http://blog.8pixel.net/ An RSS feed for Simpleblog EN
We hereby confirm the offer for your 1000 Club la Costa Destination Pack points, at 10GBP per point, for 10000GBP. Our contract states that the vendor will receive the full balance within the duration of the contract.

We receive a 30% non refundable deposit of the agreed purchase price from the purchasers' credit card. At this point, we need from you as the vendor a fully refundable security retention of 1300€ against your title deeds. This is only payable by Visa / Mastercard (giving you an automatic protection of 90 days under the 1974 credit consumer act section 75).

Upon your receipt of the agreed balance please contact our London office and we will send a courier to your address to take receipt of your title deeds and deliver them to us. Once this has happened our accounts department will process the paperwork and at that point you will be fully refunded your retention via the credit card facilities. Completion is usually 4-6 weeks.

Linkback - Impex Property Concepts
]]> 2/19/2009 9:15:59 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5389 5389
Linkback - Worldwide Marketing Services
]]> 2/19/2009 7:34:07 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5388 5388
I had a timeshare in Tenerife which I sold about 10 years ago. It's been that long that I can't remember the name of the resort, just that it was in Playa de Las Americas, Adeje. All I can remember is that the resort was affilliated to RCI.

For several years now I've been regularly getting 'phone calls asking if I want to sell, buy another week/fortnight at another resort or take part in a survey. Every time I get a call, I politely ask to be removed from the database or to speak to someone who can, or how I can speak to someone who can remove me from the database of timeshare owners.
All these calls come from +34 (Spanish) numbers, but it's never the same actual number twice.
When I ask how I can go about being removed from the database, I get.....
"I can't divulge that information"
"My supervisor isn't here and I can't do it without his/her say-so"
"You can only do it by writing to your resort"
"Once you're on the database you can't get off"
or the caller hangs-up.
I can't bar the calls as they never come from the same number and sometimes the caller's number is withheld.
I'm close to my wit's end now, this happens at least once a fortnight.
Who can I turn to to get this stopped? Changing my number isn't practical, and anyway why should I?
Thanks
Stuart.

Linkback - Unwanted 'Phone Calls
]]> 2/19/2009 7:32:43 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5387 5387
Linkback - Transglobal Holiday Services
]]> 2/19/2009 11:27:34 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5386 5386
Linkback - World Wide Marketing Services
]]> 2/18/2009 7:41:14 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5385 5385 I am one of the people wronged by a certain Company in Tennerife. Having had the majority of the money returned with the help of Inventory Solutions I still have Barclays on my back but have told them they will not get a penny more. Unfortunately I was left with a week at Hollywood Mirage which I have never used. I have now been billed with interest for maintenance. My question is how do I get rid of this Albatross as I know nobody will buy it,since I am about to be made redundant. Any help appreciated.[V]

Linkback - Unwanted timeshare
]]> 2/18/2009 6:14:21 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5384 5384
Linkback - universal transfers
]]> 2/18/2009 9:08:12 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5383 5383
Lawyer Peter Wright said the men planned to smuggle the bomb ingredients aboard jets bound from Britain to North America disguised as "soft-drinks bottles, batteries and other innocuous items" carried in hand luggage.

"They were to be detonated in-flight by suicide bombers," including several of the accused, said Wright as he opened the case against the defendants.

Eight men aged between 22 and 30 deny conspiracy to murder. But Wright said the defendants were close to carrying out their plan when they were arrested in August 2006.

The arrests led to huge travel chaos, as hundreds of flights were grounded and thousands of people had their trips disrupted. They also triggered massive changes to airport security — including restrictions on carrying liquids on planes — that persist to this day.

Wright said the plot would have caused "a civilian death toll from terrorism on an almost unprecedented scale."

He said alleged ringleaders Abdulla Ahmed Ali and Assad Sarwar, both 28, "shared a common interest ... that involved inflicting heavy casualties upon an unwitting civilian population, all in the name of Islam."

The defendants, he said, were "men with the cold-eyed certainty of the fanatic." The blasts were intended as "a violent and deadly statement of intent that would have a truly global impact."

Wright said that the plot was organized in Britain but was being directed from Pakistan.
Wright said the plotters planned to inject a hydrogen peroxide-based explosive mixture into plastic bottles with hypodermic syringes to make deadly liquid bombs.

He said notes indicated the bombers planned to deflect suspicion by carrying items such as pornographic magazines and condoms in their luggage.

The prosecutor said a computer memory stick found in Ali's possession contained flight timetables, with seven flights highlighted, operated by American Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada from London's Heathrow airport to San Francisco, Washington, Chicago, New York, Montreal and Toronto.

All were scheduled to take off from Heathrow's Terminal 3 within three hours of one another and would be in mid-flight at the same time.

Wright said the plot may have involved attacks on even more flights. He said plotters were overheard talking about different airport terminals and up to 18 suicide bombers.

Wright said police had found videos of six of the defendants that appeared to have been intended to be played after their deaths. On one, defendant Umar Islam said he was prepared to "die and kill" for Allah, and claimed the attack was "revenge for the actions of the U.S.A. in the Muslim lands."

The prosecutor said the plot involved "acts of terrorism on an international scale, directed from abroad using homegrown terrorists — young, radicalized Muslims prepared to lose their lives in a global act of jihad."

A court order restricts reporting of some details of the case, which is expected to last 10 months.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hYZRPHYCcMuSmUTIDLtyVk4HTGvQD96DH98O1


Linkback - 8 British men tried for alleged airline bomb plot
]]> 2/18/2009 6:47:27 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5382 5382
From Marriott International's FQ408 conference call: (MAR)

Our timeshare business was particularly hard hit by the economic climate. Contract sales of our core timeshare product declined 37% during the quarter while sales of our fractional and residential products were negative reflecting $150 million of sales reversals related to anticipated contract cancellations at three luxury projects.

We have the least optimism around [the luxury] product class. That product class is more like whole residential. As a consequence it is more likely to be sticky in a weakened demand environment and will take some time to come back. Therefore of all the possibilities in the future we think the likelihood of starting new luxury projects any time soon is very, very slim.

We don’t expect that we will start many core [residential] timeshare projects either in the near term but we are hopeful we will see demand come back to the point where returns have improved significantly and that business can go forward. That certainly is much more possible to happen sooner than the luxury fractional does.

Having said that in January where we have the Ritz-Carlton product we were pleasantly surprised by some of the fractional volume we saw and I think it gives us some optimism for the year. Partly that is a function of these resorts reaching opening... They are easier to sell obviously when they are right there before you.

WSJ notes that government seems to be taking up some of the slack for luxury travel. That may not last too long in the court of public opinion:

Corporate customers from relatively higher rate paying financial services firms are being supplanted by lower rated corporate and government business.

On construction:

We have cancelled pre-development projects and don’t expect to start any new projects in 2009.

As we look ahead beyond 2009 U.S. hotel supply growth is likely to substantially trail demand recovery. This is the reverse of the situation we will encounter this year but it is clearer than ever that the brakes on new construction are being and will be applied more dramatically than ever before. This is not likely to change for some time.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/120815-marriott-on-luxury-and-timesharing-markets


Linkback - Marriott on Luxury and Timesharing Markets
]]> 2/18/2009 6:45:02 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5381 5381
While the bridge loan will reflect an increase in costs in the long run, it will prevent delays in construction and completion. According to Maui Land president and CEO, there will be no delays in construction and the Ritz Carlton Hawaii will be open this summer.

Late last year, Carlton’s lender Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy. During the time, the Hawaii timeshare was 83 percent complete. This is becoming a common trend for most timeshare companies, making them search for new and alternative financing sources. Fortunately for the Ritz-Carlton, Maui Land and Marriot were more than willing to approve bridge funding.

On another note, the costs for completing the project decreased, because the Ritz-Carlton sold 10 timeshare units were sold last month.

The Honolulu Advertiser describes the new resort, “84 traditional fee-simple condos, and 62 units being sold as “fractional ownership” condos—essentially a longer-term version of timeshare, in which each unit is shared by 12 buyers who receive three weeks of annual use.”

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090216295/Latest/Ritz-Carlton-Timeshare-stays-on-course-with-New-Financing-Agreement.


Linkback - Ritz Carlton Timeshare - New Finance Agreement
]]> 2/18/2009 6:43:18 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5380 5380
While the number of visits abroad is falling sharply, more and more Britons are looking for options to holiday at home this summer, say reports.

And camp and caravan sites are most in demand - while enquiries to hotels and B&Bs are down. One operator, 118 118, says calls for caravan & camping sites rose 40 per cent in December and January, while calls for lodging in Britain fell by 20 per cent.

The trend is confirmed by The Caravan Club, which says advance bookings for 2009 are up 40 per cent on last year.

The increased demand could translate in more than 2m extra caravan holidays being taken in Britain this year, adds the National Caravan Council, with a final tally approaching nearly 13.9m.

And with foreign trips declining by six per cent in the last quarter of 2008, the figure is expected to top the 13.8m figure of British visits to Spain in 2007 - the last year of full travel statistics.

NCC director-general John Lally says: "Bookings in UK holiday and touring parks are up by anything from 8% to 50%, as people choose ‘staycationing’, and opt for self-catering and value over euro Costa-lot holidays."

The slew of new figures came on the eve of the National Boat Caravan & Outdoor Show, which opens at the NEC in Birmingham tomorrow.

Lally added: "There is widespread evidence that existing caravan owners are using their caravans more," with caravans appealing to holidaymakers as they allow people to control costs, and are increasingly seen as green options.

"Caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes have changed beyond recognition in the last decade - many parks can compete with the best, boasting extensive leisure facilities, high levels of service and are very family-orientated."

The Camping and Caravanning Club this week announced that it is to instal wireless broadband (WiFi) at 91 of its sites in the UK by April. Business Systems Director Garry Barr said: “In this day and age, most individuals prefer the option of internet access, even when they are on holiday."

According to the NCC, an estimated 500,000 caravans are in regular use, out of a total of 1.5m caravanners, motor caravanners and trailer tenters in the UK.

The rising popularity of caravanning could even create more than 1,000 new jobs in UK caravan parks, mainly in coastal areas, as additional staff are taken on to cope with demand.

According to The Caravan Club, its members generated £183million last year into rural tourism economies when shopping, eating out, buying local produce and visiting local attractions.

Most money (£39m) was spent in the South-West, followed The Midlands (£26m), East Anglia (£22.1m), Wales (£19m), Scotland (£16.6m) and Yorkshire (£15m). Least money was spent in London (£4.5m) and the North-West (£3.6m).

The popularity of all three is rising sharply in Britain, and appeal is broadly spread - include a travelling aristocrat

Nick Lomas, director of marketing for the Caravan Club said: “We confidently predict that 2009 will be the year of the great British, value for money holiday.

"At a time of considerable economic uncertainty, tourism regions across the UK will continue to benefit from stay at home Britons and with thousands of campsites and destinations to choose from, there is no better time to plan and book holiday breaks in the UK.”

The National Caravan Boat and Outdoor Show takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from Feb 17-22.The show is open from 10.00 until 18.00 every day and parking is free.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article5717550.ece


Linkback - Caravans overtake Spain as Britons' popular hols
]]> 2/18/2009 6:41:43 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5379 5379
Bookings must be made before Wednesday 25 March, and it’s expected that the seats will sell out quickly. There’s a 50p booking fee and the tickets are not refundable.

There’s good news also for those over 60. National Express is offering discounts of as much as 50 per cent on coach fares during February. The discount is available every day during the month to more than a thousand destinations in Britain, during both peak and off-peak periods.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/national-express-coach-seats-from-1-pound-5634189.html


Linkback - National Express coach seats from 1 pound
]]> 2/18/2009 6:36:48 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5378 5378 We are suspicious of them, even more so since I discovered they are on a time-share blacklist.
Does anyone have any knowledge/advice about this they can share with us?

Linkback - Ocean Associates Solutions
]]> 2/17/2009 11:05:14 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5377 5377

Annual Points Allocation 90,000
Current Use Year 2008
Current Use Year Balance 180,000
RCI Points saved from 2007 Use Year 134,429
Unused Saved Points will expire May 31, 2009
2009 Use Year Balance 48,429

by looking on the RCI website it seems there are MANY resorts available using points but the ones that i was interested in,in mexico (all inclusive resorts) state that there are additional fee's of something like $1,500+ US Dollars on top of the points. an Example of one that i saw was:

MANDATORY ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT. FEES MAY VARY ACCORDING TO SEASON. All inclusive 2008 fees: Wks 44-50: US$75, Wks 51 & 52: US$165. 2009 fees: Wks 1-4=US$130, Wks 5-12 & 15= US$143, Wks 13-14 & 16-17=US$116, Wks 18-25=US$100, Wks 26-34 & 47=US$112, Wks 35-43=US$90, Wks 44-46 & 48-50=US$95 Wks 51-52=US$193. Fees are per person per day. A Minimum of two adults per room is required

but my friend with the points said that the fees are usually like £200 MAX, the thing is that i dont really want to be hassling him for information because the reason he cant go is because hes really busy with his work.

basically i can spend all the points, which i am assuming is like 130,000+? and i dont want to leave too much spare because they would just expire otherwise and be a waste.

i just have NO idea on how i can spend them because the RCI website is confusing as hell and everytime i see something i like it tells me to CALL UP RCI FOR MORE INFO, and when i do call up RCI im unable to speak on the account holders behalf even though my friend has called up to say that i can. apparently you have to fill in some form with proof of identification to RCI before you can and its too much hassle.

ANY HELP/ADVICE is greatly appreciated [:D]

Linkback - How do i spend RCI points??? Help pls
]]> 2/16/2009 8:48:30 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5376 5376 Guess what it is:



Today it is worth 10 points.

Every day that passes without a correct answer, I will add 5 points to it.

Answer to be revealed 22 Feb 2009



Linkback - Guess what it is - 16 Feb
]]> 2/16/2009 7:50:11 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5375 5375 Can anyone out there help us.
We joined European Coast & Sun Holidays when we were holidaying in Tenerife in summer 2007.
They have not delivered on their promises of prizes, cashback certificates etc and we found that the holidays Timelinx offered us weren't any cheaper than we could get ourselves dealing direct so we partially gave in to the fact that we'd been conned out of a considerable joining fee. Recently a company called Ocean Associates based in Tenerife contacted us to tell us that the afore-mentioned company had gone out of business and for a fee of £250.00 (which we paid in our desperation) they could retrieve most of the money back. I have since found this company's name on a timeshare blacklist although they told us that they had been paid by the Spanish Government/courts to represent people like us who had lost out to these holiday club scammers.
As you can imagine we are very disturbed and concerned by what looks like another scam and are doubly annoyed and saddened to be possibly conned yet again.
Can anyone advise us on any of this please?

Linkback - European Coast & Sun Holidays and Ocean Associates
]]> 2/16/2009 7:18:01 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5374 5374
Linkback - Selling Time
]]> 2/16/2009 12:41:53 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5373 5373
Linkback - St Frances Exeter. Have we been foolish?
]]> 2/15/2009 10:49:03 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5372 5372
Linkback - Selling Anfi biennial not allowed?
]]> 2/15/2009 6:24:13 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5371 5371
Ours appears to simply circulate the smoke and steam out of the pans!

If you dont spend approx £20 per unit on this ducting, you might as well remove the smoke detectors...

I expect I will be getting a visit shortly from someone on site, though there are no audible alarms inside the unit...

Whilst waiting I shall enjoy my steak.

This posting is made "tongue in cheek", and is merely a suggestion not a criticsm.

I should add that we are not in a refurbished unit.



Linkback - Refurbishments
]]> 2/15/2009 2:48:40 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5370 5370
Hapimag, Europe’s oldest timeshare provider, is moving with the times and offering a more flexible approach. The Swiss-based group, which was established in 1963, now has more than 139,000 shareholders using resorts throughout Europe, the Nordic countries, Africa and the US.

Investors are awarded 12 points for every €5,000-worth of shares they hold, and holidays cost 4-38 points per week, depending on the property and location chosen. “It is not a classical timeshare fixed at one location,” explains Kurt Scholl, Hapimag chief executive.

Shareholders who want to exit the scheme can sell their shares on the free market or back to the company. However, Hapimag only offers this repurchase facility after seven years, and then requires two further years’ notice of a sale.

Investors don’t get back the full value of their investment, either. Hapimag will only pay back the net asset value of the share based on the overall equity divided by the number of shares issued, which curently equates to €2,000. It also limits the number of shares it will buy back to the number it has sold in that calendar year.

Other schemes offer easier ways to get your money out.

Holiday Property Bond (HPB), which was established in 1983, operates as an asset-backed life assurance bond regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Every £1 invested in a bond earns one point, and points can buy holidays throughout Europe.

It has more than 38,000 bondholders who exchange points for the use of holiday properties throughout Europe. There are two exit opportunities: a full refund after their first holiday if not satisfied, or a return of the unit value of the bond, currently 73p in the £1, after two years, less 25 per cent upfront fees.

Other benefits include points-free holidays in 300 privately-owned villas in low season, and the ability to pass a bond on to heirs.

But while a bond may be considered as a long-term capital asset, it should not be treated as a conventional investment. “It is a lifestyle investment,” says James Boyce, managing director of HPB Management. “People mustn’t invest in the bond as an investment in the literal sense. It is not a property- based investment.”

Some fractional ownership schemes do have investment potential, though. They enable investors to buy a share in a property which is later sold with the proceeds split equally. In the US, there are now $1m fractional schemes in premier ski resorts, but there are currently only 25 fractional resorts in Europe. Investors seeking affordable holiday homes are turning to fractional ownership, holiday bonds and buy-to-let deals as a more reliable alternative to timeshare.

A new scheme being offered by Bristol-based Seasons Holidays is for three-bedroom lodges on the St Piran resort, set in parkland on the Clowance Estate in Cornwall. These are being offered to eight fractional owners for £59,350 per owner – valuing each lodge at £474,800. After 16 years, each property will be put on the market, with each owner receiving a 12.5 per cent share of the sale price.

Owners are entitled to six weeks’ use of a lodge a year, but must also pay annual charges of £1,500. Alternatively, they can opt to lease back three high season weeks, and pay no fees – although they may achieve more than the fees by renting their weeks privately.

Wealthier investors could consider a collective buy-to-let scheme. PB Properties, a division of tour operator Powder Byrne, is offering three-bedroom apartments plus a share of the freehold in Swiss ski chalets in Laax, for a little under £1m. When owners are not using their piste-side apartments, they are automatically offered for rent to Powder Byrne skiers. All rental income is pooled and shared between the owners of available apartments, giving the potential for income even if an owner’s apartment is not let.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/f926924c-f9ff-11dd-9daa-000077b07658.html


Linkback - You can own a little bit of a good thing
]]> 2/15/2009 1:56:20 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5369 5369
The airline is reducing capacity in the coming summer season from April and is slowing capital investment. It is also being forced to unwind several of its fuel hedging positions, which are incurring heavy losses in the face of the steep decline in the oil price.

The group is being hit like other leading European airlines by contracting demand from business travellers - its most lucrative customers - and from the sharp drop in air cargo volumes due to the weakness of the global economy.

Its short-haul domestic routes also performed poorly in the third quarter.

The airline said yesterday that the economic environment was continuing to deteriorate, which made it difficult to forecast its results for the 12 months only weeks before the end of the financial year at March 31. Its shares closed 25 cents or 3.2 per cent higher at €7.98.

Air France-KLM said it was aiming to remain in operating profit for the full year to March, but the level would "depend on economic developments, their impact on the passenger activity, and especially on cargo which is facing extremely difficult conditions". Last May it forecast an operating profit of about €1bn ($1.3bn).

Lufthansa, the rival German airline, said that it had reached agreement with its unions for 2,600 cargo ground staff to go on to shortened hours from March 1, cutting hours by 20 per cent. The airline has also started similar negotiations with its pilots.

Air Canada, which is also cutting jobs and capacity and has been raising capital to shore up its balance sheet, reported a bigger-thanexpected fourth-quarter loss and warned of further cost-cutting.

Air France-KLM fell to an operating loss of €194m from a profit of €311m a year ago in the third quarter from October to December. In the first nine months, operating profits declined by 69 per cent from €1.45bn to €445m.

The €288m negative impact of its fuel derivatives contracts helped to push Air France-KLM into a net loss of €505m in third quarter from a net profit of €139m a year earlier.

For the nine months it fell from a net profit of €1.29bn to a net loss of €309m including the negative impact of €649m from its fuel derivatives contracts.

The group said it was reducing capacity in the summer season from April to October by 2 per cent and was cutting capital expenditure by €1.2bn, including €600m in the coming financial year as part of the effort to conserve cash.

It is unwinding several of its fuel hedging positions leaving it 43 per cent hedged for 2009-10 and 20 per cent for each of the two subsequent years.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e2998e14-fa39-11dd-9daa-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1


Linkback - Air France-KLM forced to cut capacity
]]> 2/15/2009 1:54:43 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5368 5368
Isle of Wight 7 nights £128

The offer is for seven nights' self-catering, based on four sharing, staying in one of six converted 19th century cottages at Mersley Farm, Newchurch. Book through Wightlink (0871 376 0013; www.wightlink.co.uk/greengetaways) and the price includes return car ferry crossing from Porstmouth or Lymington. Depart on March 6.

France 3 nights £183

Book two nights and stay a third free on a b & b basis, based on two sharing, at the Hôtel Le Cheval Blanc in Honfleur. The offer with Inntravel (01653 617910; www.inntravel.co.uk) includes one dinner and return Channel crossing from Dover. Depart on February 20.

Under £500

Ireland 7 nights £347

Save £89 on a week's self-catering in a cottage at Glenbeg Point Holiday Village on the coast of County Wexford. Book with Irish Ferries Holidays (08705 171717; www.irishferries.com) The price includes return ferry crossing from either Holyhead or Pembroke for travel from April 4-11.

US 7 nights £418

The offer, based on two adults and two children sharing, is for seven nights in Kissimmee, Orlando, Florida, staying at the Westgate Inn & Suites. Book with Complete Orlando (0800 294 8844; www.completeorlando.co.uk) for travel on February 23 from Gatwick.

Morocco 4 nights £445

The price, which includes return flights from Gatwick, is for b & b at the Dar Anika riad in Marrakesh. Book with Simpson Travel (020 8392 5861; www.simpsontravel.com) Must be booked by February 28.

Luxury for less

France 7 nights £849

Save £232 per adult and £116 per child on a seven-night stay at Chamonix Mont-Blanc, which includes return flights from Gatwick or Heathrow, all meals and ski pass. Book with Club Med (0845 367 6767; www.clubmed.co.uk) for departure on March 1.

India 7 nights £1,145

Save £275 on the Indian Experience Tour with Cox & Kings (020 7873 5000; www.coxandkings.co.uk/offers) The tour visits the "Golden Triangle" of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur with a night at a royal mansion in Rajasthan. The price includes flights, b & b and all excursions. Must be booked February 28.

Dubai 6 nights £1,860

Save £1,015 on six nights' half board at the Royal Mirage hotel with Carrier (0161 491 7660; www.carrier.co.uk) The offer is valid until September 20 for bookings made by February 28.

All offers are subject to availability. Price is per person and based on two sharing, unless otherwise stated.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/budgettravel/4612683/Holiday-deals-of-the-week.html


Linkback - Holiday deals of the week
]]> 2/15/2009 1:50:53 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5367 5367
Tourism is thought to earn the generals who run Burma £180m, with a significant proportion coming from the UK.

Many of the leading resorts are owned by state entities that lease properties to investors. Some resorts, it is alleged, have been built by slave labour and involved the forcible displacement of huge numbers of people from their homes with little or no compensation.

Tour operators contacted by the Observer such as Undiscovered Destinations and Bamboo Travel said they were unaware that resorts were on a banned list. Operators maintained that they believed it was important outsiders visited the troubled nation.

But Tricia Barnett, director of Tourism Concern, whose report on the Burmese travel industry will be published later this week, says: "It is the responsibility of tour operators to ensure that they ... do not provide financial benefits to the military dictatorship. Given the lack of transparency in Burma and the overlap between state- and private-owned enterprises, the best way to do this is to stop trading with Burma

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/feb/15/burma-tourism-blacklist


Linkback - Travel firms sell holidays to blacklisted resorts
]]> 2/15/2009 1:45:52 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5366 5366 We have 3 weeks in Gran Anfi and 1 week in Tauro, after travelling most of the world, the standard at Anfi is very high, and we look forward everytime to visit the resort.
For the last 5 years, I have been studying the very complex sale and AVC system, and here is my recommendation for new buyers.
Find a week or two in the resale market, we have used globaleresales and travelandleisure (both we can recommend) and then when suited make a contract at Anfi buying a week at the resort, then you also get the resale week/weeks into the points system (at full original price), then you have saved a lot of money compared to buying all directly at Anfi.
By this procedure, we have a lot of points and full flexibility within the AVC point system, you can upgrade/downgrade, borrow/push within 1 year each side, and we like this flexibility a lot. In 2009 we have been presented a new point system, wich does not suit our needs, but Anfi informs that everybody making new contracts will be moved to this system, including changing of contracts.

We have in our 4 years as owners:
Never had problems to get wanted weeks or exchanges at the resort.
Never had any complains about the communications or handling.
Never been disapointed about the quality or standards.

Only negative thing is the pushy sellers, but if you ignore their offers and let your pen stay in your pocket, then no problem.

Our last stay at Tauro, showed that Anfi still is doing a great job to finish their projects, and we where very positive surprised about our stay there, we will exchange our Gran weeks to Tauro when our kids are too old to travel with us.

Bottomline! if you use common sense, and dont accept the 1st and best offer from the sellers, then you will have some nice holidays at Anfi.

(sorry for my English, hope its not too bad)

HL
DK

Linkback - Happy Anfi owner
]]> 2/15/2009 10:09:47 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5365 5365
This is a long post but I thought I'd give complete account of our experience with CLC to let people know what to expect if, as us, it is their first encounter with such organisations. Also if you attend one of their presentations without understanding the sales tactics beforehand, you are opening yourself up to what could be a huge financial mistake.

So it was my turn to get the "congratulations, you've won a luxury holiday" phone call and on listening to the spiel from the young lady, I soon came to the conclusion that it was timeshare or some such thing.

Nonetheless "Michelle" was quite open and honest about it when I challenged her, so I went along with it and after confirming some basic "qualification" details she confirmed that I had indeed "won" a holiday, inclusive of flights for up to 4 people for a small admin charge of £29.50pp plus airport taxes. She gave me a freefone number and a reference and that was that.

Less than fifteen minutes later, "Michelle" phoned me back and after confirming my name said "congratulations, you've won a luxury holiday". I can't believe my luck I said, that's two holidays inside 15 minutes I've won!
"I'm sorry" she said quizically... then I thought to myself perhaps this lady isn't as young as she sounds and if early Dementia was setting in I really shouldn't give her a hard time! So I politely reminded her of our recent conversation and on repeating my reference back to her, she apologised, we had a little laugh and said our goodbye's.

Less than fifteen minutes later, "Michelle" phoned me back and after confirming my name said "congratulations, you've won a luxury holiday". "Michelle", I said calmly, "I'm beginning to feel a little uncomfortable now". "Are you stalking me or is it that you want me to invite you on my luxury holiday that I've now won 3 times in less than half-an-hour?". Anyway she said something about "damned computers", apologised again and rang off. I turned my phone off at this point!

So, I rang the freefone number on my way home from work, quoted my reference and once again answered the "qualification" questions upon which "Deena" confirmed that I had indeed "won" a holiday, inclusive of flights for up to 4 people for a small admin charge of £29.50pp plus airport taxes. I asked Deena if she new Michelle by any chance but she said not. Deena then went on to confirm the venue (Birmingham) for the presentation of my holiday vouchers and that they would be given to me at the end of a sales presentation that would last no longer than 2 hours. I confirmed we would attend and set the date and time with her.

Subsequently I received a letter that confirmed the time of the presentation along with "two" £25 vouchers that would be exchanged for a £25 shopping voucher of my choice. Hmmm... that doesn't sound like a very good deal I thought but assumed this would be resolved on the night.

So, we turned up at CLC's office in Birmingham, the lady inside reception greeted us politely, took our letter, confirmed our id's and gave us a clipboarded questionnaire to fill in that contained much the same "qualification" questions as before although these were a bit more specific in terms of income, etc.

Several minutes later, "Alan" arrived and greeted us (he would have arrived sooner but had obviously needed a quick smoke out the back of the office, if you get my meaning...) then showed us upstairs to an open "sales" area with around 10-15 sets of tables and reasonably comfortable chairs. We endured Alan's over-familiar idle chit-chat for about 5 minutes before the inevitable "test" questions started as he "subtly" attempted to get a handle on his new prospects.

Now perhaps I should come clean here, I am very experienced in observing body language and stress voice patterns and although not in sales myself (never have been), I'm also well versed in sales tactics. So I had a bit of an advantage over this guy which he was completely unaware of, save the fact that he said he felt I "was a bit sceptical". "That's an interesting statement" I said in a stern voice, "seeing as we've only just met". Ouch! I've never seen a jaw drop so quick and as he stammered through his next few sentences I received a sharp "behave yourself" kick to my ankle from my wife!

Soon Alan was saved by the arrival of a colleague, a guy straight out of the sales manual, slick suit, slick hair, greeted me with a palm down handshake and then immediately turned on the charm with my wife (who by the way is blonde and attractive but nobody's fool). This guy explained that tonight was all about a "Yes" or "No" decision to buying a timeshare (the detail of which Alan would explain) and this would be our only opportunity of buying into the scheme. "So", I said, "are you saying that if we say No tonight, you will turn us down if we contact you to buy one of your timeshares in the future?". His only answer to this was to turn his gaze back to my wife and stupidly repeat himself - verbatim - after which he immediately got up to leave us in Alan's "capable hands". My wife remarked to me and turning to Alan said, "did I just hear that guy say the same thing twice?" Alan, said "can I get you coffee, I'll get one of my ladies" - yes - seriously, he then gestured to one of his "ladies" who came and took our refreshments order.

Well I think you're getting the idea by now, these people are so transparent it is bordering on farcical. Alan continued by telling us about CLC's history, their impressive sales figures, the quality accreditations and industry associations, made me laugh when Alan's "manager" came over who I thought was going to offer a refill on the coffee (as she'd taken our order so efficiently before) only to explain that they were members of the OTE, and then saying in almost the same breath that CLC began the OTE!

We were then shown the video presented by Jenny Bond, who was even more transparent then the CLC staff and after that given a tour of the posters on the sales room walls! Thrilling! And so it went on...

Alan continued by filling in a questionnaire designed to "help him" put together the best package based on our needs (oh spare me!), basically asking how much we'd spent on holidays over the last 5 years, coming to a mean average and then projecting we would spend probably between £x and £y on holidays over the next 10 years.

All the while Alan was saying, "I know you want to know the price", "you'll be begging me for the price soon", "I can't give you the price now", ... Alan, we didn't ask for the price, we were really not bothered about the price, we were quite happy to wait until the end for the price.

So then boredom got the better of me and I asked a question about availability in peak season, i.e. the real chances of getting our choice of dates and our choice of resort / accommodation. Another manager came over to answer this who basically said that they never have availability problems because not all of their members go away at the same time. I acknowledged this but pointed out that Alan had already stated over 90% of their members were families with children and therefore that must mean there is a massive demand for dates during school holiday's (which would also apply to us). Well the answer took about 5 minutes to deliver and ended with her saying, "just look at my tan, I never have a problem with availability and I always take my kids". It was a fake tan.

Finally after trudging through the entire CLC resort brochure and most of the affiliated RCI worldwide brochure too before I think even Alan got bored, we get to the end of the presentation and the numbers start to get crunched. Three examples were painted in Rolf Harris style in thick black marker pen on a notepad, a simple holiday to Spain, an attractions tour in the States and a long haul to Australia, all progressively dearer holidays of course and with the financial basis on which the timeshare scheme worked, becoming more cost beneficial within the scheme.

But wait Alan, there's something missing in your costs? What can it be? Oh yes, of course you have to buy the caravan before you can go on holiday in it... and there we have it, £11,995 up front for membership that will allow us a ONE week holiday whenever we want, wherever we want, until the ripe old age of 105. Oh, plus £495 maintenance per annum so that's another £27,645 at todays prices (for 57 years) or let's say more realistically, about £17k in total if you took holidays say for the next 10 years.

Okay so you can sell your membership any time and recoup the cost, hmmm... can you... really... as each year goes by don't you think it's value will depreciate?

Okay then, what about a trial membership for £3,995, six weeks to be taken over the next 34 months and no maintenance fee. 34 months, well surprise, surprise! So although they are selling timeshare, they are keeping the term low enough so it can't be classed as timeshare (under current regulations) and therefore, should your "on the night" decision be "Yes", you would not qualify for a statutory cooling off period whereby you could change your mind. Alan, do you think we are stupid?

That aside, £3,995 divided by 6 is £665 per week or more likely (being tied to out of school term time) 3 x 2 week holidays at £1330 each, plus flights and car hire maybe, for a family of 4 lets say another £1000? Are you really saying this is cheaper CLC? Let's not forget, you can't sell your 34 month trial membership (or maybe you can but who would want to buy it).

But what about the added benefit of unlimited short breaks, prices starting at around £25 in the low season. Well I'm sorry but I get emails all the time for the likes of De Vere group offering me a rooms considerably cheaper than that!

Now I'm not saying this won't work for some people, but my theory is this will be limited to couples, with no school age kids, who spend more than £5k per year on holidays, i.e. very few of us!

So there we are, decision time, either a "Yes", or a "No" and that's your lot as Mr Slick had said. Mrs Fake-Tan comes to see us to clinch the deal. Alan takes up his strategic position just in peripheral vision off my right shoulder, and they go in for the kill.

So I point out that because Alan's masterful financial wizardy was in fact complete nonsense, because he'd actually got his basic sums wrong and the numbers would never stand up to scrutiny, because we hadn't been given anywhere near enough information to make a decision, because there was no written information apart from the his fat black marker pen scribbles on a notepad, because I was very concerned about their ability to actually deliver the package as described, because there was no cooling off period for the trial membership and because we had to make up our minds there and then, they had succeeded establishing zero credibility with us and in fact, were completely naive if they really thought this was a good deal.

Well the last comment really did it. "I'll take that as a no then" stormed Mrs Fake-Tan and oh Alan, how your attitude changed in that instant, how the attitude of your "ladies" changed with yours too. I am sorry for laughing at you!

It's fair to say that Alan was not a happy man, and no Alan, I am not an undercover journalist! Just someone who your marketing people called and was told they had "won a luxury holiday".

And as Mrs Fake-Tan and yourself escorted us to where our holiday vouchers were waiting, and you reluctantly thrust them into my hand, I'm sorry but I just couldn't resist the temptation of dropping that envelope in the bin next to the door as we left, although I did take out the "one" £25 pound M&S voucher of course, the only thing of any real value from the whole evening!

So in conclusion, if you get one of these calls, by all means go with an open mind, but do your research, don't succumb to the hype and slick sales patter, recognise this for what it is, a presentation delivered by people who are paid solely on what they sell, they will try every trick in the book, make sure you fully understand the financial proposition and that if you do sign up, consider that you are likely to find it hard to back out if you change your mind.

I don't doubt the resorts are good quality, but you can get excellent accommodation when you want, where you want without too much effort and you don't need to fork out a small fortune up front.

Be prepared. The moment you enter their sales theatre you must be ready for "psychological warfare" ... and they don't take prisoners. The one overriding message is, and I need to say this loudly... DO NOT - I REPEAT - DO NOT SIGN UP AT THE PRESENTATION! Their demand for your decision is unscrupulous sales practice, the only reason they use it is because they know if they let you go, you will work the numbers and see that it is not the deal they say it is.

The only way this practice will stop is if the punters, that is you and me, vote with our feet, EVERY TIME. If enough people take this approach, CLC's sales fall and they will have to revise their approach. In my experience, any company that I have ever come into contact with (and believe me that runs into thousands) that employed a dubious sale method, were selling an equally dubious product although, once again, I am not knocking the product, just the way it is being sold to the unsuspecting public. For the right people, under the right circumstances, the scheme may work. I don't doubt the quality of the resorts, they wouldn't last long if they were misrepresenting those aspects. But I do have serious doubts about the financial model, the availability and choice of resorts and the resaleability claims that they make.

Demand paperwork that properly demonstrates their proposition. Demand time to consider their plan. Demand time to review and ask questions after the presentation. Demand independant verification of their claims on availability, maintenance fee increases, resale values. Demand a proper explanation of your right to cancel.

If you are inclined to say "Yes", make it a condition of the sale that you get a photocopy of the salesperson's notes made during the presentation, signed and dated by the salesperson or better still, their manager. Ask them this and I'd be willing to bet they would be showing you the door rather than where to sign! Why? Because if they did, you would have the evidence to prove malpractice or misselling if (and when) you change your mind.

Beware, don't be fooled, read these posts, attend a presentation armed with this knowledge and get your "free" holiday. But DON'T sign up immediately, tell them you will consider their plan and make up your mind on your terms, not theirs. If they don't like it, they are just underlining everything I say here and telling you to walk away themselves. If you still say "Yes", then don't blame CLC or anyone else if you suffer any financial consequences.

This is a long winded account, but for those who agree to attend such presentations, I hope this will furnish you with the knowledge you'll need to deal with the situation and not be railroaded into making a bad decision.

All the best and good luck.

kinL.

Linkback - Club La Costa presentations - the real story
]]> 2/14/2009 7:04:15 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5364 5364 We have a one bedroomed apartment.
Any info and photos would be great
Thank you.



Linkback - First time at Monte Anfi
]]> 2/13/2009 4:56:45 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5363 5363 Has anyone heard of this company, are they genuine?

Linkback - Essential Travel Club
]]> 2/13/2009 1:11:08 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5362 5362
Paul Flaningan, a Southwest Airlines Inc. spokesman, says the pilot of the Boeing 737 turned off the engine and landed Thursday at McCarran International Airport. Flight 273 was bound for MacArthur Airport in New York's Long Island.

McCarran spokesman Chris Jones says the plane taxied to a terminal under its own power. He says the plane was airborne for about 20 minutes.

Flaningan says none of the 116 passengers was injured.

