Multiple charges of fraud ordered by the CPS in relation to Monster Group Travel, Monster Credits, Monster Rewards and sellmytimeshare.com
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorised the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU) to charge 18 people with 79 counts related to a large-scale fraud targeting timeshare owners. The 18 people have been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud while being directors, sales people and administrators of the above-mentioned entities. For more detailed information, go to the CPS website at: https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/cps-and-south-west-regional-organised-crime-unit-charging-statement-large-scale-timeshare...
Timeshare veteran Frank Chapman has died
RDO is saddened to announce that industry pioneer and former RDO Board member and Chair of the UK Chapter, has died aged 91. As anyone who had to pleasure to spend time with Frank will know, he had a long, varied and fascinating career, starting with 17 years at sea, during which time he became a Master Mariner, followed by a spell selling properties in the Bahamas. In 1974 he purchased two hotels in Scotland, the Loch Rannoch Hotel in the Highlands and the Forest Hills Hotel in the Trossachs. Planning permission was sought for the construction of multi ownership lodges at...
Ex Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Reynolds to act as KwikChex Lead Investigations Consultant
With a huge increase in scams during the pandemic crisis, and growing demand from consumers for free and practical assistance, KwikChex has entered into a partnership with Steve Reynolds Consultancy, to enhance their resources. Steve is a vastly experienced investigator, with over 40 years of law enforcement experience in Essex Police and the Independent Police Complaints Commission. His assistance in collating information and presenting ‘case files’ will be invaluable in the increasing number of instances where KwikChex is asked to provide support to law enforcement agencies, government departments and regulatory authorities taking actions against unlawful activities. Steve will also provide support to...
Hilton Grand Vacations to Acquire Diamond Resorts
Hilton Grand Vacations has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Diamond Resorts International, inc. the largest independent timeshare operator, in a stock-based transaction value of 1.4 billion, according to the news release. The combined company will have 720,000 owners and 154 resorts. The acquisition of Diamond Resorts International from Apollo Global Management Inc. also will expand and diversify Hilton Grand Vacation’s resort portfolio into more than 20 new markets. Diamond’s 92 leisure resorts and nearly 400,000 owners uniquely complement Hilton’s 62 upscale and luxury properties and more than 325,000 owners. “I’m excited to announce our transformational agreement to add Diamond Resorts to the Hilton...
Claims management companies under fire
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has written to claims management companies (CMCs) to voice concerns that many of them are not doing enough to investigate potential claims, resulting in meritless cases on the part of consumers being pursued which are unlikely to succeed. RDO further understands that the FCA has criticised CMCs for their poor grasp of their regulatory obligations and the way in which they deal with the FCA, which took over responsibility for the claims management sector in 2019. Failure to comply with the FCA rules could lead to enforcement action and, ultimately, to CMCs losing permission to carry...
Timeshare during the Covid-19 pandemic as Club La Costa announces the closure of its sales companies
2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for the tourism industry, with accommodation providers having to close for lengthy periods of time during the pandemic and little or no sales income being generated over the course of the year. Given the continued uncertainties, RDO affiliate Club La Costa announced to its members last month that it had decided to discontinue new timeshare sales in the UK and Spain, and has since closed those particular marketing & sales companies. This decision does not affect any CLC World resorts or their many Real Estate projects, which continue to operate normally for CLC members -...
Timeshare exchange membership is free and simple with the launch of 7Across
The timeshare exchange industry is poised for a spark of innovation with the launch of 7Across. Today, the company celebrates its new branding with enhanced product offerings, and the continued evolution of its low-cost, customer-centric exchange model, now with more benefits, discounts and travel possibilities. One of the many benefits of timeshare ownership is the ability to exchange your holiday ownership for new travel experiences outside of your home resort. As part of the Panorama family of membership travel brands at Wyndham Destinations (NYSE:WYND), Dial an Exchange (DAE) is now 7Across. Along with a new name and brand identity comes enhanced...
Statement on timeshare maintenance fees during the COVID-19 pandemic
Timeshare owners pay an annual fee towards the maintenance of their resort, irrespective of whether they choose to holiday at their ‘home’ resort or use the exchange system to holiday elsewhere. The fee typically covers cleaning, maintenance, staff salaries, taxes, insurance, energy supplies and the operation of any common facilities eg swimming pools, spas, children’s play areas, tennis courts, golf courses, restaurants and cafes. A portion of the management fee is set aside to build up reserves to pay for non-recurring costs such as furniture and appliances. At this stage it is too early to assess the impact of the pandemic...
CLC World Resorts & Hotels announces partnership with De Vere’s Cotswold Water Park
CLC World Resorts & Hotels is proud to announce it will be increasing its staycation options for UK based members through an exciting partnership with De Vere’s Cotswold Water Park. CLC World has guaranteed usage of the luxurious Watersmeet apartments and suites from 16th October 2020 across 2021. With a selection of suites, one, two and three bed luxury apartments all equipped with kitchenettes and full use of the resort’s facilities including bars, restaurants, spa and a large gym, CLC World members will have an attractive range of accommodation to choose from. Graham Wilding, Managing Director Resorts & Hotels Division, said: “This...
RCI unveils the “New Shape Of Travel”
RCI, the world’s leading holiday exchange company under the Panorama portfolio of leading travel membership brands, announced today it is launching a new suite of travel experiences for its members and affiliates under a new brand profile. RCI, which pioneered the timeshare exchange concept more than 45 years ago, is reinventing itself for the new shape of today’s travel with enhanced product offerings for its 3.9 million members around the world. “The new RCI is evolving beyond its storied history as the timeshare industry’s trusted exchange partner. Today, we are expanding our services to become the trusted travel advisor to our members...