TravTalk India Online Magazine
In an exclusive conversation with TravTalk, Ambassador of Türkiye outlines its plans to expand cultural programming, promote new destinations and strengthen its presence in the Indian outbound market.
Rahul Bhadana
As India continues to emerge as a priority outbound market, Türkiye signals a renewed push to strengthen cultural exchange and diversify destination promotion. Insights shared by the Ambassador at his residence in New Delhi indicate a strategic shift towards heritage-led engagement and wider regional marketing — areas that hold clear implications for the travel trade.
Speaking to TravTalk on the sidelines of World Turkish Coffee Day on 5 December, Ali Murat Ersoy, Ambassador of Türkiye to India, outlines how the Embassy plans to leverage culinary heritage, cultural programming and destination development to enhance Türkiye’s presence in India. The discussion also addresses upcoming initiatives, new destinations and connectivity requirements.
Cultural engagement as a driver
Ersoy states that upcoming programmes will use Türkiye’s heritage to build deeper people-to-people connections. “In the coming months, you will see several activities organised by the Embassy to highlight Türkiye’s heritage, food culture and traditions,” he says. “Indians and Turks already share a natural warmth toward each other, and we want to develop this cultural affinity further.”
He notes that culinary heritage — including Turkish coffee — remains a strong entry point for cultural understanding, which in turn supports destination interest.
New destinations and market development
For the Indian market, the Embassy prepares to introduce lesser-known regions beyond the established Istanbul–Cappadocia circuit. “We plan to promote places like Pamukkale and Denizli, which tourists can combine with their usual travels,” Ersoy says. The diversification aligns with global demand for multi-destination experiences and longer itineraries.
He emphasises connectivity as an enabling factor. “We would like to see more flight connections between Türkiye and India, and we will keep working on this,” he adds.
Programmes in the pipeline
When asked about upcoming campaigns or roadshows, Ersoy confirms that several initiatives are under development but not yet announced. “There are projects in the pipeline, and you will hear about them in due time,” he says. “You will be pleasantly surprised.”
Outlook for the trade
The interview suggests a year of increased activity as Türkiye expands cultural programming and destination promotion. The industry can expect more structured engagement, wider product offerings and potential developments in air connectivity — all factors likely to support traveller interest from India.
