SOTC Complaints & Reviews

We are 11 family members and we booked tour package to Rameshwaram from Delhi . We asked SOTC in advance for booking but they were not able to book hotels there and booked the trip 2 days before departure, it was then sudden that 1 of our family members booked the accommodation package with Sotc of 2 lakh 30 thousand without flight tickets as they mentioned that they will send link for flight tickets .
When we all came to know about the price we asked the agent to cancel and refund our amount as the package was exceeding our budget, on that he mentioned that there is zero % refund . As per the cancellation policy the amount to be refunded within 30 days of booking, we were about to departure on 22nd December and booked on 20th December, so how could the agent say that there would be no refunds ??
On asking for the refund the agent became aggressive, rude mentioning that why have we assumed that the trip would be cheaper, why have we calculated the amount in advance, it is not his fault that we have no communication in family.
Ofcourse we have to calculate everything in advance in order to pay for our trip as we are working family and have to calculate everything, who is he to comment on our personal lives??, not only this he threatened that he is recording the conversation which is good as that would be helpful to us and when asking him the questions he disconnected the phone because if he was recording then he cannot be aggressive, neither he replied to my questions and When we replied this then he mentioned that we are being abusive but we have not been abusive at all .
He did not give any refund and cancelled our trip on his own because it was a verbal communication that if we are getting refund then we would like to cancel and might plan in future .
We did not email anything of cancellation instead he cancelled from his side and when we rang him again he said we have to pay extra charges and we might get 50% refund on 2 lakh 30 thousand .
We discussed in family and then came to conclusion that we will pay for our trip and we won't cancel the trip because our money will be wasted if there is no redund or 50% refund . We rang the agent again but he mentioned to email him that we would like to postponed but we don't want to postponed, it was the agent mistake that he cancelled the trip on his own, not agreed for refund .
This is the 1st time that we have experienced such a horrific response from this agent .
If the company takes the complaint seriously then we would like to request for full amount refund or would like to fly on same days planned with no extra charges or deductions .

Dr Vinita Singh

My name is Kaushal Kishore. I book holiday package through SOTC for my honeymoon.
They promised me perfect vacation and They charged me 9345 rupees for candle light dinner and room decoration for my honeymoon in Andaman, Havlock with my holiday package. But when I reached havlock there was no such thing provided by them and I feel very embarrassed. I try to contact with them even then they didn't respond and ruin my entire vacation.

Hi. We booked a kashmir package 1 month ago and paid an advance amount of 40000. We have been trying to follow up with the service team almost every alternative day still there is no response from them. Only to get the advance payment they keep torturing us every 1 hour. Once it's received that's it. Not even a single call or proper response from them. I have gone through lot of stress past 1 month and I'm not willing to continue my trip planning with sotc. I would like to cancel my travel plan and requesting u to make a refund of my advance payment as i was not provided any service for the advance amount that I have paid.

Public image of an organisation is more susceptible to permanent damage by errant insiders rather than temporary external influences. This complaint is a classic case of our observation which your management hopefully will adequately care to redress.

Complaint:Re: EGYPT Trip (8/11 – 16/11/2022)

