BETTER PROTECTION FOR EUROPEAN HOLIDAY MAKERS

1.20.39pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 8th Jun 2007

West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne has welcomed new legislation which will better protect the region's holiday makers.

The 1994 Timeshare Directive has been revised and updated to offer better protection to those addressed in the original rules. It will now also include moveable property such as canal boats, cruise ships and caravans.

Commenting today from the West Midlands Liz said:

"In an expanding, £7 billion industry with some 85,000 units across Europe, but also increasing reports of scams during the last few years, it is only right that existing legislation should be brought up to date to accommodate new trends and developments."

"These new rules will better protect those who sign contracts of up to three years and improve resale regulation. The cooling-off period for a customer to change their mind is to be extended and withholding important information from potential customers will be made illegal.

"The European Union is working hard on behalf of the local consumer and this will help to give people more peace of mind when considering purchase of such timeshare-style properties."

ENDS