WOverview
Westgate Resorts sells timeshare vacation ownership interests in a portfolio of luxury U.S. resorts. Buyers purchase a fractional stake that gives them annual use of a property for a set period, with options to exchange visits to other Westgate locations. The company makes money from timeshare sales, financing for purchases, property management fees, guest services, and rental of unsold inventory. It differentiates itself by owning and operating a large, diverse set of properties and handling development, financing, management, and services in-house to deliver a full guest experience, rather than relying on third-party providers. Its goal is to scale vacation ownership experiences, grow its property portfolio, and expand its revenue from financing, management, rentals, and services.
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About Westgate Resorts
Industries
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
Debt Financing
Total Funding
$206M
Headquarters
Orlando, FL
Founded
1982
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What believers are saying
- March 10, 2026 Westgate opened a $26 million Smoky Mountain mountaintop lodge expansion.
- Westgate's 2025 Choice Hotels partnership broadened distribution through 21 bookable properties.
- UCF named Westgate its official vacation resort partner, adding midfield branding in 2026.
What critics are saying
- June 4, 2026 McElraft filed employment discrimination claims against Westgate in Tennessee federal court.
- June 9, 2026 the Tennessee court denied class certification in Moore v. Westgate.
- A lending freeze would choke securitizations, halt owner financing, and break Westgate's growth engine.
What makes Westgate Resorts unique
- Westgate controls nearly 60 resorts and 9,000 Team Members across the U.S. and Bahamas.
- VI Resorts by Westgate added 40-plus destinations across the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico.
- March 31, 2026 securitization raised $207 million, proving access to timeshare financing.
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Funding
Total Funding
$206M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
1 Rounds
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- Flexible Work Hours
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
1%1 year growth
6%2 year growth
9%Westgate Resorts earns three Top 10 honors in Newsweek's inaugural Vacation Ownership Readers' Choice Awards. News originally published by November 5, 2026, 21:46 GMT ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Westgate Resorts today announced that two of its signature properties have earned three Top 10 honors in Newsweek's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards celebrating the nation's best vacation ownership resorts. Westgate also earned two spots on Newsweek's Best Vacation Ownership Resorts for Families list, with Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo ranking No. 8 and Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park ranking No. 9. The 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice Award winners were announced November 4. Nominees were selected through an editorial review process conducted by Newsweek editors, with winners determined through public voting on Newsweek.com. "To have two distinctly different Westgate destinations recognized by Newsweek readers is a tremendous honor and a reflection of what we strive to deliver across our portfolio: vacations that bring people together through memorable experiences and legendary hospitality," said Jared Saft, Chief Operating Officer for Westgate Resorts. "Whether families are experiencing the Great Smoky Mountains or stepping into the spirit of the American frontier in Central Florida, our goal is to give Owners and Guests extraordinary ways to spend their most valuable time together." Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park earned two Top 10 distinctions, ranking No. 10 among Best Vacation Ownership Resorts Overall and No. 9 among Best Vacation Ownership Resorts for Families. The resort offers cabins and villas with kitchens and living spaces along with pools, dining, activities and convenient access to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the heart of the family experience is Wild Bear Falls Water Park, offering indoor water attractions and year-round recreation. Its combination of spacious accommodations, on-site recreation and proximity to one of America's most popular mountain destinations creates a vacation experience designed for families to reconnect, explore and make lasting memories together. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo Ranking No. 8 among the Best Vacation Ownership Resorts for Families, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offers an experience unlike a traditional Florida vacation. The Central Florida destination is built around an immersive American frontier ranch experience, combining outdoor adventure, family entertainment and a distinctive range of accommodations. Families can choose from suites, cabins, luxury teepees, wagons and glamping accommodations, while resort activities include horseback riding, pony rides, a petting farm, miniature golf, water attractions, hiking, boating and the resort's signature weekly rodeo. The recognition underscores Westgate River Ranch's appeal as a destination where families can trade the familiar Florida theme-park vacation for wide-open spaces, outdoor adventure and authentic ranch experiences. A Celebration of the Vacation Ownership Experience The three Top 10 honors highlight the diversity of experiences available through vacation ownership at Westgate, from mountain getaways and national park adventures to one-of-a-kind ranch vacations. Newsweek describes its Readers' Choice program as recognizing standout destinations selected through editorial research and industry knowledge and ultimately determined through voting by the public. Readers were permitted to vote once per category per day during the contest period. ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTS Westgate Resorts is a diversified hospitality company headquartered in Orlando, Fla., featuring the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world and a portfolio of nearly 60 resort properties. The company offers spacious villa accommodations, world-class amenities, and family-friendly destinations in sought-after locations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Park City, Myrtle Beach, and now Bimini in The Bahamas, Westgate's first Caribbean destination. In 2025, the company expanded its footprint with the addition of VI Resorts by Westgate, enhancing its presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Since its founding in 1982, Westgate has focused on creating memorable vacations and delivering exceptional service, while maintaining a commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community engagement. Whether guests are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the company's 9,000 Team Members provide personalized and value-driven getaways tailored to every traveler's needs. Exclusive vacation packages can be found at WestgateReservations.com. Connect with Westgate Resorts on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook and learn more at WestgateResorts.com. In Newsweek's inaugural ranking of the Best Vacation Ownership Resorts Overall, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park and Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo were both featured in the Top 10 resorts. Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. Alabama Cultural Times do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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Westgate Resorts earns three Top 10 honors in Newsweek's inaugural Vacation Ownership Readers' Choice Awards. Nov 05, 2026 ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2026) - Westgate Resorts today announced that two of its signature properties have earned three Top 10 honors in Newsweek's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards celebrating the nation's best vacation ownership resorts. Westgate also earned two spots on Newsweek's Best Vacation Ownership Resorts for Families list, with Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo ranking No. 8 and Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park ranking No. 9. The 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice Award winners were announced November 4. Nominees were selected through an editorial review process conducted by Newsweek editors, with winners determined through public voting on Newsweek.com. "To have two distinctly different Westgate destinations recognized by Newsweek readers is a tremendous honor and a reflection of what we strive to deliver across our portfolio: vacations that bring people together through memorable experiences and legendary hospitality," said Jared Saft, Chief Operating Officer for Westgate Resorts. "Whether families are experiencing the Great Smoky Mountains or stepping into the spirit of the American frontier in Central Florida, our goal is to give Owners and Guests extraordinary ways to spend their most valuable time together." Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park earned two Top 10 distinctions, ranking No. 10 among Best Vacation Ownership Resorts Overall and No. 9 among Best Vacation Ownership Resorts for Families. The resort offers cabins and villas with kitchens and living spaces along with pools, dining, activities and convenient access to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the heart of the family experience is Wild Bear Falls Water Park, offering indoor water attractions and year-round recreation. Its combination of spacious accommodations, on-site recreation and proximity to one of America's most popular mountain destinations creates a vacation experience designed for families to reconnect, explore and make lasting memories together. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo Ranking No. 8 among the Best Vacation Ownership Resorts for Families, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offers an experience unlike a traditional Florida vacation. The Central Florida destination is built around an immersive American frontier ranch experience, combining outdoor adventure, family entertainment and a distinctive range of accommodations. Families can choose from suites, cabins, luxury teepees, wagons and glamping accommodations, while resort activities include horseback riding, pony rides, a petting farm, miniature golf, water attractions, hiking, boating and the resort's signature weekly rodeo. The recognition underscores Westgate River Ranch's appeal as a destination where families can trade the familiar Florida theme-park vacation for wide-open spaces, outdoor adventure and authentic ranch experiences. A Celebration of the Vacation Ownership Experience The three Top 10 honors highlight the diversity of experiences available through vacation ownership at Westgate, from mountain getaways and national park adventures to one-of-a-kind ranch vacations. Newsweek describes its Readers' Choice program as recognizing standout destinations selected through editorial research and industry knowledge and ultimately determined through voting by the public. Readers were permitted to vote once per category per day during the contest period. ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTS Westgate Resorts is a diversified hospitality company headquartered in Orlando, Fla., featuring the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world and a portfolio of nearly 60 resort properties. The company offers spacious villa accommodations, world-class amenities, and family-friendly destinations in sought-after locations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Park City, Myrtle Beach, and now Bimini in The Bahamas, Westgate's first Caribbean destination. In 2025, the company expanded its footprint with the addition of VI Resorts by Westgate, enhancing its presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Since its founding in 1982, Westgate has focused on creating memorable vacations and delivering exceptional service, while maintaining a commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community engagement. Whether guests are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the company's 9,000 Team Members provide personalized and value-driven getaways tailored to every traveler's needs. Exclusive vacation packages can be found at WestgateReservations.com. Connect with Westgate Resorts on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook and learn more at WestgateResorts.com. MEDIA CONTACT * Steven Goldsmith Vice President, Communications and Public Relations Orlando, FL [email protected]
Westgate Resorts named Gold Winner in 2026 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards. ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Westgate Resorts has been named a Gold Winner in the 2026 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, earning top honors in the "Overall Vacation Rentals/Villas/Timeshare" category. The annual award program recognizes outstanding services across a broad range of industry segments, with winners selected by a one-of-a-kind panel of leading travel and hospitality professionals. "Yet each year brings something new - fresh ideas, bold execution and work that challenges our expectations of what great travel marketing can be." "We are honored to be recognized by Travel Weekly with a Gold Magellan Award," "This award reflects the passion our Team Members bring to creating memorable experiences for our Owners and guests and continued commitment to delivering..." "Year after year, the Magellan Awards showcase the very best of travel industry creativity and innovation," The Magellan Awards honor outstanding design, marketing and services in a broad range of industry segments including Hospitality, Travel Destinations, Cruise Lines, Online Travel Services, Airlines and Airports, Travel Agents and Agencies, Tour Operators and Ground Transportation. The 2026 Magellan Awards attracted hundreds of entries from across the U.S. and around the world, recognizing excellence across the travel industry. Westgate Resorts' Gold recognition highlights its commitment to memorable vacation experiences, with nearly 60 resorts offering spacious, villa-style accommodations, family-friendly amenities and personalized service in destinations including Orlando, Las Vegas, Park City, Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach. "We are honored to be recognized by Travel Weekly with a Gold Magellan Award," said Jared Saft, Chief Operating Officer at Westgate Resorts. "This award reflects the passion our Team Members bring to creating memorable experiences for our Owners and guests and continued commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and value for travelers." The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another, instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. "Year after year, the Magellan Awards showcase the very best of travel industry creativity and innovation," said Johanna Jainchill, editor-in-chief of Travel Weekly. "Yet each year brings something new - fresh ideas, bold execution and work that challenges our expectations of what great travel marketing can be." Since its founding in 1982, Westgate Resorts has focused on creating memorable vacations and delivering exceptional service. Today, the company's portfolio includes nearly 60 resort properties supported by approximately 9,000 Team Members. In August 2026, Westgate announced the expansion of its presence with the opening of Westgate Bimini Bay, broadening its signature service and experience beyond North America for the first time. For the complete list of 2026 Travel Weekly Magellan Award winners, visit www.travelweeklyawards.com. ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTS Westgate Resorts is a diversified hospitality company headquartered in Orlando, Fla., featuring the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world and a portfolio of nearly 60 resort properties. The company offers spacious villa accommodations, world-class amenities, and family-friendly destinations in sought-after locations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Park City, and Myrtle Beach. In 2025, the company expanded its footprint with the addition of VI Resorts by Westgate, enhancing its presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Since its founding in 1982, Westgate has focused on creating memorable vacations and delivering exceptional service, while maintaining a commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community engagement. Whether guests are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the company's 9,000 Team Members provide personalized and value-driven getaways tailored to every traveler's needs. Connect with Westgate Resorts on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook and learn more at WestgateResorts.com.
