India Becomes the Second Largest Source Market for US Tourism

India’s outbound travel momentum continues to reshape global tourism trends. In a major development for the international travel industry, India has emerged as the second-largest source market for inbound tourism to the United States in terms of visitor spending. This milestone highlights the growing influence of Indian travellers and reflects a broader shift in long-haul travel preferences from India, with many travellers now choosing to book international flight tickets well in advance to secure better connectivity and competitive fares.

The rise comes at a time when global travel has stabilised post-pandemic and Indian travellers are increasingly confident about international journeys. With higher spending power and evolving travel aspirations, the United States has become one of the most preferred destinations for Indian tourists.

What Is Driving the Growth of Indian Travel to the US

Several factors are contributing to this surge in Indian visitor spending in the US. Improved air connectivity between major Indian cities and American hubs has made long-haul travel more accessible, while timely US visa assistance for Indian travellers has helped simplify travel planning. At the same time, the growing number of Indian students, professionals and business travellers continues to fuel consistent travel demand.

Leisure travel has also evolved. Indian tourists are no longer limiting their visits to a single city. Road trips, national parks, theme parks, premium shopping experiences and multi-city itineraries are now common, resulting in higher per-trip spending.

The Role of the Indian Diaspora and Family Travel

Another major contributor to this growth is the strong Indian diaspora in the United States. Family visits, milestone celebrations, weddings and extended stays have significantly increased travel frequency between the two countries. These visits often involve longer durations and higher spending on accommodation, domestic travel and local experiences.

This trend has strengthened the US’s position as a repeat-visit destination for Indian travellers rather than a one-time international trip.

Impact on US Tour Packages and Travel Planning

The growing spending power of Indian tourists has reshaped how US travel experiences are being designed. There is a noticeable shift towards customised and premium USA tour packages that cater to Indian preferences, including flexible itineraries, comfort-focused accommodation and experiences tailored for families and senior travellers.

Indian travellers are also showing greater interest in offbeat destinations beyond traditional cities, encouraging tourism growth across multiple US states.

Rising Demand for US Visas from India

With increasing travel comes sustained demand for US visas. Tourist visas, student visas, and business visas continue to see high application volumes from India. This has made early planning, accurate documentation and professional guidance more important than ever for travellers.

The complexity of US visa processes means travellers are actively seeking reliable information and support to ensure smooth approvals and timely travel.

What This Trend Means for Indian Travellers

India becoming the second-largest source market for US tourism signals a strong future for long haul international travel from the country. For Indian travellers, it means better airline connectivity, more tailored travel experiences and continued focus on Indian-friendly services in the US tourism ecosystem.

As global tourism evolves, India’s role as a key contributor to international travel spending is only expected to grow, reinforcing the country’s position as a powerful outbound travel market.