Indian Tourists Cancel Trips
Indian Tourists Cancel Trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan Amid Diplomatic Tensions
In the wake of recent geopolitical developments, a significant number of Indian tourists are cancelling their planned trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan. This shift in travel preferences is primarily attributed to the perceived support these countries have extended to Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
Surge in Cancellations and Decline in Bookings
Leading Indian travel agencies have reported a noticeable decline in bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. MakeMyTrip, a prominent travel platform, observed a 60% drop in new bookings and a staggering 250% increase in cancellations for these destinations. Similarly, EaseMyTrip reported a 22% rise in cancellations for Turkey and 30% for Azerbaijan. Ixigo has taken a more drastic step by suspending bookings to both countries altogether .
Public Sentiment and Calls for Boycott
The public’s response has been swift and decisive. Social media platforms are abuzz with calls to boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan, with hashtags like #BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan trending prominently. Industrialist Harsh Goenka voiced his concerns, urging Indian citizens to reconsider their travel plans to these nations, highlighting that Indian tourists contributed over ₹4,000 crore to their economies in the previous year .
Shift to Alternative Destinations
In light of these developments, Indian travelers are exploring alternative international destinations. Countries like Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam are witnessing a surge in interest. Travel agencies are actively promoting these destinations, emphasizing their cultural attractions and favorable travel conditions .
Economic Implications
The tourism industry in Turkey and Azerbaijan is poised to feel the economic impact of these cancellations. Beyond tourism, other sectors are also affected. For instance, Udaipur’s marble industry has halted ₹3,000 crore worth of imports from Turkey, citing the country’s support for Pakistan as the primary reason .
Conclusion
The current geopolitical climate has significantly influenced the travel decisions of Indian tourists. As diplomatic tensions persist, it’s evident that travelers are aligning their choices with national sentiments, leading to a notable shift in international travel trends.