Overview

The tourism sector in the United States is undergoing a substantial transformation as Indian travelers become an essential segment. In 2024, around 1.9 million Indian nationals traveled to the United States, representing a 48% increase compared to levels seen in 2019.

Key Insights

• A significant contributor to this uptick is the notable rise in business visas, which increased by 50%, alongside a 43.5% rise in leisure travel.
• This growth can be attributed to India’s expanding middle class, a surge in travel budgets, and enhanced flight availability to the U.S.

Changing Travel Patterns

• As Indian tourists increasingly explore destinations beyond major cities like New York and Los Angeles, destinations such as Chicago and Houston are witnessing growth in visitor numbers.
• U.S. hotels and travel companies are adjusting their services to meet the cultural preferences of Indian travelers, with features such as offering chai and samosas in hotel lobbies.

Industry Response

Laura Lee Blake, CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, stated, “It’s important to make Indian travelers feel welcomed and appreciated. A little bit of home, like chai and samosas, goes a long way.”

Conclusion

India’s outbound tourism is bolstered by economic growth and increased travel opportunities, positioning it as a leading market while other regions like East Asia see a decline in tourist numbers.