Install point of sale machines at ASI monuments: Tour operators

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) on Wednesday demanded that the central government immediately install Point of Sale (POS) machines at monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India for the convenience of foreign tourists.

Demonetised currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination are being accepted at ASI monuments till November 24 following an appeal by the apex body of tour operators.

"On our request, payment at ASI monuments through cash with old bank notes of Rs 500 and 1000 is being accepted till November 24. But we do not know what will happen after that as supply of new currency at present is not sufficient to run our business," IATO executive director Gour Kanjilal said in a statement.

"We request that credit/debit swipe machines should be installed immediately at all ASI-protected monuments. Till the time they are installed, old currency should be accepted at the ASI monuments until sufficient supply of new currency is available," the statement said.

The body also urged the central government to allow international tourists to convert spiked Indian currency back into their own country's legal tender.

"Foreign tourists want to convert it (Indian currency) back into their own currency but this limit is Rs 5,000 only. They should be allowed to convert whatever old Indian currency is left with them into their own currency. This should be allowed through any banks, including banks at the airport, by producing valid exchange documents. Foreign tourists should not suffer due to the new policy and should not feel cheated," said the statement.

--IANS

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