Wonders of Australia Summer

Terms and Conditions

a. "You/Client” means and includes the Lead Passenger & on whose behalf the Booking is made and / or the person making the Booking.

b. “We”/”Us”/”Company” means SOTC Travel Ltd.

c. “Independent Contractors” means Hotelier / Hotel owner, Owner of any airlines or shipping company or Railway, Ferryboat owner / Operator, Coach owner / Operator, or any other person or organization who has been selected by the company to render services to the client.

d. GST means and includes Goods and Service Tax.

e. TCS- TCS means and Includes Tax Collected at Source.

Brochure / Itinerary accuracy/ Change

All information given in this brochure / itinerary is based on the information available at the time of publication as brochures are printed several months in advance. We reserve the right to change any brochure / itinerary information before or after your booking of the tour due to any events beyond our control. The Client acknowledges that the details provided in the brochure/ itinerary, are for indicative purposes only. The Client understands that actual tour experiences may vary from the descriptions provided in promotional materials.

The Company reserves the right to modify or alter the itinerary of the tour due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure events beyond its control. Force majeure events include but are not limited to natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, political instability, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, and any other events deemed beyond the reasonable control of the Company.

The Client acknowledges and unconditionally agrees and confirms that such changes may be necessary for the safety and enjoyment of the tour.

In case we are aware of any changes sufficiently in advance, we will notify you at the time of booking or prior to travel otherwise our Tour Manager or Local representative will inform you of the changes

Major road works may necessitate route changes in the itineraries, restaurants may close or change management, all of these may cause us to make changes in the itineraries. Where we know of these sufficiently in advance we will notify you, otherwise our Tour Managers or Local Representative will inform you of the changes on the spot. There are also very big fairs and exhibitions, where all the hotels are fully booked well in advance, and therefore it may be necessary to stay in hotels in other cities. We may often operate more than one coach per departure date. We may operate more than one group per departure or club 2 groups in one departure due to operational reasons. For the comfort and convenience of our clients, we will sometimes reverse the direction, or slightly amend the itinerary including the flight routing. We will advise you of these amendments, prior to the start of the tour or on tour.

We may modify the itinerary based on various factors like maintenance of historical monuments, museums, major events like sports conventions, religious festivals, political gatherings, strikes etc.

We may take a detour to reach sightseeing places due to traffic conditions; road blocks and that may vary the course of itinerary. We reserve the right to change the departure date or cancel a departure due to lack of enough number of passengers and shall not  be responsible and/or liable for any ticket/s of the Client and/or any member of the group which they may have purchased in advance for sector within India or abroad. Clients are responsible for the adherence to time at all stages of the tour. In the event that a Client misses on any part of the sightseeing tour or any such tour due to delay on his part then the Client shall not be entitled to claim any refund of the same. The Company shall not accept any liability or responsibility for any damages, loss, baggage loss, injury, accident, death, breakdown, or irregularity, which may occur in carrying out the tour arrangement, weather conditions, strikes, war, quarantine and any other cause whatsoever and all such loss or expense shall be borne by the Client. We reserve the right to claim any additional expenses incurred due to delay or changes in schedules of train, aeroplane, bus, ship, number of nights at the destination and hotels before or after any guest makes booking and / or registration for any tour or any other services. We further reserve the right to amend, alter, vary or withdraw any particular departure; excursions advertised or substitute a hotel of similar category if deemed necessary.. These terms shall be read together with the brochure / itinerary but these terms shall prevail over the brochure / itinerary and shall override the brochure / itinerary to the extent that it is contradictory or conflicting thereto.

By signing / accepting the OTP; this Booking Form, the Client agrees to the aforementioned conditions regarding force majeure events and the indicative nature of brochure details.

Rights to adjust/ change the Package Holiday price or terms (Black out Period) etc

The Company reserves rights to adjust/ change  the Package Holiday price or terms, including terms of cancellation and refund policies for a holiday package, due to significant variations in demand, supply, cost and other factors caused by:Seasonal fluctuations (Christmas, New Year departures etc.); Force Majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, political unrest, strikes, sporting events etc.); Adverse weather conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, storms etc.); Changes in Animal Migration and plant flowering patterns and other disruptions in the natural order. Other unforeseen circumstances beyond the Company’s control. If a price adjustment /changes in price or changes in terms of cancellation and refund policy etc. has been effected, then Company will notify such changes to the Client at the time of booking.

MEALS AND SPECIAL REQUESTS

The menus are pre-set menus provided for meals on the tour. The types of meals are clearly indicated in the brochure. Unlike an airline, we cannot provide a special meal, nor do we guarantee a special diet to the Client, except to the extent mentioned in the brochure.

We however reserve the right to change the meal arrangement if circumstances make it necessary to do so without assigning any reasons thereof. In the event that the Client misses any meal during the tour for any reason whatsoever then no claim for the refund shall be entertained by the Company.

Special requests for room allocation, diet consideration on tour / cruise / flight etc. shall be made in writing 45 days prior to the final payment of this Booking Form, but all such requests shall be subject to availability. The Company will not be held liable for claims of damages or consequential loss if the Company is unable to process such requests for want of availability. The Client may request changes to meal preferences or special requests after booking, subject to availability and any associated fees or restrictions. Late requests may not be accommodated.

