Tourism Chamber Urges Boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan Over Terror Links

By A Staff Reporter

Delhi: In a strong statement reflecting rising tensions in South Asia, Subhash Goyal, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, has urged Indian tourists to avoid traveling to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Speaking on behalf of the Aviation and Tourism Committee, Goyal announced their endorsement of an industry-wide appeal initiated by leading tourism bodies including the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), and the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI).

Goyal stated that the boycott was prompted by these countries’ alleged support of terrorism, specifically in relation to their perceived support of Pakistan — which he described as “a terrorist state,” “a rogue state,” and “a training ground for terrorists all over the world.”

Referring to the tragic killing of civilians in Pahalgam and India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor, Goyal emphasized the emotional and political sensitivity of the situation. “When innocent people in Pahalgam were killed mercilessly by these terrorists, India, in Operation Sindoor, took its revenge,” he noted.

Highlighting the large number of Indian tourists who visited these countries last year — 3.33 lakh to Turkey and 2.25 lakh to Azerbaijan — Goyal said the trend is both surprising and concerning. “We were shocked to see such high numbers,” he said, urging Indians to choose other travel destinations.

While clarifying that the appeal is non-binding, Goyal stressed the ethical dimension of travel choices. “We are only appealing to tourists to boycott Turkey and are promoting other beautiful and safe alternatives,” he concluded.