Bengaluru, Jan 22 (PTI): Travel from India to the United States is witnessing strong and sustained momentum, with India becoming the second-largest overseas source market for US tourism, according to Brand USA President and CEO Fred Dixon.
Speaking to PTI in Bengaluru during his visit for the 12th edition of Brand USA Travel Week India, Dixon said Indian travel to the US has surged 40 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, highlighting the rapid recovery and expansion of the market.
“We’re thrilled that travel to the United States from India continues to grow at a really incredible pace,” Dixon said. “We’ve just completed the second consecutive year of strong recovery, with more than two million Indian visitors travelling to the US, making India the second-largest overseas market for us.”
Calling it “an incredible feat,” Dixon said the milestone reflects the rising sophistication, spending power and evolving preferences of Indian travellers, who are increasingly exploring destinations beyond traditional entry points.
While New York, California and Florida remain the most popular destinations, Dixon noted that repeat Indian visitors are now venturing deeper into the country. “India is now among the top 10 source markets for most US destinations, and in many cases among the top five,” he said.
He added that the strong presence of a US delegation at Brand USA Travel Week India underlines the growing importance of the Indian market. Around 75 representatives from US destinations and travel businesses are participating in the event, engaging with Indian travel trade partners and media.
Looking ahead, Dixon said 2026 will be a landmark year for US tourism, driven by a convergence of global events. “You have three once-in-a-lifetime events happening in the United States,” he said.
Among them is the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be held in June and July, featuring 48 teams across 11 host cities from Seattle to Miami. The year will also mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, alongside a major anniversary of Route 66, one of the country’s most iconic travel routes.
“It’s probably the greatest symbol of the great American road trip,” Dixon said, noting growing interest among Indian travellers in self-drive holidays across the US.
Emphasising the economic significance of the Indian market, Dixon said, “India is not only our second-largest market by volume, it is now also the second-highest spending market.” He described Indian tourists as long-stay, high-value travellers who contribute significantly to the US tourism economy.
Expressing optimism about the future, Dixon said the outlook for the India–US travel corridor remains highly positive. He pointed to a pipeline of major sporting events in the coming decade — including the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, the Rugby World Cup in 2031, and the Winter Olympics in 2034 — as strong drivers of long-term growth.
“If the last two years are any indication, the Indian market will continue to climb,” he said, adding that Brand USA has been “bullish on India for a long time.”
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