The timeshare industry is still waiting with baited breath for proposed industry regulation legislation to be introduced in Dubai, but the signs are optimistic for developers, consumers and the government. That was the message from last month's Vacation Ownership Investment Conference held in Dubai. Interval International managing director for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia David Clifton said legislation could be introduced as early as the end of the second quarter this year. More here.

Interval International, a leading global vacation exchange company released the findings of its 2006 U.S. Membership Profile. The research, conducted in the fourth quarter of 2006 by Simmons, an Experian Company, confirms that Interval's U.S. timeshare-owning members are avid leisure travelers who plan their vacations well in advance and seek out a wide range of activities at those destinations. The new report, which expands upon previous research conducted in 2003, reveals in-depth information about the travel habits, preferences, and demographic characteristics of Interval's members. For a complimentary copy of the complete study, please send an e-mail to David.Gilbert@intervalintl.com

Sales in the shared-ownership resort real estate industry surpassed $2.1 billion in 2006, according to a detailed survey of the industry in North America. The survey was conducted by Ragatz Associates, an internationally recognized consulting and market research firm with over 30 years of experience in the resort industry. The shared-ownership resort real estate industry includes three components: fractional interests, private residence clubs and destination clubs. Various feasibility analyses, consumer surveys and focus groups recently conducted by Ragatz Associates strongly indicate a growing public awareness, acceptance and interest in purchasing all three components, including fractional interests, private residence clubs and destination clubs. More here.

Owning an eighth of a yacht is better than none. Or so reasons Han Verstraete, chief executive of YachtPlus.YachtPlus, a London-based operation that is building a fleet of 10 yachts, is the latest company to jump into "fractionals," a shared-ownership structure that allows people to buy only part of a costly item. Click here for more.