THE world's largest timeshare operator, Resort Condominium International, has thrown its weight behind moves to regulate the industry in Thailand following a rash of bad publicity created by fly-by-night operators.
The need to ensure legitimate growth of timeshare and to safeguard consumers against unscrupulous operators was now more keenly felt than ever, said John Fleming, managing director of RCI Asia-Pacific.
He said it was imperative the industry acted quickly and decisively to correct the public's misconceptions about timeshare as a result of the adverse publicity.
In line with this, RCI, which is affiliated with more than 2,600 timeshare properties in 78 countries, has initiated moves to form the Timeshare Association of Thailand.
The proposed non-profit body will ensure that a self-policing organisation representing the industry is in place to protect consumers and act as the main consultative body in negotiations with the Thai Government.
''We want to work with the government from the beginning, and, so far, the response has been encouraging,'' he said.
