accommodation currently open for reservation.
Tier AThe period during which particular vacation inventory may be booked.
Tier CB
Consecutive reservations arranged to create a longer continuous stay.
Tier CUnused vacation points moved into a future use period.
Tier BSaving unused vacation time, points, or credits for later use.
Tier AAn owner's economic or usage interest in vacation property held through a trust or similar structure.
Tier CVacation ownership providing usage every two years.
Tier CThe right to use an ownership interest once every two years.
Tier BAdditional vacation points awarded beyond an owner's standard allocation.
Tier CAdditional vacation accommodation available beyond normal ownership entitlement, often at discounted rates.
Tier CA charge imposed for making certain reservations.
Tier BPreferential reservation access granted to qualifying owners.
Tier CThe period before arrival during which a reservation may be made.
Tier AFuture-year points brought forward for current use.
Tier BUsing future vacation entitlement during an earlier use period.
Tier AA shared vacation residence program associated with a hospitality or luxury brand.
Tier CVacation inventory or entitlement that expires or goes unused.
Tier CDeposit of multiple resort weeks or inventory into an exchange system by a resort or developer.
Tier CA program under which a developer or resort may repurchase qualifying ownership interests.
Tier BCosts payable by a purchaser when completing a timeshare transfer.
Tier CRequirements that a purchaser or promotional-tour participant must satisfy.
Tier CC
Vacation entitlement operating from January through December.
Tier CA prospect requiring follow-up contact by a sales or reservations representative.
Tier CA fee charged when cancelling certain reservations.
Tier CRules governing reservation cancellations and associated penalties.
Tier BThe period during which a reservation can be cancelled under specified conditions.
Tier BDocumentation evidencing a vacation ownership interest or membership.
Tier CThe designated arrival day for a vacation ownership reservation.
Tier CThe process of completing the legal or administrative transfer of an ownership interest.
Tier CA business handling documentation, funds, and other aspects of a timeshare transfer.
Tier CRecurring charges associated with vacation club membership.
Tier CAccommodation made available for reservations within a vacation club.
Tier CParticipation in a vacation club providing specified accommodation or travel benefits.
Tier CUnits used as booking currency within a points-based vacation club.
Tier CA resort participating in a particular vacation club.
Tier CA demand classification affecting point requirements or reservation rights.
Tier CThe annual period governing membership benefits and vacation entitlement.
Tier CA qualifying vacation ownership presentation attended and completed according to the program's requirements.
Tier CA charge for converting an existing ownership interest into another vacation ownership format.
Tier CA program allowing traditional ownership to be converted into points or another usage structure.
Tier CA legally prescribed period during which an eligible purchaser may cancel a timeshare contract.
Tier AVacation club membership held by a company or legal entity.
Tier CMarketing cost incurred for each qualifying completed sales presentation.
Tier CA promotional rule requiring qualifying partners to attend a sales presentation together.
Tier CA vacation ownership structure using credits as reservation currency.
Tier CUse or exchange of eligible vacation ownership benefits toward cruise travel.
Tier CD
Access to specified resort facilities without an overnight stay.
Tier CA legal instrument used to convey ownership of real property, including certain deeded timeshares.
Tier CTransfer of a deeded ownership interest back to an accepting resort, association, or developer.
Tier BTimeshare ownership involving a legal interest in real property.
Tier BA vacation week represented by a deeded ownership interest.
Tier CFailure to satisfy contractual financial or other obligations associated with ownership.
Tier CAn owner account with unpaid fees, assessments, or other amounts due.
Tier CMaintenance fees that remain unpaid after their due date.
Tier CVacation entitlement placed into an exchange system for future use.
Tier CExchange value assigned to deposited vacation ownership inventory.
Tier CA membership program providing access to a portfolio of vacation residences or resorts.
Tier CA resort charge covering specified facilities, amenities, or services.
Tier CThe company responsible for developing or initially marketing a vacation ownership project.
Tier BVacation ownership interests or accommodation inventory controlled by the developer.
Tier CThe purchase price charged by the developer.
Tier CVacation ownership bought directly from the developer.
Tier CA limitation affecting benefits attached to ownership acquired through resale.
Tier CAn exchange arranged directly between owners without a conventional exchange company.
Tier CVacation ownership purchased directly from a developer or club.
Tier CA short-term vacation product designed to introduce prospective customers to a vacation club or resort.
Tier CA resort's participation in more than one exchange network.
Tier CE
Additional privileges provided to qualifying higher-tier owners.
Tier CEnhanced membership status based on qualifying ownership or program criteria.