A Southwest flight last week landed safely in Las Vegas after passengers smelled an odor created by an electrical problem.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gdFehzqpv5i-WJ6iFr6DrB6C9UWwD96ADSOGF


Linkback - NY-bound plane returns to Vegas when engine flames
]]> 2/13/2009 7:11:59 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5361 5361
Timeshare rentals can pay off very quickly but people who are looking to purchase one are often victims of scams, being scammed is a nightmare for many people. Don’t let this happen to you! Here are a few things that many scammers have used in order to try to trick you out of your hard earned money.

The first thing is to read all of the fine print very carefully. When most people are selling timeshare there is a sales presentation that they have to go through before finalizing the sale with you. With many of these sales presentations a prize is included as an incentive for purchasing the timeshare, this is where a lot of timeshare rentals companies will try to trick you, the prize is an extra incentive for a reason, you should not have to pay for it. Many companies will try to add in an “incentive” that actually will cost you money, if it isn’t for purchasing the incentive they will try to charge you extra for delivery of the prize. Be very aware of the fine print under the contract.

Another way that timeshare rental companies try to scam people is through making the purchase the day they are given the sales presentation. Any legitimate timeshare rental company knows that purchasing a timeshare is a very serious decision and that it takes time to think about the purchase. If you are being asked to decide the day you are given the sales presentation on the timeshare you should walk away immediately. The people who do this are often people who are trying to run away with your money, you most likely will not get the timeshare, and won’t be able to find the person who sold you the timeshare.

Timeshares are very big investments, if you are very serious about possibly purchasing time at a timeshare you may want to bring a lawyer with you. Lawyers understand the fine print and understand what should be in the contract, they can help you decide whether or not the timeshare is a legitimate deal. If you can’t bring a lawyer with you bring the contract home with you and allow a lawyer to look it over for you, this can only help you and assure you that your purchase is worthwhile and a safe investment.

Charles Joseph provides information on exciting vacation rental recommendations, Timeshare rentals and detailed resort information to make vacation selection easier. To know more about Timeshares, Hawaii timeshare rentals and Timeshare resales visit http://www.redweek.com

http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=node/24129


Linkback - Timeshare Rentals Can Often Be Scams
]]> 2/13/2009 7:10:35 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5360 5360
State police said all 44 passengers and 4 crew on board the Newark to Buffalo flight were killed. One person on the ground was reported to have also died.

The twin-prop Continental Connection Flight 3407 came down 10 miles (16km) from Buffalo airport at 2210 (0310GMT).

TV footage showed the wreckage of the plane and a house engulfed in flames.

State police spokeswoman Rebecca Gibbons said that of the 48 people on the plane, "there were no survivors."

Dave Bissonet, the emergency control director in Clarence, the suburb of Buffalo where the plane crashed, said one person on the ground had been killed.

Two people not on the plane were taken to hospital with minor injuries, CNN said.

Continental Express flight 3407, operated by Colgan Air, had reportedly been delayed on departure, and was approaching the airport in Buffalo two hours later than scheduled.

Twelve houses near the crash site were evacuated, because of concerns about the fuel left on the crashed Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft.

"Right now I'm thinking the worst," said Chris Kausner, who said his sister Elise was on the flight.

"And I'm thinking about the fact that my mother has to fly home from Florida and what I'm going to tell my two sons."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7887555.stm


Linkback - Plane crash in NY state kills 49
]]> 2/13/2009 7:08:18 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5359 5359
Las Vegas attorney Barry Levinson last month filed separate lawsuits over the deals involving timeshare operators Consolidated Resorts Inc. and Summer Bay Resorts.

In one suit, a Nye County couple claims they were exploited in violation of Nevada’s Elder Abuse law.

Robert and Ellen Gooden claim personnel at Summer Bay Resorts were supposed to be helping them sell their interest in a timeshare condominium project, but then tricked them into buying another project they had no interest in.

Summer Bay operates the Desert Club timeshare project in Las Vegas.

"While in the process of signing the necessary paperwork to effectuate the sale of plaintiffs’ interest in the subject condominium project, an employee of the ... defendants slipped in papers unbeknownst to plaintiffs which consisted of a purchase agreement for the acquisition of additional property," the lawsuit alleges.

The suit says the Goodens didn’t know they had agreed to buy another property until they received a credit card receipt in the mail noting the purchase; and they say they had been asked to buy the subject property a year earlier at a lower price but were not interested in it.

The plaintiffs say they were the victims of fraud, deceptive trade practices and were not advised of their right to rescind the deal until it went into effect.

The couple, who were ages 60 and 67 at the time of the transaction, also allege Desert Club and Summer Bay Resorts violated the state Elder Abuse law.

They say the sales person they were dealing with "took advantage of plaintiffs’ advanced age and lack of commercial sophistication to perpetuate an act of fraud." They say the defendants are liable for "damages for injuries suffered by older or vulnerable persons as a result of abuse, neglect or exploitation."

Officials with Summer Bay Resorts and Desert Club could not immediately be reached for comment.

***

The second case involves Consolidated Resorts, a Las Vegas company that operates Las Vegas timeshares Tahiti Village, Tahiti and Club de Soleil; along with timeshare resorts in Florida and Hawaii.

Timeshare buyer Phillip Ramos, who lives in Clark County, alleges in the lawsuit that the only reason he bought an interest in two timeshare condominiums in Las Vegas is because he was assured by a Consolidated official that he could transfer the times he had purchased for use at other timeshare locations, specifically in Hawaii.

But after buying an interest in the Las Vegas timeshares, Ramos was told there was a lack of availability of timeshare locations in his desired travel destination of Hawaii.

The complaint alleges breach of contract, fraud and the use of deceptive trade practices by Consolidated. The suit also claims Ramos was not advised of his right to rescind the contract and did not discover the alleged misrepresentations until after the contract took effect.

Consolidated Resorts has not yet responded to the allegations and its policy is not to comment on litigation.

***

Separately, a lawsuit pitting the Palazzo resort on the Las Vegas Strip against Consolidated has been quietly dropped.

The parent companies of the Palazzo and its shopping mall, the Shoppes at the Palazzo, filed suit last month in Clark County District Court against Consolidated, claiming it failed to open marketing booths at the Palazzo resort and owed the Palazzo millions of dollars in rent.

Attorneys for the Palazzo moved Jan. 14, six days after the suit was filed, to have it dismissed. There was no explanation for the dismissal and officials with both companies have declined to comment on the suit.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/feb/11/couple-sues-timeshare-company-exploitation/


Linkback - Couple sues for elder abuse, exploitation
]]> 2/13/2009 7:06:13 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5358 5358
“People are still interested in travelling over the coming months, but we’ve seen they’re spending more time searching, comparing and discussing vacation decisions with travelling companions,” said Kayak.com’s executive vice president for marketing and distribution, Brian Harniman.

He added: “The good news is that deals on winter and spring getaways are more plentiful than we’ve seen in recent years. Airlines are launching winter fare sales that are lasting through spring. Hotels are lowering prices and adding value components such as free nights and vouchers for entertainment and dining.”

In a recent survey that Kayak.com conducted, respondents reported that price is now more important to them than location.

Additionally, the survey showed that 76 per cent of those completing the survey said they planned to travel this winter. Fifty per cent said that they would take fewer trips during this current winter season due to the impact of the credit crunch. Price and value were rated by 77 per cent of the respondents as the biggest factors in deciding whether they will take a winter break.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/consumers-show-interest-in-travel-while-concerned-about-cost-5634185.html


Linkback - Interest shown in travel but concerned about cost
]]> 2/13/2009 7:04:20 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5357 5357
The Signature Sponsorship list includes: Group RCI, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, American Express, International Cruise and Excursions, Inc. (ICE), Interval International, Holiday Systems International (HSI), Textron Financial Corporation, Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., VacationGuard, Inc., and Whirlpool Corporation.

The convention is slated to take place from March 2 to April 2. It is an annual event that gathers timeshare and vacation ownership companies for updates and developments in the industry. The convention also offers companies a chance to build new networks.

“We are grateful for the 2009 Signature Sponsors whose support enables us to continue to bring cutting-edge programs and high-quality events,” said ARDA President and CEO Howard C. Nusbaum.

For more information about this timeshare event, contact Bob Craycraft at 202-371-6700 or e-mail at brcraycraft@arda.org

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090212293/Latest/ARDA-announces-Sponsors-for-2009-Timeshare-Conference.html


Linkback - ARDA announces Sponsors for 2009 Conference
]]> 2/13/2009 7:02:33 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5356 5356
I have been phoned tonight by Reallocations Company who say they have been forwarded my name and address by my Greek resort as a thankyou for paying our membership fees for several years on time. We can have a RCI resort holiday for 2 weeks 6 people for £249.00 to be taken in the next 3 years and she has given me a free phone number to phone her back.
Has anyone had any experience of this company or is it another scam.

Trevor

Linkback - RCI Reallocations
]]> 2/12/2009 8:01:58 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5355 5355
JIN QIAO INTERNATIONAL GARDEN

Tucked in the heart of the city, Jin Qiao International Garden provides the perfect setting from which to discover the historical city of Beijing. Tour the Ming Dynasty Tombs and Summer Palace, stroll along the Great Wall of China, and explore the Forbidden City, Lama Temple and Temple of Heaven. Rich in cultural heritage and hopping with the excitement of any large city, Beijing will keep you busy every day of your getaway.

When you check-in for the evening, you'll be surrounded by luxurious amenities including a selection of restaurants and bars offering live entertainment and a state-of-the-art health club with an on-site personal trainer.

ABSOLUTE AT Q SIGNATURE SAMUI PENINSULA SPA AND RESORT

Unwind on the palm-fringed beaches of Koh Samui and soak up the tropical sun when you stay at Absolute at Q Signature Samui Peninsula Spa and Resort on the southeastern seaboard of Thailand. The distinct ambiance and architecture enhances the spacious and elegant living spaces, and each accommodation has a sea-facing private balcony or terrace from which to watch the sun set over the horizon.

Relax at the well-appointed spa housed in traditional Thai-style pavilions on-site, or venture away from the resort where you'll find a marine nature park, a monkey show and an elephant trekking experience.

ARAYABURI BOUTIQUE RESORT

Escape the crowds on the white sand beach of Samrong Bay at Arayaburi Boutique Resort. Surrounded by lush natural gardens, the resort offers plenty of room to relax with a free-form swimming pool, traditional Thai massage available poolside and a beachfront restaurant that looks out over the crystal clear blue waters.

Located on a secluded hillside on the island of Koh Samui, this well-kept secret offers stunning views of the bay, mountains and nearby islands. Step away from the resort and you'll be met with shopping opportunities, more idyllic beaches and exciting nightlife.

ABSOLUTE AT NIRVANA PLACE

Absolute at Nirvana Place is ideally situated between the two famous beaches of Jomtien and Pattaya overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Siam. In the distance, bustling streets and the city skyline highlight the excitement and entertainment waiting right around the corner.

The luxurious accommodation choices at Absolute at Nirvana Place each offer their own Thai style and ambience. Large, open kitchens and spacious living areas create a sanctuary of elegance, tranquility and privacy in this tropical paradise.

ABSOLUTE AT VIEW TALAY HOLIDAYS

Set among twelve acres of landscaped gardens and wide, palm-lined roads, this unique resort offers the quintessential getaway experience. Enjoy your days lounging by the oversized communal pool or explore the clubhouse, which houses a restaurant, gymnasium, sauna and pool bar.

If you can convince yourself to break away from this luscious retreat, you'll find a beach and local entertainment to keep you busy nearby.

ABSOLUTE AT TRI TRANG BEACH RESORT

It's easy to relax and rejuvenate when your seaside escape is just steps from the golden sands of Tri Trang Beach and the warm water of the Andaman Sea. Situated in a secluded and picturesque location, Absolute at Tri Trang Beach Resort enjoys isolated tranquility while the attractions of Patong Beach beckon nearby.

From fishing, sailing and scuba diving to golfing and hiking, this tropical paradise offers a peaceful respite far from the stresses of everyday life.

ABSOLUTE SEA PEARL BEACH RESORT

Conveniently located only a few steps from the golden sand beach and turquoise water, Absolute Sea Pearl Beach Resort welcomes guests with an extensive range of in-room amenities and a touch of local craftsmanship in every accommodation.

Within a short walking distance of the resort you will find many restaurants catering to every taste, massage parlors and market stalls selling locally crafted items. Once night falls, the main streets are a glow of neon lights with bars, nightclubs and cabaret shows on nearly every corner.




Linkback - More new resorts
]]> 2/12/2009 7:19:48 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5354 5354
These consist of 4 x 2-bed units, 1 x 1-bed unit and 2 x studio units; all of these are in trust.

As was originally brought up on here by Tom (Mavo) this can only be good news for DRI as it is yet more "local" availability for the aging membership of the club.

Though I personally would like to see some new localities added this is definitely a move in the right direction.




Linkback - Cromer
]]> 2/11/2009 10:53:27 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5353 5353 “Hi, sorry if this has been asked before, i got a call from Timeshare Sales Centre about my timeshare anyone know these, also does anyone know anything about E Business frozen merchant account these people say they use, any info gratefully accepted thanks”

Time Share Sales Centre timesharesalescentre.com
registered Fuengirola Dec 08. The site uses a resale list copied from class-properties.com (registered Malaga Mar 08) – and it must be years old because it shows Sun terra Points for sale. Sites are so similar that it must be the same people. See www.timesharetalk.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9906

You clearly have not read anything before posting.
Up-front payment = scam.
How did they have your contact details or the fact that you have a timeshare?
Why is their resales list a fiction?

You do not say so but presumably they have sold your timeshare and want a refundable deposit which will be kept safe in the 'frozen merchants account'. Not true. Not safe. They made it up.

How can they have sold a timeshare which you have not asked them to sell?
How can they have sold any timeshare for what will undoubtedly be a stupidly high figure in today’s climate?


Linkback - Timeshare Sales Centre
]]> 2/11/2009 5:28:55 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5352 5352
“Ancillary revenue” is the airline term for all the fees and services you used to get when you bought a ticket, but now have to buy separately. Baggage fees, food on board, ticket change fees, pillows, extra legroom — just anything airlines can dream up to sell.

And since airline dreams do sometimes come true, all that stuff is selling: At jetBlue Airways Corp, ancillary revenue doubled in 2008 to about $350 million. JetBlue expects another 30% increase this year, Chief Executive David Barger told the Raymond James Growth Airline Conference on Thursday.

AirTran Airways Inc., collected $77 million in ancillary revenue in 2005, according to CEO Robert Fornaro. That grew to $233 million last year. This year AirTran expects customers to fork over more than $300 million for ancillary services.

http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2009/02/09/airlines-charging-more-baggage-fees-refreshment/?mod=googlenews_wsj


Linkback - Airlines Look to Fees for a Financial Edge
]]> 2/10/2009 9:52:09 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5351 5351
All you have to do is tour a timeshare resort that just opened on the island.

You're intrigued and find yourself in a luxury resort seated next to a sales representative trying to persuade you to buy a unit at the property. He promises a deal you can get only for that day.

But wait before you sign any papers. Never make a decision in a day. And make sure before you spend thousands on a vacation spot that you're going to use it for years to come.

Timeshares, in which consumers typically purchase a piece of a vacation property for the right to use it once a year, are growing in popularity. Industry leaders describe the purchase as a good option for many people.

About 4.7 million households owned timeshare vacation properties last year, compared with 4.4 million in 2006. But some customers buy a timeshare only to realize that it's not the thing for them. And the properties can be difficult to sell once you own one, industry experts say.

There are three main types of timeshares: fixed weeks, floating weeks and point systems.

A fixed week is better for people who like to go to the same place at the same time every year.

The floating week is good for people who may want to trade their time with someone who has a timeshare at a different location. The point system, where you use points to go to various places, is the most flexible and best for those who like to try different locations.

There are other factors to consider, such as yearly maintenance and penalty fees if you don't use the timeshare enough. Some properties charge fees for repairs if the resort is damaged. Then there's the price of a timeshare.

How do you really know whether what the sales representative is offering is the best deal? The average timeshare costs about $15,000, with $500 in annual maintenance fees, according to American Resort Development Association.

Don't feel as if you have to book the day you visit a resort timeshare. While some deals are available only for a day, you can usually get savings a week or even months later, experts said. You also can ask to leave a deposit and give yourself a night to consider.

If you decide to buy, then later want to sell, you can advertise online for free or for a listing charge of $10 to $35 at resale sites such as TUG Timeshare Marketplace, RedWeek.com, MyResortNetwork.com and Transaction Realty.

You also can try to rent your week to other vacationers or donate it to a charity. Some companies might also allow you to deed the property back to them, although fees can range from $500 to $4,000.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flznewstouse0208sbfeb08,0,6535516.story


Linkback - Snap decisions can be costly
]]> 2/10/2009 9:50:56 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5350 5350
Banish any thoughts that time-share developers are immune from the economic downdraft. Marketing of new time-shares is being drastically cut. Time-share financing is extremely tough. Securitization is nonexistent. A kind of commercial financing called inventory loans, necessary as a bridge between development and securitization, is now moribund. In December, Textron Inc., inventory lending's driving force, said it was exiting the field. In 2007, Textron Financial Corp. provided more than $800 million in new funding to vacation ownership.

Time-share sales in 2007 totaled $10.6 billion, according to a study by Ernst & Young LLP. Through the third quarter of 2008, says Howard Nusbaum, CEO of industry group American Resort Development Association, sales were "on par with 2007, maybe 5 to 10% ahead." He estimates last year's sales were down 10% to 15% "at most." Scott Burlingame, editor and publisher of trade magazine Vacation Ownership World, believes that with "the bottom dropping out in the fourth quarter," 2008 figures could be down 25%.

This year is expected to be much worse. The biggest player, Wyndham Vacation Ownership, announced in December that it would cut 4,000 jobs, wiping out sales and marketing programs. That should reduce sales 40% this year, to $1.2 billion, says Wyndham Worldwide Corp.

Wyndham and Marriott International Inc., the second-largest developer, appear diversified enough to weather the downturn. Ditto for the time-share units of other chains, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., Hilton Hotels Corp. and Walt Disney Co. But the fate of others is less certain. Privately held Westgate Resorts, owned by Central Florida Investments Inc., has already cut staff by almost 40%.

Moody's Investors Service downgraded publicly traded Bluegreen Corp.'s debt in late November and warned of the growing possibility of default. This followed the collapse of an acquisition play on Bluegreen by privately held Diamond Resorts International, which had bought another rival, The Former Company Corp., for $750 million in 2007. Lack of financing cratered the deal, Bluegreen said. That may be true enough. However, Boca Raton, Fla.-based Bluegreen now trades below $2 a share. Diamond's nonbinding offer in July was for $15 a share.

Time-share securitization has been around since the mid-'90s. A company underpins a new development by selling new time-shares, usually 20% down, with the rest financed. Revenue tends to come in monthly. Dozens are necessary to finance each room. So a developer bundles future time-share receivables, which secure funding for development.

In the latest Standard & Poor's update, outstanding securitized time-share transactions stood at $2.85 billion in October, down from a peak of $3.04 billion in July. S&P noted delinquencies topped 4.2%, with defaults at a still-low 0.70%. Both are rising, but not to the degree in other lending classes.

How come? Some possibilities: Time-shares are often nonrecourse loans, meaning a buyer is personally on the hook for the entire amount, whether he walks or not. Under the terms of securitization, a developer can substitute nondelinquent assets, so the pool isn't fixed like subprime. And there are the economics of the market. The average time-share costs $19,500 but is immediately worth half that in the resale market. Online secondary market site Sell My Timeshare Now reports the average offers last year ran between $4,000 and $5,000. So hard-pressed owners either suck it up and make payments, knowing at least they'll get a vacation week out of it, or jettison shares for huge losses to escape their contracts.

Nusbaum says the secondary market is all over the place in terms of professionalism and likens it to "where used autos were in the 1960s." A spokesman for Sell My Timeshare Now counters that secondary sales are surprisingly robust, even if owners take a beating. That may help keep defaults down, but it doesn't bode well for new sales. New inventory remains high, one analyst says. But even an unrelenting sales pitch may not be enough to convince a beleaguered consumer that it's worth forking over $20,000 for a week's vacation

http://www.reuters.com/article/dealAtoms/idUSCH1150234331420090207


Linkback - Time Bomb?
]]> 2/10/2009 9:48:21 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5349 5349
The Office of Fair Trading said people had already lost hundreds of pounds to bogus timeshare resale companies, with some victims also conned into paying thousands of pounds to obtain holiday club membership on the basis of false promises.

The group said timeshare owners often received unsolicited telephone calls from a bogus timeshare resale company, in which it was claimed that a definite buyer had been found for their timeshare, and was willing to make an above market offer.

But once consumers had made upfront payments of several hundred pounds to cover so-called administration costs or land registry changes, they were told the sale had fallen through.

Victims were then asked to attend meetings with another buyer, often described as a corporate buyer, to discuss a new offer.

But these meetings often took place abroad, at Spanish resorts or other holiday destinations, where the consumer was made to sit through a high pressure sales presentation, lasting several hours.

In the presentation they were offered membership of a bogus holiday club in exchange for their timeshare and an additional payment of several thousand pounds.

However, the membership often fails to provide the range, price and quality of holidays that were promised by the salesmen.

Mike Haley, OFT director of consumer protection, said: "As the public has become more aware of the dangers of bogus holiday clubs and the tricks used, so the scammers have changed their tactics.

"Increasingly timeshare owners are being targeted with the bait of a fictitious timeshare resale used as a means of hooking consumers into buying a bogus holiday club membership."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jhyERovA7BB8HZKtBrmH2CvNPn8g


Linkback - Timeshare owners targeted by scam
]]> 2/10/2009 9:45:30 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5348 5348
Dieter, it's part of a teenager's job description to scupper any plans for wholesome family fun. But the good news is that this hasn't put off the more daring adventure operators, some of whom are announcing teen-only departures for the first time.

These include The Adventure Company (0845 609 1137 adventurecompany.co.uk), which is featuring a rather unusual teenagers' horseback tour of Cappadocia in Turkey, which takes in the underground city of Derinkuyu, starting at £579 per person (excluding flights).

Meanwhile, the thoughtful people at Families Worldwide (0845 051 4567; familiesworld wide.co.uk) are offering a selection of "post-exam stress-busting trips" for teens to destinations including Tanzania and Peru.

They've done all the hard work: all you need to do is turn up, complete with your frazzled teenager, and enjoy the ride.

Join small groups or opt for tailor-made trips; I'm loving the High Atlas Adventure (which costs less than £800 per person for eight days, including flights), walking and mule-riding in the mountains and spending the night in remote Berber villages.

And not an Xbox in sight.

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/katy-holland-exciting-holidays-for-teenagers-1603723.html


Linkback - Exciting holidays for teenagers
]]> 2/10/2009 9:43:30 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5347 5347
The routes that are being cancelled include those from Birmingham, Bristol, Bournemouth, East Midlands, Liverpool and Luton airports in the UK.

In the past year, Ryanair has defied the economic downturn, adding 23 new routes from the UK, and cites Poland’s “unacceptable increase in navigation charges” as the reason for the move.

“These charges, which have increased by almost 1,000 per cent, make many Polish routes unattractive for passengers and directly impact on Ryanair’s ability to offer the low fares which passengers’ demand, especially during the current economic climate,” a Ryanair spokesman said.

“Ryanair continuously revises its route network in order to offer our passengers the lowest fares across 26 countries,” the spokesman added.

Since Poland joined the EU in 2004, passenger numbers at the country’s airports have increased markedly. In 2003, the six largest airports in Poland - Gdansk, Katowice, Kraków, Poznan Warsaw and Wroclaw - handled under seven million passengers. In 2008, that number had brown to nearly 20 million.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/ryanair-reduces-number-of-poland-routes-5634183.html


Linkback - Ryanair reduces number of Poland routes
]]> 2/10/2009 9:41:35 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5346 5346
They promised me I could use my 4 weeks (£349 was the cost I was told, charged an extra £30) in blocks of two weeks at no cost - turns out that's a bit of a lie - a £549 lie. Promised all resorts are 5 star - there's an interesting one in Gozo, Malta where the owner Sam Vella seems to charge away at patrons credit cards (numerous postings on Trip Advisor) - doesn't look like that's even nearly true. And now I'm reading that even if you book one resort, they often cancel it just before you go?

I've been trying to speak to someone to confirm they have received my written complaint (which they insisted upon) but they're not the most communicative group after they've taken your hard earned cash, and them some.

[:(!]

Linkback - The Gift Company
]]> 2/10/2009 4:25:00 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5345 5345
Just been for the evaluation weekend at Whitbarrow as one of the winners for the Club Season Green Week and really enjoyed the experience.

I am now looking at upgrading to a Red week or maybe two with Seasons or for alternatives but through my company.

Being magnanimous I will say it is for client and staff motivation whilst utilising certain benefits myself.

Is there any users out there that have done this with their business?
What are the tax benefits or implications?

I would also appreciate feedback for:
1. Seasons
2. Alternative schemes

Thanks

Linkback - Timeshare through your business
]]> 2/10/2009 3:58:26 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5344 5344 Has anybody heard of them? They say they are located on resort at Benal Beach and the same old thing. Fee of 600 euros via credit card and they have a sale due to complete in 3 weeks. I cannot find out anything about them.
Many Thanks
Lorraine

Linkback - End Vacations
]]> 2/10/2009 2:02:28 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5343 5343
Linkback - tenerife royal gardens
]]> 2/10/2009 1:13:50 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5342 5342 Guess what it is:



5 points for a correct answer

Answer to be revealed Sunday 15th Feb unless correctly guessed beforehand.



Linkback - guess what it is - 9th Feb
]]> 2/9/2009 9:54:32 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5341 5341





Linkback - Weather in Gran Canaria
]]> 2/8/2009 1:21:27 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5340 5340
This week a rival operator, Pontins, announced a £50m improvement package for its UK operations, and the creation of 2,000 new jobs. "We're looking forward to a fabulous future," says Ian Smith, chief executive of Ocean Parcs, which now owns Pontins. To predict how likely that is, let's briefly go back a lifetime. In 1936, Butlin opened the first of his low-cost, high-intensity holiday complexes around the UK shores, at Skegness in Lincolnshire. He believed workers and their families would come for fun to British resorts, regardless of the weather.

Besides the launch of Butlins, 1936 proved a significant year. George V died, uttering (or so it is widely believed) last words that famously condemned the Sussex resort of Bognor Regis to alliterative ignominy. In the long term, Bognor was indeed buggered because of another 1936 innovation, just up the road in Gatwick: the world's first modern air terminal. The Sussex airport is now the country's leading escape-route for British holidaymakers.

The holiday camps did get their time in the sun for a few decades after the war. The red and blue knights (Sir Billy Butlin in the Redcoat corner, Sir Fred Pontin with the Bluecoats) thrived on the British appetite for travel, even if the closest approximation to paradise was no further than the nearest entertainment compound. But Spain held a trump card over Skegness: sunshine. By the mid-1980s more Brits were taking their summer holiday abroad than at home. Since then, the robust growth in holiday-taking has been focused firmly on Abroad, thanks to falling fares and rising disposable income.

Pontins' big bet is that wary holidaymakers will switch en masse from packages in the Mediterranean and Florida to British holiday centres. The investment plans were welcomed by a travel industry desperate for good news. The people who fill the 2,000 new vacancies should also be happy, though domestic tourism endures chronically poor pay (previous Butlins owners lobbied against the national minimum wage). The Government is delighted by evidence of, if I may, the yellow sandcastles of economic recovery. And longer term, anything that persuades us to swap the financial uncertainties of the Continent for the climatic unpredictability of Britain will narrow the £19bn tourism deficit – the excess of our spending abroad over what foreign visitors bring in.

A mass movement away from Palma Nova and towards Prestatyn Sands is an appealing notion, but in the high-pressure Dodgems that the present travel industry resembles, some big risks remain.

The first is that millions of Brits are biting the euro-bullet and booking overseas packages despite the puny pound: this week our biggest tour operator, Tui, said bookings are on target even with prices up 11 per cent. Next, some travellers may decide to holiday at home – literally, perhaps making day-trips in the surrounding area. Low cost for them, low revenue for Britain. Third, if the UK fails to deliver value to holidaymakers who are resting their passports, they won't stay around next year. .

Doubtless some middle-class people will trade down from Club Mark Warner or Center Parcs to Pontins or Butlins this summer. If they escape the 21st-century equivalent of dark, satanic mills, and are at a loose end in Bognor Regis, they could always visit the cottage close to the present Butlins where William Blake wrote "Jerusalem". Until Pontins or others build a holiday Jerusalem in England's green and pleasant land, at least we could rename the Dodgems "Chariots of Fire" in Blake's honour.

Now is the winter of our discontented overseas visitors

Even by Thursday, four days after the first batch of heavy snowfall, the British Airways arrivals board at Heathrow Terminal 5 made glum reading. Nine long-haul inbound flights were cancelled – two from South Africa, five from North America, plus Hong Kong and Dubai. While plenty of BA passengers had a miserable time due to the messy sclerosis of airport chaos, the airline does not deserve undue criticism. Indeed, BA recovered remarkably fast from having one-third of its fleet of long-haul aircraft, amounting to 33 wide-bodied Boeings, diverted from Heathrow to airports from Scotland to Portugal. Our national airline, along with BMI, Virgin, easyJet and FlyBe, was clobbered once again by the UK's transportational inadequacy.

By now, most of the affected passengers – perhaps half a million of them – will have got where they needed to be. But I fret about what our collective response to inclement weather says about the UK.

Airport operators in Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt will have watched gleefully as London, the gateway to Europe, shut down again.

Many of those stranded were foreign visitors due to head home after a weekend in the capital. So I took a look at how happy their involuntary extra day in London will have proved. In terms of transport it was dismal. The capital's entire bus system shut down, along with parts of the Tube network. Suppose, though, the stoical tourist had found their way to one of London's top 10 attractions (in terms of visitor numbers); what would they have found?

Many opened as normal, but closed at around 3pm or 4pm to allow staff to battle home: the British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Madame Tussaud's. The National Gallery and the V&A had restricted hours and some galleries were closed to visitors. In Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum was open normally, but the Royal Observatory was closed all day. So too were the London Eye and the Tower of London, citing "health and safety" concerns after a dose of snow that a Montrealer or a Muscovite would barely notice.

At a time when Britain needs to be taken seriously as an economic power, we appear content to muddle through our mediocrity while the world sniggers: only a British Rail official could have coined the celebrated complaint about the "wrong kind of snow" gumming up the nation's trains.

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/simon-calder/simon-calder-uks-holiday-camps-get-their-moment-in-the-sun-1548295.html


Linkback - UK's holiday camps get their moment in the sun
]]> 2/8/2009 9:24:27 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5339 5339
And in Dennis, soliciting such deals on beaches violates a town bylaw.

Residents, visitors and businesses on Dennis’ south side have been pestered for years by solicitors promising freebies at nearby resorts.

“They drive around the Sea Street Beach and Glendon Road Beach parking lots, approaching or stopping cars and trying to persuade people to go to timeshares like the Edgewater,” said Dennis Police Capt. Bill Monahan. “They get paid money to send people to listen to the sales pitches in exchange for a gift or a free weekend at the resort.”

Every so often, police catch someone in the act.

Monahan said the solicitors don’t mind paying the $50 fine imposed by the state because income from the many times they don’t get caught is lucrative. “They’re out there on a year-round basis even though the town has beach regulations that prohibit it.”

Beach Director Dustin Pineau said any violation of a beach bylaw is a criminal offense punishable by a fine of up to $300. Pineau said he and beach coordinator Harry Allen have told solicitors “dozens and dozens of times” to leave the beach parking lots. “They throw obscenities at us and insist they have a right to be there,” Pineau said.

Pineau said there was a meeting last year with Dave Puopolo, who owns many of the establishments, “and we told them this had to stop. What frustrates me is how arrogant they are. And they didn’t stop.”

Business and motel owners on the south side have complained to police about the solicitors bothering their customers.

“We continue to slap summonses on them as often as we can,” Monahan said. “The person who was solicited has to be willing to testify in court, and while some do, it’s hard to give up a half-day’s work. Many of the victims are visitors who will be long gone when the court date comes up.”

Monahan himself has been approached while off duty.

“One day my wife and I were driving down Chase Avenue and one of them fell in behind me — I know them on sight,” Monahan said. “I did a U-turn, and he was waving to me, so I stopped. When he came to the window, I pulled out my badge and said, ‘You’ll be receiving your summons in the mail.’ He wanted a jury trial and got one. He was found guilty, fined $50, and he was probably back to work before I got home.”

Police receive fewer complaints in winter when soliciting from vehicles is more difficult than approaching walkers and joggers on foot. “Warmer weather brings them out of their cars, aggressively approaching people along roads and beaches,” Monahan said.

Pineau hopes for some relief this summer. The town sent Puopolo a certified letter advising him that anyone representing his businesses “may not enter any town beach parking lot or beach” based on their past violations of beach bylaws.

Timeshare and condominium owner Puopolo did not return phone calls before The Register’s deadline.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/dennis/news/business/x84114366/Dennis-cracks-down-on-solicitors-Timeshare-salesmen-targeted


Linkback - Dennis cracks down on timeshare solicitors
]]> 2/8/2009 9:22:05 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5338 5338
The group's consumer research suggests 87 per cent of UK customers will take an overseas holiday this year – the same as the previous year – despite the economic gloom and unfavourable exchange rates.

TUI said the findings were "consistent with the stronger booking patterns we have seen over the last few weeks".

The firm added that demand for medium-haul destinations outside the eurozone such as Turkey and Egypt was "very strong".

German-owned TUI merged with rival First Choice in 2007 amid a wave of consolidation in the sector amid lower demand for package holidays. The firm said yesterday it was on track to meet savings targets of £175 million through the deal.

Numis Securities analyst Wyn Ellis described TUI's update as "encouragin

http://business.scotsman.com/medialeisure/UK-demand-for-holidays-39still.4953776.jp


Linkback - UK demand for holidays 'still strong'
]]> 2/8/2009 9:16:44 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5337 5337
The lawsuit filed Wednesday on behalf of Houston resident Julie Kuehn concerns the Dec. 20 crash of Continental Flight 1404. The Boeing 737-5000 was taking off en route to Houston when it veered off the runway and crashed into a ravine before breaking apart. With passengers trapped inside, the fuselage caught fire when jet fuel from a ruptured tank ignited.

"We are continuing to cooperate in the NTSB investigation, and this process is likely to continue for months," a Continental spokeswoman said. "Since the facts of the accident are still being investigated, the allegations are premature. We're prepared to defend the company's actions and those of our crew."

Kuehn, 39, one of 38 passengers hospitalized after suffering back injuries, is seeking unspecified damages for her medical expenses, pain and mental anguish and other items as well as exemplary damages against Continental based on its role in the crash.

The lawsuit, filed in a Texas court, says Continental and pilots David Butler and Chad Levang were negligent and failed to exercise the high degree of care required to safely operate and maintain an aircraft. The suit also says the pilots and crew failed to maintain control of the jetliner and take proper evasive action when problems arose, and failed to adequately protect passengers during the evacuation of the plane.

The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 2 that a sudden wind gust appears to be the most likely culprit in the crash, according to people familiar with interviews of the plane's pilots by federal accident investigators.

The Journal noted that investigators hadn't reached any definitive conclusions and continued to consider a wide range of potential causes, but preliminary data from the plane's onboard recorders and interviews with the cockpit crew increasingly suggest the problem began when a strong crosswind pushed the twin- engine jet to the left of the runway's centerline, according to these people.

Teams from the National Transportation Safety Board, Continental and Boeing were examining the nose gear and portions of the main landing gear to see whether problems with brakes or landing gear may have played a role in the accident.

Continental's shares were at $13.50, up 2.6%, in after-hours trading. They closed Wednesday up 1.5% at $13.16.

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200902041743DOWJONESDJONLINE000815_FORTUNE5.htm


Linkback - Suit Accuses Continental Of Negligence In Crash
]]> 2/8/2009 9:15:27 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5336 5336
It’s a good question, and, in my experience, it’s not a typical situation.

I am still looking into the specifics of her situation, but there are some general circumstances that may contribute to an uptick in annual expenses, sometimes in the short run, and sometimes a more permanent increase.

Some of the factors that are relevant here; the property is located outside the United States, so to some degree, at least, the annual expense calculations are subject to some degree of currency exchange rates. Although generally, resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean benefit from lower labor costs.

The particular property the reader asks about is part of the RCI points program. Many people like the flexibility of points (I’ll revisit the issue soon, meanwhile here is an article I wrote about points several years ago), http://www.examiner.com/x-773-Timeshare-Examiner~y2009m2d3-Timeshare-classic-What-is-the-point-of-points-Part-I but it is a more expensive program to administer. If the conversion took place after the reader purchased, the annual costs will be higher.

Sometimes natural disaster plays a role. My sister and her family own a different resort in the same region. When she purchased, it was a “Right to Use” property, with her ownership expiring in 50 years. After the resort suffered major damage in a hurricane, the new management company operating the property imposed an assessment of several thousand dollars, but part of the change over also resulted in the ownership being converted to a permanent deeded property. It is now something that can be in her family for generations.

In some cases, there are limits built into the original policies and procedures when a resort opens, restricting the amount the annual cost could increase from one year to the next, with allowances for special assessments in case of emergency. But real estate laws in other countries aren’t always as all encompassing as in the United States.

And in the case of the emailer, the maintenance fee is not supposed to increase by more than 4% each year, but there is the assessment, then there is a club fee, a points fee and an operational fee. They were even assessed a fee when the call center moved from India to the United States. It begins to look a little like the junk fees when you refinance a mortgage or buy a car.

Not to be ignored is the fact that the management company for the resort in question has been recently acquired by a larger developer, one that has had financial challenges in the recent past. Again, just speculating, but it wouldn’t be the first time a company created ways to increase the revenue to shift acquisition costs to the end user.

Costs are generally more controlled for US based properties, but sometimes they are subject to a number of costs over and above the annual maintenance fees. They could include property taxes and insurance, though in some cases these costs are built into the one maintenance fee. As a matter of fact, the developer in question has US based properties as well.

And most owners have other costs beyond their maintenance fee anyway. These usually include membership in an exchange company, the cost of exchanges when they take place, and any other programs, like ICE Gallery, they may join.

http://www.examiner.com/x-773-Timeshare-Examiner~y2009m2d3-Timeshare-Maintenance-fees-out-of-control


Linkback - Timeshare: Maintenance fees out of control
]]> 2/8/2009 9:13:15 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5335 5335
Chairman Sir Colin Chandler delivered the message at the airline’s annual general meeting.

