CAIT Urges Traders and Citizens to Boycott Travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan: Here’s Why You Should Join the Movement

New Delhi: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is urging Indian citizens to boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. This call for action comes in response to these countries’ support for Pakistan amidst ongoing tensions.

CAIT has previously led successful campaigns against Chinese products and now aims to extend this movement to these two nations. The group is enlisting travel and tour operators to amplify its message.

Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT’s Secretary General, emphasized the potential economic impact. He noted that in 2024, Turkey welcomed around 62.2 million tourists, including about 300,000 from India—a 20.7% increase from the previous year. Turkey’s tourism revenue was approximately USD 61.1 billion, with Indian visitors contributing around USD 291.6 million by each spending an average of USD 972.

Khandelwal explained that if Indian travelers stop visiting Turkey, the country could lose an estimated USD 291.6 million. This figure does not account for cancellations of weddings and corporate events, which would further hit the economy.

Azerbaijan, on the other hand, attracted about 2.6 million tourists in 2024, including around 250,000 Indians. The average Indian tourist spent around 2,170 AZN, or about USD 1,276, totaling roughly USD 308.6 million. A decline in Indian tourists could slow down Azerbaijan’s economy, particularly in leisure and event sectors.

Experts suggest that such economic pressure could motivate Turkey and Azerbaijan to reassess their stances toward India. Additionally, it might lead to a decrease in cultural exchanges, affecting local businesses such as hotels and restaurants.

In this digital age, social media plays a crucial role. Many users are already expressing their support for the boycott, showcasing how people’s voices can shape international relations. As travel choices increasingly reflect personal beliefs, the impact of collective actions like this can be profound.

This situation illustrates how interconnected the world is. Economic repercussions often cross borders, showing that travel and tourism not only shape cultures but also political landscapes.

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