Tier CA follow-up promotional vacation package offered after an initial sales presentation or stay.
Tier CA one-time charge for joining a vacation ownership program.
Tier CAn arrangement where money or documents are held by a third party until specified conditions are met.
Tier CBiennial ownership providing usage during even-numbered years.
Tier CTrading vacation entitlement for accommodation at another resort, destination, or period.
Tier AAccommodation obtained through a vacation exchange.
Tier CInventory currently obtainable through an exchange program.
Tier CAn organization facilitating exchanges among owners and participating resorts.
Tier BConfirmation that an exchange request has successfully secured accommodation.
Tier BVacation entitlement submitted to an exchange company.
Tier BA charge for completing an exchange transaction.
Tier BMembership providing access to an exchange network.
Tier CA collection of resorts participating in an exchange program.
Tier BAn external travel or accommodation organization participating in a vacation club's exchange arrangements.
Tier CThe relative ability of deposited ownership to obtain desirable exchange accommodation.
Tier BA request for specified accommodation through an exchange network.
Tier BA search for available accommodation within an exchange network.
Tier CA vacation week obtained through an exchange.
Tier CServices intended to help owners evaluate legitimate options for disposing of unwanted vacation ownership.
Tier CA third-party business offering services intended to assist owners in disposing of timeshare interests.
Tier AAn agreement for services related to disposing of or terminating vacation ownership.
Tier CA charge associated with certain ownership termination, surrender, or transfer arrangements.
Tier CA fraudulent or deceptive scheme targeting owners seeking to dispose of timeshares.
Tier BThe date after which unused vacation entitlement is no longer valid.
Tier CAn exchange made through a network outside an owner's primary vacation club.
Tier BF
See Right of First Refusal (ROFR).
Tier COwnership tied to a predetermined vacation period.
Tier COwnership tied to a particular accommodation unit.
Tier COwnership providing use of the same specified week during each applicable year.
Tier BAccommodation not permanently assigned to a specific owner.
Tier COwnership allowing reservations among eligible accommodation units.
Tier COwnership permitting selection of an available week within a specified season.
Tier BA promotional vacation package offering discounted travel or accommodation in connection with attendance at a vacation ownership presentation.
Tier AAn ownership share in a fractional vacation property.
Tier CShared ownership generally providing longer annual usage than conventional timeshare.
Tier CA residence divided among multiple owners with scheduled usage rights.
Tier CTimeshare involving an ownership interest in real property rather than solely contractual usage rights.
Tier CPoints allocated for a future use year.
Tier CG
Delivery of an incentive promised to an eligible presentation participant.
Tier CA vacation week contractually reserved or secured for an owner under specified terms.
Tier CDocumentation authorizing someone other than the owner to use a reservation.
Tier BA charge associated with allowing another person to use vacation entitlement.
Tier CA reservation made by an owner for another person.
Tier CH
A period of strong vacation demand.
Tier CA membership-based program providing vacation accommodation or travel benefits.
Tier CThe resort primarily associated with an owner's vacation ownership interest.
Tier CPreferential reservation rights available at an owner's home resort.
Tier CA reservation period giving home resort owners priority.
Tier CPreferential access to inventory at an owner's home resort.
Tier BThe underlying or originally assigned vacation week associated with ownership.
Tier CAn association responsible for governance or administration of certain ownership properties.
Tier CA vacation ownership program associated with a hotel or hospitality company.
Tier CI
Discounted or complimentary accommodation used to encourage participation in a vacation ownership presentation.
Tier CA financial eligibility criterion used for certain vacation ownership promotions.
Tier BExchange between properties within the same vacation ownership system.
Tier BA reservation made within an owner's own vacation club network.
Tier CA defined period of vacation ownership, traditionally one week.
Tier CA calendar identifying numbered vacation weeks for a particular year.
Tier CA global vacation ownership exchange company that allows eligible members to exchange qualifying vacation ownership interests for stays within its affiliated network and access other travel benefits.
Tier AShared vacation ownership in which different parties receive use during different periods.
Tier CAccommodation available for owner, club, or exchange reservations.
Tier BThe process by which vacation accommodation is allocated and released for booking.
Tier CThe point at which accommodation becomes available for reservations.
Tier BL
Cancellation made close enough to arrival to trigger restrictions or penalties.
Tier CArrival after a resort's standard reception or check-in hours.
Tier CCollection of prospective customer information for qualification and follow-up.
Tier CEvaluation of whether a prospect satisfies specified sales or promotional requirements.
