India
Market Overview
For Indian travelers, the United States continues to rank among the most desirable long-haul destinations, appealing for leisure holidays, family visits, and educational pursuits. Growth in outbound travel is underpinned by a strengthening economy, increasing disposable incomes, improved connectivity, and a rising middle class with a strong appetite for global exploration. Both repeat visitors seeking deeper experiences and first-time travelers motivated by aspirational goals contribute to this expanding demand.
When planning their trips, Indian travelers place high value on flexibility, trust, and personalized service. While traditional family tours and group packages remain significant, there is a clear shift toward tailor-made itineraries, premium experiences, and luxury travel. Although cost factors such as inflation and airfare shifts play a role in decision-making, many Indians prioritize extended, higher-quality vacations rather than multiple short getaways. Interest in travel is also extending beyond the peak summer months, with shoulder seasons increasingly popular thanks to affordability and easier availability.
The motivations driving Indian travel to the U.S. are wide-ranging: reconnecting with friends and relatives, discovering cultural and historic attractions, exploring major cities, pursuing higher education, indulging in shopping, and experiencing the American lifestyle. Travel South USA destinations are particularly well positioned to appeal to these preferences, with their blend of authenticity, rich musical and culinary traditions, cultural storytelling, and diverse natural landscapes.
Sustainability is rapidly becoming a priority for Indian travelers, especially younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z are actively seeking eco-conscious travel, innovative lodging options, and opportunities to engage with local communities. The Southern U.S. offers a strong fit, with preserved environments, cultural depth, and meaningful experiences that align with these evolving values.
For Indian consumers, travel is more than recreation — it represents family bonding, personal wellness, and aspirational achievement. From cultural city breaks and outdoor adventures to immersive encounters with American traditions, Travel South USA destinations provide opportunities to create lasting memories that balance relaxation, inspiration, and discovery.
In-Market Team
Sartha Global Marketing
M6, First Floor, Sri Aurobindo Marg,
Block M, Kharera, Hauz Khas,
New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India
Sunil Puri, Joint Managing Director, [email protected]
Arpita Sinha, Public Relations Director, [email protected]
Aditi Sukhatankar, Travel Trade Manager, [email protected]
Sonal Shah
Associate Director / Point of Contact
[email protected]
Marketing & Sales Activities
Travel South USA has a year-round investment in research and travel trade strategies, along with earned, owned and paid media to amplify our efforts in-market. Commissioned research, along with monthly trend reports and a comprehensive tour operator analysis, is provided to state tourism offices participating in the Global Partner Program. Travel Trade strategies and tactics include sales missions, trade shows, workshops/training regional road shows, cooperative event marketing with Brand USA, and recruitment of tour operators’ buyers to International Showcase & Super FAMs. Earned, Owned, and Paid Media strategies and tactics include hosting visiting journalists, FAMs, social media campaigns and cooperative advertising efforts B2C.
