Kolkata Travelers Cancel Tours to Turkiye Amid Conflict with India

Strategic Insights -

The recent conflict between India and Pakistan, with Turkiye's support for the latter, has led to a significant backlash in Kolkata. Hundreds of tourists from the city have cancelled their trips to Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya, with tour operators incurring losses due to cancellation fees. The estimated impact on Turkiye's tourism industry from the travel boycott in Kolkata this summer and the ensuing Durga Puja is Rs 60 crore-Rs 75 crore.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 1,500 confirmed bookings to Turkiye were cancelled by clients, with a similar number of bookings expected to be cancelled during Durga Puja.
  • The Turkish government's support for Pakistan played a major part in the cancellations, with many tourists unsure about steps the Indian government would take against Turkiye in the days ahead.
  • The revoking of security clearance to Turkish firm Celebi, which provides airport ground services, has further rattled tourists.
  • Around 2.7 lakh Indians visited Turkiye last year, 20% more than the previous year, but industry bodies foresee numbers plummeting to less than half unless the Turkish president reconciles with the Indian government soon.
  • Leading industry bodies in the travel trade community, including TAAI and TAFI, have announced a boycott of Turkiye and Azerbaijan, promoting alternative destinations instead.
  • Travel agents in Kolkata, including Punam Arora and Avijit Dasgupta, have reported a significant increase in cancellations, with many clients incurring losses due to cancellation fees.
  • The travel boycott is expected to have a significant impact on Turkiye's tourism industry, with losses estimated at Rs 60 crore-Rs 75 crore.

Statistics:

  • 1,500 confirmed bookings to Turkiye were cancelled by clients.
  • 20% more Indians visited Turkiye last year compared to the previous year, with 2.7 lakh tourists travelling to the country.
  • Rs 60 crore-Rs 75 crore: estimated impact on Turkiye's tourism industry from the travel boycott in Kolkata this summer and the ensuing Durga Puja.
  • Rs 15,500: cancellation fees incurred per ticket by a family group of eight who cancelled their booking to Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya.

Sources:

  • TNN Kolkata
  • Punam Arora of South Wind Travel
  • Avijit Dasgupta, branch head of the Mumbai office of Globe All India Services
  • Anjani Dhanuka, TAAI chairman (east)
  • Anil Punjabi, TAFI managing committee member