Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16: Odisha Tourism officials came to the rescue of two Italian nationals, who were duped by a private hotel booking website here.
The tourists from Italy, Vincenzo Garoia and Silvana Landolfi, alleged that they were duped by the website - myguesthouse.com - through which they had booked a room for their stay in Bhubaneswar.
"The website showed them a different room. But after reaching the city, they found out that the room did not exist at all. Instead, they were put up at a private house at Sisupalgarh, around 13km from the city," said tourism director Nitin Jawale.
The duo arrived in India last night as part of a long haul tour of the country.
"The room they were put up in was gaudy and stinky. Besides, it lacked basic amenities," he said.
"They somehow spent the night there but left in the morning without food and water. They asked a few local residents, who guided them to the tourism office in the city," said Jawale.
After the duo got in touch with the Odisha Tourism officials, they helped them with the accommodation as well as assured them of facilitating the remainder of their stay in the state. As a goodwill gesture, the state government has made their accommodation free and also offered to drop them at the airport when they depart the city tomorrow morning to ensure their safety.
"We have had a bad experience, but we are thankful to the state government for helping us in the right time," said Vincenzo.
While the two have not registered any complaints, the government has asked the tourism department to probe into the matter.
"Severe action would be taken against individuals and organisations involved in such fraudulent activities. We have formed a committee under the tourist officer here, who will launch a drive to keep tabs on such booking sites operating in the state," said Jawale.
Tour operators have also called for strict action against such organisations.
"As a part of the hospitality industry, I feel ashamed. But, the matter doesn't end here. It's time for members of the hotel industry and travel agents that they came together to provide better services and security to the guests," said Partha Samal, online marketing manager at Hotel Crown.
