Recently there has been a substantial increase in the amount of contact made by fraudulent operators who are targeting timeshare owners (using the COVID 19 situation) offering them ways of exiting their timeshare or some kind of ‘too good to be true’ offer. Some owners have sadly parted with large sums of money and have fallen victim to such scams.
Fortunately, KwikChex has launched a new consumer website, https://timeshareexitconcerns.co.uk, a resource designed to help timeshare owners detect and avoid fraud. The website includes updates on scams and how to avoid losing money to rogue businesses and provides advice on consumer protection laws, including those related to timeshare exit/relinquishment and claims.
Celia, a former Pestana employee born in Madeira, and Adrian married in England during February this year, and managed their honeymoon staying at the Pestana Grand-Ocean Resort Hotel in Madeira just before the Coronavirus Pandemic set in.
With family members living far and wide Madeira was chosen for their Celebration.
Arrangements were made during 2019 for the Celebration to take place this August and it was very much ‘touch and go’ as to whether this would go ahead.
Finally, after much nail biting, and constant reviews of travel and hotel arrangements, the decision to go ahead on 15th August 2020 was taken just 14 days in advance of the event!
Adrian and Celia seen leaving the Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort for a mini tour of the island prior to the evening’s celebrations.
Madeira Islands are focused on positioning as a safe destination and are working with SGS, the world leader in certification, to ensure good practices across the destination to minimise risks in the wake of Covid-19.
The certification process is available to all companies in the tourism sector, which will be easily identified by the logo, designed under the umbrella “MADEIRA SAFE TO DISCOVER”.
Most local companies are also adopting the “CLEAN & SAFE” stamp, created by VisitPortugal.
Furthermore, Madeira was a pioneer in the development of a good practices document to deal with Covid-19. These measures will provide comfort to those who travel, and are ultimately for the wellbeing of all.
Also, local authorities require all passengers to proceed with a covid-19 test. The test can be done on arrival at Madeira’s airport, or 72 hours prior to arrival.
All the above initiatives underpin the destination’s determination to ensure a safe tourism location for all visitors.
Due to the number of members being pestered by ‘companies’ claiming to have sold their week(s), saying they have won a prize, or claiming that they are entitled to compensation, we have put together a Scam Helpsheet’ which, we hope, will help you avoid falling into the clutches of these leeches.
Madeira Islands are focused on being positioned as a safe destination and are working with SGS, the world leader in certification, to ensure good practices across the destination to minimise risks in the wake of Covid-19.
The certification process is available to all companies in the tourism sector, easily identified by the logo appearing under the umbrella, “MADEIRA SAFE TO DISCOVER”. Most local companies are also adopting the “CLEAN & SAFE” stamp, created by VisitPortugal.
Furthermore, Madeira was a pioneer in the development of a good practices document to deal with Covid-19. These measures will provide comfort to those who travel and are ultimately, for the wellbeing of all.
All these initiatives underpin the destination’s determination in ensuring a safe tourism destination for all visitors.
If you want to learn more about the good practices developed, please click here
