News

Vacationers in Greece may hear about a holiday club called Club Greece. It attracts customers with draws in which the prize is a CD player or free trip. In order to claim the prize, the traveller first has to take part in a presentation event of a few hours in which he or she is offered membership in a holiday club.

Holiday club membership may be a good system for consumers that have considered the matter carefully in advance and decided that the rights, restrictions and costs related to membership are suitable for them. However, the European Consumer Centre has been asked to deal with cases in which this has not been the end result. After the presentation, consumers have signed a contract and paid a deposit that averages EUR 750. They have also received an invoice for EUR 2,500 to cover the remainder of the sales price. In return, the customers have not generally been provided with a clear explanation of the content of the contract.

The European Consumer Centre wants to remind consumers that holiday club membership does not include the right of cancellation. If the customer regrets the decision, he or she is not entitled to have the deposit refunded. The Centre has the following advice for travellers in Greece:

• Despite attractive prizes, it is unwise to take part in a holiday club presentation if you have not planned the purchase of holiday club membership in advance.

• If you intend to purchase a holiday club membership during your trip, find out more about the prices, membership obligations and benefits in advance.

• Remember that, in addition to the membership, you also have to pay for the flights to the holiday destination. Do not rely on oral promises made by holiday club representatives concerning prices.

• Be prepared to leave the presentation event without signing a contract even if it seems impolite. This will help you avoid many difficulties.

Further information: European Consumer Centre, Leena Lindström,Tel. +358 9 7726 7826