Boosted by Indian arrivals, which crossed the 2019 peaks, the United States registered a 28 pc growth in international visitor arrivals that stood at 67 million in 2023. The United States has set a target of 90 million visitors by 2027 and total tourism receipts of USD 279 billion, predicts Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation of the US.

India was amongst the fastest growing source markets for Illinois in United States, with a 55 pc jump in visitors in 2023 as compared to the pre-pandemic peaks of 2019, making the country the third largest source market, just behind Mexico and Canada, the neighbouring nations. Overall, Illinois recorded a 39 pc rise in international tourists and a 47 pc growth in spending by these visitors.

With business travel poised to continue growing globally, prices are expected to rise 11 pc, says a survey by Australian business travel firm FCM.