A new industry body aimed at representing the timeshare industry in Asia Pacific has been officially
formed.
Incorporated in Singapore in May 2018, the Asia Pacific Resort Development Organisation (APRDO)
is the first overarching organisation in Asia Pacific to support and promote the timeshare industry in
the region, provide a framework that fosters innovation and regulation in the industry and ensures
that business practices are being conducted to the highest ethical standards.
The organisation has set forth the following key objectives:
- Support country timeshare organisations – Currently 7 countries in the Asia Pacific region
have timeshare organisations; APRDO will partner with them to support their cause and
priorities. It also endeavours to encourage and facilitate the establishment of new timeshare
associations in key markets in the region.
- Influence industry regulation - A favourable regulatory environment for timeshare practices
will make it attractive for existing businesses and potential investors. In the near term, the
organisation will work in collaboration with existing country timeshare organisations to
support their efforts. In the long term, the organisation will be proactive in its efforts to
influence timeshare regulations in target countries and provide a guideline for countries
interested in establishing regulations to ensure the healthy development of the timeshare
industry in this region.
- Point of contact for the industry and governments - APRDO will represent and serve as a
central, common voice for the timeshare industry in Asia Pacific, and as a feedback channel
to the Government.
- Provide research, education and information exchange within the industry and with
government bodies - this is important to ensure that best practices are shared to grow the
marketplace for the timeshare industry, especially in emerging markets.
- Self-regulation – APRDO will establish a code of conduct to govern and set best practices
standards for the timeshare industry in Asia Pacific.
Founding members of the new organisation include representatives from businesses across the
timeshare industry, who will determine the strategy, working policy and code of ethics of the
organisation.
The executive committee of the organization includes –
- President – Bill Minnock, Marriott Vacations Worldwide
- Vice President – Jonathan Mills, RCI
- Treasurer – Joe Hickman, Interval International
- Secretary - Gisle Sarheim, Hilton Grand Vacations
- Associate Director – Paul Dean, Dean and Associates
- Associate Director – Shin Siow, Wyndham Hotel Group
“APRDO is designed to be a strong, professional organisation that will be both effective in
representing its Members and be a respected voice in advocating for the continued success of the
timeshare industry”, says Bill Minnock, President of APRDO. “Through APRDO, we can build even
greater consumer awareness and confidence in timeshare as a viable alternative to traditional
vacation products.”
For more information on APRDO or on becoming a member, please contact Jonathan Mills at
jonathan.mills@rci.com or any of the executive committee members.