India has become the fifth-largest source of tourists for the United States, and it’s expected to grow by 30% in 2024. Staci Mellman, Chief Marketing Officer of Brand USA, explained that this boost comes from India’s expanding middle class and more young Indians travelling.
Mellman pointed out that Indian tourists spend a lot more money compared to others globally, contributing significantly to the $173.9 billion spent by international visitors in the US. This increase in spending from January to October 2023 is linked to better visa processing, improved flights, and more diverse tourism options.
In 2023, the US saw 1.7 million Indian visitors, showing an interest in exploring beyond the usual places, despite facing visa processing challenges with a waiting time of around 250 days.
Over the past year, 1.2 million new visas were issued, and the US added 2.5 lakh new tourist visa appointments for Indians. To deal with delays, the Consulate in Hyderabad, processing 3,500 appointments daily, aims to streamline operations, including weekend processing.
Experts call India’s current travel trend a “tourism boom,” with outbound trips expected to exceed USD 42 billion by 2024. The US is actively trying to attract more Indian tourists, aiming for 2 million by 2027, according to a recent report by Business Standard.
Mellman highlighted that the growing affluence of the Indian middle class and the adventurous spirit of young travelers are making India a significant source of tourism for the US. Indian tourists, on average, spend more, boosting the economic impact of international tourism in the US.
While visa delays remain an issue, Mellman is hopeful about shorter wait times. In 2023, the US issued 1.2 million new visas to Indians, showing a commitment to facilitating travel. The addition of 2.5 lakh new tourist visa appointments and weekend processing efforts indicate a proactive approach to address visa-related challenges.
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