Asia Travel Forum

Hi. I signed up for membership in an E-Club Vacation Plus program (fee equivalent to 6,000 pesos) in Manila, which entitles me to discounted rates for 2 nights in pre-identified hotels and resorts. The hitch was that I needed to make prior reservations with the seller (Zydan Marketing), through only one phone number. I've made several attempts to get a booking (the most recent ones during the lean season) but was given the runaround, if they even answer my calls. Has anybody experienced this as well? Ewww, I hate to accept that I've been duped!

If I was you I'd report the matter to VICTORIA V. JASMIN, the Director, Office of Tourism Standards, of the Phillipines' Department of Tourism. Her email is mvjasmin@tourism.gov.ph
Hopefully they'll be able to help.

Is this one of those so-called "Travel Clubs" where you pay up-front for the promise of cheap holidays or luxury accommodation?
There was a spate of these in the UK recently - e.g. Cybertravel UK , Club Meridian, Meridian Marketing for example.
I would not recommend anyone joining these as there is often a scam going-on.
However, you may get a refund IF you paid by credit card - some banks will do this but you would have to check as this may only be applicable in th eUK.

This must be a world wide scam.I just saw on the news a lady here that lost 4000.00 in a travel scam.I would try what the 1st post said reporting it and hope for the best.If you paid with a credit card they should charge it back and give you credit but that is USA laws so it would depend on what the Philippine credit card laws are.Here if you don't get what you paid for the credit card company has to give you credit.If you paid cash you're probaly screwed.

I learned recently that Zydan Marketing has changed its name to Le Grand Marketing or Legrand Marketing, to evade angry victims. Apparently, this company also tried to bill clients who paid by credit card twice or thrice, aside from shirking its duties. I cringe about the fact that they continue to operate unchallenged, brrr.