AIRTOURS is to start selling its timeshare product through its HolidayWorld superstore in York from January 2000.
A stand dedicated to selling timeshare will be set up at the superstore by the Airtours timeshare arm Airtours Vacations which will employ specialist staff to sell the product.
The move follows research carried out among existing Airtours’ customers which showed strong interest in the lucrative product.
Speaking at the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe conference in Tenerife, Airtours Vacations managing director John MacDonald said the company also benefited from spin-offs such as the sale of flights to timeshare owners.
The company has now started using the Going Places database as an additional method of targeting potential clients.
Airtours has underlined its commitment to expanding its timeshare business by buying out the 50% stake held by partner Emerson Holdings in its Florida complex.
MacDonald admitted developing the Florida resort had been a difficult learning curve.
The company has now switched from selling the property to the local Florida residents. Now over 55% of sales are generated from Great Britain.
Airtours is planning a second resort in Gran Canaria, a combined hotel and timeshare resort.
The hotel will have 380 rooms and be featured in Airtours brochures. There will be between 150-180 timeshare units.
“There will be a lot of different profit streams and cross marketing,” said Mr MacDonald.
Airtours average timeshare sale is around £7,000.