timeshareAdvisor, a free, comprehensive travel review site for the Timeshare Resort Industry, launched today providing consumers the ability to explore more than 5,000 timeshare resorts throughout the world, read and provide customer reviews on specific resorts, view photos, and get helpful information and tips from other timeshare enthusiasts and resort managers on how to make the most of their timeshare experience.

According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), a professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries, the U.S. timeshare industry is a $6.5 billion a year business and one of the fastest growing segments in the global travel and tourism industries. Also according to ARDA, among U.S. timeshare owners, 83 percent indicate satisfaction with their experience, 66 percent would recommend their home resort to family and friends, and 59 percent would recommend timeshare in general.

“Timeshares are one of the best kept secrets in travel!” said Suzanne Harris , Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, timeshareAdvisor. “There are several general travel review websites available for consumers today and we have identified a real void in the Timeshare Industry. Our goal is to be a valuable resource for consumers and also support timeshare developers and managers by giving them the opportunity to showcase their properties to current and potential timeshare owners.”

Like any online travel site, timeshareAdvisor has an array of tools to make it quick and easy to research resorts by name, destination, brand, Exchange Company or interest. Once the resort is selected, additional filters allow users to narrow their search by amenities and features such as pool, laundry facilities, and WiFi access. Each Resort page includes: an Overview, Reviews, Photos, Location Maps and Manager Tips.  “A unique feature of timeshareAdvisor is our Manager Tips section where we encourage Resort managers to provide as much information as possible on their property in order for consumers to make an informed decision,” Harris said.

timeshareAdvisor also offers an incentive-based Go and Tell Points program, making it simple and rewarding for timeshare enthusiasts to share their personal experiences of resorts they have visited by posting reviews and photos. To become a member all they need to do is create a profile.  As part of the program, members receive points for participation and qualify for regular iPad mini prize drawings. “Social media makes it quick and easy to share all types of experiences and we want to reward our members for spreading reviews for the Timeshare Resort Industry,” Harris added.