India Emerges as 2nd Biggest Tourist Market for the USA in First Half of 2024

India Emerges as 2nd Biggest Tourist Market for the USA in First Half of 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 29, 2024

India has surged in popularity as a travel destination for the United States, grabbing the second spot for international tourist arrivals between January and May 2024. According to data from the US National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), this marks a significant jump from their third-place ranking during the same period in 2023. India's tourism to the US saw a remarkable 37.2% growth rate, with 882,404 visitors in the first half of 2024.

The increase is attributed to events like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which has drawn many passionate Indian cricket fans to the US. Additionally, the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to further fuel this travel trend. Efforts by Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the US, have also played a significant role in boosting Indian tourism through targeted marketing and collaborations with the Indian travel industry.

May 2024 alone saw a nearly 32% increase in Indian visitors compared to May 2023, translating to 263,150 Indian passengers arriving in the US last month. When looking at the first five months of 2024, the total number of Indian visitors reached 882,404, reflecting a 37.2% growth compared to the previous year. This places India firmly in second place, behind only the United Kingdom, when excluding Canada and Mexico from the rankings. Including these North American neighbors, India ranks as the fourth-largest source market for international tourists to the US for the January-May 2024 period.

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Several factors have contributed to this surge in Indian tourism to the US. The ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the US, has attracted significant interest. The upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to further drive travel from India. Additionally, increased accessibility with new flights between India and the US anticipated later this year will likely boost travel further.

Recognizing India’s growing importance as a tourist market, Brand USA is actively working to enhance travel experiences for Indian visitors. Their efforts include continued marketing and collaborations with the Indian travel industry to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers from India.


India International Travel Mart Wraps Up Successful Chennai and Bangalore Editions, Reinforces B2B Tourism Growth

India International Travel Mart Wraps Up Successful Chennai and Bangalore Editions, Reinforces B2B Tourism Growth

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 30, 2025

India’s premier B2B travel networking event, India International Travel Mart (IITM), completed impactful editions in Chennai (16–18 July) and Bangalore (24–26 July) 2025, reinforcing its reputation as South India’s biggest travel exhibition and a catalyst for domestic and international tourism promotion.

Now in its 26th year in these cities, IITM brought together a diverse mix of tourism boards, DMCs, hotel groups, airlines, travel startups, and technology platforms. Over three days at each venue, the exhibitions enabled immersive trade engagement, destination showcases, and high-value networking opportunities.

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High-Profile Participation

The Chennai edition, hosted at Chennai Trade Centre, was inaugurated by Thiru T. Christuraj, Director of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu. Dignitaries included:

  • Sri Venkatesan D, Regional Director, India Tourism

  • Smt. T. Devaki, Chairperson, Travel Agents Association of India

  • Sri Kamaleshwaran, President, SKAL International, Chennai

  • Sri Pankaj Ravish, General Manager, IRCTC

  • Sri Pawan Kumar Gupta, Vice President, SIMA

  • Sri Ashok Kumar P, Chairman, ADTOI

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The Bangalore edition, held at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, was inaugurated by Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh. Guests of Honor included:

  • Sri Neelu Sharma, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Tourism

  • Sri Ranphoa Ngowa, Secretary Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh

  • Sri Vivek Acharya, MD, Chhattisgarh Tourism

  • Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director, Tourism Malaysia Chennai

  • Sri Biswajit Routray, Additional Director, Odisha Tourism

  • Sri Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director, UP Tourism

  • Sri Lokesh Bettaiah, VP, TAAI

  • Sri Niranjan Bhargava, Chairman, TAAI

  • Mr. M. Vinod, President, AATO

  • Mr. Kaulesh Kumar, General Secretary, ABTO

  • Mr. Amish Desai, MC Member, TAAI

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Industry Leaders Weigh In

Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said:

“Both editions exceeded expectations in terms of participation, partnerships, and buyer engagement. The enthusiasm from India’s domestic and outbound tourism stakeholders is encouraging as we push toward broader industry resurgence.”

Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added:

“Chennai and Bangalore remain integral to India’s tourism landscape. The enthusiasm, scale, and trade engagement at IITM reaffirm its role as a strategic B2B platform.”

By the Numbers

  • 25+ Indian states represented

  • 20+ international tourism boards

  • 800+ exhibitors

  • Thousands of B2B meetings and interactions across both cities

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Why IITM Matters

For over 20 years, IITM has built a legacy as one of India’s most credible and business-focused travel trade shows. It uniquely connects travel products with decision-makers through:

  • Dedicated B2B focus

  • Themed pavilions: luxury travel, tech, sustainable tourism

  • Launchpad for destinations and services

  • South India’s largest travel trade shows

What’s Next?

Following Chennai and Bangalore, the upcoming editions of IITM promise more robust business opportunities:

  • Delhi: 24 – 26 September 2025

  • Mumbai: 9 – 11 October 2025

  • Pune: 27 – 29 November 2025

  • Hyderabad: 4 – 6 December 2025

  • Kochi: 8 – 10 January 2026

  • Kolkata: 12 – 14 February 2026

  • Ahmedabad: 12 – 14 March 2026

With an unwavering commitment to connect, collaborate, and catalyze tourism growth, IITM remains the gold standard for India’s travel trade engagement.

For more information, contact: +91 8040834100
Email: media@spheretravelmedia.com


Thoothukudi Airport Upgrade Set to Fuel Growth

Thoothukudi Airport Upgrade Set to Fuel Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 28, 2025

The long-awaited inauguration of the upgraded terminal at Thoothukudi airport has been widely welcomed by local industry bodies, who see it as a game-changer for the region’s industrial and cargo logistics landscape. Scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26, the new terminal, alongside an extended runway and night landing facilities, marks a major milestone for southern Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure growth.

Industrial stakeholders have expressed optimism about the development, stating that the enhanced facilities will provide a significant boost to business operations, cargo movement, and travel convenience for entrepreneurs, industrialists, and the public from both Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts. The airport’s strategic location between these two growing urban clusters adds further relevance to the upgrade.

D.R. Kodeeswaran, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Thoothukudi, highlighted the city’s rapid emergence as a top investment destination in the region. He underlined several ambitious projects in the pipeline, including the outer harbour development of V.O. Chidambaranar Port, ISRO’s upcoming rocket launch site at Kulasekarappatinam, a new furniture park in the SIPCOT industrial estate, and the Vietnamese auto giant VinFast’s new manufacturing plant.

He also called for improved air connectivity to major cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Kochi. At present, only IndiGo and SpiceJet operate from Thoothukudi, and Kodeeswaran emphasized the need for more airlines to consider operations to and from the region. Notably, the airport has already recorded a 15.2% growth in passenger traffic in 2024-2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting increasing demand.

Echoing similar sentiments, R. Edwin Samuel, Former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Thoothukudi, stressed the need to elevate the airport to international status to allow flights to international destinations like Male, Colombo and Dubai. He remarked that the timing of the terminal’s inauguration aligns well with Thoothukudi’s rise as a spiritual tourism hub and its growing relevance to regional industrial development.

He also added that as the SIPCOT hub in nearby Gangaikondan prepares to welcome several prominent companies, robust air connectivity would play a critical role in sustaining and accelerating the region’s industrial growth trajectory.


Sacred and Spirited: Israel’s Iconic Cities Ranked High Among Most Loved in Middle East & Africa

Sacred and Spirited: Israel’s Iconic Cities Ranked High Among Most Loved in Middle East & Africa

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 27, 2025

There’s something about Israel that lingers in the heart long after the passport is stamped. Maybe it’s the golden light bathing ancient stone, or the electric energy of Tel Aviv’s sunset streets. Either way, travellers worldwide have spoken—and the latest Travel + Leisure 2025 rankings confirm it.

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have both made it to the Top 10 Cities in the Middle East and Africa, as voted by the magazine’s global readership. Jerusalem proudly retains its third place, admired for its deep spiritual resonance and centuries-old heritage. Readers highlighted its cultural landmarks, immersive culinary scene, and a unique timelessness that makes it a city like no other.

Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is climbing the charts—jumping from eighth in 2024 to fifth this year. This coastal city has been winning hearts with its vibrant street life, modern flair, and commitment to sustainability and design, particularly among younger travellers.

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For Indian travellers, the results strike a familiar chord. The rising interest in Israel reflects a growing appreciation for destinations that combine spiritual experiences, rich culture, and a globally relevant lifestyle.

In Jerusalem, time feels like it folds in on itself. The city offers more than religious symbolism—it offers living history. Walk the Via Dolorosa, pause at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflect at the Western Wall, or take in breathtaking views from the Ramparts Walk. The Tower of David Museum adds a modern narrative through its Night Spectacular sound and light show, while the Mahane Yehuda Market bursts with flavours—think artisanal cheeses, local wines, spices, and sweets.

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Meanwhile, Tel Aviv’s cosmopolitan vibe makes it one of the most forward-looking cities in the region. Known globally as a vegan capital, it’s also a treasure trove of Bauhaus architecture—explored best at the Liebling Haus or on a stroll through Neve Tzedek, now reimagined as a hotspot for fashion, theatre, and art. Food lovers can indulge in everything from bourekas to gourmet vegan fare, while bicycle and Segway tours through Florentin and Rothschild Boulevard reveal the city’s street art and creative energy. Come evening, the rhythm shifts to jazz bars, speakeasies, and beachfront cafés, keeping the city alive well past sunset.

One standout factor in this year’s rankings is traveller confidence. Despite global uncertainties, Israel has emerged not just as a popular destination but as a trusted one—where safety, culture, food, and hospitality come together seamlessly.

This recognition is more than just a spot on a list—it’s a signal that Israel continues to inspire, surprise, and welcome with open arms.

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