India has solidified its position as the second-largest overseas market for US tourism, with a remarkable 2.2 million Indian tourists visiting the United States in 2024. This marks a significant 24% increase compared to the previous year and a near 50% growth since 2019, according to Brand USA CEO Fred Dixon.
Speaking during an India sales mission in Hyderabad, Dixon highlighted the rising importance of Indian visitors in the global tourism landscape. “India has moved to the second largest overseas market in 2024, just behind the UK and ahead of Germany,” he said. This growth reflects India’s status as one of the fastest-growing tourism markets globally.
Record Visa Issuances
The surge in Indian tourists has been supported by an unprecedented issuance of US visas. In 2024, the US Mission in India issued over one million non-immigrant visas for the second consecutive year, including a record number of visitor visas. An additional 250,000 visa appointments were announced to meet the soaring demand. Currently, over five million Indians hold valid US visas, paving the way for sustained growth in the coming years.
Economic Contribution
Indian tourists have also played a crucial role in boosting the US economy. In 2023 alone, Indian travellers contributed $20 billion through tourism-related spending, underlining their economic significance. This figure is expected to rise as more Indians travel to the US, driven by enhanced visa accessibility and targeted promotional efforts by Brand USA.
FIFA World Cup 2026
Looking ahead, the United States is gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, an event expected to draw millions of fans from across the globe. Dixon expressed optimism about the influx of Indian football enthusiasts, who are likely to join the worldwide audience at one of the most anticipated sporting events.
Tourism Infrastructure
Despite recent challenges such as the California wildfires, Dixon assured that the US tourism infrastructure remains largely unaffected and ready to welcome visitors. The resilience of the tourism sector, coupled with world-class facilities, ensures that the US continues to be a top destination for Indian travellers.
About Brand USA
Brand USA, established under the Travel Promotion Act, serves as the nation’s first public-private partnership for destination marketing. Its mission is to promote the United States as a premier travel destination while providing clear communication about US travel policies to international visitors.
With its strategic focus on emerging markets like India, Brand USA aims to further enhance bilateral tourism and ensure the US remains a preferred destination for Indian travellers.
As the tourism sector continues to recover and grow post-pandemic, the steady rise in Indian visitors underscores the enduring appeal of the United States and the strengthening ties between the two nations.
EVENTS | PAS to Sponsor 2025 Infor Hospitality Customer Days
