ISSUE 22 • AUTUMN 2015
Club Calypso MEETS THE CHALLENGE
Going digital to meet demand
View of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
Sales tools need technology touch
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
TATOC’s expansion on course Welcome to the second edition of Sharetime in its new format, which has proved very popular.
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ver the summer TATOC welcomed St Mellion International Resort, in Cornwall, into membership and was delighted to award Burnside Park, in the Lake District, with TATOC resort accreditation. This programme goes from strength to strength and both St Mellion and long-standing member resort Auchrannie, on the Isle of Arran, have applied for TATOC accreditation. TATOC is also pleased to confirm the affiliation of resort management company and hospitality consultants, Leisure Management Plus (LMP). We would like to congratulate the team at KwikChex, which has become a corporate affiliate member of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. Kwikchex heads up the Timeshare Task Force formed to protect and provide redress to consumers. TATOC is an active member of the Timeshare Task Force and there is more on its activities in this magazine. In early August I had the honour of being the keynote speaker at the Classic Holidays 2015 Directors’ Conference, in Australia. The event in Surfers Paradise comprised two days of presentations from leading industry professionals.
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TATOC NEWS TATOC’s Taylor keynote at Australian conference
C My role was to share the problems faced by many sold-out resorts in Europe with a separate session dedicated to the role of the board/owners’ committee versus the role of the resort manager. I also joined the panel on the open forum debate held at the end of the conference. The event was a resounding success and my thanks to Classic Holidays and the directors for their welcome and hospitality. We have announced the dates of the TATOC 2016 conference, so please add Friday, March 4 to Sunday, March 6 to your diaries. The TATOC annual conference is a unique event in the timeshare calendar. It is the only conference where timeshare owners and industry professionals come together and it is a ‘must-attend’ event for all resort directors and committees. Further details will be announced shortly on the TATOC website. I hope you enjoy this edition and ask you again to contribute to the next magazine with news and stories from your resorts.
Harry Taylor, executive chairman
lassic Holidays welcomed Harry Taylor as keynote speaker at their directors’ conference on the Gold Coast from August 3 – 4. Delegates are all members of resort committees from across Australia. The two-day conference covered topics as diverse as sustainability and technology through to board governance. Gerry Lambert, from Director’s Australia, discussed how boards should work to achieve results and explained the move towards skills-based rather than representative boards. Tony Wilson, from HWC Accountants, gave delegates an overview of key financial indicators that boards need to look at when reviewing their accounts. These included profit and loss statements, owners’ equity and long term scheme funding. TATOC’s Harry Taylor shared his insights into the problems facing sold-out resorts in Europe. Classic Holidays CEO, Ramy Filo, said: “Harry’s expertise in the U.K. and European markets was highly valuable to the attendees. Timeshare resorts around the world are facing the same sorts of issues as we are here in Australia.”
CONSUMER HELPLINE UPDATE:
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BY MARK CALDICOTT, Helpline Manager
CONSUMER HELPLINE
TATOC Consumer Helpline REPORT Helpline manager Mark Caldicott looks at timeshare exit routes as he reports an increase in calls from owners looking to relinquish their ownership.
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or a variety of reasons timeshare owners no longer wish, or are unable, to continue with their ownership.
Family and friends are not interested and it can be difficult to sell timeshare on the re-sale market. Indeed, in some cases, owners are willing to give their weeks away, but cannot find any takers. The TATOC Consumer Helpline has received an increased number of calls from owners asking how to exit their timeshare. For the first six months of 2015, the Helpline received 213 consumer enquiries about timeshare exit or relinquishment. This is an increase from 141 contacts for the same period in 2014 and just 56 in 2013. So how do you relinquish a timeshare? My best recommendation is to check the latest version of the club constitution regarding relinquishment. There may be criteria already in place to allow you to walk away. If there are no options in place, consider the following: • Contact the owners’ committee and explain your situation asking for any assistance they can give;
• Check if your resort offers a scheme which allows owners to buy their way out of the membership early; and • Negotiation is always better then confrontation so discuss your situation with your resort and try to seek a negotiated settlement to terminate your agreement. If these options are unsuccessful, the final alternative is to sell your ownership. First, contact TATOC for a list of affiliated re-sales companies, then visit the Helpline website for information guides explaining E.U. rules surrounding timeshare re-sales. And remember to be realistic about the price you ask and the time it will take to sell. Unfortunately, there are many rogue companies offering exit options to desperate timeshare owners and TATOC urges caution when dealing with these providers, especially if they make unsolicited calls. Do your homework and check out companies carefully. Go on-line, contact Trading Standards or Citizens Advice Bureau.
Mark Caldicott
If they imply they are from your timeshare or exchange company always call your resort to check. Simple steps could stop you being scammed.
TATOC recommends you are extremely cautious of companies who: • Are not your principal timeshare or exchange company; • Contact you ‘cold’ without any invitation; • Request any form of up-front payment however reassuring they may be. This is now an illegal practice under the current European Timeshare Directive 2008/122/EC; • Apply undue pressure, or press you for a decision within a short time period; • Invite you to a meeting possibly with discounted travel or accommodation; • Assure you your payment is fully protected under credit card laws; • Ask for your credit or debit card or bank details, but assure you they will not take any payment; and • Ask you to give your original ownership documents to them.
If you have any doubts always contact the TATOC Consumer Helpline on 0845 230 2430 or email us at info@tatocconsumerhelpline.eu. Sharetime issue 22 | 3
With close to 20 years’ experience in the timeshare resale market, Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket are the natural choice if you are looking to buy or sell a timeshare.
Some examples of resort currently available from a selection of our sellers.
Resort
From
Royal Savoy - Madeira
£1,495
With a friendly and knowledgeable team we can guide you through the advantages of owning - at a fraction of the cost of buying new - or advise you on your options if the time has now come for you to sell your timeshare.
Cameron House - Scotland
£2,995
Anfi Beach Club - Gran Canaria
£2,099
Sunset Bay - Tenerife
£1,299
Marriott Marbella - Spain
£2,795
Professional, expert and hassle free. Call now and put us to the test!
eXpectations Points - Various
£1,867
Buyers: 01202 544 870 Sellers: 01202 544 871 www.timeshare-hypermarket.com
Hundreds of other resorts available worldwide, call us for details.
4 | Sharetime issue 22
in my view
IN MY VIEW SALES TOOLS NEED THE DIGITAL TOUCH by Mike Ashton, director of business development at Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership
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ews that the computer giant Facebook reached the staggering figure of ONE BILLION people – one in seven of the world’s population – logging in on one day must make all of us involved in sales take a long, hard look at our future, The vital importance of modern technology to the whole operation of a timeshare resort cannot be overstated. From sales and marketing through to management, collections, personnel and accounting today’s technology must lead the way. Throughout the whole sales process resort sales and operations need to be directed towards a new, more savvy prospect. In all probability the potential purchaser knows his way around his computer and its powers.
