Canadian Resort Development Association Launches Timeshare Helpline

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - April 28th, 2015 - Want to know if you can exchange your Florida timeshare for a trip to Cancun? Or, maybe you’d like help vetting a service provider or finding new options for resales and rentals.

There’s good news for timeshare owners and stakeholders with questions like these and many more. A new service – ASK CRDA – debuts this month to provide assistance and answers to scores of questions about vacation ownership.

The ASK (Always Seek Knowledge) program is a free service of the Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA) that is powered by the National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA). This program joins two dynamic leaders in vacation ownership to help consumers navigate the occasionally complex world of vacation ownership.

Consumers can call the ASK CRDA helpline toll-free at 844-544-CRDA (2732), Mondays – Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST. Or, they can submit inquiries online at their convenience 24/7, by visiting http://bit.ly/ASKCRDA, Either way, they will get answers and assistance from trusted industry experts.

ASK CRDA offers assistance on all aspects of vacation ownership, providing a mix of customer service, education and issues management to help ensure favorable timeshare experiences. Count on ASK CRDA for referrals and assistance vetting companies to make sure they meet all government requirements and adhere to CRDA’s strict Code of Ethical Conduct. Additionally, ASK CRDA provides owner education in such key areas as timeshare resales, rentals, transfers, financing, points systems, exchange programs and more. When needed, helpline experts also serve as moderators, helping to resolve issues to the benefit of owners and developers.

“Some of our calls come from owners who express frustration about their timeshare, when the real problem is that they don’t know how to use their timeshare to the best advantage,” explains Jon Zwickel, president and CEO of CRDA. “We educate them on the many different ways they can enjoy their ownership and customize it in a way that best suits their needs.”

"CRDA has made a commitment to ensuring that timeshare owners have a reliable and dedicated resource available to assist and support the owner community,” says Gregory Crist, CEO of the NTOA. “The National Timeshare Owners Association is pleased to partner with CRDA to make this happen.”

CRDA expects to handle 50 – 75 calls per month, with a goal of answering the majority of queries within one business day. For more information, go to the ASK CRDA page on CRDA.com.

The CRDA website is filled with handy tools for consumer support. To become a member, companies must pass a rigorous five-step review process to assure they adhere to the association’s mission and Code of Ethics. Only CRDA members are entitled to display its logo, which serves as the industry’s seal of approval. Occasionally, CRDA learns of a company that is displaying the logo without permission. These unauthorized users are listed on the site’s just-launched Use of the CRDA Logo page. Consumers should go to CRDA.com and consult this page and the CRDA Membership List to help assure they are dealing with reputable timeshare companies. 

About CRDA

CRDA is Canada’s premier association dedicated to representing the interests of the vacation ownership and resort development industries. Since its founding in 1980, CRDA has become Canada’s preeminent industry association representing all forms of vacation ownership. The organization is comprised of active industry leaders committed to promoting and maintaining a high standard of ethical conduct within the Canadian vacation ownership industry, creating B-2-B and networking opportunities for members, and educating consumers about the benefits of timeshare. CRDA promotes the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism throughout the industry. For more information, please visit www.crda.com.

About NTOA

For nearly 20 years, the National Timeshare Owners Association has worked to foster a better understanding of the benefits, value and usage of timeshare ownership through information and educational programs. The association is dedicated to working with consumers and the timeshare community to encourage timeshare usage, educate the public on the benefits and responsibilities of timeshare ownership and insure a better timeshare experience for everyone. For more information visit http://www.nationaltimeshareowersassoc.com

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