Timeshare Consumer Guide
Monthly News Letter

October 2005

Welcome to the October edition of the Timeshare Consumer Guide monthly newsletter. The aim of the newsletter is to provide current information that may be of interest not only to buyers, owners and sellers of timeshare but to the consumer in general. We aim to provide information regarding exchanges, resorts and up to date OTE News and other reliable sources.

IN THIS EDITION

Timeshare is no longer a niche product but central to national and international travel and leisure. New figures highlighting the tangible benefits of timeshare to tourism were announced at a special briefing of journalists in London, organised by the Timeshare Council, the UK chapter of the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE).

Conservative estimates show that timeshare holidaymakers bring at least £205million a year to the UK. The ‘Spend’ equates to a guaranteed tourism income of £4million a week.  Over the past decade, the £205million figure has more than tripled and OTE projects this will treble again in the next 10 years.

The figure takes no account of investment made in developing, maintaining and managing resorts year on year. In the case of De Vere, by the end of 2006 it will have invested £50million in The Carrick – Its ultra luxury extension at Cameron House on Loch Lomond in Scotland; £3.5million at Slaley Hall in Northumberland and £2million at Belton Woods in Lincolnshire.

Maintaining and continually investing in resorts is critical to the success of all developments and with timeshare returns contributing significantly to profitability, it is easy to see why, says OTE.

UK – Famous for Quality Resorts

“Britain is becoming increasingly famous for resorts at the top end of the market with many of the 112 resorts categorised as four – or five-star.”

According to RCI : “Many of these resorts are in the ‘mixed-use’ category, with hotel operations running alongside, with shared-use facilities.  These properties represent some of the best hospitality complexes in Europe.”

Timeshare also boasts occupancy levels of 85 per cent – and in some cases rising to 100 per cent – compared with serviced accommodation occupancy levels of just 59 per cent.  When it is further taken into account that the 85 per cent occupancy rate is year round, the benefits to local employment and local services become clear.

If you are thinking of buying Timeshare look into the UK market, renowned for the quality of it's resorts.

Irish Operator Joins Forces with RCI

One of Ireland’s best known hotel operators has teamed up with RCI to affiliate three properties to the exchange company’s network in popular tourist spots around the country.

Lynch Hotels recently launched Holiday Ownership Ireland (HOI), adapting three of its properties to a mixed-use model to build brand new, two-bedroom, two bathroom apartments on each existing complex.

According to Preben Vestdam, chief executive and president, RCI Europe & Middle East, Ireland is a destination that is ripe for timeshare development.  “The product offers hospitality brands and developers a natural diversification path that increases brand loyalty and guarantees higher occupancy year-round,” he said. “And while the property market for second homes is continuing to escalate in Ireland, holiday ownership schemes make sense to anyone looking for a savvy financial solution to planning their leisure time.”

Timeshare – Super Luxury Breakthrough

Consumers now have the opportunity of enjoying super luxury accommodation using Timesha

The shared-holiday ownership market recently welcomed a groundbreaking product. Leading Residences of the World is a hybrid private members’ destination club offering access to luxury holiday homes with the highest service levels.  There are 20 properties in its launch portfolio and members also enjoy special privileges at 430 Leading Hotels of the World.

Leading Residences of the World comprises an alliance of three leading industry players. LHW, a prestigious hospitality organisation brings brand strength, Cendant Corporationthe parent company of RCI, is a major leader in travel and real estate, while a new company was formed by Destination Club Partners – a marketing and sales company responsible for more than $300million in fractional resort and private residence club sales – to operate and service this private club, which will be outsourced to RCI.

The number of stays at the club is unrestricted and membership is currently $325,000 – 80 per cent refundable on leaving the club

More detailed information will be available shortly.

Timeshare Market Evolves In Fractions

Fractional ownership is set to be the new buzzword for timeshare marketers, as companies such as Marriott’s Vacation Club diversify their product offering with a move away from selling traditional timeshare weeks.

