India’s Travel Renaissance: From Punjab to the Pacific Coast - A Story of New-Age Global Wanderers

India’s influence on global travel is no longer emerging; it is firmly established. In a significant milestone for outbound tourism, India has become the second-largest overseas source market for the United States in terms of visitor spending, reinforcing the country’s growing importance in international travel economics.

This achievement was highlighted by Brand USA, the official destination marketing organisation for the United States, during the recently concluded Brand USA Travel Week India in Bengaluru. According to industry data, Indian travellers contributed approximately USD 24.4 billion in visitor spending in 2024, placing India just behind the leading European market and ahead of several traditional travel powerhouses.

What makes this development noteworthy is not merely the volume of travellers, but the value they bring. Indian tourists are increasingly opting for longer stays, premium accommodations, immersive experiences and multi-city itineraries, significantly boosting tourism revenues across American destinations.

Beyond Numbers: A New Pattern of Indian Travel Behaviour

The post-pandemic era has witnessed a clear evolution in how Indians travel internationally. In 2025 alone, the number of Indian visitors to the United States crossed two million, marking a growth of nearly 40 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This growth reflects a strong rebound coupled with sustained long-term demand.

Indian travellers are no longer limiting their journeys to traditional metropolitan hubs. While cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco remain popular, there is a noticeable rise in interest toward national parks, scenic coastal routes, cultural towns and experience-driven travel across multiple states. Education, business, leisure and family-centric travel are all contributing to this upward trajectory.

Why the US Market Is Becoming More Attractive for Indians

Several factors are driving this surge. Improved air connectivity between Indian cities and major US gateways, increased awareness of diverse travel experiences, stronger diaspora connections and growing disposable income among Indian households are playing a pivotal role.

Additionally, upcoming global events in the United States, including major sporting tournaments and large-scale cultural celebrations, are expected to further accelerate travel demand from India. Tourism boards and travel service providers are also increasingly tailoring experiences and campaigns specifically for Indian travellers, recognising their importance as a high-value market.

What This Trend Signals for Indian Travellers

India’s rise as a top contributor to US tourism spending is a clear signal that international travel from the country has entered a new phase. For travellers, it means more customised experiences, better connectivity, expanded accommodation options and increased focus on Indian preferences across destinations.

For the travel ecosystem, it highlights the need for accurate information, seamless visa guidance, thoughtful itinerary planning and reliable destination insights. As Indian travellers continue to explore the world with confidence and curiosity, this momentum is likely to reshape outbound tourism trends for years to come.