Timesharetalk Forum - TATOC

Christmas message from Mr David Eastburn the chairman of TATOC.

vernon@timesharetalk.co.uk — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:25:48 +0100

Some of you are members of TATOC and have seen the Christmas message from Mr David Eastburn the chairman of TATOC.
Many of you have not and due to pressure of work Harry Taylor asked if I would place onto the Timeshare Forums for him.
The Christmas message is posted in full below.
John.

A Christmas message from TATOC chairman, David Eastburn Last week, as I arrived at Lakeview Country Club, the Christmas lights were up, the tree was in place and sprigs of holly and mistletoe were strategically placed. There was a feel of excitement and expectation which was mirrored in the faces of the staff who positively glowed with good cheer and, while always attentive, seemed more than ever charged with helpfulness and genuine friendship. As I have come to expect, the lodge was spotless and welcoming on a cold winter�s night, with everything in place to ensure a restful, peaceful and quiet stay. My sixteen year old son quickly excused himself to renew acquaintance with the Williams� children who, as always at our AGM, were settled in their neighbouring lodge. Within minutes of our arrival, we were transformed from the routine of our daily lives into a state of restful euphoria no doubt enhanced by the clink of bottles as we unpacked. I could not help but reflect on our good fortune; as a family, we have grown up with timeshare � the quality of accommodation we can expect, the level of service provided and the unique holiday experience of meeting up year on year with old friends as well as forming new friendships with exchange guests. We have indeed much to be thankful for.At Christmas we may well be filled with joy and happiness � smiling and excited grandchildren, wonderful music, fantastic food (and not a little drink to wash it down), singing �Joy to the World, the Lord is come!� at the midnight service - all these contribute to our sense of well-being. But just as the Angels long ago proclaimed their message of peace and goodwill to the shepherds, while in a nearby stable a child was born in poverty to an unmarried teenager, so we should be aware of those less fortunate than ourselves. Even in our lovely resorts, there are those among us who by reasons of age, infirmity, destitution or otherwise cannot enjoy the timeshare experience as we do. For them, the annual maintenance fee may be a real burden which they can barely carry; they may be besieged by cold-callers offering much but in reality seeking ways to profit from their penury and helplessness. If we do not help them, then be sure that unscrupulous men will offer to fill the gap. All of us in timeshare - consumers, developers, trustees and managers - might well spare these people a thought this Christmas. For my part, as chairman of TATOC, I shall continue to lend my support to the efforts we are making to tackle the scammers head-on; my special resolution for 2010 is to seek out proposals for a fair and equitable exit strategy for those owners who can no longer enjoy the timeshare experience or fulfil their maintenance obligations. Once this is achieved, the role and opportunities for scam re-sales will be much diminished, and one of the main sources of complaint removed at a stroke. So let us all enjoy a really happy Christmas with our family and friends but let us remember also the real message of Christmas and the plight of all those less fortunate than ourselves. Carols by candlelightThe warm incense of the hearthChestnuts poppingGift-wrapped parcels hug the gilded tree. A small childAlone with his MotherIn a far-off landDestitute. There lies our joy and our salvation. Best wishes to you all for a very Happy Christmas and New Year. David Eastburn - Chairman

TATOC CONFERENCE, 13th-15th MARCH 2009.

hal540uk@timesharetalk.co.uk — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:17:37 +0100

There are 4 replies, with the last one on 13/12/2009 at 19:17:37 by hal540uk
Quote:
Hi Rik
Not sure were you are coming from on this
Best Wishes
Harry

Timeshare Stripped Bare The interview with Harry Taylor

hal540uk@timesharetalk.co.uk — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:02:01 +0100

There are 9 replies, with the last one on 20/10/2009 at 15:02:01 by hal540uk
Quote:
More information on resort accreditation

Members may now apply for the TATOC Certificate of Resort Accreditation.

