Turkey is facing a significant economic setback as Indian destination weddings are being canceled due to a diplomatic fallout between India and Turkey. This stems from Turkey's public support for Pakistan amidst recent tensions with India, triggering a wave of cancellations that threatens Turkey's burgeoning wedding tourism sector.
Indian destination weddings have been a lucrative market for Turkey, with travelers contributing over $140 million annually to the country's tourism economy. In 2024, Turkey hosted 50 Indian weddings, with each averaging $3 million in expenditure and some reaching as high as $8 million. These multi-day events often accommodate around 500 guests who indulge in premium services and accommodations. Industry data indicates that a standard Indian wedding package for 100 guests starts at €350,000 ($385,000), dwarfing the cost of local Turkish weddings. In 2024, Indian weddings generated approximately $150 million in revenue for Turkey, a figure that was expected to be repeated in 2025. The Indian wedding sector in Turkey had grown nearly 300% from 13 weddings in 2018 to 50 in 2024.
However, the recent boycott has already led to 2,000 tourist cancellations. Out of the 50 Indian weddings planned for 2025, primarily scheduled between May and December, 30 are now at risk. This translates to a potential loss of $90 million for Turkey's tourism industry.
Beyond the immediate financial impact, the cancellation of Indian weddings also affects the broader tourism ecosystem in Turkey. These weddings serve as economic engines, employing hundreds of local vendors, including florists and photographers. Furthermore, Indian weddings, often featuring celebrities and business elites, provided invaluable marketing exposure for Turkey in the global luxury tourism market, particularly during shoulder seasons.
Major Indian travel platforms, including MakeMyTrip, Le Travenues Technology, Easy Trip Planners, and Cox & Kings, have responded by halting promotional campaigns and services to Turkey. MakeMyTrip reported a 60% plunge in reservations for Turkey and Azerbaijan, while cancellations have soared by 250%. EaseMyTrip confirmed a 22% spike in cancellations for Turkey and a 30% surge for Azerbaijan.
The Indian government may also discourage travel and events in Turkey and Azerbaijan, including destination weddings and film shoots. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) have urged film producers to boycott Turkey as a shooting location. Additionally, India has revoked security clearance for Çelebi Airport Services, a Turkish firm managing ground operations at major Indian airports, citing national security concerns. Universities in India are also suspending collaborations with institutions in Turkey.
While some experts believe the boycott's impact on Turkey's overall tourism might be minor, the luxury Indian wedding market could face significant challenges. Other destinations like Thailand, which hosts around 300 Indian weddings annually, may benefit from this shift. As Indian travel agencies navigate these sensitive waters, they are assisting clients with rerouting and shifting events to safer, neutral destinations. Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam are emerging as alternative destinations for Indian tourists.
