Coronavirus is the worst catastrophe having forces tourism business to come to a standstill: TAAI

Due to the huge impact of coronavirus (Covid-19), which is also resulting in escalating cases of it globally, travel agents are facing mass cancellations of hotels and flight bookings and attractions are being temporarily shut while seaports and airports are undertaking a massive task of scanning passengers from all around the world. For the travel & tourism industry in India, this health outbreak could deal a death blow at a time when players were hoping 2020 would witness a revival of business sentiment since economic slowdown and crisis in the banking sector has curtailed consumer spending in the year 2019. 

According to the President of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Jyoti Mayal, this is the worst catastrophe the tourism industry has ever faced when business has virtually come to a standstill. “TAAI has already appealed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, IATA, all airlines and other stakeholders to consider the situation on humanitarian grounds, and pass necessary instructions for date change waivers as well as cancellation policies on compassionate basis. This is a very serious global concern, being not a political or an economic issue and should be considered in the interest of all”. She also said that airlines have taken cognizance of the situation and have updated their policies. Other players have escalated the demand of their global head offices for consideration. 

President, Jyoti Mayal also said that while health and life are of utmost importance, the trade fraternity is adhering to the policies of airlines, hotels and other related vendors. “Until such waivers are received, we are not in a position to action the same. TAAI and its member agents request that, travelers need to be patient. Acting as agents for the airlines and other vendors, it is beyond our limitations to offer waivers without the approval from the principals being airlines, hoteliers and other stakeholders. We are awaiting review from the government airlines, hoteliers and all concerned to reconsider their policies of refunds and cancellation charges.”

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