He added that all decisions regarding adding aircraft to the fleet will be made “prudently”, based on the trading outlook given overall economic conditions.

“Naturally this fleet plan for 2010 of 185 aircraft and 2011 of 197 aircraft may change if the macro environment worsens in the next three to six months and given the lead time for building aircraft,” the chairman said. “In light of the current economic environment the Board will continue to adopt a cautious approach to growth and will focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet.”

Sir Colin, leaving the chairmanship after six years, noted that the European economy was in “a challenging recession of an uncertain length and depth”. He added: “Many commentators are suggesting that this could be the worst economic conditions of a generation. The harsh effects of this are already being felt by many companies and industries.”

Easyjet began 2009 in a better situation than had been expected, with forward bookings relatively unchanged from the same period one year previously, he commented. “There is clear evidence of business travellers switching to EasyJet in search of better value and we are benefiting as leisure passengers switch from long haul destinations to holiday within the EasyJet network.”

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/easyjet-may-reconsider-fleet-additions-in-recession-5634174.html


Linkback - easyJet-reconsider fleet additions in recession
]]> 2/8/2009 9:08:16 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5334 5334
Did you know that every time your car goes even over a mile or so over the speed limit, it is registered and placed on the database?
They only send a ticket if you are way over, OR (and here is the rub..) if you receive over 20 near misses!!!!!! You can now check how many you have
against your car's registered number.

http://www.i-database.co.uk/index1.php



Linkback - Speed Cameras
]]> 2/6/2009 3:10:54 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5333 5333 I've built up 16500 points over 17 years and am now 73. I have a recent spinal cord defect and have both lower legs amputated. My points have recently been used by close family and I have been trying to transfer the points to family since the end of last October. Despite several phone calls in Nov/Dec/Jan there has been not one letter or call back from Diamond!!! I have not even been sent a bill for the 2009 management charges!!!! I now understand them to be in excess of 30% so I am led to believe that DRI wants me to walk away - relinquish my points for no cash whatsoever - which will give them extra capital, to cover their losses on loans, presumably. Just a bunch of capitalist thieves, like the rest of our Upper/Ruling classes. Please - anyone - give me some cause to hope that this is not the scam/crash that I fear!!
Brian - brian.mcdermott5(at)virgin.net

Linkback - Trying to leave DRI
]]> 2/6/2009 11:21:57 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5332 5332 [urlhttp://www.oft.gov.uk/news/press/2009/10-09][/url]

Linkback - Been scammed? OFT wants you.
]]> 2/6/2009 8:39:00 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5331 5331 its the usual no win no fee but if they do recover my money its 50/50 split, i said if you can do that then with a bit of research i can do that and save money?, anyway he is sending his papers in the post for me to look at,
has any one heard of this before? is it legit? me being daft and in a rush i did not get the mans company details,
any info appreciated

lee

Linkback - buyweeks in liquidation? help please
]]> 2/4/2009 4:28:24 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5330 5330
Linkback - maintanience fees
]]> 2/4/2009 2:52:48 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5329 5329
In order to enhance legal certainty and fully achieve the benefits of the internal market for consumers and businesses, the relevant laws of the Member States need to be approximated further. Therefore, certain aspects of the marketing, sale and resale of timeshares and long-term holiday products as well as the exchange of rights deriving from timeshare contracts needed to be fully harmonised.

The purpose of this Directive is to contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market and to achieve a high level of consumer protection, by approximating the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States in respect of certain aspects of the marketing, sale and resale of timeshares and long-term holiday products as well as exchange contracts.

Provisions of this Directive will affect to the following type of contracts:

Timeshare contracts
Long-term holidays products
Resale contract
Exchange contracts
Advertising and pre-contractual information
Member States will ensure that any advertising specifies the possibility of obtaining the information related to the product and indicates where it can be obtained.

This pre-contractual information, which must be provided by the trader to the consumer in due time before the consumer is bound by any contract or offer, must include the elements and informations provided for in the Annexes to this Directive for all the concerned products: timeshare contracts, long-term holidays products, resale contract and exchange contracts.

The timeshare, long-term holiday product, resale or exchange contracts
Member States will ensure that the contract is in writing, on paper or on another durable medium, and drawn up in the language or one of the languages of the Member State in which the consumer is resident or a national, at the choice of the consumer, provided it is an official language of the Community.

All the advertising and pre-contractual information must form an integral part of the contract and not be altered unless the parties expressly agree otherwise or the changes result from unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the trader’s control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised.

Right of withdrawal and Advance payment
In addition to the remedies available to the consumer under national law in the event of breach of the provisions of this Directive, Member States will ensure that the consumer is given a period of 14 calendar days to withdraw from the timeshare, long-term holiday product, resale or exchange contract, without giving any reason.

Where the consumer intends to exercise the right of withdrawal the consumer shall, before the expiry of the withdrawal period, notify the trader on paper or on another durable medium of the decision to withdraw.

Judicial and administrative redress and out-of-court redress
Member States will ensure that, in the interests of consumers, adequate and effective means exist to ensure compliance by traders with this Directive. This means will include provisions to ensure that certain bodies are entitled to take actions in defence of consumers, such as:

Public bodies and authorities or their representatives.
Consumer organisations with a legitimate interest in protecting consumers.
Professional organisations with a legitimate interest in taking such action.
Besides, Member States will encourage the setting up or development of adequate and effective out-of-court complaints and redress procedures for the settlement of consumer disputes under this Directive and, where appropriate, encourage traders and their branch organisations to inform consumers of the availability of such procedures.

Member States should not be allowed to maintain or introduce in their national legislation provisions diverging from those laid down in this Directive. Where no such harmonised provisions exist, Member States should remain free to maintain or introduce national legislation in conformity with Community law.

Member States must adopt and publish, by February 23rd, 2011, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. They will forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions, and apply those provisions from February, 23rd 2011.

http://euroalert.net/en/news.aspx?idn=8419


Linkback - Directive 2008/122/EC published Feb 3rd 2009
]]> 2/4/2009 6:53:09 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5328 5328
Raintree is the largest independent US-based vacation ownership company in Mexico. The company has sales offices in Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerta Vallarta, and Mexico.

The Raintree Vacation Club has 21 timeshare resorts, 10 of which are in Mexico. The Club also has resorts in western US and western Canada.

Recently, the Club bought the Phoenix resort, which marked their 21st property. The company’s president and CEO Doug Bech says that the Phoenix property represents, “… over $100 million in future timeshare sales. It was acquired from Resort Funding, which is also providing an excellent working capital/receivables hypothecation line of credit for the consumer notes for both the Phoenix and Villa Vera Puerto Vallarta resorts. We will be rebranding this property quickly and begin operating it as a Raintree Resort.”

While most timeshare clubs are downsizing, Raintree continues to maintain pursue high-market perspectives. The company is clearly doing something right.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090202283/Latest/Raintree-Vacation-Club-performs-well-amidst-recession.html


Linkback - Raintree Vacation Club performs well amidst recess
]]> 2/4/2009 6:50:59 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5327 5327
Accused of violating the “Do not call” regulations, Westgate CEO David Siegel agreed, without admitting guilt, to have the company pay $900,000. Accument, another Florida travel company paid about $275,000 for the same violation.

I speculated last week that the million dollars was a relatively small drop in the Westgate marketing bucket, a cost of doing business, comparable to Fedex paying parking tickets.

My interview with Siegel leads me to correct the impression left by my speculation.

First, according to Siegel, the calls that violated the law were not made by a Westgate phone room. One manager in one of the sales offices (Westgate now has more than 20 resorts in 11 states) hired an outside marketing company that promised to provide travel oriented sales prospects for presentations.

These people had filled out surveys on cards in order to win a prize, leading to the invitation to a Westgate presentation. Similar marketing programs may be seen at pizzerias, festivals and county fairs all over the country.

Because it wasn’t made clear on these cards that the calls would be made on behalf of Westgate, the Federal Trade Commission, responding to a number of complaints pursued charges against the developer.

Siegel feels very strongly that they would have prevailed if they had fought the charges. However, with a potential penalty of $10,000 per violation, they were facing potential fines of more than ten million dollars. That combined with the legal fees associated with even a successful fight, persuaded Siegel to follow the advice of counsel and settle.

Siegel insists that the sales generated by the leads in question were about a quarter of a million dollars, so all in all, it was a losing proposition for the developer with almost 30 years experience in the timeshare business.

In a wide ranging conversation, Siegel reflected on the problems caused by the nation’s credit crunch, the laying off of more than 4,000 employees, the lack of a secondary market for timeshares, and being an independent in a world of hotels. More on those issues in future entries.

http://www.examiner.com/x-773-Timeshare-Examiner~y2009m2d2-Westgate-Resorts-an-interview-with-David-Siegel


Linkback - Westgate Resorts: an interview with David Siegel
]]> 2/4/2009 6:50:02 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5326 5326
On Feb. 2, one of Europe's most profitable airlines, Ryanair (RYAAY), slipped into the red for the first time since the company went public in 1997. The Dublin-based discount airline posted losses of $130 million for the three months ending December 2008, compared with a $56 million profit during the same period the previous year.

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary described the results in a statement as "disappointing" and blamed a 71% increase in the price Ryanair paid for fuel during the quarter. The airline, which in the past has been criticized for refusing to hedge fuel contracts, this time around had locked in prices at a punitive rate of more than $1,100 a ton just as they began to fall to their current lows.

But the recent drop in fuel costs means Ryanair is now predicting a modest profit this year. Instead of breaking even, as the company previously anticipated, it expects a net profit of between $64 million and $102 million—despite a 20% drop in average fares, which at around $43 are already the lowest among European carriers. Ryanair also predicts a return to "significant profit" in its next financial year, ending March 2010.

RECORD LOSSES FOR EUROPEAN CARRIERS?
Credit a savvier fuel pricing strategy. The airline has now hedged 75% of its fuel requirements for the period from April to September 2009 (and 50% of its fuel needs from October to December) at an average price of $650 a ton—some 38% lower than the average $1,050 per ton paid in the current fiscal year. If Ryanair's average cost in fiscal year 2010 finishes at $650 per ton, the company's fuel bill will plummet by approximately $638 million the following fiscal year, O'Leary explained in a statement. He claimed that the new hedging contracts will "ensure that Ryanair returns to substantial profitability next year, when many of our competitors will be reporting losses," presumably due to factors ranging from lower demand and overcapacity to less attractive fuel contracts.

The fall in fuel prices is one bright spot in an otherwise challenging environment for the aviation industry. Citigroup (C) aviation analyst Andrew Light predicts that the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 are likely to be record loss-making quarters for European airlines, on par with the downturn caused by September 11, 2001. This year he predicts that within Europe, business travel and air cargo revenues are likely to fall by as much as 20% while passenger revenue could drop by 5%.

Just last month both British Airways (BAY.L) and Europe's largest airline, Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA), issued profit warnings. Air France-KLM, due to report its third-quarter results on Feb. 13, is expected to show an operating loss of $255 million for the quarter compared with an operating profit of $397 million during the third quarter last year. BA, which had previously expected to make a small profit, now expects a full-year loss of $212 million due to the economic downturn, fewer lucrative business travelers, and a fall in the value of the British pound.

Many analysts expect Europe's second-largest airline, Deutsche Lufthansa (LHAG.DE), also to lower its earnings estimates as demand for air travel falls. Citigroup thinks the German carrier's operating profit in 2009 will halve to $510 million. Last year Lufthansa went on a dealmaking spree, announcing plans to buy troubled Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines and increasing its ownership stake in Britain's No. 2 airline, BMI, to 80%.

AER LINGUS DEAL UNLIKELY
Ryanair also had hoped to finalize its own acquisition of rival Irish airline Aer Lingus (AERL.L). But in January the Irish government refused to sell Ryanair its 25% stake in the carrier for $955 million. According to O'Leary, Ryanair is unlikely "to waste any further management time or resources making another offer for Aer Lingus, as its scale and losses will continue to render it increasingly irrelevant in Europe's airline landscape."

Analysts reckon that as more consumers trade down, budget carriers Ryanair and easyJet (EZJ.L) will emerge from the current economic turbulence before the rest of Europe's airlines. Ryanair expects passenger numbers to grow 14%, to 66 million, next year. "The longer and deeper this recession, the better it will be for the lowest-cost producers in every sector," O'Leary said. "Like Lidl, Aldi, Ikea, and McDonald's (MCD), Ryanair is the lowest-cost provider—by a distance—in the European airline industry."

http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/feb2009/gb2009022_438388.htm?chan=globalbiz_europe+index+page_top+stories


Linkback - Ryanair Tastes Red Ink
]]> 2/4/2009 6:48:42 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5325 5325
In a poll of 1,000 UK consumers, it was found that 46 per cent had already scaled back their travel plans due to the recession.

There are indications that concerns about the impact of travel on social and environmental conditions are also changing holiday plans.

Sixty-one per cent of the respondents to the survey indicated that they were intending to find out more about the environmental and social impact of their holidays, and 55 per cent said they would be choosing holiday destinations that could be reached by boat or train, rather than by plane.

Seventy-six per cent of those polled reported that they did not have sufficient information regarding the environmental and social impact of holiday travel to be able to make an informed choice.

It is expected that 2009 will be a difficult year for holiday operators, but those able to match value with social and environmental “values” are likely to fare better, and be better able to ride out the recession, according to Good Business, the corporate responsibility consultancy that commissioned the study.

Good Business founder and CEO Giles Gibbons noted: “With less money in their pockets it seems many holidaymakers plan to look for cheaper alternatives in the UK this year.”

He added: “Some might see this as good news from an environmental perspective, with reductions in things like flights.”

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/consumers-seeking-information-on-environmental-impact-of-holidays-5634156.html


Linkback - Consumers - environmental impact of hols
]]> 2/4/2009 6:46:31 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5324 5324
The flight attendant was said to have contracted the deadly strain of malaria after working a BA Heathrow-Ghana flight. The two other staff who were infected became ill after working on other routes.

Unite, Britain’s largest union, has demanded an urgent investigation into the matter, indicating that it could be linked to the accessibility of anti-malarial medication.

Officials from the union, which represents cabin crew members, have expressed their concern about the incidents to the UK government.

The national office for Unite, Steve Turner, said: “We would like to see a full investigation into the death of a BA cabin crew member from malaria and to see malaria tablets more readily available, as they once were.”

Previously, BA provided free anti-malarial tablets to its 9,000 crew around the world, but has changed its policy to make the drugs available only at airports for which prescriptions have been written.

The airline’s physician is based at Heathrow, and union sources are saying that with crew members flying around the world – and often at short notice – it can be difficult to have free access to the tablets, meaning that many are not protected.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/british-airways-flight-attendant-dies-from-malaria-5634153.html


Linkback - British Airways flight attendant dies from malaria
]]> 2/4/2009 6:44:19 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5323 5323
The reason I use DaE was because of the way the site was simple to use and you did not have to pay upfront fees for the privelege of doing a swap.

Please please please Dial an Exchange, don't go down this route of asking T/S owners to fork out more money in the present climate.

If someone from the company reads this, you will see by looking at earlier posts that you were being recommended above DRI and II for the very reason of NOT having fees.





Linkback - Dial an Exchange Gold Membership
]]> 2/3/2009 1:50:35 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5322 5322 Guess what it is:



6 points for a correct answer.

As I suspect some of you may have this - I am starting low and adding 1 point a day until is is correctly guessed. A kind of Russian Roulette if you know - do you try to eek more points out of it, or do you settle for a lower points value?

Answer to be revealed 8th Feb unless correctly guessed beforehand.



Linkback - Guess what it is - 02 Feb
]]> 2/2/2009 11:11:56 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5321 5321
Linkback - Thankyou oldbill
]]> 2/2/2009 7:15:04 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5320 5320
What is the catch? Anyone know?



Linkback - Universal transfers
]]> 2/2/2009 4:27:01 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5319 5319 I have made an appointment with the above company in regards to selling my week. They have told me to bring along my deeds, they will then do a search to confirm ownership then they will make an offer. I will leave with cash they will keep deeds.

Does this sound too simple? Is this a scam? Am I subjecting myself being ripped off? Can anyone shed light on this? Please

Linkback - timesharegetout.co.uk
]]> 2/2/2009 3:09:44 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5318 5318 That got me thinking about the same question as regards to timeshare. Rick mentioned some sites for research, which you can see here. But his answer, for a number of reasons, wasn’t as comprehensive as one might expect. Nor will mine, for very much the same reason.

Many of the timeshare resorts in the United States were constructed after the 1990 passage of the American’s with Disabilities Act, but what is the definition of disability?
Most people think ramps and showers without a lip, allowing easy access for those using wheel chairs. But there are also travelers with vision or hearing impairments; mental disabilities, and even obesity meets the classification in some cases.

So just because you see the familiar logo in the RCI or Interval International directory indicating that the property is “accessible” don’t assume it meets the conditions for the travelers in your group.

Furthermore, the ADA is an American law. Much of the world is making an effort to catch up with the States, but it varies from area to area.

Before traveling, call the particular resort and make sure it suits the needs of your traveling party.

Most disabilities also have an advocacy group of one form or another that may be able to provide information about the suitability of a particular destination.
Incidentally, accessible does not mean unattractive.

Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas offersf units that are among the nicest I’ve seen. The floor plans are spacious and nicely laid out. And you don’t even initially realize that they are designed to meet the needs of a variety of physical challenges.

Having said all of that, I’m gonna risk pi**ing a few people off here. My mother was in a wheelchair for more than 25 years, and we traveled all over the country well before the ADA was passed. There were some things that she was not able to participate in, and no law like the ADA is going to make Space Mountain a ride she would have been able to do. But even without ramps, there was a lot she could do, and enjoy. So do your homework, do what you can to maximize the experience, but at the end of the day, I wouldn’t deprive myself of visiting an area just because not everything is going to be doable for me.

In terms of timeshare, discussion forums in the Timeshare Users Group, and other sites online may be able to offer some information.

http://www.examiner.com/x-773-Timeshare-Examiner~y2009m1d31-Timeshare-and-travelers-with-disabilities


Linkback - Timeshare and travelers with disabilities
]]> 2/2/2009 7:39:52 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5317 5317
Scotland 7 nights £188
Price is based on seven nights’ self-catering in a cottage in a quiet part of Keith in Morayshire. Book with Cottages4you (0845 268 1560; www.cottages4you.co.uk). Valid for arrivals on February 14.

Spain 7 nights £225
Three nights’ b & b at Petit Palace Tres Cruces in Madrid with BA Holidays (0844 493 0758; www.ba.com). Departures from Gatwick throughout February.

Dubai flight only £231
Return flight from Heathrow on Royal Brunei with Flight Centre (0870 499 0042; www.flightcentre.co.uk). Offer available until end of March for travel until July 9. Quote ref DXBLONBI1.

UNDER £500

Madeira 7 nights £259
Save £250 on seven nights’ b & b at the Oasis Atlantic with First Choice (0871 664 9011; www.firstchoice.co.uk). Departs from Glasgow on February 9.

Tunisia 7 nights £295
Save £90 on seven nights’ half board at the Tour Khalef in Sousse with Portland Holidays Direct (08712 313237; www.portlanddirect.co.uk). Departs from Gatwick on February 18.

Morocco 14 nights £340
Price is based on 14 nights’ b & b at the Atlantic Hotel in Agadir with Panorama (0844 879 8200; www.panoramaholidays.co.uk). Departs from Gatwick on February 20.

Italy 3 nights £349
Save £110 on three nights’ b&b at the Montebello Splendid In Florence with Cresta Cities & Short Breaks (0844 800 7020; www.crestaholidays.co.uk). Departs from Gatwick on March 20.

SKIING

Söll 7 nights £179
Save £280 on seven nights’ in Austria staying at the Schindlhaus Apartments with Directski (0800 587 0945). Departs from Gatwick or Manchester Airport (£199) on Saturday.

Morzine 7 nights £549
Save £300 on seven nights’ catered accomodation at the French resort staying at the Chalet du Bois with Snowline (0844 557 3118; www.snowline.co.uk). Departs from Heathrow on February 8.

Folgarida 7 nights £599
Seven nights’ half board plus ski-boot hire and lift passes at the Italian resort, near Madonna Di Campiglio, staying at Vecchia America with Equity Ski (01273 622 111; www.equityski.co.uk). Departs from Gatwick on Saturday.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/budgettravel/4399482/Holiday-deals-of-the-week.html


Linkback - Holiday deals of the week
]]> 2/2/2009 6:36:46 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5316 5316
The answer is simple - a resounding yes. Some 20% of us who went on a foreign holiday last year are considering staying in the UK this year and many of our tourism businesses are already reporting healthy bookings for the summer months. Britain is such a varied destination; it can appeal to every taste and budget and making the choice to holiday here could be the best decision you make in 2009.

We are also fortunate to have such a huge range of accommodation across all price bands - from grand country house hotels to farmhouse B&Bs. And this year, as the tourism industry sees the chance to encourage more of us to explore our own country, there are deals and special offers to be had. So it is worth shopping around just as you would for an overseas holiday.

And you can forget the hassle involved in an overseas holiday - no flight delays or long queues at the airport and no worrying about how many dollars or euros your pound will buy.

Those of you who have always chosen to travel overseas might be pleasantly surprised while discovering your own backyard. For new events and attractions, a resurgence in local food and the growth in activity breaks have transformed the British holiday. Add to that our timeless tourism assets, from picturesque countryside and sleepy seaside resorts to lively multicultural cities, with terrific heritage and iconic landmarks, infused with contemporary design, music, architecture and performing arts.

However much we moan about it, we rather like our changeable weather! Regardless of the forecast there will always be surfers out in full force on Newquay beaches and walkers enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Lake District. I recall lying on an idyllic beach in Greece with my pre-teenage sons who casually remarked: "Of course this isn't the best beach in the world - that's Camber sands."

You see, what kids remember is playing football on the beach as the tide goes out, dive bombing in the dunes and fish and chips in their wrappers for tea - rather than exotic locations.

In Britain you can see art and culture from around the world as the entry to our most famous museums and galleries - such as the Tate Modern, the Lowry Gallery in Manchester, the Elgin Marbles at the British Museum or the Burrell Collection in Glasgow - is entirely free. Exploring on foot is a great way to admire the modern and historic architecture or to enjoy one of our many fantastic royal parks.

And we should take pride in our own tourism industry. This is Britain's fifth largest industry, supporting 2.7m jobs and delivering £114bn - 8.2% of the UK GDP. By choosing to holiday at home you are giving much-needed support to local regions, businesses and livelihoods. Almost one in eight startup businesses created in the UK belongs to the tourism sector, one of few industries that can promote and nurture small businesses - more than 200,000 of them. And tourism provides entry-level jobs, making it a viable option for people trying to get back in the job market and build their skills.

So yes, this is the year to have a great holiday exploring Britain - and at the same time you can pat yourself on the back at being part of a trend to support your local economy.

No, says Tim Williamson, customer director for First Choice and Thomson Holidays

Britain is lying under a dark cloud. By taking your holiday in Blighty, there's no escaping the doom and gloom of the economic downturn, job-cuts, and quite literally, the rain clouds. In these financially challenging times, people need escapism, that little ray of light to give them something to focus on and look forward to. That can be found by hopping on a plane and heading abroad for some guaranteed sunshine.

Last summer, Cyprus racked up 1,058 hours of sunshine compared with a paltry 381 hours in the UK. And the prospect of a scorching summer this year seems slim. Last year was the wettest British summer since records began, and with the weather in the UK becoming increasingly temperamental, why take the risk of your much-anticipated holiday being a complete washout? What can you do with your family in the rain? Not a lot.

Thomson and First Choice research shows that 88% of people would prefer to cut back on dining out and home improvements rather than sacrifice their holidays. And if you are going to spend your hard-earned cash on a trip away, why would you risk putting a dampener on the entire experience by staying in the UK, when you could be soaking up the sun in Egypt?

There's a common misconception that a holiday abroad will cost the earth. In fact, heading abroad can save you money. A week in May self-catering in Menorca for a family of four (two adults and two children) costs £695 with First Choice, whereas staying seven nights around the same time on a self-catering basis in a well-known British holiday camp will set you back up to £996 for a family of the same size. Worried about spending money? All-inclusives make it easy to budget and know how much money you are going to spend.

What better feeling is there than stepping off a plane and feeling the wave of heat hit your face - even when it's dark? And how else do you replicate the radiance only captured from a week spent in the sun - it's just not the same out of a bottle.

Book your package holiday abroad with a company protected under the government-backed Air Travel Organisers' Licensing Scheme and you can rest assured that your money is protected. But could you say the same if your UK hotel or rental company goes out of business?

While there are several areas of outstanding natural beauty to be discovered on these shores, a dip in the North Sea is hardly as enticing as it is in the tranquil turquoise sea of the Mediterranean. Plus, in Britain, you can't learn about overseas cultures, which is one of the joys of travelling abroad. Tasting local cuisines, immersing yourself in new experiences or simply lying around a pool reading a book or four is what makes a holiday. Or, if you fancy hopping on a camel, diving in a coral reef, or swimming with dolphins, you can.

You simply don't get to unwind in the same way in the UK. You still face traffic jams to the beach, you're still on your UK mobile network, so easily contactable, making it harder to forget about the stresses of work. People need to take a holiday from the recession. Abroad, you really can switch off, forget about everyday worries and relax - now that's truly priceless.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/feb/01/household-bills-budgets-holiday


Linkback - With budgets stretched, should we holiday in UK?
]]> 2/2/2009 6:33:36 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5315 5315
Linkback - an airline horror story
]]> 1/31/2009 5:08:48 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5314 5314
Has anyone ever wondered or indeed asked how 'Oldbill' knows so much about the industry? I have lived on the Costa Del Sol for 16 years & I don't hear of half as much as he does regarding this business!

How do people in the UK hear of so many arrests & businesses being closed down, when I live in the heart of it & hear nothing?!!!

Linkback - WHAT'S IN A NAME?/SCAM
]]> 1/30/2009 11:45:33 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5313 5313
Four daily flights from London Heathrow will be offered beginning at the end of March.

Airfares start from £99, and the two-for-one deal is being offered on bookings made on line at Lufthansa.com by 10 February.

From next month, service will commence linking Milan-Malpensa with Barcelona and Paris, which will be followed by service with Brussels, Budapest, Bucharest and Madrid by early March. Lisbon and Heathrow routes will be launched at the end of March.

Lufthansa Italia’s first two Airbus A319s are being configured in business and economy classes, seating 138 passengers.

Flight attendants will be Italian speakers and offer passengers Italian food and drink – including averna, grappa and spumante.

Marianne Sammann, the UK and Ireland general manager for Lufthansa, commented: “The introduction of Lufthansa Italia’s new four times daily non-stop service from London-Heathrow to Milan will allow us to offer both business and leisure travellers alike a convenient and frequent service to northern Italy with the high Lufthansa quality which our customers expect.”

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/lufthansa-prepares-to-launch-italian-offshoot-5634144.html


Linkback - Lufthansa prepares to launch Italian offshoot
]]> 1/29/2009 6:51:10 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5312 5312
Since 2004 education authorities across England have issued tens of thousands of fixed penalties to parents.

Some families claim the higher cost of holidays during school breaks is largely to blame for the growing number of absences.

A study into the issue is set to be completed by the summer.

'Fine cheaper'

In the 2004/05 school year just 3,483 fixed penalties were issued by local education authorities (LEAs) across England.

But by 2006/07 it had risen sharply to 14,625.

The latest available figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) from September 2007 to April 2008, show 10,498 notices were posted to parents in the first two terms of that academic year.

Some parents in Devon have said the fines are a risk worth taking because of the expense of holidays.

"One hundred pounds is probably a lot cheaper than the difference in the cost of a holiday," one mother told BBC News.

While Richard Newton-Chance, principal of Queen Elizabeth Community College in Crediton, Devon, said the premium on holidays taken in August encouraged parents to take their children out of school so they could holiday earlier or later.

ABSENCE FINES ISSUED
2004/05 - 3,483
2005/06 - 12,150
2006/07 - 14,625
2007/08 (excluding final term) - 10,498

Schools can grant up to 10 days term-time holiday per year, but it is at head teachers' discretion.

There are two levels of penalty notices - £50 if the fine is settled within 28 days and £100 if it is later than 28 days but within 42 days.

Parents who refuse to pay are committing an offence under the 1996 Education Act.

The choice whether to issue fines rests with individual schools and LEAs. And there are vastly different approaches.

Kent, for example, issued 330 notices between September 07 and April 08.

But many London boroughs, including Haringey, Hounslow and Lambeth, did not send out any.

Reasons for absence have been recorded by schools since 2006, but it is not compulsory and many unauthorised days off are unexplained.

Some local authorities did not issue any fines last year

A DCSF spokesman said the practice of issuing fines was rolled-out across England in 2006.

"More local authorities are aware of them now. And from September 2007 we expanded the number of things they could be issued for.

"Over the last five years it's gone up. We're currently doing a piece of research talking to LEAs asking why exactly [the fines] were given.

"It will also look into the effectiveness of them."

A spokeswoman from First Choice, in Canterbury, Kent, said more families were booking breaks in term time.

"People are more open to that now, when they see the difference in price," she said.
She added the economic downturn had not made a difference to sales.

The Association of British Travel Agents said it was hard to monitor how many parents took their children out of school for holidays.

A spokesman said travel agents tended not to ask people booking holidays in term time if they had gained permission from their child's school.

But he added sales of family breaks had been buoyant throughout January as many took advantage of children-go-free offers.

"It's been a very pleasant surprise because in the current economic climate no one knew what would happen," a spokesman said.

"Business has been very brisk because of the deals."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7856092.stm


Linkback - Is term-time holiday worth a fine?
]]> 1/29/2009 6:48:02 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5311 5311
Kevin and I were introduced at the airport, along with the rest of the group, and instantly developed a good rapport. He says he liked the look of me right from the start, even though we had just been introduced.

Throughout the week, Kevin and I mixed easily within the group and either sat around the pool chatting or did various watersports activities such as jetskiing or parascending. In the evening, the whole group got together for dinner. On the second day we sat together at dinner and really got to know each other. We realised we had a lot in common, and there was a spark, which was strange for me because I hadn't felt those feelings in a while.

At the end of the holiday we knew we fancied each other, but we didn't get together until a month later. I think we were both so resigned to the fact that we wouldn't meet anyone. It was a pleasant surprise that we had, but we also didn't quite know how to take it forward.

After arranging to meet at the monthly Spice social event in London, Kevin asked if I would like to come over to his house for dinner at the weekend. He made me a roast; I was very impressed with his cooking and the conversation flowed really easily. It was clear that we liked each other and we have been dating since that day. We feel so lucky. We keep pinching ourselves. I didn't expect to meet my partner on a singles' holiday, but I'm so happy that I did.

Kevin: In May last year I had a week's leave and wanted some sun. Over the years my friends have settled down and some have children so they can't go away at the drop of a hat. I saw a Tenerife holiday in the Spiceuk brochure; the hotel was near a surf beach, which was great because I had recently done a surfing weekend in Devon and needed more practice, so I signed up. A relationship was the last thing on my mind - I simply wanted to go on holiday and do something I enjoyed.

Having been a member of my local Spice group for many years (in the past I've been white-water rafting, mountain biking and horse riding) I knew that the holiday would be great fun. In my experience the holidays are a brilliant way to meet people and boost your social life.

While I was at the airport I met Tracy, who was one of the first Spice group members to arrive. I was attracted to her immediately; she was bright, funny and good-looking. Throughout the holiday we sat together at dinner, chatted, laughed and danced. Most evenings there were group activities and it was a very natural, relaxed environment. The whole group mixed well and we all had such a good time. This allowed Tracy and I to get to know each other without any pressure.

After Tenerife most people swapped emails and many are still friends. I arranged to meet Tracy at the monthly Spice social event and we've been together ever since.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jan/24/singles-holiday-dating-experience


Linkback - Singles holiday dater: 'We keep pinching ourselves
]]> 1/29/2009 6:42:32 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5310 5310
Hawaii timeshares are at the top of exchangers' wishlists, in part because every seven-day interval in the year is a "red week" -- a desirable time to go. Some exchange companies offer owners of Hawaii timeshares two weeks of vacation for every week in the islands that they're willing to part with. Those units that do go into the exchange system -- occasionally because the developer has yet to sell all the intervals -- tend to be snapped up quickly.

But this year is quite different. Normally sought-after late winter and spring break weeks are being offered to Interval International (II) members for cash rentals ("getaways"), meaning no one has exchanged for them; that means you're also likely to find these condo-style units being rented out by the property management directly, and also by timeshare owners on EBay, www.redweek.com and other online outlets, possibly for less than II's deals.

In the case of II members, they can purchase weeklong getaways at a number of ResortQuest Hawaii vacation condos and condotels as well as at traditional timeshare developments. On Kauai, for example, a unit at the ResortQuest Islander on the Beach (a recently renovated condotel) is being offered for as little as $101 a night ($108 over Easter Week) for a room that sleeps four. The larger, two-bedroom apartment-style units at the ResortQuest at Poipu Kai are going for as little as $170 a night.

But there are deals on all the islands. On Maui, empty ResortQuest units are turning up at the Papakea Resort near Lahaina and Maui Banyan in Kihei, for as little as $161 a night; on the Big Island, ResortQuest Shores at Waikoloa and Waikoloa Colony Villas have similar offers, while the separately managed Kona Coast Resort in Kailua-Kona has one-bedrooms from $128 a night. ResortQuest Waikiki Sunset has one bedrooms for as low as $121 a night.

If those prices don't seem very low, keep in mind that in most cases these properties have full kitchens and residential proportions rather than hotel sizes and amenities, while still having resort facilities and service, making them a good value for families or couples traveling together.

The reason for the extra rooms is clear. Even though airfares and prices are dropping, consumer confidence is right there with them. As the Maui News and other outlets reported recently, hotel occupancy rates for November 2008 (the latest figures available) continued the slide of October 2008 and are dramatic drops from November 2007. Maui and Kauai, for example, only filled roughly 61 percent of their rooms this November, while the Big Island barely managed to fill half of its rooms; Oahu had the "high" of 68.5 percent.

The one thing of which you can be confident: If you can afford a Hawaiian getaway in the next few months, you won't complain of crowds when you get there.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/hawaii/detail?&entry_id=35090


Linkback - Timeshare Alert: Room(s) to Spare
]]> 1/29/2009 6:40:20 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5309 5309
Sixteen British employees have been arrested on suspicion of fraud, including the company administrator Sandra Maynard.

One client - Janine Greaves, from Marlow, Bucks - paid {banned word/phrase} nearly £2,000 last year to sell her timeshare.

They told her they had a "corporate buyer" offering £19,000 and urged her to fly to Malaga to close the deal.

Janine, who has twice beaten cancer, was reluctant to travel but {banned word/phrase} insisted. There, a Global Vacations rep persuaded her - after a gruelling five-hour sales pitch - to spend another £2,000 on a deposit to join holiday network {banned word/phrase} Concierge.

She was offered £9,500 for her timeshare but only after three years on a "cashback" deal. As soon as she got back to the UK, Janine had second thoughts but Global Vacations then demanded the remaining £9,000.

Eventually, after providing her medical history, she was told she could pay £3,000 for a cheaper membership.

Since the raid, Janine has been told the company has "no objection" to her credit card firm giving her the refund.

A spokeswoman insists the firm, which trades in Spain as Vacation Services SL, was separate from {banned word/phrase} and {banned word/phrase} Concierge, despite sharing the same Gibraltar address.

If you have a complaint about these firms, write to the European Consumer Centre, 54 Principe de Vergara, 28006, Madrid or email cec@consumo-inc.es.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/01/29/investigate-timeshare-raid-in-spain-115875-21079354/


Linkback - INVESTIGATE: Timeshare raid in Spain
]]> 1/29/2009 6:36:18 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5308 5308
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/blog/editors_corner/article/11975/

Linkback - What a complaint letter..!
]]> 1/28/2009 6:43:15 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5307 5307
The company’s managing director for the UK, Nick Hughes, suggested that a major loss of consumer confidence during the latter part of 2008 has affected forward holiday bookings.

“According to a report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, there has been a 20% decline in forward bookings for 2009 for long-haul travel. That would seem about right,” Hughes said.

In responding to the decline in bookings, Kuoni has initiated its largest sale in 100 years, on bookings that are made before 20 February. In addition, the travel company has extended the Kuoni Worldwide 2009 brochure through March of 2010 to help generate early bookings for 2010.

The upmarket travel company released its long-haul report for 2009 this week, noting: “These are challenging times, but all the research shows that holidays are still a priority and, more than ever, people are looking for good value. They may be downgrading, for example, from a five-star to a four-star property, or taking a shorter trip, but customers are still travelling.”

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/long-haul-holiday-bookings-down-20-per-cent-5634136.html


Linkback - Long haul holiday bookings down 20 per cent
]]> 1/28/2009 6:38:07 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5306 5306
Westgate, which has already cut about 4,000 employees, mostly in sales and marketing due to the economic crisis has been said to be struggling.

I’m waiting to speak to David Siegel, founder and CEO of the company, and expect a return call from him shortly.

An old time traditional timeshare company, Westgate has beautiful resorts in Florida, most in the Orlando area. In recent years they have expanded to Las Vegas and Park City.

Where the “flags” (the branded resort companies like Hyatt and Hilton), have softened their sales presentation, Seigel at a meeting a few years ago defended the old school hard sell that used to be common in the timeshare industry.

I’m paraphrasing a bit, but Siegel pointed out that the traditional hospitality companies had a business relationship with the sales prospect even if they did not buy timeshare. His company did not. “They’re buying or they’re crying” was his philosophy for the sales table.
I'm just speculatiing, but It's entirely possible that the fine to the FTC is a cost of doing business, like Fedex expects a certain amount of parking tickets on its vans.

My most recent personal visit was a couple of years ago, and I don’t think the philosophy has changed much. It must be said, Westgate has many happy loyal owners, and deservedly so. They have nice resorts with a lot of desirable features.

In my experience, Westgate typifies what I have often said about timeshare, it is a terrific product, sold through a distasteful process.

http://www.examiner.com/x-773-Timeshare-Examiner~y2009m1d27-Westgate-Resorts-pays-almost-a-million-dollars-for-Do-Not-Call-violation


Linkback - Westgate fined for "Do Not Call" violation
]]> 1/28/2009 6:35:41 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5305 5305
Bluegreen timeshares is planning to issue Visa-branded cards as an incentive for potential timeshare buyers. Peter J. Quadagno, the president of Maverick, announced that Bluegreen will be launching the card sometime in the upcoming weeks.

