VOICE, a joint venture between OTE and TATOC, created in 2002 to form a bridge between the industry and its consumers will close as of 31 December 2007. Following the general enquiries and complaints handling function for resorts that are not members of OTE will be taken over by TATOC and OTE’s free of charge complaint handling system and dispute resolution scheme will continue to operate unchanged. This decision was reached following a consultation period which highlighted that TATOC was better placed to assist consumers with general enquiries and concerns as it is run by timeshare owners who play an active part in their resort’s owners and management committees. TATOC is also recognized by the government bodies. Complaints about timeshare have fallen dramatically in the past five years. The current figure relating to OTE members is 60% lower than when VOICE was created in 2002, and the move to restructure is testament to the success that OTE, TATOC and VOICE have had in legitimizing the industry. John Ashley, a Director and acting Secretary General of VOICE comments:’ This is a positive development for the timeshare industry and is proof that what we have all been working towards over the last decade is coming to fruition. This change will undoubtedly improve and simplify the procedure for making enquiries about timeshare and will be of great benefits to the consumer”. Whilst timeshare complaints have been decreasing, it is in the field of DTMC’s (Discount Travel membership Clubs or Holiday Clubs) that complaints have been rising. Whilst the timeshare and DTMCs products are completely different, TATOC will be able to give advice on what to do if consumers feel they have been defrauded by a DTMC. DTMCs offer consumers the right to book holiday in the future often for an initial deposit varying from between £3,000 to £25,000, luring the public with the promise of discounts of up to 70% on future holidays which may not be substantiated.

DTMCs do not own or control the accommodation offered within the club portfolio and often overstate their access to such holiday accommodation and therefore charge a substantial membership fee for what amounts to little more than a booking service. There are concerns that these clubs will be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations over the term of the contract, which can run up for 25 years or longer. In 2006, the OFT issued a report on DTMCs and stated that over 400,000 people have fallen victim to this scam, costing £1.17 billion a year. DTMCs are not covered by any specific regulations or legislations but this is under review by the European Commission. For the press enquiries, please contact OTE UK Press Office:Flagship Consulting.Kate Hopcraft / Jackie Murphy.Tel: 020 7886 8456Fax: 020 7886 8460Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   

OTE is the Pan- European association representing the timeshare industry throughout Europe. It promotes best practice in the industry for the benefit of both consumers and the industry. All members are bound a code of ethics that ensures the protections of consumer’s right. OTE provides information and advice to consumers and offers a free conciliation service to consumers dealing with its members.www.ote-info.comEmail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: 0032 2 5333060 TATOC is an association of timeshare owners and Committees representing over 250,000 timeshare owners in the UK and Europe. Its aim is to support consumers of timeshare products by providing assistance, guidance and resources to owners and to lobby government agencies and other on their behalf. As and when required, TATOC will discuss consumer concern with the industry (including members and non-members of OTE) with the aim of putting timeshare owners first.Website: www.tatoc.co.ukEmail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: 08452302430