Why Indian Tourists Are Choosing Vietnam, Jordan, and Armenia Over Turkey: Discover the New Hotspots!

New Delhi: Indian travelers are rethinking their vacation plans. This shift comes as some citizens call for a boycott of Turkey due to its support of Pakistan during a recent conflict. Instead, many are now looking towards budget-friendly spots like Vietnam, Jordan, and Armenia.

Tourism experts share insights into this change. Rajan Sehgal, from the Travel Agents Association, notes that Vietnam is gaining popularity as more travelers search for alternatives to Europe due to visa issues. “Tourists are increasingly interested in places like Japan as well,” he adds. He also highlights a surge in domestic tourism to destinations like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Subhash Goel, another tourism expert, mentions that Jordan’s landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage sites are making it appealing. “Vietnam has already established itself as a favorite among Indian tourists,” he says. Grish Oberoi from the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India adds that Vietnam’s affordability makes it a compelling choice compared to Turkey.

Furthermore, Rajeev Mehra from the Federation of Associations of Indian Tourism & Hospitality points out that while some travelers continue to visit Europe, a significant number are exploring new locales like Japan and Vietnam.

The call for a boycott against Turkey has now lasted for over 17 days, driving tourists to explore domestic destinations or other international options. Ravi Gosain, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, reports that interest in Vietnam, Jordan, and Armenia is notably trending. He assures that domestic tourism remains unaffected, with travelers shifting towards the Northeast and Southern India instead of Kashmir.

In response to the boycott, several tourism associations have encouraged travelers to avoid Turkey and Azerbaijan. They emphasize national pride and show support for the Indian Army. The Travel Agents Association of India has formally requested travel advisories against these countries from the government.

On a wider scale, the latest data from the Ministry of Tourism shows a significant increase in international arrivals, up 33.3% in 2023 compared to last year. The top destinations include France, Spain, and the United States, with Turkey among the top ten. However, the public sentiment seems to tilt against it at this time.

This situation reflects a larger trend in how political events can influence travel behaviors. As people increasingly prioritize their values and sentiments, it will be interesting to see how the tourism landscape evolves in response.

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