MVCI recently started marketing Marriott International’s latest Mayfair residence, 47 Park Street. Part of the Marriott Grand Residences Club, 47 Park Street is located just off Park Lane and offers 49 one- and two-bedroom suites designed by Wimberley Allison Tong and Goo.

This is a top of the market fractional product with access to greater periods of time. There are 13 owners per residence, owning 21 days each.

This system leaves 13 weeks unused, but still effectively paid for, which enables guests to book whenever they want.
Members to 47 Park Street get to choose when they take their 21 days.  At present, the average length of stay is 2.7 nights, with members largely using the property as a London residence for the time their business requires them to be in the city.  The residence is almost 40 per cent sold.

We feel this alternative Timeshare ownership is only worthwhile for the very high end of the market. Think carefully before investing large sums of money into projects of this nature.

Industry Executives to extol Timeshare at the ABTA Convention and Timeshare

Two top executives will be representing the OTE and the Timeshare industry at this year's Association of British Travel Agents conference in Morocco. They are Robin Mills, Managing Director, RMI Consortium and Preben Vestdam, president and CEO, RCI Europe & Middle East. Mr Mills chairs the Communications Council; Mr Vestdam is an Executive Board member of OTE.

The ABTA conference takes place at the end of November in Marrakesh. Timeshare is being included on the conference agenda for the first time. OTE will be encouraging travel agents to become involved in the fast growing timeshare industry through the sale of inspection visits, trial offers or even travel to Timeshare Resorts.

OTE have been talking to ABTA for some time to create strong links between ourselves and Britain's main travel trade body and this inclusion in their conference is indicative of the growing acceptance of timeshare as an intregal part of the travel industry. The aim is to encourage British travel agents to seek alternative revenue streams by talking to OTE members about 'retailing' OTE products.

EYE ON ……… MONTE CARVOEIRO CLUBE, Lagoa, Portugal

The attractive village-style Monte Carvoeiro Clube is built around the beach and village of Carvoeiro

The attractive village-style Monte Carvoeiro Clube is above the beach and village of Carvoeiro. It is built around a central plaza with a fountain, restaurants and bars. The units are nicely furnished and each has a patio or balcony. Twelve tennis courts are available less than a mile away at the Carvoeiro Clube de Tennis. The Carvoeiro Golf Club is one mile from the resort and is available to guests.
For more information please refer to the Web site: www.algarve-mc.com



Amenities
Unit
Kitchen - all units have a full or partial kitchen        
Mircowave (All Units)                                                       
Telephone  (All Units)
Washer/Dryer (All Units)

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On-site: Auto rental, children's pool, grocery store, medical facilities, restaurant, snack bar.
Others: Beach, boating, casino, fishing, golf, horseback riding, tennis, water skiing, wind surfing.

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The Algarve

Sheltered by rolling hills to the north, the Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost coast. For over 150km, its matchless sandy beaches slope gently to the sea from Cape St Vincent in the west to Monte Gordo in the East. Often the coastline is broken by red cliffs, strange rock formations and craggy coves. 
Modern purpose-built resorts live side-by-side with traditional fishing villages and tranquil hillside villages.
Top-class golf courses and other superb sports facilities are an added attraction, while inland you can enjoy some delightfully unspoilt countryside.

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The Algarve has something for everyone. From big game fishing to safari trekking as well as small secluded villages and hidden beaches.

Resale Price Ranges:
1 bed sleeping 4 from £995 per week
2 bed sleeping 6 from £1,500 per week

Resort Price Ranges:
1 bed sleeping 4 from approx. £3,550
2 bed sleeping 6 from approx. £5,500

Each of the subjects in this publication are based on various facts provided by trusted sources including the OTE.

Editor: David James

Previous Editions:
July 2005 Newsletter
June 2005 Newsletter
August 2005 Newsletter
September 2005 Newsletter