Great Destinations, Inc – Ontario Office

Great Destinations, Inc., operating from its office in Ontario, California, presents itself as a travel agency, but its business model aligns more closely with a vacation club or timeshare program. This distinction is crucial for any potential customer to understand, as the services offered are not typical travel planning services for individual trips. Instead, the company focuses on selling long-term memberships that provide access to various vacation properties. The public reception of this model is sharply divided, as evidenced by a significantly low average rating of 2.4 stars from over 50 reviews, indicating widespread dissatisfaction among many who have interacted with the company. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also shows that the business is not accredited and has a number of complaints lodged against it.

The Path to the Presentation

The initial contact from Great Destinations, Inc. often comes as a surprise to consumers. A common narrative shared by numerous individuals is receiving a phone call after entering a raffle or drawing at a public place, such as the Brea Mall or the LA Boat Show. The lure is typically a grand prize—a new Corvette, $100,000, or a boat. Callers inform people they have won or are a finalist, and to claim their prize or participate in the final drawing, they must attend a 90-minute presentation at the Ontario office. As an added incentive, attendees are guaranteed a set of "free gifts" with no costs attached. These often include vacation packages, such as a trip for two to Hawaii or Cabo, a shorter trip to Big Bear, and a restaurant gift card valued at several hundred dollars.

Deconstructing the "Free" Gifts

A significant point of contention arises from the nature of these guaranteed gifts. Attendee reports consistently describe them as far less valuable than initially promised. The chance to win the grand prize, for example, often materializes as a scratch-off card where winning is contingent on revealing three matching symbols. Reviewers have stated these cards appear designed to be unwinnable, effectively making the grand prize an illusion.

The promised travel deals also come with considerable caveats. The "free" Hawaii trip, for instance, is frequently described as a short two-day stay, which is impractical given the long flight time from California. Furthermore, redeeming the trip requires paying upfront taxes and fees and navigating a complex booking system with limited availability. Similarly, the restaurant gift card is often not a card with a cash value but rather access to a portal of coupons, such as "buy one, get one free" offers, which have limited utility and require additional spending.

The Core Product: A Travel Membership

The presentation itself is a high-pressure sales pitch for what is essentially a form of vacation ownership. While the company may avoid the term "timeshare," the product functions in a similar way. Customers are invited to purchase a membership that grants them a set number of points, which can be used for resort booking. The packages presented come with a hefty price tag, ranging from approximately $7,100 to over $70,000. For those who cannot pay upfront, financing is offered, but often at a high interest rate of 16% or more, even for those with good credit.

Beyond the initial purchase price, there is a mandatory annual "administration fee," reported to be around $396. This fee is perpetual, must be paid every year for life, and is subject to increases. This recurring cost is functionally identical to the maintenance fees associated with traditional timeshares, which are often a source of long-term financial burden for owners. The structure of the points system has also been criticized as convoluted; one of the lower-tier plans might provide enough points for a one-week stay at a mid-range hotel only every two years, raising questions about the overall value proposition.

The Sales Environment and Tactics

Many attendees have described the sales environment as aggressive and uncomfortable. Salespeople are reported to be persistent, employing high-pressure tactics to secure a same-day commitment. When potential customers ask probing questions about the discrepancies between the promises made over the phone and the reality of the offer, sales staff have allegedly become evasive or provided nonsensical answers. The pressure to buy on the spot, with the claim that the offer is only available that day, is a common tactic in the timeshare industry designed to prevent people from conducting outside research.

A Contrasting Perspective

Despite the overwhelming number of negative experiences, there is a minority of members who have found value in the program. One positive review noted that they have been a member for several years without issue, enjoying beautiful resorts and good customer service when booking. This user acknowledged the high cost but appreciated the concept of an inheritable asset that could be passed down to future generations. However, even this positive account reinforces a key challenge mentioned by others: the necessity of booking trips at least six months in advance. This lack of spontaneity can be a significant drawback for many travelers and highlights potential issues with availability for popular destinations and dates.

Key Considerations for Potential Customers

Based on extensive customer feedback, several critical points of concern emerge for anyone considering attending a presentation by Great Destinations, Inc.:

• Misleading Incentives: The promises of winning a major prize and receiving valuable, cost-free gifts appear to be a primary method of attracting attendees, but these incentives often fail to live up to their descriptions.
• High Financial Commitment: The product is not a simple booking service but a significant, long-term financial investment with a high upfront cost and perpetual annual fees.
• High-Pressure Sales: Be prepared for an intense sales environment designed to elicit an immediate decision, which is a red flag in any major financial transaction.
• Booking Limitations: Securing reservations, especially for desirable all-inclusive resorts or during peak seasons, may require planning far in advance, limiting flexibility.
• Company Reputation: The business is not accredited by the BBB and holds a very low customer rating, which should be carefully considered.

In conclusion, Great Destinations, Inc. offers a product that may appeal to a specific type of traveler who is comfortable with the vacation ownership model and its associated costs and limitations. However, the business practices used to attract potential customers and the high-pressure sales environment are significant deterrents. The vast disparity between the initial promises and the final offer has led to a large volume of negative feedback. Anyone who receives an invitation should proceed with extreme caution, understand that the primary goal of the presentation is to sell a costly membership, and be prepared to walk away despite the allure of "free" gifts.