India's Travel Boycott Hits Turkey and Azerbaijan Tourism Amid Geopolitical Fallout

The tourism industries of Turkey and Azerbaijan are facing significant setbacks following a sudden travel boycott by Indian tourists. The boycott stems from escalating geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, with Turkey and Azerbaijan perceived to have aligned with Pakistan, leading to sharp declines in Indian tourist arrivals and bookings.

India had become an increasingly important source market for both Turkey and Azerbaijan in recent years. In 2024 alone, Turkey welcomed approximately 274,000 Indian tourists, marking a 20.7% increase from the previous year, according to Govind Gaur, CEO of travel platform WanderOn. The surge was driven by enhanced air connectivity, effective destination marketing, and the popularity of Turkey as a destination for Indian weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.

Since early May 2025, the upward trajectory of Indian tourism to these countries has been sharply reversed. Travel agencies and booking platforms across India report an unprecedented wave of cancellations attributed to the ongoing diplomatic conflict.

Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, noted cancellation rates have reached 22% for Turkey and 30% for Azerbaijan. Indian travellers are redirecting their bookings toward alternative destinations such as Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam, reflecting both political considerations and changing travel preferences.

Booking platform MakeMyTrip confirmed a drastic drop in reservations, with bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan falling by 60% in just one week, while cancellations surged by 250% during the same period. The platform has since withdrawn all promotions and offers related to these destinations to align with the emerging consumer sentiment.

The travel industry in India has formalized the boycott. The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) jointly announced on May 9, 2025, that they would cease promotion and sales of travel packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Sabina Chopra, COO and Co-Founder of Yatra Online Ltd, stated that since May 7, over 50% of holiday bookings to these destinations have been cancelled, with many clients opting to either reschedule or choose alternative locations.

The loss of Indian outbound tourists is a major blow to both countries, as Indian travellers not only contribute through direct spending but also stimulate employment in tourism-related sectors, from hotels and restaurants to transport and retail.

Additionally, Georgia is gaining popularity among Indian tourists. Cities like Tbilisi and regions such as Stepantsminda attract visitors for their scenic beauty, cultural richness, and simplified visa processes.

Domestic tourism within India has also been affected by the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions. WanderOn reports a 60% decline in domestic travel and a 40% drop in international travel. In response, travel platforms are providing flexible options including full refunds, destination switches, and extended validity of trip credits.

Within India, southern states such as Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are experiencing increased interest as alternative holiday destinations, offering safe, affordable, and culturally vibrant options for travellers amid geopolitical uncertainties.

The travel boycott reflects the intersection of geopolitics and tourism economics. The Indian Ministry of Tourism, through its official portal incredibleindia.org, emphasizes the importance of stable international relations in promoting outbound tourism and fostering bilateral cooperation.

The Ministry of External Affairs, India, also monitors developments closely, providing travel advisories and diplomatic communication aimed at protecting Indian citizens abroad and managing international relations.

The duration and long-term consequences of this tourism boycott remain uncertain. If current sentiments persist, Turkey and Azerbaijan could see a sustained reduction in Indian arrivals, potentially ceding ground to competing destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

The tourism sectors of both countries will need to adopt strategies to diversify source markets, enhance crisis resilience, and rebuild consumer confidence once geopolitical tensions ease.

For India, travellers are increasingly prioritizing safety, affordability, and ease of access, trends that may permanently reshape outbound tourism patterns. Governments and travel industry stakeholders are adapting accordingly to these shifts.

The sudden boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan by Indian tourists due to geopolitical tensions with Pakistan has delivered a sharp economic blow to the tourism sectors of both countries. With millions of dollars in lost revenue and thousands of cancelled bookings, the fallout highlights the complex interplay between politics and travel.

Indian travellers are shifting preferences toward Southeast Asia, Georgia, and domestic destinations, reflecting changing priorities amid uncertainty. Governments and industry players across the affected regions are working to manage the crisis while seeking long-term solutions.