India Surpasses UK as Second-Largest Market for U.S. Tourism

India has officially overtaken the United Kingdom as the second-largest market for U.S. tourism, according to Brand USA President Fred Dixon. He announced this milestone during a press briefing in Bengaluru on January 22. Visitor arrivals from India to the United States have surged by 40 percent compared to 2019.

India’s Growing Tourism Impact

In 2025, over two million Indian travelers visited the U.S., marking a significant shift in tourism dynamics. This is the first time India has displaced the UK from the number two position for overseas tourism to the United States.

Driving Factors Behind the Surge

Several factors contribute to the significant increase in Indian visitors:

• Rising disposable incomes among Indian families.
• The appeal of long-stay self-drive holidays.
• Upcoming major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th Independence anniversary.

Exploration Beyond Traditional Destinations

Indian tourists are increasingly exploring destinations beyond the typical gateways like New York and San Francisco. With improved air services and effective marketing, travelers are venturing into secondary cities across the Midwest and mountain states.

Implications for Corporate Travel

This trend presents challenges for corporate mobility planners. Peak travel seasons are becoming more competitive, particularly for business-class seats on direct India-U.S. flights. Increased demand for premium cabins means companies may need to book tickets earlier or consider routes through Europe or the Gulf.

In cities like Austin and Raleigh, U.S. hotels are witnessing double-digit growth in corporate spending from Indian companies. This indicates a need for businesses to renegotiate volume-based rates with hotels.

Visa Challenges and Opportunities

Despite rising demand, lengthy visa wait times remain a challenge. Analysts from the U.S. Travel Association highlight that if these wait times could be reduced to under 60 days, the number of Indian arrivals could exceed three million by 2027. This would generate an additional $4 billion in export revenue for the U.S.

To address visa processing difficulties, digital platforms like VisaHQ are simplifying the application process. Their India-dedicated portal allows users to track U.S. appointment slots in real-time and manage group applications, helping mitigate administrative burdens for both leisure and business travelers.

Action Steps for Travel Managers

Travel managers are advised to keep a close eye on visa appointment lead times, particularly in Mumbai and Hyderabad. They should consider applying for expedited appointments, especially for critical events such as conferences or major project launches.

The surge in Indian tourism emphasizes the importance of addressing visa issues and enhancing travel facilitation measures to maintain this momentum in U.S. tourism growth.