Showing posts with label NTOA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NTOA. Show all posts

Looking Out for Owners' Best Interests

10/28/2015 Unknown
It's good to know that as a timeshare owner you are not alone. There are industry organizations that have owners' best interests at heart. Groups like the Florida Timeshare Owners Group (FTOG), The National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA), American Resort Development Association’s special owner’s group ARDA-ROC and Timeshare Board Members Association (TBMA), make disseminating information to owners their priority. They work to keep owners aware of industry-related news and activities nationwide, changes in the industry and legal issues that may impact owners, as well as information on industry research and ongoing studies to improve the industry.

State Groups

Most states have their own timeshare owner group. These groups are particularly important because each state has different laws affecting timeshare that may change from time to time and owners need to be aware of any changes. Their meetings often include legal updates and other valuable industry information. 

As an example, the Florida Timeshare Owners Group's upcoming November meeting features the head legal counsel of a Florida law firm whose specialty is representing owners who experience disputes or differences with their timeshare resort, the management company or the resort developer.  The FTOG meeting also has scheduled guest speakers representing various exchange companies who will update owners on the latest benefit options. Plus, Greg Crist, CEO of NTOA, will give an update on timeshare industry-related activities nationwide and the evolving future of timeshare.

National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA)

Another organization that owners can count on for valuable information is NTOA. Through partnerships with technology experts, they gather information and conduct studies of issues affecting the industry. A recent study resulted in data that provided insights on the latest consumer attitudes toward timeshare.  

Another groundbreaking study is in the works. NTOA's Secondary Market Solutions committee is working with the University of Central Florida to analyze and prepare data for the association’s first executive study on timeshare resale issues. These studies are made accessible to owners and others in the industry. 

Timeshare Board Members Association (TBMA) 

TBMA is a non-profit association dedicated to helping provide technical, organizational and moral support to directors of owner controlled timeshare boards. The group offers educational panels and meetings such as one recently held in Denver, which focused on the future of legacy resorts and how to help them compete successfully in a competitive timeshare market. The TBMA website offers a wide variety of information delivered through downloads, podcasts, reports on industry trends and more.  

American Resort Development Association (ARDA)


In case you need reminding, the industry's trade association ARDA offers a wealth of information on its website, from the latest in regulatory and legislative issues to questions about buying and selling and how to avoid scams. ARDA represents and advocates for the industry on regulatory issues, provides educational and networking opportunities at annual conventions, and ARDA-ROC reaches out to members with the latest industry news, market intelligence, trends and events. When was the last time you visited the ARDA site? 

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Change or Be Challenged

9/16/2015 Unknown
Those were the words of emcee Jim Madrid, owner of Advance Corporate Technology, as he offered the closing remarks at the 2015 Canadian Resort Conference (CRC). The CRC, one of the major events of the timeshare industry, ran September 9-10 at the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel in British Columbia. 

Words of Wisdom 

"As industry leaders, we cannot be content with simply staying the course and following the trends. We need to step up our game by setting the course," stated Canadian Resort Development (CRDA) President, Jon Zwickel. 

In his guest column for the National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA), Zwickel offered more words of wisdom garnered from the conference. Zwickel says the diverse base of industry stake holders (HOA’s, resellers, exchange companies, rental companies, management companies, developers and suppliers) are not always aligned in their interests. An atmosphere of cooperation needs to be developed and a pooling of all collective resources.  

Workshops and Speakers

In lively discussions during the conference participants considered issues facing the industry—topics included:
  • Engaging the Customer, Delivering the Experience
  • Preserving the Legacy
  • Traditional and Alternative Financial Solutions
  • Sharing is Cool—Are We?
  • An Industry without Borders
  • Resorts Without Borders
Conference speakers featured industry experts such as Greg Crist, CEO of the National Timeshare Association, Robert Kobek of Customer Count, Darla Zanini of ARDA International Foundation, Nigel Lobo, VP of Resort Operations, Grand Pacific Resorts, and many more.

