RDO counters misleading claims of Spanish timeshare industry collapse

The Resort Development Organisation (RDO) has responded to a statement issued by Claims Directive claiming that “the timeshare industry in Spain is set to collapse” with strong arguments that demonstrate the health of the industry not only in Spain, but in the whole of Europe and in the US.



Details of RDO1 Golf Competition announced

rio real golf

The Resort Development Organisation (RDO) has announced details for its traditional pre-conference golf tournament. The RDO1 Golf Competition will be held at Golf Rio Real, a challenging 18 hole course owned by the Rio Real Hotel

Considered one of the best golf courses in Marbella, Golf Rio Real was inaugurated in 1965 and designed by Javier Arana. It has its own country club and golf learning academy.

Registration for the Golf Competition costs 100 euros. More details are available on the RDO1 Conference website www.rdoconference.org.



RDO strengthens links with ECC network

Representatives from the 30 European Consumer Centres (ECC), gathered in Mallorca for the network’s annual three-day conference earlier this month, had the opportunity to learn more about timeshare and the role of RDO and the Enforcement Project.

Alberto Garcia, head of RDO’s Enforcement Project, was invited to make a presentation to the ECC Network, to help dispel any misconceptions still held by ECC delegates concerning timeshare and used the occasion to improve mutual understanding and cooperation with RDO.



Mexico publishes new timeshare regulations

Mexico publishes new timeshare regulations

Mexico’s Ministry of the Economy has established new information requirements and regulations for providers of timeshare services. The new Official Mexican Norm (NOM) will be effective from mid July 2010.

The new NOM broadens the definition of timeshare service provider and prohibits them from using raffles, gifts, prizes or lodging certificates to offer their services without clearly explaining the purpose of the offer.



Malta tightens regulation of OPC activity

New, tough legislation to regulate the activity of OPC (off premises contact) representatives of timeshare companies has been introduced in Malta, following previous discussions between RDO and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA).

The new regulations establish strict requirements for timeshare companies wanting to use OPC activity, including the payment of a pre-paid deposit to guarantee the good behaviour of their OPC representatives. The MTA has also set fines of up to 2300 euros for each infringement of the new regulations.



White paper outlines travel trends for 2010

Travel trends 2010

A white paper outlining key trends in the travel industry for 2010 and beyond, prepared by RDO member, Flagship Consulting, provides a useful insight for timeshare companies into the preferences of British travellers.

The research and publication of the Travel Trends 2010 white paper is part of the creation of content for RDO’s online campaign, which has also seen the launch of RDO Twitter feeds and the Chief Executive’s blog on RDO’s website.



RCI TV reaches one million-view milestone

RCI’s web-based television network, RCI TV, has been viewed more than one million times since its launch last year. The service, initially exclusive to RCI members, was made available to the general public in November 2009.

RCI TV was launched to help promote the benefits of timeshare to consumers, through a range of entertaining and educational high-definition videos. Consumers can find practical information and advice on popular destinations around the world, as well as details of RCI’s products and services.



Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa joins Interval International

Interval International has announced the affiliation of its first ever property in Bangladesh, the Bengal Vacation Club at Sea Pearl Beach Resort and Spa in Cox’s Bazar.

Due for completion in October 2011, Sea Pearl Beach will offer a mixture of studios, one- and two-bedroom units with sea views and access to the world’s longest natural white sand beach on the Bay of Bengal. Facilities will include a clubhouse, cinema, restaurants, swimming pools, tennis courts and a health club.



Citadel Trustees appointed by resorts in Spain and Cyprus

Citadel Trustees Ltd has recently announced its appointment by Spanish resort developer Novaterra and the Cypriot fractional developer, the Petevinos Group.

Citadel will provide bespoke Escrow and Stakeholder services to Novaterra for their shared ownership programme at the Arcos Gardens Golf Club & country Estate. The luxury golf resort is located 20 minutes from the city of Jerez, the home of sherry, in southern Spain, and has 10 four-bedroom villas available for shared ownership in one eight shares.



Diamond Resorts joins The International Tourism Partnership

Global hospitality and vacation ownership company, Diamond Resorts International (DRI), has stated its commitment to sustainability by joining The International Tourism Partnership.

Part of The International Business Leaders Forum, The International Tourism Partnership brings together leading companies in the hospitality and tourism industry that share the same commitment to finding practical solutions to the challenge of sustainable development. Its members represent some of the largest companies in the world, comprising over 11100 hotel properties and 1.8 million rooms.



Canadian poll shows increasing interest in timeshare products

A recent poll about the Canadian recreational market brought interesting results for the timeshare industry, showing an increased public interest for condominium-style recreational homes and other timeshare products.

The percentage of people interested in purchasing a condominium at a resort rose from 6% last year to 24% in 2010. Overall, 10% of the people interviewed nationally said they would be interested in purchasing a timeshare, and 3% showed interest in fractional ownership.