Timeshare 'cowboys' reined in

Timeshare touts have restrained their "devious" tactics after the Tourism Ministry gave them five days to "clean up their act or else get off the road".

Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech has warned that the next time the unacceptable behaviour resurfaces the government will enact the necessary regulations to prohibit the street promotion of timeshare in whatever format.

"Our warning has definitely led to the desired result and the behaviour of outside promotional contacts (OPCs) has improved. We will be monitoring the situation to ensure the situation does not get out of hand again," he said when contacted.

The unacceptable behaviour of OPCs who pester tourists has made the headlines several times. Did Dr Zammit Dimech truly believe the situation has been resolved?

"I think that for the moment things are under control. However, I agree this is not a permanent solution. In the long term we must find a more acceptable way of selling timeshare, such as setting up booths, to avoid loitering," he admitted.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that once summer was over he would broach the matter with the timeshare association to discuss the best way forward.

"While the present civil atmosphere is maintained we will continue as is for the remaining summer months. Once the peak season is over we can talk about a more long-term solution," he added.

Dr Zammit Dimech last week felt the need to take a stand after the ministry received a deluge of complaints on the "devious" tactics adopted by OPCs from harassed tourists and shop owners.

The situation had reached intolerable proportions and Qawra, Bugibba and the promenade in Sliema had been transformed into "cowboy land".

Tourists wrote or called in complaining of having their path "literally blocked" by timeshare touts who didn't know how to take no for an answer and who "insult and call us names" when their offer is refused.

Dr Zammit Dimech had called an urgent meeting with Malta Tourism Authority executive chairman Romwald Lungaro-Mifsud and MTA enforcement directorate head Frank Farrugia to take a stand.

A letter was sent to timeshare marketing companies to eliminate the behaviour demonstrated by OPCs.

"Last Monday, Mr Lungaro-Mifsud received a request from the timeshare association for an urgent meeting, where the association committed itself to work towards a more acceptable situation. We welcomed the fact that the association took remedial action," he said.

On Tuesday the association held a meeting for OPCs where it made it clear that their behaviour was no longer tenable. It also made them sign a form that showed they understood Malta's laws and regulations.

"We have also agreed to increase the presence of enforcement officers to retain greater control," Dr Zammit Dimech added.