(TAN): A Mumbai-based travel agency has announced a coronavirus vaccine tourism package to travel all the way to the US to get a shot of the vaccine being developed by pharma major Pfizer.
According to media reports, the package of INR 174,999 (USD 2,367), announced by Gem Tours & Travel, includes Mumbai-New York return airfare, three night/four days stay along with a shot of the vaccine. Pfizer has reportedly distanced itself from the development.
The vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech SE has shown 95% efficacy in preventing Covid-19 with no major safety concerns. Pfizer has already applied to US health regulators for emergency use authorization of its covid-19 vaccine.
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According to tweets by Gem Tours & Travel, the packages are being booked without any advance or deposits. “We just need your registration with us with your name, e-mail, mobile number,” said a tweet from the firm. It also said, it is not holding or procuring any vaccine and everything will be done as per official permissions of the US health department.
“Everything we will arrange will be within laws of United States of America. We will only process your requirements. Right now, no time frame can be committed. We are keeping the list ready so as and when America allows foreigners to come and take vaccine, we should not waste time because every life matters to their family members,” the firm said in a message, reported the Mint.
As the development is doing rounds in the social media, Pfizer has said that it is not working with any other partner at this time or authorised any agency to conduct or facilitate Covid-19 vaccination.
“Once approved, Pfizer will supply this vaccine during this pandemic phase only to governments across the world based on agreements with respective government authorities and following regulatory authorisation or approval. Vaccine administration to appropriate populations within a country is a decision for local governments based on relevant health authority guidance,” a Pfizer spokesperson was quoted as saying by the media.
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According to travel industry insiders, since the Pfizer vaccine requires very low temperatures (-70 degrees Celsius) and is unlikely to be introduced in India, Gem Tours and Travels sensed an opportunity to promote vaccine tourism. One travel agent said to the media, this could be a ploy to widen the customer base. By gathering customer data, the tour operator could push other domestic and international packages to them.
Founder-chairman of the travel operator, Jyotin Doshi defended the move stating the company was over three decades old and did not have to resort to such publicity stunts for business, according to reports. Started in 1983, the tour operator has offices across Delhi, Gujarat, Chennai, Pune and Bengaluru. However, Gem Tours & Travels is not registered with the Indian Association of Tour Operators, an industry body that helps in the promotion of travel and tourism in India.
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