A Timeline of the Timeshare Industry By Shar_Tyler Period: Jan 1, 1960 to Jan 1, 1968 The Timeshare Concept was Born in Europe. Resource: Jan 1, 1969 The first US timeshare was opened on Hawaii's majestic island of Kauai. Resource: Jan 1, 1970 Florida became the first continental US state to offer timeshare ownership. Resource: Period: Jan 1, 1970 to Dec 31, 1979 Many condo developments transformed ownership offerings to the timeshare resort model. Jan 1, 1973 The Hyatt and Innisfree Companies began offering the first deeded timeshares to potential owners. Resource: Jan 1, 1974 Resort Condominium International (RCI) entered the timeshare industry and offered owners the option to exchange weeks between vacation resorts. Resource: Period: Jan 1, 1980 to Dec 31, 1989 The timeshare industry continued to grow, developing a worldwide presence. Resource: Period: Jan 1, 1990 to Dec 31, 1994 The industry embraced 4 million timeshare owners worldwide. Resource: Period: Jan 1, 1990 to Dec 31, 1999 Big name hotel chains, such as Marriot, Sheraton and Hilton, became major players in the timeshare industry. Resource: Feb 25, 2012 Today, there are over 5,400 timeshare resorts throughout the world. 45% of these resorts are located in the US. Resource:
