Resort Development Organisation (RDO)
The RDO was established as an industry body for the development and promotion of timeshare ownership. According to their website they have 48 current members counting some of the largest timeshare developers including Diamond Resorts, Club la Costa, Hilton Grand Vacations and a number of smaller groups.
Whilst the RDO purport to assist the consumer, given their membership is mainly resorts and organisations that promote timeshare it must be considered that the consumer of the product is not really represented by this organisation. RDO do have a published code of conduct however this has not been updated since 2010.
The RDO is aware that the industry is not best part in favour with continual bad press which is defended by this statement from their website:
“Despite high owner satisfaction levels, press coverage of the industry can still be negative, particularly in the UK and Germany. Although some articles reflect legitimate owner concerns, the vast majority of ‘scare’ stories are not about vacation ownership, despite the headlines. It’s all down to journalists wrongly reporting new holiday products, e.g. holiday clubs, as timeshare.
RDO has been working tirelessly to turn the media’s views around and this educational programme is a high priority for the organisation,”
Whilst there is certainly a need for a trade body for the industry, it must be accepted that the RDO works for exactly what it says “Resort Development”.
Mindtimeshare
One of the original blog sites, mindtimeshare was for many years an extremely well read site. Originally run by an ex Spanish police officer, Alberto Garcia and funded by the RDO, in fact he was Head of RDO Enforcement and Director of mindtimeshare. In March 2016 he stood down from both positions. The site then carried on until December 2019 when all new blogs ceased.
As of 7th December 2020 a post was issued saying the mindtimeshare are back, although at the time of writing we have no information as to the stewardship.
Kwikchex
Another RDO sponsored organisation although their services do not appear to be solely aimed at timeshare. Within the Kwikchex are a number of timeshare associated websites which purport to be consumer oriented although one must again question the impartiality of advice offered if the funding for all associated businesses is provided by the RDO.
Inside Timeshare
A leading blog site regular updates. This site is dedicated to investigating and reporting on not only the fraudulent actions taking place within the industry but also the wrong doings of the industry itself. Highly respected for the quality of its investigations and its no nonsense approach to exposing those companies that are perpetrating fraud or bad practice.
Timeshare Consumer Association (TCA)
Founded in 1997 to help and assist timeshare owners. TCA offers specialist advice to consumers to avoid pitfalls and to resolve timeshare problems. This service is provided, free of charge. TCA also provide a central resource of consumer oriented information on timeshare matters for the media and other consumer organisations – including the encouragement of a positive public attitude to responsible, honest, timeshare operators. We will not shy from publicly exposing anti-consumer practices and organisations which operate in a manner detrimental to timeshare buyers and owners.
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