Sales and marketing today is all about clients and how you present to them. It is no longer any use to make lengthy face-to-face presentations. Sales staff need to have technological support through specific computer software which enables them to meet the demands of a more sophisticated audience. The sales centre needs to invest in programmes and services that excite, inform and create demand. Multi-media interactive computer software generates greater interest than a simple slide show. And then there is the long-distance opportunity to use technology to contact visitors who didn’t buy, were referrals or ‘interested’ contacts.
BACKGROUND Mike Ashton is director of business development for Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership. A self-professed ‘non-techie’, he is passionate about the opportunities that technology can bring to timeshare resorts allowing them to offer new services to their clients, make cost savings and work more efficiently. He has been involved in the timeshare industry for over 15 years working with major developers in a sales capacity and has a deep knowledge of the products, marketing and sales methods and the people involved. maintenance fee billing needs to be robust and easy to use. No more spreadsheets or using multiple systems collected over the years.
“The new generation of timeshare
So marketing has to buyers knows how to find about be based on the stratnearly everything themselves.“ egy that targets areas on the web where your chosen prospect is either The price of selling today is havliving or visiting. It has to engage ing as much technology at your and communicate with them from fingertips as your prospect uses: the start – and keep them ready the new generation of timeshare to receive more. buyers knows how to find about nearly everything themselves. A Brand management has never resort which ignores this fact will before been so important and have a hard time. technology is the tool to make it all happen. Finally, your operational software for reservations, collections and
They need to be live in real time and link with your website allowing members to service themselves, buy pre-arrival packages and print confirmations. Customers should be able to book and pay in real time and, of course, pay their fees on-line, too. I admit this is my view, but technology is used more and more throughout our lives and if ever proof of this was needed Facebook’s ONE BILLION contacts in a day provides it. Sharetime issue 22 | 5
RESORT NEWS
Diamond Resorts improves the vacation experience at Spanish resorts
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iamond Resorts has announced major renovations at their resorts in Spain. At Royal Sunset Beach Club, Tenerife, the resort has undergone extensive refurbishment. Renovations have been made to the pool area including the installation of a new whirlpool, repairs to the pool bar roof and the remodelling of the pool deck area to provide more space for sun beds.
the accommodation with exterior windows and doors replaced with white aluminium and interior doors and walls painted white. Living areas were updated with new furniture, a fresh colour design and matching decor. Bedrooms were re-decorated and bathrooms updated with new paint and appliances.
Refurbished studio at Royal Sunset Beach Club
Golf at St Mellion International Resort
St Mellion joins TATOC
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he St Mellion International Resort has been approved for TATOC resort membership. The resort, located at the St Mellion International Resort & Hotel, incorporates a golf and country club and is set in 450 acres of Cornish countryside. Extensive on-site facilities include an indoor leisure complex with three swimming pools and spa facilities, full-scale health club and three AA Rosette restaurants. For golfers, there are two championship golf courses including the U.K.’s first Jack Nicklaus-designed ‘Signature Course’ and Kernow Golf Course.
Up-coming refurbishment includes enhancements to the restaurant, bar, reception area, communal bathrooms and the children’s playground. Refurbished studio at White Sands Beach Club
Studio accommodation has been remodelled with modern enhancements to the bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms and upgraded furniture in 25 one-bedroom units and seven two-bedroom apartments. Jardines del Sol, in Lanzarote, completed a full refurbishment of all 6 | Sharetime issue 22
Renovations continue in Menorca at the White Sands Beach Club where new improvements include the installation of electronic keys, accessibility ramps, pool steps and pool handrails. Future plans include the refurbishment of eight new units, the installation of aluminium doors and handrails, and new tile floors on the terraces, solarium and stairs.
There are 19 one-, two- and three-bedroom timeshare properties on the estate offering stylish and spacious accommodation and nestled alongside the championship golf course. Kevin McAlpine, resort director, explained: “We see great value in being part of TATOC as we wish to ensure that we add value and reassurance to our time owners. With the challenges facing many timeshare resorts we wish to adopt best practice from the industry’s leading body and the valued advice to date tells me we should have adopted membership sooner.” Harry Taylor, TATOC’s executive chairman commented: “We have been in contact with the team at St Mellion for some time and I am delighted they have seen the value in TATOC resort membership.”
RESORT NEWS
Burnside achieves TATOC accreditation
New apartment concept at Crown Resorts
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urnside Park has achieved TATOC resort accreditation status.
CROWN RESORTS NEW APARTMENT CONCEPT
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he Crown Resorts Owners’ Committee is set to introduce a new apartment concept for members and guests.
The Sapphire Collection comprises open planned, air-conditioned apartments with contemporary kitchens, bespoke furniture and “all the comforts of home”. The apartments will be ready for Easter 2016 to be available for Club Members and at a premium rate for renters.
Follow Crown Resorts on Facebook: facebook.com/CrownResortsSpain
Children from the Ingani Yami charity
Pearly Grey staff drive for charity
Located in the heart of England’s Lake District, just 300 metres from Lake Windermere, the resort has been providing luxury self-catering accommodation for more than 20 years. The adjoining Burnside Hotel provides an extensive indoor leisure complex. TATOC accreditation is a prestigious independent award that acknowledges resorts that are truly customer-driven and willing to commit to the Timeshare Association’s codes of conduct and practice. Resorts undergo an inclusive on-site inspection and audit. The process is robust and comprehensive as the association believes it is essential the accreditation award is seen as hard earned and meaningful. TATOC board director and accreditor, Geoff Chapman, who undertook the accreditation explained: “Burnside Park had a warm and friendly atmosphere, with beautiful grounds and a beautiful location and was well managed by a team dedicated to the customer experience.” Lisa Holden, resort manager, added: “The Burnside Park Owners Club management committee decided that accreditation by TATOC would be rewarding for its owners and exchange guests alike as this would be independent recognition that, as a high quality, well-managed resort, we have a positive, forward-looking approach and commitment to them.”
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golf tournament organised by Pearly Grey Ocean Club staff in Tenerife has raised more than €18,000 for an African AIDS charity.
held in July at Golf Costa Adeje with 27 teams and a recordbreaking 108 players competing on the day. It also attracted 40 sponsors.
The sixth annual Ingane Yami Charity Golf Tournament was
Ingane Yami (which means “My Child” in isiZulu) is a non-
profit organisation established in response to the growing AIDS crises in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. It exists to rescue orphaned and abandoned children trapped in vulnerable circumstances and raise them in a loving family environment. Sharetime issue 22 | 7
WHY I LOVE MY TIMESHARE
FIRST IMPRESSIONS Regina Maack has been visiting Four Seasons Fairways, in Portugal, for 20 years and owned at the resort for the past 12 years. She shares her memories of the resort with Sharetime.
