VIEWS AND INTERVIEWS
Q&A:
Talking to end-customers of timeshare
May 2011
Meet Jacob Jacob, VP of a Toronto based advertising agency. Married to Gita, homemaker. They have two sons – Romir and Sean, both studying in the University of Toronto. They have lived in three continents (Asia: Bom/Del – Africa: Nairobi, Kenya – North America: Toronto, Canada) and have done extensive travel both in India and overseas. A lot of their holidaying is done through timeshare. The Jacobs own a 1-bedroom unit at The Royal Goan Beach Club in Benaulim, which was purchased in 1994, and are members of RCI (Resorts Condominium International) where they bank their week and exchange it for some of their holidays.
Over to Jacob, on his thoughts and views on timeshare…
Q: When was your first timeshare holiday?
A: In 1996, a two-week holiday in Hurgadha, Egypt - a resort-city at the Red Sea. We lived in a beautiful sprawling resort right on the beach, which had lots of daily activities and culture shows. On that trip we also stayed an additional 5/6 days in Cairo, Alexandria and Karnak – of course not through timesharing.
Q: What timeshare holiday locations have you been to?
A: We've been to:
- Egypt: Hurgadha, Red Sea (exchange)
- India: Goa (lived in our own unit)
- Israel: Jerusalem
- Spain: Malaga (South coast)
- Spain: Majorca (Balearics Islands)
- UK: Leicestershire (2-3 hours from London city)
- US: Williamsburg, Virginia (2-3 hours from Washington DC)
- US: Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania (around 2 hours drive to New Jersey and New York city)
- US: Wilmington, Vermont (around 3-4 hours from Boston).
- US: Daytona, Florida
- US: Fox River, Sheridan, not far from Chicago.
- Canada: Collingwood
- Canada: Quebec, Mont St. Anne.
Q: Which according to you, is your most preferred timeshare location?
A: The ones in Europe are much better than the ones in the US and Canada, in terms of ambience, facilities and activities. We took a conscious decision not to repeat a place, so we haven’t developed any ‘preferred’ location. I guess you could say Europe timeshares are preferred.
Q: What are the plus points of a timeshare membership?
A: You can have fabulous vacations around the world at less than what it would cost at normal hotels (especially for a family of four like us). Almost all the units have full / partial kitchens so if you are particular about food or if you have dietary restrictions or if you are vegetarian you can cook the food you want/like and yet sample the local fare for variety. You can therefore afford to go to better places since you don’t have to spend for each meal. Most resorts are close to grocery outlets and some of them also have it within their premises.
Timeshares in Europe have activities and shows every day at no extra cost, so in addition to the local sightseeing, you have a lot of fun things to do. RCI members also get discounts on shows, food and tours.
Q: Is there any other benefit that comes to mind?
A: You can exchange your week for cruise weeks, if you are into cruises. Some of the resorts have a golf course, so if you are a golfer you can play a few rounds. A lot of this is free for residents.
Q: How are things at this initial start-phase?
A: While the current recession isn’t helping matters, we have noticed that people will eventually take matters into their hands and do what is necessary. And a holiday with the family is one of those things that you can’t put in the back burner.
Q: What about the customer service, what’s your view?
A: Customer service, by and large is good. They are polite, eager to help and resolve issues in a timely manner (both RCI and the Royal Goan Beach Club).
Q: Do you have any suggestions for timeshare customers?
A: If you want to time your vacation during the peak season it is useful to plan in advance. Another option is to look at off peak vacations… in which case you will most likely get the resorts and places you have in mind. Potential timeshare owners… make sure you only buy your week in the peak season of the place your timeshare is located. Your trading power is much stronger and you can get better choices - my week has got me two weeks in exchange.
Q: Do you have suggestions for timeshare resort owners?
A: Just as you try and aggressively sell units to customers, please also arrange to buy back units from those who want to sell. This by itself is a key motivator for people considering timeshare or on the fringe of making a decision.
Q: Do you have suggestions for timeshare resort owners?
A: No, I haven’t. What does AIRDA have to do with timeshare?
Our answer to Jacob’s question may be useful to other timeshare customers / prospects who have not heard of AIRDA.
The All India Resort Development Association 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. AIRDA works closely with members to cut a clean image in the industry and offer fair value to end customers.
AIRDA also represents the industry and lobbies with the government 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. |