The move speaks highly of the company. Despite the looming recession, the company is still investing in new ways to attract clients. This move is also reflects how a serious economic downturn can redefine the industry.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090127275/Latest/Bluegreen-Timeshare-develops-innovative-ways-to-combat-recession.html


Linkback - Bluegreen develops ways to combat recession
]]> 1/28/2009 6:31:05 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5304 5304 Diamond Resorts International® Launches University of Excellence

Hospitality Leader Creates Platform to Focus on Training and Development for Customer Service Delivery


LAS VEGAS, Nev., (January 27, 2009) - DIAMOND RESORTS INTERNATIONAL® (DRI), a global leader in the holiday ownership industry, has today announced the launch of the DRI University of Excellence to provide professional and personal development for its global workforce.


DRI continues to be at the forefront of the holiday ownership industry with its commitment to delivering branded hospitality service to its owners, members and guests worldwide through the brand tenets of simplicity, choice and comfort. And now, the DRI University of Excellence offers a curriculum of courses and programmes for its workforce on effective leadership, organizational management, policy and procedure training and product overviews - all intended to improve efficiencies and maintain a quality standard of customer service delivery.


“Delivery of a branded hospitality service is pivotal to DRI’s consumer-centric focus and our long term sustainable competitive advantage in the global industry,” says Simon Crawford-Welch, Ph.D., RRP, President and Chief Operating Officer at Diamond Resorts International®. “Our ‘DRIving the Guest Experience’ programme has been specifically created to exceed the expectations of both our internal and external customers. Customer service standards as well as recovery measures and practices will be offered to all team members through this programme.”


The DRI University of Excellence will be available to all team members of the Diamond Resorts International® family and in addition to in-person training modules, webinars and online learning portals; the programme will also utilize targeted translations of materials and workbooks to meet the needs of team members on a global scale.


Diamond Resorts International®, with global headquarters in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest holiday ownership companies in the world with nearly 150 branded and affiliated resorts and more than 23,000 guest beds in 21 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Australia. Offering simplicity, choice and comfort to more than 380,000 owners and members through the branded hospitality service of more than 5,500 team members worldwide, Diamond Resorts International® is dedicated to providing its guests with effortless and relaxing holiday experiences every time, for a lifetime.



Linkback - Press Release - 28 Jan 2009
]]> 1/28/2009 6:29:47 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5303 5303
The airline cited currency movements for the eight per cent increase in costs other than fuel, as compared with the five per cent estimated earlier.

Results for the carrier’s third quarter, ending 31 December, showed an operating loss amounting to £50 million, making it likely that the deficit for the year ending on 31 March will reach £150 million.

The drop in the value of the pound has impacted the airline in aircraft leasing, in particular, which is paid for in US dollars.

The airline added: “Further economic weakness in January and the outlook for February and March combined with the fall in sterling, are impacting our outlook for the year ended March 31 2009.”

Revenue guidance for the year remains unchanged, the carrier noted, with a four per cent year-on-year increase expected. It is also anticipated that fuel cost estimates will remain unchanged, at approximately £3 billion, as lower fuel prices are offset by a reduction in hedging benefits and currency exchange impacts.

In November, BA said that it was hoping to make a small profit in its 2008-2009 financial year.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/ba-warning-of-150-million-pound-loss-for-year-5634134.html


Linkback - BA warning of 150 million pound loss for year
]]> 1/28/2009 6:28:41 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5302 5302 is the sole responsible for the existance of the resame scams, read here why:
http://fuengirolarentals.net/2009/01/27/timeshare-in-spain/

Wolfgang Brand


Linkback - The timeshare industrie
]]> 1/27/2009 9:48:54 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5301 5301 Guess what it is:



6 points for a correct answer.

Answer to be revealed 1st Feb unless correctly guessed beforehand.



Linkback - guess what it is - 26 Jan
]]> 1/26/2009 8:28:25 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5300 5300
5000 points free of charge, recipient to pay transfer fee and 2009 management charge only.

aland(at)rossendalem3.org

Linkback - FOC/to give away 5000 points
]]> 1/26/2009 3:45:15 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5299 5299
The Holiday Presentation Centre had been raided by the police as a part of a trading standards investigation of holiday selling schemes. According to reports, the Devon Trading Standards team set out to issue entry warrants in seven locations, including the Holiday Presentation Centre. The warrants were backed by allegations of breaches in Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations and sale of holiday ownership schemes. Sources say that inquiries about the investigation are ongoing.

This is not the first time this has happened. Over the past years, there have been numerous timeshare sales presentations in this location. Research suggests that it is the same company—it just operates in different names.

If you are buying a timeshare in England, you can double check your dealer at UK’s Consumer Direct (Tel. No. 08454-04-05-06).

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090115269/Latest/Police-investigate-timeshare-scandal-in-England.html


Linkback - Police investigate timeshare scandal in England
]]> 1/26/2009 6:26:55 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5298 5298
Developers and brokers say that they can no longer sell timeshare units with the convenient loan plans they used to have. Plus, timeshare companies across the US are slashing the personnel. This makes selling and service all the more harder.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports, “Bluegreen Corp. of Boca Raton…just laid off 2,300 people nationwide from a workforce that reached 6,800 at its peak. And it expects to reduce timeshare sales by roughly 60 percent this year.”

While developers continue to pull their hair out, timeshare owners are less affected. Speculators say that the re-sale values of timeshares are stable.

The downturn of the industry comes as a great surprise to many. Timeshares have grown tremendously in the past two years. It even weathered the 9-11 attacks with robust numbers. But the 2009 recession is simply clobbering the once blooming industry.

“Timeshares have always been the little engine that could — until the credit markets froze,” claims Howard Nusbaum, president of the American Resort Development Association. “We feel kind of like victims,” he says.

Nusbaum predicts that US timeshares will decline 20-25 percent by the end of this year.

To minimize the effects, industry representatives are now requesting assistance from Washington’s Troubled Asset Relief Program. If they are approved, the industry will have enough backing to—hopefully—reverse their misfortune.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090123274/Latest/Credit-Crisis-slows-down-timeshare-industry.html


Linkback - Credit Crisis slows down timeshare industry
]]> 1/26/2009 6:25:22 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5297 5297
The new Ocean Hotel will open at the operator’s Bognor Regis resort in August and is part of a £100 million investment being made over six years.

Managing director Richard Bates said the 15% sales increase had been driven by regular customers taking advantage of early booking offers. He also said Butlins could further benefit from the economic downturn.

Bates added: “The hotel’s launch is coming at the right time as we see people changing their holiday habits and they might just want to book into the high end at Butlins and that is the Ocean Hotel.”

The new hotel features 200 rooms including 110 family rooms while 75% will have a balcony.

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2009/01/23/30061/butlins-announces-plans-for-20m-hotel.html


Linkback - Butlins announces plans for £20m hotel
]]> 1/26/2009 6:24:15 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5296 5296
The airline’s growth in the first quarter was focused on Gatwick and bases in Italy, France and Spain. Capacity in terms of seats flown increased by 37% at Gatwick, 75% at Milan, 33% at Paris and 23% at Madrid.

Overall, easyJet passenger numbers grew by 10.1% in the first quarter to 10.1 million. The airline now has 51% of its customers originating from outside the UK, compared to 43% in the first quarter of financial year 2007.

easyJet decided to reduce capacity at some weaker performing bases, for example Stansted airport where capacity was cut by 17% in the past quarter. The airline’s base at Dortmund was closed in October 2008.

Revenue grew by 32% to £550 million and total revenue per seat was up by 23% to £45.57. Ancillary revenues increased by a whopping 71% per seat to £8.68. Increases in checked bag charges plus better performance by in-flight products including food and beverages were largely responsible.

easyJet says that revenue growth in the first quarter was ahead of expectations and that forward bookings over the second and third quarters are in line with last year.

During the summer the number of seats available on short haul routes in Europe overall is expected to contract by 4 to 5%, but easyJet says it expects to increase capacity in the second half “by low single digit percent”. The airline says it will continue to focus growth on market opportunities at Gatwick airport and in mainland Europe.

“easyJet revenues for the first half will be ahead of previous guidance, although the unit revenue outlook for the summer remains uncertain due to the difficult macro-economic environment and any potential impact from the strengthening of the euro against sterling,” comments easyJet chief executive, Andy Harrison.

“Consequently, easyJet reiterates guidance that for the full year at current fuel and exchange rates easyJet expects to be profitable,“ Harrison concludes.

http://www.holidayextras.co.uk/news/airport/easyjet-grows-at-gatwick-4805.html


Linkback - easyJet grows at Gatwick
]]> 1/26/2009 6:23:18 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5295 5295
Figures from the recent Travel Trends report from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) show that the number of Brits visiting Egypt has risen by 38% in the last year.

The popularity of holidays in Egypt is set to continue this year as holidaymakers look for good value destinations outside the eurozone and guaranteed good weather.

One of the tour operators expecting a boom in Egyptian holidays is First Choice. This summer the company will offer daily flights to Egypt and holidays at a choice of seven Red Sea resorts. Holidays are also offered exploring the timeless beauty of the River Nile.

For the first time this year First Choice is offering holidays at the up-and-coming Red Sea resort of Marsa Alam. The resort offers powdery white sands and diving holidays discovering the exquisite coral reefs.

First Choice currently has a 7 night holiday staying at the 4 Sun Dreams Beach in Marsa Alam from just £689 per adult, £339 for first child and £489 for second child based on two adults and two children sharing departing from Gatwick airport on July 29th. The hotel boasts nine swimming pools and five restaurants and is suitable for families.

For anyone planning to get married abroad who is looking for a flight time of less than six hours, First Choice recommends you follow in the foot steps of Spice Girl Mel B who got hitched to Stephen Belafonte in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada last November in a four-day wedding extravaganza.

If you enjoy history and culture rather than diving or lazing on a beach, First Choice also has holidays based in Luxor which provides a suitable base for exploring some of the treasures of this fascinating country. From Luxor you can visit the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Temple of Karnak, the Avenue of the Sphinxes, and the Valley of the Kings.

Flights with First Choice are available from various UK airports including Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, East Midlands, Bristol, Cardiff, and Newcastle.

http://www.holidayextras.co.uk/news/destination/holidays-to-egypt-are-booming-3386.html


Linkback - Holidays to Egypt are booming
]]> 1/26/2009 6:18:22 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5294 5294
London’s mayor delivered his comments at a public debate that was organised by City Hall. Featured at the venue was a platform on which an empty chair was place, with Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s name on it.

Last week Johnson challenged the prime minister to defend his government’s decision to allow for the expansion at Heathrow.

Johnson has pledged £15,000 to a fund established to mount a legal challenge against the decision. He said at the debate held in west London that the third runway would not be built “because we are working flat out to oppose it.”

When the mayor was asked by a member of the audience about making such a promise, he added: “I have absolutely no doubt that the legal, planning, environmental objections will prove that it will be extremely difficult for it to happen in the next 10, 12, 15 years, but even if there were no legal challenge and even if the Labour government were going ahead with this plan, I am afraid that they would find another obstacle at some stage over the next 18 months.”

He added: “They face one obstacle over which Gordon Brown will not be able to jump and that is the electorate and … that is why I believe it will not happen.”

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/boris-johnson-says-heathrow-runway-will-not-be-built-5634123.html


Linkback - Boris says Heathrow runway will not be built
]]> 1/26/2009 6:16:55 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5293 5293
Linkback - Whitsun week in Turkey for rent
]]> 1/25/2009 7:12:04 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5292 5292
Linkback - whitsun week 2009 for rent in turkey
]]> 1/25/2009 6:54:53 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5291 5291
Linkback - Timeshare helpline limited
]]> 1/24/2009 3:25:58 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5290 5290 They claim to be seling Timeshare points or weeks to corporate clients.
You attend a meeting in either York or Maidstone during which an offer may be made to buy your timeshare.
The usal promise of no deposit os required to complete the sale is made.
Companies House shows this company incorporated 20/08/2008.

Linkback - EXCLUSIVE CONCIERGE SERVICES LIMITED
]]> 1/24/2009 2:40:00 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5289 5289

"The UK has slid officially into its worst recession for 29 years, as Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, admitted that he had failed to see the economic crisis coming."

The 10 year (or so) bubble has finally burst ! Has it affected you in any way ? What are you doing to protect yourself ?

Let this thread be a way of telling other members how to save the pennies and maybe we can get through this next year (or two as they speculate) with as little personal problems and suffering as possible.





Linkback - It's official - We're in a recession
]]> 1/23/2009 7:44:28 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5288 5288
In the 1969 movie's famous final scene, the gang of robbers find themselves trapped at one end of a bus teetering precariously over the side of a cliff while their stolen gold bullion is at the other end.

"Hang on a minute lads, I've got a great idea," says Charlie Croker, the gang's leader played by actor Michael Caine.

Now, the winner of a competition run by Britain's Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) might have solved the riddle of getting the gang and the gold out safely.

John Godwin came up with a three-pronged strategy to redistribute the weight-balance in the bus by knocking out the windows and draining the fuel tanks.

This would allow one of the gang to get out and load rocks on the bus, making the bus safe and allowing the gold to be rescued from the bus.

The RSC said it had picked out Godwin's theory from about 2,000 entries it had received which ranged from the ingenious, devious and quirky to the "frankly outrageous."

"Mr Godwin's entry is just the kind of practical thinking Croker would have used -- but he ably demonstrates the science behind the idea as well," said Dr Richard Pike, the RSC's chief executive.

In the film Croker's gang steal the gold from a convoy in the Italian city of Turin and make a daring escape in three Mini cars, driving down staircases and over rooftops in famous chase scenes.

But as they head to Switzerland on an isolated winding mountain road, the bus they are now in skids, leaving the gang, and the gold, dangling over the side of the cliff.

Godwin, who won a holiday to Turin, said the gang would have faced a new problem after escaping from the bus.

"What happens then?" he wrote in his solution.

"Separate problem I suppose, but waiting for a passing motorist and either hijacking (feels quite bad) or buying their vehicle with stolen gold (still feels bad, but less damage and no blood) would see the men on their way to Switzerland."






Linkback - "The Italian Job" ending finally solved
]]> 1/23/2009 7:40:37 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5287 5287
Please if you consider that you have been cheated by Global Vacations send your complaints to the European Consumer Centre in Madrid. They are fluent English speakers.


EUROPEAN CONSUMER CENTRE
Príncipe de Vergara, 54
28006 Madrid (España)
Tfno: +34 918 224 555
Fax: + 34 918 224 562
Mail: cec@consumo-inc.es

Linkback - Global Vacations Limited Shut Down
]]> 1/23/2009 6:55:34 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5286 5286 Never to heard of again..........
Be warned

I have today sent a letter to the credit card company to try to claw my money back as a scam under Consumer Credit Act 1974 section 75

Will let you know if I have success

Linkback - Greystone Leisure
]]> 1/23/2009 4:56:56 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5285 5285 DIAMOND RESORTS INTERNATIONAL® EXPANDS GLOBAL FOOTPRINT IN IRELAND, ASIA and AUSTRALIA
DRI Continues to Add Affiliations with Increased Canal Boat Excursions throughout Great Britain
LAS VEGAS, Nev., (January 22, 2009) - (PRWEB <<http://www.prweb.com/>>) DIAMOND RESORTS INTERNATIONAL® (DRI), a global leader in the vacation ownership industry, has expanded operations into County Clare, Ireland, and added a variety of resort destinations in Asia including China, Thailand, Bali, Indonesia and the popular coastal region of Goa, India, along the Arabian Sea. Additionally, resort destinations now include Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, as well as new waterway routes for canal boat journeys throughout Great Britain.

The DRI destination portfolio has expanded its global footprint with three resort acquisitions situated among the castles and cliffs of County Clare, Ireland. Cottages dot the Atlantic Coast against calming inlets teeming with quaint shops and pubs and provide easy access to a variety of golf and sightseeing choices. On the continent of Asia, DRI has added 14 resort affiliations. Destinations throughout Thailand and Bali provide customers with a variety of experiences including secluded beach getaways, enchanting spa retreats and the hospitable taste of Indonesia. In Beijing, China, members can stay just five blocks from historic Tiananmen Square. Additionally, DRI now offers three resort choices along the Arabian Sea in the tropical zone of Goa, India. Visitors to awe-inspiring Australia can choose from three resort destinations: overlooking the ever-popular Coolangatta Beach; enjoying easy access to the Great Barrier Reef; or staying on the famed Gold Coast-most notably a surfer’s paradise.

“Our owners, members and guests continue to express interest in having more destination choices,” says Simon Crawford-Welch, Ph.D., RRP, President and Chief Operating Officer, “and at Diamond Resorts International®, we’re listening to our customers and taking action to ensure they are getting what they want and moreover, what they deserve from a vacation ownership company.”

Committed to providing owners, members and guests with the simplicity, choice and comfort they deserve, DRI has poised itself as a competitive worldwide hospitality brand. Key strategic components that continue to position DRI as a leader in the vacation ownership and hospitality industries include an open communications platform and transparent organizational structure, centralized and consolidated efficiencies, the ongoing interaction of an Owner Advisory Board and a hands-on executive management approach where leadership is empowered to ensure the delivery of branded hospitality service.

THE ClubSM at DRI is a flexible, points-based exchange program that provides members with resort stays, travel services including cruises, air mileage programs, flights, and a variety of additional benefits, products and discounts. “While many companies are downsizing and cutting back during these challenging times, Diamond Resorts International® continues to expand and seek efficiencies in all facets of its operations,” Crawford-Welch says. “Now, more than ever before, DRI is helping families enjoy the benefits of vacation ownership and the importance of spending time with each other.”

Diamond Resorts International®, with global headquarters in Las Vegas, Nev., is one of the largest vacation ownership companies in the world with nearly 150 branded and affiliated resorts and more than 23,000 guest beds in 21 countries with destinations throughout the continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Australia. Offering simplicity, choice and comfort to more than 380,000 owners and members through the branded hospitality service of more than 5,500 team members worldwide, Diamond Resorts International® is dedicated to providing its guests with effortless and relaxing vacation experiences every time, for a lifetime. To learn more, visit DiamondResorts.com <<http://www.diamondresorts.com/>>.




please consider the environment before printing this email

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email transmission, including any attached files, may contain confidential information and is intended only for use by the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy the original transmission and attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.




Linkback - DRI NEWS!!
]]> 1/23/2009 12:05:25 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5284 5284 21st January 2009-01-21

We would like to address some concerns that have been voiced on various blogs regarding maintenance fees and various other queries. While we prefer, and actively encourage members to contact us directly through our customer service departments by phone, letter, email and our own member’s online forum, we understand that some people will utilise certain websites to raise points for discussion. Invariably though, those sites cannot respond and provide the information necessary to address that members’ concerns, and so inaccurate information can easily circulate, We hope that this full and open letter to members using these sites will satisfy those questions and promote direct contact with Diamond Resorts International®.

With regard to the increase in maintenance fees, as all our communication to members has explained, there were a combination of reasons for the increase, namely:

• Continued funding the refurbishment programme in the resorts, as agreed with the individual resort committees
• Increased labour costs in the Spanish resorts, based on negotiations between the Unions and the Hotel Associations.
• The continued rise in General ‘household’ running costs, (and utilities in particular) which we have had to factor into the charges
• The apportionment of corporate charges for services such as legal, IT, etc.
• The apportionment of costs for accommodation units that are not available for use as they are utilized for luggage storage, office space, housekeeping, etc. and on which (historically) Diamond Resorts International® has paid the full management charges
• The poor exchange rate (from sterling to euro).

It is important to understand that the increase in fees also directly impacts Diamond Resort (Europe) Ltd. as this entity owns approximately 10% of the inventory in the European Collection and therefore pays this proportion of the maintenance fees too. For obvious reasons, it remains in the interests of DRI to keep the costs of the maintenance fees as low as possible. That said, we must continue to invest in the resorts, continue with the refurbishment plans and ensure we offer and deliver the holidays that our members expect and desire.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email transmission, including any attached files, may contain confidential information and is intended only for use by the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy the original transmission and attachments without reading or saving in any manner. Thank you.



Linkback - Further Clarification on Management Fees
]]> 1/23/2009 12:01:17 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5283 5283
Officials are denying the validity of newspaper reports saying that 500 airport staff have been put a 90-day consultation period, however, and that as many as 240 jobs are threatened.

Workers at the Scottish airport were informed about the review, which management has just begun. Officials are saying that they remain “optimistic” about Prestwick airport’s long-term prospects and that job cuts are not “a foregone conclusion.”

Prestwick Airport’s chief executive, Mark Rodwell, commented: “As economic conditions worsen, like most other businesses, we are reviewing our operation in an effort to maximise profitability and respond to changing business needs. We have entered into a review process to look for ways to deliver efficiencies, cost savings and revenue improvements.”

He went on to say: “Our business development team is working hard to offset the recent loss of freight and charter traffic by exploring a number of opportunities with potential new airlines. While these are difficult times we are optimistic about the long-term future of the airport and the aviation industry as a whole, which has always recovered well in the past.”

Rodwell noted that passenger services were “strong” in 2008 but that a “difficult year with many challenges” was expected in 2009.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/prestwick-airport-not-ruling-out-job-cuts-5634118.html


Linkback - Prestwick airport not ruling out job cuts
]]> 1/23/2009 6:20:03 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5282 5282
Hilton timeshare has laid off 187 employees over the course of the last six months. Yet, reports confirm that the company is actually expanding. Its resort in Orlando is actually launching the first phase of its newest project: Club Parc Soleil (a 7-phase project in the busiest tourist area of Orlando).

The company, as reports claimed, is currently building a new Hilton hotel in Orlando’s renowned International Drive. Hilton is also continuing the construction of the 1400 Orlando Hilton—a vacation place that is scheduled to open this year.

As of press time, the Hilton timeshare company did not release any statements regarding the issue.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090122272/Latest/Hilton-timeshare-lays-off-personnel-amidst-expansion-plans.html


Linkback - Hilton timeshare lays off personnel
]]> 1/23/2009 6:16:34 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5281 5281
John Maloney—chief executive of Bluegreen—said that they will reduce approximately 60 percent of the company’s timeshare sales and development team sometime this year.

If you look back at Bluegreen timeshare’s past performance, you’d be surprised how quickly things turned for the company.

In July 2008, Bluegreen timeshare stocks were pegged at more than $12 per share. In fact, the developer of the resort—Diamond Resorts—was aiming to acquire Bluegreen at $15 per share plus all outstanding debt.

Many reports confirmed that the timeshare industry was doing well despite the economic credit crunch. Timeshare resale values had double-digit interest rates that sometimes exceeded 20 percent. However, as John Maloney aptly put it, “the music stopped.”

With a tighter credit market, timeshare companies are being forced to cut back personnel and delay or cancel expansion/growth plans. Now, Bluegreen is aiming to reduce its growth and acquisition budget to $150,000 million.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090122271/Latest/More-layoffs-at-Bluegreen-Timeshare.html


Linkback - More layoffs at Bluegreen Timeshare
]]> 1/23/2009 6:14:54 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5280 5280
A study by Post Office travel services concluded "exchange rates are still unpredictable" due to the downturn.

It says all-inclusive package deals may become more popular while many tourists may opt to travel off-season.

The pound's value against the euro has slumped over the last year and sterling fell to its weakest level since 1985 against the dollar on Wednesday.

A year ago, a euro cost about 74 pence. It is now about 94 pence and tourist rates can often be worse.

Easter test

The Post Office report said: "If predictions prove accurate, the short breaks sector could come under serious pressure in the coming year as consumers limit themselves to one major holiday.

"The first test of this is likely to come at Easter, traditionally the start of the holiday season when UK tourists head to European cities."

It says foreign shopping trips and luxury holidays are also under threat, while ferry-based holidays may benefit from the economic downturn.

The report suggests other beneficiaries could be all-inclusive package deals, coach tours and camping trips - holidays "where tourists know in advance what their outlay will be".

It says there has been growing interest from holidaymakers in countries such as Turkey, which is not in the eurozone.

Holidaymakers may also try to avoid the traditional peak holiday months of July and August, the study added.

But travel agents remain hopeful the fall in the price of oil, which has an effect on airfares, will encourage more flight bookings.

Sterling fell to its weakest level against the dollar since September 1985 on Wednesday, with the pound touching $1.3622 before rising to $1.4015.

The pound remains weak against the euro, with the single currency worth more than 93.3 pence on Wednesday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7843886.stm


Linkback - Weak pound 'may wreck holidays'
]]> 1/23/2009 6:13:38 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5279 5279
My Father purchased a membership of "Marco Polo Vacation Club" Ltd back in 2000 for around £8000 supposedly allowing them to holiday anywhere in the world where they had property. [:0]

They signed up for 4 weeks in every year between 2000 & 2020. This has never been used. The company also said at the time they would be paid £400 for the weeks they didn't use. Obviously not seen anything of that. [:(]

in 2006 RMI Consortium took over Marco Polo and asked for a membership fee of £350 which wasn't paid.

Later in 2006 Petchey Leisure wrote informing that they had cancelled the membership as the fee had not been paid although apparently this 'can be reinstated'.

Since 2006 there have been various companies contacting my Dad asking for cash to sell his membership or timeshare or whatever he has bought.

Sorry to be dumb but I really would like to understand a bit more so we can determine what to do next or whether we have lost all the money.

1. can anyone clarify what he actually bought?
2. is there any value in this product now?
3. if there is any value (even minimal) is there anyway to sell legitimately and recoup some of the £8000?
4. would we need to pay the membership fee to realise this value? Is it worth paying that?
5. if not worth or difficult to sell, can anyone advise us on whether it's worth paying the membership fee and using the club in an attempt to get something for the money spent?
6. if this was something we could sell what would be a realistic price and any advice on the best way to proceed (and which company)?

I have read here Aberfoyle Holidays are good to help resell. Can anyone comment on them from a seller experience?

Would really appreciate thoughts and advise on the above as parents could do without this worry.

thanks in advance for any help. [:D]

Jfairhead



Linkback - sell, renew or give up?
]]> 1/22/2009 9:04:15 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5278 5278 Regards.

Linkback - maintenance
]]> 1/22/2009 4:22:43 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5277 5277
Linkback - IHOC - International Holiday Ownership Consultants
]]> 1/22/2009 8:41:09 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5276 5276
Passengers convicted under the anti-terror regulations include a man who was accused of arguing with a cabin attendant that thought he was engaging in sexual activity and a woman who spanked her children and then threw a can on the floor when a flight attendant confronted her, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

“We have gone completely berserk on this issue,” noted New York-based security consultant Charles Slepian. “These are not threats to national security or threats to aircraft, but we use that as an excuse.”

A spokesman for the Justice Department, Dean Boyd, said that convictions are only pursued when circumstances and facts warrant such action. He added that the restraint of such behavior has improved security on board aircraft.

According to federal regulations, flight crews have long had discretion in controlling unruly passengers. The Patriot Act, passed shortly after the September 11 attacks, empowered law enforcement with significant new powers.

One provision classifies any disruptive behavior on board a flight as a terrorist act; and another stipulates than any attempt to interfere with a member of the flight’s crew is a felony.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/aircraft-anti-terror-provisions-invoked-for-disruptive-behavior-5634111.html


Linkback - Anti terror provisions - used for minor offences
]]> 1/21/2009 8:32:41 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5275 5275
The £5-a-night deals apply to three resorts - the Oasis Papagayo in Fuerteventura, the Babadan apartments in Dalaman, Turkey and the Doa Studios and Apartments in Corfu.
It follows a similar deal in October, although the new promotion covers the busier period of May when the weather is better and Brits have two Bank Holidays.

The Oasis complex is rated 4T on Thomson's own ranking system, making it a more luxurious self catering resort with two large swimming pools, a restaurant and whirlpool bath on site.

All the sites have communal pools and most are near beaches.

It is thought the new promotion could spark a fierce price war leading up to the summer peak to attract Brits planning a "staycation" during the recession.

"January is the time of year when the travel companies put their best offers on sale," a Thomson spokesman said.

"While this is a genuine offer, it is an ad-hoc promotion for a few selected hotels and has limited availability.

"It is in no way indicative of current trading for the business or overall market; however it does represent excellent value for money.

"The travel industry has put less holidays on sale this year so we would advise those looking to go away to book early for the best deals or to travel in low season when some of the best offers are available."

Thomson's discounts follow the announcement earlier this month that Ryanair, the low-cost carrier, would be offering free flights to Italian ski resorts.

They were followed by easyJet, which announced its "biggest ever" sale, offering 25 per cent reductions on 16 million seats over the next four months.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/4301507/Thomson-offers-5-a-night-holidays.html


Linkback - Thomson offers £5-a-night holidays
]]> 1/21/2009 8:26:16 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5274 5274
I recently inherited a timeshare in Tenerife that I had no interest in using (let alone the money to afford the maintenance payments!). I just wanted a quick sell so I contacted the first resale company I found who told me confidently that they would be able to sell my timeshare, if I paid a hefty upfront fee. Given the price I was told I could get for the timeshare I reluctantly agreed. Now I am experiencing the same series of events that I have found here described in the blogs – I’ve been told over the phone that a corporate buyer has been found and that I will have to go to Spain at my expense to seal the deal.

I am not sure what to do – I am eager to get this property off my hands, so I would be inclined to go to Spain if that was a genuine possibility. Can anyone recommend anyone I can go to to seek advice before proceeding?



Linkback - Inherited timeshare
]]> 1/21/2009 7:02:27 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5273 5273
We would love to hear from anyone who has sold their Timeshare via Ebay...

We have just sold one of our Timeshares privately on Ebay and are a bit nervous about what could go wrong?? We are waiting to hear from Royal Goan (the company we brought our T/S from) as to what paper work we need to get the new owners to sign. We believe we have to send them the certificate of ownership, get them to sign it, send it back to us and then we will sign it and post it on to Royal Goan.

We already have their payment but I guess we are just anxious, getting to this point has taken months and we have avoided many scams in the process. You never know who you are dealing with and there is concern over us sending our certificate of ownership away although we know they need to sign the back of it.

Has anyone else been through this with a private sale on Ebay? How did it go? Is there anything we can do to make sure it all goes to plan?

Thanks as always!!

Linkback - Anyone sold on EBAY?
]]> 1/21/2009 5:46:16 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5272 5272
I am writing an article on Timeshare Scams with hope of getting this information out to the 7million Timeshare owners world-wide. With these present economic circumstances, the thought of some quick easy cash for your Timeshare makes these scams easier to fall for and easier to believe.

I ask if any one of you have come into contact with a scam, received a phone call or letter and paid money under false promises that your Timeshare will be sold for substantial amounts more then you paid. This of course will be backed up with the guarantee that the cash will be with you in weeks, only to find months later you still own your Timeshare and are still out of product.

Please email your experience to timesharescam@gmail.com I ask that no company names be mentioned I would like you to focus more on the experience, what was said, how much you paid and how you felt afterwards, and if you were still called with more promises about your Timeshare being sold. My article is not to slant any of these crooks but more to spread a message and to keep Timeshare owners aware. This article will be available world-wide for Owners to read. Please add your name, only last if you wish and where you are writing from.


Linkback - Timeshare Scams
]]> 1/21/2009 9:33:25 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5271 5271 TATOC, a timeshare association, is the only elected consumers association that represents timeshare owners in Europe.

Last month, the association froze membership fees at the 2008 rate, despite the expected credit crunch for 2009. “During our recent strategy meeting and despite the fact that the Association needs funds to be able to continue its work, it was felt by the Board that in these difficult times we needed to assist our member resorts as much as possible and so there has yet again been no increase in fees” claimed TATOC CEO Taylor.

This is a surprising decision, because the association would greatly benefit from raising membership fees.

TATOC has over 70 member resorts across Europe. These resorts give TATOC access to over 250,000 families in the continent.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090119270/Latest/TATOC-trail-blazes-timeshare-industry-in-Europe.html


Linkback - TATOC trail blazes timeshare industry in Europe
]]> 1/20/2009 8:39:26 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5270 5270
Approximately 22,000 people from 79 countries visited the islands in the South Atlantic Ocean since the southern hemisphere cruise season began on October 20.

The tourist board’s general manager, Jake Downing, said he expects an additional 68,000 visitors on cruises to visit the Falklands before the season ends on April 7.

“We are extremely pleased with the season to date. It’s very encouraging that the cruise market is so buoyant particularly in the current economic climate,” Downing said.

Typically the islands are visited on cruise itineraries that include a number of other ports in South America or Antarctica.

Thus far, over 95 per cent of cruise passengers surveyed rated their stopover in the Falklands as “good to excellent.”

During a Falkland Islands stopover, cruise passengers can enjoy battlefield tours, fishing, walking and wildlife viewing.

Nearly 33 per cent of all cruise visitors to the islands come from the US, with other prominent markets including Brazil, Canada, Germany and the UK.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/falkland-islands-report-rise-in-cruise-visitors-5634106.html


Linkback - Falkland Islands report rise in cruise visitors
]]> 1/20/2009 8:37:30 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5269 5269
Passenger Steve Jeffrey told CNN that he was on board the flight on Tuesday when “it sounded like the wing was just snapping off,” approximately 20 minutes into the flight.

“The red lights started going on. A little pandemonium was going on,” Jeffrey noted.

The passenger said that the incident occurred as the plane was flying over Newark, New Jersey, not long after its take-off from New York’s LaGuardia airport.

“It seemed so loud, like luggage was hitting the side but times a thousand. It startled everyone on the plane,” he added. “We started looking at each other. The stewardesses started running around. They made an announcement that ‘everyone heard the noise, we’re going to turn around and head back to LaGuardia and check out what happened.’”

A spokesperson for US Airways, Valerie Wunder, said: “US Air is working with the National Transportation Safety Board in this investigation.” Although she was not willing to comment further, she did confirm that the airline was looking into the report.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/passengers-report-scare-on-earlier-us-airways-flight-1549-5634108.html


Linkback - Passengers report scare on earlier flight
]]> 1/20/2009 8:36:34 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5268 5268 The flight attendant, 37-year-old Karin Keegan of Pittsburgh, works for Delta. The airline has an agreement for JetBlue to ferry Delta flight attendants to job assignments on a standby basis.

Keegan's lawsuit said a male JetBlue worker wouldn't let her on a flight in October 2007 because she wasn't dressed provocatively enough, then allowed other flight attendants with less seniority to board the plane.

"Keegan changed into more provocative clothes, but (the employee) told her she was too late to board the plane and should have dressed like that before," said the lawsuit, which was filed Friday in Pittsburgh federal court.

"He wanted her to change to a lower-cut shirt and tighter pants, and wear more makeup before letting her on the plane," Keegan's attorney, Samuel Cordes, said Monday. Delta and JetBlue officials refused to intercede when she complained, the lawsuit said.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-01-19-flight-attendant-sexy-dress_N.htm


Linkback - Flight attendant sues airlines over sexy dress
]]> 1/20/2009 8:35:15 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5267 5267 Compare the cost of two weeks timeshare in July:
Maintenance £450
Flights £500
Transfer £50 min
Exchange £230
Food and Drink 2 people eating out for dinner say £1000
Total £2230
I have just booked 11days all inclusive 4 star to turkey in July for £1200
Bearing in mind i couldnt get somewhere as good in peak times and all the shopping cooking breakfasts and lunches etc, I cant understand why the resorts aren't half empty.
I know that i could possible sell my timeshare for a pittance but am reluctant to do so but i cant see the point.
Any ideas out there?

Linkback - cost of timeshare
]]> 1/20/2009 8:00:33 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5266 5266
> This one is pretty slick since they provide Y O U with all
> the information, except the one piece they want .
> Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they
> already have it. This information is worth reading. By
> understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit
> Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect
> yourself.
>
> One of our employees was called on Wednesday from
> "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from
> "MasterCard".
>
> The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This
> is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud
> Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has
> been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm
> calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was
> issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an
> Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing
> company based in London ?" When you say "No",
> the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a
> credit to your account. This is a company we have been
> watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just
> under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards.
> Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to
> (gives you your address), is that correct?"
>
> You say "yes". The caller continues - "I
> will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any
> questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the
> back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security.
>
> You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller
> then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to
> read it again?"
>
> Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the
> caller then says, "I need to verify you are in
> possession of your card." He'll ask you to
> "turn your card over and look for some numbers."
> There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card
> number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you
> are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you
> sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have
> the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to
> him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say,
> "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card
> has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your
> card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say,
> "No," the caller then thanks you and states,
> "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and
> hangs up.
>
> You actually say very little, a nd they never ask for or
> tell you the Card number. But after we were called on
> Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a
> question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security
> Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes
> a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card.
>
> Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed
> the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What
> the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of
> the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them
> you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification
> of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will
> never ask for anything on the card as they already know the
> information since they issued the card! If you give the
> scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're
> receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your
> statement you'll see charges for purchases you
> didn't make, and by the n it's almost too late
> and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
>
> What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got
> a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard"
> with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I
> didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police
> report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are
> taking several of these reports daily!



Linkback - New Credit Card Scam
]]> 1/20/2009 7:19:16 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5265 5265 I want to get rid of them.
I tried with 2 resale companies, paying the upfront advertising fee. NO JOY.
I tried e-bay. NO JOY.
I phoned Diamond Resorts and asked them to just take the weeks back and sell them for themselves. NO JOY.
I have posted an advert on this site. WAIT AND SEE.

I told Diamond Resorts I am not going to pay the Management fees, so they can take the weeks off me.
They told me that they cannot, or would not take them. I am due for the fees and a 10% addition every month that they remain upaid.
After 18 months the weeks will be reposessed, BUT the lad I spoke to did not know if any legal action would be taken.

Does anyone know how I can dump these weeks once and for all????
PLEASE HELP ME.

Linkback - How to dispose of timeshare weeks - HELP
]]> 1/20/2009 11:16:21 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5264 5264 Guess what it is:



12 points for a correct answer (as it's a roll-over)

Answer to be revealed 25th Jan unless correctly guessed beforehand.



Linkback - Guess what it is - 19 Jan
]]> 1/19/2009 10:33:24 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5263 5263
It is a 1 bedroom unit which sleeps up to 4.

It should appear immediately in availability.

Linkback - Kenmore Club
]]> 1/19/2009 6:57:26 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5262 5262


Linkback - T-Mobile & Liverpool Street
]]> 1/18/2009 7:34:17 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5261 5261 I hope this isn't a repeat of a post. I am trying to research on behalf of my grandparents who have asked me to have a look!

