The return of the VOASA Conference was seen as an opportunity to reconnect, share insights, and navigate the future of an industry that has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability over the past four years.
Themed “Future Proofing the Timeshare Industry,” the event attracted a full house of association members and non-members, industry leaders, regulators, legislators, and representatives from across the tourism sector. The decision to bring back the conference stemmed from the pressing need to address industry changes and foster collaboration in a post-pandemic landscape.
“The Covid-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, but it also brought the industry closer together. In the face of adversity, we saw a renewed spirit of cooperation and mutual support, and we want to keep that momentum going.” [John Lee – VOASA Chairman]
The theme resonated with the challenges and opportunities an evolving market presents. The discussions centred around the importance of long-term planning and adaptability, embracing new business models, enhancing service offerings, and strengthening partnerships across the tourism value chain. The conference opened with a panel discussion that explored the new operating paradigm in today’s evolved market. Led by Jonathan Kilroe-Smith, CEO of the Club Mykonos Group, the panel comprised industry leaders: Samantha Croft, Operations Director at Southern Sun; Joel Papenfus, Divisional Operations Manager at Legacy Hotels and Resorts; Nick Dickson, CEO of Dream Hotels & Resorts; and Paul Lishman, Director at Easy Holidays and Resort Swop.
“I truly believe this is an exciting time for our industry, and it will be fascinating to see how it evolves in the coming yet.” [Jon Kilroe-Smith]
The second panel explored the synergy between sales, resales, short-term rentals, and exchange dynamics, focusing on how the secondary market can be leveraged for future growth. Industry experts – Tony Forbes (Business Development Executive at Beekman Group and iExchange), Peter Pienaar (General Manager of Business Development at Southern Sun), Karen Halvorsen and Nicky McCulloch (Co-owners of Cape Escape Resales), and Peter Edmondson (Managing Member of TravTrust Investments overseeing sales at Dream Vacation Club) – offered valuable insights into creating interconnected opportunities across these segments and provided practical, actionable strategies for sustainable growth.
“In the past, the timeshare industry operated with minimal regulation — a vastly different reality from the one we face today. We need to educate governments and implement workable legislation.” [Cari du Preez]
The legislative panel drew significant attention, bringing together influential voices from the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA), REBOSA, and Services SETA. VOASA’s legislative consultant, Cari du Preez (Director of AC du Preez Attorneys), addressed key questions and issues, seeking clear and actionable answers crucial for the timeshare industry’s compliance and growth.
Adding depth to the programme, Willie Roos, CEO of Stratafin, presented strategies for managing unpaid levies. Consumer Ombudsman Lee Soobrathi provided insights into the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO) role and its relationship with VOASA. Closing the event, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO of TBCSA, offered an optimistic outlook on domestic tourism growth and the TBCSA’s role in sustaining this momentum.
“The conference served as a valuable platform to reconnect and forge new relationships. The topics were relevant and engaging and we appreciated the opportunity to participate in such a well-organised event.” [Nicky McCulloch]
The feedback and participation from members highlighted the significance of these discussions and the industry’s commitment to remaining relevant and competitive, ensuring that timeshare continues to be an appealing option for holidaymakers in the future.