GoTimeshare.org website makes it into Google News

GoTimeshare.org

The industry website www.gotimeshare.org, launched by RDO earlier this year to counter negative information about timeshare on the internet, has been accredited as a source site by Google for inclusion into Google News.

Google has a strict screening procedure to select which sites are allowed into Google News and there are supposedly only 4,500 websites accredited on its source list worldwide.



New committee to fight Discount Travel Membership Clubs in Tenerife

Palms over Tenerife

The Government of the Canaries, together with the Tenerife Tourist Board, hotel association ASHOTEL and the authorities of Adeje and Arona, have set up a committee to fight against the fraudulent activities of Discount Travel Membership Clubs (DTMCs) on the island.

This initiative is a direct result of the conference on the threats posed to tourism resorts by DTMCs organised in May, in which RDO’s Head of Enforcement, Alberto Garcia, called for their eradication. Both RDO and the European Consumer Centre will take an active part in the new committee.



Seven arrested in Tenerife for alleged timeshare fraud

Credit Cards

A major scam in which more than 50 timeshare owners in Tenerife had been conned of a total 1.5 million euros was uncovered by Spanish Police last month, and seven people arrested.

The fraudsters had been operating under different company names, and had been under investigation since February.



New Italian resort for Interval International

Pozzallo

Interval International has announced the affiliation of Residence Marsa Sicla’ on the southern coast of Sicily, to its vacation exchange network.

The resort is located in Sampieri near the seaside town of Pozzallo. It has 82 apartments, all with either a covered veranda or a private garden (or both), and a range of amenities including sporting facilities, swimming pool, solarium and a club house with a restaurant, bar and mini market.



Maltese timeshare houseboat christened

The houseboat Mdina, Venice – the first of ten new timeshare houseboats from Maltese developers, Marketing and Promotion Ltd – was christened in June and shipped to the north Italian city where it will operate.

The houseboat was built in Malta at a cost of about half a million euros, and will be available on a timeshare basis for 25 years. For a price between 12,000 and 20,000 euros, co-owners will be able to spend a week every year on the houseboat or exchange their holiday with other resorts around the world.



Details unveiled for new industry event

Generator Systems and Perspective Magazine have confirmed details of The Forum, the new industry event to be held at the Sofitel Hotel, London Heathrow Terminal 5, on 9-10 December 2009.

The Forum will be a gathering of industry professionals where they will be able to share their views and experiences, discuss current issues, find new opportunities and make deals.



New low cost fractional ownership property portal launched

Fractional Index www.fractionalindex.com, the first website specifically dedicated to low cost fractional ownership, was launched in June with the aim of helping the fractional property sales and resales market grow.

Fractional Index acts as a sales lead generator and a source of news and information for the worldwide fractional properties, private residence clubs and condo hotel markets.

The website has a user friendly design and simple functionality to attract fractional savvy buyers and make it easy for both developers and private owners to advertise their properties.



Quintessentially Estates announced as supporting partner for Fractional Life Expo 2009

Luxury property brand, Quintessentially Estates, has been announced as supporting partners of the Fractional Life Expo 2009 consumer event www.fractionallifeexpo.com, which will take place in London from 14 to 16 September.

Quintessentially Estates is a provider of exclusive and personalised property services, such as concierge services, with offices around the world.



Group RCI launches Ventures magazine online version

RCI

Ventures magazine, the business publication of Group RCI, is now available online at www.rciventures.com. The new website is designed to support the printed magazine and provide greater access to the latest news within Group RCI and across the shared ownership industry.



Travel & Leisure Group partners with Rightmove Overseas

Travel and Leisure Group

European timeshare resale broker, Travel & Leisure Group, has announced a new partnership with Rightmove Overseas, the UK’s leading property website for properties for sale and to rent.

According to Jim Wilson, advertising and marketing manager for Travel & Leisure Group, the new partnership will increase the visibility of the business and give their clients a better chance of finding a buyer for their timeshare.



Hutchinson and Citadel strengthen their team

Hutchinson & Co Trust Company and Citadel Trustees have announced a number of changes in their management team to reflect the Group’s recent expansion and diversification.

Veranne Wilkinson has taken over as Managing Director of both Hutchinson and Citadel, together with all the other European Group companies. She joined the Group in 1996 and has vast experience in providing services to the timeshare industry.



RCI team successfully completes Four Peaks Challenge

A team from Group RCI successfully completed the gruelling “Four Peaks Challenge”, raising in excess of £247,000 for underprivileged children.

The challenge involved the ascent (and descent) of four summits in under 48 hours, covering a distance of around 2,000 miles.

The RCI team not only completed the challenge in 47 hours 23 minutes, but also won the Fastest Mixed Team Category award.