LETTER FROM PRINCIPAL ADVISOR

December 2014

There are some aspects about AIRDA’s mission and objectives, that I look forward to sharing at every given opportunity – at industry meets, conferences and on our website.

The more often I do this, the more confident I am about increasing awareness levels - of the benefits derived by our member community and the timeshare industry at large.

How and when was AIRDA formed?

In the eighties, during the early stages of timeshare in India, there was no regulatory mechanism to monitor and guide early bird operators. Especially in terms of a balanced, unified approach to meeting customer needs. This lack of regulatory mechanism led to inconsistencies in the quality and delivery of services, which hampered the growth of timeshare.

In 1998, a visionary group of resort developers and RCI, joined hands to set the foundation for India’s first regulated body for vacation ownership – a body that would adopt and abide by a code of ethics reflecting fair practices.

What members look for from a regulatory organization

AIRDA’s key member segments include timeshare developers, exchange companies, value chain partners and other stakeholders committed to the development and growth of the vacation ownership industry.  

Members look for …

• A common platform that helps them seek and share information on timeshare and vacation ownership – especially in terms of business drivers and expansion.
• A unified voice of strength when it comes to interactions with government bodies and industry departments - primarily on issues that need representation and follow-through.
• Opportunities to redefine policies on timeshare and upgrade on customer experience. Inputs here could include new ways of engaging with the customer.
• Entry-level guidance with a road map - to navigate market entry and growth. New developers will find this extremely useful.

An overview of AIRDA’s service and support platform

• AIRDA functions as a neutral body and plays an unbiased role in helping facilitate the smooth functioning of the vacation ownership industry in India.
• We also work towards enlarging the map on timeshare, by building strong alliances with national and international trade associations and bodies.
• Our approach to customer engagement looks at various touch-points – helping deliver a sustained level of quality and value.
• We also have compliance guidelines on ethical practices - giving member resorts an opportunity to take corrective measures where necessary.
• On our website, we constantly share information on timeshare products and industry developments - helping prospective buyers make informed decisions.
• We play the role of an ombudsman - helping customers address grievances through a balanced, constructive dialogue with developers.
  

From my point of view it helps to remember that AIRDA was set up by resort owners with the objective of bringing together like-minded professionals and business owners - under one common umbrella.

We’re an association ... of the members, by the members and for the members.

B. S. Rathor
Principal Advisor & Member - Executive Committee