MALAYSIAN TIMESHARING WITH LEGEND WORLDWIDE

Source: Legend Worldwide

March 16, 1999
There are currently only four major players in the timeshare industry in Malaysia. Legend Worldwide Holidays Berhad, a member of Metroplex Bhd, intends to be the biggest and best. Legend Worldwide has been drawing encouraging response locally to its recently launched vacation package, in spite of the current economic conditions.

"We are affiliated to Interval International (II)," says Jeremy C. K. Lim, manager, special project of Legend Worldwide Holidays Berhad in an interview in Kuala Lumpur. II is the exchange company chosen by Disney Vacation Club, Marriott Ownership Resorts and Hyatt Vacation Club. It is a vacation exchange company with more than 1,500 vacation resorts in over 65 countries. One can have a seven-nights-a-year vacation for a period of 25 years and the membership is transferable. Futhermore, arrangements can be made for "split week" to suit one's itinerary wherever possible, says Lim.

The accommodation can also be assignable, making the program more flexible, he says, adding that the concept is slowly catching up with the locals, especially those with families. "One can be assured of quality
standards with our international and local expertise," he says. Other perks include a 50% off room rates, and unused stays are exchangeable for other benefits.

Legend Worldwide has also arranged for affiliations with other resort operators within or related to Metroplex Berhad Group for reciprocal arrangements to allow members to exchange their confirmed holiday intervals in Malaysia and the Philippines. In Malaysia, the resort is Grand Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, while those in the Philippines are Grand Seasons Hotels, Legenda Hotel and Legenda Apartments. All the resorts in the Philippines are at Subic Bay, says Lim, who gave up his job with a financial institution to join the leisure industry, which has excellent potential for further growth. Trust and respect are two important elements in such a trade, he says, stressing that the industry is highly competitive.

"If the product is good, subscribers will buy it. . . we have a force of trained staff to see that there is no hiccup in any arrangements made," he says. Ultimately, the important thing is that a potential member's investment in Legend Worldwide has to be a prudent choice. Currently, the primary focus for Lim and his team is to sell the concept to Malaysians, even though it requires twice the effort amid the current trying times. Based on their track records, Legend Worldwide and its affliliations have proven that they are long term players with the interest of its members at heart, making the scheme a "win-win situation for all."