Refund tourists with interest, firm told

Mumbai: The state Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, Maharashtra directed a private tour company to pay Rs 16,730 each to 20 tourists whose Egypt tour was cancelled by the company in the August 2013 due to political turmoil in Egypt.

Earlier, District forum had rejected the tourists’ claim. However, state commission has directed tour company to pay additional Rs 16,730 to each member. 

The tourists had booked a tour with Kesari Tours for Egypt, Greece and Turkey. The tour was scheduled from September 23, 2013 to October 5, 2013. Each complainant had deposited tour cost of Rs 1,30,990 along with 1355 Euro with the company. Company had obtained visa for Greece, Egypt. However, company informed tourists that the tour of Egypt had been cancelled due to unrest and has shown readiness for refund of 155 Euro for the same. 

Complainants claimed that they are entitled to get one third of tour cost. When tourist showed their unwillingness to join rest of the tour they were informed by the company that the cancellation cost of Rs 56,000 will be deducted from the original amount.

 After protesting to get return of one-third amount of tour cost company had refunded 10,000 and Rs 1900 for visa of Egypt. And further paid 20,000 to tourist as additional amount.

Tour Company argued before the presiding judicial member Dr Shirasao and Dr. S.K.Kakade member that in the August 2013 there was political turmoil in Egypt and it was not safe to travel hence the said tour was cancelled for the safety of the passengers and paid Rs 11,900 amount and additional Rs 20, 000 to each tourist. 

State consumer forum held that due to deficiency in service and difference in the foreign currency exchange rate each complainant is entitled to get an amount of Rs 10,730 from the company and Rs 5000 for mental agony and Rs 1000 towards litigation charges.