A dramatic shift is unfolding in the Indian travel landscape as rising geopolitical tensions have sparked widespread cancellations of trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan. MakeMyTrip, one of India’s leading travel platforms, has observed a massive 250% surge in cancellations to these destinations, along with a sharp 60% decline in new bookings.
This sudden drop in interest stems from strong public sentiment in India following the military operation known as Operation Sindoor. Conducted by Indian forces in retaliation for a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the operation received criticism from Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of whom expressed support for Pakistan’s stance on the matter. These statements have not gone unnoticed by Indian travelers.
Public Sentiment Turns Into Boycott
The backlash was swift. Social media platforms were flooded with calls for a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan, with many users urging fellow citizens to avoid spending money in nations seen as opposing India’s actions. The boycott campaigns gained traction online, turning into a movement that soon reflected in real-world travel behaviors.
Leading the charge was industrialist Harsh Goenka, who emphasized the significant amount Indian tourists spend annually in these countries—estimated at over ₹4,000 crore. In his online post, he urged Indian travelers to rethink their choices and direct tourism spending elsewhere.
Travel Portals Respond to the Movement
The impact of the boycott is being felt across the Indian travel sector. MakeMyTrip has pulled all promotional content and offers related to Turkey and Azerbaijan from its platform. Other travel portals have followed suit.
EaseMyTrip reported cancellation spikes of over 20% for Turkey and 30% for Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, Ixigo took an even stronger stance by suspending bookings to not just these two nations, but also China, citing similar diplomatic concerns.
For the Indian travel industry, which had been recovering steadily post-COVID, these sudden changes pose new challenges. Companies are now redirecting marketing strategies and curating packages that align with current public sentiment.
Tourists Shift to Alternative Destinations
With Turkey and Azerbaijan off the list for many, travelers are exploring alternative international destinations that offer similar cultural experiences without political controversy. Countries such as Russia, Germany, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam are witnessing an uptick in interest among Indian tourists.
These destinations provide a mix of cultural richness, natural beauty, and historical significance—making them attractive substitutes. Travel agencies are promoting these options more aggressively, offering curated packages and early bird deals to encourage bookings.
Moreover, countries like Georgia and Greece, which were previously niche markets for Indian travelers, are now emerging as popular choices for both leisure and honeymoon trips.
Broader Implications for the Tourism Economy
The boycott isn’t just affecting Indian travelers or local travel companies—it has broader economic implications for Turkey and Azerbaijan. Indian tourists represent a valuable demographic for these countries’ tourism economies. A prolonged boycott could translate into significant revenue losses, especially during peak travel seasons.
The impact may be particularly harsh for local hospitality sectors in Turkey and Azerbaijan that cater heavily to Indian tourists through customized services like Indian food, wedding destinations, and Hindi-speaking guides.
In a globally interconnected tourism industry, political alignments can heavily influence travel patterns. What we’re witnessing now is a classic example of how political statements and public diplomacy can directly impact economic sectors such as tourism.
MakeMyTrip’s Strategic Adaptation
For MakeMyTrip, navigating this scenario means adapting quickly to evolving traveler sentiments. By removing special offers related to Turkey and Azerbaijan and focusing instead on more politically neutral countries, the company is responding pragmatically to customer preferences.
According to a MakeMyTrip spokesperson, “We’ve always prioritized customer sentiment and trust. Based on the current scenario and feedback from our users, we’ve adjusted our offerings to better reflect their preferences.”
This move may help the brand maintain loyalty and credibility, particularly in a market as sentiment-driven as India’s.
Final Thoughts
The 250% rise in cancellations to Turkey and Azerbaijan is a striking example of how quickly geopolitical developments can shape consumer behavior. As Indian travelers express their disapproval through tourism choices, the travel industry is compelled to pivot swiftly, offering new alternatives and realigning its business strategies.
For now, countries like Russia, Thailand, and Greece stand to gain as Indian tourists search for destinations that align better with national sentiment. Meanwhile, travel brands must remain agile, politically aware, and deeply attuned to public mood to thrive in an increasingly complex international landscape.
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