India Emerges as 2nd Largest Overseas Market for US Tourism with 40% Surge and 2 Million Arrivals

The United States is set to welcome more than 2.1 million Indian travellers this year, surpassing the two-million mark for the second consecutive year.

Even amid shifting global dynamics, the United States continues to hold strong appeal for Indian travellers—drawing visitors for everything from leisure escapes and business journeys to family reunions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This year, the country is poised to welcome over 2.1 million visitors from India, surpassing the two-million mark for the second year in a row. Reflecting this sustained momentum, India has now secured its place as the second-largest overseas source market for the US, a trend highlighted by Brand USA president and CEO Fred Dixon.

Speaking in Bengaluru during his visit to India for the 12th edition of Brand USA Travel Week, Dixon highlighted how this sustained growth reflects the rising sophistication, confidence, and spending power of Indian travellers—alongside their growing curiosity for destinations beyond the traditional American gateways.

India continues to play a significant role in US inbound travel. “In 2024, Indian travellers accounted for 6% of overseas arrivals to the US, excluding Canada and Mexico — up from 4% in 2019. Arrivals surpassed 2 million in 2025 for the second year in a row, with visitation remaining approximately 40% above pre-pandemic levels,” according to Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the US. With momentum firmly on its side, travel from India to the United States is forecast to reach 2.3 million arrivals by 2028.

“This reinforces the market’s importance to future visitation, spending, and economic impact across US destinations. India now ranks second globally for total visitor spending, with Indian travellers generating $24.4 billion in the US in 2024 alone,” Brand USA President and CEO Fred Dixon.

Arrival trends show that New York, California, and Florida continue to top the wish lists of Indian travellers, while natural icons such as the Grand Canyon and the country’s expansive national parks remain enduring favourites, drawing visitors in search of dramatic landscapes and immersive outdoor experiences.

He noted that the strong presence of a sizeable US delegation at Brand USA Travel Week India underscores the market’s growing strategic importance. This year’s gathering brought together nearly 75 representatives from American destinations and travel enterprises, engaging with Indian travel trade partners and media from across the country.

Looking ahead, Dixon described 2026 as a defining year for US tourism, shaped by the convergence of several major global events and heightened international attention. “It’s an incredible year for us. In 2026, you’ve got three major events happening in the United States that are really once in a lifetime,” he said.

Highlighting the FIFA World Cup, Dixon said, “The FIFA World Cup is coming to the US this summer. It’ll be in the months of June and July, and it’s the largest World Cup ever, with 48 teams in 11 host cities across the US, from Seattle to Miami.” He added that the tournament would generate excitement not just for football fans but also for local communities across the country.

The World Cup will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States, with celebrations peaking around July 4, while 2026 will also mark a major anniversary of Route 66, one of America’s most iconic highways.

“It’s probably the greatest symbol of the great American road trip,” Dixon said, adding that Indian travellers are increasingly interested in self-drive holidays across the US.

Dixon said Brand USA, as the national tourism marketing organisation, is playing a key role in promoting these events globally.

Emphasising the economic impact of Indian travellers, Dixon said, “India is not only our second-largest market by volume today, it’s now the second-highest spending market.” He described Indian tourists as long-stay visitors who are discerning in their travel choices, making them especially valuable to the US tourism economy.

Reflecting on Brand USA Travel Week India, Dixon remarked that the event has seen robust participation and delivered strong, meaningful outcomes for industry stakeholders.

Looking ahead to the next five years, Dixon expressed strong confidence in the India–US travel corridor, describing its outlook as exceptionally promising.

“If the last two years are any indication, I think the Indian market is going to continue to climb,” he said, adding that Brand USA has been “bullish on India for a long time.” He also highlighted a powerful calendar of global sporting events set to unfold across the United States over the next decade—including the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, the Rugby World Cup in 2031, and the Winter Olympics in 2034—positioning them as major catalysts for sustained international travel demand.

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