Highlights:
- Indian visitation to the US has grown 40 per cent compared to pre-pandemic levels
- Over two million Indian travelers visited the US in 2025
- India is now the second-largest and second-highest spending overseas market
- Repeat visitors are exploring beyond traditional gateway cities
- Major global events in 2026 are expected to accelerate growth further
Travel from India to the United States is witnessing sustained and robust growth, with India now ranking as the second-largest overseas source market for U.S. tourism. The milestone reflects rising disposable incomes, increased travel sophistication, and a growing appetite among Indian travelers to explore the country beyond traditional entry points.
Brand USA president and CEO Fred Dixon announced the development while speaking to PTI during his visit to Bengaluru for the 12th edition of Brand USA Travel Week India. According to Dixon, visitation from India has increased by 40 per cent compared to 2019, marking one of the strongest recoveries among global markets since the pandemic.
“We’re thrilled that travel to the United States from India continues to grow at an incredible pace,” Dixon said. “We’ve just completed the second straight year of strong recovery, with more than two million Indian visitors traveling to the US in 2025. That achievement has made India the second-largest overseas market for the United States.”
While New York, California, and Florida remain the most popular destinations for Indian travelers, Dixon noted a clear shift in travel behavior. Repeat visitors are increasingly venturing deeper into the country, exploring smaller cities, national parks, and self-drive itineraries. As a result, India now ranks among the top 10 source markets, and in many cases the top five, for most US destinations.
This expanding footprint underscores the growing importance of the Indian market. That significance was evident at Brand USA Travel Week India, which hosted a delegation of around 75 representatives from US destinations and travel businesses. The delegation engaged with Indian travel trade partners and media from across the country, signaling a long-term commitment to the market.
Indian travelers are also proving to be especially valuable economically. Dixon highlighted that India is not only the second-largest overseas market by visitor volume but also the second-highest spending market. Indian tourists typically stay longer and spend more per trip, making them a key contributor to the US tourism economy.
Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to be a landmark year for US tourism. The United States will host the FIFA World Cup in June and July, featuring 48 teams across 11 host cities from Seattle to Miami.
The tournament will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States, with major celebrations planned around July 4. Additionally, 2026 will mark a significant anniversary of Route 66, further fueling interest in classic American road trips, an experience that is increasingly appealing to Indian travelers.
Dixon said Brand USA is actively promoting these global events and remains optimistic about future growth. With major sporting events such as the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, the Rugby World Cup in 2031, and the Winter Olympics in 2034 on the horizon, the outlook for the India, US travel corridor over the next five years remains highly positive.