HOTELS

You will be out sightseeing most of the time and hence we have taken care to select and/or book the Hotels which are convenient and comfortable subject to the availability of the Hotel.

In the event that the Hotels are not available then the same shall be booked away from the city centre. The rooms are comparatively small, we would recommend only 3 persons in one room for your own comfort. Triple rooms are usually no larger than twin rooms and the third bed is often a rollaway cot put in a twin room for the night. Also due to favourable conditions in certain countries, most of the hotels may not have air conditioners / fans. In case of any improvements with hotel services, guest/s are requested to inform reception. Most of the rooms have a private bath or shower, air-conditioning, central heating and other facilities subject to various factors including weather / climatic conditions, local systems, tour type, etc. It is pertinent to note that the category of hotels shall vary according the tour package booked by you. The Hotels will either be those shown in the itinerary or of the same category. Due to trade fairs and conventions in the cities the Hotels may be blocked out for more than 2 (Two) years in advance. In such circumstances, you may have to stay in Hotels further away from the cities and itineraries may have to be altered / amended.

The Client should review hotel ratings and reviews provided by third-party sources to ensure that the hotel meets their expectations.

All baggage and personal effects are at all times and under all circumstances are the responsibility of the Client. We shall not be responsible or liable in case of loss or theft or damage of such items from the hotel premises / Coach / Cruise / Airport / during travel or place of visit etc. Some hotels offer the facility of safe deposit lockers, which can be availed of by you at your own cost and risk. The Company shall not be liable for any loss / theft from the same. Any damages caused to the hotel rooms / Coach / place of visit etc. during your stay / tour / visit, shall be borne and solely payable by You, and the Company shall not be liable for the same. Company is not liable if there is sudden disruption / disorder of telephone, internet services, and other amenities while staying at the Hotels. The Company shall not responsible for the facilities provided or not provided in the room / bathroom / hotel premises etc. by the Hotel or its staff. Rude or Unprofessional behaviour of hotel staff does not come under the direct purview of the Company and the Company shall not be responsible for the same. Facilities like mini bar, internet, paid television channels, telephone etc., are   excluded from the Tour cost and same shall be directly paid by the Client to the Hotel.

It is pertinent to note that the Client shall abide by the check in / check out time of the Hotel. Any changes made directly therein, the same shall be paid solely paid by the Client to the Hotel and the Company shall not be liable for any compensation.

ACCOMMODATION FOR CHILD BELOW 12 YEARS OF AGE

It is expressed and given to understand that a child below 12 years of age who is booked on the tour paying the special rate without a bed will not be provided with a bed in the hotel while on the tour under any circumstances. In case the Client makes any changes in their rooming while on the tour, the Company shall not make any refunds or pay any compensation to them. In case the Client decides to make any change in the rooming while on the tour subject to availability, then they shall be bound to pay an additional charge.

AIRLINE

The Company shall not be liable to the Client or any person traveling with him for Loss of Baggage by the Airline in case of  failure to provide meal of the Client, overbooking of the seats by the Airline, failure on the part of Airline to accommodate Client despite having confirmed tickets, meals offered by the Airline / quality of meal, flight delay, if the Client misses the flight, changes of flight schedule / routing / airline mentioned at the time of booking, or any other reason whatsoever. In the event that the Client is booked on a particular Airline on a particular date and due to certain reasons beyond the control of the Company, the Client is not allowed to board the flight, then the Client shall not hold the Company responsible for the same and no claim whatsoever can be made by the Client against the Company. Airport taxes / Airport Development Fee as applicable shall be paid by the Client solely. All the booking / cancellation / change of the airline ticket and the travel on such airline ticket will be subject to the terms and conditions of respective Airlines and the same may be provided to the Client by the Company upon request from Client. Airlines are operating as per its own norms, rules and regulations and Client shall strictly adhere to the same.

COACH / SITTING

We use air-conditioned/air-cool luxury coaches. However, sometimes due to extreme weather conditions the same may not seem to be very effective. The Company shall not be responsible for any defect in the coach or in the Air-conditioner / air-cooler or for the behaviour of the driver or the attendant. We have found it fair to operate daily seat rotation on board our coach, so no seat numbers are allocated. The coaches are equipped with an emergency washroom. However, this facility is not to be used in lieu of the rest rooms at our frequent comfort stops. If you are carrying any high value items on the coach, we advise you not to leave them behind when you leave the coach. We shall not be responsible or liable in case of loss of such items from the coach. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances responsibility of the Client. Any damages caused to the coach during your travel under this booking shall be solely payable by you without any recourse to the Company. The drivers are bound by specific rules, like maximum driving hours within a day and during a week, rest period per day / week etc. Clients shall have to strictly adhere to the prescribed timetable for the day so that the driver can complete the travel, otherwise certain sightseeing schedules may be missed due to your actions / delays and the same shall be non-refundable.

LOSS / DAMAGE

Company is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal belongings during the stay in the hotel or while traveling in the coach. Due to theft or loss of baggage, tour participant can lodge a complaint with the local authorities on his / her sole discretion, cost, risk and consequences.

The Client acknowledges and agrees to assume full responsibility for their baggage and personal belongings throughout the duration of their travel. The Company shall not be held liable for any loss, theft, damage, or misplacement of the client's luggage, belongings, or valuables, whether occurring during transportation, accommodation, or any other aspect of the travel itinerary.