Outcomes

As a result of the conference, Zwickel lists several programs to consider—some a continuation of programs already being implemented in the industry.
  • Defining standards for our resorts and then committing to maintenance programs that support those standards.
  • Renewing our resorts with capital expenditures that are responsive to our markets.
  • Exploring and creating ways to provide unique, authentic, fun vacation experiences that appeal to the diversity of the market.
  • Refreshing sales methods to compel the next generation of vacation owners.
  • Establishing exchange opportunities that promote owner engagement.
  • Respecting the environment along with the local community.

For more information contact www.crda.com.

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Maneuvering the Timeshare Secondary Market

8/19/2015 Unknown
You're probably used to seeing a lot of advertising from "postcard companies" soliciting anyone looking to get rid of their timeshare. As timeshare popularity continues to grow, these solicitations stand out, because most owners are happy with their timeshare and are not thinking about selling. But, if this is a time in your life when you have a reason to sell, there are resources to help you maneuver your way through the timeshare secondary market, avoid the scams, and even find alternatives to selling.

Where to Start

The approved party line on the retail market is ARDA-ROC's Timeshare Resale Resource Center. Since its inception in the 70's, ARDA has offered information on the often confusing and frustrating secondary market. They have held symposiums, monitored resale companies and utilized industry leaders to come up with the best solutions. The Timeshare Resale Resource Center site can answer most if not all of your questions. 

First Steps

The very first step the site recommends is to consult your resort developer, manager or owners' association. Often homeowner associations or the management company have websites or newsletters for advertising your timeshare. They may also have a resale program or an affiliated licensed broker that handles resales. Find out how much past resales sold for, what was the commission, and answers to other concerns. And don’t forget the other owners at your resort. If they own weeks before or after you, or own only a small amount of points, they may wish to purchase more time.

Answers to all Concerns

With the Timeshare Resale Resource Center, ARDA-ROC is attempting to answer the concerns and provide information about all aspects of maneuvering the secondary market from buying to selling. Questions about what kinds of resale companies are around, how to prepare to sell and price your timeshare, how to know if a company offering to sell your timeshare is legitimate, and much more can be answered on this site. 

Alternatives to Resale

Don't forget that there are alternatives to selling - in fact selling is not always the best option to choose.  Consider donating your weeks to charity or philanthropic causes. Organizations like Send Me on Vacation, can make you feel good by making someone else feel good through a donation of a vacation to a breast cancer survivor. Give your family or friends the gift of a week or points, rent your timeshare, trade for a cruise, or check with your resort developer or manager about giving your timeshare back.

Continuing Research 

The National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA) is working on their first executive study on timeshare resale issues. They are partnering with Dr. Tammie Kaufman, a timeshare professor at the University of Central Florida, industry professionals and timeshare owners to analyze and prepare data compiled by the associations Secondary Market Solutions committee.  NTOA wants to help meet the need to educate consumers on how to buy or sell timeshares safely in the secondary market because of the problem of unscrupulous telemarketing and resale operations. According to NTOA more than 10 billion in available inventory sits idle with more piling on each year due to these scammers.

For more information go to www.ntoassoc.com or www.ardaroc.org/resales/ 
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More Help is Here for Timeshare Owners - and it’s Free!

5/06/2015 Unknown
Whether you're new to timeshare or have been an owner for a long time, you may have questions about timeshare that you need to get answered. It could be a question about exchanging, or advice on using your timeshare to the best advantage, or maybe you’re thinking about reselling. The Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) is here to help with its recently launched site, ASK CRDA, a free service to owners that’s powered by the National Timeshare Association (NTOA). 

What to Expect

According to a press release posted by PRWeb.com, ASK CRDA offers assistance on all aspects of vacation ownership, providing a mix of customer service, education, and issues management to help ensure favorable timeshare experiences. ASK CRDA also provides referrals and assistance vetting companies to make sure they meet all the government requirements and adhere to CRDA's strict Code of Ethical Conduct. Owner education in such areas as timeshare resales, rentals, transfers, financing and points systems, exchange programs and more are also available. Helpline experts can also serve as moderators in helping to resolve owner/developer issues.

How it Works

Getting the information you need is easy. You can directly call the "Ask Desk" helpline toll-free at 844-544-CRDA (2732), Monday-Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 p.m. EST, or submit questions 24/7 at the online Ask Desk. Industry experts are ready to help.

