Club Wyndham Airlie Beach Whitsundays is one of the group's most popular destinations.

Prepaid holiday credits purchased through Club Wyndham South Pacific has grown strongly year-on-year during the pandemic, with its member-based travel concept playing a major role in bringing separated families together on holiday.

Club Wyndham South Pacific says it saw a five percent jump in upgrade sales and prepayment of holiday credits in 2020 compared to 2019, with families eager to reunite following uncertainty over border closures and forced temporary lockdowns.

The organisation currently operates 51 resort locations in its collection, with a membership of over 60,000 at present. Wyndham Destinations President and Managing Director – International Operations, Barry Robinson, said member-based travel was growing in popularity and was creating a unique situation for the company.

Club Wyndham recently acquired 83 villas from its own Phillip Island resort for the use of timeshare owners.

“Travellers want to guarantee their holidays in the future so they can enjoy them no matter what financial circumstances may befall them,” he said.

“They want flexible booking policies and choice when it comes to planning, and spaces that are conducive to social distancing, but feature the stringent standards offered by a trusted resort brand. Think multi-bedroom suites, fully-equipped kitchens, relaxed living spaces and an abundance of free activities: that’s what our clubs offer.”

Australian Timeshare and Holiday Ownership Council General Manager, Laura Younger, said with Australians now emerging from frequent lockdowns, the industry is seeing a huge appetite for travel and a rise in family reunions across Australian club resorts.