The Client understands that it is their sole responsibility to always ensure the security and safekeeping of their possessions at all times during the trip. This includes; but it is not limited to properly securing luggage, safeguarding valuables, and adhering to all relevant security protocols and guidelines provided by the Company or its affiliates. It is clarified that the Company shall not be held liable for any financial or material compensation arising from such incidents.

The Client is strongly advised to procure appropriate travel insurance coverage to mitigate any potential financial losses resulting from baggage loss, theft, or damage and Health related.

REGISTRATION

In cases where the travel agent through whom the Clients have booked the tour signs the Booking Form/ acceptance of OTP  for and on behalf of the persons named in the Booking Form, it shall be deemed and construed that the Clients have duly authorized the said travel agent to sign on their behalf. The signing of the Booking Form by the Client or by their travel agent shall mean acceptance in totality of the Terms and Conditions contained herein by the Client/s. No person including the Employee/s and the Agent/s of the Company other than the Company, in writing, has the authority to vary, add, amend, alter or waive any stipulation, representation, term or condition set forth herein. Any assurance given by any person shall have no consequence. The Company reserves the right to decline to register any person/s as Client/s for any Tour or to cancel their registration without assigning any reason.

SCOPE OF ACTIVITY

We are travel agents and holiday organizers only. The role of the company is that of an agent of the client to secure proper services for the tour from the independent contractors and service providers such as the airlines, shipping company, hotels, Coach etc. We do not control or operate any airline, neither do we own or control any shipping company, coach or coach company, hotel, transport or any other facility or service mentioned in this brochure. We take care in selecting all the ingredients in your holiday; but because we only select them and have no control in operating them, we cannot be responsible for any injury, death, loss or damage, which is caused by the act or default or omission of the management or employees of any hoteliers, airlines, shipping company, coach owner / coach operator who are the company’s independent contractors arising outside our normal selection process.

PRIVACY OF INFORMATION

We treat all the information furnished by you as confidential. However, you consent and authorize us to share all or any information pertaining to you with airline, hotel or other service providers who will provide the services to you during your tour and also to fellow traveler (s). You acknowledge that we shall be constrained to disclose the information furnished by you, if such disclosure is required by the law or by an order of a court or the rules, regulations or enquiry by any government / statutory agency having regulatory or statutory authority over the Company.

CONDITIONS OF PASSAGE

These conditions are applicable to every client of the Company, who books a Brochure Tour or any Special Tour or travel arrangement. In the event of a client booking through us a Tour and / or Tour Arrangement of any other Cruise Companies like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise, Carnival, Cosmos etc; the “Terms and Conditions” specified by such Cruise Companies, including their payment schedule, cancellation, refund etc shall be applicable, in addition to our “Terms and Conditions” while determining the contractual relation between the Client, the Cruise Company and us. The receipt issued by the Company is subject to the amount being irrevocably credited and realised in the Company’s Bank account. In case of online/electronic payment of monies to the designated Company’s bank account by the Client, the Client undertakes to irrevocably credit and realise the monies dues in Company’s Bank account and not issue any instructions to his/her/their banker or cause to do any act, deed or thing in furtherance of reversing, debiting, nullifying or recovering the due credit made to the Company’s Bank account. The Client further undertakes and confirms that the Client shall be bound to pay the monies towards the tour cost to the Company, if the same is reversed, debited, nullified, or recovered from Company’s Bank Account due to any technical snag, system error, internet issues or for any reason whatsoever. The Client shall voluntarily make good the loss caused to Company due to such reversal, debit, nullity, recovery of monies from Company’s Bank account without waiting for any official intimation from the Company to the said effect. Client hereby indemnify and keeps indemnified the Company from all claims, demands, liabilities, expenses and losses arising due to any and/or all reversal, debit, nullity, recovery of monies from Company’s Bank account due to any technical snag, system error, internet issues or for any reason whatsoever, without any further objection, demur or protest.

Hospitalization/Death 

1. Hospital Admission:

(a) In the event that the Client or an immediate family member of the Client (spouse, children, or parents) is admitted to a hospital, it shall be the responsibility of the Client or an immediate family member of the Client (spouse, children, or parents) to furnish the sales representative with the hospital admission card as evidence of such admission. The Client or an immediate family member of the Client shall notify the Company of the hospital admission as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than 48 hours from the time of admission. Delayed notifications may impact the eligibility for credit notes or refunds. This documentation is required to initiate the process of obtaining a credit note or refund. Failure to provide this documentation promptly may result in delays or the forfeiture of any potential credit notes or refunds.

(b) The hospital admission card must include the patient's name, date of admission, and the hospital's contact information. The submission of this card serves as formal proof that the medical condition necessitated hospitalization, and it is crucial for processing any financial adjustments or claims related to the booking.

(c) SOTC reserves the right to verify the authenticity of the hospital admission card and any related documentation. This verification process may include but is not limited to, contacting the hospital directly, requesting additional documentation, and consulting medical professionals.

(d) Any discrepancies or fraudulent submissions identified during the verification process will result in the immediate rejection of the claim. In such cases, Company may take further legal action against the client or an immediate family member (spouse, children, or parents) and/or any person involved, in such circumstances, each Party shall bear and pay the fees of their respective Advocates. Additionally, any costs incurred by the Company during the investigation and verification process shall be the responsibility of the client.