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anuary 1995 was the first time I came to Portugal with my friend Helga and I’ll never forget flying above the blue Atlantic and landing at Faro.
Getting tips from the fisherman
Our holiday in Four Seasons Fairways was great luxury. Villa 136 had an elegant interior with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large living room. It was a pleasure just to jump in our own swimming pool on the terrace.
Regina and friends on the beach
Twelve years ago my son and I bought the timeshare week from my friend Helga and we have been members ever since. We return to Four Seasons Fairways in January and sometimes in November, with my sister-in-law and my children. And each time we come back we feel we are coming home! Four Seasons Fairways was built 25 years ago. It’s surrounded by golf courses and constructed in the pinewoods close to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. The shopping centre, which opened in Quinta, provides yet another area for everyone to enjoy a very relaxed life!
Visting the terracota shop
Quinta shopping
My first impressions of Portugal and the resort were so overpowering. Between the airport and Quinta do Lago, as we drove along the N125, I was surprised by the scenery: the old house facades, farms with orange groves, hills covered with vineyards and the panorama of the farmhouse buildings themselves.
Like a small village, the club is built in the beautiful countryside with a great respect for nature. We can enjoy our own fitness centre, a great indoor swimming pool and another one outside - always with an attentive pool attendant. The kindness of the staff, from reception to the bar and restaurant, is amazing. The friendly staff in the reservations office and the resort management team all take care of our holiday arrangements.
The majority of sporty members and guests at Fairways play golf, but there are lots of other things one can do: swim, stroll admiring the famous flora and fauna or go barefoot along the beach, maybe as far as to Praia de Faro or Praia do Ancão. Every morning before breakfast I walk through to Vilar do Golfe and the lake. Today, I am 70 years old and hope I will continue to come for many years, escaping the cold winter in Germany. I finish this story with thanks to the management and I wish them good luck for Four Seasons Fairways in the future. Sharetime issue 21 | 9
AFFILIATE NEWS
Finance for timeshare management fees
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ATOC affiliate HMC Funding is now providing a finance programme for timeshare management fees and golf, spa and gym membership fees. Timeshare owners are able to apply online for finance over repayment periods of six, 10 and 12 months. Products available include interest free and interest bearing finance with 100 per cent payments made immediately to manage-
ment companies and resorts. There is no charge or set up fee and the resort or management company would need to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. All owners are accepted, regardless of status, with 100 per cent acceptance rate.
For further information contact Peter Howell of HMC Funding on 07738 644270.
Top food duo in Orlando resort kitchen
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huge helping of talent is behind the inspired new dining experiences at CLC World’s Regal Oaks resort in Orlando, Florida, which opened this year. In mid-summer, Shubee’s Coastal Grill & Bar swung into action serving guests with a distinctive dining style of coastal cuisine focused on fresh Florida ingredients. Pat ‘Shubee’ Bearry is the celebrated deli owner/chef fronting the new restaurant along with partner Jennifer Daskevich.
The team at Silverpoint
Silverpoint rolls out ground breaking sales technology
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ilverpoint Leisure has released an innovative touch screen sales presentation. Developed using Android technology, the customer-driven presentation provides a dynamic and engaging sales journey. Customers are given a comprehensive overview of Silverpoint’s products, services, locations and accommodation. While a link with Google Maps enables sales consultants to provide guided tours of Tenerife and elsewhere in the world.
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The presentation also allows Silverpoint to learn more about a customer’s likes and dislikes as they engage with the app, giving the team clear information about what the consumer really wants from a leisure product. Diana Aitchinson, chief operating officer at Silverpoint, said: “We wanted to find an innovative, modern way to connect with prospective members giving them more control and by providing a sales journey that is both visually stunning and personalised to each individual.”
Jennifer, a food, beverage, wine pairing and styling expert, is a lawyer turned award-winning culinary competitor. The Shubee name first came to notice at North Redington Beach, Florida, where Pat’s ‘Florimar’ crab cakes and seafood specialities became a sure-fire hit with customers. His fame grew and in 2014 Shubee was named Top Local Chef in Tampa and ranked among ten finalists at the World Food Championships held in Las Vegas. Jennifer’s move from the court rooms of California saw her crowned 2013/2014 World Sandwich Champ and Game Day Chef Grand Champion at the 2015 Rose Bowl.
AFFILIATE NEWS
Leisure management affiliates with TATOC
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esort management company and hospitality consultants, Leisure Management Plus (LMP) has become a TATOC business affiliate. Headed up by industry veteran Stuart Humphreys, LMP offers a full range of management services for today’s timeshare resort. These include in-house sales and marketing, club administration and management charge collection. In addition to this, LMP’s integrated group of hospitality consultants delivers quality consulting, management, quality assurance, travel and accounting services to a wide range of resorts, hotels and restaurants. “Simply explained, if you have a
hospitality or service business that you think could be better, LMP can help you make it better. With our resort management company and carefully selected specialists, we can provide extensive handson knowledge and experience to all kinds of hospitality operations, sales and general management,” explained Humphreys. With offices in the U.K., United States, Tenerife and mainland Spain, the team is focused on enhancing the reputation of the timeshare industry with what it calls innovative ideas and approach, encouraging more people to take advantage of the timeshare product.
Diamond Resorts engages in sustainability initiatives
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iamond Resorts is continuing its policy of becoming an environmentally conscious global organisation. An increasingly popular sustainability initiative is on-site fruit, vegetable and herb gardens at European resorts. The use of these gardens enhances the natural environment, benefits the ecosystem and local economy while
promoting the growth of native plants. Resorts also implement water reduction initiatives, provide designated recycling points and utilise low consumption light bulbs and pool covers to conserve electricity. Diamond is regularly recognised for its commitment to the environment. As of July 2015, 22 resorts were
ISO14001 certified for their effective environmental management systems, and four resorts received the TripAdvisor Ecoleader Award. Future plans include incorporating the Cornell Hotel Sustainability Tool 2015, which will allow Diamond to compare ranges of energy and water use, as well as its carbon footprint, with other hospitality companies in the industry.
Free software for mature resorts
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erlin, a leading provider of timeshare software, has introduced a solution to meet the technological needs of committee-managed, mature resorts. And for qualifying resorts, it’s license-fee free. Merlin is web-based software accessed with a login and password. Resorts do not need to invest in expensive servers or IT support contracts – they just login to their account on any PC or laptop with an Internet connection. Merlin for HOA Resorts includes: • Full property management system; • Reservations management; • Full accounting package; • Management fee collection; • Resort website integration; and • Marketing communications Director Mike Ashton explained: “Merlin for HOA Resorts includes the functionality mature resorts need such as management fee collection, reservations and inventory management. And for qualifying resorts, we have cut the licence fee. Resorts just choose the support package that suits their needs.”
