India Emerges as second largest overseas market for US tourism after a 40% rise in visitor arrivals

• India is now the second-largest overseas source market for US tourism, with travel volumes up 40% over 2019 levels.

• Over two million Indian visitors traveled to the US in 2025, marking a second year of strong recovery.

• 2026 global events like the FIFA World Cup and US 250th anniversary are expected to drive further growth.

• India is also the second-highest spending market, delivering strong economic value to US tourism.

Travel between India and the United States continues to gain momentum, with India now firmly positioned as one of the most important overseas markets for US tourism. The sustained rise in visitor numbers highlights not only growing demand but also the evolving profile of Indian travellers, according to Brand USA President and CEO Fred Dixon.

Dixon was in Bengaluru recently to attend the 12th edition of Brand USA Travel Week, part of a broader visit aimed at strengthening tourism ties with India. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, he pointed to a sharp rebound in travel flows since the pandemic, underlining the scale and consistency of India’s growth as a source market.

Travel from India to the US has surged by around 40 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, Dixon said, describing the pace of recovery as remarkable. The year 2025 marked the second straight year of strong performance, with more than two million Indian travellers visiting the United States. This milestone has elevated India to the position of the second-largest overseas market for inbound travel to the US, a development Dixon described as a significant achievement for both countries.

Beyond the headline numbers, Dixon highlighted a shift in traveller behaviour. While traditional favourites such as New York, California and Florida remain popular, repeat visitors from India are increasingly exploring a wider range of destinations. As a result, India now features among the top source markets for many US states and cities, reflecting a growing appetite for diverse and immersive travel experiences.

The scale of Brand USA Travel Week India itself underscored the importance of the Indian market. The event brought together a large US delegation, including around 75 representatives from destinations and travel businesses, who engaged with Indian travel trade partners and media from across the country. Dixon said this level of participation demonstrates how seriously the US tourism industry views India’s long-term potential.

Looking ahead, Dixon said 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for tourism to the United States, driven by a rare convergence of global events. One of the biggest highlights will be the FIFA World Cup, scheduled for June and July, which will be hosted across 11 US cities from Seattle to Miami. With 48 teams participating, it will be the largest World Cup ever, expected to attract global attention well beyond football fans.

The World Cup will coincide with celebrations marking 250 years since the founding of the United States, with major commemorations planned around July 4. In addition, 2026 will also spotlight a significant anniversary of Route 66, the legendary highway often associated with the classic American road trip. Dixon noted that self-drive holidays are becoming increasingly appealing to Indian travellers, adding further momentum to interest in such experiences.

As the national tourism marketing organisation, Brand USA is actively promoting these milestones worldwide, positioning them as compelling reasons to visit the US in the coming years.

Dixon also emphasised the economic significance of Indian visitors. India is not only the second-largest market by visitor volume but has also become the second-highest spending overseas market. Indian tourists tend to stay longer and make thoughtful travel choices, making them particularly valuable contributors to the US tourism economy.

Reflecting on the success of Brand USA Travel Week India, Dixon said the event has delivered strong engagement and tangible outcomes. He remains optimistic about the future of the India–US travel corridor, suggesting that recent trends point to continued upward growth.

If the past two years are any indication, Dixon said, India’s importance to US tourism will only increase. He added that Brand USA has long been confident about the Indian market, and a series of major international sporting events in the US over the next decade—including the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, the Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the Winter Olympics in 2034—are expected to further fuel demand over the long term.