LETTER FROM CHAIRMAN

This time, I am writing about something that moves to the top of my list, from time to time. It’s about customers choosing the right timeshare option. A vacation ownership plan that can give you many happy returns in terms of holidays, year after year.

On the one hand, it is encouraging to see many young people taking “scheduled vacations” seriously – which means they really want to get that vacation into their annual calendars. But on the other hand, I’m concerned about the choices they could be making. Because there are basically two kinds of resorts you could be looking at – those within the AIRDA network, and those outside the AIRDA network. Resorts within the AIRDA network are safe and governed by guidelines that are common and in the interest of the customer.

Here is a checklist I have put together for prospective customers that can be very useful when you’re in the process of choosing a timeshare plan. It will also be useful when you’re at a sales presentation organized by the resort. So here you are…

• Does your timeshare resort, offer you holiday locations / plans that come close to your dream holiday? (Look at locations, features, facilities, activities.)
• Is the package you’re looking at, flexible enough to accommodate the whole family? (Check facilities, comfort levels, activities for the whole family.)
• Have you reviewed at least three resorts to ensure that you don’t settle for the first acceptable resort that comes your way? (Compare locations, prices, packages and a feel-good factor.)
• If you have arrived at a final list; have you negotiated the best deal you can get on the package you’ve chosen? (Sometimes timeshare providers bundle some interesting extras and add-ons.)
• Does the package you’re looking at, give you exchange points or credits that can be redeemed at other network resorts/ destinations. (Don’t forget to check this out.)

Finally, is the timeshare resort a member of AIRDA? There’s a definite feel-good factor if your resort is part of the AIRDA network. AIRDA memberships automatically guarantee industry acceptable standards in terms of features, facilities, package formats and compliance to our code of ethics. (A very important plus point.)

Please do take a print out of these tips and use our guidelines as a checklist. And once you have made your choice, ask for customer references and phone numbers. Nothing like actually speaking to existing customers to get a first-hand picture.

B. S. Rathor
Chairman, AIRDA

Here’s a brief overview of the kind of role played by AIRDA in the timeshare industry:

The All India Resort Development Association (AIRDA) is a self-regulated, independent advisory dedicated to the timeshare and vacation ownership industry. AIRDA’s primary members are resort owners, who benefit from AIRDA’s constructive sharing of ideas and strategies on the running and promotion of timeshare. AIRDA works closely with members to cut a clean image in the industry and offer fair value to end customers. AIRDA also represents the industry and lobbies with the government on policy issues that could have a bearing on timeshare and vacation ownership in the country.

AIRDA has a balanced end-customer focus and provides updated information on the official website. This covers the timeshare marketplace, advice on making informed choices on vacation ownership and assistance on complaint redressal, if any.

AIRDA is an affiliated member of the American Resort Developers Association.