Westgate Resorts appoints new General managers at Smoky Mountain and Branson Lakes resorts. Sep 23, 2026 ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2026) - Westgate Resorts today announced the appointments of Kim Tankersley as General Manager of Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Spa in Gatlinburg, Tenn., and Tanner Newton as General Manager of Westgate Branson Lakes Resort in Branson, Mo. The appointments reflect Westgate's continued commitment to strengthening resort leadership and positioning its properties for sustained growth and operational excellence. "Kim and Tanner are accomplished hospitality leaders who bring valuable experience, strong operational expertise and a shared passion for creating exceptional experiences," said Peter Gianini, Senior Vice President of Resort Operations for Westgate Resorts. "Their proven leadership and commitment to Owners, guests and Team Members make them tremendous additions to our resort teams." Tankersley brings more than 26 years of hospitality and vacation ownership leadership experience to Westgate. Throughout his career, he has led large resort operations for the Club Wyndham and Travel + Leisure Co. timeshare business, including flagship properties in the Smoky Mountains, Myrtle Beach and Branson, and helped open more than 13 resorts across the country. He also served as an Area Vice President for Capital Vacations, overseeing resorts throughout the Midwest. His professional accomplishments include a nomination for the American Resort Development Association's General Manager of the Year award, an ARDA award recognizing environmental sustainability initiatives and multiple selections to Club Wyndham's Presidents Club as a top sales and operations partner. Featuring nearly 1,400 mountainside villas located adjacent to the entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is the largest resort in East Tennessee. Newton joins Westgate following a distinguished career with Marriott Vacations Worldwide, where he held a variety of leadership roles across the country, including resorts in Hilton Head, S.C., Phoenix, and Branson. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, Team Member engagement and creating memorable vacation experiences. His extensive timeshare industry knowledge, leadership experience and results-oriented approach will support the continued success of Westgate Branson Lakes Resort and further strengthen Westgate's presence in the Branson market. ABOUT WESTGATE RESORTS Westgate Resorts is a diversified hospitality company headquartered in Orlando, Fla., featuring the largest privately held timeshare resort club in the world and a portfolio of nearly 60 resort properties. The company offers spacious villa accommodations, world-class amenities, and family-friendly destinations in sought-after locations such as Orlando, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Park City, Myrtle Beach, and now Bimini in The Bahamas, Westgate's first Caribbean destination. In 2025, the company expanded its footprint with the addition of VI Resorts by Westgate, enhancing its presence in the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Since its founding in 1982, Westgate has focused on creating memorable vacations and delivering exceptional service, while maintaining a commitment to innovation, hospitality, and community engagement. Whether guests are seeking relaxation, adventure, or a combination of both, the company's 9,000 Team Members provide personalized and value-driven getaways tailored to every traveler's needs. Exclusive vacation packages can be found at WestgateReservations.com. Connect with Westgate Resorts on social media through LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook and learn more at WestgateResorts.com. MEDIA CONTACT * Steven Goldsmith Vice President, Communications and Public Relations Orlando, FL [email protected]
UCF lands field sponsorship deal with Westgate Resorts at Acrisure Bounce House. UCF has signed a field sponsorship deal with Westgate Resorts, sources told On3. The Orlando-based hospitality company's logo will be displayed at midfield inside UCF's Acrisure Bounce House. Westgate has also been named UCF Athletics' Official Vacation Resort Partner. UCF opens the season Sept. 3 against Bethune-Cookman. It will also be the official opening of Roth Tower, a four-level expansion that adds premium seating, hospitality areas and new game-day experiences to Acrisure Bounce House. The on-campus stadium opened in 2007. It quickly received the nickname 'Bounce House' due to shaking when the crowd would jump in celebration. This is Scott Frost's second season in his second stint at UCF. The Knights are coming off a 5-7 season and return 10 starters. They also added James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III, last year's Sun Belt Player of the Year. In the preseason, On3 slotted UCF as the No. 11 in its Big 12 Power Ranking ahead of the 2026 season. In Frost's first go around at UCF, he guided the Knights to a 19-7 record in 2016 and 2017, including a perfect 13-0 season in 2017. After non-conference games vs. Bethune-Cookman, at Pitt and Georgia State, UCF opens Big 12 play at home against TCU on Sept. 26.
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About Westgate Resorts
Industries
Company Size
5,001-10,000
Company Stage
Debt Financing
Total Funding
$206M
Headquarters
Orlando, FL
Founded
1982
Westgate Resorts is Hiring for 227 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today
Don't see your dream role? Check out thousands of other roles on Simplify.Browse all jobs