New Delhi, May 13 (NationPress) Turkey is currently facing backlash and a significant number of trip cancellations from Indian tourists, prompting the nation to initiate a damage-control effort following its overt support for Pakistan amid the recent conflict with India.

In an attempt to mitigate the negative impact, Turkey's Department of Tourism has made a public appeal to Indian visitors, encouraging them to keep their travel plans intact and promising security and genuine hospitality.

A post circulating on social media, allegedly from Turkey’s tourism authority, highlights that Indian tourists are “welcomed and treated with the utmost courtesy in hotels, restaurants, shops, and all tourist attractions—just as they have always been.”

Attempting to distance itself from the ongoing geopolitical tensions, the post asserts, “The majority of the local population is unaware of the conflict between India and Pakistan, and it does not affect daily life or the tourism experience here.”

It also mentions that all travel operations are running smoothly with “no restrictions or safety concerns affecting Indian visitors.”

“We are fully dedicated to ensuring your comfort, safety, and satisfaction during your stay in Turkiye,” it states, inviting Indian tourists with concerns to reach out for further information.

However, the response seems to have had little effect in soothing Indian sentiments.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed her discontent on X, stating: “No Turkiye, Indians won’t spend money on tourism in a country that uses it to support Pakistan. Seek tourists elsewhere, our money isn’t blood money.”

BJP Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrashekhar simply tweeted, “No, thank you,” paired with hashtags #BoycottTurkey and #SayNoToTurkey.

Veteran journalist Vir Sanghvi added, “Honestly, we don’t care whether Turkey is safe or if you welcome tourists. You must be mistaken if you think we wish to visit a country that actively supports Pakistan and has contributed to the bloodshed of Indians. Invite Pakistani tourists instead.”

Industrialist Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, pointed out the significant economic impact of Indian tourism in the region. “Indians contributed over Rs 4,000 crore to Turkey & Azerbaijan last year via tourism. They created jobs and boosted their economy, hotels, weddings, and flights. Now, after the Pahalgam attack, both countries stand with Pakistan. There are many beautiful destinations in India and around the world. Please avoid these two places. Jai Hind,” he remarked.

In the meantime, Indian travel agencies such as EaseMyTrip and Cox & Kings have halted all travel packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing these nations' alignment with Pakistan as the reason.