In a significant development reflecting the impact of geopolitical tensions on travel patterns, Indian travel giant MakeMyTrip has reported a 60% decline in bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan over the past week. The company has also witnessed a dramatic 250% surge in trip cancellations to these destinations, underlining a growing sentiment among Indian travelers to avoid these countries amid ongoing diplomatic strains.
This sharp decline comes in the wake of increasing calls across social media and public platforms urging Indian citizens to boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan. These calls have intensified following Operation Sindoor, India’s recent strategic military operation. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have come under criticism for their perceived “support” to Pakistan during and after the operation, sparking a wave of national sentiment and diplomatic scrutiny.
In response to the situation, MakeMyTrip has issued an official travel advisory, aligning itself with national sentiment. The advisory urges Indian travelers to refrain from all non-essential travel to both Turkey and Azerbaijan. The company stated:
“In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey.”
This public statement not only highlights the company’s stance but also reflects how businesses are adapting to shifting geopolitical landscapes and consumer sensitivities. The advisory follows a series of social media campaigns and online trends where travelers and influencers alike have called for a boycott of destinations seen as politically aligned against India’s interests.
The ripple effects of such boycotts are already being felt in the tourism sector. Airlines, tour operators, and hotel chains associated with travel to these countries are likely to face reduced demand in the short term. The 60% drop in new bookings is a strong indicator of the immediate consumer reaction, while the 250% rise in cancellations suggests that even previously planned trips are now being reconsidered or abandoned.
While neither Turkey nor Azerbaijan has issued an official response to the developments in India, travel analysts suggest that this dip may extend further if tensions persist or escalate. India, being a large and growing outbound travel market, holds considerable influence, especially in regions that rely heavily on tourism revenue.
Travel advisory notices, such as the one issued by MakeMyTrip, often carry weight for both individual travelers and corporate groups when planning international trips. For now, Indian citizens are urged to stay informed through official channels and reconsider leisure travel plans to geopolitically sensitive regions.
As the situation evolves, MakeMyTrip has assured customers that it will continue to monitor developments closely and provide timely updates. The company has also confirmed that it is offering support for rescheduling or canceling trips to affected destinations, reflecting its commitment to customer care during times of uncertainty.
Keywords: MakeMyTrip, travel boycott, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Operation Sindoor, India travel advisory, geopolitical tensions, Indian tourists, tourism drop, travel cancellations, international relations, Indian armed forces.
