Here’s How Go Homestays Cuts Ties with Turkish Airlines Amid Geopolitical Tensions, Boycott Calls Intensify, You Need To Know

Saturday, May 10, 2025

The travel industry in India has recently seen a shift in sentiment following the political tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after India’s Operation Sindoor, a military operation in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Go Homestays, an Indian travel brand, has made the bold decision to sever all ties with Turkish Airlines in light of the Turkish government’s public support for Pakistan.

This move by Go Homestays, a prominent travel agency, has been widely discussed on both official and social media platforms, sparking conversations around tourism ethics, geopolitical alignments, and national sentiments. The company’s decision to halt its partnership with Turkish Airlines comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan openly voiced his support for Pakistan following the retaliatory strikes by India in February 2025.

The Impact on the Indian Travel Industry

The severance of ties between Go Homestays and Turkish Airlines is not just an isolated decision; it reflects a larger trend of economic disengagement that has been growing in India. Travel platforms like EaseMyTrip, Cox & Kings, and MakeMyTrip have all weighed in on the issue, urging caution when it comes to visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which have voiced support for Pakistan during the conflict.

This growing national sentiment against Turkey and Azerbaijan is impacting tourism choices for Indian travelers. The economic implications of such decisions are far-reaching, as the tourism industry in these countries relies significantly on Indian travelers. Turkey and Azerbaijan have seen over 500,000 Indian visitors annually, contributing significantly to their economies. The shift in travel patterns is expected to impact not only the revenue from Indian tourists but also the long-term relationships between travel companies and foreign nations.

For Go Homestays, the decision to sever ties with Turkish Airlines and suspend travel packages to these countries is driven by a combination of national sentiment and public demand for responsible tourism. The company’s official statement reflects this sentiment, encouraging other major travel aggregators to consider the political alignment of countries when creating travel packages and partnerships.

The Rising Call for a Boycott: Turkey and Azerbaijan Under Scrutiny

The call for a boycott has grown stronger across various platforms, with hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #TravelNationalism trending. Social media campaigns have highlighted the geopolitical concerns surrounding Turkey’s stance, accusing the country of aligning with Pakistan against India. The rhetoric surrounding these nations’ support for Pakistan has gained traction, prompting travel agencies to issue advisories against non-essential travel to both Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan’s statements condemning India’s retaliatory strikes, which resulted in civilian casualties, further fueled the call for a boycott. Similarly, Turkey’s condemnation of India’s actions and the subsequent endorsement of Pakistan’s narrative has strained diplomatic and economic ties with India.

Prominent travel platforms have echoed the sentiment by adjusting their offerings. For example, EaseMyTrip and Cox & Kings have cautioned their customers, advising them to avoid trips to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and other countries that have openly aligned with Pakistan’s position. This shift indicates a larger trend in the tourism industry where geopolitical factors are increasingly influencing travel decisions, especially from countries like India, where national pride plays a significant role in consumer choices.

A Broader Trend in Geopolitical Influence on Tourism

The growing influence of geopolitical factors on tourism is a global trend, with travel companies becoming more sensitive to the political dynamics of the countries they work with. As international relations become more volatile, consumers are increasingly seeking destinations that align with their values. This trend is shaping how the tourism industry will evolve, particularly in terms of marketing, destination selection, and partnerships between travel brands and international carriers.

In light of the situation, some Indian travel agencies have also issued advisories against booking travel to certain regions, particularly those where political tensions or unstable diplomatic relations exist. As national sentiment rises, travelers are becoming more discerning about where they spend their money, increasingly opting for destinations that are politically neutral or aligned with their country’s interests.

For the global travel industry, this shift is a reminder of the importance of understanding the socio-political landscape and the evolving preferences of travelers. Countries that align themselves with controversial political stances risk losing valuable markets, especially in regions where national pride and political ideology influence tourism.

The Role of Responsible Tourism and Consumer Choices

The travel industry has often been seen as a neutral space for leisure and exploration. However, as political issues become more prominent, tourism companies are being forced to reconsider how they engage with certain destinations. Responsible tourism—where consumers make travel choices that align with their values—has become an increasingly important factor in shaping travel decisions.

Travel platforms like EaseMyTrip and Cox & Kings are aligning themselves with this trend by reinforcing the importance of ethical travel choices. They are encouraging travelers to consider the political and cultural climate of the countries they visit, prompting a shift towards responsible tourism. This approach aligns with the growing demand for transparency in the tourism industry, where travelers want to ensure that their travel decisions do not inadvertently support regimes or political stances that go against their values.

The Economic Fallout: What It Means for Turkish Airlines and Azerbaijan

The economic repercussions of this growing call for a boycott will likely have a significant impact on Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s tourism economies. Both countries rely heavily on international visitors, with Indian travelers being a key demographic. The suspension of packages and advisories against non-essential travel will likely lead to reduced revenue from the Indian market.

Additionally, Turkish Airlines, which had been a preferred airline for many Indian travelers, will now have to contend with the fallout from Go Homestays’ severance of ties and the potential loss of business from other travel platforms. Given the strong cultural ties between India and the Middle East, this decision is particularly impactful, and it may prompt other travel agencies to reconsider their partnerships with Turkish Airlines and related entities.

The Future of Geopolitical Influence on Tourism

As global political dynamics continue to evolve, the influence of geopolitics on tourism will only grow stronger. Travel agencies like Go Homestays, EaseMyTrip, and Cox & Kings are increasingly sensitive to these geopolitical tensions and the impact they have on their business models. For the tourism industry, this represents a new era where consumer choice is guided not just by destination allure but by political alignment and ethical considerations.

The call for a boycott against Turkey, Azerbaijan, and other nations that have supported Pakistan’s stance in the India-Pakistan conflict shows how national sentiment can shape global travel trends. As consumers become more aware of the economic impact of their travel choices, the future of tourism will be shaped by a growing demand for responsible travel.

For the global travel industry, the need for greater sensitivity to geopolitical developments and the evolving preferences of travelers has never been more critical. By adapting to these shifts, tourism brands can maintain their relevance and thrive in an increasingly complex global market.