1960s
First originating in Europe in the 1960s, the concept of owning – not renting – your vacation caught on quickly in a post-World War II America. These early timeshare resorts represented the fractional ownership model (commonly referred to as “fixed” weeks or units today), with owner families returning to the same property, in the same room, at the same time, year after year.
While this approach resulted in small scale success at the individual resort level, the number of families who could vacation in this manner was ultimately limited, and thus the market for timeshare remained small.
1970s
1974
Timeshare skyrocketed in the 1970s thanks to the dawn of timeshare exchange, which was first introduced in 1974 by RCI (originally known as Resort Condominiums International, Inc.), led by Christel and Jon Dehaan.
By joining the RCI exchange network, owners could now "deposit" their fixed week at one resort in exchange for a stay at a different resort within the RCI affiliate network. This newly added flexibility revolutionized the product, allowing timeshare to be marketed to a much wider segment of vacationers.
From its first office in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, RCI facilitated exchanges among 453 members during its inaugural year.
1975
RCI begins developing content to educate members on how to get the most from their exchange platform, publishing its first resort directory and first member newsletter. This content helps inspire 236 exchanges during the company’s second year.
1976
As vacation ownership continues to gain popularity, Mexico becomes a desirable destination for timeshare investments in major tourist hubs like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. Two years after its founding, RCI opens its second office – and its first location outside the U.S. – in Mexico to help meet this demand.
1977
RCI and vacation exchange continue to grow around the world. The company opens its third office location, planting its flag in London, a city steeped in rich history and iconic architecture. RCI members are introduced to Endless Vacation® magazine, the official travel publication of RCI.
1980s
1983
In less than ten years since it was first established, RCI is named to the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing, privately-owned U.S. businesses. This prestigious list that remains a hallmark of entrepreneurial success.
1985
By the mid-1980s, timeshare sales are skyrocketing thanks in part to the floating-time concept, which frees owners from being locked into a specific week and unit, demonstrating vacation ownership’s potential to be a major player in the holiday business. RCI welcomes its 1,000th resort affiliate.
1986
As branded hospitality companies enter the industry, consumer interest in timeshare continues to pick up speed. In 1986, RCI confirms more than 300,000 exchanges among its engaged members.
1989
RCI has some major reasons to celebrate. The company reaches its 15-year anniversary and surpasses one-million-member families.
1990s
1991
RCI establishes its RCI Gold Crown Resort quality recognition program, recognizing affiliate resorts that have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. Announced annually, this program helps promote consistent, positive, and memorable travel experiences for RCI members.
1994
RCI celebrates its 20th anniversary as the global leader in vacation exchange. The company now employs 3,400 associates in 54 offices in 26 countries.
1996
With the dawn of the internet comes a new way for RCI to connect with its members and affiliates – and promote exchanges. RCI makes huge strides with the launch of RCI.com. That same year, hotel operations company HFS Inc., eventually renamed Cedant Corporation, acquires RCI.
1998
RCI co-founder, Christel Dehaan, establishes Christel House International, a public charity with a mission to help impoverished children around the world to break the cycle of poverty. The organization remains the RCI charity of choice to date. In addition to raising and donating tens of thousands of dollars each year, RCI associates also devote countless hours to the Christel House cause.
1999
Over 12 million people take a timeshare vacation in 1999. RCI confirms more than 2.7 million exchanges and is responsible for sending an estimated 7.5 million of those 12 million people on holiday.
2000s
2000
The flexible points-based timeshare model picks up speed throughout the 90s and beyond. In response, RCI launches RCI Points. As the largest global points-based exchange system to date, RCI Points adds even more flexibility to the product of timeshare.
2002
As the introduction of luxury hotels takes travel to a whole new level in the early 2000s, luxury vacation ownership products are also developed. In 2002, RCI launches the world’s first luxury exchange program, then A&K Registry, now The Registry Collection® program. That same year, RCI launched the RCI Elite Rewards Mastercard, rewarding members for their travel-related expenses, as well as everyday purchases.
2004
RCI celebrates 30 years of unforgettable vacations with its three million RCI subscribing members.
2006
Cedant Corporation’s hospitality and timeshare business, including RCI, are spun off under the name Wyndham Worldwide
2008
RCI continues to enhance member tools, unveiling its first ‘green’ directory and introducing enhanced online search capabilities. The company also welcomes its 4,000th affiliated resort.
2009
RCI TV, the first online video network of its kind in the industry, launches, helping showcase affiliate resorts and destinations to RCI members through the power of video.
2010s
2010
RCI introduces “Trading Power” for RCI Weeks members, helping members exchange for a vacation comparable to the one they already own. The company also rolls out the RCI Platinum-membership tier, providing even more travel benefits and perks to meet members’ vacation needs.
2011
RCI announces the winners of its first annual RCI Green Awards, celebrating RCI affiliated resorts that actively engage in sustainable practices. To determine which resorts are leading the industry in sustainability, RCI partners with GreenCircle Certified to assess and rate all that choose to enter the awards program. RCI Presenter, an engaging, touch-screen sales tool, is also introduced, helping RCI affiliates educate consumers about timeshare and the benefits of exchange.
2012
As smartphones become standard for the average consumer, RCI launches a mobile version of RCI.com in the U.S. Meanwhile, RCI content surpasses one million views on YouTube.
2014
Timeshare continues its upward trend, with increased sales volume and occupancy in 2014. The industry joins in celebration of a big milestone – the 40th anniversary of RCI.
2015
RCI LiveStream launches, offering a visual remote selling system – the first of its kind in the timeshare industry. Resort representatives can now share their sales presentations with travel-lovers face-to-face through video conferencing, without the need for consumers to be physically on site.
2018
Wyndham Worldwide completes a spin-off of its hotel company, and Wyndham Destinations debuts as a pure-play timeshare and exchange business on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WYND).
2019
RCI debuts a new mobile app, designed to make booking vacations easier and faster than ever before for RCI members worldwide.
2020s
2020
RCI receives a new look and feel, re-launching as The New Shape of Travel, strengthened by the addition of hotels, car rentals, and activities to its portfolio. RCI members can now search and book hotels alongside resorts, using their trading power or points to reduce the price, with additional discounts for RCI Platinum members.
2021
Wyndham Destinations acquires the Travel + Leisure brand and renames itself Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL), the new parent company of RCI. RCI introduces OptiREZ, providing resorts with the perfect mix of insights, analytics, and tools to unlock maximum revenue potential – delivering results with little to no cost or effort on the part of the HOA or resort management.
2023
RCI is celebrated with two industry awards, including the Social Media Campaign award for the RCI Insiders Facebook Group at the ARDA (American Resort Development Association) Spring Conference, as well as the GNEX Vacation Industry Award for the Best Integrated Marketing Campaign.
2024
RCI celebrates its 50th anniversary with 3.5 million members around the world and a network of 4,000 affiliated resorts in approximately 100 countries. As the pioneer of vacation exchange, the company continues to evolve amid an ever-changing travel landscape – meeting members where they are and supporting its affiliates. As RCI heads into its sixth decade, expect even more. More benefits. More flexibility. More value. More opportunities. Here's to 50 more years of going everywhere together!