In a big improvement reflective of the rising geopolitical sensitivities within the journey sector, India’s journey and tourism business has known as for a boycott of excursions to Turkiye and Azerbaijan following the 2 nations’ current diplomatic overtures in assist of Pakistan. The transfer comes within the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, notably after the April 22 terror assault in Pahalgam and Pakistan’s army retaliation alongside the border-sensative areas in India.
The hashtag #BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan gained momentum on X (previously Twitter) on Thursday night, after stories surfaced that the international ministries of Turkiye and Azerbaijan had issued separate statements expressing solidarity with Pakistan.
Each Turkiye and Azerbaijan have turn out to be more and more fashionable amongst Indian travellers in recent times, primarily because of enhanced air connectivity, focused promotions, and relaxed visa norms. Nonetheless, this new flip of occasions has solid a shadow over their rising attraction within the Indian outbound tourism market.
Turkiye welcomed roughly 3.3 lakh Indian vacationers in 2024, representing a 20.7% development from earlier years. The nation noticed a document 62.2 million international guests in 2024. Whereas, Azerbaijan, too, noticed a considerable rise, with 243,000 Indian vacationers visiting the nation final 12 months—a quantity that doubled from the earlier 12 months. In January 2025 alone, over 17,000 Indians visited Azerbaijan, marking a brand new excessive for that month.
Now, the sentiment seems to be quickly shifting.
In a press release, EaseMyTrip, certainly one of India’s main on-line journey companies, suggested Indian travellers to keep away from non-essential journey to Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Citing nationwide safety issues and traveller security, the corporate urged vigilance in response to the evolving geopolitical panorama.
“Deeply involved by the current developments,” mentioned Nishant Pitti, Founder and Chairman, EaseMyTrip. “At EaseMyTrip, the protection of travellers is our prime precedence. We advise all our prospects to train utmost warning and keep up to date on official journey advisories earlier than planning journeys to delicate areas. In view of the fear assault in Pahalgam on twenty second April 2025 and war-like conditions between India and Pakistan, it’s disheartening to notice that Turkiye and Azerbaijan have prolonged their assist to Pakistan. EaseMyTrip strongly advises limiting journey to those nations except completely important.”
Journey Advisory!!!
Following the Pahalgam assault and escalating tensions between India & Pakistan, travellers are urged to remain conscious.
As Turkey & Azerbaijan have proven assist for Pakistan, we strongly suggest visiting provided that completely mandatory.
Keep knowledgeable. Journey… pic.twitter.com/gmdieqjyFH
— EaseMyTrip.com (@EaseMyTrip) May 8, 2025
The corporate has additionally up to date its reserving insurance policies to mirror this advisory and has known as on the broader journey neighborhood to take a united stand.
Echoing this sentiment, Pickyourtrail, one other outstanding on-line journey platform, introduced a brief halt to all new bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan. The corporate emphasised that whereas the transfer will not be directed on the folks of both nation, it stands towards international coverage actions that counter India’s nationwide pursuits.
“At Pickyourtrail, we do greater than plan holidays — we allow journeys that matter,” mentioned Hari Ganapathy, Co-Founding father of Pickyourtrail. “In gentle of current occasions, we’ve made the choice to pause all new bookings to Turkiye and Azerbaijan. This isn’t a touch upon the folks, however a stance towards insurance policies that battle with India’s nationwide curiosity. As an Indian journey firm, our first obligation is to the Indian traveller. Jai Hind.”
In view of the evolving geopolitical panorama, Cox & Kings has additionally made the choice to briefly pause all new journey choices to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkiye. ” This determination is pushed by our dedication to uphold ideas that matter deeply to us and the folks of our nation. We additionally advise Indian vacationers to train discretion and keep away from any non-essential journey to those locations till there may be higher readability and alignment within the broader geopolitical atmosphere,” mentioned Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings.
Following the go well with, on-line journey company Travomint has additionally suspended the sale of all journey packages to those nations with instant impact,. Along with this, no cancellation charges shall be charged on present bookings to Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Emergency Flight bookings shall be accessible in case of any emergency or pressing want.
“We’ve determined to assist Indians’ name for boycotting Turkiye and Azerbaijan. Travomint stays dedicated to nationwide sentiments and the protection and belief of its prospects. We imagine that enterprise have to be pushed not solely by revenue but in addition ideas. We stand united towards all odds to guard our nation and its residents throughout this crucial time. Travomint is with India and for India, All the time,” talked about Alok Okay Singh, Chairman and CEO, Travomint.
Moreover, Indian journey model Go Homestays has introduced the top of its partnership with Turkish Airways, citing the airline’s affiliation with Pakistan that has taken a “hostile” place in direction of India. Goa Villas, a villa leases aggregator, additionally declared that it’ll not provide accomodation to Turkish residents.
This rising refrain of dissent marks a uncommon occasion of political stances influencing tourism operations in India, with business stakeholders voluntarily altering business methods in response to international coverage postures.
Whereas the Ministry of Tourism has not but issued an official advisory on the matter, business observers notice that the strain is constructing for a coordinated response. Commerce our bodies and journey associations are anticipated to deliberate additional if tensions proceed or escalate.
In keeping with business specialists, this backlash might considerably impression tourism revenues for each Turkiye and Azerbaijan from the Indian market, which has been a fast-growing and high-spending phase. The common Indian outbound traveller, particularly to locations like Turkey and Azerbaijan, tends to spend considerably on guided excursions, buying, and luxurious stays.
The journey fraternity can also be watching intently to see if different operators and associations comply with go well with, and whether or not the diplomatic discourse will soften within the days to come back. Within the meantime, journey corporations are urging their prospects to remain knowledgeable, comply with government-issued advisories, and prioritise security over comfort.
Because the scenario develops, all eyes stay on how Turkiye and Azerbaijan reply to this backlash, and whether or not any coverage clarifications or diplomatic outreach shall be initiated to defuse the scenario.
For now, it’s clear: the Indian journey business has drawn a line within the sand—inserting nationwide curiosity and traveller security above all else.