For further information visit visit www.easymerlin.com and complete the online form. Sharetime issue 22 | 11
Join RCI’s family! If you love your holiday and leisure time – and are looking for inspiration – join RCI’s NEW European Facebook page and share our community’s passion for holidays.
Travel advice to make holiday planning even easier
Exciting destinations far and wide
RCI member holiday pictures and stories
Celebration of holidays and cultural events
Look for your holiday inspiration at facebook.com/RCI
FEATURE
Timeshare: The traveller’s choice in 2015 Do timeshare resorts today stack up against competing hotels and resorts? This was the question asked by the team at Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket (WWTH) who looked at the latest winners of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and Travellers’ Choice awards.
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very year, TripAdvisor awards a Certificate of Excellence to accommodation, restaurants and attractions that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.
Here’s a summary of their findings followed by a review of top areas:
The Traveller’s Choice award is given to the top 25 hotels in popular countries, with a sub-category specifically for those resorts that excel at family holidays.
• Ten resorts from the list now boast the prestigious Traveller’s Choice award confirming the quality and service provided by timeshare resorts;
By cross referencing its top 50 best selling resorts with the latest winners, the WWTH team were able to gain a comparable and measurable insight into the overall quality of timeshare resorts and the satisfaction of guests. With almost 40,000 traveller ratings the data is certainly comprehensive too. Cliff-madeira
Madeira A favourite among timeshare owners with numerous top-quality resorts, the tiny Island of Madeira has six resorts in WWTH’s top 50 and all hold at least a Certificate of Excellence, with the Porto Mare Residence winning the coveted Traveller’s Choice award.
• Of WWTH’s list of top 50 selling resorts, 44 received a TripAdvisor award in 2015;
• An ‘astounding’ 83 per cent of guests rated their stay at WWTH’s top 50 resorts as either excellent or very good; and • Only seven per cent of guests experienced a less than average holiday.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria The island consolidated its position as one of the most popular holiday destinations. It saw an increase in the number of resorts in WWTH’s top 50 with a total of six - five of which had received Certificates of Excellence and one Traveller’s Choice for Club Gran Anfi.
Algarve
The Algarve Home to five of WWTH’s top 50, the Algarve receives very high satisfaction levels. Some 92 per cent of travellers rated their experience as either excellent or very good and three of the five in WWTH’s top 50 were Traveller’s Choice winners - Four Seasons Vilamoura, Four Seasons Fairways and Pine Cliffs. Sharetime issue 22 | 13
LEGAL NEWS
UPDATE
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he Timeshare Taskforce brings together timeshare organisations, consumer bodies, enforcement agencies and individual companies with the aims of tackling fraudsters, supporting legal compliance and assisting consumers with advice and resolutions services. While much of what the Taskforce is currently working on is confidential, there is considerable activity taking place behind the scenes and the organisation claims progress is being made.
Meetings have taken place with Trading Standards to review activities of companies in breach of consumer protection laws and the reasons behind the failure to take appropriate enforcement action.
so it can prosecute complex cases such as Frank Madden, a convicted fraudster who, it is alleged, continues to cheat consumers, many of them elderly, out of money.
It has been established this is primarily due to the costs involved in bringing a prosecution, which, can cost upwards of £100,000 a far greater burden than individual Trading Standards offices can shoulder alone.
Meetings are also planned with the Information Commissioner’s Office to share information about companies using stolen data to target timeshare owners.
Following these meetings, an application was made by Bournemouth Trading Standards for financial assistance from the National Trading Standards Board
High Court rules in favour of Silverpoint Vacations
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he High Court of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has continued to find in favour of Silverpoint Vacations in civil lawsuits brought against them by clients of Reclaim GC. Following the closure of eight lawsuits, Silverpoint Vacations reported that: “The Provincial High Court judges categorically stated that there is no reason whatsoever why the contracts which were entered into should be declared null as, among other things, the purchasers were perfectly aware of what they were buying and they were not misled or pressurised into signing the contracts.”
There have been 34 new rulings in favour of Silverpoint Vacations since January of this year. Mark Cushway, CEO of Silverpoint Leisure, commented: “We want to make Reclaim GC’s clients aware of the possibility of the courts actually ruling in their favour. “The last thing we want is to add to anyone’s distress, which is why we want Reclaim GC’s clients to know they are likely to be ordered to pay the legal costs of any lawsuits taken against Silverpoint. There can be no real ‘winners’ in such matters.”
Many resorts have received complaints from their owners about unsolicited contacts by companies who have knowledge of their timeshare and the Information Commissioner’s Office can take action if it is proved that the data was stolen.
ASA rules flouted
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elltimesharetoday.co.uk is continuing to flout advertising rules despite being criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority for making misleading claims on its website about money awarded to customers. The company claims to have secured customers £3.5m back on their timeshare agreements - free of charge. But this figure was deemed “unsubstantiated” and “misleading” by the watchdog. The ASA’s powers to crack down on such websites are limited because it is not a statutory body. In exceptional circumstances it can refer cases to Trading Standards, which has the legal power to levy fines. The authority has now referred Selltimesharetoday to its committee for Advertising Practice, which will decide on a suitable sanction. Sharetime issue 22 | 15
The pool area at Diamond Club Calipso
RESORT IN FOCUS
Diamond Club Calypso Committee chairman Brian Hunsley at Diamond Club Calypso explains how an active committee, good management and providing a value for money product is helping them meet the challenging times faced by many well-established independent resorts.
BACKGROUND
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iamond Club Calipso is situated in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, and is only 50 metres from the main beachfront. It has 40 timeshare apartments and 19 privately owned apartments. The complex is low-rise and built around a large swimming pool. The resort gardens are one of its best assets and the whole resort has a relaxed feel about it. There is a children’s play area for younger guests and a volleyball court for older children.
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What is the history of Diamond Club Calypso? The committee is very aware of the need for a successful sales operation. As Calypso is a relatively small resort, the potential to sell on-site is driven by occupancy, and there is a high percentage of owners who use their own fixed weeks. Traditionally, the resort has sold fixed unit and fixed weeks, but more recently they sold a fractional exit plan, which was successful. The committee is looking at developing more flexible and shorter-term products to better meet the requirements of today’s holidaymakers.
