Timeshares allow multiple parties to share ownership and use of a property. Each owner is allotted a specific period of time, such as one week per year, to use the property. The concept began in Europe in the 1960s with families jointly purchasing vacation homes and rotating seasons of exclusive use. The first US timeshare launched in 1974 and allowed owners to alternate weeks across multiple resorts. Timeshares are now commonly offered through major hotel brands and developers. Owners can use, rent out, gift, or exchange their allotted time for stays at other timeshare properties or affiliated resorts worldwide.