Other Resources

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) offers a wealth of owner information on its site, from the latest in regulatory and legislative issues to questions about buying and selling and how to avoid scams, and much more. On the ARDA website check out, ARDA-ROC, HOA Outreach, AIF/Foundation and ARDA Resort Buyers Marketplace. ARDA's VacationBetter website has an Owner Advice section that gives useful tips directly from other timeshare owners.

Owners Supporting Owners

Timeshare forums for owners and potential owners can be a good place to get answers to your questions and advice from others who may have already had experience with the issues you are concerned about. Inside these forums owners share their experiences about owning, selling and buying timeshares. They can be used to choose a resort or location for your next vacation, find out about potential scams and how others avoided or handled them, and learn about bargains or how to use points. Questions about the ins and outs of successful exchanging and making the system work for you, or issues on maintenance fees or resort improvements, are freely discussed in these forums.  


Many timeshare and vacation companies have their own forums and/or use social media platforms for owner communication. There's Wyndham Owner's Forum, Occidental Vacation Club uses Facebook for postings, and Trip Advisor has a Timeshares/Vacation Rentals Forum to name a few.  Rental/exchange sites like RedWeek.com and RCI also offer forums and information for owners. 

Photo Credit: www.crda.com
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Continuing Education for Owners

3/18/2015 Unknown
Are timeshare owners aware of the numerous ways to get the most out of vacation ownership? Do they know and understand all the current issues affecting ownership? Dial-An-Exchange (DAE), a worldwide vacation exchange provider, thinks it may be time for more education - particularly since timeshare has experienced so many changes over the past decade. DAE recently re-launched an owner education program first used in 2008, called Vacation Education Series (VES).

What's it All About?

The Vacation Education Series (VES) hits the road with its program in San Diego on March 22. DAE is making it convenient for owners to attend VES by holding it where the owners live and not where their timeshare is located - San Diego has a large percentage of owners who live within a 20 mile radius. Sessions are designed to educate timeshare owners and potential buyers about the many ways they can get the most out of timeshare. Current timeshare issues affecting ownership will also be on the agenda and open for discussion. The informal and non-threatening roundtable discussions led by industry leaders, are meant to encourage owners to ask questions, participate and interact with each other.

"The Vacation Education Series was created and designed to offer timeshare owners vast resources that encompass all aspects of ownership," explained Susan Friedline, DAE Business Development Manager USA. "It is a forum to educate as well as update them on the current issues that can affect their ownership. We are excited to have the opportunity to talk to owners and learn more about their needs to continue to partner with reliable resources to fulfill those needs."

Topics for next week's San Diego series include the Future of Timeshare, Resales and Rentals, Know What You Own, Explore Exchange, and Advantages of Proactive Ownership.

Other Industry Educators

Other timeshare entities are also looking out for the best interests of owners with their educational offerings.

RCI
As part of its Affiliate Access Program, RCI offers a series of HOA-focused "Lunch and Learn" events where owners can talk with RCI representatives about best practices to get the most out of vacation ownership. These 3/4 day, no-cost information sessions are held in a relaxed setting enabling participants to talk face-to-face with representatives, ask questions, share ideas and enjoy lunch together.

American Resort Development Association (ARDA)
ARDA represents and promotes vacation ownership in various capacities. Its web site provides a wealth of information for owners ranging from updated legislative issues that may affect timeshare owners and their well-being (ARDA-ROC), to assistance and resources for HOA members (HOA Outreach).  On the ARDA site, owners and potential owners can find the answers to all their questions concerning ownership, and the latest news and research on timeshare issues, exchange tips, resale guidelines and much more.

The National Timeshare Owner Association (NTOA)
NTOA dedicates its business as a platform to advocate for timeshare owners, and to educate and help owners find answers to their timeshare questions and concerns.  Aligning itself with industry and community partners, NTOA offers a multi-media internet education center. In addition to their Feedback Page, its toll-free consumer helpline (1-844-ASK-NTOA) offers owner assistance with timeshare related issues.

