The growth and diversification of fractional products will continue in 2009, one commentator predicts.

Although the economic downturn will have some impact, fractional ownership will continue to grow, says Mark Silverman in an article for the Examiner.

He believes more properties in diverse locations will be developed and product usage will become increasing flexible.

"And even more mainstream, lower-priced products will enter the fractional marketplace," Mr Silverman states.

He points out that timeshare ownership continues to grow in locations such as Seattle, San Diego and San Francisco, as well as Hawaii, where timeshare resorts have reported occupancy rates in the 90 per cent range.

Market research firm Ragatz Associates also indicates that fractional interests will do well in 2009.

Speaking about the forthcoming Ninth Annual Fractional Interest Conference, Richard Ragatz points out that a turnaround is certain to come and states that "fractional interests are likely to be the first to rebound".