(e) It is pertinent to note that the Company shall charge an administrative fee to the Client for processing the credit note or refund in relation to the hospital admissions. This fee shall be communicated to the Client at the time of the claim and will be deducted from the total amount of the credit note or refund issued.

2. Credit Note:

(a) Pursuant to the verification of the hospital admission card and upon receipt of the hospital admission card, the Company shall engage in negotiations with the relevant vendor to ascertain any liabilities. The Company will communicate the same with the Client or an immediate family member of the Client (spouse, children, or parents) regarding the issuance of a credit note, which shall be valid for a period of 1 (one) year.

(b) In the event that the Client or an immediate family member of the Client (spouse, children, or parents) elect to receive a monetary refund in lieu of a credit note, the Company shall process the said refund within 7 (seven) days from the date of the initial written communication requesting for the refund.

3. Airline Ticket Refund

(a) The Airline Team shall undertake the responsibility of seeking a refund for tickets purchased, contingent upon the provision of all requisite supporting documentation. This documentation must include the ticket details, booking confirmation, and any other relevant information that the airline may require to process the refund request.

(b) In the event that the airline is unable to furnish a refund due to their policies or other reasons, the Airline Team will inform the customer of the airline's decision. The Client or an immediate family member of the Client (spouse, children, or parents) must then issue a letter that includes the customer’s name, booking details, and proof that the tickets were issued within the group inventory. This letter will serve as formal documentation of the airline's inability to provide a refund and will be necessary for any further claims or adjustments.

(c) Further, in the event that a refund is not possible, the Airline Team will work with the to explore alternative forms of compensation, such as credit vouchers or rescheduled bookings, depending on the airline's policies and availability.

4. Insurance:  

Note: SOTC is hereinafter referred to as the Company. The customer/traveller/pax/insured is hereinafter referred to as the Client

GENERAL CONDITIONS

The Company takes care in selecting all the ingredients in the Client’s travel/holiday; but because the Company only selects them and has no control in operating them, the Company cannot be responsible for any injury, death, loss or damage, which is caused by the act or default or negligence or omission of the management or employees of any hoteliers, airlines, shipping Company, transport/coach owner / transport/coach operator who are independent contractors. The Company may offer the Client various experiences, sports and other allied activities in an itinerary. Having chosen, accepted and paid for an itinerary in the Client’s own judgment and choice which may have its inherent risk, liabilities and consequences associated with the itinerary, the Client hereby releases and exempts the Company, its directors, agents, shareholders, officers and employees from all/any liability for personal injury, property damage, wrongful loss, death and causes of action of any kind caused in whole/in part, arising in connection of the services provided by an independent contractor/(s)its employees, representatives, agents, sub-contractors, servants and/or by virtue of the Client availing the activities on the travel/tour. The Company hereby expressly disclaims all/any claims arising in connection with the activities/ itinerary. It may be noted that the tour cost may or may not include the insurance premium and that the Client shall have to acquire the same at their cost.

HEALTH

It shall be the duty of the Client to inform the Company in case the Client has any pre-existing medical condition that may affect their ability to enjoy and pursue fully the Tour Arrangements and wherein the interest of the Group or any member thereof is prejudicially affected. Pace of certain tours might not be suitable to individuals. Hence, the Company recommends that the Client chooses the tour as per their health conditions. The Company presumes that the Client and/or the Group or any member thereof have no disability or disease or such medical or health condition which could adversely impact his/her/their health on the tour, except which has been disclosed by the Client/Group/ any member to the Company in writing, at the time of Booking of the tour. Company reserves the right to ask the Client to provide written certification/ disclosure of medical fitness before departure. Subject to the disclosure made by the Client/Group/any member, the Company in its discretion may refuse to take on tour or accept any booking of the Client, if in its sole judgment the medical or health condition of the Client is not fit to undergo the tour. In the event that a medical or health condition has not been disclosed to the Company in writing, the Company will not be liable to provide any assistance or refunds.

INSURANCE

1.1 It is advisable for the Client to obtain a valid/suitable travel / health insurance before the commencement of their travel. The Client can choose to purchase the insurance cover directly from an insurance Company or from the insurance service provider offered by the Company. The choice of the insurance provider is at the sole discretion of the Client

1.2 The Company operates as a travel/holiday organiser only. The role of the Company is that of an agent of the Client to secure proper services for the tour from the independent contractors and service providers such as the airlines, shipping Company, hotels, Coach, insurance etc. The Company does not control or operate any airline, neither does it  own or control any shipping Company, coach or coach Company, hotel, transport, insurance or any other facility or service mentioned. 

1.3 It is the duty of the Client to read the policy terms and conditions as mentioned in the policy copy and the policy wordings and should there be any queries, clarify this with the Company who in turn will liaise with the service provider to provide adequate replies. The Company cannot be held responsible for any issue arising from the Client not having read the policy terms and conditions, inclusions and exclusions 

1.4 Exclusions and Limitations: It is important to note that certain situations may not be covered under the travel insurance policy. The Clients should familiarize themselves with these exclusions to avoid any misunderstandings or unmet expectations during emergencies.

1.5 Settlement of claims if any will be entirely at the discretion of the insurance Company. The Company will in no way be able to influence.

Visa Delayed by Embassy /Consulate:

In the event of a delay in visa processing by the embassy or consulate, SOTC shall not be held liable for any inconvenience caused to the Client.