Tier CTimeshare based on a leasehold or time-limited property interest.
Tier CAn owner whose ownership predates significant changes to a vacation club.
Tier CVacation ownership that expires after a defined period.
Tier CA unit capable of being separated into independently usable accommodation sections.
Tier CAccommodation specifically designed for such division.
Tier CA lower-demand vacation period.
Tier BConversion of eligible vacation ownership benefits into hotel loyalty points or similar rewards.
Tier CM
A charge levied to meet maintenance-related expenses.
Tier CA recurring owner charge covering resort operations, upkeep, management, reserves, and related expenses.
Tier AA contractual or regulatory limitation, where applicable, on maintenance fee increases.
Tier CAnnual maintenance cost calculated according to points owned.
Tier CA vacation ownership property operated by a professional management company.
Tier CA contract appointing a company to operate or manage a vacation ownership property.
Tier CThe organization responsible for day-to-day resort management.
Tier CA contract setting out a vacation club member's rights and obligations.
Tier BAccommodation, travel, reservation, or other privileges available to members.
Tier CDocumentation evidencing membership in a vacation ownership club.
Tier CA tier determined by qualifying ownership or program criteria.
Tier CThe period for which membership remains valid.
Tier CA reservation concentrated on weekday nights.
Tier CA smaller vacation ownership network containing a limited collection of resorts.
Tier CA short promotional resort stay commonly connected with a vacation ownership presentation.
Tier CThe shortest reservation permitted for particular accommodation or dates.
Tier BN
The number of points required for one night of accommodation.
Tier CA scheduled prospect who fails to attend a presentation.
Tier BVacation ownership that does not convey a deeded real-property interest.
Tier CA person using accommodation without holding the associated ownership interest.
Tier CFailure to exercise vacation entitlement during its validity period.
Tier CO
Maximum permitted number of guests in a unit.
Tier CBiennial ownership providing usage in odd-numbered years.
Tier CA period of relatively low vacation demand.
Tier CA continuing exchange request that remains active while the system searches for matching inventory.
Tier CMarketing activity conducted at or near a destination to identify and invite prospective customers to a vacation ownership presentation, preview, or related promotion.
Tier BA vacation ownership sales presentation arranged after a prospective customer is approached while already at a resort, hotel, shopping area, attraction, or other destination location, often with an incentive to attend.
Tier AA person or entity holding a vacation ownership interest or entitlement.
Tier BThe account recording an owner's entitlement, reservations, fees, and membership information.
Tier CPrivileges available to eligible owners.
Tier CA reservation using an owner's vacation entitlement.
Tier CA membership or ownership identifier.
Tier CAn online system through which owners manage reservations and account information.
Tier CA prospective customer introduced by an existing owner.
Tier CA program rewarding owners for referring prospective purchasers.
Tier CA department assisting owners with reservations, accounts, fees, and membership matters.
Tier CVoluntary return of an ownership interest through an approved process.
Tier CA meeting or presentation provided to existing owners, sometimes involving additional sales offers.
Tier CAn organization representing owners and administering specified resort matters.
Tier CDocumentation evidencing vacation ownership rights.
Tier CA legal, beneficial, or contractual interest in a vacation ownership arrangement.
Tier BTransfer of vacation ownership from one party to another.
Tier AP
The highest-demand reservation period.
Tier BOwnership without a predetermined expiry date, subject to applicable law and governing documents.
Tier CUnits representing reservation entitlement within a points-based vacation ownership system.
Tier AAn account recording an owner's points allocations and transactions.
Tier CThe quantity of vacation points assigned for a specified use period.
Tier CA schedule showing points required for different accommodation, seasons, or dates.
Tier BA vacation ownership program using points as reservation currency.
Tier CConversion between an ownership interest and a points-based entitlement.
Tier CLoss of unused points after their validity period.
Tier BA specified quantity of vacation club points associated with a purchase or membership.
Tier CA program feature allowing eligible points to retain some value following certain reservation changes or cancellations.
Tier CA booking made using vacation points.
Tier CMovement of eligible points between accounts where permitted.
Tier CThe reservation utility represented by a quantity of vacation points.
Tier CVacation ownership where reservations are primarily made using points.
Tier BAn owner qualifying for an enhanced membership tier.
Tier CSale of vacation ownership before completion or opening of a project.
Tier CA benefit offered in connection with attending a qualifying sales presentation.
Tier BA discounted or promotional resort stay connected with a vacation ownership presentation.
Tier APreferential reservation access available to qualifying owners.
