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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2013/may/11/leisure-credit-timeshare-holidaymakers
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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| 'Leisure credit' – why you should beware timeshare's successor | 'Leisure credit' – why you should beware timeshare's successor |
| (4 months later) | |
| Britons holidaying in Spain, Portugal and Malta this summer are being warned not to fall for the latest racket that has replaced timeshare – the sale of "leisure credit" schemes promising free or discounted future holiday bookings. | Britons holidaying in Spain, Portugal and Malta this summer are being warned not to fall for the latest racket that has replaced timeshare – the sale of "leisure credit" schemes promising free or discounted future holiday bookings. |
| The UK European Consumer Centre warned that it has seen a big jump in complaints from holidaymakers who had been persuaded to spend large sums of cash buying credits after being subjected to high-pressure sales pitches in European resorts. | The UK European Consumer Centre warned that it has seen a big jump in complaints from holidaymakers who had been persuaded to spend large sums of cash buying credits after being subjected to high-pressure sales pitches in European resorts. |
| Salesmen who used to sell timeshare packages have moved into this area as it is not regulated in the same way as timeshare sales now are. Holidaymakers are promised holiday club memberships or discounts for years to come on future accommodation bookings, as well as other leisure products such as spa days, or the use of sports facilities. Packages typically cost between £10,000 and £15,000 each. | Salesmen who used to sell timeshare packages have moved into this area as it is not regulated in the same way as timeshare sales now are. Holidaymakers are promised holiday club memberships or discounts for years to come on future accommodation bookings, as well as other leisure products such as spa days, or the use of sports facilities. Packages typically cost between £10,000 and £15,000 each. |
| Two women who recently turned to the consumer centre for help, had agreed to purchase 250m entertainment and leisure credits while on holiday in Tenerife. They paid a £1,710 deposit by debit card. The balance of £19,300 was due after they returned home, but the pair had second thoughts and decided to pull out. With the help of the centre they got out of paying the balance but lost the deposit. Others have fared even worse. | Two women who recently turned to the consumer centre for help, had agreed to purchase 250m entertainment and leisure credits while on holiday in Tenerife. They paid a £1,710 deposit by debit card. The balance of £19,300 was due after they returned home, but the pair had second thoughts and decided to pull out. With the help of the centre they got out of paying the balance but lost the deposit. Others have fared even worse. |
| Andy Allen, UK ECC director, says: "The product tends to proliferate in popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Malta. We want to draw consumers' attention to the fact that this product is not covered by the EU Timeshare Directive (2008/122/EC) and that consumers need to be aware that they do not have the protection given by this legislation if they enter into contracts for this type of product. Consumers should understand that they will have no cancellation rights, cooling-off period, deposits or consumer information rights under this timeshare legislation." | Andy Allen, UK ECC director, says: "The product tends to proliferate in popular holiday destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Malta. We want to draw consumers' attention to the fact that this product is not covered by the EU Timeshare Directive (2008/122/EC) and that consumers need to be aware that they do not have the protection given by this legislation if they enter into contracts for this type of product. Consumers should understand that they will have no cancellation rights, cooling-off period, deposits or consumer information rights under this timeshare legislation." |
| He says complaints to the UK European Consumer Centre about leisure credit schemes rose 140% in the year to the end of March 2013, compared to the previous year. | He says complaints to the UK European Consumer Centre about leisure credit schemes rose 140% in the year to the end of March 2013, compared to the previous year. |
| The UK European Consumer Centre is part of the European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) which deals with cross-border disputes between traders and consumer. Its UK consumer complaint line is 08456 04 0503. | The UK European Consumer Centre is part of the European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) which deals with cross-border disputes between traders and consumer. Its UK consumer complaint line is 08456 04 0503. |