COMMUNICATION: Any communication directed at the address or made through / on the contact details such as e-mail id, cell phone/telephone no. / fax no. of the Client as disclosed in the “Booking Form” or E- booking form made to the travel agent through whom the Client has made the bookings with the company shall be deemed to have been communicated to and received by the Client. The Company shall not be responsible for any error on the part of the mode of communication or the Travel Agent in this regard. 

CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL:

A) The Client will have to strictly follow the Tour Program and return to India as per the tour itinerary. There shall be no refund, if the client fails to join the group at the commencement of the tour, or joins the group later or leaves the group before the culmination of the tour. It shall be noted that for all purposes, it shall be the responsibility of the Client to reach the place of commencement of the Tour and register with the representative of the company at the appointed place, date and time.  It shall be noted that for all purposes, it shall be the responsibility of the Client to reach the place of commencement of the Tour and register with the representative of the company at the appointed place, date and time.

B) In case if a client along with his family is compelled to discontinue the tour due to any reason whatsoever including illness, death or loss of passport or any travel documents, no claim shall be entertained for refund of unutilized services.

C) Even if a client is unable to reach the place of commencement of the tour due to any reason whatsoever including loss of baggage or loss of travel documents, his booking shall be treated as “no show” on the tour and 100% cancellation charges will be levied.

D) If a client avails pre - tour services or part thereof, or the air tickets (cost of which is included in the main tour cost) but fails to join the group for the main tour at the appointed place, or cancels the tour after using the air tickets or pre - tour arrangements or part thereof, it shall be treated as “no show” and there will be no refund whatsoever for the unutilized pre-tour or main tour services.

E) The Company, reserves the right to drop / remove / discard from tour anyone whose behaviour is deemed likely to affect the smooth operation of the tour or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other clients and the Company shall be under no liability to any such person. It is hereby declared that the immunities provided under this contract shall be available to the Company’s Managers, including Tour Managers, Employees, Servants and Agents but not to the Independent Contractors selected by the company.

F) Each of these conditions shall be severable from the other and if any provision be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless have full force and effect. No liability on the part of the Company arising in any way out of the Contract in respect of any tour, holiday, excursion facilities shall exceed the total amount paid or agreed to be paid for the tour holiday, and shall in no case include any consequential loss or additional expense whatsoever.

G) The prices quoted in this brochure have been calculated at the rate prevailing at the time of printing of this brochure. The Company reserves the right to amend the prices published in this brochure in case of currency fluctuations, changes in the various gross rates of exchange, and / or fuel costs, special /high season charge levied by the suppliers, hike in the airline/rail charges before the date of departure and surcharge accordingly. All such increases in price must be paid for in full before the departure by the client.

H) If you book with your own travel agent and your booking with that agent includes, but is not limited to SOTC arrangements, your contract is with your travel agent and SOTC is simply an agent to your travel agent.

I) In case of publication of any travel scheme offering any discount or benefit by the Company, it shall have the sole right to withdraw such a scheme or discount at any time unless a specific assurance of the contrary is published.

J) The company shall in no circumstances whatsoever be liable to the client for: 

i) Any over stay expenses due to delay or changes in bus / air / trains / ship / or cancellation of special bogie or other services due to sickness, weather conditions, strike, war or any other cause whatsoever. 

ii) Sightseeing missed & / or program being cancelled after the commencement of the tour & before the due period due to any unavoidable situations / natural conditions which are beyond our control. 

iii) Any Loss / Damage of baggage by the Airlines / Hotels / Coach / Cruise. 

K) In the case of one or more but not all clients signing ‘Booking Form’ or acceptance of OTP it shall be deemed that others have duly authorized concerned signing client / (s) 

L) Initial deposit only ensures registration, to receive any services including Ticketing, Visas, and Hotel Accommodation from the Company, client will have to make full payment towards the same. 

M) We cannot endow with individual aid to any of the client / traveller for walking, dinning, getting on & off from any of the transport vehicle or other personal needs. So it is indispensable that a qualified companion must accompany such client/traveler who needs such assistance. In the absence thereof, such client/traveller will be joining the tour on his own risk and consequences. 

N) The client/Traveller must have his / her passport valid for at least 6 months subsequent to such departure date. 

O) The Tour Documents viz. hotel vouchers, tour itinerary, air tickets etc. will be sent through electronic mode by way of email addressed to the registered email id of the Client alternatively the Client may access the Tour Documents by downloading the same from the Travel App called SOTC Holidays app (available on Playstore or App store) maintained by the Company.”- 

P) Company solely reserves the right to publish group photographs of the clients taken during the tour. 

Q) Distance, temperature & pre/post tour accommodation prices given in the Brochure are approximate & are subject to change. 

R) Photo of meals & sightseeing published in the Brochure are only for reference & may change from actual meals served/sights. 

S) In case company offers any adventures activities then it is significant to note that all the clients should enjoy such activity / ride at their own risk as such kind of adventure might be risky at times especially for heart patients, expecting women, people with Blood Pressure etc. 

