A
Code of Ethics has been established by VOASA, in conjunction with the
previous Business Practices Committee, to promote the long-term interests
of the industry. All members of VOASA have agreed to comply with the terms
and spirit of the Code. The bulk of the Code is applicable to everyone
in the industry.
The full Code of Ethics is available on this website, under the main menu
heading, Industry Information and Consumer Information, Shared Vacation
Ownership Code of Conduct. The following is a summary of the main provisions:
| SUMMARY
OF MAIN PROVISIONS OF CODE OF ETHICS |
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1 |
No
activity, whether of an advertising or promotional nature or otherwise,
conducted by any member, its subsidiaries, servant or employees,
shall be such as to bring shared vacation ownership into disrepute
or reduce the confidence of the public in the shared vacation ownership
industry as a reputable service to the community. |
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2 |
Statements,
presentations, descriptions, literature or documents used in any
advertising or promotional activities: i. May not convey false or misleading information about the product; ii. May not omit material information without which such information could have a deceptive or misleading effect on the consumer’s decision to purchase; iii. Must be consistent; and iv. Must be easily understandable by the consumer. |
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3 |
All
shared vacation ownership products must be presented in advertising
and promotional activity as an investment in future holidays. It
is not primarily purchased for rental yield, return on investment
or capital gain on resale. |
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4 |
Every
contract must contain a provision entitling a purchaser to withdraw
from the contract within 5 (five) working days of the purchaser
signing the contract. Written notice of the withdrawal must reach
the seller within the 5(five)-day period, at an address which must
be contained in the contract. An electronic address and facsimile
number must also be given and receipt of facsimile, email, telexes,
telegrams or phonograms are stipulated as sufficient written notice
by the purchaser. |
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5 |
Each
contract must be accompanied by a checklist, entitled a Certificate
of Purchase, which explains the essential elements of the contract.
The checklist must be fully initialed and signed by the purchaser
at the time of sale. |
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6 |
The
shared vacation ownership resort or Points / Club product must be
accurately presented without exaggeration. |
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7 |
Representations
may not be made to the effect that there is a limited time for the
consumer to accept the terms of an offer when such, in fact, is
not the case. |
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8 |
The
Contract of Sale must be made available to the client at the time
of sale, before signing or before the contract becomes binding. |
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9 |
The
client may not be discouraged from seeking professional advice. |
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10 |
Members
may not withhold or unreasonably delay the provision of the signed
copy of the Contract of Sale to the client. The client must be provided
with a copy of the Agreement immediately after signature thereof. |
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Members of VOASA
are required to display this abridged Code of Ethics in a prominent position
at their sales offices. Should any member of the public have a complaint
regarding a breach of this Code of Ethics, they are invited to address
their complaint in writing to:
Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa
P.O. Box 2823 Durbanville 7551
Telephone: (021) 914-9693 Fax: (021) 914-5202 Email:voasa@voasa.co.za
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