Dream Vacation Club has welcomed the decision by the National Consumer Commission to investigate the vacation ownership (timeshare / holiday club) industry.
As a provider of accommodation in hotels and timeshare resorts Dream Vacation Club believes that clear regulation within the industry will benefit the end consumer and ensure the professionalism of the timeshare industry.
The inquiry will assist in clarifying any misconceptions that are held around timeshare, which has been proven an affordable holiday option for South Africans. Frustration arises when unscrupulous industry players over-promise and under-deliver, tarnishing the industry’s reputation and limiting its potential.
Dream Vacation Club has been working with the industry's trade body (VOASA) and the NCC to reach a positive resolution and to discuss the best way forward. As such, Dream Vacation Club will continue to promote responsible business practices
The club has always endeavoured to assist all its members with queries or disputes as a matter of priority and have managed to find amicable resolutions. It has also introduced ‘exit options’ for Members wishing to withdraw their membership despite the ownership product being perpetual in nature.
According to the latest global omnibus survey conducted by Oxford Economics and Leger and released by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) International Foundation, the international timeshare industry features over 5 300 resorts in 121 countries and supports nearly 1.3 million jobs.
South Africa ranks among the top eight countries worldwide where timeshare acquisitions continue to be strong. The survey also indicates that our country ranks fifth in the world in terms of timeshare ownership, and fourth in terms of future purchase interest.
One of the key criticisms levelled against the timeshare industry relates to the practice by some, of misinforming consumers' regardimg the availability of accommodation thereby creating an unrealistic expectation resulting in consumer dissatisfaction. Such conduct is unethical and consumers are encouraged to discuss with their timeshare provider the options available to best suit their needs to avoid disappointment.