Me and my wife placed an order to upscalethe above package including private cabin in cruise, preferred airlines (Emirates), Business Class air tickets etc. We also arranged our own insurances for higher sum insureds.SOTC in turn claimed more than doublethe standard package price (from Rs 4.62 lacs to Rs. 10.50 Lacs) including Rs20, 000 only to reserve seats of our choice for Calcutta – Dubai - Cairo andreturn sectors by Emirates. On full payment, air tickets wereissued as per our seat preferences but while check-ins at the airports, Emirates denied any such seat reservations made by SOTC on all the four sectors.Emirates, Kolkata knowing us as their frequent fliers, made spot investigationsand denied any change of seats made by them and neither any record of any extrapayment made by SOTC for such seat reservations. My wife and me thus were allotted scatteredseats for the flights were full and only through our personal approaches to thehigher authorities of Emirates both in Kolkata and Cairo we had the best of theworst. The issue caused harassment, spoiled ourholiday mood and Mr. Towsif Aman, the SOTC officer in Calcutta despite our repeatedalerts paid absolutely no heed to retrieve the situation. He irritatingly shruggedhis responsibility wildly accusing sometimes Emirates, sometimes to someunknown miscreant within the SOTC operations team and even didn’t spare us. Hisuse of words in written messages and over phones defaming our characters weretotally unwarranted and to be further challenged by us. His height ofcallousness was that between our outward and return journey although there wasa time gap of more than a week and despite our full reporting of the messexperienced in Kolkata, he didn’t take any action and was never in touch withus. Obviously on our return leg, it was a repeat shock only when we went for onlinecheck- ins in Cairo a day prior.

Issues needing response from SOTC:
1. Why we were not given a proper invoice andreceipt by SOTC for the amounts paid including GST or other taxes? This ismandatory.We have no clarity even today as to what was the actual price of ourEmirates Tickets and whether the Rs 20, 000 claimed for seat reservations wasactually a demand from Emirates and was paid out on time.
2. How could the Emirates tickets reflecting confirmedreservations of seats mentioned therein were altered without the knowledge ofthe SOTC?3. How dare your Mr Towsif pass the misdeed to someunknown person inside the organisation or to Emirates or to passengers? What could be anyone’s interest?
4. If the airline tickets were of any concessional fare, why not we were consulted prior hand? We only asked for full facility ticketswhich we are used to.
5. Doesn’t the matter need full proprietary audit ?
6. Since the service we paid for were not deliveredat all and rather costed harassment, loss of time and our holiday mental composure, why should we not be refunded with the Rs. 20, 000 claimed?
7. Why SOTC should not redress the grievance fiscallyfor the harassment and inconveniences caused to us?

Ournext trip with Thomas Cook:

Me and my wife have already booked for your Thomas Cook Japan CherryBlossom trip starting 26th March 2023. Here again we upscaled theoffer with airlines of our choice i.e., Singapore Airlines and although BusinessClass. Should you feel similar harassments could well be repeated, please adviseand we shall rather cancel our booking and claim the refund in full.

Sanjib Chaudhuri, B.Sc., CMA, AIII

Director, HDFC ERGO Gen. Ins. Co. Ltd.​
I​nsurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India :
Member, Health Insurance Forum, ​
​ Member, Committee to Recommend Amendments to The
Reinsurance Regulations

Member, Executive Committee, Gen. Ins. Council of India[protected]

Ex: Chief Rep. for India, Munich Re​insurance Co.​, ​Munich, ​Germany

SOTC what’s to buy my timeshare using Ms vicky Jo Bernabe law firm. is this a scam. can you confirm?

Booked tour package through sotc 14 to 19 september 2022 for coorg and ooty 5nights 6 days and paid 76000 hotel and taxi charges. After reaching coorg my health was down and unable to travel ooty. Informed to sotc extend my stay in coorg instead of ooty. But they were asking pay more charges and also told me counsult directly hotel sterling ooty for cancellation. I called sterling ooty they informed not received any booking amount from sotc or thomas cook because sterling ooty booked by thomas cook. I had stayed another hotel for 2 nights and paid 10000 more. Request you sort out this issue as soon as possible

Approached to sell my timeshare.
Buyer SOTC
Attorney Ms. Vicky Jo Bernabe
Is this a SCAM?

