Türkiye Strengthens India Tourism Ties with a Successful Bengaluru Showcase

The Ministry of Culture & Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) continued their India Destination Promotion Event 2025 with an engaging fourth leg in Bengaluru. Held at Trinity Hall, Taj MG Road, the event marked a significant step in strengthening tourism ties between Türkiye and India as part of a six-city promotional series.

Following the successful editions in Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad, the Bengaluru event received an overwhelming response from the Indian travel industry. More than 200 travel professionals, including leading travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality stakeholders, participated, exploring collaboration opportunities with Türkiye’s tourism sector.

The event was spearheaded by Ms. Basak Onsal Demir, Counsellor for Culture and Tourism Affairs at the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, alongside TGA representative Ms. Zeynep Sinem Özyalçın. During the presentation, Ms. Özyalçın highlighted Türkiye’s diverse tourism portfolio, unveiling new destinations and specialized offerings in the wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segments. Notable attractions introduced included the scenic Aegean coastline, the ancient marvel of Göbeklitepe, and the historically rich Taş Tepeler region, further showcasing Türkiye’s appeal as a versatile travel destination.

Türkiye’s popularity among Indian travelers has seen a remarkable 20% surge in interest throughout 2024, reflected in the growing participation of Turkish travel industry representatives at the event. This surge underscores Türkiye’s rising prominence as a preferred international destination for Indian tourists.

A key highlight of the event was the participation of Turkish Airlines and IndiGo, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing air connectivity between India and Türkiye. Industry professionals also discussed the potential introduction of direct flights from Bengaluru to Istanbul, which could further simplify travel for Indian visitors.

Emphasizing Türkiye’s commitment to the Indian market, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency stated: “India remains a key focus for Türkiye, and Bengaluru’s dynamic travel industry offers immense potential for collaboration. Our goal is to build strong partnerships with Indian travel stakeholders, ensuring that Indian travelers experience the best of Türkiye—from its rich cultural heritage and luxury offerings to its breathtaking landscapes. Strengthening ties with Bengaluru’s travel community is an important step in positioning Türkiye as a top global destination.”

The event featured interactive B2B networking sessions, engaging presentations, and a lucky draw with exclusive travel experiences. With Bengaluru setting a strong precedent, the promotional tour now moves to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, further solidifying Türkiye’s presence in the Indian market.