Dixon visited Bengaluru as part of his trip to India for the 12th edition of Brand USA Travel Week.
He highlighted that this growth reflects the increasing sophistication and financial capability of Indian travellers, as well as their desire to explore destinations beyond the conventional US gateways.
“We’re excited that travel to the United States from India continues to surge at an impressive rate. We’ve seen a 40 percent increase in visitation volume since before the pandemic, specifically since 2019,” Dixon shared with PTI.
He noted that 2025 represents the second consecutive year of strong recovery, with over two million Indian visitors making their way to the US.
“We just wrapped up the second year, 2025, with more than two million Indian visitors to the United States, positioning India as the second-largest overseas market for the country,” Dixon remarked, calling it “an incredible achievement” that underscores the strength of the Indian travel market.
While New York, California, and Florida remain top destinations for Indian travellers, Dixon observed that repeat visitors are increasingly exploring further into the country.
“India is now among the top 10 source markets for numerous US destinations, if not the top five,” he noted, highlighting how extensively Indian travellers are now discovering the US.
Dixon pointed out that the presence of a large US delegation at Brand USA Travel Week India illustrates the market’s growing significance. The delegation comprises about 75 representatives from US destinations and travel businesses who are engaging with Indian travel trade partners and media from across the nation.
Looking ahead, Dixon indicated that 2026 is poised to be a landmark year for US tourism, driven by a convergence of several major global events.
Highlighting the FIFA World Cup, Dixon explained, “The FIFA World Cup is set to occur in the US this summer, during June and July. It will be the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams across 11 host cities, from Seattle to Miami.” He noted that the tournament would generate excitement not only among football fans but also within local communities nationwide.
The World Cup will align with the 250th anniversary of the United States, with celebrations reaching their height around July 4, and 2026 will also mark a significant anniversary for Route 66, one of America’s most legendary highways.
“It stands as perhaps the greatest symbol of the classic American road trip,” Dixon remarked, adding that Indian travellers show increasing interest in self-drive vacations throughout the US.
Dixon mentioned that Brand USA, serving as the national tourism marketing organization, plays a vital role in promoting these events on a global scale.
Highlighting the economic contributions of Indian travellers, Dixon stated, “India is currently not only our second-largest market by volume but also the second-highest spending market.” He characterized Indian tourists as long-stay visitors who make discerning travel choices, making them particularly valuable to the US tourism economy.
On the Brand USA Travel Week India, Dixon remarked that the event has seen strong participation and positive outcomes.
Looking ahead to the next five years, Dixon expressed a highly positive outlook for the India–US travel corridor.
“If the last two years serve as any indication, the Indian market is likely to continue its upward trajectory,” he stated, emphasizing that Brand USA has been “optimistic about India for a long time.” He also pointed to a decade filled with major sporting events in the US — including the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, the Rugby World Cup in 2031, and the Winter Olympics in 2034 — as strong long-term demand drivers.
