Brand USA organised its 11th India Sales and Media Mission from January 20-22, 2025, at The Taj Krishna in Hyderabad. This year’s mission was led by Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, along with six other CEOs representing US destinations and a luxury receptive agency. The CEO delegation included Simon Brooks, President of Bonotel; John Percy, President & CEO of Destination Niagara USA; Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism; Martha Sheridan, President & CEO of Meet Boston; Todd Davidson, Chief Executive Officer of Travel Oregon; and Liz Bittner, President & CEO, Travel South USA. Senior Brand USA executives such as Angie Briggs, Senior Vice President, Industry Partnerships and Engagement; Chris Heywood, Senior Vice President, Public Relations; and Jackie Ennis, Vice President, Global Trade Development, also participated in the event. The mission saw participation from 48 US tourism companies and 67 exhibitors, engaging with 123 senior Indian decision-makers from the travel trade and media.
In 2024, India accounted for 2.19 million arrivals to the USA, marking a 24.3 per cent increase from 2023. This placed India as the second-largest overseas source market (excluding Canada and Mexico) and the fourth-largest overall for international arrivals to the USA.
Fred Dixon commented, “We are extremely pleased to see strong arrival numbers from India, validating our past efforts and reaffirming our commitment for the future. The Brand USA India Sales and Media Mission is crucial in expanding opportunities for US travel companies and destinations, fostering stronger connections, and encouraging increased travel.”
With expanding flight connectivity, including Air India’s direct services to five key US cities, the mission further solidified India’s importance as a key market for US tourism.
