Published on
August 23, 2025
Turkey experienced a sudden downturn in Indian tourism, with Indians visiting Turkey dwindling by almost 50% from 31,659 in May 2025 to only 16,244 in July 2025. This steep decline is the result of heightened political tensions between Turkey and India, due to Turkey’s backing of Pakistan in the Operation Sindoor conflict, as well as Turkey’s general diplomatic leanings towards Pakistan.
The shrinking of Indian tourism, particularly in the peak summer season, has caused concern regarding how diplomatic relations affect international tourism since nations increasingly realize the power that political moves hold over their tourist industries.
A Booming Market Affected: Indian Tourism’s Impact on Turkey
India has long been a significant source of tourists for Turkey, with Indian visitors drawn to the country’s rich culture, history, and affordable luxury. However, since Turkey’s alignment with Pakistan and its public support for Pakistan’s stance on several international issues, many Indian travelers have chosen to avoid visiting Turkey in protest.
This decline is reflected in the year-on-year figures as well: in July 2024, Turkey welcomed 28,875 Indian tourists, but this dropped to 16,244 in July 2025, marking a 44% decrease. For a country that has heavily relied on international tourists, particularly from India, this is a significant blow to the tourism economy.
The Boycott Turkey Movement: A Response to Political Stances
The Boycott Turkey campaign has gained significant momentum in India, with travel agencies like MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Cleartrip announcing they would no longer promote Turkish tourism packages. The backlash is linked to Turkey’s diplomatic support for Pakistan, particularly in the context of Operation Sindoor and Turkey’s stance on the territorial issues involving India.
India’s increasing political awareness among travelers has caused them to choose alternative destinations over Turkey, especially when countries align themselves against India’s sovereignty. For many Indian tourists, the act of visiting a country that openly supports Pakistan has become a political statement, making them less likely to book trips to Turkey, especially when other destinations remain neutral or aligned with India’s global interests.
Impact on Turkish Tourism: A Wake-up Call for Foreign Markets
This 50% drop in Indian tourism signals a wider issue for Turkey’s tourism sector, particularly as diplomatic relations increasingly affect travel patterns. Indian tourists, one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in global tourism, are increasingly selective about where they travel, factoring in political stances into their travel decisions.
The impact on Turkey’s tourism sector has been felt at key tourist sites and resorts, where Indian visitors make up a notable portion of clientele. Turkey’s tourism industry, which had been booming with international visitors, now faces the difficult task of regaining the trust of the Indian market and other countries that might share similar diplomatic concerns.
The Ripple Effect on Turkey’s Tourism Industry
For Turkey, this decline is not just about lost revenue from Indian visitors; it’s about how international relations are increasingly affecting tourism dynamics. Turkey must now reconsider its diplomatic stance, as the economic impact of tourism is not limited to individual sectors but ripples throughout the hospitality and travel industries.
The Indian tourism market is highly lucrative, and countries that align themselves with India’s values will be better positioned to benefit from India’s outbound tourism. As the Indian market continues to grow and diversify, Turkey will need to evaluate how its political decisions affect not just trade relations but tourism partnerships that are essential for future growth.
Rebuilding Trust and Recovery for Turkey’s Tourism
The 50% decline in Indian tourist traffic during July 2025 points to the increasing role of politics in tourism flows. As Turkey struggles to win back trust from Indian tourists, the tourism industry will have to reevaluate the role diplomatic relations play in influencing international travel patterns. With India’s increasing role in the tourism market, nations such as Turkey will have to appreciate the need to align themselves with the values of India to secure long-term success in the competitive global tourism economy.
