Turkey, Azerbaijan Face Travel Boycott After Supporting Pakistan; Gujarat Travel Agents Urge: ‘Visit Only If Necessary’
Ahmedabad: Amid rising diplomatic tensions following Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack, travel agents across Gujarat have begun advising international travellers to avoid visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing the countries’ perceived support for Pakistan.
Several prominent travel platforms, including EaseMyTrip, have issued public advisories urging Indian tourists to exercise caution. “Following the Pahalgam attack and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, travellers are urged to stay aware. As Turkey and Azerbaijan have shown support for Pakistan, we strongly recommend visiting only if absolutely necessary,” the company stated.
Social media platforms have also seen increasing calls for boycotts, with many users voicing anger over Turkey and Azerbaijan’s diplomatic stance. In response, many travel agents have stopped promoting tours to these countries, long popular among Indian tourists for their scenic beauty and budget-friendly packages.
Local operators in Gujarat say there is a visible shift in traveller sentiment. “At a national TAFI (Travel Agents Federation of India) meeting on Saturday, members from various states discussed growing concern about destinations like Turkey and Azerbaijan. There is a collective willingness within the industry to boycott these locations,” said Ankit Bajaj, senior TAFI member and Ahmedabad-based travel expert.
He added that Turkey and Baku, in particular, had seen a surge in Indian tourist footfall due to relaxed visa policies and affordable travel packages. “Last year, 50-55% of outbound Indian tourists opted for Turkey and Azerbaijan,” Bajaj noted.
Sandeep Patel, founder of a travel firm, confirmed that a group set to travel to Turkey recently cancelled their plans over safety and geopolitical concerns. “Other clients are opting for alternative destinations, but concerns certainly remain. We are now taking extra precautions to ensure the safety and logistics of every international trip,” she said.
While industry experts expect a short-term decline in outbound traffic to these countries, they believe national sentiment and traveller safety will remain top priorities for the foreseeable future.
