MakeMyTrip (MMT), one of India’s leading travel platforms, has witnessed a dramatic shift in travel patterns to Turkey and Azerbaijan over the past week. Bookings to these popular tourist destinations have plunged by 60%, while cancellations have surged by 250%, reflecting a strong wave of patriotic sentiment among Indian travellers.
Operation Sindoor Fallout: The Catalyst for Travel Boycott
This sudden change comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor, India’s military action following the Pahalgam terror attack. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan publicly expressed support for Pakistan during this period, triggering widespread calls on social media for a boycott of travel to these countries. Indian citizens and travel companies alike have responded decisively to these developments.
MakeMyTrip’s Proactive Stance and Advisory
In response to the growing public sentiment and geopolitical tensions, MakeMyTrip has issued an advisory urging Indians to avoid all non-essential travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. The company has also discontinued all promotions and offers related to these destinations on its platform, signaling solidarity with the nation and respect for Indian armed forces.
A MakeMyTrip spokesperson stated, “Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60%, while cancellations have surged by 250%. 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.”
Industry-Wide Impact: Other Travel Platforms Follow Suit
The boycott wave is not limited to MakeMyTrip. Other major Indian travel aggregators like ixigo, Cox & Kings, EaseMyTrip, and Pickyourtrails have either paused new bookings or suspended tour packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan. EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pittie noted that cancellation rates have reached 22% for Turkey and 30% for Azerbaijan, with travellers now opting for alternative destinations such as Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Popularity of Turkey and Azerbaijan Among Indian Tourists Before the Boycott
Before the current geopolitical tensions, Turkey and Azerbaijan were rapidly growing in popularity among Indian travellers. The Türkiye Tourism Board reported a 20.7% growth in Indian tourist arrivals last year, driven by enhanced air connectivity, targeted marketing, and tailored experiences catering to Indian preferences. Azerbaijan also doubled its Indian visitor numbers to 243,000 last year, reflecting a strong upward trend.
What This Means for Indian Travellers and the Tourism Industry
The ongoing boycott highlights how geopolitical events can swiftly reshape travel trends. Indian travellers are increasingly aligning their travel choices with national interests and sentiments. For the tourism industry, this means recalibrating offerings and marketing strategies in response to changing consumer preferences and political realities.
Alternative Travel Destinations Gaining Traction
With Turkey and Azerbaijan off many travellers’ lists, destinations like Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam are emerging as preferred alternatives. These countries offer diverse experiences and are becoming popular among Indian tourists seeking safe and politically neutral options.
Conclusion
The recent surge in cancellations and drop in bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan underscore the profound impact of geopolitical developments on travel behaviour. MakeMyTrip and other Indian travel companies have taken a clear stance by suspending promotions and urging travellers to avoid non-essential trips to these countries. Indian travellers are now more conscious of aligning their travel plans with national sentiment, reflecting a growing trend of patriotic consumer choices in the tourism sector.
This evolving scenario will likely influence travel trends and industry strategies in the near future, as Indian travellers seek destinations that resonate with their values and the country’s geopolitical stance.
If you need any further customization or additional sections, feel free to ask!