As the US tourism industry struggles to return to pre-pandemic levels, the hospitality sector has found hope in the rising number of Indian visitors. In 2024, nearly 1.9 million Indians traveled to the US, marking a 48% increase from 2019, driven by a rise in business and leisure visas. This influx is supporting the recovery of US tourism, with hotels and travel companies adjusting their offerings to cater to Indian tastes, such as providing chai and samosas in hotel lobbies and airing popular Indian TV channels.

The booming Indian middle class, increased travel budgets, and greater flight availability have all contributed to India's rising international travel numbers. In comparison, visitation from countries like China, Japan, and South Korea has decreased significantly, creating an opportunity for Indian travelers to fill part of the gap. The surge in Indian tourism is also benefiting smaller US cities, with Indian tourists increasingly exploring secondary destinations, preferring budget and mid-range accommodations.

Travel industry data supports this trend, showing a significant increase in bookings by Indian tourists. Viator, a TripAdvisor brand, reported a 50% rise in bookings from India, while Airbnb saw a 45% increase in nights booked by Indian visitors. As Indian tourists continue to seek travel experiences in the US, they are helping to drive the recovery of the US tourism sector, spreading the benefits across a variety of destinations.