2021 Editor's opinion: The year in timeshare

Tough times

2020 and 2021 have been trying times for the travel and hospitality sector; however timeshare owners have had a particularly tough run.  The pandemic was a devastating, unexpected event and one which few people or industries were ready or equipped to handle.

The timeshare industry as well as having to address travel restrictions and various global lockdowns, also faced additional problems surrounding owner discontent.

Firstly the continuing demands for maintenance fees for holidays that couldn’t be taken  

Secondly no refunds for holidays cancelled

Thirdly when resorts did open, foreseeable availability issues arose with everyone trying to use their banked weeks at the same time.  Solutions were offered but for the most part with little substance.  The reality is that in too many cases, holidays were lost. 

There is a pervasive misunderstanding surrounding maintenance fees.  Whilst the word “maintenance” gives it away, many owners still feel that this fee pays for an annual holiday, which crucially it doesn’t.  The money is allegedly used only to maintain the resort (despite the obvious objection that an unoccupied resort ought to need a lot less money to maintain) 

With resorts closed and staff on government furlough schemes, expenses dropped, no guests, no staff, no wear and tear, no apartment cleaning and only a skeleton maintenance team, how can full maintenance fees be justified?

Changes in the industry

During 2021 we have witnessed what can only be described as self engineered insolvencies by several large timeshare developers such as Anfi, Club La Costa, Silverpoint and Azure 

These actions have caused uncertainty and outrage amongst owners, who instinctively knew that when the chips landed it would be them who lost out. 

Also during the year we have seen Hilton swallow Diamond, causing more confusion. Next were Wyndham with their (sort of) takeover of Club la Costa. 

Seasons Holidays have taken controversial steps to remove owners from their Slaley Hall resort and have reportedly have a planned association with Landal GreenParks.   Landal GreenParks were reported in June as being in line to be acquired by Dutch holiday parks operator Roompot,  The Slaley Hall scandal was covered by the Daily Mirror 

Club la Costa timeshare claimants celebrated a pre Christmas boost when the administrators, FRP were granted an extra 12 months to sniff out CLC's secreted finances

Factor in the added misery of the continuing pandemic,  and 2021 has been a devastating year for the timeshare industry, and more importantly for owners.

2022 and beyond

As this article goes to press in January 2022, the Covid Omicron variant has reared its ugly head causing doom mongers to swing into predictions of further lockdowns. 

Knee jerk reactions from governments have already placed restrictions and changes on various country entry rules which affect the travel industry, an industry that of course includes timeshare. 

It would take a brave pundit to forecast this latest variant being the end of the pandemic. 

One thing that is certain: 2022 is already shaping up to be anywhere between interesting and disastrous.

What do you think?

As an owner at Diamond or CLC are you confused or concerned? 

What about Anfi? Have you lost your holiday due to the pandemic? 

Do you feel that what you own now bears no relation to what you originally purchased?  Are you fed up and just want out?

Or do you still believe that your ownership is the best thing since sliced bread?  

We would like to hear about your experiences good or bad. It's easy to get in touch and we would love to hear your story. For a more comprehensive report on your feelings you also have access to our 2021 owners’ satisfaction survey which may be found here.

For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact us, at the Timeshare Consumer Association