T) Incase the “World is going through pandemic and we as responsible citizens and travellers need to comply with laws, rules, notifications, Travel advisories, guidelines, directives and communications issued from time to time by all or any the Government Authorities, Ministries, Departments, Local Bodies in India or Abroad pertaining to protocols for movement in public places. You agree to unconditionally abide, adhere and comply solely at your costs and expenses to all laws, rules, notifications, Travel advisories, guidelines, directives and communications issued from time to time by all or any Governments, Authorities, Ministries, Departments, Local Bodies in India or Abroad, related to your tour to the foreign destination and/or on your return from the tour to your home destination in India or Abroad including but not limited to Protocols on quarantine, vaccinations, movement in public places like hotel’s public places, sightseeing spots, bus/ car etc. or in connection with any other Pandemic, epidemic, disease, condition etc., which may be communicated by all or any Governments, Authorities, Ministries, Departments, Local Bodies in India or Abroad with or without notice at any point of time whether at the commencement of the tour, during the tour and/or on the completion of the tour, as the case may be. You agree and confirm that you would be following appropriate behaviour throughout the tour including Social distance, frequent hand washing, always masked throughout the tour. You will be responsible for any consequences arising out of non-adherence of the protocols”.

U) The tour will be operated subject to a minimum of 20 full paying clients traveling together. The services of SOTC Tour Manager will be provided with a group of minimum 20 full paying clients. In the event that the group size is less than 20 clients you will be given an option of travelling on another departure date.

“We encourage you to take Trip Protection Plan in your own interest. The benefit of availing Trip Protection Plan is that in selected circumstances, as detailed herein below, if you opt for cancellation of your Tour, then instead of the applicable cancellation charges you would be applied cancellation charges at concessional rate. The Trip Protection Plan costing is in-built in the Tour cost itself.”

If you decide not to opt for the Trip Protection Plan, then you would be entitled for reduction in the tour cost to the extent of Trip Protection Plan Cost. However, we sincerely recommend you in your own interest to avail the Trip Protection Plan, by spending marginally on Trip Protection Plan and maximising your savings by reduction in the cancellation charges, in the event of cancellation. The refund under Trip Protection Plan shall be a fixed percentage of pre-agreed Tour cost determine basis the communication of cancellation from the Tour date and it shall exclude the Visa fees,Trip Protection Plan charges and insurance which shall not be refunded under any circumstances.

OTHER TERMS 

1) There is no Contract between the Company and the Client until the company has received the initial deposit as stated in the clause regarding ‘payments’ 

2) The company has the right at any time and for any reason: 

• To terminate this contract after acceptance of deposit but prior to the Commencement of Tour without assigning any reason whatsoever. In the event, the company terminates this contract, the company shall refund the amount paid by the client without payment of any interest. 

• To amend, alter, vary or withdraw any tour, holiday, excursion airline, flight routing or facility or discounts / concessions it has advertised or published or to substitute an Independent Contractor of similar class if it is deemed advisable or necessary. In either case, the company shall not be liable for any damage, additional expense, or consequential loss suffered by the clients or for any compensation claims made. 

• To use alternate cruise liner, cabin category it has advertised or published or to substitute a cruise of similar class if it is deemed advisable or necessary. In either case, the company shall not be liable for any damage, additional expense, or consequential loss suffered by the clients or for any compensation claims made.

3) No person other than the company, in writing, has the authority to vary, add, amplify or waive any stipulation, representation, term or condition in the brochure. 

4) In the event of the company exercising its rights to amend or alter any of the services as mentioned in the itinerary, after such tour or holiday has been booked, the client shall have the right: 

A) To continue with the tour or holiday as amended or altered or, 

B) To accept any alternative tour or holiday which the company may offer. In either of these above cases, the client shall not be entitled to, or the company shall not be liable to the client for any damage, additional expense, consequential loss suffered by him or to pay any amount as refund.

C) To cancel the tour, in which event the cancellation charges as stated herein shall apply and the client will be liable to pay to the company such charges. 

5) The company shall in no circumstances whatsoever be liable to the client for: 

A) Any death, personal injury, sickness, accident, loss, delay, discomfort, increased expenses, consequential loss and / or damage or any misadventure howsoever caused. 

B) Any act, omission, default of Independent Contractor or other person or be any servant or agent, employed by them who may be engaged or concerned in the provision of accommodation, refreshment, carriage facilities or service for the client or for any person travelling with him howsoever caused. 

C) The temporary or permanent loss of or damage to baggage or personal effects howsoever caused.

6) a) If the client has any complaint in respect of the services provided by any of the Independent Contractors, the client shall immediately notify the same in writing to the Independent Contractor and a copy thereof should be handed over to the Tour Manager of the company in order to enable the company to take up the matter with the Independent Contractor so that in future other clients do not face the same difficulty. 

Any claim or complaint by the client must be notified to the company in writing within 7 days of the end of this holiday tour. No claim notified to this company beyond this period will be entertained and the company shall incur no liability whatsoever in respect thereof. 

7) The tour is subject to RBI / GOI rules & regulations. Part of the tour cost will be paid in EURO / USD / AUD / GBP / NZD / CHF / SGD etc out of your BTQ. 

8) Client hereby expressly consents and authorizes the Company to share his/her or his/her family/group information or data to any Supplier, Independent Contractor or third party for the purpose of providing services to the Client. The Client’s aforesaid consent and authority also extends to all such third party products, items and offers including sim cards which the Company may offer for free along with the Tour package and which is not being separately sold to the Client.