Basically they have a Timeshare flat at Clube Praia Da Oura, and they got it through the Petchey company. They have had it for about 27/28 years, so a long time! And when they first signed they were told that they would get an amount of money back when they gave it up. This money would come from the Clube and go to Petchey who would give it to my grandparents.
They have looked through their contracts and can't see anything in there about getting money back, so they are starting to wonder if they have been scammed! Their contract is due to end in 2011. And I believe they payed around the sum of £7000.

Has anyone else been told they would get money back? Do you get money back, if so how much? Does anyone have any advice other than speaking to the companies? (I'm hearing not so good things about them!!)

Thanks to anyone who can help!!
Danielle

Linkback - Clube Praia Da Oura, Petchey and Money back?!
]]> 1/18/2009 4:01:10 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5260 5260 Haathi Mahal offers you a whole range of facilities ranging from restaurants, open air Jacuzzi and 3 pools to massage, gym, gardens & bazaar. Timeshare is a Royal Resort, 1 bedroomed apartment sleeping up to 4 people. The property is banded in the 'red band' but the week can be taken at any time.

Maintenance fees of £350.00 per annum are paid until Jan 2010. All that’s required is a signature in order to secure transfer of ownership. Genuine reason for resale due to no longer being able to make use of the Timeshare.

An excellent opportunity for anyone looking for Timeshare accommodation in Goa, and other areas, with a reputable company. Not only is this the perfect time to visit Goa, a BONUS WEEK is also available to use FREE OF CHARGE, as we did not utilise this ourselves last year!!

For further details please visit:www.haathimahal.com or for more information feel free to email me, Thanks Marinman.



Linkback - Haathi Mahal - Offers please?
]]> 1/18/2009 2:06:31 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5259 5259
Has anyone heard of any of the following please?

Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket
WWTH 2nd Floor, Woodland Point Wootton Mount, Bournemouth BH1 1PJ
UK Tel: 0870 4431466 Fax: 0870 4431477
Website: www.timeshare-hypermarket.com

Timeshare Computer Link Ltd
Codec House, 5 Newbold Street Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4HN, UK Tel: 01926 844242 Fax: 01926 316833
Website: www.timeshare.uk.net

They also listed the following as being Internet websites dealing in Timeshare resale and number 3 as being somewhere to rent out the Timeshare as an alternative to selling…

1. www.redweek.com
2. www.timeshareconsultancy.com
3. www.amchogoa.com

Linkback - List of Timeshare resellers
]]> 1/18/2009 1:35:01 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5258 5258 TIMESHARE operator Diamond Resort International has stepped in to defend its record as opposition mounts to increases in management fees due to be paid this month.
President Simon Crawford-Welch has assured members of his timeshare points club that their concerns will be taken seriously.

He said: "Listening to and communicating with our owner and member base is always a primary component of our strategic direction and consumer-centric operational approach, be it through one-on-one discussions, various forums, e-mails or through third party mechanisms such as newspapers like Scotland on Sunday."

As a points-based timeshare club, owners can use their points to buy holidays at any of the 133 worldwide resorts, which even disgruntled points-owners admit are of a very high standard. Members are also protected by timeshare legislation.

Facilities have expanded considerably since the original owner Grand Vacation Club, from which many Scottish consumers bought their points, started with only four resorts. Diamond Resorts International acquired the company in April 2007.

Points owners are obliged to pay an annual management charge and it is recent increases in these fees which has caused concern. Open meetings between the company and members in Lancashire on February 2 and Staffordshire on February 3 look set to be stormy.

Members claim they have risen by around 37% compared with last year, although DRI maintains that on average the increases are closer to 19%. The discrepancy may be due to an interim levy last May. As such, compared with the levy in January 2008, the increase may be nearer to 37% for some members but only 19% when the fees for the whole of 2008 are compared with those being demanded this month.

The company points out that the fees are discussed and agreed by members of the owner committees at every resort. DRI is effectively a management company.

The points club, which in Europe is called the Diamond Resorts European Collection, is owned by the points owners in that investments and assets are held in a trust controlled by an independent trustee and operated for their benefit. In Europe, DRI owns 10% of the points, with private owners controlling the remaining 90%.

DRI's European director of legal services, Susan Crook said: "The setting of the budgets is a transparent procedure. Every report committee is provided with a detailed draft budget at a dedicated budget meeting and committee members are able to discuss, dissect and amend them as appropriate. There are a minimum of two timeshare owners on each committee with fixed property or fixed week timeshare and one points owner. The maximum company representation is two. The majority of the members that make up the committees are British."

She said that fees had increased to fund a refurbishment programme, bills had climbed in general, particularly utilities, and labour costs in Spanish resorts had soared following new agreements with the unions.

But she confirmed, as Scotland on Sunday reported last week, that the annual charges had been subsidised by the previous management company and this subsidy had now ceased.

She said: "The new owner, Stephen Cloobeck, did not feel it was appropriate to subsidise the management charges. If expenses are legitimately incurred for the benefit of the resorts then he believed that the members should pay them."

An action group of more than 40 members has now formed in Scotland and plans to join forces with another larger group operating south of the border.

They remain unhappy with the fee increases, and many would like to rescind their points, but the company says this is against the terms and conditions which they signed when they joined.

According to the company, they can dispose of their points, by selling them, giving them away or converting them to a fixed week and trying to sell this via a resale agent.

Crook said: "We note that some members say they are unable to sell their points. However, we continue to sell our product successfully to new members and have some difficulty in accepting that they are unable to do so."

Members are only able to rescind their points if someone dies, becomes bankrupt, is over 75 or has health problems.

Crook added: "DRI is prepared to listen and consider every member's request to relinquish his or her membership. Indeed, we believe we are more considerate in taking into account the personal circumstances of our members than most other businesses who have entered long-term contractual and financial commitments."

Nevertheless, many members are very unhappy at being tied into what they see as an open-ended arrangement, which locks them into rising management fees until 2054. They are adamant this risk was never pointed out to them when they bought their points. Particularly badly hit are any owners who took out loans to buy into the club.

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/business/Diamond-Resort-defends-decision-to.4887477.jp


Linkback - Diamond Resort defends decision to increase fees
]]> 1/18/2009 1:01:08 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5257 5257
A series of microsites will be also be launched, one of which, www.timeshareactive.com is now live. This site provides ideas about exciting destinations throughout the world that timeshare owners can visit.

Gotimeshare.org has been set up by the Organisation for Timeshare in Europe (OTE) the pan European trade body, to promote the best that the industry has to offer. The site is aimed at a Europe wide audience and a number of key articles will be translated into Spanish, French, German, Italian, Hungarian and Greek.

Commenting on the launch of the site, OTE chief executive Paul Gardner-Bougaard said: “gotimeshare.org is a great resource for holiday makers who want to try out new ways of taking holidays. It gives consumers a step-by-step guide to how timeshare works and gives advice for people interested in this popular form of taking holidays.

“It is also full of useful information for people looking to find out more about the range and quality of timeshare resorts now available throughout Europe. With new and exciting forms of holiday ownership, such as fractional ownership, increasingly available, now is an exciting time for someone to be looking at shared holiday ownership options.”

Ends

More about OTE

OTE is the pan-European trade 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 by a code of ethics that ensures the protection of consumers' rights. OTE provides information and advice to consumers and offers a free conciliation service to consumers dealing with its members.

OTE represents the majority of timeshare companies in Europe which are responsible for some 65-70% of all timeshare sales. These include major hospitality groups such as De Vere, Hilton, Sol Melia, and large independent timeshare developers, namely the Petchey Leisure Group, Club La Costa and Seasons Holidays.

http://www.bignews.biz/?id=792556&keys=timeshare-holiday-vacation-fractional


Linkback - New website launches to show the best of timeshare
]]> 1/17/2009 8:34:21 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5256 5256
"I have three boys in college. What am I going to do? I've got to go to work," said Bob Waulters, a Hyatt Vacation Club sales rep who lost his job last week.

Waulters, age 60, left his wife and kids to work for the Hyatt, moving from St. Augustine to Key West about six weeks ago.

"I thought I had a future here," Waulters said. "I have nothing. I'm going to go to work at Winn Dixie stocking shelves. It's hard to be happy. I wanted to make this a career."

Waulters worked a booth at the corner of Caroline and Duval streets in Old Town Key West. His job was to entice passersby, with promises of cash or coupons, to take a tour of the Hyatt's timeshare property, Windward Pointe, located near Key West International Airport on S. Roosevelt Blvd.

Windward Pointe is operated by Hyatt and owned by Key West-based Spottswood Companies, Inc., which also owns the Marriot Beachside Hotel, the Coconut Beach Resort, the Holiday Inn and the Comfort Inn, all in Key West.

The Windward Pointe property, built in 2001, has 104 two-bedroom, two-bath units that are priced according to the season. Hyatt divides the year into five seasons: The cheapest buy-in for one week of unit ownership is just under $10,000; the highest, around Christmas and Fantasy Fest, is about $30,000.

"We don't typically comment a lot on these types of things," said Larry Shulman, a senior vice president at Hyatt's Beverly Hills office, when asked about the layoffs. The Hyatt Vacation Club, he said, is "No different than any business across the country...we've had to revisit our business model and downsize."

Data from the Monroe County Property Appraiser's office shows sales of timeshares at Windward Pointe in 2008 were half what they were in 2007.

Just 263 timeshares sold in 2008, compared to 583 in 2007, though the average sale price actually increased slightly in 2008 to $21,551.

Waulters says he was shocked to be out of a job, but had noticed that street-level interest in touring a timeshare property was on the decline. He says people seemed to be spending less time on vacation and packing more in, with no time to get over to see Windward Pointe, next to the airport in Key West.

Waulters said the Hyatt paid him $6.79 per hour plus $50 for every time-share tour he booked.

"I'm done. I'm going to have to go to unemployment. It's sad," he said, noting that he's especially sorry to leave Key West. "I loved every minute of it," he said last week.

"They're in a hurry to get as much out of their time as possible and they're stressed," Waulters said of the tourists he encountered on Duval Street. "The economy is hitting their vacations. You don't see many smiles going by."

The story was the same at another Hyatt booth, also on Duval Street. Phadra Pryce said she spent $5,000, which she doesn't plan on recouping, moving to Key West from Cocoa Beach.

"I uprooted my whole life to move to Key West to work for the Hyatt," Pryce said. She moved with her young daughter and dependent mother. Pryce placed her mother in the Key West Convalescent Center and she was subsequently relocated to the Plantation Key Convalescent Center when the Key West location closed in early December.

"That's it. We're done." And the timing couldn't have been worse, Pryce said, "Two weeks before our season is getting ready to hit. I don't know."

Schulman said job cuts are happening across the board at many of Hyatt's properties, not just in Key West, and were primarily focused on sales and marketing personnel. About six people lost their jobs in Key West last week. There are about 15 timeshare properties Keys-wide, with seven of those in Key West.

http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2009/01/17/3922145.htm


Linkback - Hyatt timeshare fires staff
]]> 1/17/2009 8:32:19 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5255 5255
Keith Williams, the carrier’s chief financial officer, released the announcement to employees in the BA staff newspaper.

“Only through delivering fundamental change can we achieve the small profit we are targeting this year and emerge from the crisis as a strong global player,” Williams said.

In the recent past, British Airways has cut its management ranks by 480 as a result of making voluntary redundancy available to 1,400 staff. Most of the managers taking advantage of this option left BA at the end of December.

A spokesman for the airline said that other measures were being considered to reduce costs and improve efficiency, in order to meet the economic challenges that are expected to continue through 2009.

“The previous year has been tough and the year ahead could be even tougher,” the CFO said.

At a London financial press briefing on Wednesday, BA’s CEO, Willie Walsh, said that he remained confident that the airline’s alliance with American Airlines would be approved by regulators, adding that the tie-up may occur by the time next winter’s timetable is set.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/ba-management-announces-major-company-restructuring-5634067.html


Linkback - BA management announces company restructuring
]]> 1/17/2009 8:29:43 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5254 5254
The original plans had suggested the £9 billion expansion which includes a sixth terminal as well as the third runway would not be completed until 2019 or 2020.

However, The Times is reporting the government has asked Heathrow owners BAA to submit a planning application as soon as possible with the intention of opening it by 2015. The earlier date would help avoid much of the action by protesters who have vowed to step up their campaign.

The plans have a wide range of critics from the Conservative party and environmentalists to local residents and as many as 50 Labour backbenchers.

Protests continued when last night three women from pressure group The Climate Suffragettes broke glass doors at the Department for Transport. At 4.50am this morning, the women threw bricks at the doors of the Department of Transport in Westminster.

Wrapped around the bricks was a note reading ‘No third runway, the Suffra-jets are back’ and the action left a window broken.

A spokeswoman for the group claimed the action was necessary after the government had refused to allow MPs a vote on the scheme.

Police are now investigating the inciden

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2009/01/16/29994/heathrow-runway-could-be-built-by-2015.html


Linkback - Heathrow runway could be built by 2015
]]> 1/17/2009 8:27:57 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5253 5253
Far fewer holidaymakers and businessmen are also visiting the UK from abroad, particularly those from the USA, as the slowdown forces families and businesses to cut travel costs.

It comes as the Government insists that a third runway must be built at Heathrow airport in order to boost the country's economy.

The data from the Office for National Statistics show that UK residents made 16.4 million visits overseas in the three months ending November 2008, a drop of 7 per cent on the figure for the previous year.

Most Britons who ventured abroad travelled to Europe and the largest drop, of 12 per cent, was in visits to North America as the value of the pound plummeted against the dollar.

However spending by Britons abroad remained constant at £8.7 billion in that quarter.

The global financial crisis also led to a fall in the number of foreign visitors to Britain, with a 10 per cent drop in trips by overseas residents to 7.6m in the three months ending November last year compared with the same period in 2007.

Despite the exchange rate now benefiting American tourists, visitors from North America fell by 26 per cent over this period.

Spending by foreigners in the UK rose slightly between the three months ending November 2007 and the same period last year, to £4.2 billion.

The figures are obtained from the International Passenger Survey, which questions a random number of passengers entering and leaving the UK by air and sea.

Christopher Rodrigues, executive chairman of the national tourism agency, VisitBritain, said: "We need investment from Government – that will be willingly matched by the private-sector – for a campaign to remind potential travellers in the eurozone and America of Britain's new affordability and persuade them to come here now.

"Whatever December's figures bring, 2008 will have been a challenging year for British tourism and 2009 could see job losses as travellers tighten their belts. Additional political and financial investment now could create jobs quickly, regenerate regional communities, increase overseas investment in the UK and generate foreign exchange."

A separate report published by the ONS, Travel Trends 2007, shows that during that year 79 per cent of visits abroad by Britons were to Europe.

More people went to France and fewer holidayed in Spain. Tunisia, Poland and Latvia saw sharp rises in the number of British tourists, while Sri Lanka and Egypt saw the largest falls in British custom during 2007.

The average length of holidays also fell, from 10.1 nights on average in 2006 to 9.9 the following year.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4246892/Britons-fewer-taking-foreign-holidays.html


Linkback - Britons fewer taking foreign holiday
]]> 1/17/2009 8:26:30 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5252 5252
The fantastic spectacle of the Northern Lights has been attracting holidaymakers for many years, but now is a particularly good time to visit Norway because the value of the Norwegian Krone has fallen by approximately 25% since the summer. With the pound keeping its value against the Krone, holidays in Norway haven’t been cheaper for decades.

In February the length of the day in Norway is similar to the UK, but the evenings are dark and perfect for viewing the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights. Good conditions for viewing the Northern Lights last well into March, but after March 21st the aurora starts to fade away.

Tromso in Norway is a good spot to witness the spectacular Northern Lights, and the city also has a range of other attractions to appeal to anyone looking for a winter break. During the day activities such as reindeer sledding, dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing can keep the whole family busy.

There are also some major events coming up in Tromso in the next few months. From February 2nd-8th is the Sami week (the Sami were previously known as Laps). Highlight of the week long festival is the National Reindeer Sledding Championships on February 8th when the main street of Tromso is turned into an icy race track.

In the first week of March Tromso plays host to the Latin Music Festival, featuring Latin-American music, and you can witness the somewhat bizarre spectacle of a samba parade in the snow. Airline Norwegian offers direct flights to Tromso twice a week from Stansted airport.

Tour operator Specialised Tours has a three night Tromso break including flights from Heathrow airport and bed and breakfast at either the 4 star Radisson SAS or the Rica Ishavshotel for £735 per person.

Specialised Tours is also offering an evening Northern Lights Husky Safari or a full-day Husky Safari. The Safari heads into the inland area near Tromso which provides the best place to witness the unforgettable sight of the Northern Lights.

http://www.holidayextras.co.uk/news/destination/northern-lights-beckon-for-half-term-holidays-3384.html


Linkback - Northern Lights beckon for half term
]]> 1/17/2009 8:23:49 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5251 5251
Thomson offers holidays from only £118 for a self drive ski holiday to the French Alps, has hundreds of free child places and group discounts with up to one place in five free. There are also free six-day lift passes saving up to £156 per person in Söll, Austria and Chamrousse, France.

New for 2009/10 is the extended ‘Special Selection’, a pre-selection of accommodation to help to make the holiday choice easier and to enable travel agents to assist with the holiday selection.

New to the Crystal brochure is a selection of the best properties in the programme for either location, service, facilities or childcare to help skiers to find the best accommodation to suit all holiday needs.

Crystal Ski features thousands of free children places on every departure date; childcare operating 6 days a week in 23 European resorts; group discounts with up to 1 in 5 free and a free ski-mojo worth £295 for all group leaders.

In November 2008, Crystal Ski won the prestigious award voted for by British travellers, the Best Activity and Sport Holiday Operator at The British Travel Awards 2008 (as voted for by industry professionals and consumers).

Crystal’s Product Director Ian Davis said “Crystal’s new preview brochure will enable all skiers, especially families and larger groups returning from this season’s ski holiday to secure their choice for next season, at the time of their choosing, safe in the knowledge that they are getting the best price”.

Benefits for early bookers in both brochures include a free six half-day crèche or kids club place worth £100 on selected departures in January and March and must be booked before end of April 2009.

0871 971 0578 / www.thomson-ski.co.uk
0871 231 2256 / www.crystalski.co.uk

http://www.skirebel.com/magazine/archives/2099


Linkback - Crystal and Thomson ski list 2009/10 holidays
]]> 1/17/2009 8:22:39 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5250 5250
"Spain has lost 1 million British tourists in 2008. The British are being turned more towards Turkey or Egypt," said Sebastian Escarrer, the chairman of trade body Exceltur and also chief executive of Spain's biggest hotel group, Sol Melia. He said for the first time he could remember, no British tour operator was operating flights to Spain's Balearic islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza this winter. Exceltur said Spain's tourism income would fall 5.7 percent this year as the global economic crisis deepened. Spain will earn 40.5 billion euros (36.5 billion pounds) from foreign tourists this year, Escarrer told reporters, down from 42.2 billion two years earlier, according to balance of payments data.

Earnings for the first 10 months of 2008 dropped by 4.1 percent. "Bad figures registered in November and the expected figures for December look like producing a bigger fall up to the end of the year," Exceltur said. Exceltur, whose members include Spain's main airlines, hoteliers, travel agents and car hire companies said not only was demand falling among foreigners, but also from Spaniards.

It said the number of nights spent by Spaniards in Spanish hotels will fall 5 percent this year. It added that even among the best performers, hotels' key revenue per available room (RevPar) indicator had fallen between 5 and 7 percent over 2008.

http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/28954


Linkback - Spain loses 1 million UK tourists
]]> 1/17/2009 8:20:37 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5249 5249
http://www.itv.com/CatchUp/Video/default.html?ViewType=5&Filter=34057

Linkback - ITV 'Tonight' programme Friday 15th Jan.
]]> 1/17/2009 4:40:01 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5248 5248
Linkback - Legal advice
]]> 1/17/2009 2:43:03 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5247 5247
Thanks

Linkback - GARDEN LAGO - MAJORCA
]]> 1/17/2009 12:43:47 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5246 5246
Linkback - INcentive Leasure Group
]]> 1/16/2009 4:30:47 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5245 5245
Linkback - Removing posts
]]> 1/16/2009 1:45:53 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5244 5244
A report from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), which surveyed 3,000 British adults, shows 60% were unwilling to give up holidays. Half of those surveyed, however, said they needed to cut costs and were planning a holiday of under £500, compared with 30% who cut back the previous year.

Campsites, seaside hotels, B&Bs and coach and caravan companies are all expected to benefit.

Geoff Cowley, managing director of the Holiday Cottage Group, has already seen the highest number of internet bookings in one day this year. "Easter bookings for our cottages are up 30% on last year and half-term bookings are up 5%," he said.

Advance bookings for 2009 caravan breaks are up by 40% on 2008, according to the Caravan Club. "We confidently predict that this year will be the year that welcomes the return of the great British holiday," said spokesman Nick Lomas.

Twice as many holidaymakers plan to prioritise cost over convenience when deciding how to travel to their holiday destination, according to the CPT report, meaning that UK coach operators are also gearing up for a boom year. For many operators this will go some way towards offsetting a loss of passengers travelling by coach to Europe as the high cost of the euro puts many people off.

Paul Johnson, operations director at West Midlands based company Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel, said he had been surprised by the "upbeat message" from passengers in the last month. "People are worried about their fuel bills and other costs but they are not prepared to give up their holiday," he said. "We were expecting a real downturn in our bookings this year but since Christmas things have been much better than we expected." The most popular destinations being booked for this summer were proving to be the traditional seaside resorts, such as Scarborough and Eastbourne, he added.

Evidence emerged yesterday that passengers have cut back on plane travel. Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted collectively saw a drop of 2.8% last year compared with 2007, with Stansted seeing the biggest fall, 6%.

An Abta spokesman said: "People are still booking holidays abroad but in the last few weeks our members have reported that holidaymakers are cutting back and opting for self-catering and all-inclusive holidays."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jan/15/recession-boom-uk-holidays


Linkback - UK holidays ..the new attraction for hard-up Brits
]]> 1/15/2009 10:02:19 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5243 5243
While many hoteliers and timeshare development companies are struggling in the face of tightening credit markets and slowed consumer spending, Sell My Timeshare NOW continues to report remarkable growth trends. The company's 4th quarter business synopsis reveals gains in both the number and the dollar amount of offers made to buy or rent timeshares advertised on the company's website: www.sellmytimesharenow.com.

Sell My Timeshare NOW is an online timeshare resale and timeshare rental advertising and marketing company created in 2003 to fill what the company's founders saw as a deficiency in the timeshare sales market. CEO Jason Tremblay explains, "Timeshare owners needed a simple, effective way to resell or rent their timeshares. Consumers wanted to be able to purchase resale timeshares. We saw the internet as the perfect vehicle to serve both needs."

In their 2008 business synopsis (available on their website) Sell My Timeshare NOW reports strong growth numbers. From 2007 to 2008, the overall number of offers to buy or rent timeshares advertised and marketed by the company increased by 85 percent. Totaling $461,470,158, this represents an average of over $1 million per day in offers. Even during the fourth quarter of 2008, dismal for many companies, Sell My Timeshare NOW saw the number of offers to buy or rent timeshare increase by 73 percent quarter-over-quarter from 2007 to 2008, and increase by 43 percent in the dollar amount during this period.

Traffic to the company's website rose by 18 percent in 2008 over 2007, with total visitors of 25,256,677, and an increase of 16 percent in unique visitors over this same period -- information that is particularly important to Sell My Timeshare NOW. Although the company has offices in New Hampshire and Florida, Tremblay says that more important than their bricks and mortar buildings is the fact that the company dominates online advertising for the vacation ownership market. Sell My Timeshare NOW continues to rank at or near the top of search engines such as Google and Yahoo for timeshare-specific search terms, which is vital considering that 68 percent of searchers never make it beyond page one for a given search term.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28654289/


Linkback - Consumers Are Buying and Renting Timeshare Resales
]]> 1/15/2009 9:50:06 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5242 5242
The plane, which the FAA said was flight 1549 from LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, is partially submerged.

Rescue boats at the scene have been picking up passengers standing on the plane's wings and first reports suggest that everyone aboard survived.

Bird strikes disabled two of the plane's engines, officials said.

"There is no indication that the incident is security-related," a homeland security official told the BBC.

Three minutes

A passenger who escaped from the aircraft told CNN: "A couple of minutes after taking off we heard a loud bang, the plane shook a bit and immediately we could smell smoke and fire," the passenger said.

Fox News also quoted passengers as saying that everyone from the plane had escaped alive.

A spokeswoman for the US Federal Aviation Authority, Laura Brown, said it was believed the plane had been in the air for three minutes after take-off when it crashed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7832191.stm


Linkback - Plane crashes in New York river
]]> 1/15/2009 9:46:08 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5241 5241
Thanks Sheila

Linkback - selling a week
]]> 1/15/2009 7:16:30 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5239 5239


https://filestore.xmr3.com/780909/115003020/4574/index.html

Three more marinas for canal boaters






Linkback - Fruit preserve??
]]> 1/15/2009 6:29:17 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5240 5240
We were thinking of trying to give them away for free on ebay and also pay the transfer fee - Is this allowed and what do we need to do then - Is it just a case of telling Macdonalds the name and address of the new owners?

Linkback - How do we give timeshare away?
]]> 1/15/2009 5:14:51 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5238 5238 The Foreign Office has warned British travellers heading to America over the requirements of the new Visa Waiver Programme (VWP).

The new scheme allows most British citizens with current passports to visit for up to 90 days without a visa, but holidaymakers will now be required authorise their visa via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

Travellers will be required to do so prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the USA. Those failing to do so could be detained and even sent home.
All applications must be approved by the department for homeland security before travel, and once approved will be valid for all visits during the following two years.

So far 99.6 per cent of all applications have been approved to date, with the procedure taking a matter of seconds.

The registration scheme replaces the green I-94 forms formerly distributed on flights.

ESTA is free but a number of firms have already emerged offering to carry out the procedure for a fee.

Those seeking to apply can do so here with the Foreign Office presently warning guests should so at least 72 hours prior to travel.

Linkback - NEW Rules if you are travelling to the USA
]]> 1/15/2009 12:14:13 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5237 5237
The pair, 54 and 49, were questioned over an allegation that a baggage truck was driven into a BA jet on 9 January, BBC crime correspondent Ben Ando said.

He said police did not believe the incident was terrorism-related.

The pair have been released on bail. A BA spokeswoman said they had been suspended while the inquiry continues.

The Airbus A321 jet is currently being examined by BA engineers.

The 80 passengers due to fly on the plane had to be put on another flight.
'Catastrophic decompression'

Mr Ando said a police source had described the damage as a gash to the fuselage.
"The damage was spotted by other members of ground crew before the plane took off," he said.

"Had it got into the air with this damage it is difficult to know what could have happened - the worst case could have been a catastrophic decompression of the plane causing it to crash.

"On the other hand something more controlled could have taken place - perhaps there was no real damage at all.

'Without prejudice'

"Until the engineers complete their checks it is difficult to know what could have happened."

The BA spokeswoman said: "Two members of our ground staff based at Heathrow were arrested following an incident where one of our aircraft was damaged.

"They were both questioned by the police and released on bail pending further inquiries.
"It would therefore be inappropriate to give further details.

"The two staff members have been given a precautionary suspension, without prejudice, while the police carry out their investigation."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7828771.stm


Linkback - BA staff arrested over jet damage
]]> 1/14/2009 7:02:57 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5236 5236
With the new year, many timeshare professionals are finding themselves in a different sales environment than they have ever experienced before. In the past few months industry giants like Westgate, Bluegreen and Wyndham have seen massive layoffs in the turbulent credit crisis. In years past the sales professional had a place to go to talk about what was going on in the timeshare industry, streettalkblog.com.

The website which supported the vacation ownership community for a decade closed down on Thanksgiving, leaving a void in the timeshare world. On December 15th a new website was launched to help fill that void, thetimesharevoice.com

Since it's launch, the website has now received over 10,000 unique visits. This was done with little more than word of mouth and a few articles written by industry professionals.

The site will focus on the timeshare industry through the eyes of the timeshare salesperson. This website currently provides a daily news blog with articles from all aspects of the vacation industry. We have a forum called the Voice Box where you can talk to your peers from around the world and get their perspectives. We even have a game room with a timeshare twist to it.

We at The Timeshare Voice want to thank you for making our first month amazing, and can't wait to see where we will be this time next year.

About The Timeshare Voice:

The Timeshare Voice is an independent web publication created solely for the timeshare profession. The website intends to keep the timeshare community informed of every day developments. The site has no affiliation with any developers and prides itself on providing a private place where people can get together and share their voice.

http://www.bignews.biz/?id=792343&keys=Timeshare-Vacation-Travel-Streettalk



Linkback - Timeshare Voice 10,000 views in first month
]]> 1/14/2009 7:00:54 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5235 5235
Croatia: A combination of islands, pretty coastal towns and a fascinating interior; prices have risen, but from a lower base than destinations in the euro area.

Are these the best of times or the worst of times? In travel, it depends whether you are a buyer or a seller. Much of the tourist industry is facing a toxic combination of collapsing consumer confidence, slumping sterling and global turmoil. A perfect storm? No, a perfect holiday, at least for travellers with a bit of cash to spend and a backpack of aspirations to fulfil.

Never have conditions coalesced to produce such an ideal time for days and nights to remember, whether on the Sussex coast, under canvas in Africa or in dreaming your way in flat-bed luxury to Sydney. This year is likely to be the most rewarding ever in terms of choice, price and experiences; from next year, things can only get worse.

For evidence of the opportunities, look no further than last Saturday's edition of The Independent Traveller. Not the editorial (you will judge whether or not we made it informative and inspiring), but the ads.

"See the real Seychelles from just £899." Don't mind if I do; return flights, private transfers and five nights in this seductive tropical archipelago are yours for the price of a new sofa or plasma TV. And we're only at page five. By the time you have scoured the remaining few dozen pages, you will feel spoilt for choice between crossing the Channel to Dunkirk for under £10 per person return for a car and four occupants, and flying to the far side of the world in a Jumbo with 400 other occupants for £600 return.

You would be forgiven, if you read the travel news story in one story in a Sunday newspaper, for thinking that our addiction with adventure abroad is at an end: "Last-minute holiday deals will disappear over the next two years as travel companies cut almost one in every five of the flights and holidays they sell."

Happily, predictions of the imminent demise of holiday bargains are premature. Certainly, the price of a traditional Mediterranean holiday is likely to rise significantly this summer because the big tour operators are offering a couple of million fewer packages than last year. But Thomson and Thomas Cook cannot control the activities of the no-frills airlines: easyJet and Ryanair continue to receive a couple of new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing respectively every month, and the planes are likely to be deployed on sunshine routes. And the Irish national carrier, Aer Lingus, is branching out from its home turf this summer by setting up a new base at Gatwick serving the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, the Pigs (the main southern European holiday destinations of Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain gather in a convenient porcine acronym) are squealing. They have all seen a decline in the traditional package market from the UK, with many Brits heading east towards the cheaper destinations of Egypt and Turkey. And that was before events of recent months turned sterling into the world's new comedy currency.

A good way to avoid exposure to the ridiculously weak state of the pound, and the ridicule of traders across Europe and America, is to holiday at home. Last week, Christopher Rodrigues, chairman of Visit Britain, told The Independent he feared up to 50,000 job losses as domestic tourism slides into recession. Yet everything is pointing towards the best year in a decade or two for UK tourism. The unstoppable rise of budget hotel chains will provide many more low-cost options for exploring Britain's cities, countryside and coastline, and put pressure on other accommodation providers to provide better value.

Faced with losing business to UK B&Bs – not to mention Egyptian hotels on the Sinai peninsula – the average Mediterranean hotelier is unlikely to sit back and say "Oh well, the Brits aren't here but they'll be back in a few years." They will slash rates, even in school summer holidays, to fill their beds. Collectively, the British comprise the second-biggest holiday market in Europe (after Germany), and purveyors of everything from sangria to self-drive cars will have to work hard to win our currency, however puny the pound. Right now, your passport may look about as much use as a 2008 diary, but this will be the year for travelling cheerfully. Here are 10 good reasons why.

1. The best of British

However badly the travel industry suffers in the year ahead, the UK will continue to possess the most dynamic and competitive air travel market in the world. Wherever you're going, Britain is usually the best place to start for maximum value. Even in the downturn, opportunities continue to expand – with Aer Lingus moving in to offer flights from Gatwick to holiday hotspots such as Malaga and Faro.

Long haul, the drastically reduced cost of aviation fuel will work through to provide bargains that we thought had disappeared for ever; we may even see the return of the sub-£500 return flight to Australia, and New York fares for under £200. Even now, if you earn the national minimum wage of £5.73, over a 41-hour working week you will accrue £235 – just what you need for a flight from London to New York and back on KLM, departing next Monday. (And, if you practise austerity tourism, you will also be able to afford to stay there: start by using the subway from the airport into Manhattan, not the JFK bus, and certainly not a taxi.)

2. Go east for snow

Ski resorts across Europe are reporting the best early-season snowfalls for decades; even if it doesn't snow again this winter, the Alps have plenty to see skiers through till Easter. And the Russians are staying away, reducing demand and therefore prices. Go east, and you can benefit from low costs in all senses. Example: any week between now and Valentine's Day, Inghams has a half-board deal to Borovets from Gatwick for £244 – accommodation is allocated on arrival, but will be reasonable quality. The price includes flights, breakfast and dinner; lift passes and so forth will cost more – but with the Bulgarian lev about the most benevolent currency in Europe, a week all in for under £500 looks a reasonable prospect.

3. Cheap rail – by text

Britain's rail network is in better shape than ever – and from March, the full Eurostar service will be restored through the repaired Channel Tunnel to Paris, Brussels and Disneyland. It used to be that the French and Belgians got the very best fares; expect that situation to reverse this year.

Domestically, the UK used to have the most expensive rail services of any country in Europe (and we still hold the prize for the priciest of all – the Heathrow Express). But the slump in sterling means that we are merely mid-table now, in terms of walk-up fares. And for canny advance bookers, Britain offers cheaper rail travel than anywhere west of India.

Riffling through my wallet reveals distressingly few euros or dollars, but plenty of cheap train tickets: London to Lincoln for £10, for example, or the capital to Bath for £9.50.

Investigate my mobile phone, and the deals get even better. Increasingly, train operators are cutting out the high cost of issuing tickets – and doing everything online or by SMS. First ScotRail has sold me a one-way ticket from Inverness to London in March for £19, and almost unbelievably will throw in a bed for the night on the Caledonian Sleeper, plus a nice hot cup of tea in the morning when I wake up at Watford. National Express East Coast has texted me a barcode in return for £9 for a trip from Leeds to London, while that nice Sir Richard Branson is offering one-way London-Manchester tickets for as much as £123.50 or as little as £1 – the latter only if you accept your ticket by SMS to your phone.

On Virgin Trains, and increasingly other train operators, a combination of planning, commitment and everyday technology are the keys to bargains that will amaze the world.

4. Ferry good deals

Last week a ferry company, SpeedFerries, went bust. Yet even though the feeble pound has put paid to "booze-cruising" – because prices in hypermarkets in Calais are now about the same as Tesco in Dover – the surviving ferry operators are offering new routes and new ships. So, will they have to slash fares to fill them? Probably. It's going to be a splendid year on the high seas. Ferry operators are bringing in new ships and new routes – and, with the feeble pound putting paid to "booze-cruising", they will have to offer great fares to entice drivers to get on board.

5. Spend less for more fun

The pound's fall will prove beneficial to practically everyone: the time has come to celebrate austerity tourism. If you choose not to change your holiday spending behaviour, you are likely to have a dismal time – by the time you have made your third visit to the ATM to replenish your dwindling supply of foreign currency, it will not feel like so much of a dream trip.

Luckily, as anyone who went to Europe or the US in the Seventies and Eighties will confirm, it is perfectly possible to enjoy a holiday abroad even when in possession of pounds. Trimming holiday spending abroad has the potential to bestow on you a more enjoyable trip. You will be obliged to seek out the local places to eat and drink, and probably have a lot more fun as a result; travelling on public transport is a better way to meet local people than renting a car or hiring a taxi; and exploring the market for fresh produce is a more enriching experience than going for the tourist menu.

6. Drop the shopping

The slump in sterling should see the end of the holiday as retail frenzy: shopping in chain stores is the opposite of what travel should be about. If you are priced out of Zara in Zaragoza, so much the better: spend your time, not your money, falling in love with the destination, not what it sells.

7. Let your feet do the walking

Humdrum, perhaps, but true: more Brits will choose to walk or cycle rather than drive while on holiday – saving cash, getting fit and benefitting the planet.

8. Flights with frills

If you could not care two euro cents for your carbon footprint, this is also the year for living luxuriously at 37,000 feet. With business travel slumping, airlines and top hotels are having to cut prices to lure leisure travellers. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic will charge you under £1,100 return from London to New York for flat-bed, business-class comfort. And on BA's longest route, to Sydney, you can sleep your way from Heathrow to the harbour bridge for under £3,000 return. Incidentally, anything that enhances diversity amid the Blackberry-clutching travelling executives has to be a good thing.

9. Be bold

If you think things are tough here, try making a living abroad – especially in the tourism industry in one of the countries where political strife made headlines last year. Twelve months ago, Kenya was in disarray following disputed elections. Thousands of holidays were cancelled, even though not a single tourist was harmed in the conflict. This year, the tourist industry is going all out to tempt travellers back in. You can have a week's safari in the Masai Mara, followed by a week of half-board luxury on an Indian Ocean beach, for £1,642 per person with Somak, including scheduled flights. The company says it can offer the best prices in the market because it has contracted in sterling, rather than the more usual (for East Africa) US dollars.

Across in Thailand, the travel industry is desperately seeking to rebuild confidence after a disastrous end to 2008: the closure of the airport by demonstrators. With the upmarket operator Kuoni, prices for a luxury Easter holiday on the lovely island of Phuket are surprisingly low: £813 per person, including scheduled flights from London via Bangkok, private transfers and a "superior family room", including breakfast. All this for barely more than the standard air fare.

To India, competition is up, while demand is down due to the appalling terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November. Don't feel mercenary about planning a trip to a place so recently visited by tragedy; people working in tourism need you more than ever.

