New consumer timeshare website launched
A new website for owners of holiday homes, with a section dedicated to timeshare ownership, has been launched to provide greater consumer representation in the industry.
The site has been created through the Association of International Property Owners (AIPO), a new alliance between European timeshare body the Resort Development Organisation (RDO) and the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP), and was prompted by the demise of The Association of Timeshare Owners Committees (TATOC) last year.
The new site www.aipo.org.uk was officially launched by AIPP during ‘A Place in the Sun Live’, the official exhibition of the popular Channel 4 television show and the largest overseas property exhibition in Europe.
The event took place at London Olympia in May and attracted more than 8,500 visitors as well as trade delegates.
The AIPO will focus on four key areas for buyers and owners:
- Knowledge and support – free guides and legal advice
- Savings and offers – to lower the cost of ownership
- Representation to Governments – as required
- Community hub – sharing information
Blog articles will focus on ownership case studies – which will include balanced and fair editorial on timeshare ownership – as well as lifestyle pieces and the latest industry news from verified members of the trade.
Membership plans
Membership of the AIPO is free for buyers and owners to join (in its launch phase) and will be later offered to founder members at a discounted rate. AIPO Members will receive special offers from select partners to support them both ‘home and away’, lowering their cost of ownership.
Launch partners include Clear Currency and Blevins Franks, with more due to be added.
The ‘home’ launch offer for founding members is a complimentary 12-month membership to the Luxury Restaurant Club in the UK. Timeshare owners also benefit from a discounted travel insurance scheme from Leisure Guard Insurance, offering refunds on timeshare annual management charges and a rebate on their purchase price.
The RDO is encouraging its members to support the AIPO alliance by promoting the website to their owners and industry professionals.
You can watch the introductory video below.
