In Remembrance: Roger Foster
RDO would like to pay tribute to Roger Foster, one of the organisation’s two lifetime members and a key figure in the timeshare industry, who sadly passed away in January following a short illness at the age of 91. Roger was awarded an OBE for his work in the building industry and was Chairman of the Building Federation at one stage of his career. He first became involved in the timeshare industry in 1977 and became Development Director at the UK’s first timeshare resort at Loch Rannoch. He worked with Frank Chapman on the development of 10 timeshare resorts consisting of over 1,000...
US market report by Interval confirms increased popularity of timeshare
Most active leisure travellers in the United States are receptive towards timeshare, with 2.3 million households interested in purchasing some form of vacation time during the next two years, according to the study ‘Future Timeshare Buyers: 2009 Market Profile’ released by Interval International. The study was developed from a nationally-representative sample of active leisure travellers and supplemented with insights revealed in the Ypartnership/Yankelovich, Inc. 2009 National Leisure Travel Monitor. The majority of leisure travellers interviewed were familiar with the concept of timeshare, with 85% having a positive or neutral opinion of timesharing, and 77% willing to take a mini vacation to attend...
New consumer alert from RDO
RDO has warned its members against any unsolicited approach by an organisation in the UK using the names of 'Owners Action', 'ITRA' and 'Bridge View Consultants LTD'. Allegedly, this organisation has been contacting Group RCI members to inform them they may be entitled to compensation from RCI. It is thought that this organisation may be offering members participation in a proposed class action as a cover to sell them another product, such as membership of a holiday club. Any concerned customers who have been approached by one of these companies should report to their local Trading Standards Office and also forward the...
New study profiles the “Affluent Shared Ownership Buyer”
Affluent leisure travellers remain committed to their vacations according to a study produced for Interval International by the Ypartnership, presented at the 11th Annual Vacation Ownership Invstment Conference in Orlando in September. “The Affluent Shared Ownership Buyer: A Market Profile” provides insights about the travel habits and resort real estate preferences of the most affluent US households interested in acquiring some form of resort real estate. The study has been developed from the Ypartnership’s 2008 Portrait of Affluent Travellers, a comprehensive analysis of high-end lifestyles, social values and travel trends of the top eight per cent of American households defined by current...
TV ad to educate viewers about RDO
A new commercial explaining the role of RDO and the importance of buying through an RDO member will be aired up to ten times a day during the month of November on Sky’s Travel Deals Direct (channel 647). The advertisement slot was offered to RDO by Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket, as part of their current campaign on the Sky TV channel to educate consumers about timeshare. Viewers will be able to recognise examples of RDO members such as Club La Costa, Hilton and Seasons Holidays, which will appear in the advertisement. Click HERE to view the advert....
Results of salary study for the timeshare industry announced
Marketing and sales positions were the worst hit by the recession according to the results of the annual salary survey of the vacation ownership industry published by Executive Quest. As more companies cut back on marketing and tour flow, those in marketing positions had a reduction in compensation of between 10 and 20 per cent, whilst sales managers and vice presidents, whose salary is often tied to a percent of sales revenue, had a decrease of 25 per cent. The survey also shows that CEO, presidents and owners suffered a decrease in compensation of around 33 per cent as the timeshare industry...
Timeshare study shows happy owners and a boost for local economies
European timeshare is a thriving industry with a loyal and satisfied clientele, according to a study carried out by The Christel DeHaan Tourism and Travel Research Institute of the Nottingham University Business School on behalf of the Resort Development Organisation (RDO). The European Timeshare Study canvassed owners and developers in 12 European countries about their views and experience of timeshare to present an in-depth analysis of the vacation ownership industry in Europe and its economic impact, particularly on the local communities. The great majority (87%) of the European timeshare owners interviewed reported that they were satisfied with their timeshare holidays. Nearly three...
Welcome to RDO
The Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE) has changed its name to Resort Development Organisation (RDO) to reflect the evolution of the vacation ownership industry since its beginnings in the 1960s. From buying the right to spend a fixed week at one resort to part owning a holiday property or buying a legal interest to have personal use of a luxury hotel room, much has changed in the timeshare industry and now consumers have much more flexibility and multiple options. Richard McIntosh, RDO’s chairman, said: “I believe that RDO truly reflects the extensive range of holiday options now available in the vacation...
Work Goes On After EU Directive
The approval of the EU Timeshare Directive earlier this year was without doubt a major landmark but the job to protect consumers doesn’t end there according to the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE). “Although consumers will be better protected once the new Directive is implemented, there is always room for improvement”, said OTE’s Secretary General Peter van der Mark. “There is always scope for new, better regulations.” While the process of lobbying national governments for the implementation of the Timeshare Directive is underway, OTE is continuing to work in support of other new legislation which will also have a significant impact...