Tourists being duped by travel agents and hoteliers in Manali and Shimla

When money is the matter of prime concern, then who want to know the meaning of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. Making ‘Money Devo Bhava’ their favourite quote, most of the travel agents, hoteliers and taxi drivers in Shimla, Manali and other tourist places of HP are making fool out of the innocent tourists.

“I booked through internet and my travel agent promised me to provide best services at nominal prices. He sold me a Delhi-Shimla-Manali-Delhi package for Rs 19,500.00. We were asked to provide a luxury room in hotel but the hotels were worst in the town. Our Volvo, food, taxi, everything was in worst condition. As per the rule when one of representative of travel agency came to collect the rest amount, he forcibly demanded Rs 10,000 more than the actual package price. He told us that government has raised the room and taxi rents. XXX XXX travel agency was registered with Himachal Tourism Department. I’ll advise all the travellers to check for the authenticity and facilities they are being given by the agents,” a tourist from New Delhi Ajit Agrawal said who was travelling with his wife.

Many tourists are complaining about the fraud and poor services given by the travel agencies and hotels. Even the taxi drivers are making them fool. Rafting, paragliding, skiing, warm clothing, they are duping them with sky high prices. According to police sources, most of the travel agencies were confirming bookings with very low prices and once the tourist reaches his destination, they are forced to pay extra money by showing them extra expenses made by them, rise in taxes, rents or similar things. Room given to many guests are more similar to ‘public sarai/dharamshala than the hotels/resorts.

Tourism Development Officer Balvir Thakur has advised tourists to ensure the authenticity of travel agency and ask for the services in written mail/letter before confirming the tour. “Most of the travel agents, hoteliers and even some big holiday making companies have been duping tourists. In such situation, contact at nearest tourist information centre or police station. If you pay for the service, you deserve that service. Tourists can also SMS their grievance to 9459100100 for police assistance anytime and anywhere in Himachal,” Thakur told Himachal Vacation.