‘Tourism from India strong, Turkiye a sought-after filming place for Bollywood’: Turkish ambassador to India
Ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held from October 22-23, in which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also take part and the two leaders likely to hold a bilateral meeting, Turkish ambassador to India Firat Sunel spoke to Divya A about full potential of bilateral ties, and how Turkey plans to woo tourists and businesses from India. Edited excerpts:
Has the West Asia conflict impacted tourism footfall from India to Turkiye?
Tourism from India to Turkiye has remained strong, showing an impressive growth despite global challenges. In 2023, Turkiye welcomed 2.74 lakh Indian visitors, while in 2024, a 34% increase in Indian arrivals was recorded during the first 5 months compared to the previous year. While it is too early to assess full impact of recent geopolitical events, Turkiye’s commitment to fostering ties with Indian travellers through enhanced marketing efforts, promotional activities, and collaborations ensures continued momentum in tourism growth from India.
What are the specific steps being taken in this regard?
A key part of this effort has been a six-city Turkiye roadshow held recently, designed to strengthen ties between Indian travel trade and Turkiye’s tourism sector. Wedding tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) have emerged as priority segments for us.
We are working closely with Indian wedding planners to position Turkiye as a prime destination for weddings and honeymoons. Our efforts also extend to the booming Indian film industry, with Turkiye’s unique locations showcased in major Bollywood productions.
Turkiye has also been a short-stay/transit hub for Indian travellers headed to Europe and America. Has the other conflict — the Russia-Ukraine conflict — impacted that?
While Russia-Ukraine conflict has influenced regional travel patterns, Turkiye’s strategic location as a transit hub for Indian travellers to Europe and the US remains intact. The country continues to serve as a gateway due to its geographical advantage, airline connectivity, and tourism-friendly policies. However, some routes may have been temporarily impacted.
You spoke about Indian film productions. How is Turkiye being positioned as a filming destination for Indian movies?
Turkiye has become a sought-after filming destination for Bollywood, with major productions like Tiger 3, Race 2, and Dil Dhadakne Do using its scenic locations. To further attract the Indian film industry, Turkiye offers tailored incentives for Bollywood producers. The Turkish government actively supports collaborations between Turkish and Indian production teams through logistical support, financial incentives, and streamlined processes for filming permits. Film projects serve as a cultural bridge between Turkiye and India. By showcasing Turkiye’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage in Indian films, we foster greater mutual understanding and interest… enhance people-to-people connections.
At the moment, what are the other aspects of bilateral ties in focus for your country
Beyond tourism and films, Turkiye and India enjoy robust trade and people-to-people ties. Bilateral trade continues to grow across sectors, including textiles, machinery, and technology. Turkiye’s efforts to attract Indian travellers and businesses have also strengthened interpersonal connections, contributing to a more vibrant exchange of culture, ideas, and economic collaboration between the two nations.
