From The Editor’s Desk: How Have The Border Tensions Impacted Domestic & Global Travel?

India is a resilient nation with a peaceful core and inner strength woven into its fabric. I believe Bharat Maa isn’t just a phrase. Rather, an emotion rooted in every grain of her soil and the heartbeat of her people. The India-Pakistan tensions in the last few weeks have shaken the geopolitical landscape, especially the travel and tourism industry. And as Chief Travelling Officer, I have observed and mulled over its impact on domestic and global travel. I present my observations.

#BoycottTurkey & #BoycottAzerbaijan Take Over The Internet

Amid the escalations, Turkey and Azerbaijan sided with Pakistan and were seen as its close allies. Their support may have been aimed at bagging geopolitical points, but in India, it sparked fierce backlash from citizens. #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan took over social media with social media users urging travellers to halt tourism to these destinations. Digital protest is increasingly turning into a real-world economic disruption, with Indian travel websites, agencies and online giants suspending listings for Turkey and Azerbaijan.

A MakeMyTrip spokesperson stated: “Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past one week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60%, while cancellations have surged by 250% during the same period.

In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise all against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey. We have already discontinued all promotions and offers on our platform to discourage tourism to these two destinations”

Other Indian travel brands that are currently reconsidering their associations with the two nations include Pickyourtrail, a curated international travel planning service; Goa Villas, a luxury holiday rental platform; Go Homestays, an Indian-based travel accommodation brand; and travel agencies like EaseMyTrip, Cox & Kings and ixigo. These brands have expressed their solidarity with India and their strong displeasure at Turkey and Azerbaijan’s actions by suspending flight and hotel bookings, and refusing services to nationals from these countries.

Tourism Sector In Jammu & Kashmir Faces A Crisis

The picturesque valleys of Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing a lull in tourist activity. The border tensions have dissuaded travellers from seeking solace in the snowcapped peaks and tranquil lakes of the region. Dwindling bookings and a dip in footfall have cast a long shadow on the region’s tourism sector. But the sun is shining on Patnitop, a hill station nestled in the Udhampur district of Jammu.

Known for its lush green meadows, trekking trails and a cable car service, business is slowly picking up in Patnitop. Visitors are increasingly heading here, which is offering economic opportunities for local residents who depend on tourism for their livelihood.

Himalayan Belt Given A Miss, South Indian & Southeast Asian Spots Embraced

Travel is not just a source of escape. It’s a source of rejuvenation, it offers an opportunity to be mindful and connect with oneself. The unrest in the nation has led to many Indian travellers skipping the Himalayan belt and embracing South Indian and Southeast Asian spots instead. The Tourism Authority of Thailand stated that bookings from India have soared by over 250%.

Similarly, a report reveals that southern destinations like Munnar, Ooty, and Wayanad are gaining popularity. Summer escapes like Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also welcoming an increasing number of Indian tourists.

Meeting General GD Bakshi To Know More About The India-Pak Conflict

A momentous event in my life was meeting Major General G.D. Bakshi (Retd.) at his home in Gurugram. In our episode of Sandese Aate Hai, General Bakshi shared his ferocious and aggressive stand against Pakistan. One of India’s most decorated and outspoken war veterans shared emotional stories about the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

He passionately gave insights into the key operations he led, like Operation Vijay, Operation Sarp Vinash and multiple counter-terror missions in J&K. I also met his son Aditya and daughter Poornima, who spoke about growing up in a household where duty to the nation always came first. 

My meeting with Major General G.D. Bakshi and my travels to the borders of India, spending time with brave men and women of our armed forces, helped me experience the discipline, sacrifice and unwavering spirit of the Indian Armed Forces firsthand. This is something I will always cherish, as I have deep faith in our armed forces. 

While we cannot be at the border, directly protecting our nation, what’s heartwarming to me is that we Indians have united to support our country, in our own little way. An act that might seem small but gives out a large message is changing travel plans irrespective of the inconvenience that comes with it, like the group of 800 Gujaratis who cancelled their Diwali trip to Turkey to stand by their nation. Moments like these remind me that India, known for its diversity, will stand ever strong and resilient against waves of turmoil. 

While travel and tourism to certain regions of India have taken a hit, I believe India is a resilient nation. And its citizens, patient. As Indians currently seek solace in southern and Southeast Asian spots, driven by global traveller partners, convenience, cost and safety, with time, travel and tourism in the Himalayan belt shall recover.

Cover Image Courtesy: Internal