In the context of heightened geopolitical tensions in South Asia, a few prominent Indian tour operators have put out advisories against traveling to Turkey and Azerbaijan. This follows the perception that these two nations have sided with Pakistan diplomatically in the current conflicts with India.
Online travel aggregator EaseMyTrip announced the suspension of all bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, urging Indian travellers to avoid non-essential travel to these destinations. In a public statement, the company emphasised traveller safety as a top priority and advised customers to consult official government travel guidance before making plans to sensitive regions.
“We have taken this step keeping in mind the recent developments. Every rupee spent abroad is like casting a vote. Let’s ensure it goes to destinations that align with our values,” EaseMyTrip’s Co-Founder and President Nishant Pitti posted on X.
The platform has also waived cancellation charges for existing bookings to the two countries.
Other Agencies Follow Suit
Travel conglomerate Cox & Kings has similarly paused all new bookings to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The company noted that until there is clarity in the geopolitical landscape, it will exercise restraint in promoting travel to certain regions. “We’ve temporarily removed these destinations to ensure customer safety and national solidarity,” said Karan Aggarwal, Director at Cox & Kings.
Meanwhile, Travomint has initiated free cancellations for impacted bookings, joining the growing list of companies prioritizing caution over commerce.
Economic Impact on Destination Countries
India has historically been a significant tourism contributor to both Turkey and Azerbaijan. According to previous travel industry data, nearly 287,000 Indian tourists visited Turkey, and around 243,000 visited Azerbaijan last year.
Tourism plays a key role in both countries’ economies. It contributes approximately 12% to Turkey’s GDP and supports about 10% of its workforce. In Azerbaijan, the tourism sector accounts for about 7.6% of GDP and also provides employment to nearly 10% of the population. A sudden decline in Indian tourists could potentially affect hospitality revenues, travel operators, and local service providers in these destinations.
National Sentiment and Corporate Messaging
While there has not been a state travel prohibition to these nations, the business philosophy reflects a sense of commonality and moral spending. EaseMyTrip’s statement that travel should not inadvertently fund nations perceived to be unfriendly has been echoed on social media, generating both support and backlash.
Outlook
Industry analysts expect more travel companies to align their offerings with national mood and safety advisories as tensions continue. Until there is diplomatic clarity and reduced conflict risk, destinations seen as diplomatically aligned against India may witness reduced footfall from Indian tourists.
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