Press Release
January 11, 2002
LONDON -- The Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE) and its Spanish chapter, OTE Spain, are suing seven companies
in Spain who promote, market and manage the holiday package Dream Works Vacation Club. OTE claims that these companies
operate in unfair competition with the reputable timeshare industry by breaching consumers' legal rights of protection
as provided under various laws.
As part of its major programme to rid the timeshare industry of unethical behaviour by unscrupulous companies,
OTE has filed a claim in a Fuengirola court against Dinastia Resort S.L, Dream Works Vacation Club S.A, Holidays
in Style S.L, Incentive Leisure Group Limited, Incentive Leisure Group S.L, Timelinx S.A, and Vacations & Leisure
International S.L.
This unprecedented action has been initiated by OTE, the European trade body representing the timeshare industry,
as a result of numerous complaints received from consumers who purchased the Dream Works Vacation Club product
and were subsequently denied the right to cancel. At the time of purchase, consumers were required to make advance
payments of between £1,000 and £3,000 that the sellers refused to refund when buyers tried to cancel
their purchase contracts.
OTE and OTE Spain allege that the commercial practices of the seven companies are in breach of the various Spanish
laws aimed at protecting consumers and, as a result, also prejudice those timeshare companies operating ethically
and within the law.
OTE fully supports government authorities across Europe clamping down on any fraudulent activities in the timeshare
industry.
Since the implementation of the European Timeshare Directive, European holiday makers now have the right of a minimum
10 day cooling-off period, a full disclosure document stating their rights and obligations when buying a timeshare,
and protection of any funds paid to acquire the timeshare.
In addition, OTE members must comply with high standards and abide by a strict Code of Conduct. The advice is to
always buy your timeshare from an OTE member.
'Timeshare has changed profoundly over the past 5 years' stated OTE Secretary General Peter van der Mark. 'Not
only are major hotels and travel companies now developing timeshare, increased consumer protection, as provided
by timeshare laws, is strengthening consumer confidence in the product.'
'This court action is to ensure that every company operating in the holiday sector guarantees consumer protection
as required by law'.
OTE is the official trade association for the timeshare industry in Europe representing some 300 members from all
EU Member States. It promotes best practice in the industry for the benefit of both consumers and the industry.
All members abide by a code of ethics, which ensures the protection of consumers' rights. OTE provides a free
of charge information and conciliation service for consumers dealing with its members.
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Media Enquiries:
Peter van der Mark, Secretary General
Tel.: +44 (0)20 7291 0900 E-mail: pvandermark@ote-info.com
www.ote-info.com