10. Be a culture vulture

Try "tactical tourism", making the most of the world with a little creative thinking. For example, don't go to this year's European capitals of culture, Linz in Austria and Vilnius in Lithuania – make your trips, instead, to last year's cultural cities – Liverpool or Stavanger in Norway. You will find the dramatic improvements in those cities' infrastructure along with permanent artistic enhancements – but without the crowds and the inevitable high prices. So, get smart and get packing.

Alexis Ashman hits the streets to find out who's going where this year

"I have actually booked two holidays so far. I'm going to Istanbul to see my family and New York to see some friends and because I love it there. Money is generally a bit tighter, but I'm still going to go on holiday." Melissa Isaac

"I'm going to South Africa for the Lions tour. I haven't been massively affected by the economic downturn, but there are some very good bargain holiday deals on at the moment that I am taking advantage of." Oliver Gregson

"We're going to Italy and we're not hugely worried as it's not going to cost a lot. That said, I'm from Italy and I've lost lots of money through the credit crunch as you can't get as many euros for your sterling as I used to. So my savings are now worth less." Micol Benassi and Yu Su Michi

"I haven't booked my summer holiday, but that's not because of the credit crunch. I just haven't got round to it yet." Vomic Nupshah

"I'm from Scotland, but I have a property in Spain, so I'm not going on a holiday apart from to go out there. On the whole I tend to take lots of long weekends as opposed to one big holiday, but things have become a bit tight." Joyce Stevenson

"Although money is a bit tight at the moment, I do aim to take a holiday, I just haven't got round to booking it yet." Sarah Palmer

"I have actually just booked one to Senegal. I suppose I am personally being a bit cautious, but there are some good deals to be had and I managed to negotiate for a fairly good price." Tony Hanley

"I haven't booked anywhere yet, although I am off to a wedding next year. I just feel that in the current recession, money that may be used for holidays is used with a different priority, for example, saving up for a house." Marie Sripah

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/holidays/our-guide-to-a-year-of-great-holidays-1334102.html


Linkback - Our guide to a year of great holidays
]]> 1/14/2009 6:29:22 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5234 5234 jimdo


Linkback - nationaltimeshare helpline
]]> 1/14/2009 6:12:26 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5233 5233
Cheers

Linkback - Faro Car Hire
]]> 1/14/2009 10:26:37 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5232 5232
The line’s current brochure prices are based on an exchange rate of £1 to $1.90, but the pound has weakened considerably with its value now at $1.46.

In order to boost bookings, the cruise line is offering customers a number of protections against currency fluctuations.

Customers in the UK who have booked cruises for 2009, but have not yet paid in full will be able to pay the price currently published in the brochure as long as payment is made before 27 February.

In addition, the brochure prices are guaranteed for UK customers on all new bookings that are made and fully paid before 27 February.

Customers in the UK who book any 2009 Crystal Symphony Asia, Europe or transatlantic cruise before 27 February will be entitled to a 20 per cent on any of the cruise line’s 2010 voyages, with the exception of the World Cruise.

As a result of the decrease in fuel prices, Crystal is also scrapping fuel surcharges on its 2009 cruises.

Surcharges will not appear on new bookings, and those on reserve by deposit will be adjusted to eliminate the amount of the fuel surcharge.

Passengers who have already paid in full will be entitled to an onboard credit equal to the amount of the fuel surcharge that had been assessed.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/crystal-cruises-offers-currency-fluctuation-protection-5634068.html


Linkback - Crystal Cruises offers currency protection
]]> 1/13/2009 8:03:46 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5231 5231
Paramedics treated 25 people who were on an Alaska Airlines plane. Deicer fumes made their way onto the plane and irritated the eyes of passengers and the crew.

An attorney for passenger Arianna Morgan says she still feels the effects of that exposure and suffers numbness in her hands and fatigue.

The lawyer says the airline had a duty to ensure ventilation systems were closed during deicing.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in federal court in Seattle.

Airline spokeswoman Caroline Boren says the company is concerned about passenger welfare and is reviewing the complaint.

All 143 passengers boarded another plane and continued to Burbank, Calif.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_wa_alaska_airlines_lawsuit.html


Linkback - Suit filed over fumes from Alaska Airlines plane
]]> 1/13/2009 8:02:28 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5230 5230

“Transactions into India from our international members witnessed 39 per cent growth in November 2008 over the same month last year,” said Ms. Radhika Shastry—Managing Director of RCI (Resort Condominium International) India—in a recent interview with the Hindu Business Line. “For January, we are seeing 51 per cent growth over the same period last year. Timeshare is a family product, offers many holidaying options, gives its patrons flexibility in terms of exchanging destinations for a certain amount, and people are committed to holidays; all these features prevent the industry from getting hit during hard times, which may impact tourism in general.”


RCI reports confirm that the region has experienced a 40 percent membership growth from November 2008 to January 2009. Shastry claims that more than 1400 member families from South Africa, US, Australia, and United Kingdom have visited RCI India timeshares since November last year.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090112267/Latest/India-Timeshares-avoid-the-financial-crisis.html


Linkback - India Timeshares avoid the financial crisis
]]> 1/13/2009 8:00:58 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5229 5229 Guess what it is:



6 points for a correct answer

Answer to be revealed 18th Jan unless correctly guessed beforehand.



Linkback - Guess what it is 12 Jan
]]> 1/12/2009 10:48:51 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5228 5228
In a note to investors on Monday, Friedman Billings Ramsey analyst C. Patrick Scholes said he expects that hotel demand will continue to deteriorate for at least the next several quarters.

He does not expect, however, that share prices will drop as steeply in 2009 as they did in 2008. He noted that hotel stocks fell 30 percent to 80 percent in 2008, compared with a 38 percent decline in the S&P 500.

Scholes named Marriott International Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group PLC and Interval Leisure Group Inc. as the companies best positioned to weather the downturn. He cited their fee-based cash flows and comparatively lower debt levels.

Share of hotel operator Marriott lost 84 cents, or 4.3 percent, to $18.79 in afternoon trading. InterContinental shares fell 41 cents, or 4.4 percent, to $8.83.

Shares of Interval Leisure Group, a provider of timeshare exchange services, slid 16 cents, or 2.7 percent, to $5.83.

Scholes said falling demand and debt difficulties will continue to hit hotel real estate investment trusts particularly hard. He said the strengthening U.S. dollar will also hurt hotel companies with foreign exchange exposure. He named Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Corp. as the most exposed.

Starwood shares fell $2.51, or 11.7 percent, to $18.91.

The analyst predicted that hotel occupancies will continue to deteriorate through the first half of the year, although he said comparisons should improve in September and October, which could be a catalyst for the stocks. "This, of course, presupposes that the economy does not see 'another leg down' during (the second half of 2009)," he added.

Scholes said a rapid improvement in consumer confidence could give hotel stocks a rapid boost. He said sentiment could recover if consumers expect the economic stimulus package to successfully turn around the economy.

Monday's decline in hotel shares came as the broader market traded lower. In afternoon trading, most of the major indexes were down more than 2 percent. The exception was the Dow Jones industrial average, which sank about 1.5 percent.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/01/12/ap5909420.html


Linkback - Sector Snap: Hotel stocks fall
]]> 1/12/2009 9:53:02 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5227 5227
The airline, which is the second biggest at Heathrow, believes that a failure to develop a third runway and improved transport links at the airport will result in a decline in the travel industry and, in the current climate, the loss of thousands of jobs.

It also believes that customers will turn away in favour of alternative and more modern European hubs.

Residents are concerned about the noise and pollution associated with Heathrow expansion plans but BMI remains confident that there is no environmental threat.

Speaking at a Future Heathrow press conference, BMI deputy chief executive Tim Bye said: "If we want Heathrow to maintain its pre-eminent position and international status as well as its competitive edge, it needs improvement, expansion and better transport links.

"The future of the aviation industry, with all of the jobs and commercial benefits that go with it, is hugely dependent on the existence of a world-class international hub airport in London."

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2009/01/12/29930/future-of-aviation-depends-on-heathrow-expansion-says.html


Linkback - Future of aviation depends on Heathrow expansion,
]]> 1/12/2009 9:50:32 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5226 5226
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office regularly issues travel advisories warning travellers to avoid particular areas or even entire countries following a terror attack or widespead protests.

Now the Pacific Asia Tourism Association plans talks with major insurers to persuade companies to provide insurance cover in spite of Foreign Office advice against travel.

Speaking at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Hanoi, PATA chief executive Gregory Duffell said: "Governments do not consider the impact of advisories when they issue them.

"But the risks are covered by the insurance industry and PATA will work with the industry so it sees our side and can insure travellers."

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2009/01/12/29929/se-asia-tourism-authorities-complain-about-foreign-office.html


Linkback - SE Asia complain about Foreign Office advice
]]> 1/12/2009 9:45:35 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5225 5225
From 12 January, visitors from countries which do not need visas will need to fill in an electronic form at least 72 hours before they travel.

Those who have not registered risk being detained and sent back home.

The Foreign Office fears some people do not know about it and critics say it might put people off visiting the US.

The new online registration scheme replaces the green I-94 forms that people on short term visits to the US had to fill in on the flight and hand to customs on arrival.

Security approval

America welcomes nearly 60 million tourists a year and about 50 million of those travel without the formality of a visa.

Britain is one of the countries that signed up to the visa waiver programme, but from Monday, new rules apply.

Electronic applications - known as Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) - have to be approved by the US Department of Homeland Security.

The Foreign Office is concerned that people who may not have heard of Esta and booked their trip before enforcement of the new rule may be caught out

FO spokesperson

Once an application is approved, it will be valid for all visits to the US for a two-year period.

The US Embassy in London said so far 99.6% of the applications have been approved - most within four seconds.

Michael Restovich, from the US Department of Homeland Security, said: "We want to keep the bad people out. We don't want to restrict commerce, we don't want to restrict tourism.
"We want to make sure the people getting on that aircraft or that sea vessel are clear to come to the United States and are risk-free."

The Foreign Office said it was "particularly concerned that people who may not have heard of Esta and booked their trip before enforcement of the new rule may be caught out".

Andrew Spice, of Post Office Travel Services, said: "Problems may also occur if UK tourists travel to the US via another country - like Canada or the Caribbean Islands - and don't realise they will need the Esta to gain entry."

British business leaders say they have been reassured over the measures

Neal Weston from the British Air Transport Association, which represents UK-registered airlines, such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, said its members who fly to the US were fully prepared for the new system.

No charge

Abta - the Travel Association - believes it will help speed up the immigration process.
Frances Tuke, from Abta, said it had been reminding members about the Esta deadline for several months.

"We would advise people thinking about going to the US to fill in Esta before booking or as soon as they book because if it is rejected, it can take up to six weeks to get an appointment at the US embassy for a visa," she said.

She recalled British singer Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, who was sent back to London from the US after his name was found on a "watchlist" in 2004, and said the new system should help prevent such incidents.

With an extra layer of very intrusive bureaucracy, I think a lot of people will be deterred, if not simply confused

Travel expert Simon Calder

Esta is free but she warned that searches for Esta online brought up numerous websites offering to process the application in return for personal details and a fee.

Critics say it will be an inconvenience for business travellers and could prove a disincentive to people who like to travel spontaneously and book last-minute weekend breaks to US cities.

Simon Calder, travel editor of the Independent, said: "There are many, many draws the United States has but with an extra layer of very intrusive bureaucracy, I think a lot of people will be deterred, if not simply confused."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7822794.stm


Linkback - Warning over new US travel rules
]]> 1/12/2009 9:18:08 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5224 5224
The court documents are here:

www.weeksprogramsettlement.com/courtdocs.htm

Linkback - RCI class action settlement
]]> 1/12/2009 8:04:21 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5223 5223 Can anyone assit me with any info about the above resort - Going there with wife and 4 teenagers in August this year.3 BED villa

Looking for good food locations and any good bars with live entertainment.

Any hints on how to get the best out of our 7 days there would be gr8.
Also - Will we need to take electric fans or is there any air con?

Thx
Juice



Linkback - Wimpen Sueno Azul, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
]]> 1/11/2009 8:32:21 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5222 5222 Due to very ill health they need to give up the timeshare.
They have approached Macdonalds but they will not take it back,
Is there anything they can do?
They are on pension credit and are struggling to afford maintenance payments for something they will never be able to use again.

Linkback - Need to give up timeshare
]]> 1/11/2009 7:53:45 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5221 5221
Iam newbie in timesharing.
Have read a lot of information in web and this forum..but still have a

lot of questions.
Hope you can help me with that.

Anyway Sorry that i asking so much....but havnt any other way to find

answers in nuances of timesharing in RCI.

Firstly iam points resort owner.

1) Can i check in not only at Fr,Sat,Sun....or maybe at other day..If

yes the week will beging from day i check in or not?

2)Can i buy not only full week? I mean i can get just 2,3,4 or more

days...and will pay only for days i booked in resort, not for full

(7days) week?

3)About Late deals and Instant Exchange reservations ....is it same?

As i understand "Late deals" it is advantage for weeks users to get low

price weeks in 45 days or less period..and you pay money for this

week(normally from 140$-300$) and not pay for exchange or any other

fee.....Yes?

And Instant Exchange reservations it same thing but for Points

users...and you pay 9000 points or less for week ......but as i heard

you pay exchange fee too.....if its truth...why as point user i need to

pay points(it is money for points users) and must pay fee too and weeks

users no need to pay fee for late deals?

4) What about extra holidays? need i need to pay any fee for get it?Or

just can pay money for week and go on.?

5)If i want to get several weeks on same resort in same time....need i

pay exchange fee for each week? And if i get two or three weeks on same

resort and same time in Instant Exchange reservations for 9000 points

or less.....i still need to pay two or three echanges fees??

6)Need i pay money for converting my week to points.....I have points

week...so every year if i willnt do anything i will get points to my

account(my home resort told me)...but need i pay something to RCI for

that?

7)How easy to get several weeks in one resort? Or it can be the

problem?(for us to travel less than 2 week are not profitable because

we are living in Russia so air tickets to most places are biggest part

of money)

8)I heard that with points system i have more resorts to choose than

weeks owners....is it truth?

9) Heard that exchange in points system much cheaper than in week

system in RCI.....lesser than 100$(50 or 60?)

10) Is it truth that not all resorts i can get for exchange......some

resorts will tell "NO" without reasoned answer.(i heard that Luxery

resorts...Hilton,Marriot,Sheraton...practice it)

11) Why i searching resorts in Asia on RCI.com and found that they are

offer hotels rooms(for two person) without kitchen...is it normal

Linkback - Questions about RCI resorts and exchanges
]]> 1/11/2009 7:48:48 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5220 5220 Urbana Quinta called my parents and told them they have a buyer for their time-share-flat in Austria.

They already paid some money to this Spanish agency but they didn't get their money yet. Now Urbana Quinta told that they have to pay a tax (plusvalía -> 16 per cent) before their money will be transferred. They didn't know about this tax before. After the hole transaction they will get back some of this money (65 per cent). I'm sure there is something wrong and I also found Urbana Quinta on the "scam list". But we don't know how to go on now. Because they have signed a contract. Do you think Urbana Quinta will transfer the price of sale or not?

Another problem is that we are not sure about this Spanish tax. I only found out that this tax is for selling Spanish property, the tax is fixed by the municipality where the property is. But this is not Spanish property! It is in Austria. And we are in Germany. The buyer is (or seems to be) from Finland. Only the agency is based in Spain.

How shell we go on? Please help us...

Linkback - Urbana Quinta - I need help
]]> 1/11/2009 6:15:29 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5219 5219
My wife and I have recently returned from Albufeira in Portugal,during our stay we were approached by a person promoting timeshare. This involved a lengthy 3 hr presentation at CPO where they were trying to sell us timeshare points through Infiniti/RCI. We were offered 40,000 Points for £9,995.00 and in addition to pay yearly maintenance and membership fees. We signed with the understanding of 14 days cooling off time and we have sent our cancellation slips out by recorded delivery as a precaution as we are trying to find feedback regarding this set up.

So far we haven't been able to find any feedback whether positive or negative and we are hoping that there might be someone on this forum who might be able to tell us more. Our 14 days cooling period ends on Friday 16th January so you can see why we chose to cancel rather than risk getting ourselves involved in something that we might regret at a later date.

Any feedback would be most appreciated and welcome.

Many Thanks Loadrunnner2020

Linkback - CPO(Clube Praia de Oura) Portugal Infiniti Points
]]> 1/11/2009 4:18:56 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5218 5218
Since we have arrived home we have sent our cancellation forms as everything we read since has made us really uneasy.

Is there anyone else on this forum that has signed up for the same thing recently, and are happy with how it has worked so far? Although we have cacelled to cover ourselves, if we find some positive reviews then we will re-think our decision. It just worries us that we havent heard anything good yet!

Any comments would be much appreciated!

Linkback - Update on Infiniti Points
]]> 1/11/2009 3:59:22 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5217 5217 Canary islands 7 nights £209

Thomson (0871 231 5595 ; www.thomson.co.uk) offers seven nights’ self-catering at Fiesta Corralejo in Fuerteventura. Departs Manchester on January 20.

Italy 3 nights £222

Three nights’ b&b at the four-star Grand Puccini, Milan, with BA Holidays (0844 493 0758 ; www.ba.com). Price includes return BA flight from Heathrow. Book by January 27.

US flight £229

Flight Centre (0870 499 0042; www.flightcentre.co.uk) offers flights to New York with Delta from Heathrow until June 30. Book by January 27 and quote NYCLONDL2.

UNDER £500

Morocco 7 nights £299

Portland Holidays Direct (0871 2313237; www.portlanddirect.co.uk) offers half board in Agadir at the three-star Ramada Les Almohades. Price includes return flight from Manchester on February 25.

North Cyprus 7 nights £395

Direct Traveller (0845 123 5383; www.directtraveller.com) has b&b at the Pia Bella Hotel near Kyrenia. The price includes transfer and return flight from Gatwick on March 10.

Jordan 7 nights £484

Seven nights’ b&b at a choice of three-star hotels in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba with Voyages Jules Verne (0845 166 7035; www.vjv.com). Price includes return flight from Gatwick, transfers, visa and the services of local guides. Available for weekly departures in January and February.

SKI DEALS

Les Trois Vallees 5 nights £169

Six days’ skiing in France’s Trois Vallées with five nights’ half board at the three-star Club Hôtel Verseau in Brides les Bains with Skiweekends.com (telephone bookings only on 0870 442 3400 or visit www.skiweekends.com for other offers). Price includes overnight coach travel from London, Thurrock, Maidstone and Folkestone.

Courchevel 1550 7 nights £399

Seven nights’ chalet board is available at the four-star Chalet Barragiste, in Courchevel 1550, with Ifyouski.com (0844 371 7733; www.ifyouski.com), a saving of £351. Offer excludes flights and is for the week of January 17.

Serre Chevalier 7 nights £599

Seven nights’ half board at the two-star ClubHotel Grand Aigle in Serre Chevalier, France, with (Equity Ski 01273 622111; www.equityski.co.uk). Price includes ski and boot hire and lift passes. Departs from Gatwick, Stansted or Manchester on February 1.

All offers are subject to availability. Price is per person and based on two sharing, unless otherwise stated.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/snowandski/4208735/Holiday-deals-of-the-week.html


Linkback - Holiday deals of the week
]]> 1/11/2009 10:53:05 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5216 5216
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has begun discussions with Dublin, Ireland-based Ryanair Holdings regarding direct charter flights between the Falls airport and Dublin Airport.

The NFTA’s Director of Aviation William Vanacek met with Ryanair representatives in Dublin on Friday to talk about the international air link.

“The really encouraging thing is that they sought us out and wanted to talk,” said NFTA Chairman Gregory Stamm. “We’ve got our fingers crossed because they are a big player over there and landing them would open a lot of doors for us.”

This marks the second time NFTA has pursued charter service between the Niagara Falls airport and Ireland. In 2007, the NFTA began discussions with Kenny Tours, a Maryland-based travel company about charter flights between Niagara Falls and Shannon, Ireland.

Those flights, priced as low as $799 round-trip, were to start last summer, but hit a snag with Kenny was unable to secure aircraft to make the trips.

Kenny had predicted the Niagara Falls/Ireland connection would be a big hit due to high interest from Western New York and Southern Ontario residents for charter travel to Ireland. The tour company also anticipated strong demand on the part of Irish tourists to visit Niagara Falls.

“There’s no question there’s a market on both ends for these charters. It’s more a matter of how this would fit into Ryanair’s expansion plans,” Stamm said.

Ryanair is a low-cost flier whose current route map is built on more than 700 short-haul and point-to-point routes linking Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Late last year, the airline confirmed it is considering the addition of transatlantic flights to its budget arsenal by the end of 2009. Flights to Boston, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and multiple Florida destinations were listed as among the routes under discussion.

The no-frills airline said it would tap secondary airports in Baltimore; Providence, R. I.; and Islip on Long Island to deliver passengers, while keeping costs down. The NFTA has marketed the Niagara Falls airport as a prime secondary landing target with easy access to all of Western New York and Southern Ontario.

The NFTA has been actively pursuing both domestic and international air carriers to build business at the Niagara Falls airport. A new $30 million passenger terminal at the airport is slated to debut in July.

Currently, the Niagara County airfield has only one regularly-scheduled air carrier. South Carolina-based Direct Air offers three flights per week to Myrtle Beach, S. C. and recently began twice-weekly service to Punta Gorda, Fla.

http://www.buffalonews.com/145/story/545212.html


Linkback - Ryanair eyes Falls airport deal
]]> 1/11/2009 10:49:54 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5215 5215
Trying to capture the "cruise experience" and compete with the Club Med type resorts, many timeshare resorts have incorporated the "all-inclusive" concept.

Do I think it’s a good deal? That depends. Are you the owner or do you own somewhere else and you are exchanging in?

For the person owning timeshare at an all inclusive resort, in my opinion, it's not such a good deal.

However, for the person owning timeshare somewhere else and trading to an all inclusive resort, it's not such a good deal.

Huh?

Let's take a closer look at the all inclusive resort from the stand point of the person trading in first.

Most of the all-you-can eats are outside the U.S., locations in the Caribbean (or the Caribbean if you prefer that pronunciation) or Mexico.

In addition to the exchange fee of almost $200 you paid to Interval International or RCI, most of those resorts are going to charge a per person premium, often around $250, to pay for the "free" food. And, like a cruise line, sometimes the booze is extra. Or not top shelf when included.

Finally, there are the figurative handcuffs the "all-inclusive" program places on you. In many of these locales, part of the charm is getting off the resort and sampling the local flavor. Hard to do if you've already paid for 8 meals a day. And many of the local eating spots are very reasonable by our standards. So that's why it’s a bad deal if you are exchanging in.

Why is it a bad deal for the owner? For one, the handcuffs are the same. The menus, many complain, get monotonous and the quality is not usually 5-star.

And, even tough most do not impose a surcharge on owners, it's still not free. The costs are built into the owner’s annual maintenance fee. A fee that is paid whether you visit the property this year or not. So if you trade to go somewhere else - you're paying for a weeks worth of food that you're not going to eat.

http://www.examiner.com/x-773-Timeshare-Examiner~y2009m1d9-All-inclusive-resorts-and-timeshare--getting-it-all-and-less


Linkback - All inclusive resorts and timeshare
]]> 1/11/2009 10:48:10 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5214 5214
The laidoff employees will be given comprehensive severance packages, said Wyndham spokesperson Liz Hutchison. Bentley Brook, which opened in 1998, is owned by Wyndham Vacation Ownership of Orlando, Fla., a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide.

The resort has 80 total employees, but no additional layoffs will take place.

"It's done," Hutchison said.

Located at the Jiminy Peak ski resort, Wyndham Berkshire Bentley Brook has 155 condominium timeshares.

Former Bentley Brook employee Natasha Broadwell of Pittsfield said the workers were informed that the sales office would be closing on Wednesday.

"Everyone was completely shocked," said Broadwell, who began work at Bentley Brook on Dec. 1. "People were crying. It was crazy."

Hutchison said Wyndham has been closing sales offices across the country because the credit crisis combined with the turbulent economy has slowed resort development growth.

"This is not an isolated incident," she said.

According to its Web site, Wyndam Worldwide maintains 7,000 hotels, 200,000 hotel units, and 145 vacation ownership sites.

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/ci_11422389?source=most_emailed


Linkback - Cutbacks continue at Wyndham
]]> 1/11/2009 10:45:41 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5213 5213
UK Internet searches for flights increased by 58% between the weeks ending 27/12/08 and 03/01/09, but they were down by 42.4% when compared with the equivalent post-Christmas week last year (i.e. the week ending 05/01/08). Flights to the USA experienced the biggest annual fall in searches of 52.2%. Searches for flights to countries that use the Euro fell by 44.8%, while searches for flights to the UK and the Rest of the World also fell, but at a smaller rate.

Change in searches for flights to different geographical areas between 05/01/08 and 03/01/09:
USA: -52.2%
Eurozone:-44.8%
Global average: -42.4%
Rest of the world: -34.4%
UK Domestic: -32.7%

"It looks like the weak pound is putting people off flying to the Eurozone and the USA, and they are looking at destinations with more favourable exchange rates instead," commented Robin Goad, Hitwise's Director of Research. There have been big falls in searches for flights to all of the most popular European holiday destinations over the last 12 months: France is down 45.4%, Spain 42.8%, Portugal 41.7% and Italy 41.2%.

Change in UK Internet searches for flights to popular destinations between 05/01/08 and 03/01/09:
Turkey: -24.6%
Dubai: -27.1%
Thailand: -32.2%
Australia: -32.8%
South Africa: -32.9%
Caribbean: -34.6%
Italy: -41.2%
Portugal: -41.7%
Spain: -42.8%
France: -45.4%

Of all the major holiday locations favoured by Britons, Turkey experienced the smallest decline in flight searches over the last 12 months - a fall of 24.6% compared with an average of 42.4% for all destinations. At the same time, Turkey overtook Canada and Thailand to become the second most popular non-Euro/Dollar destination for British tourists.

Robin Goad commented: "UK Internet users are becoming more sophisticated in the way they search for Turkish holidays. Increasingly they are searching for particular towns and resorts, such as Dalaman, Bodrum and Antalya, rather than generic terms like 'flights to Turkey' or 'Turkish holidays'. This is similar to the way people search for Spanish or Portuguese holidays, and illustrates how Turkey has become a mainstream destination for British holiday makers".

Australia remains the most popular non-Euro/Dollar destination for British tourists, accounting for almost a quarter of all searches for flights to destinations outside of the UK, USA and Eurozone. Searches for flights to Australia have fallen by 32.85% over the last 12 months, but this is at a lower rate than for many other destinations. The recent release of the Nicole Kidman film "Australia" has had an impact on this behaviour. For the week ending 05/01/08 the Dubai based airline Emirates, which is currently running a joint marketing campaign with Tourism Australia, ranked 11th in Hitwise's Commercial Airlines category, up from 17th during the equivalent week in 2008.

Only five destinations have experienced an increase in flight searches over the last 12 months: Norway, Denmark, Brazil, Morocco and Cuba. Robin Goad commented: "The two areas that have benefitted most from the Pound falling against the Euro are Scandinavia and the cheaper sunshine destinations. The Scandinavian countries may still be expensive by global standards, but in relative terms their cost for UK consumers has fallen compared with other European countries. In terms of warmer destinations, the weak pound is encouraging people to look further afield for bargains, with places such as Brazil, Morocco, Cuba, Kenya and India all moving up the rankings over the last 12 months.

Destinations with the biggest increase (or smallest decrease) in flight searches between 05/01/08 and 03/01/09:

1. Norway +30.9%
2. Denmark +20.3%
3. Brazil +19.5%
4. Morocco +2.1%
5. Cuba +1.2%
6. Kenya -7.8%
7. India -12.7%
8. China -12.8%
9. Hungary -13.7%
10. Singapore -14.6%

http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/28820


Linkback - Consumers reject Eurozone and USA -Hitwise facts
]]> 1/11/2009 10:44:01 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5212 5212
My partner and are looking to rent a nice apartment for 2 weeks at the Gran Amfi resort in March 09, can be flexible with dates during March.

Can anyone help us out?

Kind Regards

Richard & Faith

Linkback - Wanted 2 weeks Mar 09 Anfi Del Mar - Gran Anfi
]]> 1/11/2009 10:37:34 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5211 5211
Linkback - walking away
]]> 1/10/2009 10:32:32 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5210 5210
According to the TravelRepublic, website The Total Financial Protection initiative provides customers with 100% refund in the event of the corporate failure of their travel provider.

The website reminds customers that each element of their holiday is separate and as such is covered by separate financial protection.

The wording of the scheme also stresses that Travel Republic does not provide package holidays.

The site also claims the financial protection is '100% free of charge'.

Travel Republic was unable to comment but the launch of the scheme comes just weeks after the Civil Aviation Authority issued legal proceedings against the retailer and director Kane Pirie.

The legal proceedings are over breaches of CAA guidelines. Pirie is scheduled to appear in court in February.

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2009/01/09/29919/under-fire-travelrepublic-launches-travel-protection-scheme.html


Linkback - TravelRepublic launches travel protection scheme
]]> 1/10/2009 9:35:42 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5209 5209
Passenger planes were involved in "serious" incidents on an unsafe temporary runway surface at Bristol Airport, an accident report has said.

In one case a plane went off the runway and ended on a grass verge after braking problems, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said.

The incidents happened in wet weather between November 2006 and January 2007.

The AAIB calls for improved safety in recommendations to the Civil Aviation Authority and European safety experts.

Surface treated

Following the incidents, a number of airlines cancelled or diverted flights away from Bristol, affecting travel plans for 25,000 passengers.

The airport was eventually closed so that the runway surface could be treated and there were no further incidents after it reopened.

The AAIB said before the closure there had been several separate areas of the runway which had a temporary ungrooved base course asphalt surface while resurfacing work went on.

It said Bristol's risk assessment plan "had not adequately addressed the hazards presented to aircraft operating on the temporary surfaces in wet and windy weather".

The AAIB said there were three incidents on 29 December 2006 and a fourth on 3 January 2007.

In one case an ATR 72 aircraft operated by Channel Island carrier Aurigny left the runway on landing and came to rest on a grass verge.

In another serious incident, a British Airways CitiExpress Embraer 145 aircraft partially left, and then came back on to, the runway.

The AAIB said advice published by the Civil Aviation Authority about wet runways was not communicated by the airlines to their flight crews.

Also, information from air traffic control about braking gave flight crews "false confidence in the braking action available on the wet runway", the report said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7819334.stm


Linkback - Report finds runway 'was unsafe'
]]> 1/10/2009 9:29:10 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5208 5208
Officers yesterday searched seven addresses in Devon and Somerset, including the Holiday Presentation Centre, in Matford Court, Exeter.

When potential clients arrived at the building in Sigford Road, on Marsh Barton, expecting to attend talks about overseas holiday offers, they found a hand-written notice on the doors telling them that all yesterday's presentations were cancelled.

Some of those turned away are understood to have travelled lengthy distances to get there.

Police were sent to guard against any potential disorder, while curious workers in neighbouring offices wondered what was going on.


No one from any company operating from the Holiday Presentation Centre was on site when the Echo visited.

Inside the building, trading standards officers were bagging up and tagging holiday brochures and other documents to be taken away.

Officials were tight-lipped about the nature of the probe because their inquiries are ongoing, and refused to identify the company or companies being investigated.

Peter Greene, fair trading manager for Devon County Council, said: "Devon Trading Standards officers have today exercised entry warrants at seven addresses in Exeter, Exmouth and Somerset and seized an amount of material.

"The investigation is into alleged breaches of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations and the sale of holiday ownership schemes. Inquiries are ongoing."

A police spokesman said: "In situations where there is likely to be a breach of the peace, we would accompany Trading Standards officers due to the fact that people might get angry.

"We are trained to deal with angry people, so we attend to prevent a breach of the peace."

Mr Greene advised any consumers with a problem concerning a holiday ownership scheme to contact Consumer Direct for advice in the first instance on 08454 040506.

He added: "If it is a matter Trading Standards needs to be aware of, they will refer the matter to us for investigation."

Have you bought a timeshare at the Holiday Presentation Centre? If so, please contact the Echo on 01392 442228.

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/Holiday-company-offices-raided-trading-standards/article-599306-detail/article.html


Linkback - Holiday company offices raided by trading standard
]]> 1/10/2009 8:26:26 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5207 5207
Firstly sorry for my english...iam from Russia so english not my native lang...

I glad that i found such forum of timeshare users...cuz in Russians web i had found nothing.

My story...1 month ago i bought timeshare....its true i bought it fast....good traders know how to sell :). And now i trying to get any info about deal i have done.

But as i understand i made not bad choice.

My week is Rci points week. I payed 8500 euro.
Resort --- Holiday Club resort. Thats Finland. The week number 25, white week. But this white week give me each year 70500 points.
The MF are also not so bad --158 euro in year.
When i was making decision to buy or not....the reason to do it was the possibility to change my points of one week to several weeks on other resorts in the world. And as i understood i can change on 2 weeks even in red seasons and even Gold crown resorts.
And if i will choose not so rated resorts and not red seasons(for example Asia good not only at winter....but at winter it has max cost) i can change on three or even FOUR weeks.

And of course other reason is Instant exchange for 9000pt or less
Thats amazing....i can get about 7 weeks.


Thats all what i guess about my timeshare...
Have i made good deal...i mean 8500 euro for such timeshare?
Was i right?
Is it true?
Or maybe i "flying in the clouds" and dont know some things...and some true about timeshare..



Hope that can get help from you friends.


Alex

Linkback - Questions from newbie from Russia
]]> 1/9/2009 9:32:50 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5206 5206 The Timeshare Beat became the streetblog.
Recently this notice appeared on their site



Hasta la Vista, Gang…

Sorry, we're closed Today marks the end of an era as Andrea and I have decided that it is time for us to say good-by to the timeshare world and we are closing down this forum.

As most of you know, beginning with “The Timeshare Beat” in July of 1999 and then continuing on with ‘Street’ in 2005 we have done our best to keep this industry abreast of breaking news stories, developer PRs, columns, articles, gossip, etc.

Plus, over those years we also provided a free and open format for everyone associated with the timeshare industry to express their views, suggestions and opinions, etc. without fear or worry of repercussions from an industry known for being less than tolerant of those expressing themselves.

But to everything there is a season and now, 9 years and a handful of months later (on top of 20+ years of sales and marketing in the industry), we are calling it quits and heading off to new adventures in a world full of opportunities. We leave you with one final Video of the Week as a special farewell gift.

For all of you, and especially those of you who have been with us since day one, we wish you nothing but continued health, security and a good dash of wealth in the years to come. May you live long, and prosper!

Best wishes to all, and thanks for your support all these years! It’s been quite a ride! Bye bye!

Rod and Andrea Hackman




The Hackman's have provided a place for information, assistance, advice and gossip for almost a decade. The timeshare world is that much less without their voice.

http://www.examiner.com/x-773-Timeshare-Examiner~y2009m1d7-A-void-in-the-world-of-timeshare


Linkback - Bye bye Streetblog
]]> 1/9/2009 6:44:34 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5205 5205
So far this month, approximately 200,000 bookings a day are being seen, in defiance of the gloomy economic outlook, as Britons scoop up bargains by booking summer holidays early.

Tour operators are featuring ‘two-for-one’ and ‘free child’ offers, while a number of airlines are offering substantially-discounted airfares.

What this means for families is savings of hundreds of pounds on their annual holiday.

A spokesperson for the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) said: “Our research has shown that the last thing people give up is their holiday and there are some extraordinary deals out there at the moment. January is a big month and with all these offers it looks like being a busy month.”

Thomas Cook is offering a 10 per cent discount on holidays booked by 16 February. At First Choice, savings of as much as £200 on summer 2009 bookings are possible, as are thousands of free child places and low booking deposits. Flight supplements are also being waived.

Direct Holidays is discounting holidays to Fuerteventura by nearly £100 per person on flight and hotel packages.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/bargains-boost-anticipated-january-holiday-bookings-to-six-million-5634065.html


Linkback - Bargains boost anticipated January holiday booking
]]> 1/9/2009 6:42:03 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5204 5204
In all, 261 nominated natural wonders, in 222 countries, have been nominated, including well-known mountain peaks, lakes and other natural attractions such as Niagara Falls and the Great Barrier Reef.

Early on Wednesday organizers released the list of nominees in Geneva.

It is anticipated that as many as a billion voters will take part in the Internet poll in choosing 77 semi-finalists in the top natural wonders competition. The seven finally selected will enjoy the recognition received by the seven man-made wonders chosen in 2007.

“We are calling on people all over the world to actively show their appreciation for our … natural world by joining together to celebrate the most extraordinary sites on our planet,” said a spokeswoman for the campaign, Tia Viering.

The non-profit foundation behind the campaign, based in Switzerland, has received 441 nominations over the Internet since the selection process was opened in 2007.

The process involved choosing the top vote-getter from each country, which led to 222 sites. When natural wonders bordering two or more countries were added, the list grew to 261. Sites sharing borders include Niagara Falls and Lake Superior, which border the US and Canada and the Matterhorn, bordering Switzerland and Italy.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/loch-ness-in-natural-wonder-competition-5634066.html


Linkback - Loch Ness in natural wonder competition
]]> 1/9/2009 6:40:13 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5203 5203
Chris Llewellyn was staring out the window of Delta Airlines Flight 110, watching the landscape of Los Angeles rise up toward the plane, when he heard the screams of a male flight attendant: "Help me! Help me!"

Turning quickly, he saw that a passenger had pushed the attendant to the floor and was trying to open the rear emergency exit.

"Don't come near me," the man warned. "I have a bomb. I have a bomb."

"I thought this guy was going to open the door. I was thinking, 'I'm not going to go down with the plane,' " said Llewellyn, 26, a 6-foot guitarist, who was flying into Los Angeles from Atlanta on Wednesday morning for a TV appearance with hip-hop artist Asher Roth.

Along with half a dozen other passengers, Llewellyn ran down the aisle into the galley area and jumped on the man, pulling him away from the door.

"He was struggling hard-core," Llewellyn said. "I was holding down his arm. Somebody had a foot on his head. Everyone was holding down a different body part. He was going nuts. I was telling him to chill because he's not going any place."

The jet landed safely and no bomb was found. Still, local and federal authorities credited Llewellyn and the other good Samaritans with helping save the day.