The said products, items and offers being free would be availed by the Client at the Tour cost without requiring the Client to pay any price towards the same. The use of the products, items and offers and related after sales services shall be the responsibility of all such third party Manufacturer or Service provider and the same shall be subject to the terms of Use of such third party manufacturer or service provider. The Client may in his/her own discretion avail or refuse to avail the products, items and offers. 

The Company does not guarantee or warranty that the products, items and offers offered to the Client along with the Tour package shall be of a superior quality or that it shall meet the expectation of the Client or that the performance of the products, items and offers shall be satisfactory. These products, items and offers are offered by the Company to the Client on “AS IS”, “WHERE IS” and “HOW IS” basis, free of cost to the Client without any liability, risk or responsibility on the part of the Company. 

9) The Client confirms that with regard to the booking, the address of the Client as mentioned in the Booking Form/ e-booking form is accurate and complete in all aspects, and the said address will be used by us for determining the “location of the Client” for the purposes of levy of GST. 

10) TCS on Purchase of Overseas Tour Program Package: Tax Collection at Source (“TCS”) at the rate of up to 5% on Overseas tour program package of INR 7 lakh and 20% beyond INR 7 lakhs per individual payer per annum shall be levied under section 206C(1G)(b) of the Income Tax Act on Overseas tour program package services. Declaration specifying the amount utilised on Overseas tour program package by each payer needs to be furnished as per the format provided by SOTC Travel Limited.  The TCS collected will be reflected in the 26AS of the passenger who has paid for the overseas tour program package.

Disclaimer Note for Non-refund of TCS: In the event of cancellation of services and refund of amount, Tax collected at source under section 206C (1G) (b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 shall not be refunded. The non-refunded TCS will be reflected in the 26AS of the passenger in whose name invoice is raised for claiming Income Tax credit.

TCS on Standalone Hotel and Rail Services: If LRS limit of INR 7 lakhs is utilised during the current year, then TCS as applicable will be levied on standalone services.

TCS Compliance: In compliance of provisions of Section 206CCA for “Specified person”, I/ we confirm that we have filed the income tax return for previous assessment year. Further I/we confirm that we will file our Income tax return for current assessment year before due date. In case if I/we have not filed above stated tax returns, I/we confirm that our aggregate tax deducted at source and tax collected at source does not exceed Rs.50,000 or more for previous Financial Year.

In case SOTC Travel Limited is required to collect and furnish any proof of filing pursuant to the request made by any tax authorities, then I / we undertakes to furnish, promptly, the requisite proof of filing the returns or any further information that may be sought by the tax officer in support of above declaration. We further declare that information furnished above is correct.

However, SOTC Travel Limited reserve right to validate the “specified person” status of the passenger’s PAN from the IT portal of the Government of India using the specific tool provided by Government, you authorise us and consent for the same. In case of any passenger being found to be a “specified person”, you undertake and confirm to pay the additional TCS charges as applicable, in default whereof the Company reserves it right to recover the same at your costs and consequences.

In compliance of provisions of Section 139AA for “Inoperative PAN”, I/ we confirm that I/we have linked my/our Aadhar Number with my/our PAN, wherever applicable.

10) We value and respect our staff members, vendor(s), representative(s), employee(s) and tour manager(s) who work tirelessly to make your tour memorable and successful. You are requested to co-operate and support our staff, vendor(s), representative(s), employee(s) and tour manager(s) at all times during the tour and more particularly during exigencies and trying times, when our staff, vendor(s), representative(s), employee(s) and tour manager(s) would work hard to restore normalcy. During such times, we look forward to your understanding, patience and support to come out of the impasse. We have a zero tolerance policy against any abusive behaviour, wrong doing, misconduct and violence towards our staff, vendor(s), representative(s), employee(s) and tour manager(s) on tour. Any such action, omission, commission, wrong doing, misconduct, violence and abusive behaviour by you, towards our staff, vendor(s), representative(s), employee(s) and tour manager(s) shall be dealt with seriously leading to immediate disembarking/offloading of the Client from the tour including initiating appropriate legal proceedings against the Client at his/her cost and consequences, in accordance with the applicable law.

FORCE MAJEURE

 The Company shall not be responsible and/or liable for any damages caused to You or any of the member of your group or if the performance hereof is prevented or delayed  due to the reasons which are beyond the reasonable control of the Company, which shall include acts of God, riots, wars, accidents, embargo, terror attacks, coup strike, natural calamities or requisition (acts of government), or delays / negligence / carelessness in the performance of the independent contractors caused by any such circumstances as referred herein. Any additional cost incurred by the Company, for the services provided to the Client, during the Force Majeure event, shall be paid by the Client.

1. All dispute / complaints with respect to these terms and conditions and the tour and services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of Courts at Mumbai only. 

2. Upon signing the booking form, these terms and conditions shall be binding on both the company the client and shall become the only basis of relations between the parties and all previous communications in whatsoever form or mode, whether oral or otherwise, with respect to any term or conditions of the tour and services shall stand cancelled / revoked / terminated. I am authorized on behalf of the person (s) named in the booking form to act, accept and consent on their behalf (s). I have read and understood all the terms and conditions as mentioned hereinabove and all my queries have been answered by the Company representative to my satisfaction and accordingly I have voluntarily agreed, accepted and consented to abide by these terms. 

Let us now understand in more detail about the Trip Protection Plan.