Tier CA luxury shared-ownership arrangement providing access to high-end residences.
Tier CDiscounted or incentivized accommodation associated with vacation ownership marketing.
Tier BA charge associated with professional management of vacation ownership property.
Tier CQ
A couple meeting specified eligibility criteria for a promotional vacation ownership offer.
Tier CA prospective customer satisfying defined sales or marketing criteria.
Tier CA prospective customer meeting specified requirements for a vacation ownership offer or presentation.
Tier BA presentation attended by participants satisfying the applicable qualification requirements.
Tier CConditions a prospective customer must meet for a particular promotion or sales presentation.
Tier BR
A major vacation exchange organization serving affiliated resorts and eligible members.
Tier AVerification of an existing reservation before travel.
Tier CUse of vacation points, credits, or benefits for an eligible reservation or service.
Tier CA program through which eligible vacation ownership accommodation may be rented to third parties.
Tier CA rule limiting an owner's ability to rent vacation ownership accommodation.
Tier CSale of an existing vacation ownership interest by an owner rather than the developer.
Tier AA broker assisting owners and buyers with secondary-market transactions where legally permitted.
Tier CA purchaser acquiring vacation ownership on the secondary market.
Tier CCompletion of a secondary-market timeshare transfer.
Tier CCompensation charged by an eligible intermediary for completing a resale transaction.
Tier CAn advertisement offering an existing vacation ownership interest for sale.
Tier BThe secondary marketplace for existing vacation ownership.
Tier CThe price agreed for an ownership interest on the secondary market.
Tier CA limitation affecting ownership purchased through the secondary market.
Tier BFraud targeting owners or purchasers in the secondary timeshare market.
Tier BThe amount an ownership interest may command on the secondary market.
Tier ACancellation of an eligible timeshare purchase contract within an applicable cancellation period.
Tier AFormal notice used to exercise a purchaser's cancellation right.
Tier BThe applicable period during which an eligible timeshare contract may be cancelled.
Tier CA confirmed booking of vacation accommodation.
Tier BCancellation of a previously confirmed booking.
Tier CDocumentation confirming a successful reservation.
Tier BA charge associated with certain bookings.
Tier BRules determining preferential access to accommodation.
Tier BThe platform or process used to manage vacation ownership bookings.
Tier CA booking, cancellation, modification, or related action recorded against an owner's account.
Tier CCredit usable for specified resort purchases or services.
Tier CA listing of resorts within a vacation ownership or exchange program.
Tier CA charge covering specified resort amenities or services.
Tier CAccommodation controlled or made available by a resort.
Tier CAdministration and operation of a vacation ownership resort.
Tier CA collection of resorts available within a vacation ownership system.
Tier CA demand classification assigned to vacation periods.
Tier CA charge imposed in connection with an ownership transfer.
Tier CA contractual right allowing a designated party to purchase an ownership interest on the same terms offered to an outside buyer.
Tier BA vacation ownership arrangement granting usage rights for a defined term without necessarily conveying real-property ownership.
Tier AA reservation window continuously opening a fixed number of days or months before arrival.
Tier CS
A facility where vacation ownership presentations and sales activities are conducted.
Tier CA presentation explaining and offering vacation ownership products.
Tier ACriteria used to determine whether a prospect is eligible for a particular vacation ownership presentation.
Tier CA structured presentation or resort visit during which vacation ownership is marketed.
Tier BA demand category used to classify vacation periods.
Tier BThe number of points required for accommodation during a particular season.
Tier BThe marketplace for previously owned vacation ownership interests.
Tier BA reservation shorter than a traditional seven-night interval.
Tier CThe travel period between peak and low seasons.
Tier BA pool of vacation inventory deposited with an exchange organization for exchange use.
Tier CAn additional owner charge for significant expenses outside the regular operating budget.
Tier AAn arrangement permitting a traditional vacation week to be divided into shorter stays.
Tier CThe normal booking period available to eligible owners.
Tier CAccommodation generally combining sleeping and living areas in one main space.
Tier CPoints obtained in addition to an owner's standard allocation.
Tier CVoluntary return or relinquishment of an ownership interest where permitted.
Tier AA formal program allowing qualifying owners to return their ownership.
Tier BT
A vacation ownership arrangement providing multiple owners or members with rights to use accommodation at different times.
Tier AAn organization representing or administering owners within a timeshare property.
Tier CCompletion of the legal and administrative process involved in transferring timeshare ownership.
Tier CThe agreement defining purchase, usage, fees, obligations, and other terms of timeshare ownership.
