Srinagar, May 14: The Kashmir has recorded 100 percent increase in cases of tourist duping since 2016.
As per the figures of tourist police, 56 cases of tourist duping were reported in 2016 in the Valley. The number increased to 103 in 2018, indicating almost 100 percent increase in the last two years. Among 103 complaints in the previous year, 13 were from foreign tourists while as 89 complaints were received by domestic tourists visiting the Valley.
In 2018, 11 FIRs were registered in tourist duping cases. The number of FIRs registered in 2017 was 10 while as only 3 FIRs were registered in 2016.
In 2017, 100 complaints were received by the tourist police from visitors in both written and online mode, mostly against travel agencies, and tour operators.
“In 2018, stake-holders of tourism business, which even includes sledge-owners, drivers were fined Rs 10.11 lakhs for violating the Tourist Trade Act for duping the tourists,” a tourist police said. “This is a sharp increase compared to Rs 6.17 lakh penalty recovered by tourist police in 2017,” he said.
Tourists who were cheated were refunded Rs 32 lakhs during last 3 years. “The highest refunds of Rs 14.91 lakhs were done in 2017. During that year several tour cancellations witnessed due to fragile conditions resulted in disputes between tourism players and tourists,” the official added.
The official said as per the Tourist Trade Act, they were bound to take action against those who cheat the tourists.
“But we face problems as tourists have a shorter stay in Kashmir like four days and they don’t want to get involved in legal process. In 99 percent cases, they want to get their money back on spot and we only impose the fines. In the previous year, we registered 11 FIRs, where the tourists cooperated with us,” he said.
He said that maximum cases were cheating or the tourists were not satisfied with services. “Larger cases are not getting reported as travel agents many a times also help them to get their money back from those who cheat tourists,” he added.
