Tourism Deptt initiates action on tourist complaints

GANGTOK, 29 June: The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has initiated action against those guilty of cheating, fraud and overcharging visitors to the state. This was done in response to complaints filed by tourists with the department.
Speaking to NOW!, Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, R Telang, informed that this season, the department received six to seven written complaints from tourists related to overcharging, cheating, and fraud by either tour operators, travel agencies or by drivers.
The Department in response on these complaints, is reported to have solved all the issues placed before it even initiating action such as refunding the over charged sums to the tourists after thorough enquiry into the matter.
The refunds made this year range from Rs. 1,000 upto Rs. 4,000 and the money was transferred to the tourist’s bank accounts or through cheques, it is informed. Strict action was taken against one travel agency after confirming the facts where the department also sent a showcase notice giving a time frame of about 15 days, added the Secretary.
He added that if the said stakeholder does not comply with the notice, the department will cancel the operator’s registration whereby the said agency will not be issued permits.
The Secretary added that under the provisions of the Sikkim Tourist Trade Act, 1998 and Rule 2008 the Department of Tourism can take serious actions but so far no such extreme cases have been reported in the state.
He went on to appeal to all the stakeholders across the state to refrain from such activities which can invite strict action from the department mentioning that tourism is very important for the state’s economy.
Likewise, the Public Relation Officer, Tourism Department, Karma Tshering stated that apart from written, numerous verbal complaints were placed by the tourists this season which were also resolved on the spot through the department’s intervention. The PRO added that the complaints received this season were less compared to earlier years but among all, one major complaint was received and action is being carried out against the concerned stakeholder.