In the face of mounting criticism and an increase in trip cancellations by Indian tourists, Turkey has embarked on a public relations campaign to mend its image after it openly supported Pakistan in the recent India-Pakistan conflict.
Trying to cap the diplomatic damage, Turkey's Ministry of Tourism has issued an appeal to Indian tourists, assuring them of their safety and offering the same hospitality that the nation has long provided to foreign visitors.
A social media post — claimed by the Turkish tourist authority — is going viral on the web. It highlights that Indian tourists are "welcomed and treated with the highest courtesy throughout Turkey — in hotels, restaurants, shops, and all places of interest — just as they always have been."
Trying to keep tourism apart from geopolitics, the message explains: "The overwhelming majority of the population does not know anything about the conflict going on between India and Pakistan, and it does not affect daily routine or the tourist environment here."
The statement also mentions that everything in the tourism services is in normal operation, with "no restrictions or safety concerns affecting Indian guests."
The message ends by reiterating, "We remain fully committed to ensuring your comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout your stay in Turkiye," and requests Indian tourists with doubts to contact the tourism department directly for clarity.
In spite of such reassurances, not many Indians are convinced.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Priyanka Chaturvedi attacked on social media site X, saying: "No Turkiye, Indians won't come splashing money on tourism in a nation that employs the same for arming Pakistan. Find your tourists elsewhere, our money ain't blood money."
BJP's Kerala unit president Rajeev Chandrasekhar reacted in like vein, posting merely "No, thank you" with hashtags #BoycottTurkey and #SayNoToTurkey.
Veteran journalist Vir Sanghvi also chimed in, saying: "Frankly we don't give a damn whether Turkey is safe or whether you welcome tourists. You must be mad if you think we want to visit a country whose naked military support for Pakistan and drones have spilled the blood of Indians. Invite Pakistani tourists instead."
Giving an economic twist to the protest, Harsh Goenka, RPG Enterprises Chairman, reminded his followers of Indian tourists' economic contribution towards the region. "Indians contributed Rs 4,000 crore plus to Turkey & Azerbaijan last year via tourism. Provided employment. Supported their economy, hotels, weddings, and flights. Today, both are standing alongside Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. There are many wonderful places in India & the world. Kindly avoid these 2 places. Jai Hind," he tweeted.
In response to public opinion, Indian travel companies like EaseMyTrip and Cox & Kings have suspended all travel services to Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing their support for Pakistan as the primary motivation behind the decision.
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