The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) is the Washington D.C.-based professional association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Established in 1969, ARDA today has nearly 1,000 corporate members ranging from privately held firms to publicly traded companies and international corporations with expertise in shared ownership interests in leisure real estate. The membership also includes timeshare owner associations (HOAs), resort management companies, and owners through the ARDA Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC).

ARDA promotes the growth and development of the timeshare industry through a variety of capacities:

Advocacy: Actively involved in local, state and national governmental affairs, ARDA monitors regulatory issues that effect timeshare. ARDA actively engages in lobbying efforts focused on the establishment of a legislative environment that fosters industry growth and that further enhances consumer confidence and protection.

Networking: ARDA offers industry professionals educational and networking opportunities through its Annual Convention and Exposition, Fall Conference, and a variety of regional educational seminars offered each year.

Business Partnerships/Bridge-Building: Through alliances with organizations in related and complementary industries in the U.S. and overseas, ARDA pursues business and growth opportunities on behalf of its members.

Outreach: ARDA reaches out to myriad audiences with news of the bright future and positive economic impact of the timeshare industry and the increasingly diverse and attractive vacation ownership opportunities now available to consumers.

Knowledge: Through a variety of informational tools, including published research summaries, news updates and alerts, Developments Magazine, and its web site, ARDA shares market intelligence and keeps its members informed of industry trends and current events.

Support and Development: ARDA’s Educational Institute (AEI) offers professional and educational development through publications covering the industry’s ethical, legal, regulatory, and operational intricacies; study courses; tests that assess industry knowledge; and recognition of continuing educational efforts.

The ARDA-Resort Owners Coalition (ARDA-ROC) is the first line of defense against legislation that may negatively impact timeshare owners and their well-being. Through ARDA-ROC, owners can be part of an effective grassroots lobbying coalition of timeshare unit owners dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing vacation ownership.

The ARDA International Foundation (AIF) serves as ARDA's educational and research arm, supporting active research on key topics in the industry. In the midst of ARDA's growth, the timeshare segment of the industry believed that more resources were needed to address their unique needs. The International Foundation for Timeshare (ITF) was founded in May 1982 to enhance the timesharing industry and help ensure its longevity through research, technical studies and education. With a membership of 54 Directors and Fellows and an endowment of over $1 million, the International Timeshare Foundation has pursued its goals of industry education, research and enhancement. During the last 14 years, the Foundation has provided funding for a number of significant research programs and through its Think Tank sponsorships, brought critical issues affecting the future of vacation ownership to the attention of industry leaders.

ARDA was formed in 1969 as the American Land Development Association.

External links

American Resort Development Association ("ARDA")