The club was founded in the 1980s so we are a well-established independent resort. We have had periods of instability, but the owners have always been supportive and the club has remained a much-loved holiday favourite. We are fortunate to be in a prime location, just a short walk from the beach front of Puerto del Carmen, with easy access to a wide variety of shops, bars and restaurants. The local government is investing significant sums to
RESORT IN FOCUS
make further improvements to Puerto del Carmen, which will only help to attract more visitors. How has timeshare at your resort fared over the past five years? We have faced the same challenges as most independent timeshare clubs; ageing member base, increasing number of re-possessed weeks, keeping maintenance fee levels relatively low while continuing to offer a great holiday experience. In an effort to manage the rise in re-possessed weeks the committee decided to consolidate and three timeshare apartments were sold in 2013. The funds generated have been used to bolster the sinking fund and we are soon to embark on a full up-grade of all timeshare apartments. The committee is very active and works closely with our management company, Resort Solutions Ltd, to ensure that we maximise revenue opportunities and have stringent budgeting processes in place. How do you keep your product attractive while still making ownership financially viable? We have continued to make improvements to the resort while still keeping the maintenance fees at a reasonable level. The weekly charge for a one-bed apartment is £368 and for the quality of accommodation and overall holiday experience we offer, we believe that this represents great value for money. Owners and guests alike return to Calypso to enjoy a safe, caring, beautiful environment. We reg-
ularly receive excellent feedback from RCI exchangers on the friendliness of the staff and the overall quality of the resort. Rental revenue is vital for the club and we are successful with both U.K. campaigns run by RSL and local rental promotions to the expat community who take up offers for visiting friends and family.
What are your plans for the future?
What sets you apart from your local hospitality competitors?
As a resort, of what are you most proud?
Calypso has good quality apartments, which are serviced to an excellent standard. Owners and guests know what to expect when they stay at the resort- there are no nasty surprises!
We are particularly proud of the continual high standard of the resort and the pride that the on-site team has in their work. In particular, the gardens at Calypso are the envy of many resorts!
We have plans to establish a sales operation to reduce the club’s liability of re-possessed weeks. We also plan to develop and launch an exit programme for owners, refurbish all apartments and continue to invest in the resort to retain existing members and attract new ones.
The pool area at Calypso
Do you offer a resale and rental programme?
How important is your owners’ committee?
Our rental programme is very successful and inventory is marketed locally by the resort and through RSL. We get lots of repeat bookings and owners rent additional weeks.
The committee is made up of five quite diverse individuals, who hopefully are a good representation of the overall member base.
How do you fund and manage refurbishment? We operate a sinking fund and have a major apartment upgrade programme scheduled for the end of year costing in the region of €200,000.
We are active and work closely with our management company who ensure the smooth day-today running of the resort. With advice from RSL, the committee looks to agree the future strategy for the club to ensure its long-term viability. Our professional management company then implements our plans. Sharetime issue 22 | 17
Management fee collection:
Time to call in the REGISTERED professionals The regulation of collection agents is now the responsibility of the Financial Conduct Authority - and it’s expected to get tougher. If you outsource management fee collection, you need to check your service provider is fully compliant by searching the Consumer Credit Register.
CHECK THE REGISTER:
The new regulations will ensure that only the most reputable organisations are able to conduct such work.
http://fca-consumer-credit-in terim.force.com/CS_Register SearchPageNew
CBC International is a TATOC affiliate, a member of the Collection Services Association and has International Quality Assurance Accreditation. It provides resort operators with the reassurance that their management fee collection is in safe hands.
Resort Recoveries, part of CBC International, is registered at number 131161.
To find out more contact Roy Caligari, a member of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management and an Accredited Mediator. TEL: WEB:
+44 (0) 151 515 3014 / E-MAIL: roycaligari@cbc-international.co.uk www.cbc-international.co.uk / www.cbc-international.co.uk/resort-recoveries
Resort Recoveries Specialist Timeshare Fee Collection
Developed by:
RESORT NEWS
Continued success for QLodges “
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here is great news from the banks of Loch Lomond as the hard work and investment continues at QLodges at Cameron House and The Carrick,” says Blair Grant, from the resorts’ management team. The refurbishment programme is progressing at Cameron House, with a further £600,000 spent this year including: • 28 full lodge refurbishments; • 39 partial refurbishments; • Up to £70,000 spent per lodge refurbishment; and Total refurbishment spending is set to top £2million “The feedback has been outstanding and is an indication of the input of the owners’ committee under the direction of chairman Richard Coles.” Capital investment has not been exclusive to refurbishment. The
Azure Malta launches fractional yacht ownership
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zure Malta has launched a fractional yacht ownership product, Azure Ultra, offering the opportunity to own a
four owners’ club committees commissioned the development of a new website for their owners (www.myluxurylodge.co.uk)
New faces and farewells at Kololi
Working under the management of EVC Marketing, the team has created an excellent tool that allows the committees to communicate with their members. “There are a number of pages accessible to everyone that provides general information. Then there is a secure owners’ area, accessed by password that contains an archive of material relating specifically to ownership. We have five and a half thousand owners registered and all of the feedback has been extremely positive. A couple of our clubs have even decided to create a blog facility to keep their fellow owners informed!” It is not surprising that the Loch Lomond resorts have been recognised again this year by the hospitality industry’s leading bodies. Visit Scotland has recognised both the Cameron House and Carrick resorts as five-star providers of accommodation. For the fifth consecutive year, QLodges at Cameron House has been awarded RCI Gold Crown status.
Sunseeker yacht, with the use of a professional team of captain and stewardess, at a fraction of the purchase price and on-going costs. Azure Ultra is among the first to offer fractional yacht ownership in the European market. It is based on a formula where owners pay for the time spent aboard the yacht with the addition of
Kololi
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here are new team members at Kololi Beach Club, in The Gambia. Rosemary and Siaka now operate the clubhouse and mini-market offering an ‘off the menu’ service so members can enjoy fresh meals made to their individual requirements. Derek Nelson has moved to The Gambia and is responsible for training the maintenance and refurbishment team. Samba Saya worked with the team for the past 28 years as chief tax inspector. Now retired, he has joined Kololi as director of the new resort management company. Finally, after many years of service, Nick Williamson has retired as director of the resort’s management company.
