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.

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.