“If well regulated, it will contribute significantly towards the Maltese economy because of its guaranteed repeat business. However, if abused, it can irreparably harm the entire tourism industry,” a spokesman said.

The Malta Tourism Authority reminded marketing companies and operators of timeshare resorts of the provisions of Legal Notice 299 of 2004 Timeshare Promotion (Licensing of OPC Representatives) Regulations 2004, which provides for the licensing of OPC (outside promotional contacts) representatives, and the regulation of the conduct of such

people when they make contact with prospective buyers, as part of a marketing campaign to offer immovable property on a timeshare basis or equivalent.

“Since the coming into force of these regulations, the MTA has processed over 75 applications for licences for OPC representatives. The Authority’s Enforcement Directorate, together with the police, has stepped up inspections to check on unlicenced OPCs and to curb harassment” the MTA said.

During the course of these inspections, it was noticed that a number of timeshare marketing companies continue to use the services of unlicensed OPCs and legal action has been and will continue to be taken against these offenders.

On a positive note, the MTA has noticed a welcome change in tourists’ attitudes, in the sense that properly licensed and identifiable OPCs are generally no longer being viewed with distrust by foreign visitors.

Marketing companies and timeshare resort operators have a legal obligation to ensure that all OPCs representing their companies/resorts are properly licensed and wear the identification tag issued by the Malta Tourism Authority, when selling timeshare in accordance with Legal Notice 299 of 2004.