The incident was the latest example of passengers joining to prevent someone from doing harm during a flight. Perhaps the most famous example was on 9/11 when passengers on United Flight 93 fought terrorists, forcing the jet down in Pennsylvania and foiling a plot to crash the plane into the U.S. Capitol.

There have been other cases in recent years. In 2005, passengers aboard a Southwest Airlines flight bound for Florida helped wrestle a fellow passenger to the floor after he tried to force his way into the cockpit. The next year, a passenger who claimed to have a bomb aboard a Sacramento-bound United flight was subdued by passengers. Months later, an unruly passenger on an American Airlines flight from Seattle to St. Louis had to be handcuffed and strapped to his seat with the help of several passengers.

On Wednesday, many of the other 230 people on the Boeing 757 were grateful that fellow passengers stepped in.

Mary Hughes, 48, a state correctional records official from Panama City, Fla., said she first became aware of a problem when she saw other passengers running by her seat screaming, "No! No! Don't! Stop him!"

"What concerned me was that we were getting ready to land, and I was thinking, 'Oh, my God, we are still in the air. What if he opens the door?' " she said. "It was pretty creepy there."

Hughes said passengers were relieved when the plane landed and authorities boarded to take the suspect away.

"I was glad I was on a plane where passengers fought," she said. "It was great the passengers got involved."

It's highly unlikely that the suspect could have opened the emergency exit door. Because of cabin pressure, aviation experts have said it's impossible for someone to open an emergency exit when a plane is at high altitudes. But the Delta flight was almost on the ground, and one aviation expert said it may have been possible -- though unlikely -- for someone to have gotten the door open. At a low altitude, though, opening the door would not necessarily imperil passengers, the expert said.

The Los Angeles Police Department identified the man as Lawrence Johnson, 45, of Kentucky. He was booked by airport police on suspicion of making a false bomb threat.

A law enforcement source, speaking on condition of anonymity because the case was ongoing, said there was no air marshal on board. There has been much debate in recent years about how many air marshals actually fly on commercial flights, with some former employees claiming the number is declining. But the Transportation Security Administration denied any problems. Officials refuse to provide numbers but have said "the number of air marshals TSA employs is in the thousands."

In the case of Wednesday's Delta flight, passengers were able to secure the suspect on their own. When the plane landed, a flight attendant retrieved a restraining kit and the group was able to put restraints on the suspect's arms, Llewellyn said.

He said the suspect then asked, "What am I being charged with?" and someone answered, "Assaulting a flight attendant."

"He flipped out over that," Llewellyn said.

Despite the incident, he and other members of his band were able to get to NBC's Burbank studios in time for sound check. They were scheduled to appear on NBC's "Last Call With Carson Daly."

Asher Roth is an up-and-coming rapper who has been named one of MTV's "MCs to Watch in 2009."

By Wednesday night, Llewellyn was ready to move on. "The whole thing happened in about two to three minutes," he said. "It's all kind of a blur now."

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-me-rapper-airline-bomb8-2009jan08,0,7307915.story


Linkback - Passengers pounce on man aboard L.A bound flight
]]> 1/9/2009 6:39:00 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5202 5202
Linkback - Walking away
]]> 1/9/2009 10:21:31 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5201 5201
Worth a try - you never know.

So far I have 2 Demijohns of an Elderberry Dessert wine and two Demijohns of just started Rhubarb Wine (Made with the finest Yorkshire Rhubarb).

Does anyone have any experience of homebrewing and can they pass on any tips?



Linkback - Home Brew
]]> 1/8/2009 9:47:58 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5200 5200 Thanks for any help.
Regards.

Linkback - scam - Universal Transfers Spain
]]> 1/8/2009 7:12:45 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5199 5199
Thanks

Linkback - Can you offer on a Timeshare?
]]> 1/8/2009 1:11:19 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5198 5198
The Iraqi, Raed Jarrar, was headed for a JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Oakland, Calif., in August 2006 when, according to court papers, he was told at a security checkpoint that his T-shirt, which said “We will not be silent” in Arabic and English, would have to go.

One federal employee, according to Mr. Jarrar’s account, told him that wearing a shirt with Arabic script to an airport was like going to the bank in a shirt that said “I am a robber.”

Ultimately, the JetBlue workers gave Mr. Jarrar another T-shirt to wear over the first one, and led him to a seat at the back of the plane, even though his original ticket had been issued for a seat at the front.

In an interview, Mr. Jarrar, 30, a legal resident, called the experience “very painful.” At the time, he said, he was a new immigrant to the United States and had been reading histories of discrimination and the civil rights movement, which he thought of as “things that happened in the past, and in this other place and time.”

“When it happened to me,” he said, “it was very much of a shock.”

The settlement, made public Monday, was reached last month, said Aden Fine, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, who represented Mr. Jarrar. The size of the settlement “should send a clear and strong message to all T.S.A. officials and airlines that they can’t discriminate against people for how they look or for the ethnic content of their speech,” Mr. Fine said.

Neither the Transportation Safety Administration officials or JetBlue admitted having done anything wrong, and the settlement agreement states that it “is not an admission of liability or fault or wrongdoing or responsibility.”

The agreement says that the government employees, Garfield Harris and Franco Trotta, “disavow any allegation” that they had violated Mr. Jarrar’s rights, and said that “their actions were at all times reasonable and within their discretion and authority.”

Bryan Baldwin, a spokesman for the airline, said the company was “pleased” with the settlement, although it denied Mr. Jarrar’s version of events. The company settled, Mr. Baldwin said, “to stop incurring future legal cost.”

The incident occurred at a time of heightened tension for air travel, just after the arrests of two dozen people in England who were accused of plotting to detonate liquid explosives on several airliners on flights from London to the United States and Canada.

Mr. Jarrar said he was “disappointed” that the agency and airline did not admit fault or apologize. But, he said, “the point was proven.”

If they had done nothing wrong, he asked, “why did they pay $240,000?”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/us/08arabic.html?_r=1


Linkback - T-Shirt Incident at U.S. Airport
]]> 1/8/2009 7:16:44 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5197 5197 Online Discounts

You can use online discount and coupon sites to help you prepare before your vacation. Here are some links to get you started:

Attractions

http://www.orlandocouponsfree.com/attraction_coupons.html

http://www.couponsalacarte.com/Flattractions/attractions.htm

Restaurants

http://www.couponsalacarte.com/orlando/restaurant.htm

http://www.orlandocouponsfree.com/restaurant_coupons.html

Misc.

http://www.orlandocoupons.com/

http://www.orlandosaving.com/

http://www.orlandocheapster.com/Coupons.htm

http://www.see-orlandoflorida.com/coupons.php3

Other Ways to Save

Once you get to Orlando, if you're not staying on Disney property, your hotel is likely to have a big display of pamphlets, brochures and coupons. You'll find coupons for individual attractions and a variety of discount books loaded with information and special offers on a variety of restaurtants and activities. If your hotel doesn't have a good selection, check at other hotels and restaurants.

Beware of information booths, as these are often a way to draw you into signing up for a timeshare tour. These booths may be freestanding, or they may be located inside of stores and restaurants. You'll be enticed by a rack full of information, as as you're thumbing through it, the friendly representative will chat you up and offer you a free dinner show, deeply discounted tickets, or even money. Say a polite but firm "no" unless you want to give up several hours and be subjected to a high-pressure sales pitch.

You can find plenty of free-standing coupon book racks at restaurants and in hotel lobbies where you won't have to brace the timeshare pitch.

When you pick up coupon books, check the expiration dates to make sure they are current. Although they are usually restocked frequently, you won't want to grab an old book and discover that your coupon expired last month when you present it at a business.

http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlando-Getaways-Examiner~y2009m1d4-Dont-pay-full-price-for-Orlando-food-and-attractions


Linkback - Don't pay full price for Orlando food and parks
]]> 1/8/2009 7:14:04 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5196 5196
One of the “most disturbing” of the findings in the investigation was a soiled and mouldy mattress in a room at an Ibis Hotel. Among other revelations in a range of hotels were food debris, duvets with stains that were probably blood and stray fingernails lying on the floor.

These unseemly discoveries came to light during an undercover investigation conducted by the consumer group Which? The five most popular budget hotel chains in the UK were visited – including Comfort Inn, Ibis, Jurys Inn, Premier Inn and Travelodge.

In the report it was said: “The rooms we inspected varied quite significantly when it came to standards of cleanliness, adding a whole new meaning to the concept of a dirty weekend.”

Carpets were found containing high dust levels, one mattress was torn and covered with mould and some of the bathrooms had toilets with urine streaks on the outside and faeces on the seat.

According to recent reports, budget lodgings have recently seen an increase in business as travellers seek to save on travel costs.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/soiled-and-contaminated-conditions-in-budget-accommodations-5634061.html


Linkback - Soiled and contaminated conditions in budget hotel
]]> 1/8/2009 7:12:21 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5195 5195
The TV series has inspired thousands of Britons, rekindling a love of dancing that hasn’t been seen since the wartime dancehalls of the last century. More than eight million viewers tune in to the dancing series.

HF Holidays, a firm that offers breaks in the UK, reported a sharp increase in interest in holiday breaks that include dance classes.

Holidaymaker Louise chose a dancing weekend break in Wales, saying: “Having enjoyed a few evening classes, I felt the urge to try something a bit more substantial, and decided upon a beginners’ ballroom weekend.”

She added: “Day two kicked off with a recap of the previous day’s steps before moving on to the cha-cha. Along with most of the class, I instantly loved this dance and my confidence grew. At the end of the two-hour session, though, I breathed a sigh of relief – my feet were throbbing. Others also complained of numerous aches and pains.”

Dance classes are offered also by Center Parcs holiday villages and by Saga, a specialist in holidays for those over 50. Saga has recently introduced a dance-themed holiday in Malta.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/strictly-come-dancing-sparks-interest-in-dance-themed-holidays-5634064.html


Linkback - Interest in dance themed holidays
]]> 1/8/2009 7:11:05 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5194 5194
I have two issues i need help with

1)
I have been a member of Anfi since 2004 first year purchasing 1 week in gran anfi which i paid £14k out right, then in 2005 upgraded to 2 weeks in Tauro which they tfs the old contract amount and done the rest on finance, then in 2007 upgraded again to three in Tauro which they again tfs the old contract amount and done the rest on finance, The problem is my husbands company liquidated last year and we are finding it really hard to keep up the £400 a month payment and the annual maintance of £1600.00 so whilst on holiday this year we went to see in house to see if there was anyway we could reduce what we owned they were no help at all saying its to late to do anything!!!! i then went to the finance dept to check on the total amount we owe
shocked to see we still owed £21k, even though we have been paying between £320 - £400 amonth since 2005 and have paid approx £17k upfront in deposits etc when checking through the financing details they provided i noticed that even though we paid £14k in full for our first contract they only tfs just under £12,500 to the new contract and the same happened on the other contracts, i phoned the finance dept and they advised me that every time you change the contract you pay around £900 admin fee and the maintance that they tell you is inc in the first year of the new contract is deducted from the existing contract!!!!!!
this seems MAD if i knew this i would have kept my orginal contract and just done seperate ones along side
However since discovering this i have contacted friends that we know from Anfi they also paid upfront for there first contract then upgraded the contract and paid the rest on interest free over 12mths however they had no deductions made from the orginal contract
i think we are worst of by amount £8,000 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[:(!]
Why is this please help !!!!!!

2) is it true that if you paided a deposit within the cooling off period the contract is not valid and you can recive your money back ???


hope there's someone out there that can help

Linkback - Can I Cancel
]]> 1/7/2009 8:54:06 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5193 5193
The lay-offs began during early December at the Orlando timeshare call center where the second round of recent pink slips were issued. Last November, approximately 80 timeshare employees were laid off in lieu of the credit crunch. However, Marriott claims that it will be posting as many as 31 job vacancies as soon as the Horizons project closes and moves to a new location.

According to a Marriott official, the timeshare finances were not being squeezed “tightly” by the international credit market and this slowed down consumer spending.

Marriott VP Ed Kinney says that the layoffs will be completed by January 2009. Other timeshares that are cutting back include Wyndham Vacation Club, Westgate Resorts, and Bluegreen Resorts.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090105264/Latest/Marriott-timeshares-in-cut-back-mode.html



Linkback - Marriott timeshares in cut back mode
]]> 1/7/2009 8:43:03 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5192 5192
The resort is situated in the renowned vacation spot of Phuket, Thailand. It is nested between Phuket City and Patong—home to some of the world’s best beaches.

“Stoney Monday is a high quality development that we are delighted to add to our network of resorts,” comments Joe Hickman, Executive Director of Interval International, Asia Pacific. “There is something here for everyone's interest, including access to excellent leisure facilities.”

The Stoney Monday Oasis Golf Resort has over 61 units, 44 of which are now available for the timeshare program. The units include studios and 1-2 bedroom apartments. Onsite amenities include a swimming pool, a large outdoor Jacuzzi, a health club, two tennis courts, and two restaurants.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20090107265/Latest/Interval-International-launches-timeshare-program-with-Stoney-Monday-Oasis-Golf-Resort.html



Linkback - Interval International launches timeshare program
]]> 1/7/2009 8:42:10 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5191 5191
Judge Jon Jackson has granted Waterline Lowburn Ltd consent to operate its travellers' accommodation as residential units to owners for 10 weeks of every year.

Waterline's application last year to the Central Otago District Council, for consent to change all titles into residential units, was refused because the land was originally allocated for travellers' accommodation, not a residential subdivision.

Waterline's property, which fronts State Highway 6 and Lowburn Valley Rd, had previously been set aside to rebuild the old Lowburn Ferry Hotel, which disappeared when Lake Dunstan was filled in the 1980s.

Waterline's appeal to the Environment Court has won it a compromise of sorts.

In his written decision to allow consent, Judge Jackson stated the units should be used only for the purpose of travellers' accommodation and, subject to provisions, should not be used for residential activity.

However, unit owners could occupy their accommodation facilities for a cumulative maximum of 70 days (10 weeks) of each year, and a maximum continuous period of 42 days (six weeks).

During all other times, units must be used for travellers' accommodation, on a daily tariff, with the exception of one unit which could be used continuously as a manager's flat.

The manager of the travellers' accommodation will be required to maintain a written record of dates of occupancy both by unit owners and travellers.

Waterline's initial application, which was granted consent in October 2007, proposed a travellers' accommodation complex, as well as a manager's office and flat.

Units were to be built beside a consented restaurant and bar to form a commercial unit.

Judge Jackson's decision also requires Waterline to upgrade the intersection of State Highway 6 and Lowburn Valley Rd, incorporating a right turning bay, flag light, and extended slip lanes, in accordance with the New Zealand Transport Agency, by December 2010.

He also ordered Waterline to develop a footpath from its property to the state highway, and to pay all the council's administration costs relating administration, inspection, and supervision of consent conditions.

Waterline was also ordered to pay a total of $255,440 in development contributions for water supply, wastewater, and roading and community facilities.

There was no order for costs.

http://www.odt.co.nz/the-regions/central-otago/38589/court-gives-consent-timeshare


Linkback - Court gives consent to timeshare
]]> 1/7/2009 8:40:53 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5190 5190
Linkback - Timeshare Sales
]]> 1/7/2009 7:52:52 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5189 5189 For sale week 32 august 2 bedroom top floor with own roof top terrace. ideal for sunbathing. 2 bedroom sleeps 6 school holiday week.Gold Crown indoor pool as well as 2 outdoor pools. Lovely resort selling due to personal reasons.
Any reasonable offer considered. Please do not offer silly money.
This is a geniune sale so please offer a genuine price.

Linkback - HERITAGE RESORT MATCHROOM COUNTRY CLUB
]]> 1/6/2009 10:57:56 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5188 5188
However, no-one will discuss resale with me and they now won't respond to letters or emails. Has anyone tried to sell their property back?? Im really looking for some help here, its getting very stressful as i can't afford the finance payments any longer.

Linkback - I need your help!!!
]]> 1/6/2009 7:41:17 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5187 5187 Just been reading some pretty horrendous reviews on the internet.

Linkback - Gardenia Plaza Resort, sharm el sheikh
]]> 1/6/2009 8:39:00 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5186 5186


Linkback - Bush
]]> 1/5/2009 8:30:24 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5185 5185
We have been advised that such bookings must be made over the phone through the reservations dept.



Linkback - 13 months advance bookings
]]> 1/5/2009 8:20:35 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5184 5184 Are Fantastic places connected to Bic leisure from the Golf del sur?
I hope not[V]


Linkback - fantastic places
]]> 1/5/2009 2:21:40 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5183 5183
The above timeshare sales scam company say they have closed their Malaga office, to save costs, and moved to their Gibralter Office. No address given!
However their web site (www.worldnetworkingsales.com/) contact information remains unaltered.
Also their phone number is still prefixed by 0034 for Spain and email address changed to customerservicegb@yahoo.co.uk. Strange that company name not used any more and using Yahoo.

Does any one know what has actually happened to them. Possibly the have had to go underground to hide their sams and from the police.

Your assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks

Charlescharlesandjosie

Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Oct 21, 2008 5:51 pm
Private message Top

Linkback - World Networking Sales
]]> 1/5/2009 9:57:57 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5182 5182
The Abu Dhabi-based airline picked up the award at a glittering ceremony attended by 900 travel industry professionals on Friday 7 November at Battersea Evolution in London.

James Hogan, chief executive of Etihad Airways, said: “It is a tremendous honor for Etihad Airways to win the prestigious title of ‘airline of the year’ at the British Travel Awards, particularly as 2008 sees us celebrate our fifth birthday.

“It is particularly pleasing to receive this accolade from industry professionals, who recognize the many achievements we have made in the last five years and the significant growth which has made Etihad the fastest growing airline in commercial aviation history.”

The British Travel Award is the latest in a series of top accolades that the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has won this year, including the Middle East’s ‘Leading Airline’, ‘Leading First Class’ and ‘Leading Travel Website’ at the 2008 World Travel Awards; ‘Best Cabin Staff’ and ‘Best Economy Class’ at the Business Traveler Middle East awards and ‘Best Website’ at the 2008 Pan Arab Web awards.

Etihad was also named by Skytrax as one of the top ten airlines in the world’s largest independent survey of air travelers, a huge achievement for an airline which has been flying for just five years.

http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=186349


Linkback - Etihad voted airline of year at British Travel Awa
]]> 1/5/2009 7:42:43 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5181 5181
The high-speed passenger rail service from the UK to the Continent said its starting price of £59 return will be available up to four months in advance of travel. There are no surcharges or taxes. It is valid to Paris, Disneyland Resort Paris, Brussels and any station in Belgium.

Eurostar commercial director Nick Mercer said: "We know travellers want good value, so we're offering them the chance to plan an affordable spring break or summer holiday."

Eurostar offers tickets from 150 towns and cities in the UK in conjunction with domestic train operators and children under the age of four travel for free.

Eurostar's lead-in return fare has reduced from £95 in 1994 when services began and dropped to £59 in 2003, which is less than half the price in real terms compared with 14 years ago.

http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2009/01/02/29855/eurostar-lead-in-fares-frozen-for-sixth-year.html


Linkback - Eurostar lead-in fares frozen for sixth year
]]> 1/5/2009 7:41:01 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5180 5180
Everywhere you click, timeshare resale is not just the next trend in timeshare; it is a growing trend in travel! Business, holidays, traveling the world, and good old family vacationing is just the prologue. The idea of reselling timeshares is pretty new, with a thriving market that spans around the globe. It is not something your resort developer will tell you about. As the internet expands however, the demand for cheaper and cheaper timeshares is growing exponentially.

Nowadays developers cannot get away with their over-bloated prices, because now Joe Consumer can find a comparable package on Craigslist or Google for thousands of dollars less. Timeshare companies like BuyATimeshare.com are making things easier with numerous innovations for the timeshare buying experience. Offering assistance through Live Chat, they are conveniently found at the top of all major search engines. The newfangled internet allows you to skip the high-pressure sales presentations, shop from home, and tailor your ideal vacation property.

Find all the brands for about 70% off what the developer will market them for—and you choose when and where to go! Some websites will confront you with a registration form, but a few will let you roam their inventory of vacation properties. Chat with a specialist and have all of your timeshare questions answered from home. With buyers shopping the World Wide Web, find all of the benefits, without the salesmen trying to pressure a signature or sale out of you.

Timeshares are not a horrible experience. There has been a lot of bad publicity over the years of unscrupulous sales practices. Oftentimes the vacation works out fine. And while the concept continues to save people a lot of money, they provide a superior vacation experience as well. Unfortunately, run-ins with these unethical companies that get remembered about timeshares, and are typically what people were writing about.

Satisfied owners, however, are on a beach somewhere too busy to defend this valuable concept. It is nice to see the timeshare resale market giving credibility back to the timeshare experience. For-sale-by-owner timeshare resale is fast becoming the latest trend in timesharing. More and more travel enthusiasts are citing the resale market as the only way to buy. Timeshare resale websites are making it easier for consumers to shop, buy, and learn about timeshares. There is no reason to endure another high-pressure sales presentation again.

http://www.timesharesdaily.com/index.php/20081209259/Latest/Buying-Timeshares-Made-Quick-Cheap-and-Easy.html


Linkback - Buying Timeshares Made Quick, Cheap and Easy
]]> 1/5/2009 7:40:05 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5179 5179 But the economic crisis intrudes in nany ways, both obvious and not.

Recent reports have stalwarts such has Marriott, Starwood and Wyndham feeling the effects of the bad economy and, especially, the tight credit market.

The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Club, with locations ranging from San Francisco to the Virgin Islands, was recently reported to have pulled the plug on a new mixed-use property in Miami. The Ritz is a Marriott brand.

Wyndham is very much invested in the timeshare industry. They own the companies formerly known as Fairfield and TrendWest, as well as exchange giant, RCI. Recently, they announced layoffs affecting approximately 25% of their 4,000 employees.

As has been reported before, this in not so much as a result of flagging sales, though the numbers are expected to be “flat to down”, according to industry insiders.

Many of the companies laying off are responding to the paralysis that has impacted the credit market driving the funds for new developments. No new developments ultimately lead to less inventory to market and sell.

The impact on timeshare owners? Should be relatively minimal. If you already own, it is unlikely to impact your individual resort. There have not been any significant reports of distressed existing properties.

And travelers will look at their personal budgets when deciding when and where to go.
The last major event to impact the travel industry would be the post-9-11 reaction, which severely damaged the hotel industry.

Timeshare took a momentary pause, then owners adjusted their travel habits, exchanging for resorts closer to home, where they could drive rather than fly.

Usage and occupancy rates did not vary much from the traditional 90% or so.

As a matter of fact, for existing owners, owning timeshare often proves to be a boon in tough economic times; it's easier to take a family vacation when your immediate out of pocket expenses are minimal.

http://www.examiner.com/x-773-Timeshare-Examiner~y2009m1d3-The-real-world-intrudes-on-timeshare


Linkback - The real world intrudes on timeshare
]]> 1/5/2009 7:38:51 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5178 5178
Obviously there are some existing exit routes:

• Death of either member with no possibility of transferring to family members – copy of death certificate will be required.

• Bankruptcy or CAB/solicitor's involvement to resolve serious debt issues – specific documentary evidence detailing income, outgoings, assets and liabilities will be required.

• Over 75 years old with no possibility of transferring to family members – copy of birth certificate will be required.

• Medical problems/terminal illness necessitating reduced travel and/or decrease in financial resources to maintain membership – medical evidence will be required.

So

Let's have a proper debate over what we as members would see as being acceptable (to both us and the company) additional exit strategies?

So far it is my understanding that the removal of the resale only to existing members clause would be acceptable to the membership - and could result in more revenue for the company.

Another route might be to provide significantly more resorts within the UK of a high standard to give the aging membership more choice without having to relinquish membership.

Perhaps a higher value being apportioned to the points used to offset MF's

Any other ideas?



Linkback - Exit Strategies?
]]> 1/4/2009 10:04:48 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5177 5177


More of the picture to be revealed daily. The more that is revealed the less the reward.

Answer to be revealed 11th Jan unless correctly guessed beforehand.

Today it is worth 7 points!




Linkback - Guess who it is - 04 Jan
]]> 1/4/2009 9:03:40 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5176 5176
email peter.k.mallinson(at)btinternet.com

Linkback - 4,000 points FOC
]]> 1/2/2009 6:40:03 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5175 5175 "Children's clothing company Adams is the latest retail casualty as it emerged yesterday the company has applied to go into administration."

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/adams-on-brink-of-collapse-14121952.html

What is happening to this country ? Who's next ?







Linkback - First Woolies, now Adams ...
]]> 1/2/2009 3:48:00 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5174 5174
Linkback - Maintenance fees
]]> 1/2/2009 1:20:01 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5173 5173
The EU Council of Ministers yesterday adopted the new Timeshare Directive, following a review of the existing version. The UK Government had strongly lobbied to extend its provisions to cover holiday clubs, and to provide better protection for timeshare owners, particularly those who fall prey to bogus timeshare resale agents.

Gareth Thomas said: "This is good news for British holidaymakers because it will ensure equal protection across Europe against bogus and rogue sellers of holiday clubs who in recent years have given the whole industry a bad name.

"The new Directive addresses the UK's concerns with the long-term holiday product sector and sets rules within which genuine, honest traders can operate without facing unfair competition from the rogues."

The Office of Fair Trading estimated that in 2006 detriment for UK based consumers alone, deceived into buying long-term holiday club membership, amounted to over £1 billion.

The new Directive will:

* Regulate holiday club sales for the first time by preventing large payments up front for long contracts and allowing consumers who are dissatisfied with the service they receive the option of ending the contract each year when annual payments become due.

* Provide a cooling off period for buyers and require the provision of fuller and clearer information in respect of all of the products covered

* Ban up-front payments before the end of the cooling off period.

* Ban accepting payment for timeshare resale services before a sale has taken place.

BERR will be consulting in 2009 on regulations to implement the Directive

Notes to Editors

The EU review of Directive 94/47/EC followed lobbying by the UK government to extend its provisions to cover long-term holiday products ( holiday clubs ), and to provide better protection for timeshare owners, particularly those who fall prey to bogus timeshare resale agents.

The agreed text builds on and extends the current Directive by covering a wider range of timeshare agreements, timeshare-related services and other long-term holiday product contracts.

Member States have two years following publication in the Official Journal to implement in national law. Publication is expected in January 2009 following adoption by the Council of Ministers yesterday.

http://media-newswire.com/release_1082712.html


Linkback - EU agrees to crack down on bogus holiday club deal
]]> 1/2/2009 7:08:53 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5172 5172
Little Sasha was born Wednesday at 1400 GMT to the applause of other amazed Northwest Airlines passengers, as flight 59 flew over Halifax, Canada.

The mother, whose name was withheld by the airline, was assisted in giving birth by two doctors who were returning from vacation, The Boston Globe said.

"She (Sasha) looked perfect. She opened her eyes and she was very happy," Dr. Natarajan Raman told the daily. "Even though we didn't have a labor room delivery set up, everything went perfect."

At 2.7 kilograms (6.7 pounds), Sasha was born five minutes after her mother went into labor and about 90 minutes before the Boeing 757 landed in Boston, where child and mother were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital as a precaution.

US officials said that since Sasha was born over Canadian airspace, she should be a Canadian citizen.

Calls at Canada's immigration ministry were not returned.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hTGMTzzGNAJu0BL2r503s_O_Ob5A


Linkback - Baby girl born over Canadian air space
]]> 1/2/2009 7:05:23 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5171 5171
According to police, this Christmas has seen more cocaine available than usual. Even at après-ski bars, the consumption of cocaine and Ecstacy has risen sharply, with drug offences up by 60 per cent in some of the resorts that attract UK tourists.

Police are claiming that some bartenders and ski instructors at the resorts sell drugs during the peak season.

“It has become normal to get not only drinks but also cocaine right there at the bars of the establishments,” said Salzburg criminal police spokesman, Major Christian Voggenberger. He indicated that the resorts most impacted by the trend are Obertauern and others in the Salzburg area.

Obertauern, one of the top ski resorts on the continents, has a reputation for glitz and glamour going back to the time of the Beatles – when they used the resort as a setting for their film Help! in 1965.

Although it is billed as a family resort, its well-known slogan “It’s Snowtime”, could take on a new meaning as cocaine replaces alcohol in après-ski popularity.

Other regions are also experiencing similar trends.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/drugs-replacing-hot-spiced-wine-at-austrian-ski-resorts-5634042.html


Linkback - Drugs replacing hot spiced wine at ski resorts
]]> 1/2/2009 7:03:03 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5170 5170
The city in England’s West Country was chosen over other cities that may have seemed more likely choices, including Bath, Edinburgh and Oxford, for example, to make its way on the DK Eyewitness Travel Guides ‘Top 10 Cities for 2009#8242;.

Others on the list include South Africa’s Cape Town and Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. Some lesser-known cities were also featured on the list, such as Gdansk, Poland and Vilnius, Lithuania.

While Bristol, with a population of 416,000, lacks a trademark attraction such as Edinburgh Castle or the Royal Crescent in Bath, but Anna Paynton of DK Eyewitness Travel Guides commented that the city had been selected due to its variety in character.

Paynton said: “Bristol is often overlooked in favour of its more picturesque neighbour Bath, which tends to get a lot more attention. The book says that if you haven’t been to Bristol, though, you really should. The different pockets of the city have their individual charms and that’s why we included it in DK’s 2009 list. It’s a great city and one which has undergone quite a few changes over the last few years.”

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/top-ten-places-to-visit-in-2009-includes-bristol-5634045.html


Linkback - Top ten places to visit in 2009 includes Bristol
]]> 1/2/2009 7:01:35 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5169 5169 Are they a reputable timeshare resales company?

Linkback - Visions Of The World
]]> 1/1/2009 9:08:02 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5168 5168
My wishes for 2009?

1. That Diamond Resorts International will realise and acknowledge that most of the European members live in the United Kingdom. As a result, at a time when we are all suffering from the Global Recession, we in the UK are hit with an astonishing double-whammy in the form of the incredible depreciation of the Pound Sterling against the Euro. And yet, we are funding the maintenance and upgrading of the European Resorts that almost all fall within the Eurozone. DRI must realise that they are now trying to get "blood out of a stone". If it means putting certain upgrades on hold till the economy recovers - so be it!

2. That members realise that DRI is committed to certain expenditure which is dominated by the Euro. They cannot control everything that is going on and, in common with other Timeshare Operators, they have to increase our maintenance fees by much, much more than the rate of inflation even if they postpone certain upgrades. A little more patience on the part of the membership would not go amiss.

3. And this is vitally important for the proper running of the DRI section of TimeshareTalk Forum - a speedy return to this Forum for Mavo. He has far too much experience and knowledge to offer for him to remain lost to us all. So, come on Tom, bite the bullet and come back. The continued moderation of a moderator is not good news for this site - I, for one, am staying on the sidelines and will remain so until Tom returns with a clean bill of health to say what needs to be said without interference from well-intentioned but wrongly briefed senior people on this site.

Happy New Year (yes, even to Paul)

Tony

Linkback - HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009
]]> 1/1/2009 12:32:49 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5167 5167
Between my borther and I we have owned a timeshare (weeks 9 & 10) in Tenerife for around 13 years but have decided this year to surrender the timeshare - regretfully due to the current economic climate.

On 24th Dec I called CLC to inform them of this but was received with aresponse that said I need to provide 28 days notice of surrender. Given my invoice for 2009 management fees had arrived on 22Dec I was also informed that I must pay the 2009 management fee.

I checked through the T&C's and could not find any reference to the 28days and as such wrote to CLC on the 24th to explain this and to try to understand why I am expected to pay 2009 fees given there is no reference to this in the T&C's

Today I chased CLC again and actually received a response this afternoon which basically says that because the invoice has been issued I have to pay the 2009 fee.

As you can imagine, I wasn't happy with the response so wanted to try to contact someone in authority as opposed to liaising with the Call Centre Supervisor who then takes my issues/complaints to the "management team" who then ask her to respond.

I searched the net for Roy Peires emails address/phone number but to no avail so wondered if anyone has had similar issues and can offer advice or has details of how I can contact someone in authority in CLC and ask them to understand and use their T&C's

Any help much appreciated

Andy

Linkback - Timeshare Surrender
]]> 12/31/2008 4:55:17 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5166 5166 Category: For Sale: Offered
Posted on 29/12/2008 at 17:13:47

Looking to sell my weeks and also 12,000 RCI Pure Points.

Diamond las Calas 2, Lanzarote, Week 15 (usually takes in Easter), 1 bed sleeps 4, Apt no 327. 45,000 RCI POINTS when ceded. £1300 ono

Los Claveles, Tenerife, Week 17 (usually takes in Easter), Studio Apt sleeps 2, Apt no 105. 32,000 RCI POINTS when ceded. £1000 ono

12,000 RCI PURE POINTS £1000 ono


Linkback - Diamond las Calas wk15 & Los Claveles wk17
]]> 12/31/2008 3:53:47 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5165 5165 Think I will be letting this one go, Diamond Resorts quoting about £324 for 1 bedroom Sunset Bay.
Anyone else in a state of shock????[V]

Linkback - CLC Fees
]]> 12/31/2008 5:33:56 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5164 5164


It's a roll-over, and it's incresing in value, so 35 points for a correct answer




Linkback - Guess what it is - last one of 2008
]]> 12/30/2008 7:43:48 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5163 5163 Thanks.

Linkback - Ultimate Management
]]> 12/29/2008 9:05:11 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5162 5162
But though Michael Forbes, a fisherman and quarry worker, said "no" to the wealthy industrialist Donald Trump, he may have to get used to the sight of him across the sand dunes they both covet just north of Aberdeen.

Though Trump once described Forbes's home as a disgrace, he has apparently decided to move in next door, upping the ante in a neighbour's dispute that has gained notoriety across the world.

After two years of defiant jousting with the New York-based property tycoon, Forbes has learnt that Trump intends to convert Menie House, the 14th century listed manor which sits next to the proposed resort, into his family's "official Scottish residence".

On top of that, Trump's advisers have signed a legally-binding outline planning agreement for the £1bn golfing and holiday resort that could envelop Forbes's 23-acre plot.

It could take until 2010 before building work begins, but the work of finally designing the 500-home housing estate, 36 luxury villas, 450-bed hotel and high-rise timeshare flats has started in earnest.

Forbes, however, remains as pugnacious as ever.

In his first interview since Trump formally agreed to the Scottish government's terms, Forbes insisted he intends to stay.

"I won't be moving. He's made a fool of the government, he's made a fool of the council, but he won't make a fool out of me. They know to keep away from me now."

The ill-will between the two men began when Trump's team first tried to buy Forbes out. His home, his mother's mobile home and his sprawling collection of decrepit outbuildings and rusting tractors is in the middle of Trump's resort.

After Forbes refused Trump's offers, which rose to £450,000 for the land and a promise of work for Forbes, the tycoon's temper boiled over in October 2007, when he described Forbes's land as a "disgrace" and "disgusting". That immediately entrenched Forbes's resistance, and made him an instant celebrity.

Forbes is now getting fan mail from across the world, including cheques which he doesn't cash. One Canadian woman writes to him every week. "They keep telling me to keep up the good fight. They just can't stand Trump: everything he touches turns to rubbish. I have never ever had a bad letter; it's really good, like."

Forbes believes the global recession will hit Trump's plans far more severely than the developer will admit. "I don't think it will ever start because I don't think he has the money - no-one else has money - so why has he got some? If Trump is a billionaire, so am I."

But if construction does start, Forbes is apparently planning a campaign of resistance. Rumours are circulating among his neighbours that Trump will surround Forbes's land with a high fence. Forbes has cryptically hinted that he plans to respond.

"I will keep all that quiet just now," he said. "Oh aye. I always have something up my sleeve."

Forbes is now embroiled in another dispute with a neighbouring family, the Hewisons.

Their immaculate villa and outhouses are surrounded on two sides by Forbes's land. "They [are] itching to sell, but they can't sell because I own everything around them, but Trump won't be interested in them unless I sell," he said.

However Mark Hewison, who runs a local driving school, believes Trump will eventually get his own way.

"I'm sure at the end of the day, Mr Trump will get everything he wants and requires, and he will just develop around it," Hewison said. "He will keep gathering up all the pieces of the jigsaw."

"If we don't sell it to the Trump Organisation, the property will still be worth a fortune in the middle of that development. Wouldn't another American want to have the same postcode as Donald Trump's Scottish residence?"

Trump's project director at the Menie estate, Neil Hobday, said they had no plans to reopen negotiations with either Forbes or Hewison for their land - they would build around it.

But he confirmed the recession was influencing their planning.

The resort's timeshare blocks and housing estate, which will be sold off to finance the entire development, have to be built in phases under the planning agreement. But it could take more a year to complete all the designs and get formal planning consent - and that would allow Trump to buy more time.

It will be "at least 12 months before the first shovel hits the ground," Hobday said.

"The market has changed quite dramatically, I think we all know that; catastrophically in some places and some countries," he added. "We're not looking at a very attractive market just now. We would be hopeful that when we start building these things, the market will have returned."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/29/donald-trump-scotland-golf-course


Linkback - Trump moves in next to 'local hero'
]]> 12/29/2008 5:20:53 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5161 5161
They are also telling customers that this may be the only time to find a holiday bargain for the coming year. Most travel operators have cut capacity for 2009, due to the economic downturn, which likely means that there will be few if any last-minute bargains to be had.

Thomas Cook has announced that anyone booking a holiday by February will be offered a 10 per cent discount, in addition to as much as £400 in early booking savings. First Choice is featuring £200 savings on holiday bookings for summer 2009.

Airlines are joining in the attempt to lure customers who are concerned about money during these difficult economic times. British Airways and Virgin have announced price reductions on a number of long-haul services, and foreign airlines operating out of the UK, such as Emirates and Lufthansa, have followed suit.

The steep discounts offered by tour companies are coming as the pound continues to weaken against the euro and US dollar, and holidaymakers are put off by the thought of taking long overseas breaks in the coming year.

Early bookings for Spain have decreased by 22 per cent over last year, reports Co-operative Travel, the largest independent travel agent in Britain. But bookings to Turkey are up by 8 per cent and to Egypt by 49 per cent, as travellers seek destinations that offer better value for their pound.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/travel-operators-launch-early-booking-price-war-5634030.html


Linkback - Travel operators launch early booking price war
]]> 12/29/2008 5:18:13 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5160 5160
The pilots stopped responding to air traffic control communications about halfway through Flight 1002 from Honolulu to Hilo on Feb. 13, 2007, a recently released 11-page report by the National Transportation Safety Board said.