Owner Forums
Timeshare forums can be a good place for owners to talk to other owners, share experiences and get questions answered. Many timeshare and vacation companies such as Wyndham, TripAdvisor and RedWeek all have their own owner forums.
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Vacation Ownership Continues to Lead the Hospitality and Leisure Industry

3/04/2015 Unknown
A first-of-its-kind study on behalf of the National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA) shows that vacation ownership (timeshare) continues its steady growth and is leading the hospitality and leisure industry. The study done by Intuition Brand Marketing is unique - for all of 2014, it tracked, analyzed and segmented all publicly available online social conversations about timeshare, vacation ownership, and travel clubs.

Sophisticated Software 

The use of SPSS predictive analytics software for statistical analysis of the relevant findings of the study data, also helped NTOA to make a prediction of the future growth of the industry. Here are a few key findings from the study derived from more than 500,000 pieces of verified content:

 Key Factors Driving Industry Growth in Global Vacation Ownership
  • Rising number of high net worth individuals and employed population
  • Demand for leisure and recreation
  • Increasing internet penetration
  • Improving global economic condition
  • Increasing international tourism in the US
Noteworthy Trends/Developments in the Industry
  • Enhanced buyer’s protection
  • Shifting profitability from hotel stays to timeshare buying
  • Growing popularity of eco-friendly timeshare resorts
  • Fast-paced recovery of respective industry in developed markets after recession
The study also analyzed the global vacation market, regional markets, and the US hotel and vacation industry, including market trends, growth drivers and challenges. Intense competition from many large, regional players personifies the present vacation ownership market. Quality, location, flexibility of usage and offered amenities figure prominently in the competition.

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation Leads

The leader in the global vacation ownership market in terms of revenue, number of resorts and number of owners, is Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. The company is followed by other leaders - Marriott International, Starwood Hotels, Hilton and Hyatt Hotels.
*For a copy of the report go to: www.marketreseachreports.biz/analysis 

*For more information on NTOA: www.nationaltimeshareownersassoc.com 
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Where to Find the Answers to Your Timeshare Questions

6/25/2014 Unknown
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a place you could go to get the answers to all your timeshare questions? How about a place where you could get advice about timeshare from people who are experienced in dealing with the issues…the owners? Timeshare forums for owners and potential owners are a good place to start looking for answers. 

Owners Supporting Owners

Inside these forums owners share their experiences about owning, selling and buying timeshares. Forums contain a wealth of information. They can be used to choose a resort or location for your next vacation, find out about potential scams and how others avoided or handled them, and learn about bargains or how to use points.  You can also find information to questions such as managing all the ins and outs of successful exchanging and making the system work for you, or issues on maintenance fees, or resort improvements, that are all freely discussed in the forums.
In last week’s blog, we talked about how important it is for new buyers to do the research before they buy, and one of the points listed was to talk to owners about their experiences. The forum is a good way to reach them and in the forum format, it may be easier to get your questions answered.

Where to Start

Many timeshare and vacation companies have their own forums and/or use social media platforms for owner communication.  For instance, there’s a Wyndham Owner’s Forum, Occidental Vacation Club uses Facebook for postings, and Trip Advisor has a Timeshares/Vacation Rental’s Forum. Other forums include:
  • The National Timeshare Owners Association: The National Timeshare Owner Association (NTOA) is a platform to advocate for timeshare owners, and to educate and help owners find answers and resolutions to ownership issues. Aligning itself with industry and community partners, NTOA has created a multi-media internet education center. In addition to their Feedback Page, NTOA recently initiated a new toll-free consumer helpline (1-844-ASK-NTOA). Owners can access the association for assistance with timeshare related issues and give feedback on great experiences.

  • RedWeek: Though you may think of RedWeek as a site to go to rent or buy timeshare units, it also contains several timeshare discussion forums. The latest forums cover such topics as point systems, timeshare exchanges, buying renting and selling, plus travel tips and advice, timeshare resorts and an open discussion. 

  • Timesharing Today: Another site for timeshare owners to share ideas, find answers to questions and communicate with other owners is Timesharing Today. The company states that it "offers its members independent, unbiased information."

Positive vs. Negative

It’s important not to let your site become a forum for negativity. Though it’s good to identify problems and work on ways to resolve them, too much negativity works against one of the purposes of the forum–to help educate others to the positive aspects of timesharing and help bring more members into the fold. Forums excel when they are used to provide a platform to bring owners together by sharing ideas and experiences, and providing support and protection for members.


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