LETTER FROM CHAIRMAN

March 2013

This time I’m going to talk about the regrets you could have when you let an opportunity slip through your fingers. All of us do this sometime or the other, but it helps to remember that you just can’t turn the clock back. I’m afraid you can’t.

A few years ago, some good friends of mine were discussing a particular share with long term potential. I think they were talking about 50 rupees a share and a block of 1000 shares for one of them – which would have worked out to Rs 50,000 in terms of upfront money. But this gentleman said NO to that opportunity. Recently, the share touched a never before high of Rs 1,000. Do the math and you’ll see how much he could be hurting.

Then there was that club membership at a new city club that was available at Rs 20,000. After 10 years that figure is now Rs 2,50,000 - the club today has the kind of facilities you’d find in one of Bangalore’s older clubs.

I’m sure each one of us can recollect opportunities that slipped through our fingers. Happens to all of us, but there are times when it is useful to say YES – especially on something you’re going to find useful – sooner or later.

Which brings me to the kind of opportunity you have in timeshare. I sometimes refer to it as planning early, for many happy returns. If you’re around 30 years of age, I’d say this is a good time to buy your timeshare plan. Don’t wait till you’re 40, or 45 to think of holiday time with your family.

I’m not an economist, but have a personal theory called the Affordability Index, based on paper-napkin logic. And my Affordability Index usually predicts a steep rise every five years on the big investments that you want to make today.

Let’s take a case in point in the hospitality industry. The rising tariffs on hotel rooms and rates should give you an idea of which way the prices are heading, and how fast. Pick a grouping of five hotels that you’re familiar with and chart the escalation in room tariffs over the last five years - you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Moral of the story: If an opportunity knocks on the door, welcome it with open arms. And look at timeshare as something that will give your family a memorable holiday every year, for the next 25 years.

With advice like this, I think you’re going to be sending me a thank you note when you’re 50. Looking forward to hearing from you.

B. S. Rathor
Chairman, AIRDA