flexible exchange opportunities. Managing director, Perry Newton, says: “Not all fractional boat ownership is the same. Anyone can buy a boat and sell some space on it. But if you’re going to make it an amazing experience you need a talented and qualified group of passionate individuals on board with you.” http://www.azureultra.com. Sharetime issue 22 | 19
FEATURE
Is it time to share on digital? Emily Collins from EVC Marketing Communications explains that when it comes to digital marketing, knowing your audience is the best solution. Digital marketing is simply everywhere. Matt Cutts, a Google insider, is quoted as saying: “If you think you need to be everywhere at once, you’re headed in the right direction!” If you want to be visible anywhere, anytime and on any platform – yes, indeed, you need to be everywhere. But professional digital marketers are more realistic with their advice. Marketing has always been about the right message to the right target audience at the right time. Digital marketing – and importantly social media marketing – is about being in the right place, supported by the right content. And no, you do not need to be everywhere. There are a multitude of digital social media tools and platforms ranging from responsive, mobile-friendly websites and search engine optimisation (SEO) to payper-click and display advertising and digital PR. Add these to Facebook, Twitter, 20 | Sharetime issue 22
Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Snapchat, YouTube, and more and the key to social media success is being visible where your audience is. That means focus. Be selective, be great on the platforms that will engage your audience, create brand authority and generate awareness. Social media is not a jump-inand-sell option. To succeed you need to research which platform is best for you and your audience, when is your audience active and with what type of content (words, images, videos). Only then can you develop a listening strategy to truly understand the audience and the conversations taking place. Step 1 is designing your marketing platforms and content to deliver the ideal content for customer engagement – and continuity across different platforms. Step 2 is to become part of the conversation – not selling but adding value, educating, informing, answering questions; engaging with the audience and
promoting the authority of you, your brand and your services without once selling your services. It’s called building trust. Listen, engage, interact and convert. Sounds easy. For the timeshare industry, Facebook and Twitter are ideal, but what about YouTube for ‘explainer’ videos and resort profiles? Google loves FAQ’s! So why not combine activity? After all, Google owns YouTube. Research the most common questions you receive. Then provide the answers on your
The most shared and beneficial content today is visual: video, images and ‘infographics’. website, tweet new answers and create a short video or SlideShare to explain the answers. You can even post them on Facebook and blog about the most common questions – all of which is informative and shareable content to build your brand authority and it’s also great for search engine optimisation (SEO), social sharing and brand mentions! What about user generated content (USG)? It’s ideal for posting
FEATURE
those holiday pictures, videos and comments: there’s nothing better than great user-generated testimonials. And the most shared and beneficial content today is visual: video, images and ‘infographics’. Your research should allow you to personalise your content to your particular audience – perhaps a different tone of message on Facebook than on LinkedIn, more formal brand website content and more personal on image-based platforms. The need for regular and consistent content posts, including links, images, stories, press and news, ensures that an integrated digital marketing campaign must be developed within a schedule strategy. Adhoc activities lead to failure. Better yet, Google Analytics, social monitoring and the multitude of tools and software systems available allows you to manage, monitor, measure and adapt. No other marketing allows such detailed analysis capabilities. Step 3 Plan, create, post, respond and react. Answer comments, respond to reviews, say thank you and be positive. And keep posting. The right content at the right time to the right audience on the right device. Need to be everywhere? No. Need to do the right things better? Absolutely.
DID YOU KNOW THAT... Facebook is now over 11 years old with 1.4 billion users Nearly 2.1 billion people have a social media account Twitter has 284 million active users There are 500 million tweets per day Instagram has 300 million users 70 million photos and videos are sent daily Social networking accounts for 28 per cent of all media time spent online 18 per cent of social media users can’t go a few hours without checking Facebook 20 per cent of iPhone users check Twitter before getting up in the morning Users between 20 - 29 years spend two hours daily on social media 16 per cent of people rely on Twitter or Facebook for their morning news The average visitor spends 15 minutes a day on YouTube
Digital Marketing Glossary SEO - Search Engine Optimisation
The process of making a website highly relevant for both search engines and searchers, moving it further up the results page and improving the odds that the user will visit.
PPC - Pay Per Click
An online advertising payment model where websites pay to be displayed at the top of search engine results. Payment is based when a user clicks through to the website.
Adwords
The technology that powers Google’s PPC advertising, The adverts are targeted to specific searches, and the adverts appear above and to the right of the organic searches.
Google Analytics
A free, browser-based tool that allows users to track many different statistics concerning an owned website. This tool is vital for SEO and is very useful for getting information about a website at a glance.
Viral
When information is spread from person to person very quickly, much like a virus.
Instagram For further information on building a digital marketing strategy, visit EVCMarketing.com and ask about our 20-point review of your website and social media activity.
A photo sharing social network which allows users to take photographs, which are automatically shared on Instagram and other social sites. Sharetime issue 22 | 21
WHO ARE WE? WHAT DO WE DO?
TRAVEL & LEISURE GROUP
23 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL RESALES THE RESALE SOLUTION TO OWNERS AND DEVELOPERS... Celebrating 23 years of successful resales, Travel & Leisure Group, established in 1992, are the longest running Timeshare Estate Agent in Europe, assisting clients from all over the world in buying and selling Timeshare properties, with monies safe in solicitors hands. A family owned company with a first class reputation within the industry. Travel & Leisure Group are trusted by both consumers and developers alike, with over 20 experienced staff covering major European languages. So if you are looking to sell, add to your ownership or rent we are here to help. • • • •
In house conveyancing - unrivalled knowledge of timeshare transfers, we also handle transfers for people buying or selling privately Experienced staff speaking major European languages Websites in nine languages - over two million visitors per month Renowned for a high level of customer care and our friendly relationship with resorts
Head Office
SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR SALES ADVISORS NOW... OR COME TO OUR HEAD OFFICE IN SUDBURY, SUFFOLK
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FEATURE Alex Radford
Timeshare committees:
Are you adapting your resort to the times? So asks Alex Radford, a solicitor and Spanish abogado, who considers some of the legal issues committees should address for their longterm survival.
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any people who were originally sold timeshare in the 80s and 90s were advised they were investing in holidays for life. They would enjoy low priced, high quality future holidays at today’s prices and could exchange into other resorts around the world. Owners and developers did not realise that over the years maintenance fees would escalate, timeshare re-sale value would be much lower than the original purchase price and the re-sale market would be limited. So where are we now? Today, after many great timeshare holidays have been enjoyed, owners are growing older and no longer wish to travel. Some cannot afford or refuse to pay the maintenance fees, which have escalated and, in some cases, cost more than renting a similar unit. To compound the situation, once-bustling resorts are now empty as there have been no active sales and no new members coming
on board. Empty units cost money and this increases the maintenance fees for those remaining. So what can committees do to ensure their resorts survive for another 30 years? There is no magical wand that will wave these very real issues away. If no action is taken, the resort will quite simply not survive. Committees that are not up to the job or have the relevant skills should share the problem and call in specialist re-sale, marketing and exchange companies - and, yes, lawyers, to help develop a strategy. First steps. If your legal set up is that of a club trustee system have a very good read and make sure you understand the club constitution it is your resort’s bible. Below are some top tips to help you develop a strategy: • Can owners return their weeks? Is it viable to accept them or should you stage their return? How will this affect club finances? What income stream will replace this? • Do you take legal action against delinquent owners? Why? • If an owner does not pay the maintenance fees, do
you suspend occupation rights? How long for? • Is it fair to continue to issue membership fees to owners who will not pay? Why not repossess? • What is the procedure for returning weeks? Can you simplify this? • If you have too many empty units, release and sell them. • Is your resort sustainable as a business? Do you have the ability to develop resorts where tomorrow’s travellers wish to stay? Where would your children like to stay? • What is the duration of your club? Will your membership last this long? If not, is it time to change the duration? • What happens upon the death of a member? Make the process easy for the heirs. • Have you considered developing a short-term product that’s more attractive to new owners? If they like your resort, they might upgrade to full ownership and stay for longer.
