A message from the RDO Chairman

New Years Message

“Happy New Year! From the Resort Development Organisation (RDO), I would like to extend our best wishes for a strong business year for everybody. After the gloom of last year, there are encouraging signs for the months ahead and things to look forward to in 2010.

If ‘staycation’ was the word on everybody’s lips last year, following another disappointing British summer and the winter chills we have experienced recently, everybody will need their holiday more than ever this year.



Sponsorship opportunities at RDO1 announced

Details of sponsorship opportunities at the RDO1 Conference, to be held at the Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa in Marbella on 5-6 October 2010, have been announced.

Companies wishing to promote their presence at the event can choose from a variety of sponsorship packages available, with prices ranging from 1500 to 15000 euros.



RDO unveils new simplified code of conduct

RDO has reviewed its Code of Ethics to reflect changes in the industry and new legislation. RDO’s new, more flexible and simplified Code of Conduct came into force on 1 January 2010.



RDO welcomes Sol Melia Vacation Club as new full member

RDO has announced that Sol Melia Vacation Club (SMVC) has upgraded its membership in Europe from International Affiliate to full RDO member as of 1 January 2010.

Commenting on the new membership, Denis Ebrill, Executive Vice President of Sol Melia Vacation Club, said: “At Sol Meliá we have one of the most international vacation clubs in the industry, and, as such, recognize the importance of having an experienced and respected voice at the table when industry issues are being discussed. RDO has evolved to become that voice in Europe.”



Another successful year for Enforcement

Enforcement

RDO’s Enforcement Project in Spain dealt with more than 300 alleged fraudulent companies in 2009, uncovering new ways in which consumers are being deceived and leading to the closure by Spanish Police of 26 bogus companies.

The threat of class action lawsuits against RDO members and other smaller timeshare resorts, and the way this is used to con timeshare owners, is a growing concern for the industry, according to Alberto Garcia, Head of the Enforcement Project



New quality standard for timeshare companies in Spain

The ‘Q’ Quality Standard for timeshare created by the Spanish Tourism Quality Institute (ICTE) has been converted to the new Spanish Standard UNE 185001.

The Standard establishes the requirements that timeshare companies in Spain must comply with to be certified with the Q-mark. This covers everything from systems for quality control, environmental management, security or risk prevention to the provision of services such as accommodation, entertainment or catering and the maintenance of facilities.



TATOC links up with Merlin to deliver Consumer Helpline software

The Timeshare Association (TATOC) has linked with vacation ownership software provider Merlin to create a software solution to support the organisation’s free Consumer Helpline, which advises consumers in cases that don’t involve RDO members and is supported by the industry’s Timeshare Partnership Trust.



Travel experts look at the year ahead

Travel experts look at the year ahead

With the new year comes a flurry of predictions from travel industry bodies and opinion leaders about what will be the main travel trends and hot destinations this year, which can be of interest to the timeshare industry too.



Perspective International launches test version of online business forum

The trade magazine for the shared ownership industry Perspective International has launched a Beta-test version of a new online social media business forum at http://www.theperspectivemagazine.com/forum/.

The new social media initiative is “a cross between the discussion attributes of LikedIn and the functionality of Twitter”, according to Perspective International’s CEO, Paul Mattimoe, and aims to become a useful resource and communication platform for timeshare and fractional ownership professionals to discuss industry issues, share ideas and experiences.



Interval adds whole ownership community resort in Aruba and US fractional ski resort

Interval International has announced two new affiliations aimed at upscale members: the Gold Coast Aruba whole ownership community resort on the Caribbean, and the Grand Lodges Mount Hood fractional ski-in and ski-out resort in Oregon (USA).



RCI welcomes the Solluna Resort in India to its network

Group RCI has announced the affiliation of The Solluna Resort, situated in India’s largest wildlife sanctuary, Jim Corbett National Park, in Uttarakhand, bringing the total of RCI affiliated resorts in India to more than 80.

The Solluna Resort is spread over 25 acres of lush green along the banks of the Ramganga River on the foot of the Himalayas. Owners and guests at the resort can enjoy river rafting, elephant safaris, open-top jeep rides, horseback riding, wildlife tours and many other activities.



CRDA and ARDA strengthen ties

The Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) and the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) have announced a new working partnership aimed at maximising synergies between both.

The two organisations will work together on various initiatives to represent the shared ownership product in the liaison with governments and consumers and to enhance the level of professionalism in the industry.