Condo hotels are designer-furnished condominium suites located in some of the most famous hotels and resorts.

The timeshare industry is expected to reach new heights in the Middle East as increasing numbers of consumers in the region embrace the concept. With demand for timeshares on the rise, a number of major hospitality companies are launching new projects to capture a slice of this booming market.

“If you can’t join them, beat them” seems to be the objective behind this writer’s take on surviving timeshare presentations.

In our May 1 newsletter, we had reported that Mr. Trump touted his £1bn golf resort (including 900 timeshare units) in Aberdeenshire, “the world’s greatest golf course”, was of “national importance” and worth any adverse environmental effect. Miffed at subsequent negative press reports, Mr. Trump is said to have issued an ultimatum: take it or leave it. Well, the local council will have none of it and have rejected the plan wholesale. Not one to be scoffed at, the billionaire likened himself a true environmentalist which alas, reportedly drew jeers and little sympathy.