Please note the following problems/discrepancies faced during Kerala Puja Package tour
a) Vehicle condition: - Audio and Video system found not operating. No space arrangement to keep water bottle. Condition found not satisfactory
b) Tour Guide: - Can’t communicate properly in Hindi language. Guide is not able to describe properly about site details. Guide is continuously talking loudly with driver making lot of irritation and disturbance.
c) Itinerary: - Needs changes to cover important areas. Tour is not covered as per Itinerary. Important sites are tripped such as Elephant ride, Kathakali program etc.
d) Tour Management: - Timings are not maintained. Tickets are not made timely available. We have to wait in queue for longer period for non availability of site tickets. We have to skip some of the events such as Elephant ride, Kathakali program. There is wide gap observed between SOTC Management with guide.
e) Hotel Stay: - Good
Kindly ensure that in future all tourist are not cheated but properly guided as we expect from you.

Kindly refund the money for the area not covered as per Itinerary.
Thanking You

Tours Fiathfully
Narsing Das Soni

Sotc Noida had allocated my package to a kerala based vendor name " KERALA DEW DROPS MUNNAR!
From the day first to my last day kerala dew drops support staff name revathi and serish or saharsh didn't supported by any ways! During my last day of athirappally waterfall, chulakudy, kerala there were no connectivity coz this particular area have some network issue and knowing all this also kerala dew drops support staff didn't make any backup plan rather reading my what app msg n NOT REPLY BACK NEITHER GIVING ANY SUGGESTIONS!i was unable to contact driver coz there is no connectivity in parking area!
I keep texting kerala dew drops support staff saharsh or serish what shud i do where shud i walk in which direction i shud walk but this support staff didn't supported with anything.
After walking blindly for more than one km i found a police man who helped me, he took my vehicle number and i guess he put in gps surveillance this after 45 min police man n driver came and pick me up ! Than kerala dew drops support staff msg me AS THERE YOU AND DRIVER IS UNABLE TO CONNECT SO TAKE A TAXI N REACH TO HOTEL WHATEVER AMOUNT KERALA DEW DROPS WILL PAY ME BACK! This support act was acted after 2 hrs .
This act or support or suggestions shud have given when i shared the location with him.
So rather he was enjoying that a solo traveler from north is blank, stressed out !
Infact SOTC itself is also enjoying all this that why after making the payment they keep following to put review in Google and other social media!
NOW ASK TO REVIEW WITH WHAT TEXT HOW I HAD FOLLOWED FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Dear SathishKumar,

You are aware we are coordinating with your Coimbatore Branch for our trip to bangkok and other places, During fourth week of this month.Though this trip was planned in January 2020 same was postponed due to some unforeseen circumstances and we plan to complete the trip by April 2020.But the same could not accomplished due to travel ban because of Covid 19.Right from beginning of september this year we have been requesting your coimbatore office to make arrangements for our trip to thailand.We were given to understand that an amount of approximately Rs.2, 07, 000/- is lying in our credit with you.Hence we wanted to utilise the same.But your coimbatore office maintains that exact amount available is not known and they are unable to proceed with the travel arrangements.You are aware already two years have gone, Since we made the payment.It is surprising your are unable to furnish the exact amount.

As we are very particular to complete the travel at the earliest, Please inform your coimbatore office about the amount available and proceed the travel arrangements.This is not the first time we are making this request.We have reminded you so many times without any response.We trust alteast this time to come out with workable solutions.Please also furnish detailed statement of account indicating the amount given, cancellation charges for the booking made during the year 2020.Immediate response.

Regards,
B R Sathyanarayanan

We 6 adults and one child had been to the above tour from 14.5.2022. There was no tour manager as written in the itenary. Very badly organised by sotc. Half of the things promised in the itenary was not provided. The driver was rude and did not know any adress of the places. We were forced to eat at cheap Dhabas. 4 were senior citizens. All o[censored]s fell ill. The concerned persons did not respond.
They will be sweet only till you book and pay. Later no one cares. So don't book with sotc if you want to have a good trip

