Travel Firms Urge Indians to Not Visit Turkey & Azerbaijan Over Supporting Pakistan
In the midst of the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, travel firms in India have taken a bold step by urging Indians to not visit Turkey and Azerbaijan. The decision comes after the two countries supported Pakistan in the conflict, which has led to a significant backlash from India.
Travel firms like Pickyourtrail, EaseMyTrip, WanderOn, and Cox & Kings have halted travel bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing the countries’ support for Pakistan as the reason. WanderOn, a travel company, has explicitly stated that they have closed bookings for these two destinations and are not making any new bookings. Meanwhile, Go Homestays has cancelled its partnership with Turkish Airlines.
This decision comes as a significant blow to the tourism industries of Turkey and Azerbaijan, which have been popular destinations among Indians in recent years. Turkey, in particular, has been a favorite among Indian tourists, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes attracting millions of visitors every year.
The decision to suspend bookings was taken in response to the countries’ stance on the Kashmir issue. Turkey and Azerbaijan have been vocal in their support for Pakistan on the issue, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling India’s decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special status as “unacceptable”. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has also expressed solidarity with Pakistan on the issue.
The Indian government has been critical of Turkey and Azerbaijan’s stance on the issue, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calling it “unfortunate”. The Indian government has also asked these countries to respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The suspension of bookings by travel firms is likely to have a significant impact on the tourism industries of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Both countries have been counting on Indian tourists to boost their economies, and the sudden loss of bookings is likely to cause significant financial losses.
However, the impact of this decision may not be limited to the tourism industries alone. The suspension of bookings may also have a broader impact on the diplomatic ties between India and Turkey/Azerbaijan. The Indian government has been critical of Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s stance on the Kashmir issue, and the suspension of bookings may be seen as a way for India to express its displeasure.
For Indian tourists, the suspension of bookings may be a significant inconvenience. Many Indians had planned their trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan well in advance, and the sudden cancellation of bookings may cause significant financial losses. However, it is also important to note that Indian tourists have been warned about the risks of traveling to Turkey and Azerbaijan, with several advisories issued by the Indian government in recent years.
In recent years, Turkey has been plagued by political instability and terrorism, with several attacks targeting tourists in recent years. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, has been criticized for its human rights record, with several organizations calling for a boycott of the country.
In conclusion, the suspension of bookings by travel firms in India is a significant development that is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the tourism industries of Turkey and Azerbaijan. While the decision may cause significant financial losses for the tourism industries, it is also a strong statement from the Indian government and travel firms that India will not tolerate countries that support Pakistan in the ongoing conflict.
