San Francisco, Los Angeles – Long Beach and San Jose, all three cities in California, topped the list of 10 destinations most visited by Indian travellers to the United States in 2024.

According to an in-depth analysis of the Indians visiting California and their preferences, conducted by Visit California, the tourism promotion organisation of the largest State in the United States, San Francisco topped as the most visited destination by the Indian travellers, with 44 pc, while Los Angeles – Long Beach followed with 30 pc and San Jose, also in California, took the third spot with 16 pc. New York with 14 pc and Las Vegas with 12 pc completed the top 5 slots.

According to the figures released by Visit California, from August 2023 to August 2024, the number of Indian visitors to California was higher than the pre-pandemic arrivals every single month and the arrivals were also significantly higher than in 2023, notably with May 2024 recording a 28 pc year-on-year growth, reaching over 40,400 visitors, which was also 5 pc higher than 2019.

In terms of accommodation preferences, Visit California, luxury hotels with 67 pc and standard hotels with 60 pc topped the preferences of the Indian visitors to the State.

In terms of tourism spends, the average spend by an Indian visitor in 2024 was USD 1473 in 2024, 111 pc of the spend in 2019, says Visit California. According to the organisation, international travel spending in California is forecast to nearly fully recover in 2024, reaching about 98 pc of 2019 spending, driven by Mexico, Canada and key overseas markets like Australia and India.

According to the Tourism Economics October forecast prepared for Visit California, international visitor spending in the state will grow by 22 pc in 2024 and reach USD 27.6 billion and grow by another 22 pc in 2025.

North American neighbours Mexico and Canada are forecast to be California’s largest spending markets, with visitor spending of USD 4.9 billion and USD 3.8 billion, respectively. China is forecast to be the most important overseas market, with visitor spending of USD 2.5 billion in 2024, 94 pc of 2019 spending levels.

Visit California reveals 2025 line up for visitors

Visit California says that in the year 2025, from the return of giant pandas to the San Francisco Zoo to after-hours fan events at the Universal Studios and NBA All-Star Weekend, the Golden State is poised to deliver unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages.

Visit California adds that the giant pandas will return to the San Francisco Zoo after nearly 40 years after their last appearance.

It adds that another key attraction is Universal Studios Hollywood’s Universal Fan Fest Nights, a limited series of after-hours events running from April 25 to May 18.

Visit California says that these events will allow fans to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favourite characters.

It adds that Disneyland Resort in Anaheim will also introduce Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, offering a Mardi Gras-themed experience, while Legoland Carlsbad will reopen its revamped driving school attractions and SeaWorld San Diego will debut Jewels of the Sea.

The statement adds that the San Francisco’s Mission Rock neighbourhood has emerged as a new waterfront destination, featuring five acres of green space, views of Oracle Park and the Bay Bridge, and a line-up of local restaurants.

It adds that in sports, the NBA All-Star Weekend will take place in California from February 14 to 16. Events will span San Francisco’s Moscone Centre, Oakland Arena and the Chase Centre, where the NBA All-Star Game will be held. The debut of the Golden State Valkyries, a WNBA team, is scheduled for May.

It further adds that California’s cultural offerings will also expand, with the Counterculture Museum in San Francisco opening in spring 2025 to explore the history of key social movements. In San Diego, the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Centre will begin hosting live performances and art exhibits.