Yanks Top Bangladeshis: US Leads Inbound Tourist Surge to India
American tourists eclipsed their Bangladeshi counterparts in 2024, marking a significant shift in India’s inbound tourism landscape. Official data released Friday reveals the US led the pack, surpassing Bangladesh for the first time in recent years.
This surge in American visitors comes amidst a broader rebound in international travel to India. However, while inbound numbers are recovering, they still lag behind pre-pandemic (2019) levels.
On the outbound front, Indian travellers broke new records. The UAE remained the most popular destination, reflecting the strong economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Thailand also witnessed a significant jump in Indian tourists, showcasing its growing appeal as a holiday destination. The US and UK continued to be major outbound destinations for Indians.
While outbound travel has exceeded pre-Covid levels, the recovery in inbound tourism presents both challenges and opportunities. The government will need to focus on strategies to further attract international visitors and boost the vital tourism sector’s contribution to the Indian economy. This includes addressing visa processes and infrastructure development.