04th July, 2024

To All Members,

Sub: Regarding Marketing and Booking of Palace on Wheels by IATO Members.

Dear Friends,

This is with reference to our circular dated 8th April 2024 regarding Guidelines for Marketing and Booking of Palace on Wheels issued by RTDC.

As you are aware, RTDC has given the contract to O&M operator Palace on Wheels in consortium with M/s Easy Toll Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the operation of Palace on Wheels in 2023. RTDC issued guidelines for promoting and marketing of Palace on Wheels on 22nd January 2024, wherein some restrictions were made on using the name “Palace on Wheels” as a domain name and its logo by the tour operators. Court cases were filed against a few of our members. As President of IATO, I had a meeting with the MD, RTDC, and tried to settle the cases of those members out of court, requesting the MD, RTDC to withdraw such cases and raised concerns regarding the guidelines and cases filed against our members.

Later, I had a meeting with Mr. Bhagat Singh Lohagarh, Director of Easy Toll Solutions Pvt. Ltd and CMD of Lohagarh Group of companies. I personally spoke with him and after discussion, we have concluded on the points listed below:-

  1. O&M operator Palace on Wheels  in consortium with M/s Easy Toll Solutions Pvt. Ltd.  has written to RTDC to withdraw/close all the court cases filed against GSAs. The same is being followed up for closure by the next scheduled date of court hearing in July 2024.
  2. O&M operator Palace on Wheels in consortium with M/s Easy Toll solutions Pvt Ltd. has assured to work closely with IATO members for the mutual benefits in order to give world-class tourism experience to the tourists on the Palace on Wheels and they have assured us that a similar unwanted situation does not happen in future. They will keep IATO updated on all the matters related to the POW and its collaboration with GSAs.
  3. PoW Tariff for 2024/25 ending in April 2025 is enclosed.
  4. There will be no extra charge for a double bed in the deluxe cabin.
  5. For IATO approved travel agents, a special commission of 15% (fifteen percent) will be given. This supersedes any other circular issued by PoW in this regard.
  6. At the time of booking, GSA/Travel Agents has to deposit twenty five percent of ticket value as an advance; rest balance payment has to be made as per booking policy of sixty days prior.
  7. As per policy, the operator will review and apprise the agents of such instances 60 days prior to the date of departure in case of low occupancy.
  8. US $ 10000 or INR 8.30 Lakh is the Bank guarantee to become a GSA of Palace on Wheels. There is separate commission structure for those who are GSA for Palace on Wheels.
  9. If any GSA is not able to book 50 cabins in a season, the bank guarantee will be forfeited and in the case of booking of 51 and above cabins in a season, the Bank guarantee amount will be refunded.
  10. The GSA/Travel Agent is permitted to use pictures and videos of POW to promote the sales on their website and on their printed brochures. PoW will not seek any control in the working of IATO members. However, they require a statement of disclaimer from each agent on their websites. Suitable statements for the same will be shared (post legal concurrence within a week).
  11. As far as group leader policy is concerned, it is being actively pursued with RTDC and they shall revert to soon.
  12. There will be no cancellation charges in case of cancellation of POW tours and the entire booking amount will be refunded to the respective GSA /Tour Operator without any deductions.
  13. With respect to the applicability of GST, they have clarified that GST (i.e. 5%) will be applicable on the ticket amount after deduction of the applicable commission of GSA.
  14. For PoW departures in the month of September/October 2024, there is a special offer – companion offer with 50% discount for the second passenger in that cabin.
  15. We have requested O&M operator Palace on Wheels in consortium with M/s Easy Toll solutions Pvt Ltd.  (Palace on Wheels) to keep IATO informed on the development of the court cases on periodical basis including the date of hearing. This information would be sent to IATO Legal Advisor to seek her advice on the subject.

Members who wish to market and promote Palace on Wheels Luxury Train or for any other query, please get in touch directly with the officials of Palace on Wheels - Mr. Sanjay Nischal - General Manager, Mobile: 9251654100 or Mr. Bhawani Singh, Director of  Sales, Mobile: 92516 83095,  Email: PalaceonWheels.rtdc@rajasthan.gov.in 

Members are advised to carefully read the booking terms & conditions of Palace on Wheels before booking and making any advance deposits to Palace on Wheels to avoid any dispute later.

Thanks and regards,

Rajiv Mehra
President

Encl:

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