2023 has once again been a very interesting year for both timeshare owners and the TCA alike. As well as being interesting it’s also been a very busy year. Whilst crunching some numbers we established that our main email contact point has registered slightly over 700 inbound enquiries. Our online chat service soared past this by a mile with just over 1,200 chats, as for our call line, stats for that are impossible to extrapolate but suffice to say the inbound calls make for a busy and vibrant office.
So what has been interesting about 2023? Firstly, the amount of scam and fraudulent timeshare exit and claims companies has reached epidemic proportions. TCA work long and hard to expose these purveyors of crime but it seems as soon as we knock one down, two more pop up.
A sad facet of manning our helpline is the floods of tears we often experience from senior citizens whom we have to inform that monies they have paid to scam companies is money lost. These are the very people who can ill afford to be defrauded. We often wonder how the perpetrators of this kind of fraud would feel if it were their parents or grandparents who were on the receiving end and became victims themselves of such fraud.
2023 – A snapshot
On the timeshare front, 2023 has still left all those with active claims against Silverpoint, Anfi and Club la Costa in limbo land. Administrators are wading through mountains of evidence and carrying out forensic accounting and until such time as all necessary work is done, we will all just have to wait to see the outcome. A glimmer of hope is on the horizon for those with claims against Anfi. Although a 2023 Christmas present is not on the horizon, maybe an Easter present could be coming their way in 2024.
2023 has also seen the closure of some smaller timeshare resorts. First to go was Paradise Kings Club in Cyprus followed by both Club Marina in Tenerife and Porto Bay Residence in Madeira. Club la Costa put its Trenython Manor resort up for sale as did MacDonald Resorts Plas Talgarth go on the market.
2023 also started badly for Seasons Holidays owners following a communication effectively barring most owners from booking and using their Dylan Coastal Resort in Laugharne. In November, after arbitration, Seasons owners at Slalely Hall lost their battle to protect Seasons from selling the lodges.
After years of investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, the Criminal Prosecution Service authorised the beginning of trials for those who were connected with Monster Travel. The trials are in progress as we write.
Happy New Year
As 2023 closes and 2024 approaches, like always, we hope next year will be better than this year in all walks and aspects of life. As for timeshare, we would like to venture a few “New Year Resolutions” for the timeshare industry:
- Create workable cost effective exit strategies for all.
- Sort out owner availability problems.
- Get maintenance fees realistic once again.
- Sell the product with truth only.
- Put owners first before exterior bookings.
- In fact, put owners’ first, full stop.
In all honesty we don’t consider our resolution list to be exaggerated, nor is it unachievable. With willingness every point on the list is possible, but only if developers take the time to accept that in its current form timeshare needs a massive rethink.
From the TCA point of view, our resolutions remain the same as ever, and we will achieve them:
- Stand up for the timeshare owner.
- Campaign for fairer treatment.
- Expose and stop fraud at every opportunity.
- Be there to assist the timeshare owner wherever we can.
TCA comment
Maybe we are painting a slightly gloomy picture for both the timeshare industry and the timeshare owner but as they often say “the truth sometimes hurts”. In the 27 years of TCA existence we regret to inform that although a lot has changed, little has actually improved, but we live in hope.
To finish on a brighter note, we at TCA hope you have a wonderful Christmas and that, timeshare excepted; whatever you want from 2024 comes your way. We will start and finish 2024 in same way as the previous 27 years, standing our ground and supporting, where possible, you the timeshare owner.
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk