RDO members help holidaymakers in volcanic ash crisis

The timeshare industry has come to the rescue of stranded holidaymakers affected by the ongoing volcanic ash crisis, with many resorts which are members of the Resort Development Organisation (RDO) providing emergency accommodation.

During the first flight disruptions in April, many resort teams worked flat out to ensure that owners had somewhere to stay and helped with last minute travel arrangements.



Renewed scope for online debate as RDO enters the blogosphere

RDO has introduced The Chief Executive’s Blog on www.rdo.org, the organisation’s latest initiative to increase positive online coverage of timeshare and engage with the industry, the media and the public in an open, honest online debate.

Paul Gardner Bougaard, RDO’s Chief Executive, will regularly offer his views on key industry issues, ranging from consumer trends to the industry’s responsibility to tackle fraud or how to attract new buyers, inviting comments from online followers.



RDO Spain launches information campaign about new quality standard

Quality Standard

RDO Spain will host the first in a series of workshops to inform members about the new ‘Q’ Quality Standard for timeshare companies on 27 May in Gran Canaria.

The event aims to explain the importance of having a dedicated quality standard for the timeshare industry which is recognised both nationally and internationally, and the benefits that compliance brings to timeshare companies. RDO Spain also expects that this information campaign will encourage more companies to apply for the ‘Q’ Quality Standard.



APD Leisure and Marketing Ltd wound up in the High Court

APD Leisure and Marketing, a holiday club operator based in North Lancashire (England) suspected of fraudulent activity, has been wound up in the High Court following a successful Insolvency Service probe.

The company allegedly cold-called members of the public to tell them they had won a holiday and then made them attend a sales presentation where they were encouraged to join the holiday club. It is estimated that the company sold around 300 memberships and received almost £600,000, according to the Insolvency Service.



Developer arrested in Miami real estate scam

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has arrested Hudson Gabay of British American Homes, who was wanted in connection to a US$ 15 million real estate scam.

Gabay had been targeting British investors with offers for the Elliot’s Landing development in Florida. Despite the fact that he didn’t own the land when he started marketing it, Gabay pocketed around US$ 15 million from deposits for the proposed homes, allegedly using the money to finance a lavish lifestyle.

Several hundred people, mostly British, are believed to have fallen victims of the scheme.



Shared Ownership Summit reveals growth opportunities for Middle East

Shared Ownership Summit Dubai

Leaders from the vacation ownership, fractional and private residence club industries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) gathered in Dubai for the Shared Ownership Summit, held on 1 May as part of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2010.

Co-hosted by Bench Events, Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) and RCI, the Summit focused on the increasing relevance of shared ownership products in the region and uncovered significant opportunities for growth.



Latest Ragatz survey reveals the state of the American fractional market

Ragatz Associates presented the results of its latest research on “The shared ownership real estate industry in North America” at the organisation’s 2010 Fractional Interest Conference in San Francisco.



RCI boosts its presence in Asia and the Middle East

RCI has enhanced its portfolio in Asia and the Middle East with the affiliation of several new properties to its vacation exchange network in recent weeks.

Asia is a growing market for fractional and vacation ownership products. The new properties, including four resorts in Vietnam, two in Indonesia and a sea-villa resort in Malaysia, bring the total of RCI affiliated resorts in Asia to nearly 150. In addition, two new resorts in Vietnam and Indonesia have been added to the Registry Collection programme.



Interval International adds Mayhills Resort in Korea to its network

Mayhills Resorts in Gangwon Province, one of the most popular ski areas in the Republic of Korea, is the latest addition to Interval International’s vacation exchange network.

The 357 studios and one- and two-bedroom units, all with balconies, occupy a 12-storey tower with panoramic views of the mountains. Guests have access to two restaurants, a fitness centre, sauna, games room and a convenience store.



TimeshareStaff.com introduces short term ads to aid industry recovery

Recruitment site www.timesharestaff.com has introduced the option of advertising single position / single location jobs for shorter periods of 30 days at a time, in addition to its longer term recruitment packages, in a bid to ease the rebuilding of timeshare sales and marketing teams.



Hapimag invests a million euros on new restaurant on the dunes in Hörnum

Hapimag is investing around one million euros on the construction of a striking new restaurant in the sand dunes at the resort of Hörnum on the German island of Sylt.

The new “Breizh” restaurant, expected to be completed by August 2010, will have a modern design combining glass and wood, enabling guests to enjoy great views of the North Sea while dining. The menu will be characterised by Breton recipes combined with local Sylt cuisine.