Sterling Holiday Resorts has sparked great excitement in the Indian timeshare industry with its 169 per cent increase in sales.

The company reported holiday ownership plan sales of INR 9.35 crores in the final quarter of 2011 against 3.47 crores for the same time in 2010.

Across the board, the diversified leisure hospitality company saw a 48 per cent revenue growth on 2010 results for Q4.

Sterling Holiday Resorts, which celebrated 25 years in the vacation ownership industry last year, focuses its sales efforts on the domestic market. Sterling's sales operations grew rapidly in 2011, with outlets launching in Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh and Lucknow in the third quarter. Further expansion across the subcontinent is planned this year.

Three resorts were added to the Sterling Holiday Resorts portfolio last year: Woods 'n' Spice in Thekkady, Emerald Bay in Karwar and the company's second Goan resort, Villagio.

Ramesh Ramanathan, managing director of Sterling Holidays, told RCIVentures.com: "We've seen encouraging sales results in all new markets and existing locations.

"Growth in vacation ownership is a strong indicator of the continued faith in the brand, as well as an outcome of the growth strategies adopted."

Ramanathan added that two of the company's resorts - Green Vistas, Munnar and Lake View, Kodaikanal – are being closed this year, as they enjoy a complete refurbishment programme.

"We hope to complete the renovation and open the doors to welcome our guests in time for the 2012 summer season," he said.

Radhika Shastry, managing director of RCI in India, added: "This headline news for Sterling Holiday Resorts reinforces and reaffirms RCI's belief in, and commitment to, the Indian timeshare industry. We have a great many consumers here who work very hard and understand the value of taking time out to enjoy fantastic and memorable family holidays. Timeshare provides for that need, and we believe that this is just the beginning of the industry's success story in India.

"More and more people have the disposable income to commit to a lifetime of vacations for their families and we're forecasting great times ahead for both the Indian timeshare owner and operator."