The Power of Politics
By
Steve Weisz, President/CEO of Marriott Vacations Worldwide & Chairman of
the Board of Directors, ARDA
In what is surely considered one of the most unique (or
bizarre) political seasons in some time, it serves to remind us just how much
politics and the mechanisms of government can impact our timeshare industry.
The contributions that ARDA provides in the forming and
managing of regulatory and legislation issues is a never-ending task. From
taxation and consumer protection to state-by-state guidelines, the laws that
are voted in place can have an enormous impact in our efforts to grow and
thrive in development, management, and the sale and marketing of our products.
Politics, politicians, and policy are a complicated and ever-changing
landscape, to say the least.
Working on behalf of the millions of vacation owners is ARDA-ROC,
which serves as the constant voice and first line of defense to the federal,
state, and local legislative entities that could pass laws that may negatively
impact ownership and the ability to enjoy the vacation time that they have
purchased. ARDA-ROC also serves as a constant educational platform for policymakers,
so they may better understand the uniqueness and complexities of timeshare.
Shaping the industry for a bright and prosperous future
could simply not be done without the collaborative relationship we have with
lawmakers and influencers that stand on both sides of the political aisle. From
attorneys general, legislators, and even governors, it is extremely important
to make sure we stay ahead of the issues and have the important cooperative
relationships that benefit us as a whole.
As an industry, we must collectively continue to be consumer
advocates against unfair taxation, resale scams, and other undermining factors
that can affect our fiscal health—while, at the same time, embracing
regulations that provide confidence to consumers that they can put their trust
in the products we offer.
(Click here for this column and more content from the October 2016 Developments. ).