Backing Pakistan openly during tensions with India, Turkey is reportedly beginning to face the heat. Tourism is an important sector for the nation, and reports say that Indian tourists have started cancelling their visits to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Indian travellers have sent a shock to these nations by boycotting them over supporting Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Last year, Maldives had witnessed similar public sentiments over anti-Modi remarks by three ministers of the Muizzu government.
Cancellations have surged 250%
According to News 18, Make My Trip says the cancellations have surged 250% in just a week. The figure reflects the emotions of Indian travellers who have chosen to discard the nation for providing arms and drones during the India-Pakistan tensions.
Harsh Goenka urged people to boycott travelling to Turkey
Indian billionaire Harsh Goenka also urged people to boycott travelling to the two nations which showed solidarity with Pakistan. In a post on X, Goenka said that Indian tourists contributed over Rs 4000 crore to the economies of Turkey and Azerbaijan. He said tourists can show their strength by cancelling their trip which would incur a loss to these nations who are backing India’s enemy.
‘Please skip these 2 places’
Goenka wrote on X,” Indians gave Rs 4,000+cr to Turkey & Azerbaijan last year through tourism. Created jobs. Boosted their economy, hotels, weddings, and flights. Today, both stand with Pakistan after Pahalgam attack. Plenty of beautiful places in India & the world. Please skip these 2 places. Jai Hind.”
“Boycott Turkey”
According to the Times of India, several Indian travel companies backed the “Boycott Turkey” call as they suspended bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey. The report cited that Ixigo, EasyMyTrip, and Cox & Kings already announced they will no longer offer trips to Turkey.
Ixigo wrote on X, “In solidarity with our nation, ixigo is suspending flight and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. Because when it comes to Bharat, we don’t think twice. Jai Hind.”
For the love of our nation, we stand united. pic.twitter.com/GqKKzQ4as9
— ixigo (@ixigo) May 10, 2025
Cox & Kings posted on X, “WE STAND WITH INDIA Sometimes, a pause becomes a necessity. In light of the current national sentiments, we’re putting a temporary hold on all new travel to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Even though respect and understanding of the world remain at the heart of everything we do, while the nation waits, so will some of our journeys.”
WE STAND WITH INDIA
— Cox & Kings (@coxandkingsIN) May 9, 2025
Sometimes, a pause becomes a necessity.
In light of the current national sentiments, we’re putting a temporary hold on all new travel to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.
Even though respect and understanding of the world remain at the heart of everything…
