Operators draw up holiday plans to revive tourism sector

CHENNAI: The state and the Centre are yet to come out with a policy to reopen tourism, but individual tour operators are offering packages with flexi-dates in an attempt to create an environment to revive the sector when flights resume.
The motto seems to be to encourage people ready to fly abroad to ‘book now and travel in a year or two’ with room tariffs and air fares expected to shoot up the moment flights are allowed from Chennai to southeast Asia or the Middle East.

Since many countries, mainly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, are opening up, tour operators feel the locations may not have competitive pricing. Nevertheless, operators are offering packages from 5 days to a week, which cost close to ₹1 lakh, for ₹35,000-₹50,000.
Thomas Cook and SOTC have started to float packages starting with occasions like Durga Puja. Rajeev Kale, president & country head (holidays, MICE, visa) at Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, said, that given the pent-up demand, the festive season offered consumers the first opportunity for travel within India, also outbound - when borders reopen. “We are witnessing an encouraging demand for the upcoming festive season right through to summer 2021, not just for enquiries, but for bookings — and this is driven by our three-pronged strategy — flexible change/cancellation options, affordable pricing, discounts/value adds for our customers,” he said without specifying how many have booked the tours.
A few agents are allowing people to book now and travel any time in two years.
TOI’s inquiries with one operator showedthe aim was to attract travellers and secure them from inflated costs. As per the agent’s terms, early-bird offers allow one to travel at any point of time in the next two years according to his/her convenience without paying extra. Refund is assured the agent is unable to facilitate the tour on dates demanded by the customer. “We do not receive the package cost through cheque or net banking, but prefer payment gateways since the customer can claim a refund,” a representative said.
Experts say such measures are meant to keep the business afloat. J Sethuraman of Travel XS said “These are all steps towards popularizing the brand, grab attention and plant an idea among the people about travel.”
Nevertheless, travellers need to be cautious. Advance bookings help companies get an interest-free investment that can be used at least for another six months.
Tourism sector insiders say Thailand-based hotels are encouraging Chennai tour operators to book rooms for prospective travellers. There is a huge risk as there would be no refund if the company vanishes. Reimbursement through payment gateways can happen only if the company has a balance in its bank accounts.
Sriharan Balan, Travel Agents Association of India chairman (tourism sub-committee) said no foreign country had announced SOPs for Indian tourists visiting for leisure. “Under such circumstances, it is a risk for agents and travellers since they are vulnerable to burn their fingers if things don’t go as per plans.”