December 2024

Industry Awareness Feature

Featuring Sterling member, Sumit Rathor

We're pleased to feature Sumit Rathor in December’s World of Airda interview. As the son of Mr. B.S. Rathor, former Chairman of AIRDA, Sumit has a deep understanding of the timeshare industry in India.

With a background in economics and marketing from Loyola College, Chennai, Sumit Rathor has worn many hats – including entrepreneur, ad man, golfer, and management committee member at the Karnataka Golf Association. A senior business leader in Bangalore, Sumit works with entrepreneurs and corporate houses, providing strategic direction through his platform of the Collaborative Enterprise.

Sumit’s personal experience in the world of timeshare can be useful for AIRDA's audiences, providing insights into the fast-evolving world of vacation ownership. We hope it will also resonate with readers and help to promote a better understanding of the industry.

Over to Sumit Rathor.

Q: Sumit, can you take us back to your early vacation days?

To answer that question, I need to go way back in time – when I was 21 years old. That is when I picked up a 99-year membership plan from Sterling. I am 56 years old now and still have more than a lifetime left in terms of an active membership. (They don’t offer the 99-year plan anymore, but I guess I got lucky here.)

Those were the days when timeshare vacations were just starting to gain popularity in India. And those early experiences with timeshare vacations underlined my appreciation for the importance of spending quality time with loved ones. It's a tradition that I've continued to this day, and one that I cherish deeply.

Q: How have you used your membership with Sterling Holidays?

Looking back, I’ve done vacations, business trips, and golf tours based on my Sterling and RCI-linked plans. My membership has been invaluable in providing me with access to luxury resorts and destinations around the world. I must add here that I saved a lot of money as well.

One of my favorite overseas experiences was staying at a beautiful luxury resort near the David Leadbetter Golfing Academy in Florida. Another highlight was my visit to the St Andrews Golf Course in Scotland, where my entire group of golfing buddies benefited from my membership – we stayed at a wonderful resort near the old course. These experiences have not only created lifelong memories but have also shown me the value of having a timeshare membership that offers flexibility convenience, and global access.

Q: Tell us something about family vacations over the years

Over the years our family vacations became more frequent and enjoyable because my father too had his timeshare membership. We would often plan our vacations well in advance, looking forward to spending quality time together as a family. Our timeshare vacations played a big role in this, as we could choose from a variety of locations and accommodations.

Timeshare vacations offered us (as a family) a sense of flexibility and freedom that we hadn't experienced before. We loved having the option to choose from various destinations and accommodations, and the knowledge that we had a guaranteed vacation every year. We also appreciated the opportunity to try new activities and experiences, which helped us step out of our comfort zones and create lasting memories.

Q: What growth and transition points do you see in the vacation ownership industry?

Over the years, I have seen impressive growth in terms of quality, scale, and service. Today, timeshare resorts offer experiences comparable to luxury hotels – from the initial visualization of properties to the vacation experience itself. Resorts now offer top-notch service, star facilities, theme restaurants, and planned activities, raising the bar in this space.

Our own family's vacation habits have seen transition points over the years. We started with traditional vacations, where we would visit relatives or explore nearby destinations. As vacation ownership became more popular, we started exploring different destinations in India and overseas. The facility of the exchange plan through RCI was a huge step forward.

And today, thanks to digital platforms, we can plan and book our vacations using apps on our mobile phones. That is how easy it is. All this adds to the flexibility and convenience of a timeshare membership, helping us create lasting memories with our loved ones.

Q: How has your experience with timeshare vacations impacted your life?

Timeshare vacations have been a game-changer for me, providing a much-needed break from work and the daily grind. I have learned that taking at least one vacation a year is essential for my mental and physical well-being.

As a busy corporate professional, I can underline the importance of taking a break and prioritizing work-life balance. At the end of the day it is important to make time for relaxation and rejuvenation – you owe it to yourself.

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