Turkey’s Destination Wedding Market Faces Turbulence Amid Diplomatic Tensions with India

 A diplomatic rift sparked by India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, has had immediate and significant repercussions for Turkey’s luxury destination wedding sector. The ensuing backlash—driven by Turkey’s vocal support for Pakistan—has prompted a growing number of Indian families and event planners to boycott Turkish venues, casting uncertainty over a segment that has become integral to the country’s high-end tourism economy.

“Indian wedding travellers contribute over $140 million annually to Turkey’s tourism sector. The magnitude of this disruption cannot be overstated,” said Nikhil Mahajan, a senior representative at Kestone Utsav, a leading Indian wedding planning firm, in an interview with the Financial Express.

Over the past decade, Turkey has emerged as a preferred destination for Indian weddings, offering a blend of historical grandeur and cost-effective luxury—from the imperial splendor of Istanbul’s palaces to the scenic elegance of Bodrum’s coastal retreats. In 2024 alone, Turkey hosted 50 large-scale Indian weddings, each averaging approximately $3 million in expenditure, with some high-profile events costing upwards of $8 million. These elaborate, multi-day celebrations—often involving around 500 guests—have delivered substantial economic benefits to local service providers and hospitality partners.

Industry estimates reveal that a standard Indian destination wedding package for 100 guests typically starts at €350,000 ($385,000), vastly exceeding the average cost of a traditional Turkish wedding, which ranges between $1,600 and $5,400. From just 13 Indian weddings hosted in 2018, Turkey saw a near 300% increase by 2024, generating close to $150 million in direct tourism revenue last year alone.

The events of May 2025, however, have placed this trajectory in jeopardy. At least 2,000 tourist bookings have already been cancelled, and 30 of the 50 Indian weddings originally scheduled for 2025 are now at risk. With each event valued at roughly $3 million, Turkey could be facing a potential revenue loss of up to $90 million from this segment alone.

Beyond the immediate financial impact, the ramifications extend to Turkey’s broader tourism brand. Indian destination weddings have historically involved hundreds of local vendors—ranging from florists to logistics teams—and have attracted celebrities and high-net-worth individuals whose presence often translates into intangible marketing value.

“These weddings frequently include public figures and prominent business families, helping position Turkey as a premium global wedding destination,” Mahajan noted.

The timing is particularly inopportune, as nearly 60% of Indian destination weddings take place during this peak season. In 2024, Indian weddings accounted for roughly 3% of Turkey’s $3 billion wedding tourism revenue. More broadly, the tourism sector—one of Turkey’s economic mainstays—generated $61.1 billion in revenue last year, and analysts warn that ripple effects from the diplomatic fallout could dent future earnings.

In response to the evolving geopolitical climate, Indian families are rapidly reassessing their options. “At Utsav, we are seeing a clear shift in sentiment,” Mahajan added. “Families are actively exploring alternative international destinations such as Italy and the UAE. Simultaneously, there is a notable resurgence of interest in iconic Indian locales like Udaipur, Jaipur, Goa, and Kerala, which offer both opulence and cultural familiarity.”

While geopolitics may have triggered the exodus, deeper undercurrents are also at play. According to Mahajan, Indian couples are increasingly prioritizing safety, cultural resonance, and guest experience over novelty. “It’s not just about the destination anymore—it’s about shared values and a sense of security.”

As the landscape of global destination weddings begins to shift, Turkey risks losing its luster in a highly competitive market, underscoring how sensitive the luxury tourism sector can be to international diplomacy.