TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 10 MAY 2025
There has been massive cancellations in bookings of Indian travel agents for Turkey ,Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in the past three days after these two countries have reportedly supported Pakistan during the ongoing clash with the neighbouring country. Last year Maldives had faced similar cancellations and boycotts by Indian firms and tourists , but it seems the impact of the outrage to these three countries will be even bigger and long term compared to the short term impact faced by Maldives last year.
More than 50 percent bookings have already been cancelled by the Indian Travel Agencies since the past three days. Several lakhs of Indian tourists used to visit these countries and the bookings for the long vacations were already done, but after this sudden development the travelers are suspending their bookings, sources said.
The Indian travellers are now preferring to visit safer picturesque locations abroad and neutral countries and destinations like Bali in Indonesia and Malaysia, says Anjani Kumar Dhanuka, Chairman ( East) of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). “Incidentally India is one of the biggest source markets for tourism for these countries after China,”he added.
“ We have decided to pause all new bookings for the moment to destinations like Turkey, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan,”confirms Mr. Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings.
Go Homestays, a travel accommodation firm has gone a step further and ended its partnership with Turkish Airlines.
Mr. Nishant Pittie, Chairman and Co Founder of EaseMy Trip has also adviced Indian Tourists to avoid visiting these countries. “ The safety of the travelers is our top priority,”he said.
Maldives had suffered huge losses after mass cancellations by Indian tourists. In 2024 , India topped the number of foreign tourists footfalls in Azerbaijan with a footfall of 2.43 lakhs . About 3.3 lakhs Indian visited Turkey, and India is one of the fastest growing source market for tourism in Turkey.
Turkey and Azerbaijan government have issued statements supporting Pakistan after the escalation of tension between the two neighbouring countries in Asia.
It seems that it will take time to restore back to normalcy and until the current geopolitical environment completely changes.
Advertisement:
Add Comment