“Simply the best TATOC conference ever,” is the verdict of executive chairman Harry Taylor.
From the plaudits received so far, he is not alone in believing the TATOC conference was a great success. “It was a pleasure to see management companies bring representatives from their resort committees to the conference to learn more about the industry.”
The conference, which took place March 9-11 at the Park Royal Hotel in Warrington, was attended by over 150 delegates representing both the industry and timeshare consumers.
“It was fantastic to have industry professionals and owners working together in a positive and constructive way. And we had a world first. The industry panel representing developers, exchange, resale and management organisations and the timeshare media answered questions posed by owners. This allowed a frank exchange of views, a clear discussion of the challenges facing the industry and suggestions on how these can be tackled,” added Taylor.
Speakers at the conference included some of the best-known names in the industry. Simon Jackson from Macdonald Resorts gave a typically open and honest presentation on the need to have a comprehensive exit strategy. He provided delegates with Macdonald’s approach to offering an exit strategy for owners, which has taken over five years to develop.
Lisa Ann Schreier’s lighthearted view of the situation in the U.S. made it clear that there are some stark similarities with the U.K. and European markets. TATOC will be looking with interest at what happens across the pond.
Professor Dimitrios Buhalis from Bournemouth University provided an energetic keynote speech on how new technology is changing hospitality. He stressed the importance that committees address this when looking for new buyers or encouraging the children of owners to continue with their membership. Hotels and resorts used to be able to hide things but with smart phones, iPads, laptops and social media, this is simply no longer possible and has to be managed. We are in the age of transparency.
“Professor Buhalis explained to delegates that social media and new technology is a tool and we all need to learn how to use it or it will kill us,” said Taylor.
Susan Crook gave an interesting and informative guided tour of the legal landscape. Detailing the different bodies involved in legislation, Susan explained how we are “not alone” and that the effects of legislation have not been as bad as anticipated. Indeed, at Diamond Resorts, it has actually been of help to the sales and marketing teams providing both a guideline and a structure to the sale process.
Suzana Gomercic reminded resorts that they are in the hospitality business and to make sure that their resorts meets the new demands of a well-travelled and experienced holidaymaker. Older resorts have to invest in new technology from Wi-Fi throughout the resort to iPod docking stations and flat screen televisions in the apartments. Whilst the committee may not use this technology, new buyers definitely expect it. “Suzana emphasised the importance that committees work with professional management and not to micro manage,” added Harry Taylor.
A full conference summary will be available on line in the next few days and also in the summer issue of Sharetime magazine.
Pictures taken during the conference are available through our media partners, LiveShareTravel, by clicking here
 | |