Last month we talked about the “man-on-the-street” and his levels of awareness when it comes to timeshare. Proving that timeshare is still a new concept in the hospitality industry. That’s why we’re constantly working on sharing information on different aspects of timeshare that may be useful to both current and prospective customers.

Your understanding of timeshare becomes really relevant during the signing up process with your resort. This is when you need to ensure that the resort makes things totally transparent, by taking you through every aspect of the product and service that you need to know about.

A good example of this is the Sales Disclosure Document that needs to be seen by the customer in conjunction with the Sales Contract. A document that we have developed exclusively for AIRDA member resorts, to be shared with current and prospective customers.

I now share key highlights of the Sales Disclosure Document – which is also seen as a customer-transparency measure from the organized and regulated sector of the Indian timeshare industry – one good example of this is AIRDA and its network of member resorts.

The Sales Disclosure Document aims to ensure that …

… the purchaser / customer has fully understood The Vacation Ownership offering (timeshare) and product from the Sales Team of the resort. It is also useful to know that all clarifications are given to the customer.

… the purchaser has fully understood that this membership is a “Right to Use” of one-week-per-year for the duration of the contract period. He is aware that no other rights as to ownership, either legal or material vests in this membership.

… the seller (Sales Team) has explained the costing structure - including aspects such as Annual Maintenance charges & fees that need to be paid towards exchange. Also useful to know that  member resorts will not charge any Utility Fee for exchanges within the AIRDA network.

… the purchaser has understood the options and modalities of ‘exchange’ on vacations outside the home resort - and is aware of all related costs, guidelines and conditions that apply.

… the membership terms and conditions have been fully explained to the purchaser – including cancelations and refunds. The purchaser is eligible to obtain a refund during the “ten-day cooling off period” and also needs to be aware of other rules regarding refunds.

…  all information has been shared about resort features & amenities within the purchase plan. It is also useful that the seller explains The Vacation Planning process – including the subject-to-availability clause on shifts from seasons owned by the customer.

… the purchaser has understood that the unused portion of the membership can be gifted / rented / bequeathed to friends / relatives and others, upon payment of necessary fees on such terms and conditions as may be laid down.

… the purchaser has been shown the mandatory portion of the Code of Ethics as part of the marketing documents detailed and discussed by the seller.

… the purchaser has been informed about the customer support role played by the All India Resort Development Association (AIRDA).

As you can see, this document is clearly in the interest of the purchaser / customer and covers assurance aspects that he may not have been aware of during the signing up process.

Because it is always useful to get the complete picture, before you sign on the dotted line.

B. S. Rathor
Advisor & Member - Executive Committee

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. All members are governed by a common Code of Conduct - AIRDA works closely with member resorts to cut a clean image in the industry and offer fair value to end customers.

AIRDA also represents the industry within government circles 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.