How Timeshare Works
While the timeshare concept might be straightforward, the process by which it is turned into reality is somewhat more complex. The box below illustrates the principle stages in the chain that turns the concept into a product. Individual companies might undertake more than one of these activities – for example developers may market and operate their properties. Timeshare resort developers Timeshare developers have the principal responsibility for shaping the development of the timeshare scheme as they take the decisions which establish the characteristics of their resorts and, in most cases, the way in which they will be run. As well as arranging...
The European Timeshare industry in 2001
1452 resorts in 25 countries in Europe. These resorts contain 83 026 units. The average resort comprises 57 units. Some 200 000 European citizens are employed as a result of timeshare’s economic activity. 1.4 million families own timeshare in Europe. Around 620 companies operate wholly or exclusively in the sector, and have a combined estimated turnover of € 2385 million. The industry accommodates approximately 60-70 million bednights. Development Trends The timeshare industry in Europe has developed significantly since its beginnings...
What is Timeshare?
The Timeshare Concept The timeshare industry is over 50 years old, and generates revenues of over $14bn per annum in sales and $45 billion in economic output (figures from the ARDA International Foundation, 2010). Today, there are approximately 20 million timeshare owners worldwide, of which over one and a half million reside in Europe alone. Yet few realise what timeshare is and the extent of its contribution to the economies of Europe and to providing all year round tourism and employment. The modern timeshare concept provides holidaymakers with a unique combination of consistency and choice. Consistency, in that holidaymakers can purchase the...
European timeshare: Happy owners and a year round boost to regional economies
Brussels 27th May 2009 - There are over 1.5 million timeshare owners in Europe and the vast majority *(87%) are happy with their holidays, with almost three quarters thinking that their timeshare accommodation is better than other self-catering holidays they have taken, with quality of accommodation the most important consideration for owners. This is according to a comprehensive study into timeshare carried out by The Christel DeHaan Tourism and Travel Research Institute at the Nottingham University Business School on behalf of RDO (Resort Development Organisation), formerly known as OTE. The study looked into the industry in detail, analysing what its economic...
Name Change for Timeshare Organisation
Brussels 25th March - OTE (Organisation for Timeshare in Europe) announced today that it has changed its name to Resort Development Organisation (RDO). The new name is reflective of developments in the vacation ownership industry, which has changed dramatically since the 1960s when timeshare was first sold, giving the consumer a fixed week at one resort. Since then new forms of vacation ownership have emerged giving the consumer more flexibility and choice, such as ‘floating weeks’*, the points system* and, more recently, fractional ownership*, private residence clubs*, destination clubs* and condo hotels*. RDO’s chairman, Richard McIntosh said: “I believe that RDO...
New year, new EU timeshare directive
This month sees the much anticipated implementation of the new EU-wide timeshare directive, which aims to provide protection for consumers in respect of certain aspects of timeshare, long-term holiday products, resale and exchange. RDO welcomes the new regulations, particularly as they establish tighter conditions for holiday clubs, such as the division of payments into equal annual instalments or the buyer’s right to cancel each year, which may deter them. Holiday clubs and rogue resale companies are currently unregulated and the reason for most complaints and bad press the timeshare industry receives. Another key feature in the new directive is the introduction of...
A New Piece of Legislation for the Industry
I have no that doubt those who read these blogs are heartily sick of me going on about the reputation of the industry and the detriment caused to the image of shared ownership by the holiday clubs. So apologies in advance for returning to this topic! RDO recently received a 160 page document from the BIS (Department for Business Innovation and Skills) in Whitehall, asking for our views on the implementation of the 2nd Timeshare Directive into domestic UK legislation. Before I go any further, I thought it worth quoting this piece from the Foreword to the Consultative Paper by Edward...
Timeshare Owner Testimonials
“We can plan our holiday in confidence, knowing we will have first class accommodation, with brilliant facilities” - the Oven family “We were very pleased with the island as a whole and the resort in particular. The accommodation was excellent, the resort was beautiful and the staff so friendly and helpful.” - Annette and Graham Barber “Our family enjoys the fact that you have everything you need at your doorstep, and we feel good knowing our kids are safe within the resort. One really has the feeling of coming home, and it makes all the difference!” - Mr and Mrs Breeze...
RDO Statement on Timeshare Resales
RDO (Resort Development Organisation), the European trade body for timeshare, applauds Which? Holiday magazine for highlighting the issues facing owners trying to sell their timeshare. Whilst timeshare owners who use an RDO resale member are protected through its code of conduct, there are many others who have unwittingly dealt with unregulated companies, many fraudulent, and have lost considerable sums of money. The RDO code prohibits its resale members from taking a registration fee and they must provide a cooling off period to buyers. The number of timeshare owners who are targeted by rogue companies is of great concern to RDO and for...
Consumer Alert – Golden Sands Marketing
A man has been arrested following a police investigation into alleged resale fraud. This investigation followed a complaint to police about Golden Sands Marketing which was offering to organise timeshare resales for a £1,000 advance fee. It is reported that the cheques made out by members of the public were sent to a Banbury address, where they were then sent on to Spain. It should be noted that there is no connection between this company and RDO member Golden Sands, Malta. Members of the public should never respond to cold calls from individuals or companies who claim they have found a buyer...