Air traffic controllers had other planes, including another go! jet and a Continental Airlines plane, attempt to contact the flight, but they were unsuccessful.

The report says there was an 18-minute gap from about 9:40 until 9:58 a.m. when no one was able to communicate with Flight 1002 by radio.

Instead of landing at Hilo as scheduled, Flight 1002 passed over Hilo International Airport at 21,000 feet and continued straight for nearly 30 miles past the airport over the open ocean.

Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group, which owns go! airlines, fired both pilots after the incident.

The flight took off from Honolulu at 9:16 a.m. carrying 40 passengers, a flight attendant and the pilot and co-pilot.

When he woke up, the first officer realized the plane was off course, and checked to make sure there was enough fuel before waking up the captain.

When asked by flight controllers whether they had experienced an emergency, the captain replied, "No, we must have missed a hand-off or missed a call or something."

After the plane landed in Hilo at 10:15 a.m. the captain initially told controllers that they had selected the wrong radio frequency. The controllers told the pilot they would be reporting the incident to Mesa Airlines, the parent company of go! Airlines.

The pilots discussed the incident and decided they could fly the plane back to Honolulu. But when they landed in Honolulu, they removed themselves from duty.

The report notes the pilots were under some stress.

One factor was that the flight attendant assigned to work their first flight that day was late. This meant the flight crew had to rush their first three flights to get back on schedule.

The pilot told investigators he may have let his guard down after he caught up with the schedule.

"Working as hard as we had, we tend to relax," he said. "We had gotten back on schedule, it was comfortable in cockpit, the pressure was behind us. The warm Hawaiian sun was blaring in as we went eastbound. I just kind of closed my eyes for a minute, enjoying the sunshine, and dozed off," he told investigators.

The 53-year-old pilot of the plane, who is not named in the report, also told investigators he had never inadvertently fallen asleep before, but admitted to regular napping while in flight.

After the incident, the captain was diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that his physician said could cause "significant fatigue."

Sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing repeatedly, preventing a restful night of sleep.

The 23-year-old first officer, who is also not named, said he had never fallen asleep before on a flight. But on Feb. 13 he entered what he described as a sleeplike state where he could "hear what was going on but could not comprehend or make it click."

The flight attendant on the plane said she wore a watch but did not recall whether she looked at it during the flight. She said she did not notice anything unusual and did not feel there was anything unsafe.

The captain said he went to bed between 8 and 9 p.m. on Feb. 12 after working from 5:40 a.m. to 2:47 p.m. He woke up at 4 a.m. on Feb. 13 and did not have breakfast, but snacked on cookies with his first officer later in the morning.

The first officer worked with the captain on Feb. 12 went to bed at 9:30 p.m. He woke up at about 5 a.m. and had a pastry for breakfast.

The report didn't identify the pilots by name.

The Federal Aviation Administration identified them as Captain Scott Oltman and First Officer Dillon Shepley when it suspended their licenses in September.

The FAA suspended Oltman's license for 60 days and Shepley's for 45 days.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2008-12-28-go-sleeping-pilots_N.htm


Linkback - Go! airline pilots admit sleeping during flight
]]> 12/29/2008 5:16:54 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5159 5159
This lot have sparked fury by yanking up maintenance fees by 40 per cent in a year.

In some cases that amounts to an annual bill approaching £1,000. You could buy a decent holiday for that, without being tied to the same company and resorts.

Some readers who have contacted us are so dismayed by the price hike that they're considering dumping their timeshares.

There's not much point trying to sell them, because who's going want to buy a huge millstone like an annual bill of a grand?

We first asked Diamond Resorts chairman Stephen Cloobeck what was going on in September and he hasn't got back.

But we've finally heard from president Simon Crawford-Welch, who told us: "The increase in maintenance fees is a necessary move in today's environment to ensure we offer our members the quality of accommodation and vacation experience which they deserve.

"These increases were approved by the various homeowner committees and boards and were implemented with the full support and consent of those entities."

Not sure that the fee increase really has such wide - spread support, as just one comment on our Diamond Resorts blog from Robert and Lorraine Cooper suggests.

"We too have contacted Diamond to say we cannot afford to pay the 2009 fee," they say.

"We did however have a response saying that basically unless we are declared bankrupt, are over 75 with health problems affecting our income, or dead (for which they need a death certificate!) then we have got to pay.

"Surely if enough of us refuse they will have to listen to our complaints."

Meanwhile we've had no answer from Diamond to our latest question: How much is it planning in increase maintenance fees next year?

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/investigations/2008/12/answers-some-anyway-from-diamo.html


Linkback - Answers (some anyway) from DRI - Fee Increase
]]> 12/29/2008 5:14:26 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5158 5158
Linkback - management fees
]]> 12/29/2008 12:23:21 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5157 5157
“This group has been one of the leading vacation ownership developers in the world for many years as a result of its reputation for delivering high-quality products and services,” said David C. Gilbert, executive vice president of resort sales and marketing for Interval International. “We’re thrilled they have chosen Interval as they expand their impressive portfolio with Grande Luxxe Residence Club Nuevo Vallarta, which promises to be their finest product offering to date.”

“We have selected Interval as our exchange partner for our first luxury resort, and in doing so, are pleased to join some of the best-known hospitality brands and independent developers in the vacation ownership industry,” noted Felipe Ramirez, chief executive officer of the Vedanta Capital Group. “Our members now will have the opportunity to vacation in a broad array of high quality resorts around the world.”

The Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta will be set amidst beautiful landscaping and overlooks Banderas Bay, a 30-mile wide stretch of water surrounded by tropical jungles and lush rain forests. Each villa will be appointed with elegant furnishings crafted from specially selected woods, granite countertops, as well as upscale appliances and electronics.

The Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta will provide an ideal setting for visitors to enjoy sun, sand, and surf, in a tranquil atmosphere away from crowds and congestion. Located only 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta airport, guests can enjoy numerous onsite amenities such as restaurants, a spa, a gym, a swimming pool, and multiple water sports. Nearby Puerto Vallarta retains the unique charm of a seaside Mexican village, although it has developed into a cosmopolitan, international tourist destination, with stylish shops, a bustling municipal market, varied gourmet restaurants, and nightclubs.

http://www.thetimeshareblog.com/interval-international-adds-grand-luxxe-residence-club-nuevo-vallarta-to-its-global-vacation-exchange-network/


Linkback - II Adds Grand Luxxe Residence Club Nuevo Vallarta
]]> 12/26/2008 11:57:55 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5156 5156
The accident left many passengers with irritated eyes and vomiting, but none of them wanted to get off the plane after waiting days to catch a flight to their holiday destination.

At about 8:30 a.m., the fumes filled the cabin of Flight 528 bound for Burbank, Calif. The 143 passengers and six crew members started smelling strong fumes as the de-icer was being applied to the plane.

"All of a sudden, all of this billowing smoke was coming out of the vents and then we were kind of locked in there for like a half-an-hour after that. And when they finally let us out of the gate, a lot of us were nauseous,” said passenger Bob Vitti.

Airport officials say the de-icer is a standard product that's used frequently, but that it’s meant only for the outside of an airplane.

"So if somehow fumes may have come in through maybe a air system, filtration system, or another way, those fumes could've been something that was a slightly toxic or irritating to folks' eyes and throats,” said Sea-Tac Airport spokesman Perry Cooper.

The plane returned to the gate, where airport medics briefly evaluated 18 passengers, giving some eye washes. All the passengers had numbers written on their hands as they were being checked by paramedics.

Following Alaska Airlines policy, the six crew members and one non-working Alaska flight attendant were taken to nearby Highline Medical Center where they were checked out and released about an hour later.

“I think the pilot got the worst of it,” said passenger Arianna Morgan.

Many passengers, like Morgan, had been waiting for days for a flight out of Sea-Tac, delayed by unusually bad winter weather.

“They said that if they thought that I was getting sick, they wouldn’t let me on the plane. So, I went to the bathroom and I got sick in the bathroom so they wouldn’t see that,” said Morgan. “I didn’t want to go to the hospital because I knew I wouldn’t get home for Christmas.”

Despite the scare, every passenger decided to re-board a replacement flight and landed safely in California.

The FAA and Alaska Airlines are investigating what caused the fumes to get into the plane.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28380709/


Linkback - De-icer fumes sicken airline passengers
]]> 12/26/2008 11:54:57 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5155 5155
The Boca Raton-based company (NYSE: BXG) filed a prospectus on Dec. 16, saying it would issue an amount of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and subscription rights to purchase additional common stock or other securities in the company. The amount hasn’t been determined yet.

The transfer agent is BNY Mellon.

Bluegreen said it would use the proceeds from the sale for “general corporate purposes” or to acquire or invest in other companies or assets.

The company has been shedding hundreds of employees as it reduces its focus on making new sales, which were hampered by the difficulty of obtaining buyer financing.

Bluegreen shares were up 2 cents to $2.56 in morning trading. The 52-week high was $12.54 on July 22. The 52-week low was $1.50 on Dec. 5.

http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2008/12/22/daily27.html


Linkback - Bluegreen seeks to raise $100M
]]> 12/26/2008 11:53:09 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5154 5154
British Airways, for example, has announced a return fare to New York for as low as £259 and has also reduced the fare on flights to 75 other destinations.

Virgin Atlantic has said that its sale prices will be £1 lower than BA on many of its long-haul destinations, including Los Angeles and Chicago in the US.

Seat sales are an annual event at the end of the Christmas holiday season, but this year analysts believe that they are part of the ongoing battle among airlines to fill their planes during worsening economic conditions.

The real extent of the discounts is masked, however, by airport fees and taxes and airline fuel surcharges. Without these extra charges, the airfare for transatlantic travel is actually around £100 return, which is a level that has not been seen since the 1980s.

Return fares to India have also been deeply discounted following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in November. BA has cut fares to Calcutta by £71, down to £359, to Delhi by £121, to £359, to Mumbai by £91, to £329.

Foreign airlines operating out of the UK have followed suit, offering discounted fares as well.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/carriers-in-britain-launch-airfare-price-war-5634018.html


Linkback - Carriers in Britain launch airfare price war
]]> 12/26/2008 11:51:42 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5153 5153 I am looking to sell my 12000 DRI points as:-
a) the maintenance fee just keeps going up and up and
b) as a teacher, term time availability means planning a year in advance.... and I just can't do that right now.

SO I have a few questions:-
1. has anyone out there actually managed to sell points?
2. what is a realistic resale value
3. would you recommend any sites/people ( you mention an escrow agent?? ... what's that?) to help sell them

Many thanks
ann


Linkback - Has anyone managed to sell their DRI points?
]]> 12/26/2008 1:43:26 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5152 5152
My question is that typical to the timeshare industry, we have huge peaks during our season band (19 weeks in a year)and our refusals during this period hit the roof. We open bookings 6 months in advance.

I need to know from other developers/marketing companies who have a similar centralised system as to what are the best practices in managing refusals.


look forward to hearing from you


Ajay

Linkback - refusal handling
]]> 12/26/2008 8:32:15 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5151 5151
I love my home resort and should be there for xmas and new year. But my partner was made redundant twice this year. Once unemployed for five months of it. I work for an ailing bank or banks, consortium of partners, multiple government bail out bank - I think I must be a civil servant to at least 3 governments now!!! Earlier in the year I was flying with great expectations with a renewed vigour in personal development passing higher level courses and increasing my standing in the workplace. There's a long story of a brain injury and recovery and now I am basically SUPERMAN. True to say that once I was blind and now I can see (neurological issue)I had no confidence for some time but now am forging ahead having changed tack and looked at retraining. Qualified to teach and specialising in occupational health and safety with a strong interest in fire. I now see a job market worth near zero and working for a corporate that may aswell be closed if it were not for government involvement.

So that's my everything else story- a jobless partner and a lack of opportunity for myself to carry us forward to a bright new future. I wonder how it is for most of you? I'm feeling bitter right now I suppose but I am confident of making positive changes for me one day. But I just want to say life is a beach mis-spell as today I am not on my beach and can't see my way to get there again presently.
I have 3 houses repossessed in my street this last month- I haven't got that bad as yet and don't intend to. But is everyone affected?
How quick has the crunch got you or not?

Linkback - Credit Crunch blues
]]> 12/26/2008 8:29:55 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5150 5150
Linkback - RCI charging legal fees
]]> 12/23/2008 7:31:37 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5149 5149 Does anyone know anything about this resort in Caloundra, Queensland?

cheers

Linkback - Worldmark Golden Beach, Australia
]]> 12/23/2008 3:14:12 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5148 5148
We only bought our timeshare, Porto Mare in Madeira, this year. One of the clinching reasons for buying a week was the idea that we could bring weeks forward, or hold them back, to make two week holidays. This the salesman promised we could do.

In subsequent correspondence, we were told this again, now they say, they are full for 2010 and we cannot do this. Needless to say, there's nothing in the contract about this flexibility.

It seems we've been mis-sold the deal, but as there's nothing in the contract, does this mean we're stuck with single weeks holidays?

As it stands, it would seem that we can only try for an 'internal transfer in 2009, as my wife cannot get 'our' week off work. Or give it up to RCI.

Linkback - Promises
]]> 12/22/2008 5:12:35 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5147 5147 Guess who it is:



More of the picture to be revealed daily.

7 points for a correct answer.






Linkback - Guess who - 21 December
]]> 12/21/2008 10:32:59 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5146 5146
2-beds, sleeps 6, both beds with ensuite. Additional shower room with WC and sauna in-unit.

All the other high-end fixtures with this resort.

550 GBP to cover maintenance fees as I now live back in Canada after 25 years in the UK.

Cathie

Linkback - CAMERON HOUSE RENTAL MARCH 2009
]]> 12/21/2008 5:42:43 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5145 5145
“Despite the potential longer term benefits for Qantas and BA, the airlines have not been able to come to an agreement over the key terms of the merger, at this time,” the airlines said in identical statements released on Thursday.

Earlier this month the two carriers revealed that they were in discussions regarding a consolidation that could help both cope with the global financial crisis that has led to a sharp drop in passenger demand.

Thursday’s statements indicated that the two airlines would continue cooperating on their joint business operating between the UK and Australia through the oneworld alliance. The alliance joins 10 international airlines in a code-sharing partnership.

Alan Joyce, the new Qantas chief executive, issued a warning two weeks ago that there was no guarantee that the consolidation with BA would occur. What he said at that time was that a merger could be beneficial, but a number of factors had to be considered.

The discussions were focused on a “dual-listed company structure,” allowing each carrier to retain its name and its branding. No other details were released, except that the Australian government required Qantas to remain under majority Australian ownership.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/british-airways-and-qantas-end-merger-talks-5634002.html


Linkback - British Airways and Qantas end merger talks
]]> 12/21/2008 8:28:59 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5144 5144
Manny Fontenla-Novoa, the Thomas Cook CEO, is saying that the January-March period is a time when cash flow is at its lowest point in the year, and that those companies without adequate banking facilities will be in a struggle to survive.

According to figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), 33 travel operators failed in 2008, which is eight more than failed in 2007. In addition, 26 airlines collapsed.

“If companies can survive the next three months they should be fine, but this period is crucial,” Fontenla-Novoa said.

The travel executive added that a number of airlines are also in danger of failing during the economic downturn, but did not elaborate on which ones he thought were most at risk.

Countries hit hardest by the weakening pound have been Greece and Spain, as the pound and euro have approached parity. Countries outside the euro zone have seen a sharp rise in the number of visitors from the UK, with Thomas Cook reporting bookings to destinations such as Turkey being up by 20 per cent over last year.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/thomas-cook-predicts-collapse-of-15-travel-operators-5633996.html


Linkback - Thomas Cook predicts collapse of 15 travel ops
]]> 12/21/2008 8:27:54 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5143 5143
"Hawaii's a fabulous place to travel to. It's been the top leisure place of many years and for good reason," said Gaylord as he surveyed the city, ocean and Diamond Head views from one of the lanais in his penthouse unit.

Gaylord said he and his wife fell in love with Hawaii all over again last Christmas during his first visit to Oahu in 30 years. Since then, the couple has returned to the islands three times in one year and showed their newfound aloha for Oahu with the purchase of one of Hilton's spacious penthouse units, he said.

The economy might be soft and Hawaii's visitor industry may be down, but it's hard to equate these facts with the enthusiasm for the opening of Waikiki's first purposely built timeshare.

More than 200 owners and other guests will join Gaylord tomorrow for the official grand opening, which celebrates a real market anomaly. All other timeshare products in Waikiki, except for the Grand Waikikian, were converted from older apartments or hotel buildings, and these days the credit crunch has ensured that few timeshare projects are making it out of planning.

But Mark Wang, president of Hilton Grand Vacations, said he's not worried about timing.

"We're 27 percent sold — that's actually ahead of pace," Wang said. "We thought we'd only be about 20 percent sold out by this time."

Japanese empty nesters and multi-generational travelers have gravitated to the product, which has also seen strong interest from buyers on the U.S. West Coast and other parts of North America, Wang said.

While Wang said the average buyer has spent $60,000 a week, the project's higher-end product has seen good pickup.

"The $300,000 weeks have sold out during this release," said Bryan Klum, executive vice president of Asia/Pacific for Hilton Grand Vacations. "The people who are traveling are the ones that want to come."

The 331-unit Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacation Club is the company's fifth timeshare development in Hawaii and finest offering to date. The company also runs two others on Oahu and two on the Big Island.

Suites at Hilton's newest offering retail for $45,000 to $300,000 for one-week stays at the one, two and three bedroom units. Each suite features an outdoor lanai, full kitchen, washer and dryer, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, flat-screen TVs, deep soaking tubs, upscale furnishings and rich wood and stone details. The resort will also have a 5,000-square-foot pool, scheduled for completion in January that will offer a waterslide, waterfalls and swim-through grotto terraces.

In deference to the luxury market, there are also five penthouse floors, offering a separate check in-area, concierge and lounge. On the penthouse floors — from 35 to 39 — suites are appointed with amenities designed to appeal to the project's primary Japan market. These suites feature Japanese house wares and Jacuzzi tubs for extended soaking.

"We are trying to make the Japanese buyer feel very comfortable with our product," said Dione T. Lewis, the Grand Waikikian's general manger.

The timeshare also features a pre-arrival and post-departure lounge, Lewis said. Guests at the lounge can unwind and take showers before checking in or after checking out of the property, she said.

Grand Waikikian Snapshot

Location: 1811 Ala Moana Blvd.
Online: www.grandwaikikian.com
Architect: Group 70 International
General contractor: Dick Pacific Construction Co.
Interior designer: Carl Ross Design
Size: 331 total units, ranging from one to three bedrooms
Cost: Unit weeks sell from $45,000 to $300,000
Sales: 27 percent sold
Not an owner?

The Grand Waikikian is offering a Mahalo package for hotel guests wishing to book at the property. One-bedroom suites with a separate pull-out couch and as full kitchen run $349 a night. Kamaaina bookings are 20 percent off.
Reservations: www.hiltonfamilyhawaii.com or (800) 446-6677 and ask for plan code H9.

http://www.starbulletin.com/business/20081219_Waikikis_Grand_opening.html?page=1&c=y

Linkback - Waikiki's Grand opening - Hilton Timeshare
]]> 12/21/2008 8:25:42 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5142 5142 any help would be great

Thanks Dennis

Linkback - BIENNIAL AGREEMENT CANCELLATION
]]> 12/18/2008 6:47:45 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5141 5141
THE ClubSM
Education & Enrichment Seminars 2009

Following the success of our inaugural Education & Enrichment Seminar held earlier this year, we are delighted to invite you to the first in a series of events taking place at Diamond Resorts International® destinations across the United Kingdom in 2009.

For your convenience, you can join us for either an afternoon (2.00 p.m.) or evening (7.00 p.m.) seminar at Pine Lake Resort on 2 February or Wychnor Park Country Club on 3 February. Completely free of charge, these seminars offer up to 80 spaces for attendees per seminar with tickets allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

THE ClubSM Education & Enrichment Seminars 2009 will be all about relaxation... simplified. During these friendly and informal two-hour sessions, we will focus on the essential topics that we hope will assist you with getting the most from the simplicity, choice and comfort we are committed to providing every member. These seminars will include the following topics:

Overview of the structure of THE ClubSM and the Collections
How to use the website and your online member account
Update on Diamond SelectionsSM, your member benefits programme from THE ClubSM
How to use Interval International® and your Interval Gold® membership
To reserve your tickets, please e-mail theclubseminars@diamondresorts.com. Please indicate the number of tickets you require (maximum of two), your name (as noted on your membership), membership number, postcode and telephone number.

We look forward to meeting you next year.

Patrick Duffy
Chief Experience Officer

Sarah Hulme
Vice President, Global Club Operations


Invitation is subject to availability and we reserve the right to allocate tickets (80 available at Pine Lake Resort and 60 available at Wychnor Park Country Club) at our discretion. No accommodation, travel or incidental expenses are included with this offer of participation. This is not a timeshare presentation but an invitation for an update on your membership with THE ClubSM at Diamond Resorts International®.




Linkback - DRI announce further roadshow dates
]]> 12/18/2008 7:15:21 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5140 5140
In addition to the affiliation, Southern Sun has selected Interval to provide a comprehensive package of customised services, including programme-design support and back-office points-based reservation services. This seamless integration will leverage Interval’s global infrastructure and complement Southern Sun’s resources. Interval specialises in working with resort developers to create vacation ownership programmes of every configuration, including points-based club products.

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to provide a wide range of value-added services for Southern Sun’s owners. The company has been a major player in the region’s vacation ownership industry for many years and we look forward to working with Southern Sun, as they take their already successful business to the next level,” said Craig M. Nash, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Interval Leisure Group, parent company of Interval International. “We are also very pleased to offer our members the chance to visit these quality resorts in Southern Africa, a destination that’s known worldwide for its one-of-a-kind vacation experiences set amidst spectacular scenery.”

Graham Wood, managing director of Southern Sun said, “We are extremely proud of our partnership with Interval International. The two teams worked incredibly hard to make this dream a reality. Going forward, we will be able to offer our Lifestyle Resort owners true world-class service excellence and a wide variety of choice on a global scale.”

Southern Sun Lifestyle Resorts division operates a multi-location vacation ownership programme with six properties situated at destinations including Garden Route, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga. The programme currently comprises approximately 33,000 members, or more than eight percent of the country’s existing timeshare owners, who own in excess of 43,000 vacation ownership weeks. These consumers will benefit from the services to be provided by Interval under this agreement, which commences in February 2009.

According to the Timeshare Institute of Southern Africa (TISA), some 400,000 owners hold weeks or points for timeshares in the country and a recent survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents feel that timesharing has increased the amount of time they spend on holidays. With the affiliation of Southern Sun, Interval has gained a strong platform for future growth in the region. Alex Bosch, executive director of TISA said, “We are excited to have a company of the magnitude and reputation of Interval significantly enhance its presence in South Africa. This is a truly positive development for the industry and provides real choice in the marketplace.”

http://www.thetimeshareblog.com/interval-international-wins-southern-sun-exchange-business/


Linkback - Interval Wins Southern Sun Exchange Business
]]> 12/17/2008 8:47:15 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5138 5138
The airline’s new services to Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Italy will commence in the spring of 2009. Service to Larnaca, in Cyprus will be offered from the end of March, while the Dubrovnik, Naples and Santorini flights will start in May.

Last week, airports operator BAA announced that Gatwick passenger numbers had dropped by 13.5 per cent over November of 2007, but easyJet is still seeing a potential for growth at the second-largest airport in the UK.

“EasyJet has grown dramatically at Gatwick over the last few years and this will further strengthen our position at Gatwick, which is our biggest single airport base,” said easyJet’s general manager for the UK, David Osborne.

The airline will also be launching a new service to Nice, France, from the east Midlands airport beginning in April.

Other airlines have also announced expansion in services in the midst of the current financial crisis. CityJet will launch new flights from London City to Amsterdam from 5 January; VLM will commence daily service from London City to Rotterdam and Eindhoven from 12 January.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/easyjet-adds-new-routes-despite-downturn-5633991.html


Linkback - EasyJet adds new routes despite downturn
]]> 12/17/2008 8:44:01 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5137 5137
The popular low-cost airline said that it was collaborating with Thailand’s tourism authority to help bring tourists and business travellers back to the country by “reinstating the core message that it is now safe to travel back to the Land of Smiles.”

Under its marketing campaign called “Get Your Baht To Thailand,” which is a play on the unit of Thailand’s currency, AirAsia will be giving away 100,000 free tickets on flights to Bangkok from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam, as well as on flights within the country.

Passengers will be responsible for paying only taxes and administrative fees. In November, AirAsia removed all fuel surcharges from its flights.

“We hope that this campaign will instil the confidence among travellers and also help to boost tourism which is vital at this juncture,” said the group’s chief executive Tony Fernandes.

Tickets are available only on the AirAsia website from 17-19 December, for travel scheduled between 6 January and 31 March 2009.

AirAsia operates approximately 400 international flights each week connecting Thailand with other countries in Southeast Asia and with China. Its Thai affiliate, Thai AirAsia, operates 378 weekly flights.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/airasia-offering-free-tickets-to-thailand-destinations-5633993.html


Linkback - AirAsia offering free tickets to Thailand
]]> 12/17/2008 8:42:51 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5136 5136 just been reading these posts and would like some help please, anyone on here know about SOS Solutions they rang and asked about my timeshare, they say they can sell it to corporate clients, no money upfront but they want me to fly out to Spain to sell "face to face" any info would be great thanks

Linkback - SOS Solutions
]]> 12/17/2008 6:24:09 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5139 5139 It would appear that this is mainly down to disagreements with the mangement of the hotel.
Seasons hope to have acquired a new resort in the Algarve by Spring 2009 and this time the hint is that it would be wholly owned by Seasons.

Linkback - Alpinus Update
]]> 12/17/2008 8:46:46 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5135 5135
Jam time for Dave?



We have just recieved and email detailing three new destinations in Ireland:

East Clare Golf Holiday Village

Dangan Lodge Cottages

and Fisherman's Lodge

With an introductory offer of 75% off the points value for arrivals between 1 January 2009 and 31st March 2009

This link gives you the details:

https://www.diamondresorts.com/europe/ResortSearch_Results.aspx?SearchType=freeform¶m=&affiliates=Y&premier=&country=IE&addr=&city=&state=&postal=&amenities=&amenitiescount=



Linkback - Jam time again?
]]> 12/16/2008 9:22:46 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5134 5134
Imagine that shower calling themselves "customer services"

Keep up the good work,

Billyboy.

Linkback - Penman and Sommerlad.
]]> 12/15/2008 9:05:06 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5133 5133
Linkback - Great British Marketing
]]> 12/15/2008 7:34:58 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5132 5132 I am interested in selling the week/points and made a few inquiries as PG weren't interested in buying it back.
Trawled the Net and came up with {banned word/phrase}..... {banned word/phrase} have come back with an alleged buyer who will pay me £2,960 for my points!!! (blow me down) No surprise however that {banned word/phrase} want me to pay £472 up front to cover fees and legal document transfer and the like.
I asked the obvious question of what happens when 'their buyer' pulls out and they are sitting on my £472 and got a load of waffle about being retained on their list for future presentations etc etc.
I suggested that if that £472 became £100 or less I may be interested.
So - would like to know if anyone out there had been involved in any sort of transaction with {banned word/phrase} (positive or Negative) Or beating that, if anyone would be interested in a week at PG [:)] (and yes I will post that properly in the classifieds)
Thanks

Linkback - Offer for my tweek - expert opinion sought
]]> 12/15/2008 4:06:33 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5131 5131
Linkback - canal boat hire
]]> 12/15/2008 12:23:15 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5130 5130
Credit for consumers to finance timeshare purchases is harder to come by, and the securitization market for hotel companies selling bonds backed by timeshare deals has mostly closed its doors.

"In the last few months, sales have really dropped off a cliff -- consumer credit is really disappearing in a lot of ways," said Jeremy Glaser, lodging industry analyst at investment research firm Morningstar.

"The syndication (securitization) market has all but gone," said lodging industry veteran Bjorn Hanson of New York University.

This is a double dose of bad news for big hotel firms like Wyndham Worldwide Corp, Marriott International Inc and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc, for which timeshare had become a big earner in recent years.

Wyndham said on Monday it will cut about 4,000 jobs as it shrinks its timeshare business to reduce its reliance on a shaky securitization market.

Wyndham expects to reduce vacation ownership interest sales in 2009 to $1.2 billion from expected gross sales of $2 billion in 2008 by eliminating sales offices and marketing programs.

Marriott International's third-quarter profit fell 28 percent as timeshare slowed. Marriott has warned that 2009 will be tough and that its timeshare investment spending is expected to decline to reflect weaker demand.

Starwood also reported declining revenues from timeshare in the third quarter. Starwood said it closed three sales centers and was reducing overhead to fit lowered expectations for the business.

GLOOMY
The timeshare industry has not heard such bad news for a long time.

Timeshare sales in the United States grew from about $2.7 billion in 1997 to $10.6 billion in 2007. But 2008 sales are unlikely to set the heather on fire.

"We don't think 2008 will show much growth," said Howard Nusbaum, president of the American Resort Development Association.

"We kind of feel like victims -- the inability to monetize the consumer debt has forced developers to slow their sales," Nusbaum said.

For companies in the travel and leisure sectors, the timeshare slowdown comes on the back of gloomy forecasts for 2009 for their overall business.

Companies throughout the sector -- including hotel, cruise ship, theme park and gambling concerns -- have all warned in recent weeks that their businesses have slowed or that things could get worse next year.

Consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers said that demand for hotels in 2009 is forecast to fall by 2 percent which, when coupled with an increase in supply, is expected to reduce occupancy levels to 58.6 percent -- the lowest rate of occupancy since 1971.

PwC expects a key measure of the hotel industry's health, revenue per available room (RevPAR), to fall 5.8 percent next year, following this year's estimated 0.8 percent decline. That would be the industry's first back-to-back decline in the widely watched measure since 2001-2002.

As consumers examine their budgets, so-called discretionary spending is among the first items to be cut.

"Among discretionary spending, vacation ownership (timeshare) is high on that list," said New York University's Hanson. (Editing by Gerald E. McCormick)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/8144273


Linkback - Timeshare industry hit by credit crisis
]]> 12/15/2008 7:08:12 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5129 5129
The move will take effect from 31 January, which will mean the budget carrier cutting 23 services per week, from Birmingham, East Midlands, Liverpool, Stansted and Shannon airports. Flights from Dublin to Fuerteventura have already been discontinued.

According to Ryanair, the local tourism group AEI failed to meet its obligations to promote Fuerteventura as a tourism destination, as stipulated in a commercial agreement with the carrier.

“This is a very black day for Fuerteventura and one which will have a severe impact on tourism and the livelihoods of its islanders,” said the airline’s deputy chief executive, Michael Cawley.

In November, Ryanair announced that it intended to discontinue services on the route, unless AEI was able “to remedy their contract breach” within 30 days.

Last year the Irish airline flew 250,000 passengers on the Fuerteventura route.

After the Newquay airport announced that it was closing for three weeks in December because of construction delays, Ryanair cancelled all its flights into and out of the airport.

After a row with the local tourism authority in Valencia, Ryanair cancelled all services to the popular Spanish destination, and has also cut its three times weekly service to Alicante from Durham Tees Valley.

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/ryanair-ends-all-service-to-fuerteventura-5633969.html


Linkback - Ryanair ends all service to Fuerteventura
]]> 12/15/2008 7:05:01 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5128 5128
The figures from Bank of England, which measures the value of the pound against a basket of international currencies, showed Britain’s currency at its lowest point since the bank began keeping records 28 years ago.

According to currency experts, the last time the pound was this low was in the mid-70s, when Britain faced bankruptcy and had to seek emergency funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The pound has continued to drop as fears grow over increased government borrowing levels. The Chancellor, Alistair Darling, revealed recently that public borrowing is likely to exceed £1 trillion in the next few years.

Sterling is not seen to be as strong as other major “global” currencies, such as the euro or the dollar, during this economic downturn. Figures released by the Conservatives have shown that the government’s debt is less credit-worthy than that issued by the fast food chain McDonalds.

The chief economic adviser to the Ernst & Young ITEM club, Peter Spencer, commented: “You need a strong economy for a strong currency and there’s no strength in the UK economy. Normally you would look to the authorities to support the currency but the Bank of England is reluctant to intervene. It is not clear where the floor is.”

http://www.asap.co.uk/news/pound-at-lowest-level-since-1980-5633970.html


Linkback - Pound at lowest level since 1980
]]> 12/15/2008 7:03:48 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5127 5127
''There's no debt for development,'' said Diego Lowenstein, a partner in the deal that would have transformed the old Seville hotel into a luxury resort. ``Lenders across the board are not doing anything.''

Announced at the peak of the housing boom, the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences offered luxury timeshare units (known as fractionals) and traditional condominiums selling for $900,000 and up.

It would have been the fifth Ritz-Carlton property in South Florida, but as a residential resort, the only one not to accommodate transient guests.

The news comes a day after the chief financial officer of Marriott, which owns Ritz-Carlton, said the company was scaling back timeshare developments around the world to meet contracting demand for the product.

Lowenstein, CEO of Lionstone Development, which owns South Beach's Ritz-Carlton hotel, said sales were strong enough to support the project. But he and partner Fortune International couldn't find a lender willing to back the $200 million construction tab.

''We came to market in a very difficult time,'' he said. Fortune issued a statement Wednesday confirming the project was canceled, a decision Lowenstein said was reached in the last several weeks.

The sudden demise of the Ritz-Carlton Club reflects the dire landscape facing developers.

Island Gardens, a planned $640 million hotel and retail complex on Miami's Watson Island that includes fractional units, has delayed the launch of construction while it seeks financing.

Scott Berman, head of PricewaterhouseCooper's lodging division, said few developers can get the cash they need to build, writing in an e-mail that ``99 percent of all new development in the leisure sector is in paralysis due to a lack of access to capital.''

In May 2005, an entity backed by Fortune and Lionstone paid $25 million for former site of the Seville hotel, five-acres of oceanfront land at 29th street and Collins Avenue. As they unravel plans for the Ritz-Carlton Club, the partners will be pursuing a new hotel there, Lowenstein said.

''The numbers work for a hotel,'' he said. ``It's the last remaining large property in South Beach.''

Lowenstein said there are no lenders willing to back a hotel venture on the property, either. He's counting on the credit crisis easing in the first half of 2009 to allow for the development process to begin again.

http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/808035.html


Linkback - No lender willing to back Ritz-Carlton timeshare
]]> 12/15/2008 7:02:39 AM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5126 5126 Guess who it is:



More of the picture to be revealed daily. The more that is revealed, the less the reward.

Today it is worth 4 points!




Linkback - Guess who - 14 December
]]> 12/14/2008 11:07:09 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5125 5125
Why not look at expanding the gymnasium facilities a little at some of the UK resorts, then flog these awful weeks as a cheaper way of obtaining gym membership to the local population?

If you were to look at a family gym membership it may be in the region of over a thousand pounds per year (presuming a family of four).

How much would it be for a low season fixed week at the likes of pine lake, followed by annual maintenance for that week?

It is a win win situation for the buyer as they could have access to a gym, pool, sauna, jacuzzi and maybe even a steam room; and a holiday week they could use or try to exchange.

OK it might cost a few thousand to extend the building and put in more gym equipment, but in the longer term it will more than pay for itself.

The locals could have a good quality gym available to use when they like, the DRI members would have bigger and better facilities and DRI would have management fees coming in for the less favourable weeks.



Linkback - Unsold weeks - is there another way to shift them?
]]> 12/14/2008 10:45:01 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5124 5124
Linkback - Any positive experiences in selling your timeshar?
]]> 12/12/2008 6:24:53 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5123 5123
We fell victim to some very clever sales talk and are intending to bring this up with management. Has anyone else found this to be a huge scam? We have spent all our savings and havent even been there.

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BUYING INTO THIS THEN DONT - YOU WILL BE HUGELY DISSAPOINTED!!!!!!!!!! IT IS A BIG MONEY MAKING CON!!!!!!!

Linkback - ANFI - WHAT A CON
]]> 12/12/2008 5:47:22 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5122 5122
Thank you
Penelopea

Linkback - Brockwood Hall
]]> 12/12/2008 2:57:42 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5121 5121
Linkback - Regency Shores S.L
]]> 12/11/2008 9:49:58 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5120 5120
Has anyone heard of this company. .
Are they just another scam?
.

Linkback - Worldwide Holiday Partners
]]> 12/11/2008 4:33:53 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5119 5119 Has anybody heard of them? I have already had {banned word/phrase} for about 4 days running, same ole stuff, we have a buyer for your Holiday CLub package,blah de blah. Now this company claims to be based in Gatwick and can send me to an office in Chelmsford by appointment and they guarantee a company will buy this off me ( no strings) sign a contract on the day, bring deeds of ownership and proof of id. 7 days later money in your bank ac then you send off deeds by registered post. Thats it! Hmmm, except for the £99 they wanted booking fee which was FULLY refundable. I asked him to send me a copy via email so i could read, ho hum, stll waiting. I cannot find out anything about this company on the net. Obviously i smelt a rat, and i dont think this package thing will ever get sold, but i am getting fed up of that list circulating again via the rogues.
Thanks
Lorraine

Linkback - CMS (creative marketing solutions)
]]> 12/11/2008 1:11:02 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5118 5118
My interest is on a quarter share scheme giving 13 weeks per annum on a rotation system with all costs divided by the four owners.



Linkback - Fractional Ownership
]]> 12/11/2008 12:46:21 PM http://blog.8pixel.net/?view=plink&id=5117 5117
The association, which represents owners of condos in Ocean Walk's south tower, filed a lawsuit Tuesday in civil court against Wyndham, claiming the Orlando-based company misused association funds. In the 300-unit south tower, there are 176 units owned by individuals and 124 units in Wyndham's time-share program.

The action comes three months after Wyndham sued the association, claiming it had a contractual right to use the south tower's common areas for marketing purposes, and that it has the sole right to market condos at the resort.

The association countered that lawsuit by alleging Wyndham, which is a part the world's largest time-share company, was required to pay a fee for use of the facilities. The association said $10,000 a day was reasonable and demanded the company pay the fee or cease its operations at the resort.

The case continues winding its way through the legal system.

Erik Hawks, an attorney for Wyndham, could not be reached for comment.

Mark Bogen, the association's attorney, said the funds allegedly misused by Wyndham "co