LETTER FROM CHAIRMAN

October 2013

At AIRDA, one of my key focus areas is linked to new member enrolments and closer interactions with existing members. It certainly is encouraging to have new resort members coming in and adding to our share of voice in the industry.

But what does it really mean to be part of this fraternity? I’d like to answer that by briefly outlining some key benefits. 

• When you are accepted for membership, you can proudly display a certificate at your resort saying you are an AIRDA member. In the eyes of a customer, this flags you as part of an informed group that has members such as Brentwoods Club, Mahindra Holidays, Magic Holidays, Orange County, RCI and Sterling Holidays, to name a few. Our members are torch bearers for the industry and have invested in a high level of service deliverables and standards – appreciated and experienced by discerning customers. So it is indeed useful to say you belong to the same group.
• Your membership with AIRDA also reflects a degree of professionalism in the way you conduct your business and address customer needs. In fact it underlines the fact that you subscribe to a common Code of Ethics endorsed by all AIRDA members. This can be useful at a new client presentation, and as display signage at your resort - to reassure members of your commitment to quality and service delivery.
• There’s another useful benefit. When you join AIRDA you are no more a resort owner in an unregulated section of the industry. You’re part of a self-regulated, independent advisory dedicated to the performance and progress of the timeshare and vacation ownership industry.
• Through AIRDA you benefit from a constructive sharing platform for best practices, common concerns, customer related issues and news from the world of timeshare. This input is useful in terms of being updated on policy matters, government notifications and other developments.
• The more members we have under our banner, the larger our voice can be at an industry level. Any representation made by AIRDA under a common banner carries weight at policy making circles and government departments. Being part of AIRDA also gives you access to certain rights and privileges enjoyed exclusively by our members.
• As the timeshare market evolves we need to be in close touch with changing customer needs and preferences. On a broader scale it’s also important to track and anticipate trends in the hospitality industry. And that’s precisely why AIRDA works with resort owners and developers to offer innovative services and explore new geographies as a means to expand the market.
• At AIRDA we see the need to carry out meaningful surveys on the impact of timeshare and vacation ownership. Our newest study is a detailed "Assessment of Economic Impact of the Vacation Ownership Industry". It examines the extent of economic activity and the related creation of jobs around timeshare resorts.
• AIRDA also 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.
  

So, if you’re a resort owner, promoter of timeshare holidays, or an end-customer looking for information, welcome to AIRDA. We are here to help.

B. S. Rathor
Chairman, AIRDA