Hotels not allowing tourists to check in despite prior bookings

ANEESH PHADNIS

Foreign tourists, particularly from Italy, South Korea, and Japan are being denied rooms in hotels as panic builds up over the rise of coronavirus cases in the country.

The issue was flagged by the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) in a meeting with the ministry of tourism on Thursday.

“We have received complaints from tour operators from Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. In Agra, hotels are refusing rooms to Italian tourists. In Rajasthan, Italian tourists are being asked by hotels to undergo medical examinations before check-in despite showing no symptoms of coronavirus,” said IATO president Pronab Sarkar. Till now 31 cases have been detected in India. “The tourism ministry has assured that communication is being sent to states to see that tourists are not harassed. Also, the health ministry is being asked to issue a travel advisory for those not affected by the virus,” Sarkar said.

“Hotels could get thermal scanners to screen their guests,” said Subhash Goyal, chairman of STIC Travel Group.

IATO has also requested the tourism ministry to set up a 24x7 control room and an online mechanism to assist foreign visitors in case of an emergency.

“Due to the sharp drop in business, it will become difficult for travel agents to survive. Many jobs will be at stake. The government should provide tax rebates for travel agents and reduction and waiver in interest rates,” said Jyoti Mayal of Travel Agents Association of India.