Travel Firms Urge Indians to Not Visit Turkey & Azerbaijan Over Supporting Pakistan
The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has taken a new turn, with travel firms in India urging citizens to avoid visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan. The two countries have come under fire after they supported Pakistan in the recent tensions, and Indian travel companies have decided to suspend bookings for these destinations.
In a surprising move, travel firms like Pickyourtrail, EaseMyTrip, WanderOn, and Cox & Kings have stopped selling tickets to Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing the countries’ stance on the conflict as the reason. WanderOn, a popular travel company, has gone as far as to say that they have closed bookings for these two places and are not making any new bookings. This decision is likely to have a significant impact on the tourism industry in Turkey and Azerbaijan, as India is a major source market for both countries.
The decision to suspend bookings was sparked by the recent diplomatic row between India and Pakistan. Turkey and Azerbaijan have both been vocal in their support for Pakistan, which has angered many in India. The travel firms have taken the stance that they cannot support countries that are hostile to India, and have therefore decided to cancel all bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan.
“WanderOn has taken the decision to suspend all bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan until further notice,” said a spokesperson for the company. “This decision was taken after careful consideration and consultation with our partners and stakeholders. We cannot, in good conscience, support countries that are hostile to India.”
Go Homestays, a leading homestay provider in India, has also taken a strong stance on the issue. The company has cancelled its partnership with Turkish Airlines, citing the airline’s decision to continue flying to Pakistan despite the diplomatic row. “We cannot partner with airlines that support countries that are hostile to India,” said a spokesperson for Go Homestays. “We are committed to supporting Indian interests and will not compromise on our values.”
The decision to suspend bookings is likely to have a significant impact on the tourism industry in Turkey and Azerbaijan. Both countries are popular destinations for Indian tourists, who are drawn to their rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Turkey, in particular, is a favorite among Indian tourists, with many visiting the country’s famous cities like Istanbul and Antalya.
Azerbaijan, on the other hand, is a popular destination for Indian tourists who are interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage. The country is home to many ancient cities, including Baku, which is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
The suspension of bookings is likely to have a significant impact on the economies of both Turkey and Azerbaijan. Tourism is a major contributor to the GDP of both countries, and the loss of Indian tourists is likely to have a significant impact on their economies.
However, not all travel firms have taken the same stance. Some companies, such as Thomas Cook, have refused to comment on the issue, saying that they are waiting for further guidance from the government. Others, such as MakeMyTrip, have said that they will continue to operate as usual, citing the need to respect the sovereignty of other countries.
The issue is likely to be a contentious one, with many Indian tourists expressing their anger and disappointment at the decision to suspend bookings. However, for travel firms like Pickyourtrail, EaseMyTrip, WanderOn, and Cox & Kings, the decision is a clear one. They have chosen to side with India, and will not support countries that are hostile to the country.
In conclusion, the suspension of bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. While some travel firms have refused to take a stance, others have chosen to side with India and will not support countries that are hostile to the country. The decision is likely to have a significant impact on the tourism industry in both Turkey and Azerbaijan, and will be closely watched by tourists and travel firms alike.
