GDPR and other legislative matters
People’s decision about where to travel, what to do when they get there and which hotel or resort to stay in when they decide to take a vacation are certainly all very important, but they also want to feel when they book their holidays that they have complete confidence that their data is safe, and that they have legal protection from the companies they choose to book their travel, accommodation and excursions with.
If they don’t have this feeling of safety and protection, then they are likely to look for alternative options. This is why it is so important that businesses consider these legal issues and put the safety and confidence of their customers at the forefront of their operations, in order to continue to be able to count on them as satisfied clients.
GDPR – four months in …
The much anticipated GDPR legislation is the EU’s new framework for data protection law, designed to harmonise data privacy laws across Europe, in addition to giving individuals greater protection and rights. When this law came into force on 25th May 2018 it transformed data protection laws in Europe.
Join Elizabeth Morley, Senior Associate at Howard Kennedy LLP as she discusses with attendees how GDPR has impacted businesses in the months that it has so far been in place, looks at any key points that businesses should consider going forward with the new legislation, plus what to look out for on the horizon in terms of possible new legislation which could arise.
GDPR is certainly something that businesses such as those within the Timeshare and Vacation Ownership industry should take very seriously. Instead of seeing this as a negative though, it can been seen as yet another way to meet and exceed customer expectations by embracing this new legislation and incorporating fully into the structure of the business.
Elizabeth is a Senior Associate within the Dispute Resolution Group at Howard Kennedy LLP and has extensive experience of a wide range of commercial disputes and specialises in media-related matters and human rights.
You can connect with Elizabeth via Linkedin.
As well as this far reaching and vital new legislation which affects businesses across the EU, and protects consumers from misuse of their data, there are other important legal issues to consider and these will be discussed in a break-out session designed to update delegates on RDO’s legal and enforcement activity.
“We never sleep”
During this particular break-out session the RDO legal panel will provide attendees with an update on a range of issues, including the latest developments in the Spanish Supreme Court rulings and the on-going lobbying programme.
Other issues that will be covered within the session will be ongoing collaboration with UK authorities to take fraudulent individuals/companies to court and new legislation that is being developed to curb the activities of claims companies. Attendees will also learn how ARDA is dealing with similar issues in the US and whether there are lessons for RDO and its members.
Break-out session panelists:
Eugene Miskelly – General Counsel, CLC World Resorts & Hotels. Based in offices in the UK and Spain, Eugene has worked for CLC World Resorts & Hotels for 19 years as a main Board member and on the Group General Counsel. This role also involves looking after around 2000 staff as head of the Group’s HR department. Eugene chairs RDO’s Legislative Council and is a Board Member.
Chris Emmins – Co-Founder, KwikChex. Chris has been responsible since 2010 for KwikChex gaining a global recognition for tackling internet enabled unlawful behaviour. He has worked for many authorities within the UK, as well as being contracted by consumer protection authorities from the EU, Australia and the US. In the timeshare sector he directs an RDO-sponsored initiative called Timeshare Task Force, that provides free assistance to consumers and assists with actions against rogue businesses. Connect with Chris on Linkedin.
Jose Miguel Echenagusia – Vice President Legal Services EMEAA, Interval International. Jose is a qualified lawyer in Spain and the UK, and advises Interval International and VRI Europe Limited on a wide range of legal matters throughout the European, Middle East, Africa and Asia region. He is involved in a wide range of legal matters including monitoring developments related to timeshare and consumer legislation, preparation of and advice regarding contracts with developer clients, suppliers and consumers. He is regularly involved in legal aspects of corporate and commercial matters.
Paul Gardner Bougaard – Chief Executive, RDO Ltd. Paul has been Chief Executive of RDO since 2007 and was formerly a practising barrister at the English Bar ultimately specialising in EU law. After leaving the Bar, he worked at the EU Commission in Brussels, followed by a number of different positions within organisations such as Abbey National, IFG Group and a brief spell in business consultancy with IIB, before joining RDO. You can connect with Paul on Linkedin and Twitter.
Rob Webb – Partner, BakerHostetler. Rob maintains a diverse international hospitality law practice with a strong emphasis on resort development and the travel and leisure industry in the U.S. and Caribbean Rob has had an active role in the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) – the American shared ownership trade association – for more than 38 years. Due to Rob’s involvement in the timeshare industry since its inception, he is able to serve his clients beyond expectations by being able to anticipate trends and changes in the industry.
We would like to offer a big thanks to our Platinum sponsors, Interval International and RCI and our Gold level sponsors, Dial An Exchange, Light Enterprises and Shawbrook Bank. Without our sponsors each year the event wouldn’t be possible so we are extremely grateful for their amazing support.
