Global Vacation Network Cancer survivors dreams shattered by GVN. "Free" vacation isn't free. Clearwater Florida
My best friend had survived stage 4 ovarian cancer and is thankfully still in remission. I could go into detail but that isn't the focus. She was looking forward to a "free" 4 day / 3 night vacation in Mexico that was a promotional offer from the Global Vacation Network, (GVN) and Mexican Paradise Getaways, (MPG). All a couple had to do was to sit through a presentation pitching the sale of a membership to thier "vacation club" since in wasn't a "timeshare". The details are below but I will make a long story short to get the point across.
We didn't get to go on the vacation and they stole our $100. I sent in the $100 good faith "refundable" deposit and then after all of the vacation arrangements are supposedly set except for the airfare, they ask that you send a cashiers check or money order for $300 for "airline ticket taxes" prior to getting the vacation booked. This detail is never disclosed verbally or in written form.
Here are the details: After spending double the amount of time there for the presentation, we left with our literature which included a list of incentives - one of which was the all expenses paid, all inclusice vacation to Mexico.
I filled out the forms and sent them in. I recieved another form in the mail shortly thereafter. I filled it out and sent in the required $100 which is to be refunded after you take the vacation. You also have to agree to sit through another 90 minute presentation at the resort in Mexico which is never disclosed in the original presentation.
I recieved a call from a representative of Mexican Paradise Getaways and they indicated that everything was set except for the taxes. When I asked how much, she said $300 - $150 per round trip ticket. I indicated that there was absolutely no mention of this by GVN in any form. Collette stated that she knew this and that it was unfortunately standard operating procedures for GVN and that none of the other vacation clubs operated this way. I indicated that I didn't have the money and wouldn't be able to go unless GVN paid for the taxes. She said that she could send me the $100 back but I was never contacted by her again and wasn't able to reach her at the phone # that she provided. I attempted several emails but my concerns were never addressed.
So, do not deal with them at all and certainly do not sent them any money.
Tom
Dyer, Indiana
U.S.A.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
PHOTO4
COLUMBUS,Ohio,
USA
Taxes are a part of life.
#6Consumer Comment
Tue, September 29, 2009
I know a lady that followed all the guidelines including the $300 tax cost. She went on her 4 day 3 night all inclusive trip to Mexico. Her and her husband both had a great time. The value of this vacation is priced at about $2,000 to $2,500. So what is the problem if you have to pay a little tax? Don't we all pay taxes? The next time you see something free, remember the government doesn't see it that way.
The product is 100% legitimate. I've been a member of this company for over 9 years and have taken over a dozen vacations with the network. I've also been an employee for over 4 years. Here are both sides of the story, consumer and employee. As a Global member, the benefits are great. As an employee I take pride in operating in honesty and integrity. GCI is a great company, but not perfect company. Companies are comprised of the imperfect people who run them. Want the truth about Global Connections, Inc., keep reading.
Global Connections, Inc. (GCI) a leader in the travel industry is headquartered in Overland Park, KS., has nearly 30 distributing offices throughout the country including Global Vacation Network (GVN) and Global Discovery Vacation (GDV). GCI is not a timeshare, but a licensed and bonded Full Service Travel Agency that owns a large number of its own properties. GCI is a member in good standing with the following industry agencies: VRMA (Vacation Rental Management Association), ARDA (American Resorts and Development Association), CARE (Cooperative Association of Resort Exchange), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), ARC (Airline Report Corporation) just to name a few.
For more information, check out their new web page: https://www.globaldiscoveryvacations.com/tLogin.aspx
A recent article in Resort Trades magazine reported "50% of respondents said they had no preference between a legacy and low-fair air carrier. Consumers care more about the price of the air ticket than the carrier. Translate this to the timeshare industry and it becomes obvious that price is what matters. If a consumer can purchase a timeshare from the developer for $20,000 or a similar product on the resale market for $5000 or $6,000... Why wouldn't they?" This is the Global way. As a consumer, my wife and I paid around $5,000 for a lifetime membership. As a consumer, we are 97% completely satisfied. Our last vacation was to Panama City Beach, FL where we stayed at the beautiful Wyndham Emerald Beach Resort & Spa in a 2 bdrm / 2 bath ocean front condo.
Follow the link to see our accommodations: http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/PFNHT/main.wnt?cha=
Our total cost for 8 day/7 night stay was less than $100 for the entire week. We pay a nominal, "optional" renewal fee once a year that entitles us to a set number of weeks of vacation at less than $100 each. We spent our 5th anniversary in December 2008 at Globals exclusively owned White Oaks Resort & Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN where we stayed in a two bedroom state of the art cabin.
The follow link gives you a video presentation of the resort. http://www.whiteoaklodgeandresort.com/great-taste-video.asp
Do the math and you'll quickly recognize Global Connections, Inc. is a great vacation investment.
Markshark
West Homestead,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
this is pathetic
#6UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, July 28, 2009
I am an ex-employee of the company. First off, I dont understand why people like you have to exploit a "cancer victim" as a means to make a company look bad. Its sad that a "cancer survivor's dream" of a lifetime is 4 days in a crummy hotel somewhere. Secondly, Global Vacation Network doesn't provide the gifts, they are provided by a third party marketing company similar to every other marketing company that provides gifts for every other timeshare/travel club out there. Blame the marketing company thats listed on the stub, not Global Vacation Network.
Markshark
West Homestead,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
this is pathetic
#6UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, July 28, 2009
I am an ex-employee of the company. First off, I dont understand why people like you have to exploit a "cancer victim" as a means to make a company look bad. Its sad that a "cancer survivor's dream" of a lifetime is 4 days in a crummy hotel somewhere. Secondly, Global Vacation Network doesn't provide the gifts, they are provided by a third party marketing company similar to every other marketing company that provides gifts for every other timeshare/travel club out there. Blame the marketing company thats listed on the stub, not Global Vacation Network.
Markshark
West Homestead,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
this is pathetic
#6UPDATE EX-employee responds
Tue, July 28, 2009
I am an ex-employee of the company. First off, I dont understand why people like you have to exploit a "cancer victim" as a means to make a company look bad. Its sad that a "cancer survivor's dream" of a lifetime is 4 days in a crummy hotel somewhere. Secondly, Global Vacation Network doesn't provide the gifts, they are provided by a third party marketing company similar to every other marketing company that provides gifts for every other timeshare/travel club out there. Blame the marketing company thats listed on the stub, not Global Vacation Network.
Get It Right
Lake Zurich,Illinois,
U.S.A.
No problem here
#6Consumer Suggestion
Mon, July 20, 2009
I had no problem using the promotion they gave us. I still have the 800 number I called (888) 272-9741 when I had a question about where I was going to stay. They seemed very nice to me. Hope the phone number helps!!