Why Indian Travelers Are Exploring New Destinations Despite the Boycott of Turkey: Insights from Experts

The Impact of #BoycottTurkiye on Indian Tourism

Recently, the call to boycott tourism to Turkiye has gained traction among Indian citizens. This movement stems from Turkiye’s support for Pakistan during a recent conflict involving India. However, experts from the tourism industry suggest that this boycott may not significantly impact India’s tourism sector.

Tourist Sentiments and Shifts

Rajan Sehgal, the Chairman of the Public Relation Council at the Travel Agents Association, noted that many travelers have already canceled their trips to Turkiye—about 70% of bookings, in fact. He mentioned that while Turkiye is a popular destination for Indian tourists, the actual number of tourists coming from Turkiye to India is quite low, making the overall effect of the boycott minimal.

Ravi Gosain, President of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, echoed these sentiments. He pointed out that the decision to cancel trips seems driven by public sentiment. Around 40-50% of outbound bookings to Turkiye have been affected since the boycott call gained momentum.

Exploring New Horizons

With the boycott underway, many Indian travelers are seeking alternative destinations. According to tourism expert Subhash Goel, popular choices include Georgia, Armenia, Mauritius, and Kyrgyzstan. He emphasized that tourism in India is thriving, and travelers are more inclined to explore safer and more welcoming locations.

Deepak Upadhyaya, another tourism expert, highlighted that tourists are actively planning trips to these alternative destinations, steering clear of Turkiye for now.

A Bigger Picture

In a broader context, the Ministry of Tourism reports that international tourist arrivals globally have surged by 33.3% in 2023, recovering from a significant drop during the pandemic. France leads the way in tourist arrivals, followed closely by Spain and the United States. Interestingly, Turkiye ranks fairly high on this list, but its influence seems limited when viewed through the lens of Indian tourism.

As the tourism landscape evolves, our choices reflect our values. This recent shift shows how public sentiment can influence travel plans and reshape industry dynamics. Staying engaged and aware of global events is crucial for travelers and the tourism sector alike.

For more insights on the global tourism trends, you can check out the World Tourism Organization’s report.

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