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About TCA
Article written by Sandy Grey 25/4/2001
TCA was set up in 1997 by a group of timeshare owners who considered that there was a need for an independent
body to safeguard the interests of owners. Membership is drawn from owners in the UK, and continental Europe
with small groups from most other countries of the world.
TCA has always been a pro-active organisation. Typically
- Lobbying for improved laws in the UK and Europe to provide greater protection to buyers and users of
timeshare. One major element of this lobbying is to provide constitutions that ensure that owners (or members
of a club) are in full control of the operation of their resort or club by the time the majority of the
accommodation is in the hands of individuals.
- Putting pressure on the timeshare industry to introduce Codes of Practices which go well beyond the
requirements of the law in making timeshare an enjoyable, good value for money holiday experience. It is
unfortunate that parts of the industry do not take the same view of its own long term future.
- Exposing the scams and frauds within the industry so that consumers can avoid getting caught. The TCA
website has been very effective in alerting consumers to the problems of timeshare – as well as guiding
them to the safe routes to buy – which is increasing the pressure on operators to "tidy up their
act".
- Encouraging, with positive publicity, the good and beneficial aspects of a well run resort or club. A key
weapon has been the European Timeshare Consumers Award, which we promote jointly with the timeshare consumer
organisation in Germany. This Award is given annually to those operators who actively pursue good consumer
practices.
Members of TCA benefit from regular information on what is happening in the timeshare business; reports on
resorts by other members; a free advice line and the opportunity to contribute to TCA representations to
governments. One of the TCA services is assisting groups of owners – such as MORPS – to get
together for their mutual benefit.
The arrival of TCA was not welcomed by some sections of the industry intent on cheating buyers and owners but
TCA is now regarded as the independent watchdog of timeshare consumer interests.
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