Tier BA deed conveying a real-property interest in a deeded timeshare.
Tier CA company developing and initially selling vacation ownership interests.
Tier CTrading vacation entitlement for another destination, resort, or travel period.
Tier CPermanent disposal, surrender, or termination of a timeshare interest.
Tier CCredit used to finance a vacation ownership purchase.
Tier CA legal process that may result from default on qualifying timeshare-related financial obligations.
Tier CA defined vacation period associated with ownership.
Tier CAdministration of a timeshare resort or ownership program.
Tier CA person or entity holding a timeshare interest.
Tier CA sales presentation promoting vacation ownership.
Tier CSale of an existing timeshare interest to another buyer.
Tier CA resort containing accommodation offered through vacation ownership arrangements.
Tier CTransfer of a timeshare interest between parties.
Tier CLegal evidence or recognition of property ownership in deeded structures.
Tier CExamination of ownership records before certain deeded timeshare transfers.
Tier CTransfer of legal title to a deeded ownership interest.
Tier CA benefit provided for completing an eligible vacation ownership presentation.
Tier CA qualified participant who does not attend a scheduled presentation.
Tier CEligibility requirements for participation in a promotional sales presentation.
Tier BMoving a scheduled vacation ownership presentation to another time or date.
Tier CThe relative exchange strength of deposited vacation ownership.
Tier BThe relative value assigned to vacation ownership inventory for exchange purposes.
Tier CDocumentation governing transfer of an ownership interest.
Tier BA business assisting with documentation and administration of an ownership transfer.
Tier CA fee charged in connection with changing ownership records.
Tier BA rule limiting or conditioning transfer of an ownership interest.
Tier CLimited-duration vacation club membership offered before or instead of full ownership.
Tier CA structure in which vacation property is held through a trust while members receive specified beneficial or usage interests.
Tier CA person or entity responsible for holding or administering assets within a trust-based ownership structure.
Tier CU
A villa, apartment, suite, or other accommodation within a vacation ownership property.
Tier CAllocation of a particular accommodation unit to a reservation.
Tier CThe physical layout and accommodation type of a vacation unit.
Tier CAccommodation category, commonly based on bedrooms and occupancy.
Tier BAn unexpected approach claiming interest in buying, selling, or transferring an owner's timeshare. Additional Specialist Terms
Tier BAn increase in accommodation category, ownership entitlement, or membership level.
Tier CThe amount and type of vacation use an owner is contractually entitled to receive.
Tier BA charge associated with exercising specified vacation ownership rights.
Tier CLegal or contractual rights determining how vacation accommodation may be used.
Tier CThe period during which a particular entitlement may be exercised.
Tier CThe annual period during which an allocation of vacation entitlement is valid.
Tier BV
A membership or ownership program providing access to vacation accommodation.
Tier AUnits used to reserve accommodation or benefits within certain vacation clubs.
Tier CTrading vacation entitlement for another resort, destination, or travel period.
Tier CA defined vacation usage period associated with ownership.
Tier CThe broad industry term for arrangements providing recurring interests or rights in vacation accommodation.
Tier AA representative assisting prospective or existing vacation ownership customers.
Tier CAn organization representing vacation ownership participants or interests.
Tier CAn agreement defining the terms of a vacation ownership purchase or membership.
Tier CA company creating and marketing vacation ownership products.
Tier CA disclosure document providing specified information concerning a vacation ownership offering, where required by applicable law.
Tier BA legal, beneficial, or contractual interest in a vacation ownership arrangement.
Tier CThe legal and operational structure governing a vacation ownership project.
Tier CA sales presentation promoting a vacation ownership product.
Tier CAccommodation, vouchers, points, gifts, tickets, or other benefits offered in connection with a qualifying presentation. Resale, Exit & Owner-Protection Terminology
Tier CA resort participating in a vacation ownership program.
Tier CUnits representing vacation entitlement within a points-based system.
Tier CA booking system through which members reserve accommodation.
Tier CThe annual period governing vacation entitlement.
Tier CW
A request for currently unavailable accommodation if inventory later becomes available.
Tier BThe traditional seven-night unit used in many timeshare systems.
Tier CA calendar mapping numbered timeshare weeks to actual dates.
Tier CThe numbered calendar week associated with traditional timeshare ownership.
Tier CVacation ownership based on a defined week.
Tier CAdditional points or charges associated with higher-demand weekend nights.
Tier CAn exchange arrangement providing access to resorts across multiple countries. Sales, Fly-Buy & Marketing Terminology
Tier C