Fractional Ownership News

Rebrand for European Timeshare Organization

Date: 28/09/2009
Article source: Opp.org.uk

REBRAND FOR EUROPEAN TIMESHARE ORGANIZATION
Source: Opp.org.uk

After 11 years in existence, industry trade-body the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE) has changed its name to the Resort Development Organisation (RDO), which it says is reflective of “developments in the vacation ownership industry” that have brought about new forms of ownership.

Citing the emergence of floating weeks, points-based holiday systems, fractional ownership, private residence and destination clubs, RDO said that it has also established a fractional committee to examine how the non-profit organization can deliver value to its members, while launching a consumer portal for its members to list on called gotimeshare.org.

“Under RDO, the free complaints resolution service and dispute resolution scheme will be opened up to more people,” said its chairman, Richard McIntosh. “The level of complaints for timeshare is at a very low level and is decreasing year on year, which compares starkly with other holiday options, such as holiday clubs, or discount travel clubs, which are not governed by specific legislation and do not benefit from trade body representation.”

To ensure this continues, RDO is undertaking a market survey of fractional resorts and residence clubs in Europe which its legislative council will then look at how to see how they fit within the EU’s Timeshare Directive which, it believes, the majority will need to comply with.

McIntosh added: “I believe that RDO truly reflects the extensive range of holiday options now available in the vacation ownership market.

By widening the scope of the organisation’s membership, we are representing the industry as a whole rather than just focusing on timeshare.

The RDO is a trade body dedicated to fair-trading in the European vacation ownership industry, whilst promoting and fostering industry growth. It serves its 110+ membership through public relations, legislative lobbying, research and member and consumer relations management.