Aria Tours responds

From Kompas

In reference to Mrs. C.J. Kaligis's complaint in Kompas, published in your paper on Sept. 24 as Refund by Aria Tours, we were the agency that organized the Beijing tour.

The tour selected by Mrs. Kaligis and friends took place during peak season. We upgraded her from economy class reserved to business class at no additional cost.

Our agent in Beijing could not adhere to the Pek-Can-Hkg-Jkt itinerary as planned due to full booking. We made efforts to do so but were not successful. We informed Mrs. Kaligis about the matter while she was in Beijing.

The refund is our obligation, but delays in refunds from our agents often occur. As for the giro cheque given, we informed Mrs. Kaligis that it would not be cashed as it served to indicate the amount due and it would be exchanged for U.S. dollars.

Mrs. Kaligis received Rp 1 million on Sept. 8 and US$1,000 on Sept. 9 in accordance with the receipt signed by her. She requested 3 percent in monthly interest for the delay.

The payment for the tour was by credit card at no additional cost. For Mrs. Kaligis to feel that she did not lose out, we were willing to pay the interest, which travel agents are not obliged to do.

PT ARIA TOUR

Jakarta