Alex is a partner in MLS Lawyers & Solicitors, a limited liability partnership. He has been involved in the timeshare industry since 1999 and during this time has acted for committees, developers, lenders, trustees and consumers. Contact: Aradford@mylawyerinspain.com Telephone: 0845 508 2395 Sharetime issue 22 | 23
ADVERTORIAL
ADVERTORIAL
Sharetime issue 22 | 25
FEATURE: RESORT REVIEW
The Cliffs at Peace Canyon
The resort pool area at The Cliffs at Peace Canyon
are at the opposite end of the unit, which gives more privacy for guests. The pool area is very pleasant with tumbling water fountains and a maximum depth of just four feet. I found the staff to be friendly and helpful, especially the young members of staff at guest services. The resort has an excellent computer room and a gym, which to my shame, I never stepped in to. I try to avoid visiting timeshare resorts where a car is essential. Here, a car is not essential as there is a free, hourly minibus service to a large supermarket, the strip or to Fremont Street.
Stephen Burton, Sharetime’s regular resort reviewer, shares his experiences of a timeshare exchange to The Cliffs at Peace Canyon, in Las Vegas. any readers might wonder why they should visit Las Vegas on a timeshare exchange.
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As for our stay at The Cliffs at Peace Canyon, I would like to start with two negatives.
Well, in addition to gambling there are many top-rated shows by some of the world’s leading entertainers based at the casinos.
First, this is a resort where, after checking in, you are directed to guest services. I had to say no several times to the ‘free’ breakfast before they understood that “no” meant “no”.
Then, there are some great shopping opportunities, the fantastic sights and free shows in and around the strip and the great weather. For me, however, the principle attraction is to take trips to places such as the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. 26 | Sharetime issue 22
The second negative was about the sun loungers that are too firm and uncomfortable. However, in other ways this is one of my favourite RCI resorts. We were allocated a large and quiet two-bedroom apartment. I like the fact that the bedrooms
I have often written resort reviews where there is limited availability. This is not the case here as RCI has good availability over the next two years with reasonable trading power. There is a $25 charge at check-in for services such as Internet access. While I don’t appreciate these extra charges, this is far better than the thirty dollars a day daily charge at the Manhattan Club in New York.
The lounge area in an apartment
I ask myself at the end of every timeshare vacation: would I go back? The answer is yes, as the positives far outweigh the negatives at this lovely, peaceful timeshare resort on the outskirts of Las Vegas.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Golfing success for Christel House The winning team from the First National Trustee Company
The Badgemore competition - one of 12 tournaments held worldwide for the charity – saw teams competing for the Ron Haylock Memorial trophy. “Christel House is RCI’s charity of choice, and we are delighted that so many people came together to support such a worthwhile cause,” said Dimitris Manikis, vice president, RCI business development, EMEA.
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ore than £54,400 - all of which goes directly to support impoverished children in South Africa and India - was raised at the annual Christel House Charity Golf Tournament held in in early summer at the Badgemore Park Golf Club, Oxfordshire. A major Christel House event, the European tournament was the thirteenth held to attract funds from the timeshare community.
The winning team was from the First National Trustee Company, captained by Lee Dowling, senior VP, EME, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, who led his teammates Sue and John Colby and Peter Coles to victory. Said Vivienne Noyes-Thomas, of Christel House Europe: “The support we receive from the timeshare industry is fantastic and continues to grow; I’d like to thank all those involved.”
C.A.R.E. celebrates anniversary
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he Co-operative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.) is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. The association was set up by representatives from timeshare resorts who found that by exchanging inventory among themselves they were better able to satisfy their owners with increased holiday opportunities. While C.A.R.E. is not an exchange company, it does provide a unique networking platform allowing resorts to offer an enhanced, personal service.
Members of C.A.R.E. comprise resort developers, exchange organisations, management companies, homeowner associations, resort committees, travel clubs and wholesalers - all of whom comply with a strict code of standards and ethics. They currently offer 2,500 holiday properties and service over one million owners and members.
To find out more about C.A.R.E. membership visit: care-online.org
Timeshare leads to more frequent, happier holidays
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ne-third of timeshare owners took four or more vacations in the last three years, compared with only 18 per cent of non-owners. This is the finding of a survey conducted for the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) And vacationers who have taken more than four vacations in the past three years are more likely to be traveling with family and friends. A recent cover story in Time Magazine asked ‘Who Killed the Summer Vacation? “Our answer has to be ‘it sure wasn’t the timeshare owner’,” said Howard Nusbaum, ARDA president and CEO. “Not only do timeshare owners vacation more, they also experience a happier, more relaxing vacation time, usually spent with their loved ones—which we all know is tough to come by with today’s hectic lifestyles.” Happiness in a vacation can be measured through seven distinct vacation lifecycle phases, from planning the vacation to the first day all the way to the afterglow that the vacation leaves when it’s over. In each of the seven phases, timeshare owners expressed higher satisfaction than those who do not own a timeshare. Nusbaum continues: “The ease of planning, spacious accommodation and the ability to exchange over the world lead to a better overall vacation experience for timeshare owners.” Sharetime issue 22 | 27
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EXCHANGE NEWS
RCI NEWS New destinations for RCI members
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wo iconic hotel brands have brought resort properties into the RCI exchange programme. The Palladium Hotels & Resorts Group has affiliated the Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort & Spa, which is three miles from Ibiza Town and situated on the beach at Playa d’en Bossa. The resort offers an all-inclusive package to timeshare guests. The group has eight more properties throughout Mexico, Brazil,
Go Social With RCI
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CI has launched a Facebook page – facebook.com/ RCI – which showcases its range of destinations and holiday experiences available to members. The new page provides a community dedicated to RCI members across Europe and in the Middle East, featuring favourite holiday hotspots and destination ideas. “Many of our members want to share their enthusiasm and passion for wonderful holiday experiences,” said Lisa Theanne,
Nine Iberostar The Club resorts bring a taste of the exotic to RCI members
Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. RCI members also now have access to nine Iberostar resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic with the signing of the ‘Iberostar The Club’ brand to its holiday network. The all-inclusive properties provide guests with full beach lifestyle holidays.
RCI E-commerce and social media strategy manager. “Lots of their RCI exchange holiday stories and photographs are shared in our Endless Vacation magazine. But we know members love to go online to research holidays. Giving members their own RCI Facebook forum will bring our growing community of committed travellers together.” Posts will include travel tips, educational pieces to help owners get the best out of their timeshare and RCI membership, a showcase of places and experiences available through the RCI exchange holiday programme. Anyone with a passion for travel and a desire to get away from the work-a-day world can join in the holiday chatter and share members’ ideas, plans and stories.sit facebook.com/RCI
“These properties are perfect for RCI members looking for upmarket and stress-free all-inclusive holidays,” said Sean Lowe, managing director, RCI Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. “Having worked in Ibiza myself in the past, I am especially pleased to see this diverse destination coming to life in timeshare.”
