AIRDA urges consumers to be vigilant while buying timeshare

Here is a public advisory from the All India Resort Development Association (AIRDA), issued in the interest of all prospective timeshare buyers in the country.

According to B S Rathor, Advisor & Member Executive Committee, this press note underlines the safety assurance that goes with purchasing timeshare from AIRDA accredited member resorts only.

AIRDA is an independent, non-profit advisory dedicated to the timeshare and vacation ownership industry in India. It is our aim to consolidate efforts towards building a safe, stable, and robust organised sector for timeshare in the hospitality industry.

Rathor also explained that the purchase of a timeshare, a gateway to vacations at premier resorts in popular domestic and international destinations is often an emotional decision. However, it has come to the notice of AIRDA that various fly-by-night timeshare operators are misguiding potential timeshare buyers and fraudulently selling memberships and falsely claiming to get exchanges anytime with resorts operating under the purview of AIRDA.

The commissions offered on sales for such memberships range between 70%-75% which is a matter of serious concern as with 25% remaining, these developers cannot sustain long term-servicing of the needs of members and their vacation interests. These operators will eventually close down because this method of operation is non-viable.

As per AIRDA guidelines, consumers keen on buying a timeshare must keep note of the following:

• Purchase timeshares from AIRDA accredited & RCI affiliated resorts only

• Be wary of timeshare sales people who do not reveal the purchase price upfront

• Check for complaints about the seller, developer and management company

• Don't act on impulse or be swayed by high-pressure sales tactics

• Think of a timeshare purchase as a lifestyle purchase, not an investment

With an aim to educate the consumers, AIRDA advises visiting the website www.airda.org for authentic and official information, and avoid being misguided by unscrupulous elements.