Resorts that have already attained Accreditation are:

Beverly Hills Club, Tenerife

Beverly Hills Heights, Tenerife

Club Las Calas, Lanzarote

Fairways Club, Tenerife

Hollywood Mirage, Tenerife

Macdonald Villacana, Malaga

Palm Beach Club, Tenerife

Pine Lake, Northern England

Royal Sunset Beach Club, Tenerife

Sunset Bay Club, Tenerife

Accreditation has been developed for resorts in active sales (selling over 30 weeks per year). The Accreditation process is a robust analysis of a resort's activities and a resort must agree to:

*
Adherence to the OTE or TATOC code of ethics for selling or similar.
*
The production of sales and marketing literature and sales support materials that make reference to the timeshare concept and provide an explanation of what timeshare is. This should be available before, during and after a consumers visit to the resort. This ruling includes the use of copy on websites and in any marketing provided by suppliers.
*
Adherence to all published European legislation for the timeshare industry.
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Provide clear evidence that a robust complaint handling process exists at the resort.
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Adherence to appropriate fire, safety and food hygiene legislation and standards that prevail in the region of the resort.
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The provision or proof of relevant resort insurance policy to suit the needs of the resort.

While these are stringent requirements, the resorts will be able to benefit from:

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Use of the TATOC logo on their printed materials and websites.
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Endorsement from a professional trade body.
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Regular newsletters and magazines and access to the TATOC website.
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Information documents, CD roms and tele-conferences relevant to timeshare industry issues such as market trends, resales and rentals, VAT, insurance, legislation, positive PR. Many of these are available to members on-line.
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Industry articles for inclusion in member newsletters.
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Case studies of best practice for both resorts and associations.
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Special offers available from timeshare businesses to the Timeshare Association's members.
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Detailed survey results on various topics such as management fee, exchange provision, guidelines to changes in legislation, marketing timeshare, health and safety and best practice.
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Provision of speakers for resort AGMs.
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General legal and accounting advice.
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Media and press release service for members.
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Discounted fees for attendance at the Timeshare Association's Annual Conference (held in conjunction with the AGM). This is an outstanding networking opportunity for both owners representatives and industry delegates.
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Help desk facility for resort representatives to obtain further information regarding industry issues as required.
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The opportunity to contribute to the lobbying process with governmental departments.
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Access to the Timeshare Association's website members only section.

For further information on Accreditation and how your resort can become involved please contact Harry Taylor at:

Harry.taylor@timeshareassociation.org

Consumer Guides available from TATOC

hal540uk@timesharetalk.co.uk — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:30:38 +0100

There are 2 replies, with the last one on 19/10/2009 at 13:30:38 by hal540uk
Quote:
Tony

They have been on the site since late 2008 being regulary updated and added to. They are on the top menu under Consumer Help - Timeshare Consumer Guides and can be downloaded in pdf format.

Harry

Timeshare Stripped Bare Presentation on TATOC Helpline

Carolinian@timesharetalk.co.uk — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:35:57 +0100

There are 1 replies, with the last one on 09/10/2009 at 12:35:57 by Carolinian
Quote:
Thank you for your reports, Mavo. They are most interesting.

TATOC Questions

hal540uk@timesharetalk.co.uk — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:33:18 +0100

There are 24 replies, with the last one on 11/08/2009 at 21:33:18 by hal540uk
Quote:
Hi Danny
Thanks for you comments. If you want to give me a call on 0161 237 3611 at your convienence
I would be pleased to give you more details of our operations which go deeper than the helpline.
Best wishes
Harry

Competition

Mavo@timesharetalk.co.uk — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:42:50 +0100

Calling all budding writers!
TATOC (The Timeshare Association) and the industry trade body, OTE (Organisation for Timeshare in Europe) are launching a competition for all European based timeshare and points owners this summer.
Submit an article* of around 500-800 words about what you love about your timeshare to win our top prize of �150, with second and third prizes of �75 and �50 respectively. The star prize winner will have their story featured in the first printed edition of the new consumer magazine, Owners Perspective - www.ownersperspective.com - in January of next year.
You might want to write about the exciting locations you have been to, why your resort is so special to you, your holiday adventures .� the choice is yours.
Your article should be emailed to Sue McNicol on smcnicol@btinternet.com no later than 30th September, together with your full name, country of residence and details of where you own.
*Articles submitted may also be used in full or in part in media releases, on the OTE and TATOC web sites and may also be featured in the exchange company magazines. The judges� decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into. The winners will contacted by email.
Best wishes and good luck to all.
Harry