When can you invoke the Trip Protection Plan?

i. In the event of death of a Traveller or Co-Traveller or his/her immediate family member. 

ii. In the event of visa rejection of Traveller or Co-Traveller. 

iii. In the event of sudden hospitalisation or medical emergency of the Traveller or Co-Traveller.

How do we invoke the Trip Protection Plan?

i. You need to notify in writing (by filling Tour Refund Form) to SOTC office from where you booked the tour within 5 days of the event, which caused you to cancel the Trip.

ii. You need to liaise with SOTC office from where you booked the tour and submit a tour refund form.

iii. Attach necessary documentation to support the reasons for cancellation of tour: 

a. Hospital / Medical reports along with attending Doctor’s certificate certifying unfit to travel. 

b. Certified death certificate in the event of a death.

c. Visa rejection letter.

d. Any other relevant documentation as requested by the Company to substantiate the reason for cancellation.

iv. Provide any additional information or evidence requested by the Company to assess the validity of the request under the Trip Protection Plan.

v. Cooperate with the Company during the documentation process, including providing further documentation or information if required, and responding to any inquiries or requests in a timely manner.

Significant Points to remember in the Trip Protection Plan 

1. Refund under Trip Protection Plan shall not be processed if full payment of Tour Cost is not received by the Company.

2. Trip Protection Plan does not cover cancellation of the Tour by the Company.

3. If tour cancellation happens due to previous rejection case or pre-known medical condition, which was known at the time of booking, you shall not be eligible to invoke Trip Protection Plan and receive any refund thereto.

4. Failure to communicate cancellation to the Company within 5 days from the date of occurrence of event, exceptions will be accepted only in the cases of death or hospitalisation.

5. The document submitted by you, in support of your case does not substantiate the facts relied upon by you.

6. The decision of the Company shall be final and binding upon you.

7. The TAT for refund shall be 30 days from the day of receipt of complete documents.

8. The Refund shall be in the form of cheque/Gift Voucher/Gift Card. Additional 2% of refund amount will be given to you, when you opt for Gift Voucher/Gift Card. The validity of Gift Voucher/Gift Card shall be one year from the date of issue of Gift Voucher/Gift Card”.

I, the undersigned, with respect to my tour package ________________ (said tour) booked through SOTC Travel Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Company”) hereby declare, undertake and confirm as under: -

1. I have read, understood and accepted the terms and conditions of the Booking Form and do hereby agree to abide unconditionally and adhere to the same and the present declaration is read in conjunction with the Booking Form. Any reference to me or myself shall also include and mean my co-traveler.

2. I have thoroughly read the application form and ensure that the same is correct. I have verified and understood the contents before fixing my signature for the purpose of submission to the Embassy/ Consulate.

3. I have submitted the documents as mentioned in the checklist for processing of the visa. The documents submitted by me are genuine and the information provided by me is true and correct. The Company will not be responsible to verify the genuineness of the documents provided by me.

4. I am aware and hereby confirm that issuance of the visa, duration of visa, appointment for visa interview, turnaround time or processing time for visa application, outcome of the visa application etc. are entirely dependent on the sole discretion of the Embassy /Consulate/ Visa Facilitation Centre, and Company does not have any control over their process and, therefore, the Company is not responsible for the outcome of the visa application.

5. I accept and understand that my traveling on the said tour package is subject to issuance of Visa by Embassy/ Consulate and if the Visa is not processed and/or granted for reasons not attributable to the Company, I will then have to cancel the tour and will have to pay cancellation charges of the Company as per terms and conditions of the said tour.

6. I undertake to bear the Visa fee or the same will be paid by Company (subsequently recovered from the tour cost), as per the rules of the Embassy/Consulate.

7. I shall not hold the Company responsible for non-issuance/ rejection of visa due to any reason whatsoever including the receipt of incomplete / delayed documents from me or for delay / rejection of the visa, delay in getting appointment at Embassy/ Consulate/ Visa Facilitation Centre, duration of the visa, deportation etc. and shall keep the Company/ its officers indemnified in this regard.

8. I am aware that on my request the Company may re-apply for the visa, and in the event of re-application of visa, I further undertake to pay visa fee and other related charges again to the Embassy/ Consulate/ Visa Facilitation Centre as and when demanded by the Company.

9. I am aware that even though I may have a valid visa and travel documents, the Immigration Authority/ies, whether in India/ outside India, in the course of their duty while following the guidelines / exercising their own discretion, may not allow me to travel any further and may even deport me. In such an event the tour will be discontinued and I will not be entitled for any refund of the tour cost paid to the Company for the cancelled part of the tour.

10. I have voluntarily decided to proceed with the tour with the knowledge that refusal to grant visa by the Embassy/ Consulate may lead to cancellation of the tour or discontinuation of the tour.

11. I acknowledge and accept that rejection of visa would result into discontinuation of the tour and levy of cancellation changes. I have, pending my visa application, have consented for advance bookings by Company for air-tickets, hotels, food and site seeing etc., to be cost effective and to confirm availability, knowing fully well that the outcome of the grant of visa is the sole discretion of the Embassy/ Consulate, and, therefore, shall not hold the Company or its officers liable and/or responsible for the Embassy/ Consulate’s refusal to grant the visa or in connection with the relevant matter herewith and will not claim any refund from the Company in this respect .

I have given this declaration voluntary after reading and having understood it, and shall abide by the same. 

Traveler Signature

Traveler Name:

Contact Number:

Date:

Place: