(Photo @imadalassiry)
New Delhi: Turkey is facing widespread backlash from Indian travellers following its open support for Pakistan in the recent India-Pakistan conflict, prompting a surge in trip cancellations and criticism across social media. In response, Turkey’s Department of Tourism has launched a damage-control campaign to pacify Indian sentiment and restore confidence among prospective tourists.
A public appeal has been issued by Turkish tourism authorities, urging Indian travellers to continue visiting the country. The statement assures visitors of their safety and warm hospitality, emphasising that Indian tourists are “welcomed and treated with the utmost courtesy across Turkey — in hotels, restaurants, shops, and all tourist attractions — just as they have always been.”
The tourism department’s message attempts to distance itself from geopolitical developments, stating that “the vast majority of the local population is unaware of the conflict taking place between India and Pakistan, and it has no bearing on daily life or the tourism environment here.” It further adds that all travel operations are proceeding normally and that there are “no restrictions or safety issues impacting Indian guests.”
“We remain fully committed to ensuring your comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout your stay in Turkiye,” the statement says. It also encourages Indian travellers with concerns to reach out directly to the tourism department for clarification.
However, the message appears to have had limited effect in calming Indian outrage. Prominent political leaders, journalists, and industrialists have taken strong positions against Turkey’s stance.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi posted a scathing response on X, stating, “No Turkiye, Indians won’t come spending money on tourism in a country that uses the same to arm Pakistan. Look for your tourists elsewhere, our money ain’t blood money.”
Bharatiya Janata Party’s Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar echoed this sentiment with a brief post: “No, thank you,” tagging it with the hashtags #BoycottTurkey and #SayNoToTurkey.
Veteran journalist Vir Sanghvi also condemned Turkey’s actions, posting: “Frankly we don’t give a damn whether Turkey is safe or whether you welcome tourists. You must be mad if you think we want to visit a country whose naked military support for Pakistan and drones have spilled the blood of Indians. Invite Pakistani tourists instead.”
Adding an economic perspective, industrialist Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, pointed out the financial support Indian tourists provide to Turkey. “Indians gave Rs 4,000 crore plus to Turkey & Azerbaijan last year through tourism. Created jobs. Boosted their economy, hotels, weddings, and flights. Today, both stand with Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. Plenty of beautiful places in India & the world. Please skip these 2 places. Jai Hind,” he posted on X.
Following the public outcry, major Indian travel companies like EaseMyTrip and Cox & Kings have suspended all travel packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan, explicitly citing these countries' pro-Pakistan stance as the reason for the withdrawal.
With IANS inputs