Issue Date:  -  Monday, 11 January 1999

Fair Trading urges caution on travel club

The Ministry of Fair Trading today alerted consumers to the possible risks of purchasing club entitlements to discount travel and accommodation.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said the Ministry had received more than 30 complaints in the last month about Interval Resort Networks (Australasia) Pty Ltd.

Interval Resort Networks employs telemarketers who ask people to attend a 90 minute presentation in Northbridge at which consumers are offered free resort accommodation subject to payment of a booking fee, if they sit through the presentation.

Mr Walker said club membership offered purchasers the prospect of significant discounts on air travel and accommodation which were greatly appealing to people who enjoyed travelling.

"Some consumers have complained that they have been unable to secure discounts that are being promoted, or have had problems booking accommodation on the dates that suit them" Mr Walker said.

"I believe that there are enough complaints about this firm to warrant alerting the public to a potential problem.

"Fair Trading is investigating allegations that are made by WA consumers and we will take whatever action is necessary to protect consumers' rights and interests," Mr Walker said.

Media contact:
Neil Stanbury
Tel: (08) 9282 0613