A unique line up of globally important events will take place in the United States from 2026 onwards
In a unique and unprecedented alignment of events, the United States of America is set to host a series of globally important events, ranging from its 250th Independence Day to FIFA Football World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, which are bound to significantly boost tourism from all over the world and especially India, which in the post-pandemic era has emerged as one of the most vital source markets for vast chunks of the US. And fortunately, for Destination USA, the events are sprinkled all over the country, boosting tourist arrivals not just in one state or city, but across the whole nation.
Though it will be celebrated all over the US, Washington DC will be at the centre-stage of the Independence Day celebrations
Big birthday bash
The ‘events parade’ debuts in 2026 when the country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its Independence Day, an event which will be observed all over the country and for which extensive preparations have already begun.
And while the Independence Day celebrations will be held all over the US, at the centre-stage will be the capital, Washington DC, which has already lined up a year-long calendar with numerous celebrations.
Elliott L Ferguson, II
“With the milestone 250th Independence Day celebrations, we anticipate strong interest and increased visitation from Indian travellers. As the United States commemorates this historic occasion, Washington, DC will take centre-stage as the focal point of nationwide celebrations, offering an unmatched cultural and historical experience. From immersive museum exhibitions to commemorative events on the National Mall, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with America’s past, present and future in a way that is uniquely possible in the nation’s capital. To ensure a seamless and enriching experience, Destination DC, alongside more than 70 tourism and hospitality partners, is curating a year-long celebration throughout 2026, featuring special exhibitions, performances and citywide activations. Indian travellers, known for their appreciation of history and culture, will have access to an extensive lineup of events, including the Smithsonian 250th Festival, the unveiling of an immersive museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial, and a special exhibition highlighting the contributions of Black craftspeople to independence at the DAR Museum. Destination DC is actively promoting these once-in-a-lifetime experiences in key international markets, including India and is developing exclusive hotel packages to encourage extended stays. Washington DC is a dynamic and engaging destination beyond its political identity, and we look forward to welcoming more Indian visitors to be part of this extraordinary celebration,” Elliott L Ferguson, II, President & CEO, Destination DC, the tourism promotion organisation of the capital, tells India Outbound.
To promote the destination in India, Ferguson says that Destination DC continuously engages with the stakeholders in the Indian market. “To enhance Washington DC’s appeal as a premier family travel and year round leisure destination, offering diverse, fun, culinary, art and cultural experiences that cater to families and FIT travellers alike, Washington DC engages with the Indian market through travel trade partnerships, participation in Brand USA roadshows, digital and social media campaigns, and media FAM trips showcasing its family-friendly and cultural attractions. To enhance outreach, we intend to develop India-Specific itineraries, promoting Indian-friendly experiences and strengthening airline partnerships for better connectivity. Our targeted digital campaigns will also help position DC as a must-visit US destination for Indian travellers,” he adds.
Independence Hall in Philadelphia is a key site for upcoming celebrations
Besides DC, Philadelphia, too, occupies a key place in the history of American independence as it was not only at the heart of the American Revolution, but also the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed. And Philly, as the city is often called, is preparing aggressively to celebrate the historic occasion next year.
“Philadelphia is gearing up for a landmark 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and hosting major global sporting events like the FIFA World Cup 2026. These events are expected to drive international tourism, and with India’s growing outbound travel market, Philadelphia anticipates increased Indian footfall, particularly from sports fans, history enthusiasts and leisure travellers,” Svetlana Yazovskikh, Vice President of Global Tourism, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, tells India Outbound.
Svetlana Yazovskikh
“The city is also positioning itself as a key East Coast gateway, capitalising on its walkability, cultural depth and iconic attractions to further draw Indian visitors seeking immersive experiences,” adds Yazovskikh. According to further draw Indian visitors seeking immersive experiences,” adds Yazovskikh.
According to Yazovskikh, the Indian market for Philadelphia has consistently been rising and is now firmly amongst its top three source markets.
“India has rapidly emerged as one of Philadelphia’s most important international source markets, maintaining its position among our top three since 2022. Over the past few years, we have seen a strong rebound and steady growth in visitation from India, driven by a renewed appetite for immersive cultural experiences, multigenerational travel and destination discovery beyond the traditional US gateways. Philadelphia’s strategic location, just 1.5 hours from New York City and 2.5 hours from Washington DC, makes it a natural and accessible extension to East Coast itineraries. What is more, Indian travellers tend to stay longer and spend more, exploring not just the city’s iconic historical sites, but also its vibrant culinary, arts, and shopping scenes. All of this underscores the growing affinity Indian travellers have for Philadelphia, and the significant potential the market continues to hold,” says Yazovskikh.
Beyond DC and Philly, another iconic city with a crucial place in terms of US Independence is New York, the city that is home to the iconic symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty. New York, too, is preparing extensively for the celebrations to mark the occasion.
