Following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, a wave of nationalistic sentiment has swept across India, with calls to boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan gaining momentum due to their perceived support for Pakistan. This movement, spearheaded by industrialist Harsh Goenka, is urging Indian tourists to reconsider travel plans to these nations, emphasizing the significant financial contribution Indian tourism makes to their economies.
Goenka highlighted that Indian tourists contributed over ₹4,000 crore (over 480 million USD) to Turkey and Azerbaijan in 2024, boosting their economies through tourism, hospitality, and aviation. He argues that this financial support should not be extended to countries that seemingly side with India's adversaries. This appeal resonates with a growing sense of national pride and a desire to leverage economic power to express displeasure with geopolitical stances.
Echoing Goenka's sentiment, several Indian travel companies have taken concrete steps to demonstrate solidarity with the nation. Ixigo, EasyMyTrip, and Cox & Kings have announced the suspension of bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Travomint has also ceased offering travel packages to these countries. Goa Villas declared they would not offer accommodation services to Turkish citizens in Goa. Go Homestays has ended its partnership with Turkish Airlines and will exclude their flights from international travel packages. These actions reflect a unified front within the Indian travel industry, prioritizing national interests over potential business gains.
Jyoti Mayal, former chief of the Travel Agents Association of India, shared accounts of Indian tourists facing unkind treatment and questioning in Azerbaijan, further fueling the boycott movement. These incidents, coupled with the perceived pro-Pakistan stance of Turkey and Azerbaijan, have ignited public anger and a determination to safeguard Indian interests.
The impact of this boycott could be substantial. Some experts predict a potential 50% drop in Indian tourist arrivals in both Turkey and Azerbaijan. This would not only affect their tourism sectors but also related industries like hospitality, transportation, and local businesses that rely on tourist revenue.
This situation reflects a growing trend of economic nationalism, where consumers and businesses align their spending and operations with national interests and values. The boycott of Turkish and Azerbaijani goods and services serves as a potent message, demonstrating the economic consequences of perceived anti-India sentiments. It remains to be seen how these nations will respond to this economic pressure and whether it will influence their relationship with Pakistan and their approach to India. The current situation highlights the interconnectedness of geopolitics and economics, where consumer choices can have significant implications on international relations.
