Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 12 May 1999

Fair Trading charges travel discount company

The Ministry of Fair Trading today charged Interval Resort Networks (Australasia) Pty Ltd with making false representations in connection with the promotion of a travel and accommodation network discount scheme.

The charges followed a warning issued by the Ministry of Fair Trading in January of this year, naming Interval Resort Networks.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said the Ministry had received numerous complaints since the beginning of the year about Interval Resort Networks (Australasia) Pty Ltd.

Interval Resort Networks employs telemarketers who invite consumers to attend a presentation in Northbridge. As an incentive, consumers are offered free resort accommodation if they sit through the presentation.

Mr Walker said that consumers attending the presentations were being invited to join a network scheme which entitled them to discounts on air travel and accommodation.

"It will be alleged that Interval Resort Networks falsely represented to consumers it had been approved by the Ministry of Fair Trading. It will also be alleged that they falsely claimed to be affiliated with the Commonwealth Bank", Mr Walker said.

Mr Walker said that many consumers had also complained that they have been unable to secure discounts that are being promoted, or have had problems booking accommodation on the dates that suit them.

"I remain concerned about the number of complaints the Ministry is still receiving and will continue investigating these matters", Mr Walker said.