Makiko Matsuda
“There is so much for Indian visitors to look forward to in NYC, from the City’s 400th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday celebrations to the FIFA World Cup, where the New York New Jersey region will host eight matches including the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026. New York City Tourism+ Conventions recognises that traveller expectations are constantly evolving and we are prepared to offer tailored experiences that cater to Indian travellers’ interests in culture, sports, entertainment and gastronomy. These global events will not only drive higher footfall but also solidify NYC’s position as a must-visit destination for Indian tourists,” Makiko Matsuda Healy, Senior Vice President, Tourism Market Development, New York City Tourism + Conventions, tells India Outbound.
Matsuda Healy says that India continues to be one of New York City’s fastest growing international inbound markets, adding that since the pandemic, Indian visitation has rebounded significantly, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
“In 2024, despite global uncertainties, New York City Tourism + Conventions remained resilient by prioritising safety, leveraging digital engagement and adapting to evolving traveller expectations. This strategic approach fuelled a strong recovery, with Indian arrivals increasing by 10.3 pc, from 380,000 in 2023 to 419,000 in 2024. Our February 2025 forecast projects 436,000 visitors this year. According to our latest spending data, in 2023, Indian visitors spent USD 860 million in NYC, averaging USD 2,300 per visitor per trip. Compared to other overseas visitors, Indian travellers are more likely to visit for business and often travel alone,” adds Matsuda Healy. Even though the 250th anniversary of the American Independence will be celebrated all over the country, from the smallest village to the largest town, the impact of inbound tourism is likely to be felt more intensely during the FIFA Football World Cup, which will be played in 11 cities across the United States, besides Canada and Mexico. With the popularity of football across the world, including in India, the number of fans headed for the competition that will last almost six weeks in the middle of 2026 will be in large numbers, even if for relatively shorter duration.
US will also host key global sporting events from 2026 onwards
Even though the 250th anniversary of the American Independence will be celebrated all over the country, from the smallest village to the largest town, the impact of inbound tourism is likely to be felt more intensely during the FIFA Football World Cup, which will be played in 11 cities across the United States, besides Canada and Mexico. With the popularity of football across the world, including in India, the number of fans headed for the competition that will last almost six weeks in the middle of 2026 will be in large numbers, even if for relatively shorter duration.
While most other places in the US may have to content themselves with two major events, the City of Angels, as Los Angeles is often referred to, scores a hat-trick with the addition of 2028 Olympics that the glamorous city will host, for the second time in 100 years.
Seema Kadam
“Los Angeles is currently in what we call the ‘decade of sports’, with an exciting array of events set to take place. The city is home to over 11 professional sports teams and will host major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl XVI in 2027 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. With cricket now being included in the Olympics, we anticipate a significant rise in Indian visitors, eager to witness these historic games in person. Indian travellers have always shown a keen interest in sports and the upcoming events provide a perfect opportunity to not only experience world-class competition but also explore all that Los Angeles has to offer. From iconic landmarks to unique cultural experiences, LA is the ultimate destination for fans looking to immerse themselves in the action while enjoying a diverse range of activities,” Seema Kadam, Regional Director for India, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, tells India Outbound.
“Since the end of the pandemic, Los Angeles has experienced impressive growth in Indian visitors. Travel interest from India has rebounded quickly and we have seen a steady rise in the number of Indian tourists coming to LA. India has become the top emerging market, with 90,000 visitors in 2022 and that number grew to 110,000 in 2023, even without a direct flight to Los Angeles. As we look ahead to 2025, we are confident in continued growth in arrivals from India. The demand for Los Angeles remains strong, with Indian travellers increasingly drawn to unique experiences such as studio tours, music festivals and culinary adventures, in addition to our iconic attractions. With the potential for direct flights from India to LAX, we anticipate a significant boost in the number of visitors to the city,” adds Kadam.
Boosting the India connect
A rising number of Indian fans are now travelling overseas for sports
Even without the unusual lineup of globally significant events, many destinations within the United States have been increasing their focus on the Indian market in the post-pandemic era, especially as India has emerged as the key growth market for them, scaling unprecedented heights and leaving behind several of their historically leading markets, especially in Europe and East Asia. Now, with the key events scheduled, these destinations have pivoted even more strongly towards India.
“NYC Tourism is actively engaging with Indian travellers through a strategic mix of digital initiatives, influencer partnerships and customised marketing efforts in collaboration with trade partners and stakeholders. For instance, we recently launched tailored digital campaigns with Thomas Cook and SOTC to position New York City as a must-visit destination. Influencer collaborations have further amplified outreach, during the T20 World Cup, NYC Tourism engaged with sports media professionals to explore the City while covering the matches, generating authentic coverage. For example, NYC Tourism hosted Olympic wrestling bronze medallist Sakshi Malik during her visits, showcasing the City’s diverse appeal to Indian audiences. In 2025, we are expanding our engagement by integrating immersive digital experiences, strengthening partnerships with Indian travel trade professionals and crafting itineraries that align with evolving traveller preferences. Additionally, we are organising a specially curated India Business Expo in New York City in June, offering trade partners a firsthand experience of the City’s offerings while facilitating valuable industry connections with local suppliers,’’ says Matsuda Healy of NYC.
