Zee Business Impact | Turkey tourism feels heat as Indian travellers mull move to other destinations amid Indo-Pak conflict

After Zee Business Managing Editor Anil Singhvi's call to boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan as travel destinations, tourism in both countries has been reportedly impacted with Indian travellers mulling investing their time and energies elsewhere. The repercussion on the country's tourism front largely came after Zee Business's call for a boycott of Turkey (and even Azerbaijan) by Indian tourists, in light of a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan after days of Pakistan's aggression on Indian soil. 

For now, Operation Sindoor stands only suspended and any Indian action will be keeping in mind Pakistan's move on the same.

On May 12, Zee Business Managing Editor Anil Singhvi said: "We should stop considering Turkey and Azerbaijan as tourism destinations."

This vocal campaign was focused on urging Indians to avoid travel to countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan both of which have supported Pakistan’s narrative. “It’s time Indian tourists show economic patriotism. Avoid Turkey. Avoid Azerbaijan. There are enough beautiful places within India to explore,” said the market wizard. 

Zee Business की मुहिम Boycott Turkey & Azerbaijan

दुश्मन देश का साथ देने वाले देशों का करें Boycott

Indian Armed Forces के साथ डटकर खड़े होने का समय

अनिल सिंघवी की अपील Turkey या Azerbaijan जाने के बदले जाएं कश्मीर #BoycottTurkey #Azerbaijan #BoycottAzerbaijan #India… pic.twitter.com/j5aTQCWizq

— Zee Business (@ZeeBusiness) May 12, 2025

On Wednesday, Singhvi also urged domestic airline Indigo to cut its ties with Turkey, adding that though it can't happen in a day, it should be considered by the low-frill air carrier.

Shortly after the market guru's call, travel bookings platform MakeMyTrip expressed strong support for the campaign, advising users against non-essential travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. 

“Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past one week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60 per cent, while cancellations have surged by 250 per cent during the same period... In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise all against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey," said a MakeMyTrip spokesperson. 

"We have already discontinued all promotions and offers on our platform to discourage tourism to these two destinations," added the spokesperson. 

Turkey-Azerbaijan tourism hit severely

As per Zee Business, the cancellations of trips to/from both countries are up 250 per cent, affecting the tourism impact for both the countries severely.

Turkey Tourism Department's take

However, the Department of Tourism-Ankara, hurt by the move in a welcoming way said, "A vast majority of the local population is unaware of the Indo-Pakistan tensions and it has no bearism on the daily life or tourism environment here."

They added, Indian travellers are welcomed and treated with utmost courtesy across Turkiye.