Luxury lodges available for DAE members
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ial An Exchange (DAE) has developed a partnership with Charteroak Estates which brings four new holiday resorts to DAE members. Charteroak Estates, specialists in holiday lodge resorts, have luxury sites in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. Dial An Exchange members will now be able to take holidays at Stonerush Lakes and Southern Halt, in Cornwall; Indio Lake, in Devon; and Saxon Maybank, Dorset. Each of the resorts offers luxury lodges - and all have their own private hot tubs.
Sharetime issue 22 | 29
ASK YOURSELF
COULD YOUR RESORT BE MORE SUCCESSFUL? Would it be better if it had: more owners/members? more rental guests? higher standards? a refurbishment? detailed accounts? professional management If you think your resort would beneďŹ t from a professional review contact: U.K. 07939-903157 / 07816-303917 Spain & Canary Islands +34-620729925 / +34-619126203 USA & Caribbean +1-408-221-1926 / +1-434-325-1167 CAT2398 Love Timeshare Advert, new logo 148x105mm v2.pdf
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stuart@leisuremanagementplus.com 14/05/2015 14:25 www.leisuremanagementplus.com
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With roots that go back more than a decade, the timeshare resale specialists at Confused about Timeshare are proud of our heritage. With our professional service we take the stress out of any decision making and thats what makes us your timeshare resale agent of choice. Buying, selling or renting we invite you to receive a FREE market appraisal of your timeshare ownership and would be delighted to offer you practical and professional advice WITHOUT OBILIGATION.
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TATOC Affiliated Resale Company
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01784 451 355
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AFFILIATE NEWS
CLC World on a roll for 2015
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LC World Resorts & Hotels is expanding at two resorts opened only this year: CLC Regal Oaks, in Orlando, Florida, and Ramada Resort Kusadasi, in Turkey. Spring 2015 saw spectacular CLC Regal Oaks - singled out as a top construction project by local business media - open its doors to owners and rental guests. With its showpiece $9million clubhouse, CLC Regal Oaks is at the heart of the metro Orlando tourist hub. Recently the company announced a new phase of luxury townhouse properties for completion in 2016.
An aerial view of Regal Oaks, Florida
Up-scale Ramada Resort Kusadasi, a three-way collaboration between hospitality brand Ramada, CLC World and Turkish construction company Priyen, quickly followed.
Alpine Wellness and Relaxation programme launched
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merican Resort Intervals will operate special wellness programmes for guests this autumn at their two Austrian resorts, Alpenland Sporthotel St. Johann and Alpenland Sporthotel Maria Alm. The two full-service resorts are located in the heart of the picturesque Austrian Alps and a short drive from the city of Salzburg. The fitness staff have put
together a week-long wellness programme that include Nordic walking and hiking, yoga and Pilates, a visit to the Thermal Spas of Bad Hofgastein and cycling along the Salzach River. Guests can indulge in wellness and relaxation through use of indoor swimming pools, saunas, solariums, and fitness centres.
More information from: www.alpenland-sporthotels.com.
The swimming pool at Regal Oaks
After the virtual sell out of 388 freehold properties through CLC Estates, a new phase, Lagoon Suites, comprising freehold hotel accommodation and residences, is under way with a finish date of next spring. Sea-facing Ramada Resort, with its impressive array of pools, restaurants, bars and facilities, lies in an area of upmarket hotels, close to both town and a new conference centre. Demand for accommodation is said to be strong. CLC World has also been developing facilities at its resorts in Spain and Tenerife, with its in-house interior design team creating increasing levels of luxury. Following the company’s successful launch of its unique ‘Signature Suites’ fractionals last year, the concept is currently being rolled out across resorts as the CLC Signature Collection. This offers an upgrade fractional product to members “reaching the highest levels of design and comfort.” Sharetime issue 22 | 31
TRAVEL NEWS
New travel app for the vegetarian traveller
TripAdvisor Travel favourites
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gogo Apps has launched Veggoagogo, a 50-language travel translation application for vegetarians, available on the iOS and Android platforms. The aim of the app is to provide vegetarian travellers with confidence in situations that have filled many with dread: ordering vegetarian food on the road. As well as defining what vegetarians are, Veggoagogo addresses many of the needs the travelling vegetarian faces on a daily basis. These range from locating restaurants that serve vegetarian fare to choosing suitable items from the menu. The app also shows how to thank the chef, waiter, concierge, market-stall holder or friendly local. Veggoagogo is intuitive, easy to use and requires no Internet connectivity. The user simply chooses a question from those on offer, then selects from one of 50 languages available before tapping the translate button and being presented with the result. Paul Dodson, founder of Agogo Apps, said: “Often when travelling abroad it’s hard to get across exactly what a vegetarian will and will not eat. In many countries it’s a loosely defined concept where vegetarian dishes may still include fish or seafood. “With Veggoagogo we aimed to do two things: to define very clearly what a vegetarian won’t eat and to offer a range of questions that travelling vegetarians face regularly. We do this in 50 languages.”
The app can be downloaded from iTunes and Google Play.
op products that travellers around the world say they prefer to take with them on trips have been recognised by TripAdvisor and awarded the tag 2015 Travellers’ Choice. If you hit the road with your Lonely Planet guidebook, Samsonite luggage and Cannon Digital, you’re in good company – these are just a few of the 40 U.K. winners in categories that range from cameras and luggage to soap and sunscreen. Over 180,000 travellers around the world weighed in, including over 28,000 in the U.K., and here are some of the final results: Batteries Duracell Cold/Flu Medicine Lemsip Compact Digital Camera Canon eReader
Kindle Fire
Eye Drops
Clear Eyes
GPS Device TomTom Tourist Guide Book
Lonely Planet
Hand Sanitizer Carex Insect Repellent
Jungle Formula
Luggage Samsonite Sunburn Relief Treatment Nivea Toothpaste Colgate Soap Dove
Case for third runway at Heathrow
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he Airports Commission has published its final report setting out recommendations for expanding aviation capacity in the U.K. - described as crucial for long-term prosperity. The commission concluded that the proposal for a new, full-length runway
Sunscreen Nivea Hair Dryer Babyliss
at Heathrow Airport, combined with measures to address environmental and community impacts, presented the strongest case. It would add 40 new destinations from the airport, more than 70,000 new jobs by 2050 and deliver
substantial long-term economic and strategic benefits for the whole country. While the environmental recommendations would ensure Heathrow would be a better neighbour for local communities than the airport is today.