The Pahalgam attack has created uncertainty for both tourists and tour operators. Many tourists who cancelled their Kashmir trips after the attack have received credit notes instead of refunds for hotel and vehicle bookings.
Meanwhile, tour operators are dealing with angry customers demanding full refunds.
According to sources in the travel association many hotel and vehicle agents in Kashmir have given credit notes valid till September and tourists are not sure if they will get their money refunded after that. Meanwhile, many travel agencies are offering alternate tours to Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim to those who cancelled their Kashmir plans.
Almost 90% of the tourist bookings for the summer for Kashmir for May-June were cancelled following the terrorist attack. Many tourists since then have demanded that travel agencies refund their tour package money.
“People are asking us for refunds after cancelling their trips and we are asking the airlines and hotel/transport agents for the same. The airlines have agreed to refund the money for departures till April 30 with Air India and Akasha Air refunding for departures till May 7,” said an industry source. However, a well-known tour operator said though the airlines have promised a refund, they are delaying the same.
Ronak Shah, president of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), said since 90% of bookings for Kashmir were cancelled following the Pahalgam attack, hotels and vehicle booking agencies are issuing credit notes till September instead of giving refunds. “On the other hand, we are also talking to airlines to extend the refund date till May 30 so that tourists get some relief. For this, a delegation will meet different airlines in Mumbai and present a proposal.” The situation has left tour operators facing the ire of travellers for refunds.
A source from a well-known travel company said they have not yet received refunds from airlines or local booking agents in Kashmir, making it difficult to refund their customers. “That’s why we’re offering alternative tour options,” the source explained.