New Delhi — Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Indian tourists are backing away from travel plans to Turkey and Azerbaijan, prompting a wave of cancellations and a major reshuffle in travel preferences, according to top travel platforms.
Following recent diplomatic rifts over the India-Pakistan conflict, many Indian citizens are choosing to boycott countries perceived to support Pakistan. This sentiment is now clearly reflected in the tourism industry.
Sharp Surge in Cancellations, Travel Agencies Respond
Online travel portals have reported a noticeable spike in cancellations and a slump in new bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan. MakeMyTrip, one of the country’s leading platforms, confirmed that bookings for these destinations have dropped by 60%, while cancellations have surged over 250%. In response, the platform has removed all promotional campaigns for Turkey and Azerbaijan.
EaseMyTrip, another major player in the market, reported a 22% rise in cancellations for Turkey and a 30% hike for Azerbaijan. The company has also issued advisories discouraging non-essential travel to these countries.
Meanwhile, Ixigo has taken a more direct stance by suspending bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and even China—aligning with broader public sentiment.
Public Influence & National Sentiment Drive Shift
Fueling the trend is growing public advocacy for a boycott. Prominent industrialist Harsh Goenka recently shared that Indian tourists spent over ₹4,000 crore in Turkey and Azerbaijan last year. In light of current tensions, he urged Indians to reconsider financially supporting countries viewed as diplomatically unfriendly.
Travel Preferences Shift Toward Neutral Destinations
In light of the cancellations, travelers are shifting toward alternative destinations that are seen as politically neutral or more aligned with India. Destinations like Russia, Germany, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand are emerging as top choices this season.
Tourism Takes a Political Turn
This sharp shift highlights how deeply international relations can influence consumer behavior, especially in the travel and tourism sector. As tensions simmer on the geopolitical front, Indian travelers are making it clear that their passports will follow their principles.
