The Timeshare Board Members Association (TBMA) announced expanded efforts to keep its members informed about COVID-19 uncertainties
Through its interactive Webinar Conversation Series timeshare association board members, resort managers and industry experts discuss plans, resources, and solutions
TENAFLY, N.J., June 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A recent TBMA Webinar enabled participants from across the U.S. to compare notes and discuss best practices. Shep Altshuler, TBMA president, noted that the organization's educational activities are continuing, virtually, through blog posts and webinars. "We expect the challenges facing timeshare resort to continue into 2021. Now, every TBMA member can connect, share ideas and keep in touch," he emphasized.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, Altshuler said, "Timeshare owners associations should act on advice of legal counsel and professional advisors. They should be sure that they are in compliance with their governing documents, state and local statutes. In a time of crisis, contingency planning and safety protocols are a must."
Altshuler acknowledged that although COVID-19 remains a concern, "taking a risk is essential to entrepreneurship. You are at risk when you open a resort in an unsure environment. Take measures to minimize risk and maximize the potential for long-term success."
Several attendees shared comments such as:
Robert Townsend, general manager, Beachcomber Inn, South Lake Tahoe, CA: We're still closed. California is being strict about non-essential travel. Our county supervisors in El Dorado County are petitioning the governor to let us open up, but we have a small hospital in the [Lake Tahoe] basin, and he's concerned about bringing the virus in. Meanwhile, two miles away in Nevada, the casinos are opening.
Fireworks shows and summer concerts around the lake have been canceled, and so has a big auto show in Reno.
We remodeled one unit that was in dire need, we're on phase two of office renovations, and we're resurfacing the pool. Our pool is next to a big public park. Kids come over the fence to swim there. We're trying to figure out how to keep people safe.
Ron Harrington, president, St. Tropez Vacation Condominiums, Ocean City, MD: We're a 20-unit resort. After the governor relaxed restrictions, we opened May 22. The first week, five units were occupied by renters, five by owners, and one by an exchanger. The second week, we had 11 owners and one exchanger. We need rental income, and hope the rentals pick up.
We have a very small pool. We're trying to figure out whether to open it or not. When guests are in the pool and it's invaded by non-owners, it's difficult to police. We're considering making appointments for an hour. That will cost a lot of money to monitor, and then we'll need to sanitize everything after people leave the pool.
Bob Ackerman, vice president of sales/partner, RNS Timeshare Management Software, Bradenton, FL: Every state has different rules [for reopening] right now. It's difficult to keep owners, guests, and exchangers highly informed about what they need to do—whether to bring masks and other safety items. Also, they want to know what's going on in town. Many of the bars and restaurants aren't open yet. Resorts need to post these items online on a weekly basis.
Tim McLaughlin, director business development, RCI, Orlando, FL: We're seeing short-notice bookings, and bookings now exceed cancellations, but we still have summer inventory on the shelf. One third of our customers are jumping in, one-third are waiting, and one-third say they will never do it again.
Jay Bagwell, board president, The Sandpiper, Lincoln City, OR: We're in communication with owners through a private Facebook group, and mass mailings through Facebook to all owners who aren't part of the group. We post pictures, keep things quick and relevant.
Membership in TBMA is free to Timeshare Board Members and Resort Managers. Join at http://www.tbmassoc.org. Sponsor inquires can be sent to [email protected]
SOURCE TBMA
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