Press Release: Commission acts to address gaps in the Timeshare Directive

The European Commission on 1 June 2006 launched a wide public consultation on the Timeshare Directive (94/47/EC). Timeshare contracts entitle consumers to spend a period of time (at least one week) in a holiday property for at least three years. The Timeshare Directive sets minimum standards for consumer protection throughout the EU, such as ensuring that consumers receive adequate information on the property. The consultation was to address the timeshare-like products, introduced by some operators, which take advantage of regulatory loopholes, leading to a number of complaints by consumers.