Sports tournaments present ideal opportunity for destinations to attract different kinds of visitors
“Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has maintained a decade-long commitment to the Indian travel trade through a sustained PR and marketing programme, which includes partnering with top Indian tour operators for joint promotions, hosting Indian travel agents, tour operators and media to experience Philadelphia firsthand as well as participating in Brand USA India Sales Mission & Educational Seminars to strengthen relationships with the travel trade and media across key Indian cities and by equipping Online Travel Agents and tour operators with itinerary inputs, high-quality visual content and destination insights,’’ adds Yazovskikh of Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“India remains a crucial inbound market for Washington DC, ranking as the city’s third-largest international source of visitors. In 2023, 165,100 Indian travellers visited the city, contributing an impressive USD 287.4 million in spending. This represents a remarkable recovery from 2021, when only 18,000 Indian visitors were recorded. The numbers rose to 96,000 in 2022, highlighting a steady post-pandemic resurgence and reinforcing Washington DC’s growing appeal among Indian travellers,’’ says Ferguson.
To promote the destination in India, Los Angeles Tourism has opened a dedicated office in India, a first for any US territory.
“We remain the only destination marketing organisation (DMO) with a dedicated office in India, which is a testament to our commitment to building deep, long-lasting relationships with the Indian travel trade and media. This presence allows us to maintain a strong, direct connection with stakeholders and better understand the unique preferences and needs of Indian travellers. One of our recent key initiatives is the launch of the ‘India Sales Guide’, a comprehensive booklet designed to equip travel agents with all the essential information they need to sell Los Angeles effectively. This guide covers everything from top attractions, hotels and dining experiences, sample itineraries to the latest trends and practical tips for promoting LA as a destination. We also held an in-depth webinar series with our partners in the destination, Warner Bros Studios, Citadel Outlets and Academy Museum to highlight the various offerings,’’ says Kadam.
While destinations prepare for the events and plan promotions in India, the Indian travel trade stakeholders, especially those handling large volumes for the US, are also gearing up to handle the rush of visitors expected.
Rajesh Kakade
“Football fever is catching on in a big way! In 2022, we saw a surge in travellers heading to Doha, and with the upcoming tournament taking place in the USA, a dream destination for many, we are expecting a significant increase in visitor arrivals. Interest is already building, with agents reporting early inquiries, especially from VFR travellers who are now planning their trips to align with match dates,” Rajesh Kakade, Founder and Global Director, Red Carpet Travels, a Destination Management Company specialising in the United States, tells India Outbound.
“At Red Carpet Travels and Red Planner, we are excited to ride this wave of enthusiasm by curating unique and offbeat itineraries in and around the match locations. Our goal is to create experiences that go beyond the stadium, blending the thrill of football with the charm of local culture,” Kakade adds.
Veena Robinson, Vice President, India Sales, Discover Destinations, a DMC based in Atlanta, US, also has big expectations from the upcoming events in the US and their impact on travel from India.
“For travel to the United States, the expectations are always high from India. For the 250th Independence Day celebrations, a lot of great events will be held, and the most important thing is to get the. word out that there will be fireworks, parades and many other festivities to celebrate Independence Day, which tourists would not get to experience at any other time. The World Cup is always a great draw, especially from a MICE perspective and even a leisure perspective. It gives the opportunity for a lot of football fans to be able to travel not only to the US, but also to Canada and Mexico,” Robinson tells India Outbound.
Veena Robinson
“We have not yet seen a spike such as yet or demand from the Indian market, but I think it will come at a later stage when people start making plans and budgeting for the following year. FIFA has just started with the sale of tickets, so we will probably start seeing a spike in demand from the Indian market closer to Q3, Q4 of this year,” Robinson adds.
With both, the Independence Day celebrations and the FIFA Football World Cup matches spread around the country, the impact of booming tourism is likely to be felt nationwide, say the Indian agents.
“While Washington DC and the sites of the football matches will gain a good footfall, even beyond the matches, people will travel to many other destinations as people always visit multiple destinations when visiting the US. And since the games are spread across multiple places like Atlanta and New York and Houston and Los Angeles, people are going to be able to not only just go to those gateway cities, but also other locations,” says Umang Malbari, President, Discover Destinations.
Umang Malbari
Kakade also believes that with the World Cup being held in extremely well-connected cities, many more destinations are likely to see a surge of Indian arrivals.
“The best part is that all the matches are taking place in some of the most iconic and well-connected cities in the US. Think New York, with its vibrant parades, festivals, and concerts, think San Francisco, Orlando and Southern California, known for their theme parks and perfect for multigenerational travel that Indian tourists love. Then there are Boston and Chicago, rich in history and heritage, along with fan-favourite cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami and Philadelphia. Since these are already top-of-mind destinations, it makes our job easier to promote them, along with nearby gems and exciting offbeat spots waiting to be discovered,” says Kakade.
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