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 their customers to reconsider their plans to visit Turkey and Azerbaijan. The two countries have reportedly supported Pakistan in the conflict, which has led to a backlash from Indian travel firms. In a rare move, several prominent travel agencies have suspended bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing the countries’ stance on the conflict.
Pickyourtrail, EaseMyTrip, WanderOn, and Cox & Kings are among the travel firms that have taken this step. WanderOn, a popular online travel agency, said in a statement, “We have closed the bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan, and we are not making any new bookings.” Meanwhile, Go Homestays, a homestay booking platform, has cancelled its partnership with Turkish Airlines, a major airline that operates flights between India and Turkey.
The decision by these travel firms is a significant one, given the popularity of Turkey and Azerbaijan as tourist destinations. Both countries offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them attractive options for Indian tourists. However, the current political situation has made it unwise for Indians to visit these countries, at least for now.
The decision by these travel firms is not just about protecting their business interests. It is also a reflection of the strong feelings of solidarity that many Indians have with the Indian armed forces, who are currently engaged in a fierce battle with Pakistani troops. The Indian government has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism and sponsoring anti-India activities, and many Indians feel that the country’s actions are unacceptable.
The travel firms’ decision is also a reflection of the changing dynamics of the travel industry. In recent years, the industry has become increasingly sensitive to political developments and their impact on tourism. The travel firms are taking a proactive approach to ensure that their customers are safe and that they do not inadvertently support countries that are hostile to India.
The impact of this decision is likely to be significant, especially for Turkey and Azerbaijan, which rely heavily on tourism to generate revenue. The suspension of bookings by these travel firms is likely to have a ripple effect on the hospitality industry, with hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses likely to suffer.
However, this decision is also a reflection of the growing importance of India as a tourist market. India is the second-most populous country in the world, with a growing middle class that is increasingly looking to travel abroad. The travel firms’ decision is a recognition of the significant potential of the Indian market and their desire to cater to the preferences of Indian tourists.
The travel firms’ decision is also a reflection of the changing nature of conflict and war. In the past, conflicts were often limited to specific regions or countries, but today, conflicts can have far-reaching consequences that affect tourism and travel. The travel firms’ decision is a recognition of this reality and their desire to ensure that their customers are safe and that they do not inadvertently support countries that are hostile to India.
In conclusion, the decision by travel firms in India to suspend bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan is a significant one. It is a reflection of the strong feelings of solidarity that many Indians have with the Indian armed forces and a recognition of the changing dynamics of the travel industry. While the impact of this decision may be significant for Turkey and Azerbaijan, it is also a reflection of the growing importance of India as a tourist market and the desire of travel firms to cater to the preferences of Indian tourists.