I paid to SOTC for Europe tour (European Splendor) on 14-May to travel on 3-Jul to 14-Jul. After collecting documents required for visa, I provided all documents to SOTC by first week of June. However, they had already taken my visa appointment without confirming with us - by creating appointment on CANCELLED passport of my son and also, taking appointment on which my son had exams. Even though it was their mistake and would have taken little effort to re-schedule - they continued to show reluctance and not ready for corrections. By that time, we lost good amount of time and so, not able to travel on 3-Jul.
SOTC put 2 options to us - one to travel on 29-Jul which is not acceptable as my son's new job is starting by that time. Another option to travel on 8-Jul but then, pay same amount of money for just 6 days rather than 11 days and removing one country - Italy - all locations. This is pure cheating by increasing price by almost 80%.
When I am not ready for both options and asked for refund (As per policy also, its 50% refund applicable), they are just refusing refund and asking me to do whatever I can.

Mr. SUHAS VISHWANATH JOSHI|| CFS2200626 || Best o[censored]ttarakhand ||15 April 2022

I have booked and completed uttarakhand tour on 15 to 21 April.
As per revised costing was Rs59800/- per couple + GST ., As per old proposal I have paid INR 70, 350/- for the package. I have not received the balance amount even after completing the tour.

No body is replying to mail

I have Purchased Laptop on 4/3/22 from Vanasthalipuram stores Laptop Bag was Due Then I Lost Orginal Invoice Laptop Bag Arrived at the stores So I need Duplicate Invoice To Receive Laptop Bag so please send me Duplicate Invoice As soon As Possible My Mobile Number is [protected] Register With Reliance Digital Email id is [protected]@gmail.com

I booked a kashmir land only package from SOTC through one of your executive named Praveen. He said he is reserving my seats and i can make payment next morning and now he is saying that there is some technical issue and seats has been sold to others. It is not the way to deal. Absolutely pathetic service i have ever seen. Didn’t expected such response from SOTC. I already booked my flight as per your group tour dates which is non cancellable.

24th January 2022
To
Employees Provident Fund Organization Office Pension Office
Bhavishya Nidhi Bhavan, 341, Service Rd,
Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051

Complaint of withholding of Pension Funds by Ex-Employer

Dear Sirs,

I would like to complain about SOTC Travel Limited (the “Company”). I am an ex-employee of the Company and have left employment on 05th May 2019. My Pension scheme with the Company which I did make the contribution.

After my leaving employment, the Company has only paid me my leaving entitlements. However, as at to date, the Company has not yet transferred the remaining to my existing pension trustee. I have sent several reminders by way of emails and calling but have not received any satisfactory reply with which my monthly pension would have started in past 32 months (2 years and 8 months).
The last reply I got from the company dated 20th January 2022 stating that “While the Pension is applied the service from 01-JAN-2015 to 31-MAY-2017 is not reflecting in the PF system, due to which the ECR rectification is to be done. The ECR / Accounts rectification takes time as the system needs to be corrected. Currently due to increasing the Covid cases the PF office is working on the 50 % strength and only clearing the claims. Also PF office has restricted the entry to the PF office. Sir the process will take time. We sincerely regret the delay but the fault is not at our end.”
In all chasers and follow up for past 3 years with the Company, I am feeling helpless now and feels that Company is not bothering about my problems and not even considering my 35 years of service given with loyalty and hard work to the Company.
I have checked online claims through EPFO website for Monthly Pension claim as per below given details.

1. 1st Claim receipt date is 10th June 2019 vide CLAIM ID #MHBAN[protected] Status Rejected due to Remarks as “Your Claim has been rejected due to: 1) CLAIM CANNOT BE PROCESSED AS DATE OF SUPERANNUATION IS LESS THAN DATE OF JOINING TO THE PRESENT ESTT 2) CERTIFICATE ENCLOSED IS IMPROPER”
2. 2nd Claim receipt date is 7th Feb 2020 vide Claim ID #MHBAN[protected] Status Rejected due to Remarks as “Your Claim has been rejected due to: 1) PLEASE UPDATE MISSING DETAILS THROUGH EMPLOYER. CANCEL CHEQUE NOT ATTACHED. 2) 3 PASS PORT SIZE PHOTOS NOT ENCLOSED
3. 3rd Claim receipt date is 15th Feb 2021 vide Claim ID #MHBAN[protected] Status Rejected due to Remarks as “Your Claim has been rejected due to: 1) EPS CONTRIBUTION WRONGLY SHOWN 7/2019 INSTEAD OF 6/2019 ALSO BANK DETAILS ARE NOT VISIBLE AS PER CH 2) MEMBER NAME NOT PRINTED ON CANCELLED CHEQUE

As I understand, this process has taken exceptionally long for the Company to process the transfer. Since I have not received any satisfactory reply from the Company despite repeated chasers. However, this is the only financial support to live my life hence, I would appreciate if you can look into the matter and follow up for me. The following are my contact details:

Address: Utpal Sil, 117-D, Near Chhota Gole Chakkar, Kamla Nagar, Malka Ganj, North Delhi, Delhi, Pin-110007
Phone – [protected]
Email – [protected]@yahoo.in
Aadhaar Number –[protected]
PAN Number – BFNPS3531K
UAN –[protected]

I hereby confirm that I consent to the authority using my personal information in relation to and to the extent relevant to your investigation into the matter. I also consent to the disclosure of my name to the Company in relation to your investigation.

Please help me in this matter on priority basis so that my monthly pension would be started as soon as possible and also help me to release the previous holding pension funds which are due since May 2019.

Thanks

Yours faithfully,

Utpal Sil

I booked today thru sotc today for Cordelia cruise date 21st feb. I clearly mentioned rooms required by me on email 8282 n 8184 n asked to send payment link. The agent sonnu clearly told me on call (u can hear that) if you pay within 15 mins we will keep relevant room blocked. N I have paid. Now he has booked some other rooms 8650 n 8652 n that also right next to elevators where there is maximum movement n noise. I do not want to accept any rubbish rooms especially after paying so much in advance. If those rooms were not available, he should have called n told me, bi would not have paid at all. Hence either get my rooms booked as per my requirement on the rear side of cruise or refund my money n I will directly book thru Cordelia. Very bad experience with sotc n I was thinking I'll be relieved booking thru you guys. My name is Nafisa Thakur n my number is [protected]. Please help to get my issue resolved on priority

I have booked soct tour for shimla for 2 family, full amount paid and due to one family one of member demise they are not coming. For past 2 months chasing sotc on options but progress is pathetic slow

Iam a senior citizen, 72 years old.
During one of the carnivals conducted by SOTC in Feb 2020 I had given an advance amount of Rs84000 towards travel to South Africa Conducted tour
for two o[censored]s. Within a few days Carona set in and the tour was cancelled. Since then I have been approaching your office for refund of the amount and several representations were made.
The pandemic is such that the elders are more susceptible and moreover I had deveoped hyperacidity and severe gastritis, thus preventing any outstation trip.Your office took a sympathetic view and wanted Doctor Certificate.I produced M C and it is nowsix months refund has not been made. Can I request you at least now refund my money after 18 months.
N T Srinivasan, [protected](M)

This is with reference to my Shimla and manali trip. I would like to share few feedback after my trip.

Driver was not cooperative at all throughout the entire trip. Every time if asked for a rest break there is no response from him and he is not even stopping the vehicle for a break despite several times of information as well. Doing his personal delivery works on the go and making us wait for more time and almost we got up with Traffic police checking twice for breaking traffic rules. Please do understand that we already have a language problem and this driver was also having some attitude problems and it was not even a good trip travelling with him.

And as you have mentioned I haven’t received any picnic lunch/water bottle/surprise gift /snack box anything as per your package and whenever I ask for those, I don’t get a reply.

I have been made to wait for more than 1 hour in Manali and that was night and reception guys told there is no room reservations on my name.

And for all these blunders I am keep on calling you and which made my trip more worse.

You have to take care of these things as why because we are coming to you. Kindly take necessary actions and I need an update on my request.