Dixon visited Bengaluru during his trip to India for the 12th edition of Brand USA Travel Week.
He emphasized that this growth highlights the increasing sophistication and spending capacity of Indian travellers, as well as their desire to explore locations beyond traditional US entry points.
“We’re excited that travel to the United States from India continues to expand at an amazing rate. We’ve seen a 40 per cent increase in visitation volume since 2019, before the pandemic,” Dixon told PTI.
He noted that 2025 is set to mark the second consecutive year of significant recovery, with more than two million Indian visitors traveling to the US.
“We just wrapped up the second year, 2025, with over two million Indian visitors to the United States, establishing India as the second-largest overseas market for the US,” Dixon stated, referring to this achievement as “an incredible feat” that showcases the strength of the Indian travel sector.
While New York, California, and Florida remain the top destinations for Indian travellers, Dixon observed that repeat visitors are exploring deeper into the country.
“India ranks among the top 10 source markets for most US destinations, if not in the top five,” he mentioned, highlighting the expansive exploration of the US by Indian travellers.
According to him, the presence of a sizable US delegation at Brand USA Travel Week in India underscores the growing significance of this market. The delegation consists of around 75 representatives from US destinations and travel enterprises interacting with Indian travel partners and media nationwide.
Looking ahead, Dixon remarked that 2026 will be a landmark year for US tourism, fueled by a convergence of major global events.
“It’s a remarkable year for us. In 2026, three significant events will unfold in the United States that are truly once-in-a-lifetime,” he stated.
Highlighting the FIFA World Cup, Dixon mentioned, “The FIFA World Cup will be held in the US this summer during June and July, marking the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams in 11 host cities from Seattle to Miami.” He noted that the tournament will generate enthusiasm not only among football fans but also within local communities throughout the country.
The World Cup will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States, with celebrations peaking around July 4. Additionally, 2026 will commemorate a significant anniversary of Route 66, one of America’s most iconic highways.
“It’s arguably the quintessential symbol of the great American road trip,” Dixon stated, adding that Indian travellers are increasingly interested in self-drive vacations across the US.
Dixon said Brand USA, as the national tourism marketing organization, plays a crucial role in promoting these events globally.
With respect to the economic influence of Indian travellers, Dixon stated, “India is not only our second-largest market by volume today; it’s now the second-highest spending market.” He described Indian tourists as long-stay visitors with selective travel preferences, making them particularly beneficial to the US tourism economy.
Regarding Brand USA Travel Week in India, Dixon noted that the event has seen strong attendance and successful outcomes.
Looking ahead to the next five years, Dixon expressed an optimistic outlook for the India–US travel corridor.
