How Westgate’s new VI Resorts deal is reshaping vacation ownership across North America

Westgate Resorts has officially completed its acquisition of Vacation Ownership Sales (VOS), the exclusive management and sales partner of VI Resorts. This strategic move marks the single largest geographic expansion in the more than 40-year history of Westgate Resorts. The new combined entity, rebranded as VI Resorts by Westgate, is set to transform the vacation ownership market by offering expanded travel opportunities, enhanced resort access, and improved technology experiences for current and future timeshare owners.

With the acquisition finalized, Westgate Resorts now integrates VI Resorts into its portfolio, strengthening its footprint across North America. The rebranding initiative consolidates two significant players in the hospitality and timeshare sector under a unified banner. It also aligns with Westgate’s broader growth agenda, which includes expansion into experiential tourism and branded destination development.

What Does VI Resorts by Westgate Offer to Vacation Club Members?

The integration of VI Resorts into the Westgate Resorts ecosystem brings a wide array of new benefits for existing timeshare owners. Westgate has committed over $4 million toward marketing, technology upgrades, and brand enhancements to improve the customer experience. Through this transition, VI Resorts members will gain access to three new properties from the Westgate Resorts collection—Westgate Blue Tree Resort and Westgate Palace Resort in Orlando, Florida, as well as Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort in Mesa, Arizona.

The introduction of VI Resorts by Westgate also expands owners’ vacation exchange options through Interval International, a leading global timeshare exchange network. Timeshare holders from both Westgate and VI Resorts will now have access to a broader inventory pool that includes more than 60 resorts, offering them greater flexibility and more diverse vacation destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii.

According to Westgate Resorts Chief Executive Officer Jim Gissy, the merger is centered on providing enhanced value to owners by increasing access and vacation variety. He noted that the move would unlock more destination possibilities and deliver an enriched member experience.

How Does This Deal Support Westgate’s Broader Growth Strategy?

The acquisition comes on the heels of Westgate Resorts’ recent partnership with Choice Hotels International, reinforcing its commitment to strategic alliances that expand brand visibility and revenue channels. Additionally, the company is venturing into the experiential attractions market with two new projects launching in summer 2025: River Country Water Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, and The Mystery Funhouse Arcade Experience at Westgate Town Center Resort.

These initiatives represent a calculated pivot beyond traditional timeshare services. Westgate is evolving into a full-scale experiential hospitality provider—positioning itself to capitalize on the post-pandemic demand surge for personalized and family-oriented vacation experiences.

Industry experts suggest that Westgate’s move reflects a growing trend among timeshare operators to vertically integrate and streamline vacation services. The rebranding of VI Resorts by Westgate signifies more than just a name change—it’s a strategic reorientation toward experiential, flexible vacation solutions supported by technology and expanded geographic coverage.

Who Will Lead the Transition for VI Resorts by Westgate?

In a move to ensure operational continuity and maintain stakeholder confidence, Westgate Resorts has brought onboard VOS Owner and President Mike Vasey as part of its executive leadership team. He will remain directly responsible for the ongoing management of VI Resorts by Westgate. His continued involvement is expected to aid in the seamless transition of operations, preserving both internal culture and customer trust during the integration phase.

This continuity in leadership is a significant signal to VI Resorts’ existing owner base that the transition will retain the core values and service standards they are accustomed to, while benefiting from Westgate’s technological scale and marketing reach.

What Are the Strategic Implications for the North American Timeshare Market?

The acquisition gives Westgate Resorts access to a wide geographic footprint previously dominated by VI Resorts, including markets in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. With over 60 resorts now under combined management, Westgate significantly enhances its competitive advantage in the highly fragmented North American timeshare market.

Analysts view the acquisition as a key move to solidify Westgate’s position against other large players such as Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Hilton Grand Vacations. It may also inspire further consolidation in the sector, particularly among smaller regional operators who could benefit from brand affiliation and resource sharing.

The repositioning of VI Resorts under Westgate’s umbrella comes at a time when consumer expectations are evolving. Owners now demand not only greater vacation variety but also seamless digital engagement, real-time booking flexibility, and personalized service—all areas where Westgate is investing aggressively.

Although Westgate Resorts is a privately held company and does not trade on public markets, sentiment among industry stakeholders has been broadly positive. The acquisition has been viewed as a proactive step toward consolidating market share and improving the timeshare value proposition at a time when legacy timeshare models face scrutiny over cost transparency and flexibility.

From a business standpoint, this acquisition underscores a bullish outlook for the vacation ownership segment, particularly as travel demand rebounds and remote work continues to blur traditional travel seasonality. It also reflects Westgate’s confidence in the sustained value of timeshare models that offer both reliability and flexibility.

Vacation industry consultants suggest that this type of vertical consolidation allows firms like Westgate to reduce marketing inefficiencies, standardize service quality, and generate cross-brand loyalty, all of which are critical in a saturated travel marketplace.