Indian tourists are boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan, which have openly supported Pakistan, and shifting their attention to friendlier destinations—notably Armenia and Greece, says a report in Travel and Tour World.
In the wake of the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent military response, a wave of nationalist sentiment has taken hold.
Public outrage following the attack has fueled widespread calls to sever ties with nations perceived as unsupportive of India’s stance. Turkey and Azerbaijan’s vocal alignment with Pakistan has positioned them at the center of this backlash.
Major Indian travel platforms—including Travomint, EaseMyTrip, and Cox & Kings—have pulled travel packages to both countries in direct response to consumer demand. This boycott is not merely symbolic, however. It points to the manner by which geopolitics increasingly influences travel behavior, with national sentiment now a key factor in destination choices, Travel and Tour World notes.
As Turkey and Azerbaijan fall out of favor, Armenia and Greece are rapidly emerging as preferred destinations for Indian tourists.
Armenia, a strategic defense ally of India since 2020, has seen increased cooperation in arms deals, training, and joint exercises. Its cultural depth, scenic beauty, and warm diplomatic stance have made it especially appealing to Indian travelers. Armenia’s historic ties to India and its consistent support on regional issues further enhance its appeal as a “trusted destination.”
Meanwhile, Greece, with its rich historical and cultural links to India, is enjoying a renaissance in Indian tourism. Strong bilateral relations in sectors such as defense, energy, and trade have laid the groundwork for deeper cultural exchange. Destinations such as Athens and Santorini are witnessing a growing influx of Indian tourists drawn by Greece’s unique blend of history, hospitality, and Mediterranean charm.
The Turkey and Azerbaijan boycott could carry real economic consequences, Travel and Tour World notes. In 2024, 330,000 Indian tourists visited Turkey while 240,000 traveled to Azerbaijan. Losing access to a burgeoning Indian outbound travel market—driven by an expanding middle class—could significantly dent the tourism revenues of both countries, particularly in hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.
Greece is becoming a prominent European destination for Indian tourists, according to the latest findings from travel and tourism data intelligence provider Mabrian.
This was revealed during the world’s most prestigious travel and tourism event, World Travel Market (WTM) 2024, in London. Greece’s increasing appeal for Indian tourists was highlighted at the event.
Mabrian’s report highlights the huge potential of India’s tourism market. By 2030, up to 100 million international trips are expected out of India. This staggering statistic is comparable to the annual number of visitors to France, making India one of the most vital outbound travel markets worldwide.
Mabrian’s data reveals a significant increase in Indian tourists visiting Greece, with an 18.3 percent increase in 2023.
Related: Greece Strengthens Ties with India to Counter Turkey-Pakistan Alliance
